Office of Secretary
Minutes of Regular Meeting
May 5, 1998
The Board of Directors of the Kittitas Reclamation District met in Regular Session on May 5, 1998. Directors in attendance were Vice Chairman Urban Eberhart, Larry Bland, John Scott and Jim Schnebly. Also in attendance were Janeice Jump, Ben George, Mike Johnston, Joel Pearson, Jack Carpenter, Barbara Pettit and Legal Counsel John Gilreath.
A motion from John Scott and seconded by Larry Bland approved the agenda with the addition of an Executive Session. The motion passed unanimously.
Deviation to New Business Mr. Carpenter presented an Insurance update explaining Atlantic Mutual has notified Bell Anderson they will no longer provide insurance coverage and has given them 60 days to find new coverage. Mr. Carpenter introduced Joel Pearson, Sedgewick Insurance Company, explaining Mr. Pearson submitted an insurance proposal for consideration. Mr. Pearson presented an overview of Sedgewick Insurance Co. explaining they currently provide insurance for various irrigation districts. Mr. Pearson further explained the insurance proposal is through Fireman’s Fund, Western States Water Association Program, specializing in irrigation and Sedgewick was selected as the exclusive broker in Washington State. Mr. Pearson apprised the Board Fireman’s Fund has an A 15 rating. Mr. Pearson presented an overview of the proposed coverage. Joel Pearson left the meeting at this time. Mr. Carpenter also presented a proposal from the Washington Government Entity Pool. Discussion followed with the consensus insurance be placed on the June 2, 1998 Board Meeting.
Returning to the Agenda the minutes of the April 2, 1998 meeting were approved with a motion from John Scott and seconded by Larry Bland. The motion passed unanimously.
Moving to water update Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the extended warm temperatures are bringing the low snow down with the high snow starting to melt with the rivers running at elevated levels. If the warm temperatures continue storage control will be declared earlier than anticipated and could impact the end of the season. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board updated information will be presented at the June 8, 1998 Manager’s Meeting.
Moving to Meeting Review Mr. Carpenter reported he attended the TWSA and River Operations Meetings on April 10, 1998 with a 100% water supply projected. Mr. Carpenter attended the April 13, 1998 City Council Meeting. April 15, 1998 Mr. Carpenter attended the USBR/Kittitas County Emergency Action Plan Committee meeting and Kittitas County Commissioners’ meeting for the Gary Chandler HB2514 Watershed Planning Bill presentation. April 17, 1998 Mr. Carpenter and Barbara Pettit met with Joel Pearson, Sedgewick Insurance, to review the Sedgewick Insurance proposal. April 21, 1998 Mr. Carpenter attended a meeting with Trend West. April 22, 1998 Tom Myrum, WSWRA, visited KRD. April 24, 1998 Mr. Carpenter attended Joint Board. April 27, 1998 Mr. Carpenter attended the Ellensburg City Council Study Session on the Trendwest proposal. April 28, 1998 Mr. Carpenter attended the DOE Watershed Application meeting and Gary Chandler HB2514 Watershed Planning Bill meeting. April 28, 1998 Mr. Carpenter took Joel Pearson on a tour of District facilities. May 1, 1998 Mr. Carpenter met with Dick Haapala and Ken Green regarding the Bristol Drain Rehab Project. April 4, 1998 Mr. Carpenter met with Joe Mentor, Trendwest.
Continuing under Old Business the KRD Relocation Committee reported they had not met and Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board he has not been contacted by the City.
Moving to Trendwest/City of Ellensburg, it was the recommendation of Legal Counsel, John Gilreath, discussion be moved to Executive Session.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board KRD was the successful bidder with the USBR for the 1989 Dodge Dakota Pickup in the sum of $3,501.50.
Moving to New Business Mr. Eberhart presented information on HB2514 Watershed Planning Bill explaining it appears in Kittitas County; the City of Ellensburg, Kittitas County and Roza Irrigation District, being the largest water purveyor in water resource inventory area #39, would be the primary agencies. Mr. Eberhart continued explaining KRD needs to establish a position and make a recommendation to the Kittitas County Commissioners. Mr. Eberhart explained his recommendation is for Kittitas, Yakima and Benton Counties to work together with Roza Irrigation District being the lead entity, representing irrigation, for Kittitas County. Mr. Schnebly stated he felt it is important that all irrigation entities in the Kittitas Valley should come to an agreement before signing off. Mr. Schnebly further stated he felt it is important for KRD to have a voice in the discussion process. Lengthy discussion followed with the consensus the KRD recommendation to the Kittitas County Commissioners is that they plan jointly within the three county area, recognizing that Roza Irrigation District is the initiating agency for Kittitas County, and they work with them to prepare a memorandum of understanding that will allow KRD to be included in the discussion process.
Moving to Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project Mr. Carpenter distributed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement explaining July 22, 1998 is the deadline for comments.
Mr. Carpenter presented the second half payment on the John Deere 410E in the sum of $30,871.87. A motion from John Scott and seconded by Larry Bland approved the second half payment in the sum of $30,871.87. The motion passed unanimously.
Moving to USGS Watershed System Modeling Program Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board he received information from the USBR that it is a proposed budget cut and they are asking for support for the program for continued funding of the project. Discussion followed with the consensus KRD support the continued funding of the Watershed Modeling Program.
Mrs. Pettit presented the delinquent accounts report explaining there is a total of $740.27 remaining due for the years 1993, 1994 and 1995. Discussion followed with the consensus they be referred to Legal Counsel, John Gilreath, for collections.
Upcoming Meetings:
May 8, 1998 TWSA/River Operations Yakima
May 12-13, 1998 USBR Flow Meter Training KRD
May 20-21, 1998 USBR Emergency Management KRD
May 29, 1998 Joint Board Yakima
Moving to Other Business Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the KRD Newsletter was mailed explaining the printing entity software was a little different from KRD resulting in Bob Edwards name being left off the newsletter.
Continuing under Other Business Mr. Eberhart apprised the Board the discussions are continuing with the Taneum Contract Committee.
Summary Vouchers for the month of March, 1998 expenses Vouchers # in the sum of $ were presented for approval and signatures. A motion from John Scott and seconded by Larry Bland approved the Summary Vouchers as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
The Directors monthly Payroll Vouchers were presented for signatures and checks distributed according.
With a motion from John Scott and seconded by Jim Schnebly the Board adjourned to Executive Session for 30 minutes at 2:21 p.m. to discuss Legal Matters. The motion passed unanimously.
Vice Chairman, Urban Eberhart, announced a 10 minute extension at 2:51 p.m.. Vice Chairman,
Urban Eberhart, announced a 10 minute extension at 3:01 p.m.. The Board returned to Regular Session at 3:11 p.m. with a motion from John Scott and seconded by Larry Bland. The motion passed unanimously.
All Business having been concluded the meeting adjourned.