Office of Secretary
Minutes of Regular Meeting
June 6, 2000
The Board of Directors of the Kittitas Reclamation District met in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 6, 2000. Directors in attendance were Chairman Jim Schnebly, Vice Chairman Larry Bland, Ed Wakkuri and Urban Eberhart. Also in attendance were Jack Carpener, Barbara Pettit, Roger Satnik, Carol Ready, Paul Harrell, Ben George, Janeice Jump and Legal Counsel John Gilreath.
A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Urban Eberhart approved the agenda with the addition of the Arthur Aske Crossing Permit and an Executive Session to discuss Legal Issues. The motion passed unanimously.
The minutes of the May 2, 2000 meeting were approved by a motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri.
Mr. Carpenter presented a water update explaining the May 30th reservoir data shows Kachees and Rimrock at 99%, Cle Elum 100% and Keechelus at 83% which is near the maximum with operational constraints. Mr. Carpenter further explained the USBR projection remains at a 100% water year.
Moving to staff meeting review Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board May 9th he participated in an AFW Work Group. May 10th Mr. Carpenter participated in the River Ops. and Managers meeting at the Yakima USBR Office. Mrs. Pettit attended the Association of Government Accountants training and annual meeting in Ellensburg where she was elected Budget Director for the Finance Committee explaining she accepted the position with the stipulation it be approved. Mrs. Pettit explained the position would require travel to Yakima for a monthly meeting and maintaining membership in the National Association of Government Accounts and the Central Washington Chapter. A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Larry Bland approved payment of the National and Central Washington Chapter Dues and acceptance and participation in the Central Washington Chapter. The motion passed unanimously. May 11th was water day in Yakima. May 15th and 16th Mr. Carpenter participated in the AFW ID Ex. Meeting and Tour in Wenatchee. May 16th Shane Straga and Dave Hosmer participated in the Confined Space Entry Seminar in Richland. May 17th Mr. Carpenter participated in the WSWRA meeting in Wenatchee. May 19th Mr. Carpenter met with Swauk Valley Ranch to discuss water delivery issues. May 19th Mr. Carpenter met with Steve Hawn, Program Coordinator Lands Program, State Parks. Mr. Carpenter explained he discussed cost share on the orange float boom across Lake Easton and redoing the fence that separates the State Park from Easton Dam facilities. State Parks wants to update O & M agreements on KRD R-O-W’s crossing the John Wayne Trail. May 21st the USBR dive team did videoing of the sluice gates at Easton Dam. May 25th Tri County Board met in Ellensburg. May 26th Mr. Carpenter participated in the Joint Board in Yakima. May 30th depositions were taken on Spider.
Moving to AFW Update Mr. Carpenter distributed revised information on AFW – Irrigation Districts Goals and Objectives for review and discussion.
Chairman Jim Schnebly presented updated information on the Tri County Board explaining there is a self-imposed time line with a deadline of June 19th for submittal and vote of approval. Mr. Eberhart explained it is a self-imposed deadline and can be extended.
Carol Ready presented information on the water quality sampling through the KCWP-DOE Grant explaining they have had three samplings in May. Carol distributed the Ditch Line and Water Line explaining the scheduled mailings are part of the criteria and meet the educational requirements of the grant. Carol further explained Dr. Kate Vandermoor, National Marine Fisheries Service, was a presenter at the May KCWP Meeting. Roger Satnik discussed sampling data explaining the USBR gage stations located at Wilson, Cherry Creek and Thrall road do not have a reliable precise relationship between gage height and flow and the Department of Ecology is relying on the gage station data to figure flows when they were sampling last year and are working on a good way to estimate the flows. Roger further explained they are now taking flow equipment with them on sampling days. Discussion followed. Roger further explained there is a sampling site on the Turbine Ditch where suspended solids and turbidity readings exceed the criteria explaining there are cattle in the ditch located directly above the gage station. Discussion followed with the suggestion additional samples be taken on the Turbine Ditch at different locations. A fencing policy was discussed for fencing of KRD right-of-ways and limiting access by cattle. Mr. Carpenter explained there is currently no policy regarding fencing. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the vehicle donated for water quality by Cascade Irrigation District is in need of major repairs and water quality needs a 4-wheel drive vehicle with air conditioning. Carol Ready apprised the Board she has applied for grants for a display board, water sampling vehicle and additional equipment through EPA.
Mr. Carpenter discussed submitting applications for funding for tributary passage and Phase III funding at Tucker Creek and other fish screen/barrier locations. Discussion followed regarding locations and funding with the consensus locations and information be distributed to Board members to prioritize with Tucker Creek approved for submission.
Mr. Carpenter presented an update on the Swauk Valley Ranch water delivery explaining he and Ron Jarmin met with Swauk Valley representatives. Mr. Carpenter further explained KRD made a commitment of $23,000.00 toward the new pipeline as well as installation of up to 1,850 feet of the pipeline. Swauk Valley Ranch agreed to purchase the 1,850 feet of pipe in exchange for KRD providing additional installation work. An agreement still needs to be worked out as to how much additional installation costs would be authorized.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the 30-day CD invested at Sterling Savings will mature on June 18th. Discussion followed with the consensus the funds be reinvested for 30-90 days based on rates available on the date on investment.
Mr. Carpenter presented updated information on the well and system at the Wippel Pumping Plant house explaining a new well and system is needed. Four companies have been contacted and submitted bids based on a 400’ well. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board this is not in the 2000 budget but needs to be addressed. Discussion followed with the recommendation additional information be obtained regarding purchasing the well and system separately. Mr. Carpenter discussed installation of additional power locations during construction. Discussion followed with the consensus Bach Drilling be contacted for the well and additional information be presented on the system and power locations.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board KRD has received a $100,000.00 grant from the Bureau of Reclamation to be completed over a 6-year period for the installation of Animal/People escape ramps.
Moving to Boss update Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board Boss Construction has not paid all the contractors on the main canal liner project and have not submitted a final bill. Discussion followed with the recommendation the final payment not be made to Boss Construction until all contractors on the project have been paid.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board copies of the USBR Keechelus Dam Public Comment Scoping Document Summary are available for review.
Moving to New Business Mr. Carpenter presented the Mike & Sue Terry and James L. Isler Crossing Permits Sec. 6 Twn. 19 Rng. 15. A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Larry Bland approved the Crossing Permits as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented the Arthur Aske Crossing Permit Sec. 35 Twn. 20 Rng. 15. A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Larry Bland approved the Crossing Permit as presented.
Mr. Carpenter presented a $386.74 fire damage claim from Dan Nouwens explaining KRD crews did damage Mr. Nouwens facility while burning on KRD R-O-W’s this spring. Discussion followed with the recommendation actual cost of parts be reimbursed and labor be reimbursed at $14.00 per hour.
Mr. Carpenter presented information on USBR proposed criteria for USBR Licensed P.E. Bridge inspections.
Mr. Carpenter presented the Buck and Christy Smith Crossing Permit Sec. 7 Twn. 17 Rng. 20. A motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Urban Eberhart approved the Crossing Permit as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented the Barney Smith Short Plat Sec. 7 Twn. 17 Rng. 20. A conditional approval with the stipulation the Barney Smith Short Plat meet all the guidelines and a preauthorization of a crossing permit was authorized with a motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Larry Bland. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter suggested establishing a Land Division Policy to address development of irrigable lands within the Kittitas Reclamation District. Legal Counsel John Gilreath advised the Board a policy could be established, by resolution, that in addition to the contract right with the United States of withholding water for lands that have not paid their construction or maintenance assessment the District could withhold water for any other unpaid special assessment or special charge imposed by the district. Discussion followed with the recommendation a draft policy be prepared and presented for review.
The second half USBR O & M payment in the sum of $92,364.96 was approved by a motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Larry Bland. The motion passed unanimously.
The first half USBR CDR payment in the sum of $57,733.78 was approved by a motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri. The motion passed unanimously.
The second half LID/KRD Drought and Landslide payment in the sum of $52,387.51 was approved by a motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Larry Bland. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented information on the National Water Resources Association’s Western Water Seminar scheduled for August 8th–12th in Sun Valley. A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Larry Bland approved Mr. Carpenter attend the Seminar. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented a contract modification requested by Dale Haberman for an additional $5.00 per animal charge for any animal count exceeding 15 in total in any week. A motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved the modification. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented a Crossing Permit from Phil Widner Sec. 1 Twn. 19 Rng. 16
A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Larry Bland approved the Crossing Permit as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Upcoming Meetings:
June 9th River Ops. Manager’s Mtg. Yakima
June 13th KRD/Spider Court Date Ellensburg
June 14th-15th AFW Ephrata
June 21st WSWRA
June 26th USBR House Tour KRD
June 30th Joint Board Yakima
Moving to Other Business Mr. Carpenter distributed information on the KID Pump Exchange. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board Dave Murillo has been named as the new USBR Yakima Area Manager. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board Shane Straga has resigned from KRD to work in private contacting. Gary Johnson applied for and was promoted to the vacated position. Mr. Carpenter distributed copies of the 1999 Annual Report explaining the report was filed in compliance with the State Auditor’s Office. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board Water Rescue training is scheduled for KRD employees on June 13th.
The Board adjourned to Executive Session for 30 minutes to discuss legal issues at 2:43 p.m. with a motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Jim Schnebly announced a 5 minutes extension at 3:13 p.m. Chairman Jim Schnebly announced a 5-minute extension at 3:18 p.m. Chairman Jim Schnebly announced a 5-minute extension at 3:23 p.m. The Board returned to Regular Session at 3:28 p.m. with a motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri. The motion passed unanimously.
The Summary Vouchers #17774-17919 in the sum of $197,447.10 were presented for approval. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved the Summary Voucher as presented.
The Directors monthly Payroll Vouchers were presented for signatures and checks distributed accordingly.
All Business having been concluded the meeting adjourned.
Jack W. Carpenter – Secretary-Manager
Jim Schnebly - Chairman