The Board of Directors of the Kittitas Reclamation District met in Regular Session July 14, 2015. Directors in attendance were Chairman Ed Wakkuri, Vice Chairman Fred Schnebly, Larry Bland, Mark Hansen and Paul Weaver. Also in attendance were Legal Counsel Jeff Slothower, Urban Eberhart, Kevin Eslinger, Barbara Pettit, Keli Bender, Roger Satnik, Kathleen Satnik, Bob Main, Janeice Jump, Rchard Omlid, Andy Schmidt, Mark Charlton, Amber Charlton and Harvey Dodge.

The Agenda was presented for approval. Legal Counsel Jeff Slothower requested moving Taylor Bridge Fire and Upper County Tort Claim to Executive Session. A motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Paul Weaver approved the Agenda with the addition of Executive Session. The motion passed unanimously.

Mark Hansen executed his Oath of Office.
Resolution 2015-1 was presented for approval. A motion from Paul Weaver and seconded by Larry Bland approved Resolution 2015-1 as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

The minutes of the June 2, 2015 meeting were approved by a motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Paul Weaver. The motion passed unanimously

Bob Main, Water Master, apprised the Board the system is currently running at 700 cfs including a total of 120 cfs of project pass through water and power water. Bob continued explaining that there was no measurable precipitation in June or July and at the current useage Kittitas Reclamation District will be out of water July 30, 2015.

Moving to Public Comments Richard Omlid, Commissioner, King County Drainage District 2, addressed the Board regarding excess water on the Green River from flood waters from the Cedar River during storm times explaining there is a proposal to install pump stations at Howard Hansen Dam pumping the flood waters during storm times to a different location. Richard Omlid continued explaining the excess water is needed and there is storage available on the east side of the mountains. Urban Eberhart apprised Richard Omlid that the Bureau of Reclamation operates the Yakima River and he would forward his information and email to the appropriate people. Mr. Omlid left the meeting at this time.

Mark Charlton requested information on any update on water allotment from the Bureau of Reclamation and a comparison to 2005 operations. Urban Eberhart explained there are no updates at this time and some of the major differences in 2015 include record heat and the lowest stream flows ever recorded with zero snow pack.

Harvey Dodge requested information on the high river levels. Urban Eberhart explained there is heavy discharge out of Lake Cle Elum to meet downstream needs and preserve Keechelus and Kachees for flip flop operations. Urban Eberhart further explained the Yakima River flows are normal for this time of year. Lengthy discussion followed regarding the projected operation until water is turned off. Urban Eberhart explained KRD will be carrying water for other entities after KRD has turned off with one of the benefits being keeping the concrete liner wet.

Kevin Eslinger apprised the Board monitoring of the five siphons in the Upper County to supplement flows in Big Creek, Little Creek, Spexarth Creek, Tucker Creek and Tillman Creek continues. Kevin continued explaining Roza Irrigation District plans to assist with the installation of ecology blocks to maintain supplemental flows. Kevin continued explaining the excavator continues clearing brush. Kevin apprised the Board work continues on the USBR O & M recommendations. Kevin explained continued monitoring of the safety ropes is necessary due to the low water flows and increased maintenance and monitoring on Ride 3 continues with the change in personnel.

Moving to KCWP Kathleen Satnik distributed water quality sampling data through June, 2015 for review and discussion. Kathleen explained four of the sampling sites are now dry.

Moving to delinquent accounts Barbara Pettit presented the list of delinquent accounts meeting the foreclosure criteria for review and discussion. Legal Counsel Jeff Slothower suggested a letter be sent to the delinquent accounts. Discussion followed with the consensus Legal Counsel proceed with the collection letter.

Urban Eberhart presented updated information on the Integrated Plan and those present viewed the promotional video explaining Kittitas Reclamation District is noted in the credits.

Urban Eberhart presented updated information on the Tributary Drought Supplementation explaining the project is very successful.

Moving to New Business Barbara Pettit recommended replacing the current U.S. Bank VISA card with the State of Washington Purchase Card Program explaining the purchase cards are more secure and manageable and include a rebate program. Discussion followed with the consensus to proceed with the Purchase Card Program.

Legal Counsel Jeff Slothower presented the unauthorized use of water/damage to head gate policy for review and discussion. Lengthy discussion followed. Resolution 2015-2 was presented for approval. A motion from Paul Weaver and seconded by Larry Bland approved Resolution 2015-2 as presented. The motion passed unanimously;

Continuing under Other Business Urban Eberhart presented updated information on the Rock Trap project suggesting finding outside cost share monies to help with this project.

Urban Eberhart presented information on the Easton Drum Gate Corrosion Control suggesting bids be requested. Discussion followed with the consensus to proceed with the bid process.

Moving to Other Business the Manastash Bridge ownership be tabled to a later date.

Barbara Pettit requested approval to attend the WFOA Conference in Tacoma September 16th-18th. Discussion followed with the consensus the request is approved.

With a motion from Paul Weaver and seconded by Fred Schnebly the Board moved to Executive Session at 2:06 p.m. for 30 minutes to discuss ongoing legal matters and employment. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Ed Wakkuri announced a 15 minute extension at 2:36 p.m. The Board returned to Regular Session at 2:51 p.m. with a motion from Paul Weaver and seconded by Larry Bland. The motion passed unanimously.

A motion from Paul Weaver and seconded by Fred Schnebly denied the Tort Claim.

A motion from Paul Weaver and seconded by Fred Schnebly authorized Urban-Eberhart Secretary-Manager Salary of $100,000.00 per year effective July 1, 2015 with no overtime, longevity or holiday pay. Benefits will include contributions to PEBB for medical insurance and retirement. A starting balance of 160 hours of annual leave with accrual for sick, annual and bereavement leave at the same rate as the previous manager. The Secretary-Manager will be provided a vehicle and gascard for work related activities. The motion passed unanimously.

Upcoming Meetings:

Aug 3rd River Ops. Yakima
Aug. 31st Joint Board Yakima

The Summary Vouchers for May, 2015 expenses vouchers #39268-39358 in the sum of $404,010.77 were approved with a motion from Paul Weaver and seconded by Larry Bland. The motion passed unanimously.

The Directors monthly payroll vouchers were presented for signatures and checks distributed accordingly.

All Business having been concluded the meeting adjourned.

Ed Wakkuri - Chairman
Urban B. Eberhart - Secretary Manager

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