Office of Secretary
Minutes of Regular Meeting
August 6, 2002
The Board of Directors of the Kittitas Reclamation District met in Regular Session on August 6, 2002. Directors in attendance were Chairman Ed Wakkuri, Vice Chairman Brad Haberman, Larry Bland, Jim Schnebly and Urban Eberhart. Also in attendance were Ben George, Janeice Jump, Carol Ready, Jack Carpenter, Barbara Pettit and Legal Counsel John Gilreath.
By consensus of the Board, the Agenda was approved with the addition of an Executive Session.
The July 16, 2002 minutes were approved as corrected with a motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Brad Haberman. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented a water update explaining August 5th system status report indicates the reservoirs are at 113.5% of average capacity. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board KRD has turned the operation of the Mann and Bruton Ditches over to the Bureau of Reclamation. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board he has requested the Bureau of Reclamation increase the KRD overhead reimbursement from 10% to 30% explaining KRD provided the USBR with documentation of 30% overhead costs. Mr. Carpenter distributed the 1146 waste-way modification alternatives. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the Yakima Indian Nation has filed suit to stop construction on Keechelus Dam and to reopen ESA consultation on the impacts of the operation of the reservoir.
Carol Ready presented a Kittitas County Water Purveyors update explaining she has KCWP hats, shirts and magnetic signs to identify personnel when they are doing water quality sampling. Carol apprised the Board she has been nominated to participate in Leadership Ellensburg and will request authorization to participate and payment of the $400.00 fee from the KCWP Board. Carol presented an agreement with South Central Washington Resource Conservation and Development Council for 2003-2004 funding. Carol further explained the monies will be used for work in conjunction with the BPA Fish Screening project. A motion from Brad Haberman and seconded by Larry Bland approved the agreement as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Carol discussed adapting a complaint procedure for water quality explaining the proposal was to present the information to KCCD and let them follow up. Carol explained the KCCD Board does not want the roll of enforcer. Discussion followed with the recommendation it be placed on the KCWP Board Agenda. Carol presented an update on the draft final report submitted to DOE on the DOE Cooperative Water Monitoring Grant explaining it appears the report will be approved by DOE with their comments submitted with the report. Carol further explained she would be submitting a letter responding to the DOE comments with the final report.
Moving to Bank Fee Analysis Update Barbara Pettit distributed information on negotiations with U.S. Bank explaining they have agreed with the terms as stipulated in their letter. Discussion followed with the consensus we accept the U.S. Bank terms as stipulated in their letter and request a 5-year agreement.
Mr. Carpenter presented updated information on the Well Bartsma proposed lateral piping explaining Well Bartsma has requested approval to use 640 feet of 24" handcore pipe to handle the flow in the North leg of .02. Discussion followed with the consensus engineering studies be completed before authorizing the installation of 24" handcore pipe. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Larry Bland approved Well Bartsma piping 640 feet of the North leg of .02 in the most practical way to meet his farming needs and KRD operations with no additional expense incurred by KRD. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented updated information on the proposed Black Rock Dam explaining lower valley farmers have requested Joint Board support the project. Discussion followed with the consensus the KRD Board is in support of the need for storage in the Yakima Basin.
Mr. Carpenter presented a request by Tri-County Director , Jim Milton. Mr. Milton asked once the Watershed Plan is completed will KRD continue to participate and at what level. Discussion followed with the consensus additional information is needed before a decision can be made.
Moving to South Branch Feasibility Study Mr. Carpenter distributed an updated proposal with Addendum 3A removed. Additional NEPA requirements added increased the original budget by $33,000.00. Discussion followed with the consensus a letter be sent to the Bureau of Reclamation addressing the additional NEPA costs. The plan calls for enclosing laterals within U.S. right-of-way, so NEPA costs are excessive for this project.
Moving to New Business Mr. Carpenter presented information on pumping plant overhead exterior mounted slat galvanized steel roll up doors explaining two bids have been received. Discussion followed with the recommendation information be obtained on the companies submitting bids and notify the Board when the 3rd bid is received.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board an employee filed a request through the union for compensatory time pay off using a different method. Mr. Carpenter further explained it was the recommendation of the State Auditor’s Office that a policy regarding pay off of compensatory time be approved by the Board of Directors.
COMPENSATORY TIME CASH-OUT POLICY
In accordance to the Collective Bargaining Agreement Article VI-6.3:
Compensatory time must be used in the year earned. Unused compensatory time will be paid off yearly in December of the year earned.
All unused compensatory time will be paid off yearly in December in the year earned in accordance to WAC 356-14-165:
(3) When accrued compensatory time is cashed out for any reason other than death or termination of employment, it shall be at the current "regular rate."
A motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Larry Bland approved the Compensatory Time Pay Off Policy in accordance to WAC 356-14-265. The motion passed unanimously.
Upcoming Meetings:
August 8th River Ops. - Yakima
Water Day - Yakima
August 9th SOAC - Yakima
August 15th Sky Hook Contract Tour - KRD
August 21st WSWRA
August 23rd Joint Board - Yakima
August 29th USBR Budget Meeting - Yakima
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 2:23 p.m. for 15 minutes to discuss legal and personnel matters with a motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Brad Haberman. The motion passed unanimously.
The Board returned to Regular Session at 2:38 p.m. with a motion from Brad Haberman and seconded by Urban Eberhart. The motion passed unanimously.
The Summary Vouchers for June expenses Vouchers #21187 & 2188 & 21200-21328 in the sum of $233,626.28 were presented for approval. A motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Brad Haberman approved the Summary Vouchers as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
The Directors monthly payroll vouchers were presented for signatures and checks distributed accordingly.
All Business being concluded the meeting adjourned.
Edward R. Wakkuri – Chairman
Jack W. Carpenter – Secretary-Manager