The Board of Directors of the Kittitas Reclamation District met in Regular Session at the District Office. Directors in attendance were Chairman Brad Haberman, Vice Chairman Urban Eberhart, Jim Schnebly, Ed Wakkuri and Larry Bland. Also in attendance were Janiece Jump, Mary Burke, Perry Huston, Max Golladay, Bruce Coe, Jim Esget, Al Scherzinger, Jeff Graham, Charlie de La Chapelle, Tom Carpenter, Carol Ready, Jack Carpenter, Barbara Pettit and Legal Counsel John Gilreath.
A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Larry Bland approved the Agenda with the addition of an Executive Session. The motion passed unanimously.
Deviating from the Agenda Mr. Carpenter introduced Jim Esget, Al Scherzinger and Jeff Graham who presented a YBRWEP update explaining the pump exchange is still ongoing; the conservation programs are continuing and the USBR is finalizing the acquisition of the Schaake property through the habitat acquisition program whose purpose is two fold to help the fish and provide mitigation areas for water conservation. Mr. Esget explained there are acquisitions on tributaries and now the main stream of the Yakima and Ellensburg Reach of the Yakima River. With the acquisition of the Shaake property; there will be no initial changes to the property until the modeling program is completed. Discussion followed with Urban Eberhart asking if the purchase of the Shaake property and any activities there would count as mitigation for conservation programs under YRBWEP. Mr. Esget explained that is the concept and discussion will continue with the Conservation Advisory Group and would not be limited to Kittitas County. Jim, Al and Jeff left the meeting at this time.
Charlie de La Chapelle and Tom Carpenter presented detailed information on the Black Rock Storage proposal explaining why and how it was developed and that there is not enough water in our system to manage and additional water and storage is needed. Tom Carpenter explained it is essential that all counties have to be connected on this project for it to work and yet the uniqueness of each county has to be respected and there are differences and this project will not get done unless everyone works together. Lengthy discussion followed. Charlie de La Chapelle and Tom Carpenter left the meeting following their presentation. Perry Huston, Max Golladay, Bruce Coe left the meeting at this time.
Returning to the Agenda the Minutes of the August 5, 2003 meeting were approved as corrected with a motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Ed Wakkuri. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter presented a water update explaining the next TWSA meeting is scheduled for September 4th and the anticipated announcement is that the USBR has increased the prorationing level to 92% and will allow KRD to operate until September 27th-28th and possibly October 1st.
Mary Burke expressed her appreciation to the Board for all their work on stock water and storage and left the meeting at this time.
Carol Ready presented a KCWP update explaining Resolutions are being distributed to KCWP members for signatures in support of the water quality compliance procedure. Carol apprised the Board she is working on preparing costs associated with the formation and independence of Joint Board. Carol apprised the Board KCWP is proceeding with the turbidity lab and has received some equipment on loan from the Kittitas County Conservation District. Carol continued explaining attaining creditation for total suspended solids would require additional funding and equipment.
Moving to Manastash Creek Users Larry Bland apprised the Board there have been no major activities. Carol Ready apprised the Board the person Manastash Creek Users offered the administrative position to has not accepted and it is now possible Carol will be offered the position. Carol further explained the KRD and KCCD Boards need to discuss possible options available for Carol to function in both positions. Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board negotiations are continuing with DOE and KCCD regarding funding of the Manastash project.
Urban Eberhart presented a Kittitas County Road Standards update explaining a new draft was presented by Paul Bennett at the last meeting.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board Legal Counsel John Gilreath reviewed the Tucker Creek License Agreement explaining it will be signed and sent to the USBR.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board there is a Public Hearing on the Watershed Management Plan scheduled for 4 p.m. today.
Mr. Carpenter presented a request from Well Bartsma Sec. 32 Twn. 17 Rng. 20 to pipe 600 feet of the North leg of .02. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Larry Bland approved the Well Bartsma request as presented with the stipulation Well Bartsma provide the pipe and KRD will do the installation. The motion passed unanimously.
Moving to New Business Mr. Carpenter presented the following segregations for pre-approval subject to meeting the general guidelines: Gerard Wanachek Sec. 17 Twn. 18 Rng.18 and Ann Nelson Sec. 3 Twn. 16 Rng.19. A motion from Urban Eberhart and seconded by Jim Schnebly approved the Gerard Wanachek and Ann Nelson as presented subject to meeting the general guidelines. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter distributed the 2004 Union Proposal. Discussion followed with the consensus discussion be moved to Executive Session for discussion and placed on the October agenda.
Mr. Carpenter presented the Steve German Turnout Request Sec. 18 Twn. 18 Rng. 20. A motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Ed Wakkuri approved the Steve German Turnout Request subject to review of final reasibility and engrineering plans. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board the Bureau of Reclamation has scheduled a Keechelus Dam Tour for September 5th and requested those attending notify the office as soon as possible.
Mr. Carpenter apprised the Board a CD will mature on September 5th. Discussion followed with the recommendation the CD be reinvested 60 days at the best rate.
Upcoming Meetings:
September 4th TWSA USBR
September 11th Water Transfer Work Group
September 15th SOAC Yakima
September 17th WSWRA
September 17th CIDMP Ellensburg PUD
September 22nd County Road Standards Courthouse
September 23rd KCWP Board Meeting KRD
September 25th KCWP Public Meeting KRD
September 26th Joint Board Yakima
September 30th-Oct. 1st Joint Board Bio Mtg. Yakima
Moving to Other Business Mr. Carpenter distributed pictures and presented information on August 30th Turbine Ditch washout explaining the Insurance Company has been notified.
With a motion from Jim Schnebly and seconded by Ed Wakkuri the Board adourned to Executive Session at 3:03 p.m. for 20 minutes to discuss Legal and Personnel Issues. The motion passed unanimously.
The Board returned to Regular Session at 3:23 p.m. with a motion from Larry Bland and seconded by Ed Wakkuri. The motion passed unanimously.
The Directors monthly payroll vouchers were presented for signatures and checks distributed accordingly.
The Summary Vouchers #22851-22974 for July expenses in the sum of $145,455.06 were presented for approval. A motion from Ed Wakkuri and seconded by Larry Bland approved the Summary Vouchers as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
All Business having been concluded the meeting adjourned.
Bradley W. Haberman – Chairman
Jack W. Carpenter – Secretary-Manager