Klamath Irrigation District
 Board Meeting Notes

April 13, 2006

Agenda in Blue
Notes in Black  

Approval of Minutes 3/9/06

Approval of vouchers and warrants  

Old Business    

1.                    Adjudication  

Dave Solem reported that Darin Kandra and he have worked with Cecil Lesley from the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to combine information regarding place of use of irrigated acres within quarter-quarter sections.  This information will be submitted to the Adjudicator to establish place of use.

All hearings must be done by December 31, 2007 and the final Klamath County Circuit Court hearings done by March 31, 2008 .

2.          Lawsuit/legal

a.      Takings

No news.

b.      PCFFAII:  2006 Klamath Project Operations

Solem reported that Judge Armstrong has ruled against the irrigators in the PCFFA II suit.  Armstrong has determined that the phase-in of Biological Opinion flows is not acceptable for Coho and that the Project must operate under Phase 3 of the Biological Opinion Hardy Flows.  The Project must remain under Phase 3 until the reconsultation of the Biological Opinion is complete.  The Board discussed how higher flows down the Klamath River may effect irrigators.

c.      Straits Drain

No news since the cancelled March settlement hearing.  If no settlement is reached soon, the judge will dismiss this suit and the plaintiffs can refile.

2.                    Power

Solem reported that the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has determined that tariff power rates will be phased in over the next 8 years under the Oregon Rate Shock legislation.  PacifiCorp has filed a new rate case, UE 179, to request a 20% increase over current tariff rates for irrigation pumping.

Starting April 16^th, PacifiCorp will charge energy charges only – there will be no demand charges during the transition period to tariff rates.

a.  Executive Session

3.                    Merrill drain

Solem will contact the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) regarding the Merrill drain piping project.  The project must be completed before the water season begins.  Word is that LTM is waiting for parts.

4.                    Election

The Board discussed the status of the May 16^th District election to authorize PUD Authority.  Landowner Duane Hardenberger volunteered to sit on the election board.  Board members agreed to seek the other two volunteers that are still needed.

There should be a sample ballot in the May 8^th Herald and News.

During discussions, KID said that the District has 2500 irrigators who are eligible to vote.

5.                    OWRC meeting March 30

Solem updated the Board on a Klamath Falls meeting with Anita Winkler and Christina McNutt from the Oregon Water Resources Congress ()WRC).  OWRC is aware of the potential affects that the sale and/or transfer of water rights may have on water districts throughout Oregon .  They will actively pursue legislation to keep districts involved in the process in order to keep districts viable.

6.                    Other

Vern Church , State Water Manager appeared before the Board to explain that due to water supplies in the Basin, this area will not have a drought declaration.  Therefore, a supplemental permit will be required to pump well water.

Solem announced that the BOR is placing a new fish screen on 7 Mile Creek where it feeds into the wetlands on Agency Lake Ranch/  The BOR has announced that any water diversion out of Upper Klamath Lake will have to be screen but announced a 90% - 10% cost share program to pay for them all.

New Business

1.                    2006 Operations Plan

Discussed under other agenda items.

2.                    Merrill subdivision

After a discussion, the Board agreed they are willing to work with the City of Merrill concerning 5 Star Oregon LLC, owners of a proposed 39 lot subdivision, within the city limits of Merrill.

3.                    Water 2025 resolution

The Board discussed the application for the Water 2025 Grant to replace the Miller Hill pump station.  Jason Chapman made a motion to adopt a resolution to authorize the application for funding of the Water 2025 Grant.  The Motion was seconded by Ross Fleming and passed unanimously. (Resolution at end)  The Miller Hill pump station was built in 1949 and hasn’t been updated since completion.  It has 105 cfs total pumping capacity.

4.                    Conservation pipe request

Solem reported that he has applied for a pipe grant from the BOR.  The additional pipe will almost complete the piping in the suburban area.

Solem reported that the BOR may require NEPA compliance for existing and future pipe installations.  This determination may affect Tulelake Irrigation District and Langell Valley Irrigation District as well as KID.

5.                    Smith private work bill

The Board agreed to write off a $75 unpaid July, 2005 private work billing.  Scott Smith informed Solem that the work done on his Reeder Road property was not what had been discussed.

6.                    Maintenance

a.      Gradall repair

Solem informed the Board that a drive gear shaft has been replaced in the Gradall at a cost of $400.  Solem will look into availability and cost of replacement machine.

7.                    Newsletter

Solem reported that the District newsletter was mailed April 10, 2006 .

8.                    Insurance:  Ganong letter

The Board discussed Ganong’s memo regarding fiduciary liability insurance for the Trustees of the pension plans.  The Board agreed that a potential conflict of interest with employees acting as trustees was not an issue.  The Board further agreed that fiduciary liability is covered through the existing coverage with Special Districts Association of Oregon.

9.                    Employees:  Jeff Williamson, Jim Bowman

Solem updated the Board on the medical condition of two District employees.  Extended leave may be required by both employees.  The Board agreed that Solem should hire replacements on a temporary basis when needed.

10.                Solem vacation request

The Board approved Solem’s June 19 through June 27, 2006 vacation request.

11.                Alteration Agreement

The Board approved an Alteration Agreement, to relocate a headgate, for Bruno and Daisy Christensen.

12.                Exclusions

The Board approved one exclusion request.

13.       KID Board meeting May 11, 5:00 pm move to the 9^th

^{The May, 2006 Board meeting was rescheduled to May 9th at 5:00 P.M.}

14.          Other

None

KWUA meeting, April 12

NAS May 2, Yreka  

Resolution

April 13, 2006

APPLICANT NAME:  Klamath Irrigation District

The following resolution was adopted unanimously by the Board of Directors at their regular monthly meeting on April 13, 2006 .

WHEREAS, The Miller Hill Pump Station was constructed in 1949 and is a necessary diversion point for Klamath Irrigation District and the lands its serves, and

WHEREAS, the power costs of operating the Pump Station may be increased 1000 to 2000% in 2006 and beyond, these costs will be passed on to the members of the District,

WHEREAS, the Water 2025 Challenge Grant Program is a Reclamation program to cost-share with districts to improve efficiency and manage water in a manner that avoids crisis,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Klamath Irrigation District agrees and authorizes that:

1.  The Board has reviewed and supports the proposal submitted;

2.      Klamath Irrigation District is capable of providing the amount of funding and/or in kind contributions, specified in the funding plan; and

3.      If selected for a challenge Grant, the applicant will work with Reclamation to meet established deadlines for entering into a cooperative agreement.

DATED:  April 13, 2006

Attests:__________________________

            /s/  David A. Solem, Secretary/Treasurer