Klamath Irrigation District
 Board Meeting Notes

March 9, 2006

Agenda in Blue
Notes in Black 
 

Approval of Minutes 2/9/06

Approval of vouchers and warrants  

 

Old Business  

 

1.                 Adjudication  

Bill Ganong updated the board on the Klamath River Adjudication.  The Nicholson Group has filed a motion asking the Adjudicator to dismiss the Administrative Law Judge’s preliminary order.  The State of Oregon has filed for additional time to respond to the motion.

The irrigators have filed a request for an extension to provide place of use information.  Mary Cheyne has been hired to compare maps that were submitted when the Adjudication claims were filed.

After a discussion the board agreed that Ed Bair will replace Bill Kennedy as KID’s representative on the Adjudication Committee.

2.              Lawsuits/legal; KID representatives  

a.      Takings  

Ganong reported that Roger Marzulla has requested an extension to respond to the United States motion for summary judgment in the Klamath Takings Suit.

      b.      PCFFA II:  2006 Klamath Project Operations; A Canal opening date

Dave Solem updated the board on the PCFFA II suit.  We are waiting for a ruling from Judge Armstrong regarding the flows in the 2002 Biological Opinion, which will determine how the Project will operate during the 2006 water season.

The board agreed to begin filling the A canal on March 31, 2006 , for the 2006 water season.

      c.       Straits Drain; March 15 settlement hearing

Solem reported that March 15 is the next scheduled settlement hearing on the Klamath Straits Drain suit.  It a settlement cannot be reached interested parties can refile and the process will start again.

  1.      Power – Executive Session   
  2.     TID/KID assessment issues

The board reviewed the annual billing from Tulelake Irrigation District for the Oregon J Lands.  The board agreed to pay the billing at the reduced rate of $31/acre as agreed by TID.

  1.      Merrill drain

Solem reported that the project to replace the drain pipe in the town of Merrill is nearing completion.  A number of problems have been created due to the wet weather.  Kid may pipe an additional 90 feet of the drain at a later date.

  1.      Other

Solem reported that Taylor High has installed a squash pipe in the F canal for Fred Ginestar.  Solem will inspect the installation to make sure it complies with District regulations.

 

New Business  

1.           Election

The board discussed the upcoming election for KID irrigator approval to investigate forming a Public Utility District.  The board agreed that the election will be held May 16, 2006 , with one polling place located at the District office. The board approved a Sample Ballot for the election and authorized Dave Solem to act as the District’s authority to conduct the election.

Solem will prepare a District newsletter which will contain information regarding the election and a sample ballot, as well as an update on other issues.  The newsletter will be mailed the first part of April.

2.           OWRC meeting March 30: schedule

Solem informed the board that the lobbyist hired by the Oregon Water Resource Congress will visit Klamath Falls , March 30, to discuss how OWRC can better represent the irrigators on such issues as ownership of water rights.  Solem encouraged all the Directors to attend.  Project irrigators pay .50/acre to belong to OWRC.

3.           Water 2025

Solem reported that the United States has authorized and funded Water 025, 50/50 cost share grants for 2006 and 2007.  Applications are due May, 2006.  Solem will reapply for the funds to replace the Miller Hill Pumping Station.

4.           Conservation pipe request

KID will submit a request for pipe from the Bureau of Reclamation for installation by KID.  Solem informed the board that the cost of installation was more than the required 50% of the cost, but has allowed KID to resolve a number of problems in the suburban area and in Malin.  KID is planning on piping a 4,000 foot lateral near the Bypass with 30 inch pipe.

5.           Cell Tech

Solem updated the board on a request from Cell Tech for a one year extension to remove the reminder of their installation on the C canal.  The board agreed to recommend that the BOR grant the extension but allow no operations without compensation to KID.

6.           Rental water

The current KID policy for Contract Water was discussed by the board.  The current policy would set the rate at $41 per acre.  There are approximately 300 acres under Contract Water agreements.

7.           A Canal Fish Screen

Solem reported that KID crews are preparing the A canal fish screens for the 2006 water season by replacing the brushes on the screen cleaner, new belts on the fish pump, and pressure washed the screens.  The BOR has not repaired the bent stem or inspected the torque switch malfunction which originally caused the problem.  The BOR has taken no action on the O&M transfer agreement for the fish screens.

8.           Maintenance; Stukel pumps/power

Solem updated the board on winter maintenance.  Due to the weather, District crews have not been able to complete some jobs such as cleaning ditches and burning weeds.

9.           BOR area manager

Dave Sabo, Area Manager of the BOR will be moving to Utah by the end of March.  Christine Karas will act as area manager until his replacement can be found.

10.       Insurance

Solem continues to investigate the need for fiduciary insurance to protect the Trustees of the District’s pension plans against negligence.  Ganong will contact Special District Association of Oregon (SDAO) to clarify what is covered under the District’s existing insurance policy.

Solem reported that KID’s insurance through SDAO as well as the insurance that South Valley Bank and Trust (SVBT) carries will apply to the courtesy carrier provided by SVBT in picking up KID deposits.

11.       Other

Solem reported that Mark Holliday, Business Manager of Local #701 has defined a full time employee as one who is paid for 120 hours during the month.  Those employees not meeting this criteria will not be entitled to the District’s portion of the medical insurance premium.  The employee will be required to pay the entire premium out of pocket.

The board approved 3 exclusions.

The board agreed that beginning May 11, 2006 , board meetings will begin at 5:00 PM .

 

KWUA meeting March 10

NAS May 2, Yreka

KID Board meeting April 13