Klamath Irrigation District
Board Meeting Notes
 September 8, 2005

 

Agenda in Blue
Notes in Black

Approval of Minutes 8/11/05 ; executive session
Approval of vouchers and warrants


Old Business  

  1. Adjudication
    1. cost allocation

Solem reported that KID will soon receive a billing for approximately $71,000 for the first one half of 2005 Joint Prosecution expense in the Klamath River Adjudication.  Contesting the upcoming Klamath Tribal claims will be very expensive.  Hearings are scheduled for January of 2006.  

The board discussed other Adjudication matters during Executive Session.  

  1. Lawsuits/legal
    1. Takings

Bill Ganong reported that Judge Allegra has ruled against the Irrigators in the Takings suit.  The Takings Committee will meet September 14th to determine how to proceed.  Ganong explained the appeal process and advised that specific details was discussed in Executive Session.

    1. PCFFA II

No important discussion.  

    1. Straits Drain, October 21

The settlement hearing on the Klamath Straits Drain suit has been rescheduled for September 21 in Eugene , Oregon  

    1. NPDES permit challenge

KID is not part of this permit challenge due to timing.  

  1. Power

No progress to report on the power rate negations.  FERC is in talks with the downstream Indian tribes at this time.  “Klamath Irrigators probably won’t know what the power rate will be for the 2006 Irrigation season until 10 minutes to midnight on April 5, 2006.”  (Joke by board member)  

  1. TMDL

The board discussed the proposed TMDL criteria for Lost River .  Solem has met with Oregon DEQ, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  Those participating in the discussion agree that compliance to the draft TMDL criteria may be unattainable.  The proposed TMDL calls for a 90% reduction of nitrogen while the irrigators are proposing a 60% reduction.  

  1. Other

None

 

New Business  

  1. 2005 Klamath Project operations

          a.  Shutoff date  

Solem reported that water supplies are adequate to complete the 2005 water season.  The board agreed that normal year end shut down for KID will begin October 14th.  

  1. BOR letter/O&M payments

The board discussed a letter from the Bureau of Reclamation requesting a Resolution from Districts within the Project agreeing to share in the cost of repayment for past and future charges against the Project.  The board agreed that they will need an itemized accounting of charges before they can consider a Resolution.  

Solem reported that the BOR had not billed Districts within the Project for estimated O&M for 2 years (2003 & 2004).  

3.  Budget

      a. fuel, pipeline materials, outside services

      b.  2006; TID rate, power, labor, KWUA  

The board discussed 2005 budget line item balances and began preliminary 2006 budget discussions.  They discussed potential increases in fuel, power, labor and other materials and services as well as a potential increase to the Klamath Water Users dues and Tulelake Irrigation District charges.  Solem will prepare a draft 2006 budget for the October 20th meeting.  

KWUA is proposing a $5.00/per acre increase in dues for 2006 or they’ll have to tap their reserves to meet litigation fees.  

4.  Bids

    1. Steel

Bids were received from Farwest Steel - $6540.81 and Heaton Steel & Supply - $7100.00.  The board awarded the bid to the lowest bidder Farwest Steel.  

    1. headgates, pipe, lumber, steel

The board agreed to go to bid for metal pipe needed for the upcoming maintenance season.  

Solem will purchase approximately 6 headgates in various sizes from a new company since Waterman has gone out of business.  The new gates and parts are interchangeable with Waterman gates.  

Solem will bid lumber for bridge repair after the beginning of 2006.  

    1. NPV pump, Stukel pump

Solem reported that the North Poe Valley pump station will have to be dewatered before a determination can be made as to the extent of damage and cost of repairs to a 50 HP pump and motor.  In addition, a pump from the Stukel pumping plant has not been repaired.  

  1. Employees

Discussed in Executive Session  

  1. OWRC; Ownership issue

Solem has had discussion with the Oregon Water Resources Congress (OWRC) regarding proposed legislation concerning ownership of a water right.  OWRC feels that irrigation districts should have a say when a transfer or sale of a water right is being considered.  OWRC wants legislation to give first right of refusal to buy a water right from a land owner to the irrigation district.  

  1. KWUA; Biological Opinions

Solem updated the board on a meeting with BOR , US Fish & Wildlife, and the US Department of Agriculture to discuss a draft Biological Opinion to flood Tulana, Caledonia , and the Barnes Ranch.  Government agencies may be trying to find a way to do this with out facing legal opposition.  

  1. Crisp request

Deb Crisp has requested a letter from KID to support her attempt to be appointed the Federal representative of the Klamath River Compact Commission.  This position is currently held by Alice Kilham.  The board agreed.  

  1. Election

Solem reported that valid election petitions for Director of zone 3 currently held by Bill Kennedy and zone 4 currently held by Steve Kandra must be in the District office by October 4th.  The election will be held November 8, 2005 .  

  1. Other

Ganong will investigate the possibility of a tiered billing rate to address the California “D” lands.  

 

KID Board Meeting October 20, 2005

KWUA Annual meeting October 11, 2005

Oregon Water Resource Commission Meeting, KF, October 26  

 

 

 

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