REGULAR BOARD MEETING

FEBRUARY 11, 2003, 10:00 A.M.

TUMALO IRRIGATION DISTRICT

64697 COOK AVENUE

BEND, OREGON 97701

BOARD:               Bill Martin, Bob Morrow, Steve Putnam, Gary Blake

STAFF:                Elmer McDaniels, Shelby Smith, Jan Wickham, Ken Rieck

ATTORNEY:         Bill Hopp

ENGINEER:              Kevin Crew

GUESTS:                   Bob Main, Gail Achterman, Ila Cronen, Jeff Rola, Greg Mohnen, Bob Mehan

Chairman Martin called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M. and appointed Shelby Smith scribe. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Director Putnam made a motion that the minutes of the January 14, 2003 Annual/Regular Board Meeting and January 14, 2003 Executive Board Meeting be approved, seconded by Vice-Chairman Morrow, motion carried unanimously.  

APPROVAL OF VOUCHER LIST

Director Putnam made a motion that the February 2003 Voucher List be approved, seconded by Director Blake, motion carried unanimously.

CRESCENT LAKE WATER REPORT

Manager McDaniels said that Crescent Lake has 44,020 acre-feet, projection - 50,000 acre-feet.  He said a 60% delivery would probably not gain any storage for next year.  A 50% delivery would require rotation, one week on and one week off.  He recommended that we deliver 70% to everyone this year, and the Board agreed.        

PROJECT 1B

Manager McDaniels said that he ordered part of the pipe for Project 1B, to avoid an increase in price.  Congress has not approved the disbursement of funds for the project yet.  Cost of all of the pipe (54 joints) is approximately $450,000, to be billed in two installments.  Ms. Smith said the only way to cover the cost would be to submit the first half to OWEB for reimbursement in time to cover the second half.  Mr. Crew thought that could be done.  Director Putnam made a motion that the all of the pipe be ordered, and stockpiled if necessary, seconded by Vice-Chairman Morrow, motion carried unanimously.   

BULL TROUT

Attorney Hopp said Dave Filippi, attorney for DRC, has submitted comments on behalf of the irrigation districts on the bull trout issue.  A copy of the proposal to designate bull trout critical habitat is available in the District office for review.

-2- Minutes of Regular Board Meeting, February 11, 2003

BOARD TRAINING

Discussion of the Board training held in January was tabled for the next Regular Board Meeting.

CANAL REPAIR

Manager McDaniels said estimated out-of-pocket costs for repairs to the Tumalo Feed Canal are: liner - $12,434, break repair - 10,343, total $22,777.  The labor costs for District employees is not included.  Estimates from contractors were $25,000 to $38,000. 

SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT - DESCHUTES COUNTY ORDINANCE

The Cronens have installed a state approved treatment system.  They have applied to Deschutes County for a permit for a temporary mobile home.  For purposes of issuing a permit, the County ordinance only allows wells as a source of domestic water.  Jeff Fruend, the County’s sanitation expert, has said that the County will accept a statement that the Cronens have a state approved treatment system, as a one-time only exception to their ordinance.  Director Putnam made a motion that Attorney Hopp prepare a statement for the Cronens to submit to the County, saying that the Cronens have installed a state approved water treatment system, and a statement from the Cronens, relieving the District of any liability for the treated water, seconded by Vice-Chairman Morrow, motion carried unanimously.  The Board decided not to try to get the County’s ordinance changed.

There are fifteen water users who have not returned their affidavits yet.

UPPER DESCHUTES WATERSHED COUNCIL

Bob Main is a board member of the Deschutes Resources Conservancy (DRC), and a past board member of the Oregon Water Resources Department.  He explained that DRC is working to preserve irrigation rights, and at the same time improve stream flows.  Gail Achterman, attorney for DRC, said that she is going to Washington DC in March 2003, to talk about 2004 appropriations.  She asked for a list of the District’s water conservation projects for 2004/2005, including estimated costs and water savings.  In June 2003 the Coordinating Group will be discussing a management plan, with actions that need to be taken to restore the flow in the river.  Investments by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and Fish & Wildlife will be guided by the management plan when the Park Planning Council adopts it.  By submitting our list, we should be at the top of the priority list for consideration for funding from BPA, Fish & Wildlife, and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board.  The BPA funds are grant funds, and do not have to be matched. 

DRC has hired Tammy Sailors, formerly with Central Oregon Irrigation District, as a Senior Program Officer for the Deschutes Water Exchange.  The Oregon Water Commission should approve the Groundwater Mitigation Charter this week.  The Instream Leasing Program will continue this year.  Ms. Achterman complimented the District on its participation in this program. 

Chairman Martin left at 11:10 A.M.

-3- Minutes of Regular Board Meeting, February 11, 2003

DRC ANNUAL REPORT

The Board received copies of the DRC’s 2001 Annual Report.

EASEMENT APPLICATION

Manager McDaniels said the easement application for the 240 acres is in the comment period, which ends February 14, 2003.  At that time, Nancy Pustis with the State of Oregon will write a draft easement agreement for the Board’s review.  It will go to the State Land Use Board in April 2003. 

NEXT MEETING DATE

The next Regular Board Meeting will be Tuesday, March 11, 2003, at 10:00 A.M., at the District Office. 

ADJOURNMENT

Director Putnam made a motion that the Regular Board Meeting be adjourned at 11:30 A.M., seconded by Director Blake, motion carried unanimously.