April 19 , 2006 Minutes-Board Meeting
The regular monthly meeting of the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District Board of Directors was held on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at 10:00 a.m., at 801 Swink Avenue, Rocky Ford, CO 81067.
Chairman Singletary announced a quorum was present.
DIRECTORS PRESENT:
John Singletary-Chairman
Pete Moore-Vice Chairman
Wayne Whittaker-Treasurer
Melissa Esquibel-Secretary
Loretta Kennedy
Lynden Gill
Leroy MauchDISTRICT STAFF:
Jay Winner-General Manager
Bart Mendenhall-Attorney
Kim Chavez-Financial Coordinator
Randa Morlan-Administrative Assistant
MOTION TO ENTER INTO WATER ACTIVITY ENTERPRISE:
Director Mauch moved that the Board convene into the Water Activity Enterprise, seconded by Director Whittaker. Motion unanimously carried.At the conclusion of the Water Activity Enterprise meeting Director Kennedy moved to reconvene the District Meeting at 10:03 A.M., seconded by Director Moore. Motion unanimously carried.
INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS:
Chairman Singletary welcomed each of the visitors to the meeting, asked them to introduce themselves and identify the organization which they represent.VISITORS PRESENT:
Fred Heckman, farmer; Todd Marriott, John Martin Reservoir State Park; Alan Ward, Pueblo Board of Water Works; Virgil Cochran, Southeast Land and Environment; Del Nimmo, Colorado State University (CSU)-Pueblo/Biology Department; Chris Woodka, Pueblo Chieftain; Jace Ratzlaff, Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave's office-Las Animas; Brenda Fillmore, Arkansas Ground Water Users Association (AGUA); Kelly Roesch, High Plains; Ken Weber; Barry Cooper, Farm Credit of Southeast Colorado; Lee Merkel, Colorado Department of Local Affairs and Matt Heimerich, Crowley County.APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
TREASURER'S REPORT:
Director Whittaker reported that the financial report for the month of March was included in the Board's Monthly Meeting Packet. He reported March total revenues of $427,781.98 and total expenditures of $64,220.09. Director Whittaker moved to accept the March Financial Statement, seconded by Director Moore and carried unanimously.GM REPORT:
Director Whittaker briefly reported that he and Director Mauch had attended the Arkansas Valley Conduit meeting held on April 18, 2006. He reported that discussion was held on whether filtered water would be considered as raw water. He reported that there is competition with the different types of loans available of filtered or non-filtered water.Director Mauch reported that some entities may be applying for a grant from the legislature to help those needing financial help which includes six entities. The grant or loan would be from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). He added that this loan will be the largest ever applied for and that they will need 6 votes from the CWCB Board to pass.
Director Whittaker briefly reported on the last Preferred Storage Options Plan (PSOP) meeting. He reported that the Representative Salazar letter was discussed in detail in the technical part of the study (phase 1) and the evaluation of quality and quantity of water in the lower Arkansas valley (phase 2). Director Whittaker noted that Lee Miller was going to rework the proposed bill and bring back for review. Director Whittaker believes the Board needs to look at other provisions of the bill, make any changes and come back with any changes. He noted that the bill needs to be carefully reviewed in a Work Session Meeting.
PRESENTATIONS:
Barry Cooper- Barry Cooper with Farm Credit of Southeastern Colorado gave a brief PowerPoint presentation on the history and locations of Farm Credit and reviewed the different types of loans and crops in agriculture they are involved with. Other items discussed were their services across America, the number of sales by the farm class, the number of farms and acres operated by women, average income of farm households and the productivity of small family farms.Alan Ward- Alan Ward, Pueblo Board of Water Works gave a brief presentation on different types and ways of moving water and he explaining water trades water exchanges and contract exchanges.
Lee Merkel- Lee Merkel, Department of Local Affairs gave a brief presentation on the different types of grants available to the District. He reviewed the Department of Local Affairs position with grants and the possibility of water quality grants available to the District.
GM REPORT:
Chairman Singletary reported on House Bill 1352 on Water Quality on exchange cases by Representative McFadyen.PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
Chairman Singletary reported that he does not have much to report on negotiations regarding the Preferred Storage Options Plan (PSOP). He added that a meeting will be held on April 26, 2006 with all the participants to decide what to do next.He noted that a water leasing and water management program workshop will be held on April 25, 2006 at the Gobin Community Center Building in Rocky Ford, Colorado.
He added that the Board had a retreat meeting on April 13-14, 2006.
Chairman Singletary reported that a meeting was held on March 27, 2006 on possibly building a Biodiesel plant in the Arkansas Valley.
Chairman Singletary noted that General Manager Winner, Water attorney Peter Nichols and he attended the Federal Water Issues Conference held in Washington, D.C. on April 3-5, 2006. He reported that they met with Congressman John Salazar, Senator Ken Salazar, Representative Diana DeGette, Congressman Mark Udall Senator Wayne Allard's-Washington Representatives and Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave concerning legislation on the Arkansas Valley Conduit.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Personnel: Director Kennedy reported that the Program Coordinator position job search ended on April 7, 2006. There were eleven applicants and the search has been narrowed to three finalists. The next step will be the interview process for the Program Coordinator position.LEGAL REPORT:
Attorney Mendenhall reported that the District continues to work on collecting all of the documentation for complete packages on conservation easements and purchases. Most delays come from waiting for title companies to provide final policy.Attorney Mendenhall reported that he and water attorney Peter Nichols are working to put information together to properly review the Keesee Ditch transaction. With the documentation the Board will have a better idea of what the Keesee Ditch rights and obligations will be, if they choose to enter into that transaction.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Fred Heckman commended the Board and District for backing the farmer in agriculture in the Lower Arkansas Valley. He stated that the State Water Engineer is heading in the direction of water saving programs based on consumptive use figures through a method of delivery and Mr. Heckman is wondering how everyone is expected to save water with strict requirements.Chairman Singletary and Director Mauch agree that the District needs to be aware and protect the agriculture entities.
Jace Ratzlaff, Representative for Congresswoman Musgrave noted that Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) in La Junta and Lamar said they will do cost share programs. Mr. Ratzlaff spoke with State Water Engineer Steve Witte and he is working on the concern with the models as well. The state legislatures have been contacted. Mr. Ratzlaff stated that it is possible there is more concern than needed at this time.The Board thanked Mr. Heckman for his comment and asked that he keep the District updated.
ADJOURNED:
Chairman Singletary asked if there were any other matters to come before the Board. Hearing none, motion was made by Director Esquibel, seconded by Director Mauch to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Meeting was adjourned at 11:56 A.M.