Sterling, Colorado, September 9, 2009
MINUTES of a meeting of the Board of Directors of The North Sterling Irrigation District held at their office in Sterling at 12:30 P.M., September 9th, 2009.
Directors David Hernandez, Dave Breidenbach, James Aranci, and Secretary James Yahn were present.
The group immediately left for lunch and arrived back at the office at 1:30 p.m.
During lunch Mr. Yahn gave the Directors an overview of the Colorado Water Congress summer conference that he had attended. Mr. Yahn also informed the Directors that the River Headgate Project was complete and that the boring beneath the inlet canal had also been completed. The Directors and secretary also discussed Logan County’s construction of the abutments under the bridge over our inlet at the reservoir. Secretary Yahn stated that it was estimated that the concrete work, which is being done by Concrete Specialties, would require approximately 5 weeks.
Minutes of Board meeting held August 7th, 2009 were approved as received.
Expense for the month of August was allowed in the total amount of $53,149.88 and ordered paid as shown on sheets attached to and made a part of these minutes by due action of the Board, all Directors present voting aye.
The board discussed our attorney’s report for the month and this month’s water court resume. No action was taken.
Secretary Yahn gave the directors an update on the spillway project. He stated that equipment had been mobilized and topsoil stripping had begun. Secretary Yahn asked the directors if they had any questions concerning the estimates from our engineers W.W. Wheeler and Associates and Kumar and Associates that he had sent out to them. The directors and secretary had a discussion concerning billing and the need to get a minimum of weekly billing updates from the engineers. Mr. Yahn stated that the estimates are on a not to exceed basis and that we would be billed by actual hours worked. It was then was moved by Director Aranci and seconded by Director Breidenbach that the estimates for the engineering be accepted. Upon being put to a vote the motion passed.
Mr. Yahn stated that due to employee Clay Miller needing a full prescription benefit in his health insurance, the District’s insurance policy was changed. The change allowed Mr. Miller to retain his full prescription benefit, which he will pay for, and everyone else will opt out of the full prescription benefit and receive generic only.
Secretary Yahn stated that after a writing and calling campaign by many irrigation districts to Baker Petrolite, makers of Magnacide H, it appears that the company will continue to offer the aquatic weed chemical for at least one more year. After the year time frame, they hope to either sell the right or come up with a different plan for distribution and application to limit their liability.
The Proposed Budget for 2010 was sent to the directors for their review prior to the meeting. Secretary Yahn asked if there were any concerns or questions about the budget as proposed. Mr. Yahn stated that the proposed budget shows and increase in levy of $3/acre, however, after he had reviewed the expenses he felt that a $2/acre increase would be sufficient. Mr. Yahn went through some the changes that he proposed. Mr. Yahn stated that the increase is due predominately to the payment of the spillway loan. After some additional discussion, Mr. Yahn was instructed to discuss proposed attorney costs with Ronni Sperling, make the changes in the proposed budget, and advertise that the budget is available for public inspection. Mr. Yahn stated that he would email a revised budget to the directors.
Secretary Yahn informed the directors that the current storage is 30,299 acre feet (40.6%) and that 260 cfs is being released to satisfy 220.5 cfs of orders.
Mr. Yahn informed the Directors that employee Jim Schippert was concerned because he is no longer receiving the income for leasing the river property for hunting. Mr. Yahn stated that he had informed Mr. Schippert that he did not know he was leasing the property for hunting and that this was not part of his compensation. Mr. Schippert asked Mr. Yahn if he could address the board. It was the consensus of the board to not allow Mr. Schippert to receive the hunting lease income, but allow Mr. Schippert to attend the next meeting if he desires.
There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting was adjourned at 3:25 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
James T. Yahn, Secretary