(Two meetings in May)

NOTICE OF MEETING

Big Lost River Ground Water District

— Regular Board Meeting –

This Notice is posted at the Butte County Court House, WD 34 Office in Mackay, and BLRGWD Office in the Arco BIC. This and all meetings of the Board of Directors are public and subject to pertinent Open Meeting Laws.

Date:         Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Time:         1:00 P.M.

Location: Business Incubation Center — Arco, Idaho

Agenda Items and Board Meeting Minutes:

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

Chairman Moj called the meeting to order at 1:00 pm. Those present were Terry Monson, Mitchell Sorensen, Moj Broadie, Jack Jensen, Mike Telford, Todd Perkes, Jake Johnson, and office manager Debbie Broadie. A list of attending gallery members is attached.

2. Approval of Agenda

Jack moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

3.   Approval of April 18, 2017 Minutes

The minutes were read by Secretary Mitchell. Minutes were slightly modified in items no. 5 and 6. (See hand written modifications in those minutes)

Jake moved to approve the minutes as modified, seconded by Jack, voting was unanimous.

4.     Managers Reports

1.  Financial Reports

Debbie presented an A/R Aging Summary, U. S. Bank Business Statement, Reconciliation Summary, Start

Up Cost report, and Exclusion Indexing showing the lost revenues from Exclusionists. These Reports and Summaries are attached to these minutes. The Board then asked Debbie to prepare an additional report showing Total Assessments Invoiced — Collected Assessments — Delinquent Assessments with penalty and interest charge as of June 1. The Board discussed what the code allowed relative to penalties and interests, and Debbie was asked to check with other GWDs to see what and how they are handling those items.

1. Petitions for Exclusion

The Board reviewed several Petitions for Exclusion and approved those petitions submitted in the name of Mel Ellwein, Harry Crawford, Maurice Andersen, Norm Sowards, and Val Carter. (See Exclusion Index for a complete report as of the date shown.) The Petition of Bruce Blackmer is still pending as per his request.

1. IDWR Communications

Communications between Tim Luke, Boise Office of IDWR, regarding the notification of exclusions were discussed. Tim’s non-interest was confusing to the GWD especially in light of comments and suggestions from Senator Steve Bair and Idaho Code references. It was concluded that the “Exclusion Index” would continue to be sent to the Director, but not all of the voluminous pages of the petitions and orders.

5.   Officer and Committee Reports

1. Rick Mauthe was introduced as representing the “Upper Big Lost River Ground Water Users

Association”. Rick spoke about the Association and its representing some of the GW users in the Mackay — Leslie — Darlington area. This is the same general area of portions of BLRGWD Divisions No. 1, 2, and 3. Rick also expressed that the Association wants to participate with the GWD at some level and in some manner. Jake has been attending some of their meetings and trying to keep them informed as to the GWD activities. Other Board members reported that membership in the Association appears to be limited by geographical and/or social boundaries. The Board generally expressed, pending legal advice, the proper level or manner of participation for all GW users within the basin would best be served by having membership in the formally organized GWD.

1. Request support for “North Arco” Managed Recharge Site

Mitchell introduced a managed recharge site located just northwest of Arco that is being developed by the WD 34 Recharge Committee which has potential of becoming part of a collaborative effort as described in the 2017 Management Plan component no. 2. Mitchell also asked for permission to contact the Eastern Office of IDWR and discuss with a knowledgeable staff member what administrative tools are available to water users for transferring current WR uses to new conservational uses and how this “Water Bank Initiative” could be promoted in the community.

Todd moved this “Initiative” be authorized, seconded by Mitchell, voting was unanimous. Mitchell will report on the status of this initiative at the next June Board Meeting.

6.  Petition to designate the BLRBasin as a CGWA or GWMA, Docket No. P-CGWA-2016-1

The petition to designate the basin a CGMA or GWMA was reviewed. It was determined that Chairman Moj would submit a prepared statement at the prehearing conference. This statement would be prepared by Jaxon Higgs and previewed by the Board. Other Directors who wanted to speak at the prehearing were encouraged to prepare and be “nimble” given the uncertainty of the Directors comments.

A Special Board Meeting to address the Prehearing Conference preparedness was scheduled for May 9, 2017.

7. Policy Review (700 and 800 series)

The review of these policies and a separate policy addressing “board voting unity/’ were tabled.

8. Other Business There was none.

9.    Adjournment and Next Meeting

1. Next Special Meeting: May 9, 2017 @ 7:00 pm.

Next Regular Meeting: June 6, 2017 @ 1:00 pm.

1. Adjournment

Chairman Moj adjourned the meeting at 3:50 pm.

Minutes Approved and Accepted

 

NOTICE OF MEETING
Big Lost River Ground Water District

— Special Board Meeting –

This and all meetings of the Board of Directors are public and subject to pertinent Open Meeting Laws.

Date:          Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Time:         7:00 P.M.

Location: Business Incubation Center — Arco, Idaho

Agenda Items and Board Meeting Minutes:

1.                 Call to Order and Roll Call

Chairman Moj called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Those present were Terry Monson, Mitchell

Sorensen, Moj Broadie, Jack Jensen, Mike Telford, Todd Perkes, and office manager Debbie Broadie, Jake

Johnson was absent. gen….t g

2.                 Executive Session

Petition to designate the BLRBasin as a CGWA or GWMA, Docket No. P-CGWA-2016-1

Mike moved the Board go into executive session to discuss the pending litigation, seconded by Mitchell, voting was unanimous.

Mitchell moved the Board come out of executive session, seconded by Jack, voting was unanimous.

a.  Settlement Negotiations

The Board met with Rose Bernal and Bruce Bleak to discuss how the movant petitioners might settle the contested case.

Jack moved that:

1.   Mitchell be authorized to draft a proposed stipulation agreement and associated documents.

2.   Mitchell be authorized to have an attorney review the agreement and documents, limited to 1 hour of legal expenses.

3.   After Mike and Moj reviewed the initial drafts, the directors could review those same drafts at the GWD office.

4.   Mike be authorized to contact Rose Bernal to discuss the draft documents, and secure her signature if she is willing to sign them.

Seconded by Moj, voting was unanimous.

b.  Review of Basin Ground Water Rights

Todd moved Jaxon Higgs be authorized to inventory and categorize all of the 586 GWRs in the basin with special attention given to combined WR limitations. This task’s expenses are limited to 10 hours of work at $55.00 per hour, seconded by Jack, voting was unanimous.

c.   Re-submittal of 2017 Management and Aquifer Stabilization Plan

Because Director Spackman stated after the pre-conference meeting he had not seen the 2017 Plan, a reprinted copy of the plan was given to Debbie with the instructions to send it by certified mail to him.

3.                 Adjournment

Chairman Moj adjourned the meeting at 10:20 pm.

Minutes Approved and Accepted on this           day, of

(Two March Meetings)

NOTICE OF MEETING

Big Lost River Ground Water District

— Regular Board Meeting –

This Notice is posted at the Butte County Court House, WD 34 Office in Mackay, and BLRGWD Office in the Arco BIC. This and all meetings of the Board of Directors are public and subject to pertinent Open Meeting Laws.

Date:         Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Time:         1:00 P.M.

Location: Business Incubation Center — Arco, Idaho

Agenda Items and Minutes of the Board Meeting:

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

Chairman Broadie called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Those present were Mike Telford, Jack Jensen, Jake Johnson, Terry Monson, Todd Perkes, Moj Broadie, Mitchell Sorensen, and office manager Debbie Broadie. A list of attending members in the gallery is attached.

2. Approval of Agenda

Jack moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

3. Approval of Feb. 21, 2017 Minutes

Jack moved to approve the minutes as read, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

4.   Old Business

Mike reported the Informational Meeting tentatively scheduled for March 7^th will need to be rescheduled for March 21^st due to scheduling conflicts with IGWA officials.

Jake moved the next Regular Board Meeting (on March 21^st ) be set for 3:00 pm followed by the Informational Meeting to be set for 6:00 to 8:00 pm with both meetings to be held in the Arco BIC, seconded by Mike, voting was unanimous.

Mitchell was assigned to prepare a Notice of Informational meeting for the newspaper, and each Director will conduct a phone call invitation to the members from their respective divisions.

1. Review of Petitions for Exclusion filed in Dec. 2016

The Board reviewed on a case by case basis the first set of Petitions for Exclusion that certified letters had been sent to the respective Petitioners. Each Petitioner, that was present, was given the opportunity to address the Board with questions and comments regarding their petition. The Board generally voted to allow the exclusions with a few petitions being “tabled” until the Mar. 21^st meeting. The specific actions taken by the Board is detailed in the attached Index. Each approved petition will be attached and “inseparably incorporated” into its corresponding Order “granting” the exclusion which will then be recorded with the appropriate Butte or Custer County Recorder with a copy of the same keep on file at the District Office and copies forwarded to IDWR and the Petitioner.

1. Office Manager Report
2. Invoice mailings

Debbie reported that the IDWR Certified List of ground water users contains many errors in addition to incorrect WR owners and their addresses (i.e. duplicative WR listings, combined rate of diversion and places of use limitations, and invalid WRs). The Board discussed how this certified list is still the best and only list available at present, but recognized the need to work with IDWR in getting an updated and corrected Certified List as soon as possible.

Mike moved that a Sub-Committee of the Board, a “Committee of Errors and Omissions”, be formed to first, inquire of IDWR how they would prefer to address the Certified List issue, and second, to commence the correction of the list if IDWR is willing to collaborate and provide a qualified WR Analyst in such an effort, with Jack acting as Committee Chair with Mitchell and Randy Purser as committee members, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

1. Petitions filed in Jan. 2017 and Feb. 2017

Todd reported that he had conducted a cursory review of the remaining “pre-grace period deadline” petitions and found that totals from all submitted Petitions for Exclusion represents approximately 184 cfs, 9,000 acres, and @ 3.00 per acre $27,000.00 in assessment revenues.

Debbie inquired of the Board how the Directors wanted to proceed with the remaining “pre-grace period deadline” pending petitions and when should she send out the certified letters inviting the Petitioners to appear before the Board.

The Board indicated the petitions that were ^t‘tabled” (Lynn Hintze, Marx Hintze and Buyers, and Rick Reynolds) would be heard at the next Board meeting (Mar. 2f ) and that Debbie should sent out the certified letters as she deemed appropriate so the Board could process the remaining “other” petitions in a timely and orderly manner in the upcoming regular board meetings.

Jake “made a motion to hold special meeting April 18^th to review rest of petitions”, seconded by Terry, voting was unanimous.

1. Other items

There were none.

Ill. (2^nd Reading) Draft Policies Series 400

Mitchell moved to table this agenda item until the March 21^st Regular Board Meeting, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

1. Final Preparations for Informational Meeting (March 21, 2017) (See agenda item No. 4)
2. Officers Report

There were no additional reports.

5. Aquifer Stabilization Plan for 2017
6. Review of Monitoring Program — Jaxon Higgs

Jaxon gave a general presentation explaining some of the details of the proposed monitoring of surface river flows and ground water levels. (See Attachment “Big Lost River Valley Ground Water District Data Collection Evaluation, dated March 6, 2017).

Mike moved the monitoring project be authorized and moved forward immediately so data from this year’s high watershed run-off not be lost, and the GWD accept and work in collaboration with Jaxon Higgs (Water Well Consultants), Jake Robertson (Pivotrac), the Butte County Soil and Water District, and Lucas Yockey (Water District 34), seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

1. Review of Draft 2017 Aquifer Stabilization Plan

Mike and Mitchell introduced the Draft 2017 Aquifer Stabilization Plan. During the Board’s review and discussion regarding the Plan a question was raised as to what should or should not be contained in the Plan. It was recognized that the Directors needed adequate time to review the Draft Plan before taking any action.

Mike moved the Draft be thoroughly read and studied by the Directors, and they come prepared to discuss it at the next (March 21^st ) Regular Board Meeting, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

Jack moved he be authorized to write and send to the Director of IDWR a “Pre-Plan” letter informing the Department that the 2017 Aquifer Stabilization Plan would be forth coming, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

6. Member Comments (please sign-up: limit to 3 minutes — no board action at this time) There were no other comments.
7. Executive Session

There was no Executive Session.

8.    Adjournment

2017. The next Regular Board Meeting was affirmed to be held in Arco, Idaho, at the BIC beginning at 3:00 pm followed by the Informational Meeting at the BIC from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, on March 21, 2017.
2018. Chairman Broadie Adjournment the meeting at 4:50 pm.

Minutes Approved and Accepted

 

 

2nd Meeting:

NOTICE OF MEETING

Big Lost River Ground Water District

— Regular Board Meeting –

This Notice is posted at the Butte County Court House, WD 34 Office in Mackay, and BLRGWD Office in the Arco BIC. This and all meetings of the Board of Directors are public and subject to pertinent Open Meeting Laws.

Date:          Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Time:         1:00 P.M.

Location: Business Incubation Center — Arco, Idaho

Agenda Items and Minutes of the Board Meeting:

1.                 Call to Order and Roll Call

Chairman Broadie called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Those present were Mike Telford, Jack Jensen, Jake Johnson, Terry Monson, Todd Perkes, Moj Broadie, Mitchell Sorensen, and office manager Debbie Broadie. A list of attending members in the gallery is attached.

2.                 Approval of Agenda

Jack moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

3.                 Approval of Feb. 7, 2017 Minutes

Mike moved to approve the minutes as read, seconded by Jack, voting was unanimous.

4.                 Old Business

l. Review Notice Re: Address Correction Request and Invoice Due Date
Mitchell read the proposed notice to the Board and asked if it met with their approval. It was suggested the notice include a statement that IDWR Change of Address forms are available at the District office.

Mike moved the revised notice be published in the Arco Advertiser the first week in March, April, and May, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

ll. Office Manager Report – invoice mailings and petitions
Debbie reported all the invoices are prepared and ready to be mailed to District members including those members who had filed a Petition for Exclusion. The Board briefly reviewed the 7 or 8 Petitions for Exclusion that had been submitted and instructed Debbie to respond to those members by certified mail asking them to appear at the Mar. 7th board meeting to discuss their respective petitions. The Board explained again that water users having WRs totaling less than .05 cfs will not be assessed at this time because they were not given any voting credential. Debbie indicated she would mail the invoice billings by the end of the month (Feb. 28th) and expressed her appreciation to Jack for his help in preparing the mailings. A revised schedule of organizational costs, bank statement, and Trial Balance statement was reviewed by the Board, initialed by each Director, and attached to these minutes.

Ill. (2nd Reading) Mission and Vision Statement, Draft Policies Series 100 — 300
The Board reviewed the mission statement and policy series 100 — 200 — 300, and scheduled the 400-500 series to be reviewed at the next board meeting (Mar. 7th).

Mike moved to adopt the mission statement and the 100 — 200 — 300 series policies, seconded by Jack, voting was unanimous.

Jack then moved these adopted policies, approved minutes, and other official documents of the District be posted on the proposed new Website, and Todd be authorized to develop that site with the assistance of technical experts, seconded by Terry, voting was unanimous.

IV. Chairman Broadie Report— Call to IDWR
Moj reported his phone call with Tim Luke of IDWR was extremely positive. Tim indicated the two letters sent by the GWD regarding the potential GWMA and CGWA designation had been well received by the Director and are being considered as the Department continues to evaluate the management of water in the Big Lost River Basin. Tim did not think the Director was likely to curtail any ground water users in the Big Lost River Basin this year, but he did encouraged Moj to continue working on the stabilization plan and keep moving the District forward. Department officials said they are having an intra office meeting on March 2nd with the Director to review the petition for a critical ground water area and our letters would be a major part of their discussions. Mitchell then read the Jan. 18, 2017 letter so everyone (directors and gallery members) would be reminded what the District was trying to do for ground water users.

V. IGWA Membership
Membership in IGWA was again discussed. It was explained that membership fees would be fairly small and the more expensive assessments resulting from mitigation burdens are different and are binding on only those GWDs which subscribe by participation agreement. The Board then discussed how to best provide information to the members of the District and how we could benefit from the expertise IGWA has at their disposal.

Mike moved to invite Lynn Tominaga and TJ Budge (if they are available) to an evening presentation following the next Board meeting on Mar. 7th, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous. Mitchell will contact them to see if they are available.

5.                  Aquifer Stabilization and Potential Mitigation Plan for 2017

a.     Why?

l.                   (May 29, 2016 IDWR Report to County Commissioners – Discussed Jan. 3, 2017 and subsequently) ll. (Nov. 2, 2016 IDWR Order Designating GWMA Discussed Jan. 3, 2017 and subsequently)

(Jan. 7, 2017 IDWR Final Order Curtailing Jun. 20, 1989 Priorities – Discussed Feb. 7, 2017)

b.     What?

l.                   (Dennis Owsley L.R. Aquifer Report — Discussed Dec. 2015 and subsequently) ll. (Sentinel Wells and Monitoring GW levels Jaxon Higgs — Discussed Feb. 7, 2017)

. Jaxon Higgs — Proposed GW Monitoring Program Report

Mike read a text message report from Jaxon regarding the monitoring program. A copy of that text is attached. Mike will invite Jaxon to the Mar. 7th regular board meeting so he can provide the Board with more details and give the directors opportunity to inquire and better understand the monitoring program.

IV. Randy Purser— BCSWD GW Monitoring

Randy Purser, representing the Soil and Water District, expressed the conservation district wants to participate and contribute financial support to the aquifer level monitoring program in the basin. He also offered the services of the conservation district to work with the GWD in developing a joint Website. Jack moved to authorize Todd to purse that offer, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

c.      How?

l.                   Mike Telford — What are your Ideas?

Mike led a general discussion of the Board and gallery members regarding the possibilities of how the GWD might stabilize the basin’s aquifer. Those “5 sheets” of notes have been converted to the attached synopsis. These ideas and possibilities are intended to be reviewed regularly and used as building components in the short and long term Aquifer Stabilization Plans.

(Secretary’s note: Because one of the members asked “what does stabilization mean?” the following is provided. Stabilize; 1) to make stable orfirm 2) to keep from changing orfluctuating, 3) to inhibit or prevent decline orfailure, 4) to return to equilibrium or to its original position after having been displaced.) ll. (2017 Aquifer Stabilization Plan           Draft) Report and Discussion

The Board reviewed the “introduction” and “disclaimer” of the Plan and expressed general support for moving forward with more detailed components which incorporated the ideas of the “5 sheets”. Mitchell and Mike were asked to prepare a “Draft” of the Plan for Board review.

6.                  Member Comments (please sign-up: limit to 3 minutes — no board action at this time)

Members had previously contributed comments regarding the “5 sheet” discussion. Other comments dealt with “opt-out” and “exclusion” questions. Members were reminded of the “grace period” and advised to act according to their own judgement.

7.                  Executive Session No action.

8.                  Adjournment

th

The Board determined to hold the next regular board meeting (Mar. 7) in Arco at the BIC and the (Mar. 2f) meeting in Mackay at the WD34 Office. Chairman Broadie then declared the meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m.

Minutes Approved and Accepted

 

NOTICE OF MEETING

Big Lost River Ground Water District

Regular Board Meeting –

This Notice is posted at the Butte County Court House, WD 34 Office in Mackay, and BLRGWD Office in the Arco BIC. This and all meetings of the Board of Directors are public and subject to pertinent Open Meeting Laws.

Date:          Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Time:          1:00 P.M.

Location: Business Incubation Center, Suite 106, Arco, Idaho

Agenda Items and Minutes of the Board Meeting:

1.                 Call to Order and Roll Call

Chairman Broadie called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Those present were Mike Telford, Terry Monson, Todd Perkes, Mitchell Sorensen, Moj Broadie, Jack Jensen, Jake Johnson, and office manager Debbie Broadie. A list of attending members in the gallery is attached.

2.                 Approval of Agenda

Mike moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Jack, voting was unanimous.

3.                 Approval of Jan. 3, 2017 Minutes

Mike moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Jack, voting was unanimous.

4.           Assessment Policy and Methodology, Assessment Book, and First Year Invoices
Todd introduced a redrafted I’Draft of Projected Income/Expenses” schedule and a sample page of the “Assessment Book”. The Board directed the $91, 511.72 of non-categorized projected revenue/expenditures be designated as 20% Reserves and 70% Contingencies and 10% additional Operational Costs. Debbie presented a schedule of some of the organization costs, accounts payable, and a form letter to be provided to members who need to update their mailing address (handout schedules and tables attached). The board then discussed when the invoice billings would be sent out, due dates, and mailing address corrections.

Mike moved: a. the Certified IDWR List of WR Owners be used for mailing purposes,

b. an “address correction” form be sent to known WR Owners that need address updating,

c.  the normal “due date” of 30 days after invoice mailing be extended to May 1, 2017 with no penalty until 30 days after the May 1st date,

d. and, a newspaper notice be prepared explaining the invoice due date and need for address updates.

Terry seconded the motion, voting was unanimous.

Jack indicated he would be willing to assist Debbie in reviewing the address corrections and help ensure all invoices are sent to the current WR owner.

Jack then moved the 2017 Assessment Invoices be sent out within the next 2 weeks (by Feb. 21st), Todd seconded, and voting was unanimous.

Mitchell moved to approve the payment of checks as presented by Debbie, Jack seconded, and voting was unanimous.

5.        Draft Policy Development

The draft Policies of BLRGWD were introduced by Mitchell. Board members were asked to review them before the next board meeting. It was suggested the 100 – 300 series be scheduled for board review and action at the next board meeting. Other series will be scheduled for subsequent meetings.

6.          Approved Public Information Meeting Development and Schedule
Items identified in this Board meeting as possible content for public informational meetings include

“Assessment Methodology”, “Stabilization Plan”, “IGWA Membership”, and “GW Level Monitoring Programs”. The consensus thinking of the directors was, as these issues evolve and are developed at the board level they will eventually need to be presented to the members of the GWD for educational purposes in an approved and properly structured presentation.

7.                  Aquifer Stabilization and Potential Mitigation for 2017

a.     Why?

l.                     (May 29, 2016 IDWR Report to County Commissioners – Discussed Jan. 3, 2017) ll. (Jan. 7, 2017 IDWR Final Order Curtailing Jun. 20, 1989 Priorities — Discussed Feb. 7, 2017)

This curtailment order was briefly reviewed by the Board, with the relevant parts being highlighted that could be applied in future curtailment orders in the Big Lost River Basin. This review was intended to help Directors and members understand how curtailment and possible stay of curtailment by participation in a GWD’s approved mitigation plan or settlement agreement might be applied in our local basin. It was emphasized the current ESPA boundary lines is the legal mechanism that is protecting the Big Lost River Basin from the SWC type of delivery calls, and that protection would not change simply by joining IGWA.

b.     What?

l.                     (Dennis Owsley L.R. Aquifer Report — Discussed Dec. 2015) ll. (Sentinel Wells and Monitoring GW levels — Jaxon Higgs — Discussed Feb. 7, 2017)

Jaxon Higgs of Water Well Consultants, Inc. gave a presentation regarding the delivery calls from the

ESPA, trim and boundary lines, and how these and local calls might affect ground water users in the Big Lost River Basin in the future. He then showed a map of existing monitoring wells in the Big Lost and discussed how additional data from within the valley would help the GWD better understand what and how a mitigation and/or stabilization plan would benefit from having additional data.

Mike moved: a. Jaxon be authorized to collaborate with IDWR to evaluate where six (6) additional monitoring sites would yield the best data,

b. Jaxon would prepare a monitoring plan to be presented to the Board at the next board meeting (Feb. 21st),

c. Expenses for this project be limited to $1,000.00,

d. The well monitoring map would be overlaid with the Managed Recharge sites,

e. The bill for this project would not be due until after assessment revenues were collected.

Jake seconded the motion, Terry voted No (due to funding concerns) all other Directors voted Yes.

Chairman Broadie was asked to call IDWR, Matt Weaver, to verify the receipt of the previously mailed letters dated Jan. 5, 2017 and Jan. 18, 2017 regarding the possible designation of a GWMA or CGMA in the Big Lost River Basin. Moj will report at the next Board meeting.

c.      How?

The Board expressed it was time for BLRGWD to begin the process of writing a “2017 Stabilization Plan”. This plan will take some time to develop and draft versions will be referred to and updated regularly. The first components should include: 2017 snow pack projections, monitoring programs, and recharge participation and development. Secretary Sorensen was asked to prepare a first draft by the next Board Meeting.

8.                  Petition Requests

Debbie reported that five (5) Petitions for Exclusion had been submitted. This petitions referenced ground water rights having a total quantity of 9.59 cfs. The Board decided to discuss how to process these petitions given the likelihood of potential litigation in executive session.

9.                  Member and Public Comments (please sign-up: limit to 3 minutes — no board action at this time) Members in the gallery that had indicated they had comments had no further comments.

10.        Executive Session
The Board met in executive session and then came out of session.

Todd moved the petitioners, on an individual basis, be invited by certified mail to come to the tentatively scheduled March 7th Board Meeting to discuss their respective Petition for Exclusion. Seconded by Terry, voting was unanimous.

Mike moved the next meeting to be held on Feb. 21, 2017 at the WD 34 Office in Mackay, Idaho. Seconded by Mitchell, voting was unanimous.

11.        Adjournment
At 4:50 p.m. Mitchell moved to adjourn,

Seconded by Todd„ voting was unanimous.

Minutes Approved and Accepted

NOTICE OF MEETING

Big Lost River Ground Water District

— Regular Board Meeting –

This Notice is posted at the Butte County Court House, Water District 34 Office, and the Moore and Arco Post Offices. This and all meetings of the Board of Directors are public and subject to pertinent Open Meeting Laws.

Date:
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Time:
1:00 P.M.
Location:
WD 34 Office in Mackay, Idaho

Agenda Items:  (and minutes)

1.           Call to Order and Roll Call

Chairman Broadie called the meeting to order at 1:02 p.m.

All Directors were present: : Mike Telford by telephone, Jack Jensen, Jake Johnson, Moj Broadie, Mitchell Sorensen,

Terry Monson, Todd Perkes, and Manager Debbie Broadie. A list of attending members is attached.

2.           Approval of Agenda

Todd moved to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Jack, voting was unanimous.

3.           Approval of Dec. 20, 2016 Minutes

Jack moved to accept the Dec. 20, 2016 minutes as presented, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

4.      Old Business
a.)     Office location and rental agreement

Jake reported the City of Mackay building has available office space. Todd also reported the Arco BIC has available office space. Mitchell moved Manger Broadie and Treasurer Perkes be authorized to sign a six (6) month agreement will BIC using funds from the Butte County reimbursement of the bond money for rent and office table, chairs, cabinets, and computer equipment, seconded by Todd, Jack abstained, all other directors voted yes.

b.)    ICRMP Update

Jim McKelvey presented a brief history and explanation of Idaho Counties Risk Management Plan (ICRMP) and reported coverage could be provided for $1,200.00 per year, or $900.00 for the remaining % of this year. This would provide standard coverage of “Errors and Omissions, Liabilities, and Facilities”. Moved by Mitchell to authorized Jim to bind the policy, seconded by Jack, voting was unanimous.

c.)     Revised Mission and Vision Statement

The previous board’s revisions of the mission statement were noted along with a spelling error. The statements will continue to be used and subject to review as needed.

d.)    Steering Committee Motions

A copy of the steering Committee motions was included in the board packet for later reference and consideration.

e.)     Custer County Letter

Jake introduced the concerns members were having with the duration of the “grace period” and the “petition for exclusion” form. Todd clarified the difference between “Opt-Out” and “Exclusion” forms and the time frame for their respective usage. Gallery members also raised questions regarding “otherwise, and handbook” forms and what is the requisite information of any of the forms. Members were reminded the exclusion form provided by the board represented what the director’s perspective of what minimal information requirements is described in Idaho Code and that the form was intended to only provide some assistance to those members who are considering being excluded from the GWD. At the request of members and Custer County Commissioners letters the board discussed how a legal review of the forms might be obtained without adding undue expense and frustration to everyone. Mike moved the board get a legal opinion of the various forms and extend the “grace period” to March 1, 2017, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.

(It should be noted thatfollowing the passage of the previous motion, most of the members in the gallery left the meeting without listening to the balance of the business conducted by the board.)

The draft letter to Custer County Commissioners, with attachments, was reviewed and expanded to include a response to the December 28, 2016 second letter from the commissioners which has included in the board packet. Jack moved to authorize and send an expanded response letter to Custer County Commissioner’s two letters, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous. (copy on file)

f.)      Review draft Letter 1

The draft letter to Director Spackman regarding the Designation of the Big Lost River as a Ground Water Management Area was reviewed. Moved by Jack to send this letter to Director Spackman, seconded by Todd, voting was unanimous. (copy on file)

g.)     Review draft Letter 2

The draft letter to Director Spackman regarding the Response to Petition to Create a Critical Ground Water Area was reviewed. Moved by Jack to send this letter to Director Spackman two weeks after Letter 1 was sent, seconded by Terry, voting was unanimous. (copy on file)

h.)     Draft 2017 Budget Revisions

No action was taken at this time. The revisions to the budget will be discussed at a subsequent meeting.

5.            Aquifer Stabilization and Potential Mitigation for 2017 [the Why(s)-What(s)-and How(s)]

a.)     Why?

The Report of the Idaho Department of Water Resources dated May 29, 2016 IN THE MATTER OF THE

PETITION TO FORM THE BIG LOST RIVER GROUND WATER DISTRICT that was sent to the Butte County Commissioners during the formation of BLRGWD was charted on the white board and discussed with some detail. Board members and members who remained in the gallery expressed they had a better understanding of (Why?) the GWD was formed and (Why?) it is now doing what it is doing.

b.)    What?

No discussion at this time, but this matter will be discussed in subsequent meetings.

c.)     How?

No discussion at this time, but this matter will be discussed in subsequent meetings.

6.            Member and Public Comments (please sign-up: limit to 3 minutes —no board action at this time) As noted above, most members had left the meeting.

Executive Session

No motion to go into executive session.

8.      Adjournment
Todd moved to adjourn at 4:34 p.m., with the next board meeting to be held on February 7, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the new BIC Office or adjoining conference room, seconded by Jake, voting was unanimous.