Former Board Member Passes Away

Howard Riley of Payson and long term board member pasted away recently in St. George Utah.
William Howard Riley
1926 ~ 2012
His back is straight, his legs are strong, he is running his last marathon! William Howard Riley passed away peacefully February 25, 2012 after suffering a massive stroke. He walked through the veil, leaving loved ones behind and being welcomed by loved ones at the other side. He entered mortality on April 18, 1926 in Woods Cross, Utah and was lovingly welcomed by his parents, William Ellis Riley and Sylvia Lavon Howard Riley.
At the age of eighteen, Howard enlisted in the United States Navy and served for two years in World War Two, serving in the Pacific, specifically Okinawa, Guam, Philippines, and Iwo Jima. He witnessed the raising of the infamous flag on Iwo Jima. After returning from the war, he married his life-long sweetheart, Shirley Roberts in the Salt Lake Temple on September 18, 1946. They were blessed with five beautiful children, Deena, Alan, Kay, Lisa and Nanette.
In 1953, the Riley family moved to Payson, Utah and became fruit farmers, an occupation that was the answer to Howard's dreams. His motto in life has been, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to work for what you want in life', and he has appreciated the fact that he was able to teach this principle to his children and grandchildren, growing up on a farm. Howard became involved in civic affairs, serving as PTA president, two years as a Payson City Councilman and four years as Mayor of Payson. He was also active in the irrigation water affairs of the area, serving as a director of the Strawberry Water Users Association for thirty years, and serving as a member of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District board for twenty five years. Over the years, he has received numerous awards for his expertise in the farming industry. However, he always declared that the best crop he ever raised was his family. In 2001, the family orchard was sold and Howard and Shirley moved to St. George, Utah.
Howard loved his Father in Heaven and he served Him well, such as Young Men's president, Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, Elders Quorum President, Bishopric Counselor, Stake High Councilor and at the age of eighty five he and Shirley became the greeters' in their beloved St. George ward.
At the age of fifty-two Howard ran his first marathon and continued with other marathons until at a later age he was forced to change his pace to bicycling. Throughout his life he was an example of strength and commitment to his posterity. At the age of fifty-four Howard and Shirley adopted a four-year-old disabled granddaughter and felt blessed to have her in their home for twenty-two years. During the last six years they have spent one hour daily with her in a special Care facility. Howard's life has been one of service, not only to his country, community, church and family, but those who crossed his path with special needs of their own. He will be remembered by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four grandchildren. His is survived by his wife, Shirley, five children and their mates, twenty-four grandchildren and thirty-three great grandchildren, a sister and a sister-in-law.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Maple Dell Ward Chapel, 300 S. Main, Payson, Utah, at 11:00 A.M. with viewing from 9:45 to 10:45. Viewing will be held Friday, March 2, 2012 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Walker Mortuary, Payson,Utah. Interment will be in the Bountiful City cemetery.

River Commissioner Releases February Report

John Mendenhall, Spanish Fork river commissioner released the following report of precipitation for the past month.
Spanish Fork Water Commissioner’s Report
Strawberry Water Users Association
Board Meeting
February 8, 2012
_______________________________________

Precipitation at the Spanish Fork Power Plant for the month of January 2012 was 2.84 in. compared to .65 in. January 2011. Precipitation at the Power Plant was about average, but most of our precipitation in two rain events.
Today, February 8, 2012, the natural flow of the Spanish Fork River is approximately 80 cfs. Last year at this time the Spanish Fork River was flowing about 65 cfs. Delivery from Strawberry Reservoir today is approximately 35 cfs for minimum fish flows. Total flow in the Spanish Fork River today is about 115 cfs.
Snow pack in the Spanish Fork drainage remains much below average. Most locations report between 49% and 60% ove average now water content. Winter is winding down, and we only have a few weeks of time to put down some serious snow pack to be held until later in the spring to give us a sustained run off in the river. Storms that come after the first of March can be significant, but as quickly as they come, they go almost as quickly. Those storms after February just don’t seem to help or long term outlook when to comes to run off.
Now spring is around the corner and the weather that we will see at that time will control our water destiny.
Pray for snow!

John F. Mendenhall,
Spanish Fork Water Commissioner

SWUA Sets SVP Rate For 2012

The board approved the 2012 SVP water charge of $5.00 per share for the 2012 irrigation season. This rate is based on an estimate of previous years rate charges as levied by the CUP for maintenance of the syar tunnel and other related delivery costs. This cost has increased each year and is not expected to level or decrease until additional CUP water is used for M&I use stated Garry Brown, irrigation chairman. Brown went onto say that the cost would be substantially more but that SWUA investment returns and power generation have offset the delivery charges to the individual stockholder.

Unofficial January Board Meeting Minutes Posted For Board Approval

STRAWBERRY WATER USERS ASSOCIATION
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

January 11, 2012
The Strawberry Water Users Association Board of Directors held a regular board meeting in the Association’s office at Payson, Utah, Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.
Thirteen directors were present with Neil Sorensen, Dan Williams, Dale Rowley being absent. Jeremy Sorensen, Shawn Thomas, Ed Vidmar with The Bureau of Reclamation were also in attendance. Shawn Thomas recorded the minutes.
President Calvin Crandall conducted the meeting. President Crandall offered the invocation and Kevin Anderson led the group in the pledge of allegiance.

Approval of the Minutes
Blair Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Kevin Anderson, approving the minutes of the regular board meeting as amended held December 13, 2011. It was unanimously approved.
President Crandall introduced Niel Strong with Strong & Strong, LC.
Fiscal Year End 9/30/2011 - Audited Financial Statement Niel Strong with Strong & Strong, LC reviewed the draft audited financial statement for the year ending September 30, 2011.
J. Merrill Hallam arrived at the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Mr. Strong excused himself from the meeting.

Power Committee
Generation Chairman Robert McMullin reported on the hydro generation for December 2011.
Chairman McMullin reported that the Payson Power Plant went down on December 16th and may be down for two to three months. The repairs are expected to cost approximately $10,000. Chairman McMullin gave an update on activities with Bill Simmons.
Other Chairman McMullin expressed appreciation to staff for their work on the proposed budget.

Irrigation Committee
River Commissioner's Report Chairman Jesse Warren reviewed the Spanish Fork River Commissioner’s written report that is maintained in SWUA’s files.
2012 Delivery Charge Chairman Warren reported that the committee recommends increasing the delivery fee by .49 cents. That will make the fee for 2012 $5.00 per acre foot.
Robert Riding made a motion, seconded by Jesse Warren, to increase the 2012 delivery fee by .49 cents this will bring the total fee to $5.00 per foot. It was approved with Kelly Lewis opposed.
Other The annual State Engineers meeting will be held January 24th at 10:00 a.m. at the High Chaparral Building in Spanish Fork.

Finance Committee
Disbursements and Expenses
Robert McMullin made a motion, seconded by Quentin Francom, approving payment of the invoices, and checks previously written as presented. It was unanimously approved.
Financial Reports and Investments Chairman Kevin Anderson reported on SWUA’s investments.
Budget
Robert McMullin made a motion, seconded by Scott Phillips, approving the budget with the recommended breakdown on costs and revenue. It was unanimously approved.
Scott Phillips asked what the plans are for the occupants in the large warehouse due to non payment. Robert McMullin gave staff the number for an attorney to call and get a recommendation.
Colton Capital Call Chairman Anderson reported that staff sent a letter requesting additional information but have not received a response.

Water Policy Committee
BOR Policy Update - Footnote 6 Chairman Garry Brown reported that a meeting is scheduled for January 12th with the local cities to discuss footnote 6.
Return Flows Chairman Garry Brown reported that the next hearing date is January 26, 2012.
Other
Quentin Francom made a motion, seconded by Jesse Warren, approving SWUA work with SHLCC on their request to lien properties with outstanding balances. It was unanimously approved.

Properties and Development Committee
Large Warehouse Chairman Quentin Francom reported that the committee recommends SWUA evict the occupants in the large warehouse for nonpayment.
Jesse Warren made a motion, seconded by Garry Brown, approving the eviction of the occupants in the large warehouse for nonpayment and contact council for legal recommendation. It was unanimously approved.

Maintenance & Water Conservation Projects No report.
Kelly Lewis reported on the Friends of Strawberry meeting.
Other Ed Vidmar reported that the pipeline being installed by Spanish Fork City at the mouth of Spanish Fork canyon must be installed underground.

Public Affairs Committee
Resolution
Robert McMullin made a motion, seconded by Jesse Warren, approving a resolution for Clair Anderson. It was unanimously approved.
SWUA Annual Meeting Chairman J. Merrill Hallam suggested that that the location for the annual meeting be rotated each year. Generally schools can be scheduled for these types of events at low to no cost.

Other
President Crandall asked Blair Hamilton how much longer his term is for the Utah Water Users Association. Blair reported that he has one more year remaining.
Process for the Election of Officers Reviewed Directors that desire to be an officer of SWUA need to declare their candidacy to the SWUA office two weeks before the February 8th SWUA board meeting and the names of those candidates will be distributed to all directors after the two week window expires by phone, email, etc.

Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm.

Date Approved Jeremy Sorensen, Secretary Treasurer

February Board Meeting Agenda Posted

STRAWBERRY WATER USERS ASSOCIATION
Board of Director’s Meeting – February 8, 2012 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Welcome and Introductions 7:00

2. Approval of Minutes – January 11, 2012

3. PROPERTIES & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 7:10

a. Maintenance & Water Conservation Projects – Status Report
b. Friends of Strawberry – Kelly Lewis

4. WATER POLICIES COMMITTEE 7:30

a. BOR policy update (Footnote 6 changes)
b. Return Flows

5. FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE 7:50
a. Disbursements & Expenses
b. Financial Reports & Investment

6. IRRIGATION COMMITTEE8:10
a. River Commissioner’s Report
b. Change of Place of Use Requests
c. Signed Water Dedication Agreements (WDA)

7. POWER COMMITTEE 8:30

a. Lobbyist Report
b. Generation

8. PUBLIC AFFAIRS 8:50

9. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 9:10

10. OTHER BUSINESS 9:15

a. Elections
b. March Board Meeting

Lottie Anderson Recieves Board Recognition

Lottie Anderson, wife of former board member Clair Anderson accepted a plague in recognition of the years spent on the SWUA board by her late husband. Board president Calvin Crandall thanked Lottie for her support of Clair for many years of service to the water users and for the time that he was required to spend away from home. Clair and Lotties' sons Wayne and Kevin were in attendance at the meeting with their mother. Kevin currently serves on the SWUA board representing district 11.

Repairs to Payson Hydro Plant Under Way

The payson hydro plant was taken offline due to damage. Repairs are currently in progress. Updates and photos coming.

Four Directors Elected At Annual Meeting

Four directors were elected at the annual stockholders meetings on January 28th. Those elected were Robert Riding, Guy Larsen, Dale Rowley and J.Merrill Hallam. These directors will serve the districts which elected them for a four year term.

Robert Riding District 9

Guy Larson District 5

Dale Rowley District 1

J.Merrill Hallam District 13