March Board Minutes

STRAWBERRY WATER USERS ASSOCIATION
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

March 6, 2012
The Strawberry Water Users Association Board of Directors held a regular board meeting in the Association’s office at Payson, Utah, Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.
Twelve directors were present with Neil Sorensen, Dan Ellsworth, Jesse Warren, Robert McMullin being absent. Jeremy Sorensen, Shawn Thomas and Ed Vidmar with The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) were also in attendance. Shawn Thomas recorded the minutes.
President Calvin Crandall conducted the meeting. Dale Rowley offered the invocation and Kelly Lewis led the group in the pledge of allegiance.
Approval of the Minutes
Dale Rowley made a motion, seconded by Garry Brown, approving the minutes of the regular board meeting held February 8, 2012 with noted changes. It was unanimously approved.
Power Committee
Lobbyist Report President Crandall reported on the trip to Washington D.C. concerning the tax legislation.

Generation Vice Chairman Dan Williams reported that he took individuals from Hydro Power Capital on a tour of potential generation sites.

J. Merrill Hallam arrived to the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Vice Chairman Dan Williams reported that the Payson Power Plant is back on line. The board viewed pictures of the progress of work at the Payson plant.

Irrigation Committee
River Commissioner's Report Dale Rowley reviewed the Spanish Fork River Commissioner’s written report that is maintained in SWUA’s files.
Assessments Dale reported that when assessments are billed for this year the annual interest will be again applied. It had been removed for two years to allow the cities to pay up on late assessments and try to get those accounts signed up on WDA’s.

Other
Dale reported that CUWCD has indicated that because of additional work needed on the sleeve valves the completion date has been moved back to approximately April 16th.
We have received CUWCD’s O&M bill it is approximately $159,402.
Dam Tenders Training Jeremy Sorensen reported that the BOR’s Dam Tender training is coming up and he would like to send one employee.
Blair Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Quentin Francom, approving the funds to send one employee to the BOR Dam Tenders training. It was unanimously approved.
Change of Place of Use and Water Deeds No requests.
Signed Water Dedication Agreements (WDA)
There were twenty four Water Dedication Agreements presented to be ratified by the board:
• 50 from Payson City/Strawberry High Line Canal Company for a combined total of 59.31 acre feet
A listing of these agreements will be kept in the SWUA files.
Guy Larson made a motion, seconded by Scott Phillips, to ratify the Water Dedication Agreements presented to the board. It was unanimously approved.
Finance Committee
Disbursements and Expenses
Dale Rowley made a motion, seconded by Kelly Lewis, 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.

Water Policy Committee
Other Chairman Garry Brown reported that House Bill 485 requires all parties to sign the change application on federal water.
Chairman Brown reported on the Family Farm Alliance annual conference held in Las Vegas. A lot of time was spent discussing the proposed footnote 6 changes.
Properties and Development Committee
Maintenance & Water Conservation Projects Chairman Quentin Francom reported on the Maintenance & Water Conservation Projects and then photos of the projects were shown.
Large Warehouse Chairman Quentin Francom reported that the possession bond is being processed on the large warehouse. Guy Larson suggested that two people be present when Bella Granite moves from the warehouse. Dale Rowley suggested putting new locks on the warehouse.

Scott Phillips made a motion, seconded by Kelly Lewis, approving the attorney move forward with the possession bond. It was unanimously approved.
Vacant SWUA Home Chairman Francom reported that the committee recommends renting the vacant SWUA home to Justin White for $550 per month Mr. White would have the utilities changed over into his name.
Scott Phillips made a motion, seconded by Kelly Lewis, approving renting the vacant SWUA home to Justin White for $550 per month he pays the utilities and a $550 deposit and sign a rental contract. It was unanimously approved.
Diamond Fork Gauging Station Chairman Francom reported that Jeremy Sorensen has an appointment next week to meet with Reed Murray to discuss the status of the proposed Diamond Fork Gauging station.

Friends of Strawberry No report.

Public Affairs Committee
Chairman J. Merrill Hallam indicated that if anyone has ideas or something they would like posted to the blog get it to J. Merrill.

Other Business
Jeremy Sorensen reported that he recently spoke with Gene Shawcroft concerning the issue of CUWCD possibly going back under the umbrella of the BOR. Mr. Shawcroft asked if SWUA would support CUWCD in whatever decision they make.
The board discussed this issue at length. The question was asked if CUWCD would lose their current federal funding or if it would be transferred to the BOR’s budget.
Guy Larson made a motion, seconded by Blair Hamilton, approving SWUA take a neutral position on the issue of CUWCD possibly going back under the umbrella of the BOR. The motion failed with a vote of five in favor and six against.
Garry Brown made a motion, seconded by Scott Phillips, approving SWUA support CUWCD as long as it is in the best interest of SWUA shareholders, and south Utah County. It was unanimously approved.

Committee Assignments
President Crandall handed out committee assignments and gave everyone time to look over their respective assignments.
Dale Rowley made a motion seconded by Kevin Anderson to approve the SWUA committee assignments. It was unanimously approved.
Other
Quentin Francom asked if footnote 6 is going to be a discussion item at the Utah Water Users conference in St. George this month. Blair Hamilton responded that footnote 6 is not on the agenda to discuss.

Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.

SWUA General Manager Elected to State Board

Jeremy Sorensen, SWUA general manager was elected to the Utah Water Users Association board of directors at the annual meeting held recently in St. George. Jeremy will represent water associations on the board. He joins long time board member Blair Hamilton on the board. SWUA will be well represented within the state on water issues.

March River Report

Precipitation at the Spanish Fork Power Plant for the month of February 2012 was 2.40 in. compared to 1.91 in. February 2011. Precipitation at the Power Plant was about average.

Today, March 5, 2012, the natural flow of the Spanish Fork River is approximately 105 cfs. Last year at this time the Spanish Fork River was flowing about 90 cfs. Delivery from Strawberry Reservoir today is approximately 35 cfs for minimum fish flows. Total flow in the Spanish Fork River today is about 140 cfs.

Snow pack in the Spanish Fork drainage is still below average. Most locations report around 60% of average snow water content. In most years, snow pack that we receive after the first of March doesn’t help much with our run-off in the spring. Snow at this time of year can be heavy, but it melts just about as fast as it came. So now we wait to see what kind of weather spring brings us.

The Mapleton / Springville Lateral canal gate has developed a crack and must be replaced. Upon inspection, there have been a few options discussed, but we have not made a decision as to how to repair or replace it, but we will work with the canal companies and get it fixed before the irrigation season begins.

John F. Mendenhall,
Spanish Fork Water Commissioner

Calvin Crandall Elected President For 2012

Cavin Crandall was elected president of the SWUA association at the February board meeting. Quintin Francom was elected vice president and Jeremy Sorensen was elected as general manager. These postions are voted on each year by the board of directors.

Utah Water Users Association Workshop

UTAH WATER USERS WORKSHOP MEETING SCHEDULE
Monday, March 12, 2012
8:30 am Golf Tournament
Valderra Golf Club at the Ledges, St. George, Utah
2:00-7:00 pm Registration for Workshop in the lobby of the Dixie Center
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
7:00 am-1:30 pm Registration for Workshop
7:30-8:30 am Continental Breakfast
8:30-8:35 am Welcome – Utah Water Users Association – Carly Burton, Garden Room
8:35-9:35 am General Session A— National Water Issues—Tom Donnelly, Garden Room
9:35-10:00 am Break—Refreshments in Vendor Exhibit Hall
Ballroom Ballroom Ballroom Ballroom Sunbrook Entrada Auditorium Garden
A C E F A/B B/C Room
10:00 am *1 30 21 37 33 10 42
11:00 am 2 12 20 32 26 34 43 *5
11:45-1:00 pm Lunch on your own [**Note: Lunch available at Dixie Center**]
1:00 pm *6 38 22 24 *14 35 41
2:00 pm *6 13 29 36 27 17 *1
3:00 pm - - 4 5 39 25 40
4:00-5:00 pm Utah Water Users Association Business Meeting in Sunbrook A/B
Financial Report—Election of Officers
6:30 pm Banquet—Entertainment—Ryan Shupe & “The Rubber Bands”
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
7:00-9:00 am Registration for Workshop
8:30-am General Session B—Utah Water Outlook—Randy Julander and Brian McInerney, Garden Room
9:30-10:00 am Break—Refreshments in Vendor Exhibit Hall
Ballroom Ballroom Ballroom Ballroom Sunbrook Entrada Auditorium
A C E F A/B B/C
10:00 am 16 3 7 15 28 *14 11
11:00 am 9 8 18 23 19 31 44
12:00 noon Lunch on your own – Meeting adjourned
2:00 pm Board of Water Resources Meeting, Crystal Inn

Unofficial February Board Meeting Minutes Posted For Board Approval

STRAWBERRY WATER USERS ASSOCIATION
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

February 8, 2012
The Strawberry Water Users Association Board of Directors held a regular board meeting in the Association’s office at Payson, Utah, Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.
Thirteen directors were present with Neil Sorensen, Dale Rowley, Robert McMullin being absent. Jeremy Sorensen, Shawn Thomas and Alan Christensen with The Bureau of Reclamation were also in attendance. Shawn Thomas recorded the minutes.
President Calvin Crandall conducted the meeting. Garry Brown offered the invocation and Dan Ellsworth led the group in the pledge of allegiance.
Approval of the Minutes
Jesse Warren made a motion, seconded by Quentin Francom, approving the minutes of the regular board meeting held January 11, 2012. It was unanimously approved.
Blair Hamilton indicated that during the January board meeting he reported that he has one year remaining on his term on the Utah Water Users board. That is not correct this is the last year of that term.
Guy Larson asked how much is budgeted for wages in 2012, and requested a copy of the average budgeted wages for 2012.
Properties and Development Committee
Large Warehouse Chairman Quentin Francom reported that the occupant of the large warehouse has indicated that he would pay $7,000 for back rent in addition to the current rent for three months. The attorney is drafting an agreement with the payment arrangements as stated. If the payment schedule is not followed they will be evicted.
Dan Ellsworth suggested we work with the renters to get an agreement in place.
Scott Phillips arrived at the meeting at 7:16 p.m.
Quentin Francom made a motion, seconded by Kelly Lewis, approving the attorney draft an agreement outlining the payment schedule with the renter of the large warehouse. It was unanimously approved.
Friends of Strawberry Kelly Lewis reported on the Friends of Strawberry meeting.
Other
Chairman Francom reported that the committee held a special meeting as instructed by the board to review the budget. There were only three committee members in attendance and they recommended no change to the budget.
Alan Christensen reported that the permit for the gauging station in diamond fork has been declined, and delivered a letter to that fact.
Guy Larson made a motion, seconded by Kelly Lewis, remanding the gauging station issue back to the committee for further review. It was unanimously approved.
Water Policy Committee
BOR Policy Update - Footnote 6 Chairman Garry Brown reported on meetings concerning footnote 6.
Return Flows Chairman Garry Brown reported that a determination will be made by the appellate court on the return flow issue in the near future.
Finance Committee
Disbursements and Expenses
Dan Williams made a motion, seconded by Scott Phillips, approving payment of the invoices, and checks previously written as presented. It was unanimously approved.
Financial Reports and Investments Vice Chairman Blair Hamilton reported on SWUA’s investments.
Health Insurance: Vice Chairman Blair Hamilton reported that the committee recommends staying with the current health insurance plan.
Jesse Warren made a motion to keep the current health insurance carrier for employees with Blue Cross Innova for another year. Kelly Lewis seconded and the board approved.
Other: A hearing is scheduled in Washington, D.C. on February 16th and 17th to discuss tax legislation it is recommended that Jeremy Sorensen and President Calvin Crandall attend.
Quentin Francom made a motion, seconded by Dan Williams, approving the funds for Jeremy Sorensen and Calvin Crandall to attend hearings in Washington, D.C. It was unanimously approved.
Kevin Anderson arrived at the meeting at 7:52 p.m.
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.
Change of Place of Use and Water Deeds
Quentin Francom made a motion, seconded by Dan Williams, approving:
1.A Water Deed request made by Eric Eaton to Strawberry Water Users Association Serial No. 1573.025 for a total of .23 acre feet.
Guy Larson made a motion, seconded by Kelly Lewis, approving:

2.A Water Deed request made by Robert McMullin to McMullin Orchards Serial No. 3406.010 for a total of .65 acre feet.
It was unanimously approved.
Guy Larson made a motion, seconded by Kelly Lewis, approving:
3. A Water Deed request made by Gregory Smith Trustee of the HHS Trust to Gregory Smith Serial No. 808.010 for a total of 4.15 acre feet.
It was unanimously approved.
Garry Brown made a motion, seconded by Quentin Francom, approving:
4. A Water Deed request made by Wayne Steadman to Myrl Silcox Serial No. 274.011 for a total of 2.06 acre feet.
It was approved with Jesse Warren and Robert Riding opposed.
Power Committee
Generation Vice Chairman Dan Williams reported on the hydro generation for January 2012.

Vice Chairman Dan Williams reported on the repairs being done at the Payson Power Plant.

Public Affairs Committee
Chairman J. Merrill Hallam gave the board an overview of the blog. If anyone has ideas or something they would like posted get it to J. Merrill.
Guy Larson and Kevin Anderson expressed appreciation to J. Merrill for the work time he has dedicated to create and update the blog.
Election of Officers
Kelly Lewis made a motion, seconded by Jesse Warren, approving the current officers be put back in for another term. It was unanimously approved.
March Board Meeting The March board meeting was rescheduled to Tuesday, March 6th due to a conflict with the Utah Water Users Workshop in St. George.
Other
Guy Larson made a motion, seconded by Kelly Lewis, approving President Calvin Crandall support Blair Hamilton on the Utah Water Users Association board for another year. It was unanimously approved.

A reminder was given to all board members to complete their conflict of interest forms, and to bring in the corporate resolutions.

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


Date Approved Jeremy Sorensen, Secretary/Treasurer

March Board Meeting Agenda Posted

STRAWBERRY WATER USERS ASSOCIATION
Board of Director’s Meeting
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Welcome and Introductions 7:00

2. Approval of Minutes – February 8, 2012

3. POWER COMMITTEE 7:10

a. Lobbyist Report
b. Generation

4. IRRIGATION COMMITTEE 7:30

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

5. FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE 7:50

a. Disbursements & Expenses
b. Financial Reports & Investment

6. WATER POLICIES COMMITTEE 8:10

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

7. PROPERTIES & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 8:30

a. Maintenance & Water Conservation Projects – Status Report
b. Large Warehouse Report
c. Vacant SWUA Home
d. Friends of Strawberry – Kelly Lewis

8. PUBLIC AFFAIRS 8:50

9. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 9:10

10. OTHER BUSINESS 9:15

a. Committee Assignments
b. Family Farm Alliance Meeting Report
c. Washington D.C. Visit Report