The meeting of the GMS Committee of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District was called to order at 8:33 A.M. on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 by Vern Kammerzell at Central’s office at 3209 West 28th Street in Greeley. Committee members present were Vern Kammerzell, Chad Schafer, Frank Eckhardt, Tom Brown, and Alan Axton.  Staff members present were Randy Ray, Lynn Kramer, William Mihelich and Ruthanne Schaffer.  Others present was Kim Lawrence.

Randy reviewed the updated Projects Summary Sheet, including the updated estimate for the Chatfield Reallocation Project.  An update was given on the Koenig pump station, we are waiting for the pump to be delivered which will be late.  The Rinn Valley closing was held in December and now GMS owns the project and has water stored in one of the cells.

Discussion was held regarding the water storage project at the confluence of the S Platte and Cache LaPoudre; the site is deep and would be pushing the depth to install the slurry wall.  The perimeter would need to be benched to install a slurry wall.  This location could be a possible site for another in-situ water project.

The Committee reviewed two separate opportunities to purchase shares of the same senior ditch rights and will continue to research them.  One of the opportunities also has the potential to become a storage project and/or an educational facility.

Staff gave an update on the FIDCO/Western Pipeline application and agreements; we have 2 objectors in our case.  Western and FIDCO have both approved the agreements and they will be reviewed and presented at the Board meeting to be approved.

An update was given on the Walker Recharge Project.  The pump test was completed this past fall; the data is supporting the idea that the wells are pumping directly from the river.  The committee discussed possible easements, participants, and real estate questions.  Staff will continue to work on this project and report back to the Committee.  CWCB will be reviewing a loan application for funding to be used at the Walker Recharge Project.

The Committee reviewed a property listing near the Walker Recharge Project and is interested in making an offer.  Staff was directed to contact the listing agent and gather more information regarding their pricing structure.

Rinn Valley construction on the inlet structures, run downs, pipelines, and rural ditch access are almost all complete. Staff is working on plans for the Rinn Valley shop/office that they would like to build.  To assist with funding, staff would like to apply the funds received from Anadarko this fall for water leased to them towards the construction of the Rinn Valley shop.

RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD TO ALLOCATE THE LEASE FUNDS RECEIVED FROM ANADARKO TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION COSTS OF THE RINN VALLEY SHOP.

Motion:  Frank Eckhardt
Second:  Chad Schafer
MOTION CARRIED

There is no update on the 1940s agreement or the purchase of the PVIC shares.

Randy reviewed information on the Tetsel Ditch water sale.  Staff does not recommend any further action.

Ruth spoke to the Committee regarding entering into a water lease with L.G. Everist for up to 200AF during the 2018 calendar year. This will be an “if and when” lease, if LG Everist needs the water and when Central has the water.

RECOMMEND TO STAFF TO BRING A DRAFT LEASE WITH LG EVERIST FOR THE 2018 CALENDER YEAR TO THE BOARD.

Motion:  Chad Schafer
Second:  Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED

GMS has been approached by a constituent to provide GMS with his ditch shares for increased pumping on his contract.  The shares are currently not changed

RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD TO APPROVE THE SENIOR DITCH RIGHT OFFER OF 3:1 SHARES FOR INCREASED PUMPING UNDER HIS GMS ALLOCATION WITH THE MEMBER TO PAY ALL EXPENSES TO CHANGE THE SHARES.

Motion:  Chad Schafer
Second:  Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED

The Committee discussed a possible contract violation by a constituent.  Direction given to staff was to have the State handle the violation.

Sorin Natural Resource Partners are interested in obtaining a short-term lease for water stored in Siebring Reservoir, discussion was held.

Ruth presented bypass agreements for the Ogilvy and Bijou bypasses submitted by Colorado Energy Resources LLC.

RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD TO APPROVE THE OGILVY BYPASS AGREEMENT AND THE BIJOU BYPASS AGREEMENT WITH CER, LLC FOR ONE YEAR ONLY FOR $5000 BUY IN FEE PER STRUCTURE AND THEN A $25/AF PER STRUCTURE.

Motion:  Chad Schafer
Second:  Tom Brown
MOTION CARRIED

Ruth presented an augmentation station agreement with ACWWA to use our Fulton Ditch augmentation station for the 2018 irrigation season.

RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD TO APPROVE THE FULTON DITCH AUGMENTATION STATION AGREEMENT WITH ACWWA FOR $2,500 BUY IN FEE AND $50/AF RUNNING FEE

Motion:  Frank Eckhardt
Second:  Chad Schafer
MOTION CARRIED

The Committee reviewed a proposed outline for an Amendment to the Platteville Irrigation and Milling Company carriage agreement.

Randy reviewed the CWCB loan pre-payment idea.

RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD TO APPROVE THE CWCB LOAN PRE-PAYMENT OF $7,000,000.

Motion:  Chad Schafer
Second:  Alan Axton
MOTION CARRIED

RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD TO SET THE ANNUAL RECHARGE BUYBACK PRICE AT $40 PER ACRE FOOT.

Motion:  Alan Axton
Second:  Chad Schafer
MOTION CARRIED

RECOMMEND TO THE BOAD TO REMOVE JACKSON LAKE RECHARGE PROJECT FROM THE 05CW331 DECREE.

Motion:  Alan Axton
Second:  Chad Schafer
MOTION CARRIED

 

Discussion was held regarding an agreement with AMREPCO to cover their depletions of their storm retention ponds.  They have already petitioned to be included into GMS and a hearing has be set for the next Board meeting.

Alan expressed concerns regarding the presentation from the Board Retreat by Michael Wallace regarding climate prediction.  Discussion was held on whether the predictions/forecasts can be used in our subdistricts’ projections, how the information will be used internally, and how it will help operate our augmentation plans.

Kim Lawrence announced to the Committee that he will be retiring at the end of the month.  Committee members thanked Kim for all of his work and dedication to Central and wished him well.

Chairman Vern Kammerzell adjourned the meeting at 11:55am.

Respectfully submitted,

Ruthanne Schaffer
Sr Water Accountant