The meeting of the WAS Committee of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District was called to order at 1:02 P.M. on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 by Dave Bernhardt at Central’s office at 3209 West 28th Street in Greeley. Committee members present were David Bernhardt, Randy Knutson, Gary Herman, Bret Schmidt and Steve Bruntz.  Staff members present were Randy Ray, Lynn Kramer, William Mihelich and Ruthanne Schaffer.  Guests present were Kim Lawrence from LJCG and Kevin Lamb.

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.

Randy reviewed the water projects staff is continuing to work on.

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 was directed to work on evaluating both projects and return to the Committee.

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.

Kevin Lamb spoke to the Committee about trying to get his feed yard operational using his WAS allocation from a different parcel.  Discussion was held and direction was given to staff and Kevin.

RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD TO REVIEW THE INFORMATION ON KEVIN LAMB’S SCENARIO TO MOVE MOST OF HIS WATER FROM REACH F TO REACH A.

Motion:  Randy Knutson
Second:  Steve Bruntz
MOTION CARRIED

Randy 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.

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

Randy gave an update on the Chatfield Reservoir Reallocation funding increase and different options on how Central can fund our portion and handle the environmental pool.

Randy gave an update on the Consolidated 1940s agreement and the possible benefit to Central, discussion was held.

William reviewed a memo from PIMC about an amendment that the ditch company would like to their current carriage agreement with Central.  Staff and Committee discussed the amendments and feel comfortable with them.

RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD TO APPROVE THE SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE PIMC AND ENTER INTO AN AMENDED CARRIAGE AGREEMENT.

Motion:  Randy Knutson
Second:  Bret Schmidt
MOTION CARRIED WITH GARY HERMAN ABSTAINED

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 L.G. Everist needs the water and when Central has the water available.

RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD TO APPROVE A WATER LEASE WITH L.G. EVERIST FOR $1,000/AF IN REACH F AND $800/AF FOR ALL OTHER REACHES.

Motion:  Gary Herman
Second:  Bret Schmidt
MOTION CARRIED

WAS has been approached by a constituent to provide WAS with his senior 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 WAS ALLOCATION WITH THE MEMBER TO PAY ALL EXPENSES TO CHANGE THE SHARES.

Motion:  Gary Herman
Second:  Randy Knutson
MOTION CARRIED

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 $5,000 BUY IN FEE PER STRUCTURE AND THEN A $25/AF PER STRUCTURE, ALL FUNDS DUE AT SIGNING.

Motion:  Gary Herman
Second:  Bret Schmidt
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:  Gary Herman
Second:  Bret Schmidt
MOTION CARRIED

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

Motion:  Gary Herman
Second:  Steve Bruntz
MOTION CARRIED

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

Motion:  Steve Bruntz
Second:  Bret Schmidt
MOTION CARRIED

Colorado Water Congress Annual Convention will be January 25-26, 2018.  Randy will participate in a panel discussion the first day.

Chairman David Bernhardt adjourned the meeting at 3:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Ruthanne Schaffer
Sr Water Accountant