Highlights of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Raymond Irrigation District held Monday February 22, 2016 commencing at 9:00 AM in the RID Board Room.
Attending: John McKee Vice Chairman, Craig Palmer Director, Gordon ZoBell, General Manager and recording clerk, and Kelvin Kado, Office Manager as required. Byron Wilde Chairman was excused due to a family holiday and Mark Jensen Operations Manager was needed in the field.
IRP Project Update given by Gordon ZoBell
IRP 2307 – W#5 phase 4 – The pipe installation is nearly complete.
IRP 2308 – Ortho Photo’s – Gordon noted that the photos have not arrived.
Maintenance report – Gordon noted a seepage concern at Highway 52 Beef that will be studied to determine the source. Wilde Brothers Engineering are looking into this.
Irrican Power – Kelvin Kado – The auditors reported at ICPC AGM. No unusual expenses so far this off season.
RID financial – Kelvin Kado – I am now in the process of preparing RID books for our accountant. Along with the books, I will be reviewing the budget. Our income from the assessment has not changed since 2012 and since that time wages and operating costs have continued to climb. We have a balanced budget to 2015, but with the additional costs in 2015 and 2016 to Main Canal and operational costs which includes salary adjustments. To make up for 2015 and prepare for 2016 main canal is $1/ acre and $1 for operational costs = $2 budget increase consideration for 2016. This should handle our increases for a couple of years. The 2015 main canal expense could also be paid from reserve funds if the board wishes. We will have a report for the board to consider in the next board meeting.
Expansion Plebiscite in the RID – Gordon noted that he had spoken with Jennifer Nitschelm manager of the irrigation secretariat office and that it will require more time to be prepared to run an expansion plebiscite than this spring. With the dry warm conditions being experienced of late perhaps it is wise to run the vote later after the next growing season.
RID seminar – The board went over the agenda for the seminar which will be held March 17, 2016 at the Raymond Agricultural Society main building. The agenda will be mailed out to water users soon.
RID Annual Meeting – Will be held March 17 at 2:00 PM in the Raymond Agricultural Society main building following the RID Seminar.
Directors Items – John McKee noted that he had been interviewed by Calgary AM Radio Station QR 77 recently. The interview was with regard to canola production but John was also able to point out irrigation efficiency gains and other positive irrigation facts during the interview.
Town of Raymond final annexation report – Gordon noted that the town has filed their final report with the Municipal Government Board regarding their application to annex the land south of the RID canal R/W located at the south east corner of the Town of Raymond.
Raymond Chamber of Commerce – annual trade fair – Gordon noted that the fair will be held April 9, 2016 at the Raymond skating arena. He questioned if the board would like to supply a booth this year regarding irrigation in the area. The board declined stating that the district has done this for three years running. Perhaps every other year might be sufficient. Consideration will be given for a booth in 2017.
RID Budget preparations – Will be made available for the board in the March 2016 board meeting with the intention of approving the budget formally in the April 2016 board meeting.
AIPA benefit program – Kelvin reviewed recent statistics of the program. It was noted that with a self-funding program administered by Great West Life the program is costing far less on average.
Next meeting date – Wednesday March 16, 2016 commencing at 9:00 AM in the RID board room.
Motion to adjourn and time meeting ended. – There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 11:55 AM on motion by John McKee.