Highlights of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Raymond Irrigation District held Wednesday June 22, 2016 commencing at 12:00 PM in the RID Board Room.
Attending: Byron Wilde Chairman, John McKee Vice Chairman, Craig Palmer Director, Gordon ZoBell, General Manager and recording clerk, Mark Jensen Operations Manager and Kelvin Kado, Office Manager as required.
IRP Project Update given by Mark Jensen
IRP 2321 W#5 phase #5 – working on procuring easements
Maintenance report – Mark Jensen showed the board a slide presentation of work completed under the district’s maintenance and the IRP program over the past month.
Irrican Power – May income, $374,967.94 and 22,572.41 Mwh generation at an average of $15.89/Mwh. We have just applied for $100,000.00 LOC for our hedging account (URICA) with TransAlta Energy Marketing Corp. We are hedging for August at $49.75 for 10 Mw
RID financial – Kelvin Kado – The month has been busy getting alternate parcels (Nelson transfers) ready for the 2016 irrigation season. Prepared Easements for Welling #5 phase 5. Prepared and sent Account statements for outstanding amounts due and reminding that July 1 is another penalty day. Payments have been coming in to avoid extra costs. Kelvin will represent the RID at the P & H golf tournament June 24, 2016. Replacement of the photocopier, $4995.00, Works much smoother than the old machine. The old copier and fax machine are advertised for sale, the ad has had some hits, but no offers received.
Expansion Plebiscite in the RID – Gordon was requested by the board to invite Len Ring to the next RID board meeting to discuss Lens possible assistance to the RID with regard to information leading up to a vote.
RID Return Flows – It was noted that return flows are about ½ of what they were last year to date.
Flood irrigation volume – On motion by Craig Palmer the board approved 7 inches as the amount to be used for measurement purposes, per application, on flooded acres. Carried.
Directors Items – Byron noted that the Technical conference held June 6, 2016 at the Lethbridge Lodge was well attended and had a very informative slate of speakers. Byron also mentioned that he had looked at the return flow weir at the Etzikom Coulee that morning and that he was unsure that the figures are correct regarding the flows at the weir. Mark supplied a couple of weir charts that he has used for several years, one being specific to the weir mentioned. Byron will continue to investigate this issue.
Jim Ralph subdivision considerations – Jim would like to subdivide a parcel in SE-13-6-21-W4 owned by him and two other family members. Jim entered the meeting at 10:00 AM to discuss this item. He asked the board what his family could expect with regard to irrigation acres on the parcel if they were to split the parcel into 3 pieces. He noted that he would like to continue to irrigate the land if possible. Jim left the meeting at approximately 10:20 AM. After hearing Jim’s proposal the board determined that 12 irrigation acres could remain on the furthest east new parcel and that the other two parcels could be supplied by either household purposes agreements or alternate parcel agreements. It was noted that a new turnout would be required for each new parcel that would have to be funded by the land owner. This subdivision approval will be dealt with formally by the board once and application is received by the district through the ORRSC.
Alternate parcel agreement – 55 irrigation acres from Wilde Brothers Farms Ltd. SE-4-7-20-W4 To Randy Wilde SE-28-6-21-W4 – approved on motion by John McKee
Alternate parcel agreement – 162 acres From Greg Romeril NE & NW – 31-5-20-W4 and SE-5-5-20-W4 and NE&SE-32-5-20-W4 – To: Nelson Family Ranches in 3-6-19-W4 – approved on motion by John McKee
Alternate parcel agreement – 20 irrigation acres From: Robert Oriold NE-21-6-21-W4 to: Nelson Family Ranches –3-6-19-W4 – approved on motion by John McKee
Alternate parcel agreement – 50 irrigation acres From: Salmon land and cattle NE-20-6-20-W4 to: Nelson Family Ranches –3-6-19-W4 – approved on motion by John McKee
Alternate parcel agreement – 70 irrigation acres From: Dr Gibb Prof Corp NE-8-5-20-W4 to: Nelson Family Ranches –3-6-19-W4 – approved on motion by John McKee
Alternate parcel agreement – 09 irrigation acres From: Dr Gibb Prof Corp NW-7-6-20-W4 to: Nelson Family Ranches –3-6-19-W4 – approved on motion by John McKee
Alternate parcel agreement – 20 irrigation acres From: Mark Zemp NW-6-10-20-W4 to: Nelson Family Ranches –3-6-19-W4 – approved on motion by John McKee
Alternate parcel agreement – 30 irrigation acres From: Ken Williams – NE-9-6-21-W4 to: Nelson Family Ranches –3-6-19-W4 – approved on motion by John McKee
Alternate parcel agreement – 70 irrigation acres From: Dr Gibb Prof Corp NE-8-5-20-W4 to: Nelson Family Ranches –3-6-19-W4 – approved on motion by John McKee
Alternate parcel agreement – 80 irrigation acres From: Bullock land and Livestock (rented from Hill) S1/2-NW-35-6-21-W4 to: Nelson Family Ranches –3-6-19-W4 – approved on motion by John McKee
Inside Education – Gordon noted that he had spoken to about 50 Alberta teachers during a tour organized by Dave Hill. It was a good experience and Gordon noted that he received many compliments regarding the history of irrigation and current practices of irrigation districts and irrigators in southern Alberta.
Cardston Taber Warner Provincial constituency – It was noted that an open house is being held at the new office in Taber on June 23, 2016 beginning at 4:30 PM.
Federal MP – It was noted that the PC party is holding a vote on June 23, 2016 at the Raymond Seniors Center to choose a new MP for the Medicine Hat riding of which the RID is a part.
Next meeting date – Wednesday July 20, 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 1:50 PM on motion by Byron Wilde.