- The agenda for the meeting was approved on motion by Rod Wendorff and carried.
- Approval of the Minutes of the March 19, 2025 board meetings were approved on motion by Craig Palmer and carried.
Business Arising
- O&M Report and AIM Project Update:
Cody shared a slideshow of pictures taken over the last month of repairs & maintenance and pipelining activities. Cody and Jason reported on the status of each project as follows:
9 Mile & North (IRP) – This project is nearly completed for the season. We have to install riser tops and complete some landscaping to finish this season’s construction. In the fall the final portion of the project will be completed by converting WS4 into a closed pipeline.
Gravity Pressure Pipeline System (“GPS”) (AIM) – We are preparing for the fall installation of the structure and the first 1250m of twin pipelines. We have ordered the first 2500m of 60” pipe from Ipex and we have obtained the majority of easements. WBES has also submitted the application to AGI for the inlet structure.
8-2 (Internally Funded Project) – The first phase of this project will be operational for the 2025 irrigation season. We are working with WBES to finalize the 2nd phase and prepare the pipe order.
- Snowpack Report / Water Supply Forecast / RID Diversions:
The Board reviewed the snowpack and reservoir graphs on the Alberta Rivers website. The reservoir levels are looking good, but the snowpack is below the average quartile range. The Board also review AGI’s water forecast. There was minimal change from the previous forecast so no change to the allocation was considered. Cody shared the spring start up schedule with the Board. We plan on having water available to users during the week of May 5th.
- Irrican Update:
The plants will be starting up shortly. At this time no issues are anticipated for when the plants are commissioned for the season.
The Board reviewed the January to March bank reconciliations, Mastercard reconciliations and payroll.
Amanda is working on collection of outstanding accounts receivable, most of which are household users. Once the 9 Mile is completed for the season, Amanda will prepare the progress certificate.
New Business
- Directors’ Items:
No additional director items were noted.
- Annual By-Laws & Budget:
The annual budget and bylaws were read and reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed in length the annual fees. The Board noted that over COVID the rate was not increased while supplies underwent high inflation. In 2024 the Board modestly increased the rates, but given how significant inflation was in the early 2020’s, the Board decided to modestly increase the rates again.
On motion made by Craig Palmer and carried the 2025 annual budget and bylaws, as amended for the rate increases, are approved by the RID Board of Directors.
- Annual Agreements:
Jason presented the following annual agreement requests:
- Culler Farms Ltd. – 130 acres on NW35-5-16-W4
- Ken & Ann Weaver – 94 acres on NW23-5-20-W4
- Bluegrass Hutterian Brethren – 130 acres on NW34-5-16-W4
- Rod Nelson – 30 acres on NE34-5-15-W4
- Rod Nelson – 30 acres on W1/2 35-5-15-W4
- CF9 Ranching – 25 acres on NW12-7-19-W4
- Brian Hicken – 130 acres on SE35-5-20-W4
- Brian Hicken – 65 acres on NE35-5-20-W4
- Brian Hicken – 73 acres on NE34-5-20-W4
- Brian Hicken – 73 acres on SE34-5-20-W4
- Delco Farming Co. Ltd. – 380 acres on 7-6-16-W4
- Delco Farming Co. Ltd. – 100 acres on SE17-6-17-W4
- Delco Farming Co. Ltd. – 50 acres on NW17-6-17-W4
- Delco Farming Co. Ltd. – 80 acres on SW17-6-17-W4
- Delco Farming Co. Ltd. – 50 acres on NE17-6-17-W4
- Gerrad & Sandra Wauters – 61 acres on NW15-6-17-W4
- Gerrad & Sandra Wauters – 125 acres on SW22-6-17-W4
- Gerrad & Sandra Wauters – 20 acres on SW15-6-17-W4
- Gerrad & Sandra Wauters – 61 acres on NE 16-6-17-W4
- Gerrad & Sandra Wauters – 105 acres on SW16-6-17-W4
- Diane Salmon – 21 acres on N1/2 SE30-5-20-W4
On motion made by Craig Palmer and carried, the RID Board approves the above noted annual agreements.
- Alternative Parcel Agreements (APAs):
Jason presented the following APAs:
- 15 irrigation acres from SW35-6-20-W4 to SW24-6-20-W4
- 35 irrigation acres from NW35-6-20-W4 to NW25-6-20-W4
- 15 irrigation acres from NW35-6-20-W4 to SW24-6-20-W4
- 10 irrigation acres from NE27-6-20-W4 to NE36-5-21-W4
On motion made by Rod Wendorff and carried, the RID Board approves the above noted APAs.
- Sponsorship Requests:
Jason presented 2 requests for sponsorship: the Raymond Stampede Society – $2,000 for the annual July 1 stampede; and PBR event in August. The Board discussed the sponsorships and decided to continue to support the annual Stampede.
On motion made by Craig Palmer and carried, the RID Board approves contributing $2,000 to the Raymond Stampede Society for the annual July 1 Stampede.
- Corner Lake Signage and Fences:
The Breezy Bay Waterpark will likely bring added visitors to Corner Lake. Jason suggested adding signs around the lake highlight RID ownership of the lake, the lake’s role in irrigation, and that use of the lake is at users own risk. Jason also suggested continuing the Cobblestone chain link fence to block access to the Raymond Main Canal that exits Corner Lake. The Cobblestone development has brought an increase in pedestrians accessing the RID driving banks and there are children that live and play close to the canal. For risk mitigation, Jason proposed continue the fence a distance of 700m to prevent access to the canal.
On motion made by Craig Palmer and carried, the RID Board approves adding signage to Corner Lake and a chain link fence to separate the Cobblestone development from the RID Raymond Main Canal.
- Next Meeting Date:
The next meeting is set for May 21, 2025
Motion to adjourn – There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2:30 pm on motion by Craig Palmer.