PressRelease
:
PBWC REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
02 May 2007
Meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Ulee Yanok, Vice Chair, facilitating for Chairman Tim Bliss.
Approval of Minutes: 04/04/07 – Consensus to approve as presented.
Recognition of Guests / Unscheduled Business:
Guests: Carl Kostol, formerly of the Baker County Parks Commission, spoke on the need to address the seasonal lack of water in the Powder River above Philips Reservoir. The fact that the river runs dry is especially important in light of the restoration plans for the Sumpter Valley Dredge Tailings. Dr. Kostol discussed the possibilities of buying or leasing water rights to ensure minimum instream flow. Funding could be found to secure the water. The acquisition of water rights for fish should be identified and addressed in the watershed action plan for the dredge tailings.
The council recognized the validity of Carl’s statements and noted that this item should be placed in the draft plan.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Kirkway Technical Assistance Project:
Tim Bliss reported that the technical assistance (TA) application for the Powder River - Kirkway Reach was submitted for the April 24th OWEB deadline. This is the second application for this project. The original TA application was for landowner recruitment; the present is for project design. Vicki Wares thanked Tim and Darrell Dyke for their significant contributions to this project. The council requested that an update be sent to the project participants.
Pine Creek Floodplain Restoration & Mitigation Plan:
Jim Young reported on the Stakeholder Agency meeting held April 11, 2007 in the Baker County Library. There was a good turnout with 13 agencies represented: 11 attended and 2 submitted written statements. Though Jim was disappointed that agency commitment on problem solving was not forthcoming, meeting results clearly stressed the need for data gathering, scientific analysis and long-term planning. Based on the information available, the agencies cannot commit to immediate restorative action.
The council discussed the advisability of PFC (Proper Functioning Condition) analysis for Pine Creek. It was stressed that the methodology of PFC is qualitative, not data-driven but that the evaluation would serve well to guide long-term planning. The council agreed that PFC is a valuable tool and will be a part of the long-term planning process.
Jim announced that the timeline for the floodplain project is being pushed further out and that the June stakeholders meeting planned for Halfway is turning into a July field session. The committee would like Suzanne Fouty’s assistance with stream cross-sections and landowner education. Jim will contact Ken Anderson for his approval.
The council discussed the invitation from the Baker County Watersheds and Stream Health (WASH) Committee to cooperate and support one another in common goals. Concern was expressed on Council commitment to construct reservoirs. Request was made that “in-house” discussion be called for before going on record as supporting this option. Jerry Franke agreed to carry back this concern to the WASH Committee in conjunction with our acceptance of their offer to cooperate whenever possible.
PBWC Council Support 2007-09 Application:
Vicki Wares presented the rating and comments from the OWEB Review Team. She explained that the Council comment time on the ratings was extended to Friday, May 4th, She summarized the Steering Committee evaluation of the rating process and the intent to return only brief comment back to OWEB due to discouragement regarding the possibility of changes or action.
The council discussed the rating: Score = 81 = Good. At present OWEB funding, the council will still not be able to fund a FTE coordinator. At the encouragement of our Eastern Region Representative, the council directed the Chairman and the Coordinator to return lengthy comment to OWEB addressing review comments and to request two copies of support applications which were rated excellent.
Steering Committee Report:
Treasurer’s Report: Checking balance = $7642.99. Receivables: ~$10,195. Projected expenses through June: ~$15,849. Council decision: to keep coordinator working .75FTE through June 30.
Communication Plan Follow-up: Tabled to July 1.
MOA Update: Draft is with Districts for revision approval concerning the Watershed Council as its own fiscal agent.
Announcements & Updates:
5 Point Diversion: Jim Young reported that the 5 Point Ditch Company submitted an OWEB grant application for implementation, April 24, 2007. The final report for the design portion of the project was submitted May 1, 2007. Jim explained the final design (preferred by the landowners and approved by ODFW) to the Council and he complimented Kelly Cahill, project engineer, on the finely calculated simplicity of the design and on his ability to work with both the landowners and the agencies.
Sumpter Municipal Diversion: Vicki reported that construction is scheduled to start June 15th. ODFW and DSL have approved extension of the instream work window two weeks onto the front of the project. The FS is scheduled to fall the large fir trees Friday, May 11, 2007. Streamflow was low during the pre-construction site visit on April 18th. The final determination for transfer of water rights has been an impediment in accessing OWEB funds but it is in its last stages of approval with OWRD.
PBWC Membership: Dan Weitz has renewed his membership and has been re-appointed by the Baker County Commissioners. Ulee and Vickie have not turned in their requests but both have indicated willingness to renew their terms. Dan was welcomed to his second term.
NOWC (Network of Oregon Watershed Councils): Vicki reported that she had just returned from a Network Board Meeting in Salem and she summarized the business under consideration. She stated that the Board is comprised of representatives of watershed councils from five designated regions and expressed the opinion that the newly-formed Network is dynamic and professional. Working with them is both a learning opportunity and chance to express views and concerns from the east side of the state.
Meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Council Attendance: [9 members, 8 voting]
7 = Quorum Dan Weitz Eric Schoenfeld Jim Young Timothy Bliss, Chairman Ulee Yanok, Vice Chair Jerry Frank Marion Crow Bruce Lindley Suzanne Fouty, NV Vicki Wares, Council Coordinator
Others Attending: Karen Leiendecker, OWEB Representative, East Region
Carl Kostol, Baker City, former Baker Co. Parks & Recreation Commission
Attachments: None
Next Council Meeting
June 6, 2007
5:30 – 7:30 PM
School District 5J Supervisor’s Office
Corner of 4th and Broadway
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Steering Committee June 6, 2007 @ 1230 hours, USDA Service Center
Pine Creek Floodplain Planning Committee May 22, 2007 @ 1000
hours; Baker County Library
BCACD Quarterly Meeting TBA