VIRGIN VALLEY WATER DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING
VIRGIN VALLEY WATER DISTRICT OFFICE
JULY 19, 2011

Minutes of a Regular Board Meeting of the Virgin Valley Water District Board held on July 19, 2011, at the Virgin Valley Water District Office at 5:00 p.m.  Attending were President Karl Gustaveson, Secretary-Treasurer Kenyon Leavitt, and Board Members Ted Miller and Sandra Ramaker.  Vice-President Mark McEwen was not present.  Also present were District General Manager Ken Rock, District Legal Counsel Bo Bingham, District Accountant Wesley Smith, District Administrative Assistant Mary Johnson taking minutes and other interested parties of agenda items.   

President Karl Gustaveson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Kenyon Leavitt offered a Prayer and Sandra Ramaker led the pledge.

Public Comment – Peggy Spurcenegger residing at 362 Gean Street stated to the Board that she had been informed by VVWD staff, after the meters were read, that the water meter at this address was spinning rapidly and that she would have a water bill over $1,000.  Peggy and her sister are present to plead their case and have their water bill reduced or written off.  Karl Gustaveson explained that this was an agendized item and would be heard during item #6 and that she would be able to speak more about this at that time.

Discussion: Board Comments - None
                    President of Board Comments - None

CONSENT AGENDA:

Ted Miller requested that item #5 be pulled from the consent agenda.

Ted Miller made a motion to approve the consent agenda as listed below with item #5 being pulled and heard as the first item after the consent agenda.  Sandra Ramaker seconded this motion and it was unanimously carried.  4-0

1. Discussion & Action - Approve Agenda – Item #5 pulled from consent agenda

2. Discussion & Action – Approve Minutes from 7/5/11 Regular Board Meeting

3. Discussion & Action – Approve Financial Statement for May 2011

4. Discussion & Action – Approve Bills Paid - $311,142.02

** End of Consent Agenda**

5. Discussion & Action – Approve Purchase Orders Over $2,500
a. The Shop - $5,421.20 – Vehicle Repairs to Truck #EX40006

Ken explained that this truck was Boomer’s old truck and had just over 180,000 miles, almost all highway miles, and that it began smoking and after further investigation, it was found that the injectors are not working properly.  Ken explained the maintenance procedures to bring the truck up to running reliability and the costs associated.  Ken further stated that to surplus the vehicle without repairing first, the District could possibly get $3,000; but with repairing the vehicle for $5,400 plus, the District would have a vehicle that was hopefully reliable for another five years or so.

The Board continued to further discuss the need, mileage, costs, etc. for the truck; that there was not another vehicle budgeted for; and that this price was much cheaper than purchasing a new vehicle.

Kenyon Leavitt made a motion to approve vehicle repairs to truck #EX40006 for $5,421.20 by The Shop.  Sandra Ramaker seconded the motion and it was carried by a vote of 3 to 1 with Ted Miller opposed.

6.  Discussion & Possible Action – Discussion and consideration to amend policy regarding high water use due to a break on a customer’s line, and a recent example with the general manager’s response.  The Board may discuss, affirm, request a change, or decline to amend policy.

Peggy Spurcenegger explained the circumstances that occurred with regards to her water leak under her and her sister’s home while they were out of town.  They were told by a plumber that it was a clean break on grey pipe that is no longer legal to use.  She stated that the floors have buckled inside their home and that their water bill was over $1,000 and they would like a reprieve on their bill.

Bo stated his concerns from a legal standpoint and wondered what has been done in the past and that the Board needs to be consistent.  Bo further stated that he was not comfortable modifying the Rules & Regulations and explained the risks and responsibilities of the District.

Bo further stated that he has had to deal with a similar situation and inquired about insurance and explained his situation and that the insurance company did pay for his water bill and the damage caused by the leak, which was not inside the home either.  Bo informed Peggy and her sister that their best course of action would be to deal with the insurance company.

There continued to be discussion by the Board regarding policy and setting precedence.  The District has never modified a customer’s bill due to a leak on their side that was their responsibility to pay.

The item died for a lack of a motion.

7. Hydrologist’s Report

Aaron had included a written report, but was not present due to vacation. 
Ken stated that he had made photocopies of Aaron’s pictures taken during his visit to the Tule Desert and proceeded to distribute these to the Board members.  Ken verified the sites from the pictures with Wade Poulsen, General Manager of LCWD who was present.  Wade continued to
explain where each picture was taken and what happens at that site where the picture was taken.

8.  General Manager’s Report

Ken had included a written report and continued to review each item with a little more detail.  Ken mentioned that John Lonetti had paid $71,000 to the District for past and future water leasing. 

Ken also stated that the office makeover was to proceed on July 20th.  This project was approved in the budget, but was inadvertently forgotten to be put on an agenda for approval because it is over $2,500 and will be put on for ratification at the next meeting.

Ken proceeded to inform the Board that he and Aaron had met with Barry Stubbs, Joe Liebhauser and Merv Boyd from Robcyn to discuss the prioritization and projects that they can provide services for and that the Robcyn crew would be present at the next meeting.

9. Public Comment

Wade Poulsen, GM at LCWD, stated that the trip with Aaron in the Tule Desert was very good and believes that Aaron learned a lot.  Wade also stated that LCWD has provided information to the District in the past, but Aaron does not have access to this information; and that LCWD will resend this information to him.

Sandra asked for more clarification/breakdown on money received by the District.

10. Adjournment

President Karl Gustaveson adjourned the meeting at 5:58 p.m.
 

NOTE): The minutes of this meeting have been tape-recorded and will remain on file in the District office for a one-year period for public examination.

•  Board Meeting Minutes: 2011-07-19 (.pdf 23.K)