Rochester, Washington
July 27, 2007
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Meeting Summary
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MEMBERS & ALTERNATES PRESENT Bonnie Canaday, Chair, Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Centralia Terry Willis, Citizen, Grays Harbor Mark White, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation Terry Harris, City of Chehalis Lee Napier, Grays Harbor County Steve Craig, Department of Ecology (DOE) Kernen Lien, Lewis County Ellie McMillan, Chehalis Basin Fisheries Task Force |
Lyle Hojem, Citizen Lewis County Chanele Holbrook-Shaw, Citizen, Thurston County Art Lehman, Port of Centralia Mark Swartout, Thurston County (Alternate) Kahle Jennings, City of Centralia (Alternate) Chuck Caldwell, Port of Grays Harbor Jim Hill, Lewis County Citizen (Alternate) Patrick Wiltzius, City of Chehalis (Alternate)
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OTHERS PRESENTHarry Pickernell, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Jerry Louthain, HDR, City of Hoquiam Vickie Cline, DOE John Mudge, Citizen |
J Roach, Thurston County Citizen Narendran Kodandapani, Grays Harbor College Jessica Tate, Recording Secretary, Puget Sound Meeting Services |
Chair Canaday called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m.
Amend or Accept Meeting Summary
The Chehalis Basin Partnership accepted the minutes of June 22, 2007 as presented.
Ms. Napier amended the agenda to include a brief update regarding the Chehalis River Watershed Festival and Proclamation, and a brief presentation from Mr. Mudge.
Discuss and Consider Amendment to DIP – Proposed IM 3.5
Ms. Napier reported several workshops were held for insight into instream flows. The Interim Milestone (IM) is organized slightly different compared to others, as it is more detailed and still needs work. There are many tasks for which resources are not available. The Partnership must decide whether or not to amend the October DIP to include Interim Milestone 3.5
Mr. Jennings reported that there are many parts of the plan that will continue to develop over time.
Ms. Willis suggested working on pieces as they arise during the DIP process, rather than taking an all or nothing approach.
Chair Canaday asked if the Quinault Indian Nation is aware of the proposal. Ms. Napier indicated the Tribe was invited to each workshop. A Tribe representative attended each workshop. The Tribe was notified of the issue through the publication of the CBP meeting agenda.
Mr. Lien indicated that it is disappointing that a Tribe representative is not in attendance to address the concerns of the Quinault Indian Nation. There are also too few voting members in attendance to take action on the issue.
Mr. Hill suggested deferring action until written comments from the Quinault Indian Nation are received.
Ms. Shaw clarified the Tribe is not a voting member of the CBP. The opinion of the Tribe is very important to the Partnership. However, it seems a representative would be in attendance if the Tribe did have issues with the process.
Mr. Wiltzius stated the Tribe did participate in the workshops and knew the issue was to be discussed at the meeting. The Partnership must move ahead.
Mr. Harris suggested deferring the issue until a Tribe representative is present for input. Mr. Swartout agreed and suggested sending a letter from Chair Canaday to the Tribe encouraging a written response. The Partnership can make a decision at the next meeting based on the results.
Mr. Louthain clarified that DOE will outline the process related to proposed IM 3.5 if the CBP does not.
Ms. Willis said approval will not change instream flows, but will provide the opportunity to begin the review process. Mr. Jennings agreed and said it will also provide the opportunity to pursue future funding.
Chair Canaday indicated a Quinault Indian Nation representative would most likely be in attendance if the Tribe had issues with the proposal.
Mr. Hojem commented that personal discussions with the general public have shown further public outreach is warranted. One option is for CBP members to perform individual outreach whenever possible. Mr. Swartout added that DOE will also hold annual informational meetings regarding interruptible water rights.
Mr. Craig agreed with Mr. Hojem’s comment and suggested the Partnership advertise its meeting dates in local newspapers and on local radio stations. The intent of the CBP has always been to keep the public informed as much as possible.
The Chehalis Basin Partnership agreed to defer the issue to the next meeting. Chair Canaday will sign a prepared letter that will be sent to the Quinault Indian Nation inviting them to attend the August meeting..
Ms. Napier reported she will draft the letter for signature.
Ms. Napier distributed and reviewed WRIA 22-23 Chehalis Basin Scope of Work for Year 2 of the Watershed Council.
Mr. Jennings reviewed the outline of the USGS scope of work. HDR developed a scope of work for the seepage study to establish the budget request. One issue is that the seepage study is time sensitive and can only be done this time of year.
Mr. Craig recommended utilizing USGS for services. Mr. Swartout agreed.
Mr. Swartout said the Partnership should recognize the accomplishment of acquiring legislative funding and current project successes. He recommended the CBP submit a letter thanking the Legislature for funding, specifying where the funding is allocated, and providing information regarding matching funds. Mr. Harris agreed.
Mr. Harris said he would like the contract with USGS to include a statement that services will begin as soon as possible.
The Chehalis Basin Partnership agreed to utilize USGS services to initiate an assessment of the Water Resources of the Chehalis River Basin.
Ms. Napier added that the Partnership must determine whether to hire an employee through the county or hire a contractor for services to fill the Watershed Coordinator Position. She reviewed the draft job description. Discussion followed regarding the pros and cons of each option.
The Chehalis Basin Partnership agreed to advertise the position and assess the responses received.
Ms. Napier distributed a letter addressed to Governor Gregoire requesting recognition of a regional organization. Grays Harbor County will act as the fiscal agent and participate in the formation and operation of the Washington Coast Sustainable Salmon Partnership.
Mr. Jennings asked about the advantages for requesting approval. Ms. Napier replied that the request will provide the group with a stronger voice.
Mr. Roach expressed support of the proposal.
The Chehalis Basin Partnership agreed to recommend the Grays Harbor County Board of County Commissioners sign and submit the letter to Governor Gregoire.
Progress Report Regarding Enforcement of Interruptible Water Right
Ms. Cline reported she is familiarizing herself with the watershed and its small creeks and roadways. She said she is also working on determining how many people are utilizing the flow information line. Further coordination with other scientific entities is warranted to determine impacts.
Mr. Swartout asked whether outreach programs will be held annually to encourage public involvement and discussion. Ms. Cline confirmed public outreach will be pursued.
Mr. Craig pointed out that the State of Idaho utilizes satellite tracking and suggested the possibility of Washington moving in that direction in the future as well.
Mr. Roach said the key is to include Ms. Cline for all ongoing community efforts.
The Chehalis Basin Partnership agreed to table Item 3. Resume Organizational Structure Discussion because of time constraints.
Mr. Mudge said his report shows that all water rights and changes result in a slight flow increase in July, August, and September. It appears the increase has not impacted flows.
Ms. Napier confirmed she will e-mail members a copy of Mr. Mudge’s report.
Ms. Napier distributed a handout of a draft proclamation declaring Chehalis Basin Watershed Week. The proclamation date should be modified to reflect October 6th through 13th. Ms. Napier reported if requested she or Mr. Hill, as her alternate, would attend the Council or Commission meetings to accept the proclamation on behalf of the CBP..
There being no further business, Chair Canaday adjourned the meeting at 12:02 p.m.
Prepared by Jessica Tate, Recording Secretary
Puget Sound Meeting Services