May 28, 2015

Mr. Leising

answered questions from the board concerning the depth of wells he was studying. He related that wells in the basin were confined to valley fill and none drew water from the deep carbonate layer. The carbonate layer in the Las Vegas Valley generally appears around the 3,000 ft. level. Due to technical difficulties with the broadcast system, Mr. Leising was unable to present a slide show detailing maps of areas which he has been evaluating. Instead, Board Members will have the presentation emailed to them following the meeting.

Mr. Leising

requested a time extension for completion of the study due to his involvement with numerous other projects.

Mr. Kryder

discussed new changes to the Philosophy, Goals and Objectives section that was part of the original plan. He spent some time explaining the difference between economic well-being and economic development, noting that it was important to keep in mind the economic well-being of Nye County Citizens when planning for the future. Mr. Kryder concluded his presentation explaining the timeline schedule for moving forward toward completion. James Eason commented that he was glad to see US Ecology included as part of the study. With regards to the Railroad Valley, he felt it was time for the Water District to reach out to the SNWA and find out if they still had intentions of importing water from northern Nye County. John Bosta had concerns that the plan would not be presented to other town boards for review and comment. Darrell Lacy and Levi Kryder both noted that the plan is scheduled to be presented later this year to all communities in Nye County. In response to Mr. Bosta’s disparaging comments about economic development, Dan Schinhofen explained that “economic well-being” is a better term to use and one cannot discuss water without considering the “economic well-being “of Nye County. He stressed that if the county does not make decisions about water, then the state will step-in and do that for us. Jay Dixon noted that he had already been contacted for input in his capacity as a member of the Round Mountain Town Board. He explained that his community is greatly in favor of economic development throughout the county as it will grow the tax base. Gregory Hafen II also felt that economic development was an important element for inclusion in the plan. 10. (01:03:45) For Possible Action – Presentation, discussion, deliberation and decision to adopt, amend and adopt, or reject the Final Budget for the Nye County Water District for FY 2015/2016. Darrell Lacy related that the approved budget must be submitted to the state by the end of this month. He noted that this board is present to approve the budget as shown on the Department of Taxation Form that is attached as back-up. The detailed analysis provided by Mr. Lacy is for informational purposes only. Regarding the detailed breakdown, James Eason had questions about money allocated to George Benesch for legal services. Oz Wichman commented that he frequently contacts Mr. Benesch for advice when doing research. Mr. Eason stressed that the litigation fund remain separate from that which is reserved for Mr. Benesch. Jim Weeks had concerns about expenditures for FY16. He felt that revenues would not support this budget without a parcel fee increase. Darrell Lacy stressed that nothing can be spent until a detailed analysis of a proposal is brought before the board for their approval. Mr. Weeks worried that the majority of funds will be spent in the Pahrump area. Mr. Lacy noted that the bulk of revenues come from Pahrump because that is where the majority of taxpayers reside. He related that in the past, many of the allocated funds were never fully spent. In a letter from David Hall that was read into the record by John MacLaughlin, Mr. Hall related that he was in favor of accepting the Final Budget as presented and was in full support of renewing Water District Membership in the CNRWA. James Eason stated that he also supported this budget and thanked Darrell Lacy for his clear explanation of what the budget entailed and how it relates to Water Board decisions going forward. Greg Dann felt that the budget was not consistent with the Mission Statement and that it was an embarrassment. 4 Nye County Water District Governing Board May 28, 2015 Jay Dixon made a motion that the Water Board approve the Final Budget as presented. James Eason seconded the motion with a clear understanding that at any time, going forward in the next year, board members have the responsibility and opportunity to redirect staff on existing funding of programs or line-items that have been outlined in this budget. During public comment, Dwight Lilly expressed concerns about the growth of government bureaucracy and felt that the Groundwater Management Plan Committee should take priority over the Water Board. John Bosta again let it be known that he did not agree with the Final Budget (see attached comments).

Mr. Lacy

and Mr. Dann both explained that this resolution has nothing to do with the water banking proposal put forth in Senate Bill 81. Greg Dann made a motion to strike language from the resolution that makes it subjective. James Eason questioned what it was that Mr. Dann wanted to have changed. There was discussion among board members and staff and agreement was reached as to what the changes should be. Oz Wichman requested that Mr. Dann withdraw the original motion and start over with a clearly stated revised motion. After more discussion among board members it was decided to also insert the word “valid” before water rights for added clarification. Public member Gregory Hafen, II stressed the importance of including the requirement for an approved mitigation plan in this resolution. Greg Dann made a motion to modify the resolution as follows: On page 2, paragraph one, line 3 should read as follows: “. . . and low impact development as well as a water rights mitigation plan for relinquishing to the Nevada Division of Water Resources two acre-feet annually (AFA) of valid water rights for every one AFA . . . “ Dennis Gaddy seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 6-0 in favor

Mr. Wichman

related that at a recent NWRA meeting the Board of Directors were asked to submit ideas for public outreach programs along with names of 6 Nye County Water District Governing Board May 28, 2015 organizations that may want to be partners in an outreach session. One of his suggestions deals with the results of mining water. In the future he will bring forth an agenda item to request funding from the Conservation Events line item in the budget to help sponsor this program. He encouraged board members to comment on this item. III. Levi Kryder None IV. John Klenke None d. Project Status Report No comments. e. Board Liaison Report I. Dan Schinhofen None f. Report from other individuals, groups and or agencies regarding water-related issues: For informational purposes only. None