April 2, 2018
The Annual Shareholders’ Meeting of the Cache Highline Water Association was held on April 2, 2018, at the North Logan City Library, 475 East 2500 North, North Logan, Utah. Approximately 105 people were present in addition to the Board of Directors.
President Kirt Hoggan welcomed the attendees and introduced the Board Members in attendance, as well as the Treasurer, Secretary, and three Water Managers.
Copies of the 2017 annual meeting minutes and financial statements were available to attendees as they entered the meeting. A motion to approve the minutes of last year’s meeting, held on March 13, 2017, was proposed by Ron Bowman, seconded by Jim Crook, and carried unanimously.
Financial Report Highlights (see attachments)
Treasurer Lyle Thornley presented the comparative 2016 and 2017 financial statements. Referring to the income statement expenses, he explained that the wells were turned on last year, which is very expensive. In addition, salaries increased with the hiring of a full-time Water Manager and assistants who all have increased responsibilities resulting in much better maintenance. Insurance in 2017 was less than the combined total of the two policies for the separate canals during previous years, and although the Logan River Water Users annual assessment shows only a $1,000 increase in 2017, it will be increasing over 50 percent this year. Lyle also explained the entries for short- and long-term debt now that the restoration and pressurization projects are completed.
Gene Kartchner made a motion to accept the financial statements as presented. The motion was seconded by Dave Erickson and carried unanimously.
Operations Update
Water Manager Darin Evans informed the audience that although there was far more water than usual due to the heavy winter snowpack, the 2017 water year was very difficult for the Water Managers who had to monitor the channels 24/7 to regulate the flow to make sure the water did not overflow the banks and yet adequate water was reached Smithfield. The current snowpack is only 85 percent of normal this year. Darin noted that day watering is critical for the system to work properly, stressing the need for each headgate to have a manager and encouraging all headgate managers to work out a schedule for their users for use throughout the watering season. A question was asked about USU’s watering, and Kim Cronquist and Jim Huppi reported that USU and the Logan Golf and Country Club water on alternate days and they are metered.
Darin also reported that the area between 1500 North (Logan) and Hyde Park is being studied to find out why so much water is being used through the area. Bentonite will be used in some areas to prevent leaks. The tunnel was checked and found to be in good repair; however, at the end of the season, the rollers on the diversion screen broke, resulting in an earlier shutdown in October than anticipated. Darin and Kim Cronquist have now learned how to repair the problem and have extra parts on hand.
Much work was completed in January and February including removal of 82 loads of silt from the Smithfield Golf Course area. Trees are now being trimmed and cut down as the Managers work to keep the channels free and clear. A question was asked about lining the rest of the canal channel; current debt needs to be paid off before such a project is considered.
Final maintenance work on the canal channels is finishing up and a replacement bridge in Hyde Park needs to be completed before water will be turned into the system for the season. The Water Managers anticipate water will be in the Canal around April 20 but encouraged users to keep their headgates closed for several days until the water clears.
Voting
Kirt Hogan explained that although the Company currently has 10 Directors, the bylaws allow for fewer and asked for a motion, discussion, and vote to reduce the number of Directors to 9. Bruce Godfrey so moved, seconded by Eric Hansen, and the motion carried unanimously.
The Board positions currently held by Laurel Hayes and Marv Halling were up for reelection; subsequent to the previous motion, only one position would be voted on. Laurel declined to run again; Marv expressed willingness to serve again. Thayne Braegger nominated Marv Halling; the nomination was seconded by Phil Rasmussen. Dave Erickson made a motion that nominations cease and that the nominee be voted in by acclamation; the motion was seconded by Bert Israelsen and carried unanimously, electing Marv Halling to the position.
This meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
