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Happy New Year Everyone!
Summary Minutes
Lake Tapps Task Force Meeting
December 12, 2002
Present:
John Beaman
Larry Berdan
Karen Buckley
Ken Castile
Jim Clifford
Will Einstein
Dee Endelman
John Farrell
Cary Feldmann
Ann Fisher
Don Fisher
Phil Hilgert
Susan Hall
Rhonda Hilyer
Vicki Karuzas
Lanette Knobel
Kim Lane, PSE
John Ladenburg
Pete Lewis
Ralph Mason
Paul Mitzel
Gary Nomensen
Sue Patnude
Eric Paffenroth
Chris Pollock
Mark Quehrn
Duane Rivera
Dan Roach
Pam Roach
Patricia Robinson
Chuck Romeo
Jan Shabro
Ed Schild
Chris Schutz
Kurt Shuler
Michele Shuler
Travis Sines
Barbara Skinner
Gary Sprague
Julie Sund
Alison Timidaiski
Dick Tyler
Michelle Wittmier
Welcome & Introductions
Jan Shabro opened the meeting and invited self-introductions.
Update on PDBO
John Ladenburg reported on a meeting between National Marine Fisheries Service,
Pierce Co., PSE and homeowners at which the LTTF received a positive response on
the LTTF recommendations on NMFS' Preliminary Draft Biological Opinion. Mark
Quehrn noted that the LTTF recommendations will be added to NMFS's final report.
At the meeting, NMFS assured the LTTF delegation that they will contact the Task
Force if they have questions. NMFS indicated the final draft BO will be issued
in January.
Rhonda Hilyer distributed, for LTTF members' signatures, Thank You cards
to Congresswoman Dunn and Senator Cantwell.
Dike Remediation
Ed Schild reported that PSE is preceding with the dike remediation mandated in
the FERC license. Due to new scientific understanding of earthquake impacts, it
is necessary to remediate the dikes 4,5,6, 11, and 15. FERC ordered PSE to start
work in September, 2003. PSE decided to accelerate the project. PSE is now
working on permits, and hopes to begin construction in February, 2003, and
complete the work in time to bring the lake up by Memorial Day. Ralph Mason is
participating on the project team, and Ken Castile will help to liaison with
residents near the dikes.
Schild introduced Kim Lane, the PSE project manager. Lane explained the history
and technical details of the project, and discussed timing and construction
impacts. Some issues still to be resolved include a jurisdictional ruling from
the Corps of Engineers, as to whether they will need to issue a permit; the
County's jurisdiction of any wetland issues; FERC approval of an erosion plan;
the quality control plan, and any project boundary adjustments. PSE is also
awaiting design approval from FERC.
Preliminary Work Plan and Schedule for Settlement
Hilyer announced that at the January Task Force meeting, a workplace and
schedule for settlement will be presented. Ken Castile asked for a preliminary
schedule as soon as possible, for use at homeowners' meetings. Ladenburg
cautioned that the Task Force can develop a schedule, but there could be
slippage due to many factors that are outside direct control of the Task Force.
Corps of Engineers Update
Patty Robinson noted that the COE did not sign onto the Task Force
recommendations on the Preliminary Draft Biological Opinion, but they did send
their own recommendations to FERC, in regard to the diversion dam. Robinson
reported that the Corps study is scheduled to have 10% design for evaluation in
January. The Corps is looking at various locations, vis-à-vis spawning
conditions. In response to questions, Robinson indicated she expects the
existing diversion dam to be the final candidate site.
Administration Committee Report
Ladenburg reported the end of year budget balance is $17,768.64.
Report on Bull Trout Biological Assessment Process
Schild and Quehrn reported that the US Fish and Wildlife Department informed
FERC that there is new information on bull trout. FERC responded to USFW that
PSE is the party responsible for a biological assessment of bull trout. PSE
suggested to USFW that the biological assessment be integrated into the Task
Force process.
Schild introduced Phil Hilger as a candidate to prepare the Biological
Assessment for the Task Force. Hilger's role would be to pull together technical
information to assess the effects of licensing on bull trout in the White River.
Hilger said he believes the BA can be completed by the end of February, 2003.
Hilger further explained that USFW is trying to protect each bull trout run in
the rivers in the Puget Sound basin.
In response to questions about why Hilger was chosen to prepare the BA, Schild
recounted Hilger's credentials, and noted that USFW said they can work with
Hilger in a collaborative manner.
The Task Force agreed to authorize Mr. Hilger to conduct the Biological
Assessment. Schild announced that PSE will reimburse the Task Force for the cost
of the BA.
Lake Tapps Task Force Meeting Schedule for 2003
Dee Endleman announced the Task Force meeting schedule for next year.
All meetings are on Thursdays:
January 23, Bonney Lake Public Safety Building
February 20, Lake Taps Community Church
March 27, Lake Taps Community Church
April 24, Lake Taps Community Church
May 22, Bonney Lake Public Safety Building
June 26, Bonney Lake Public Safety Building
July 24, Bonney Lake Public Safety Building
Other Business
FERC Quarterly Report
Quehrn reported that the quarterly report will be a smaller document than usual,
because all the attachments which would normally have gone with the report were
included in the Task Force recommendations which was sent to FERC after the last
Task Force meeting. The quarterly report will go to FERC before the end of the
year.
Copies of the Task Force recommendations document
Persons who want a copy of this lengthy document should request a CD from
Agreement Dynamics.
Homeowners' concerns about politicians' responses to emails
John Beaman mentioned that some Lake Tapps residents have emailed politicians
about the issue, and are disappointed with the terse responses. Senator
Roach advised that phone calls might be more successful and satisfying. Shabro
agreed. Ladenburg suggested that if residents are not satisfied with the
response, they could follow up with more specific questions.
Celebration and Thank You for Jan Shabro
Councilmember Shabro is moving on to become Representative Shabro in January,
and will represent the Lake Tapps neighborhood in the State Legislature.
Ladenburg and the entire Task Force thanked Shabro for her leadership and hard
work on the Task Force, and wished her success in Olympia.
Notes submitted by Susan Hall
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