Minutes of the
Gardnerville Ranchos General Improvement District
held November 16, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. @
931 Mitch Drive, Gardnerville Nevada 89460
Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Brad Newlon
Trustees Present: Bob McDowell, Brad Newlon and Dave James. LeAnn Teter and Jeff James were unable to attend the meeting, Bob McDowell will be acting Chairman.
Also Present: Greg Reed, Dawn Hinds, Mike Rowe, Michael Bennett and the public
Approval of the Agenda:
Dave James motioned to approve the Agenda. Brad Newlon seconded the motion. Three ayes. Motion passed.
Public Comment: none
I For Possible Action: Board discussion and possible action on potential alternatives to undertake for the Well #4 replacement project; said alternatives may include, but not be limited to:
- Finalize necessary accessory items and cancel the remaining contract;
- Proceed with the project per plan, while making minor equipment adjustments to accommodate reduces flow rates;
- Complete the project at a “bare bones” minimum, which could include leaving the existing building in place
Board discussion followed by public comment. Possible action to select one of the above alternatives or any combination thereof as developed at the meeting.
Greg Reed explained to the Board briefly that Well 4 is not producing the amount of water that was expected at the beginning of the project. This is an opportunity for the Board to consider where to go from here.
Michael Bennett introduced Jay Fischer Senior hydrogeologist at Lumos & Associates to the Board, he will be available to answer any questions the Board may have. Mike explained the District chose the Well 4 site as the preferred location because institutional memory told them that in the past that existing well #4, at the time, had a capacity 700 to 800 gpm. The site was also favorable because it already had a connection to the existing distribution system and had three phase power and a pump to waste structure already in place. The water quality at the existing Well #4 was good except for sand. Availability of land access and easements were important in finding a well location also. Once it was determined that the District would replace the existing Well #4 the District did not conduct a test well because all indications were that the existing Well #4 had provided 700 to 800 gpm in the past and any new well in the same area would likely do the same. A test hole was drilled instead to verify three primary objectives: water quality sample, verify soils and verifying void spaces. The well driller was required to provide a Stinger Screen to be able to conduct hydraulic conductivity testing. The driller ending up providing a PVC screen instead, which ending up clogging up after 10 gallons per minute and very limited results were obtained. Hydraulic conductivity testing is basically a measurement of how quickly water can run through the soils. The test hole showed a very high hydraulic conductivity and all the data seemed to work. The District did ask for a second opinion at which time the District hired an independent hydrogeologist from Nevada Water Solutions. He reviewed the data and Mike recalls his report to say that the Well site would be very prolific. Based on this information the Board at that time voted for Lumos to move forward with the design and construction of Well 4. Mike went on to say that the well is essentially complete. The pump results are only producing 250 gallons per minute and Lumos is not sure why this is occurring. Lumos and the District have gone around and around trying to figure out why the well is not producing, and the reality is that the well produces 250 gpm.
Greg reviewed the options in this Agenda item with the Board. Greg informed the Board that they could drill the well deeper, however that will be expensive and there is no guarantee that the well would provide more water; nor is there any guarantee that the water quality will be adequate.
Dave James asked if the District has reviewed all options. Mike replied that they have looked at all options. Dr. James asked if there is a penalty to cancel the contract with the well driller KG Walters. Mike Bennett stated there is no penalty but there are costs associated with construction that the contractor would be entitled to.
Brad Newlon asked if the if the Stinger Screen would have made a difference in Mike’s recommendation or the District’s decision. Mike said no he does not believe they would have been able to determine with either test what they know now.
Bob McDowell suggested the District complete the new building and forge ahead. Dave agreed with Bob, however he does not believe the well needs a generator; it will save money for the District. Brad Newlon believes the District should stay the course and complete the contract without the generator.
Dave James motioned to proceed with the project per plan for well #4, while making minor equipment adjustments to accommodate the reduced flow rates including the elimination of auxiliary generator. Brad Newlon seconded the motion. Three ayes. Motion passed.
Public Comment: Ron Bush asked about the interference between pump #1 and pump #2. Bush suggested there are other options in the Water Master Plan that the District could consider before they vote to spend another $750,000.00 to complete well #4.
John Sheridan is concerned that Well #1 has already been identified as needing to be replaced and it is considered the District’s Ace in the hole.
Consent Calendar:
Minutes:
Brad Newlon motioned to approve the minutes from the October 3, 2018 Board meeting. Dave James seconded the motion. Three ayes. Motion passed.
Public Comment: none
Dave James motioned to approve the minutes of the October 24, 2018 Board meeting. Brad Newlon seconded the motion. Three ayes. Motion passed.
Public Comment: none
Staff Reports:
Michael Bennett advised the board that the Street Maintenance Project is on round 4 of street sweeping and hopefully they can get it done this time.
Mike Rowe had no comments.
Greg Reed mentioned that the District has started learning the process in street inspections project with Lumos & Associates.
Trustee Reports:
Dr. James requested bringing a couple items to the Board; Items already in the Water Master Plan, rerouting well #2 and the booster pump.
Public Comment: Ron Bush mentioned that he had previously asked about bike lane stripping on Tillman Lane, it has not been done as of yet.
Adjournment:
Dave James motioned to adjourn the meeting. Brad Newlon seconded the motion. Three ayes. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
By
______________________________
Dawn Hinds
Acting Secretary