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MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
Date: Wednesday February 1, 2023. Time: 10:03 a.m.
Meeting Called to Order: Chairman Matt Burg called the meeting to order at 9:52 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Quorum: Needs 5 members for a quorum. Quorum met with 30 members. There were 15 guests in attendance.
Adoption of Agenda: A motion was made to adoption the agenda as presented with a second, motion passed unanimously.
Introduction of Board of Directors: Matt introduced himself to any new members along with Vice Chair Steve Bacus, Secretary/Treasurer Helene Williams, & Board Member Budd Watkins.
Approve the Minutes: Helene stated that the minutes are posted prior to the meeting on the Private Well Owners website. A motion was made to approve the minutes from the February 1, 2023 meeting and second was given. Matt called for the motion – motion passed unanimously.
Chairman’s Report: –
Treasurer’s Report: Helene reviewed the Treasurer’s report with the membership and as presented for February 1, 2023 see back of the agenda. A motion was made to approve the Treasurer’s report for December, 2022 and second, motion passed unanimously.
Directors Reports: –
Old/Unfinished Business: – A handout was shared with all the members present of the By-law changes made effective January 4, 2023.
Legislation update:- Matt Bur updated the members on a presentation made by Janine Hansen at the previous meeting and asked if the membership would support a donation to Jeanine to put us on her listed and give us advise through the 2023 Legislative year, Matt recommended $150.00, a motion and second was approved with a unanimous vote.
Speaker:- Guest Speaker was a member of the Pahrump Valley Garden Club with a wonderful presentation and a great slide show with trees that grow in Pahrump.
Everyone was very pleased with the presentation.
New Business: – ELECTIONS – The votes were counted by the election committee and presented to the membership will the documents to be filed with the secretary/treasurer. There was a unanimous motion to accept the votes.
Members Open Forum: – Share your story.
Adjournment: – Motion to adjourn was made and second, motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 11:04 am.
Next Members Meeting: – Wednesday March 1, 2022.
Respectfully submitted,
Helene Williams
Helene Williams
Secretary/ Treasurer
MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
Date: Wednesday January 1, 2023. Time: 9:52 a.m.
Meeting Called to Order: Chairman Matt Burg called the meeting to order at 9:52 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence in Memory of Pearl Harbor.
Quorum: Needs 5 members for a quorum. Quorum met with 26 members. There were 8 guests in attendance.
Adoption of Agenda: A motion was made to adoption the agenda as presented and second, motion passed unanimously.
Introduction of Board of Directors: Matt introduced himself to any new members along with Vice Chair Steve Bacus, Secretary/Treasurer Helene Williams, & Board Member Budd Watkins.
Approve the Minutes: The minutes are posted prior to the meeting on the Private Well Owners website. A motion was made to approve the minutes from the December 7, 2022 meeting and second, motion passed unanimously.
Chairman’s Report: –
Treasurer’s Report: Helene reviewed the Treasurer’s report as presented for December 7, 2022 see back of the agenda. A motion was made to approve the Treasurer’s report for December, 2022 and second, motion passed unanimously
Directors Reports: – Steve announced that he would like 3 members to volunteer to help with counting the ballots at the next meeting to join him on the committee. He received 5 members support.
Old/Unfinished Business: – The proxy ballot was voted on a second time and the members were reminded that the proxy vote must be post marked by January 31st, 2023. Motion and 2nd to approve, the new proxy ballot system motion passed unanimously.
Speaker:- Guest Speaker was Michael Fender – who spoke on all the Solar Farms Projects that have made application to the BLM to erect farms on those lands. The pros and cons of the project and their locations. He handed out a printout that was printed for him by the Association.
Members Open Forum: – Share your story.
Adjournment: – Motion to adjourn was made and second, motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 11:04 am.
Next Members Meeting: – Wednesday February 1, 2023.
Respectfully submitted,
Helene Williams
Secretary/ Treasurer
MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
Date: Wednesday December 7, 2022. Time: 9:57 a.m.
Meeting Called to Order: Chairman Matt Burg called the meeting to order at 9:57 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence in Memory of Pearl Harbor.
Quorum: Needs 5 members for a quorum. Quorum met with 21 members. There were 5 guests in attendance.
Adoption of Agenda: A motion was made to adoption the agenda as presented and second, motion passed unanimously.
Introduction of Board of Directors: Matt introduced himself to any new members along with Vice Chair Steve Bacus, Secretary/Treasurer Helene Williams, & Board Member Budd Watkins.
Approve the Minutes: The minutes are posted prior to the meeting on the Private Well Owners website. A motion was made to approve the minutes from the November 2, 2022 meeting and second, motion passed unanimously.
Chairman’s Report
Treasurer’s Report: Helene reviewed the Treasurer’s report as presented for December 7, 2022 see back of the agenda. A motion was made to approve the Treasurer’s report for November, 2022 and second, motion passed unanimously
Directors Reports: Budd informed the membership that he will have an update on this solar system for his well at the next meeting.
Old/Unfinished Business: None
New Business: Information material was passed out explaining that the Board of Directors discussed the upcoming elections for 2023 to be held at the February meeting. In an effort to address some of the Boards concerns it was decided by the board to present by-laws changes. Such change would address the following concerns. 1. Are all the members being served when many are unable to attend regular meeting due to work, doctors’ appointments etc. 2. Are the existing by-laws addressing Nominations, Candidates and Ballots cumbersome. 3. Is there a better way to serve the full membership. 4. Should a committee be established to review and update the existing by-laws.
A copy of the existing by-laws page 4-13 was handed out with proposed recommended changes. These changes are to be voted on at the December and January meetings by the membership. A sheet of the changes if voted on by the membership will be passed out to each member for their binders. There was a motion and a second, the motion passed unanimously with the Chair point specifically requestion if there was any opposition, seeing none the Chair closed the vote.
Also, a copy of the Sample Ballot was handed out for discussion and will be mailed out to the members with a stamped return envelope by January 6, 2023. The proxy ballot must be post marked by January 31st, 2023. Motion and 2nd to approve, motion passed unanimously.
Speaker:- none because of review of the by-law changes.
Members Open Forum Share your story.
Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made and second, motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 11:04 am.
Next Members Meeting – Wednesday January 4, 2022.
Respectfully submitted,
Helene Williams
Secretary/ Treasurer
Date: Wednesday November 2, 2022. Time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Called to Order: Chairman Matt Burg called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Quorum: Needs 5 members for a quorum. Quorum met with 25 members. There were 7 guests in attendance.
Adoption of Agenda: A motion was made to adoption the agenda and second, motion passed unanimously.
Introduction of Board of Directors: Matt introduced Steve Bacus, Helene Williams, Budd Watkins and Marilyn Davis.
Approve the Minutes: The minutes are posted prior to the meeting on the Private Well Owners website. A motion was made to approve the minutes from the October 5, 2022 meeting and second, motion passed unanimously. A gentlemen asked why the agenda said minutes from September 7, 2022 should it be October? Marilyn said he was right and asked for an amended motion. Helene stated it can be as corrected.
Chairman’s Report Matt advised it is a wonderful organization as we have educational presentations and your membership includes testing of the well and an arsenic test for a $10 fee.
Helene asked Matt to talk about the article in the PV Times about the arsenic in the wells. Matt explained that the arsenic is about areas in northern Nevada.
Helene took over to explain that the General Manager for the Water Governing Board made a presentation to the County Board of Commissioner yesterday, Tuesday about the article and that his phone has been ringing off the hook because people only looked at the headline and didn’t read the article that said it was in Northern Nevada. She asked the Private Well Owners Board if Aaron can discuss with Dan Weeks the findings that the Private Well Owners Association has found in the Basin 162 in the way of arsenic. She than called on Aaron to come up and explain the facts of which he has found. She advised that the U.S. Standard is a 10 and he hasn’t found any 10s.
Aaron explained that 59 sites have been tested and highest has been 7 parts per billion in 1 well in Basin 162.
Helene said she will put together an information sheet to pass out to the members on arsenic and where and how there is arsenic in any water anywhere in the world. It is the level of arsenic that is the issue.
Treasurer’s Report: Marilyn reviewed the Treasurer’s report as presented for October, 2022. Marilyn stated we will start in December collecting dues for the next year at the same amount of $40.00 for a regular member and $20.00 for an associate member. A motion was made to approve the Treasurer’s report for October, 2022 and second, motion passed unanimously. Helene advised Marilyn to tell them it is for membership for 2023 and if you join today it will take you through December, 2023. Same gentlemen said his wife wants to know why if there was 4 new members at $40 per membership, the Treasurer’s report shows $155.00. Marilyn explained at the last meeting a new member only had $35.00 and was to pay the $5 at a later date and has not done so. She will make up that $5 at out of her own pocket since she trusted the person to pay the remaining $5.
Old/Unfinished Business None
New Business None
Speaker:- ERNIE JACKSON – Matt introduced Ernie as a well driller for 26 years and a member of the Nye County Water Governing Board. Ernie talked about his past and his back ground. He talked about the nitrates are more of a concern than arsenic in our water.
He recommended that everyone should be attending the Water Governing Board meetings every other month on the 2nd Tuesday. At the Calavada eye in the Commissioners chambers. Helene suggested they go to the Nye County website to get the address and the agenda is posted on Granicus on the Friday before the meeting.
He did speak about the water levels of the different parts of the valley and the things that are in the water.
Ernie talked about where our water comes from, first is Mt. Charleston, second is Crystal and Johnnie and the majority is from the Amargosa river. He spoke about pockets of water that are sucked dry. He did answer that there is water here and we will not run out of water.
Helene answered questions about solar projects and the Water Governing Board working with the County Commissioners.
He talked about abusing water and that amount the well can pump per minute.
People overuse the amount of water when watering their plants and there is plants that should and shouldn’t be planted in the desert. There is information out there; you just need to research it. He spoke about wells going out and the repairs to wells.
Ernie will speak to anyone after that meeting and he will also give out his phone number.
Members Open Forum None
Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made and second, motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 11:23 am.
Next Members Meeting – Wednesday December 7, 2022.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Davis
Marilyn Davis
Secretary/ Treasurer
Date: Wednesday October 5, 2022. Time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Called to Order: Chairman Matt Burg called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Quorum: Needs 5 members for a quorum. Quorum met with 27 members. There were 9 guests in attendance.
Adoption of Agenda: A motion was made to adoption the agenda and second, motion passed unanimously.
Introduction of Board of Directors: Matt introduced Helene Williams, Marilyn Davis, Budd Watkins and Steve Bacus.
Approve the Minutes: The minutes are posted prior to the meeting on the Private Well Owners website. A motion was made to approve the minutes from the September 7, 2022 meeting and second, motion passed unanimously.
Chairman’s Report Matt thanked all the volunteers that helped out at the Fall Festival. Matt stated that Dan Weeks from the Nye County Water Governing Board will be speaking today. Please save your questions until after he give his presentation.
Treasurer’s Report: Marilyn reviewed the Treasurer’s report as presented for September, 2022. A motion was made to approve the Treasurer’s report for September, 2022 and second, motion passed unanimously.
Old/Unfinished Business Update on Fall Festival – Steve stated he felt it was a successful event and they gave out 31 membership applications. He handed out certificates of appreciation to the volunteers before the meeting started.
New Business None
Speaker:- DAN WEEKS – Helene introduced the General Manager for the Nye County Water Governing Board, Dan Weeks. He talked about his past and his back ground. He talked about protecting all the water issues in the whole county. He talked about the Water District Board and their challenges. Helene asked him to talk about the cloud seeding and he spoke about what it is about and how it will be funded. Dan did explain why metering wells is a helpful way to manage the water table. He also talked about water rights and what is a paper water right vs. actual water rights. He suggested everyone attend the Board meetings and to continue to be involved.
Members Open Forum
Aaron stated he is available after tht meeting to sign up for him to do well testing as it has cooled off enough to be back out there.
Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made and second, motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjorned at 11:02 am.
Next Members Meeting – Wednesday November 2, 2022.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Davis
Marilyn Davis
Secretary/ Treasurer
Date: Wednesday September 7, 2022. Time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Called to Order: Chairman Matt Burg called the meeting to order at 10:00 am, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Quorum: Needs 5 members for a quorum. Quorum met with 20 members. There were 9 guests in attendance.
Adoption of Agenda: A motion was made to adoption the agenda and second, motion passed unanimously.
Introduction of Board of Directors: Matt introduced Budd Watkins and the new Secretary /Treasurer, Marilyn Davis. He advised that Alan resigned to do other things and Marilyn stepped up to help as Helene is overloaded with the Chairperson position on the Nye County Water District Governing Board. Marilyn was the Secretary/ Treasurer until Covid and she had to step down to secure the stability of the museum.
Approve the Minutes: The minutes are posted prior to the meeting on the Private Well Owners website. A motion was made to approve the minutes from the August 3, 2022 meeting and second, motion passed unanimously.
Chairman’s Report He wanted to thank Marilyn for stepping up as with Helene doing the secretary for the Private Well Owners and the Chairman of the Water District Governing Board it is a lot of work and we really need her doing her best on the Water District Governing Board.
Treasurer’s Report: Marilyn reviewed the Treasurer’s report as presented for August, 2022. A motion was made to approve the Treasurer’s report for August, 2022 and second, motion passed unanimously.
Old/Unfinished Business Update on Fall Festival – Budd advised where the booth will be and for those who signed up to let him know if they will still be attending and anyone who wants to sign up can see him after the meeting. Budd will call in a week to make sure everyone is still available.
New Business None
Class:- HAND PUMPS – This is 2nd of the class.Budd discussed that there is no one in Pahrump or anyone from Las Vegas to install the hand pump. It is basically easy by drilling a hole in the cap and dropping a tube down. He will be taking photos as he proceeds with the one he is doing and they will be posted on Face Book.
Members Open Forum
Before he opens to the members, Matt talked about the results of having his well retested and the fact the water level was lower by about 4 feet than when it was checks about 4 years ago. He thanked Aaron for the wonderful job he does for the members with the testing of the wells.
Andre asked if Matt would talk about why the guests would want to be a member and what they will get from the meetings and having their well tested.
Aaron also suggested that they should check the water levels at the same time of the year as it was done previously. Also, Matt’s well was one of the first wells that was tested and now they have more accurate equipment.
Marilyn asked if they are a member can they have their wells retested and Aaron advised yes they can be done and probably every 2 to 3 years should be good.
Gentleman advised to have water available in gallons containers or buckets just in case the power goes out and you want to flush your toilets.
A gentleman stated his well quit twice recently and there were ants on the pressure sensors and what could he do about it. Several people advised to spray Home Defense around the well house as the ants are looking for water.
Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made and second, motion passed unanimously. Meeting adorned at 10:36 am.
Next Members Meeting – Wednesday October 5, 2022.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Davis
Marilyn Davis
Secretary/ Treasurer
MINUTES MEMBERSHIP MEETING – WEDNESDAY August 3, 2022
Meeting Called to Order: The Chair, Matt Burg called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. at the Pahrump Valley Museum, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Quorum: needs 5 members with 23 members in attendance. 4 Guests see attached sign in sheets.
Adoption of Agenda: There was a Motion and Second to approve the Agenda, Motion passed unanimously.
Introduction of Board of Directors: Matt introduced our board.
Approve the Minutes: Motion and second to Approve the minutes for the June 1, 2022. Meeting. Motion passed unanimously. These minutes are posted on our website.
Chairpersons Report: – Matt read a letter that the directors thought the membership would like to give some input into. The letter was to new property owners in Basin 162 Welcoming, (revise with this input). Matt has letter.
Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurers is attached to the agenda. The Treasurer read the report ending June 2022. Motion and second to approve the treasurer’s report, motion passed, unanimously.
Steve Bacus: Addressed the membership about joining the Fall Festival, September 22nd – 25th from noon to midnight. The cost to the PWOA would be $50.00 plus insurance, for a total of $99.00 and that the booth would be open with members sitting from noon to 6:00 p.m. Friday the 23 and Saturday 24. Motion by Steve, second by Alan to set up at the Fall Festival for the 2 days, announcing there is a sign- up sheet for members for 2 hour sittings. Motion Carried.
Correspondence: none.
Announcements – Helene reported on the billing process that California is now taking re all well owners, not just domestic. Also, she reported that Nevada announced that the area in June was the driest year in 128 years.
Helene announced that with the board’s permission from the July meeting she presented a request to the BOCC to declare September 6, 2022 “Protect your Groundwater Day”. It was moved to the Counties next agenda item for approval. (see request attached.
Legislation update: none
Class: The first of two (next September) presented by Director Budd Watkins on Hand Pumps.
Old/Unfinished Business: none.
New Business – Helene Discussed and handed out the 2020 Department of Water Resources pumpage inventory and it shows that there has been a drop in the water use in basin 162.
Next Meeting: Wednesday August 3, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Pahrump Valley Museum.
Members Open Forum: – There was a great amount of input from the membership on a variety of topics.
Meeting Adjourned: A motion and a second to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned 10:55am.
Respectfully submitted,
Helene Williams,
Secretary.