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Arkansas Basin Roundtable Meeting of May 14, 2008 Meeting Notes 1. Roundtable Business Chairman Barber called the meeting to order at 12:35 pm. Thirty two (32) members were present, sufficient for a quorum. Harris Sherman was introduced, and made a few comments. He thanked the Water Transfers Committee, with whom he had just met. Thinks that our model for water transfers will also be used by other roundtables. As we continue our dialogue regarding how we want to use Colorado's water in the next 50 years the roundtables will join the process. We need to look at the issue from 30,000 feet, but then move to a lower elevation, get really practical about what is the best way going forward to figure out the best way to use Colorado's water in the future. He thinks the Arkansas River RT is the most diverse and the most active in the state. He is very impressed. Would like to take a few minutes to ask our opinion about how things are working. Is the process working well? What is the RT's impression of the IBCC, and the relationship with the CWCB? Jeris Danielson: thinks the process has been very interesting and has opened up dialogues in the Arkansas Basin which have been very valuable. The RT process is designed to be from the ground- up. The visioning process will certainly be coming to the roundtable for feedback. Virgil Cochran: The secrecy in the water business has made it difficult over the years. Making it more transparent has been really helpful. Still doesn't see any large problems getting fixed. Thinks there are inefficiencies that could be fixed in the Ark Valley that could save 100,000 acre feet per year. He is concerned about the basins working together. This will have to happen for some of the fixes to occur. Harris: The thought behind the needs assessment was that once each basin had a reasonable assessment of it's needs, that the basins would then turn both internally and externally to solve problems. Encourages us, in terms of intra-basin problems, to roll up our sleeves to recommend solutions to what this region of the state is really going to need. The thought also is clearly that once the needs assessment is finished, we will try to get the basins together and really ratchet up the dialogue between them. The hope is to make significant progress to solve important water issues in Colorado. John Weiner: Questioned the policy that results in late disclosure of proposed transfers. Is there a way to modify this policy? Harris: Open to input. Sometimes there are unintended consequences due to policy. If you believe there are better approaches to these matters, please bring them to our attention. If these models would necessitate legislation to change the policy, I would urge you to look at that carefully, look at what other states are doing. We certainly may need to look at legislative solutions. A motion was made by Jay Winner, seconded by Jim Broderick, and unanimously passed to approve the minutes of the April meeting. The agenda was reviewed. CGS presentation will be replaced by expectations for the 2008 water year -what we might expect for flow and runoff. Public Comment: None 2. IBCC Report: Alan: Welcomed Harris and thanked him for his efforts. Wanted to second what Jeris said about the visioning process. The work document for the process is at the side table, and we would welcome your feedback.