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HB 1177 Southwest Basins Water Roundtable- <br />March 12, 2008 Minutes <br />Chairman Steve Harris called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Because numerous guests were <br />present, Steve asked that introductions be made. Steve announced that there was a quorum. <br />Administrative Reports: <br />Review & Approve Minutes <br />Hal moved and Steve F. seconded that the minutes from Oct. 10, 2007 be accepted as <br />corrected. The motion passed. Tim moved and Chuck W. seconded that the minutes from Jan. <br />9, 2008 be accepted as corrected. The motion passed. <br />Officers & IBCC Representatives Report <br />John Porter distributed Harris Sherman's letter for Vision of Water Supply and comments from <br />all the IBCC members. He suggested that this roundtable may want to provide input in the <br />future. In addition, there are three east slope roundtables asking other roundtables to join <br />them in looking at water needs in the state. We'll have an opportunity to reply. Jenny reported <br />that she was unable to attend the last meeting. <br />Report by Eric Hecox, IBCC Manager <br />Eric reiterated that Harris Sherman sent a memo asking for IBCC inputs on a Vision of Water <br />Supply in 50 years. This has been the focus for the last several months. At the last IBCC <br />meeting, they took time to let each member talk about their vision and opinions. Eric found <br />some common themes. The next step will be to take the written comments and interviews and <br />draft a common vision so that it can be the topic of discussion at the next meeting. He <br />suggested that John and Jenny lead the discussion with this roundtable. John shared his <br />opinion that you can't control growth only with water. Water is part of the equation, but not <br />the only component. It's going to be a matter of making concessions in the future. Eric shared <br />that managing a finite resource is a major theme. This may be the last generation that has the <br />ability to develop water. Growth is a major item of concern and how municipalities are going to <br />provide water for M&I. Right now, individual organizations/districts are all working their own <br />problems and solutions. Another theme is "Managing" versus "Developing". The idea that <br />water use and land use planning must be considered together is becoming more accepted. Ken <br />shared his concern that agriculture might be endangered based on the comments from IBCC <br />members. Farmers don't sell the water because municipalities need the water, but more for <br />economic reasons. John felt that there was a strong feeling of cooperation between the <br />regions. John Taylor shared his opinion that if we could make agricultural water as valuable as <br />water needed for development, we wouldn't be in this situation. One of the basic underlying <br />problems is the ever-growing population and the impact on quality of life.