Southeastern Coloraodo Water Conservancy District 2002 Annual Report

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Year 2002 Highlights of the Southeastern District Ralph Adkins, 29 Years of Service A large hole was left on the board of directors in 2002 with the culmination of 29 years of devoted service by Ralph Adkins to the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District. Ralph's eighth term on the Board ended in April, as his seat on the Board was filled by W.R. "Wally" Stealey. Ralph will be sorely missed. Ralph began his duties in 1973 while he was still working for CF &I as their water resources engineer. Ralph was elected president of the Board in 1991, and remained as president for 11 years. He was very involved with the oversight of the District as well as participating extensively in the Preferred Storage Options Plan process. Ralph was very involved in water organizations throughout the state during his tenure on the Board. He was honored by the Colorado Water Congress as the recipient of the "Wayne N. Aspinall Water Leader of the Year" in 1997. His expertise in water and leadership were important elements of the District during the many issues that confronted the District these past 29 years. Three New Directors Appointed to District Board April 2002 brought three new directors onto the Board. Bill Long, Lou Mellini, and W.R. "Wally" Stealey were sworn in as directors at the April Board meeting. Denzel Goodwin and Robert Schrader were reappointed to serve on the Board, with each being for a four year term. Lou Mellini was unable to keep up with the time requirements, and resigned his position in July. District Court Judge Dennis Maes then appointed John O'Donnell to fill Mr. Mellini's position. John was sworn in at the September Board meeting. The District welcomes these new members. They are quickly learning their responsibilities as well as the nuances of a water conservancy district. The District would also like to thank the outgoing Board members Tom Pointon and David Sarton for their service as directors. Dave, an El Paso County businessman, first joined the Board in 1986 and served for 16 years. Tom, a farmer /rancher in Bent County, first joined the Board in 1989 and served for 13 years. Thanks to Dave and Tom for their dedicated service on the Board. Steve Arveschoug Moves On In July 2002, Steve Arveschoug, the general manager for the past seven years, resigned to take a position with the Dolores Conservancy District in Southwestern Colorado. Steve was a vibrant guiding force for the District over his tenure as general manager. Under his leadership, the Preferred Storage Options Plan moved from the concept stage, into a position of being very close to being implemented. Steve's high energy and determination provided the impetus to keep the District on task and moving forward. Steve joined the District in April of 1995 and quickly moved the District into a planning mode to meet the future needs of the District. Steve was very active in all levels of the water community as well as being involved at the State level for resource planning. The Water Bank Pilot Program currently underway was a direct result of the Governor's Commission on Saving Open Spaces, Farms, and Ranches that Steve served as a member of.