The Truckee-Carson Irrigation District Board of Directors on April 7 addressed a potential legal dispute over drain maintenance, tabled a proposed land sale, and approved moving forward with a solar lease agreement during its regular meeting.
One of the most significant items involved a dispute over maintenance of Allyn Drain, off Allyn Road, where the district has been threatened with litigation by a property owner who disputes the existence and scope of a federal easement.
District staff presented historical documentation, including a 1906 dedication deed establishing a perpetual right-of-way for drains and ditches, as well as aerial imagery showing the drain has existed in its current location for decades. Staff maintained that the district has both the right and obligation to maintain the drain to ensure proper water flow.
Following discussion and a brief closed session with legal counsel, the board directed staff to proceed with maintenance as planned. The board also approved sending a formal letter to the property owner outlining its intent to clean the drain and continue operations.
“We should not be threatened by legal operations at all,” said new board member Mike Olsen, during the discussion.
The board also considered a proposed sale of district-owned property to Hiskett & Sons, LLC, through STR Land LLC, totaling approximately $273,000 for multiple parcels. While a motion to approve the sale was made, board members Mike Olsen and Abe Schank opposed. The motion did not pass as it failed to receive unanimous support, which is required under state law.
Board members then raised concerns about the appraised value and whether the district was receiving fair market return. The item was ultimately tabled for a future meeting to allow for further review and additional due diligence.
“I’m not opposed to it at all, I just feel like this is a little fast,” said board member Abe Schank.
In contrast to the tabled land sale, the board did approve moving forward with a long-term solar lease agreement with Wildcat Renewables, LLC, for approximately 100 acres near Reno Highway. The agreement allows for a development period of up to four years at $10,000 annually, followed by a 20-year lease term at $1,100 per acre per year, with annual increases.
Under the approved motion, district leadership is authorized to finalize and execute the agreement, with final documents to be completed as negotiations are finalized.
Continuing with project updates, the board also approved a $60,800 contract with J.F. Brennan to advance the stalled Tower Rehabilitation Project. The work will focus on preparing bid documents and securing a federal Buy America waiver after costs for compliant materials increased significantly, from approximately $800,000 to more than $3 million.
Routine reports included an update from the Bureau of Reclamation and district staff on water conditions. While current storage levels are near target, officials noted the season is shaping up to be unpredictable, with early snowmelt and declining runoff expected to create fluctuating conditions.
“This year’s unusual,” said Watermaster Kelly Herwick, noting water operations may “yo-yo” throughout the irrigation season.
The meeting concluded with approval of the consent agenda and standard financial reports.
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