The Turlock Irrigation District Board of Directors will kick off 2014 on Tuesday morning with the first meeting of the new year.
After a three week hiatus, the Board of Directors has a light agenda before them. During the meeting, the board is likely to approve a request to install a 24-inch sidegate and pipeline in the Lateral 5 Canal that will convey water to a new double line drip system to serve 438 acres of existing almond trees near the Stanislaus and Merced county line. The newly installed system will replace an existing micro-sprinkler system, while remaining compatible with water delivery operations.
The board is also expected to approve a 15-inch sidegate in the Upper Lateral 4 Canal, as the existing drip system is not compatible with the scheduling needs of the acreage utilizing the current sidegate. The proposed new sidegate and pipeline will serve a 43-acre parcel of almonds near Commons Road.
Additionally, TID staff will provide the board with a Water Resources Administration report, alongside electric service division, power and water reports.
During closed session, the Board of Directors and General Manager Casey Hashimoto are to hold a conference with legal counsel to discuss the existing litigation between Frank Sorrentino and TID. In May 2014, Sorrentino filed a complaint of personal injury and is set to have a settlement hearing at the Stanislaus County Superior Court on Feb. 3. Should a settlement not come to pass, a jury trial hearing is scheduled for Feb. 19.
The board and general manager will also hold a conference with a labor negotiator while discussions continue regarding contract negotiations between TID and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
The TID Board of Directors meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the Main Office Building, located at 333 E. Canal Dr.