Winter came to visit Penrose the beginning of February
providing moisture in the form of snow and temperatures that fell well below
zero for several days. The Ag Met weather sensor in Penrose indicated we
received .25 inches of recordable moisture.
Following the snow, the winds blew consistently causing the
staff to chase tumbleweeds out of the screens to prevent backups in our system.
Unfortunately due to the wind, burning was not an option. As tumble weed
removal was a priority, ditch cleaning will not begin until March.
The 2014 annual Beaver Park Water shareholders meeting was
held Saturday, February 22nd. 70% of the total shares were either
represented in person or by proxy. This was up from 2013 by 9 %. The
shareholders were provided information from our speakers; Charlotte Norman with
Penrose Water District, Steve Kastner with Beaver Park Water, Mannie Colon with
Upper Arkansas Conservancy District, Rick Romano with NRCS, Charlie Newlon representing Farm Service Agency and John
Sandefur representing the Fremont County Cattlemen. The 2013 annual
shareholders meeting minutes were accepted and approved, the 2014 budget was
approved, and no one opposed the two Board of Directors positions, therefore
Gary Ratkovich and Sonny Daniels remain on the Board. Early Irrigations will be
available beginning the middle of March. This early irrigation will not count
towards 2014 irrigations. The Penrose PTO provided hot coffee and donuts to all
attendees. Beaver Park Water will make a donation to the PTO fundraiser for
replacement of the schools bleachers. A big thank you to those shareholders
that made personal contributions for the PTO fundraiser. They received $125.00
in personal contributions.
Brush Hollow Reservoir is at capacity, snow pack on the South
of Pikes Peak is visible and Skaguay Reservoir is near full. These factors are
all the positive indicators of a successful irrigation season. But as always,
it never hurts to pray for rain.
2014 assessment invoices will be mailed out at the end of this
month. Assessments are due April 1, 2014. Those who wish to pay half of their assessments
in April; the second half will be due August 1, 2014. A $10.00 transaction fee
is added to the assessments if paid in two parts. Alternative payments are welcome;
we have many shareholders that pay a designated amount monthly throughout the
year rather than a onetime payment. Just remember, if assessments are not paid
(1/2 by April 1st and ½ by August 1st) you will not be
eligible to receive irrigation water.
