Ron Mendive — Appears to be the chair speaking and opening the meeting; notes he is eager to chair the meeting.
Ron Mendive — Declares Rule 80 due to his involvement as one of the plaintiffs in the legal action and notes the matter affects his district.
Ron Mendive — Witness says the chairman is included among the people represented.
Ron Mendive — Referenced as having been one of the objectors or respondents in the tribal claims subcases.
Ron Mendive — The body is referenced as having acted on prior water rights agreements.
Ron Mendive — Referenced as the chairman speaking earlier in the meeting and as part of the agreement process.
Ron Mendive — Addressed as Mr. Chairman.
Ron Mendive — Not directly named here, but the chairman is being addressed in the broader exchange.
Ron Mendive — Addressed as Mr. Chairman and asks whether there are questions for Chairman Allen.
Ron Mendive — Addressed by Joy Vega as Chairman Mendive.
Ron Mendive — Not mentioned in this section.
Ron Mendive — As committee chair, he is part of the proceeding in which the settlement agreement is being discussed.
Ron Mendive — The chair is addressing questions and the motion on the settlement agreement.
Ron Mendive — The chair is addressed as Mr. Chairman during the motion.
Ron Mendive — The chair is referenced as receiving written materials.
Ron Mendive — The chair wraps up testimony and praises the parties for reaching agreement.
Ron Mendive — The chair says he will carry the measure on the floor and then proceeds to adjourn the meeting after a vote.
Norm Somanco — Norm Somanco introduces himself as the managing shareholder of Parsons Bailey and Latimer in Boise and explains that he represents more than 300 people in the basin adjudication. He then describes how water adjudications begin, how parties are brought into the process, and how claims are filed and responded to or objected to by other parties.
Tyrell Stevenson — Tyrell Stevenson introduces himself as the legislative director for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and notes he has represented the tribe for nearly 20 years. He then thanks the many people involved in the long-running adjudication process, including Norm, and a follow-up reference notes that his remarks continue in the context of that same discussion.
Chief Allen — Chief Allen, Chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, introduces himself and speaks about his long service representing his people. He urges legislators to judge him and the tribe directly rather than by stereotypes, emphasizes shared goals such as safe communities, health, housing, and especially water, and tells a personal story about a serious jet ski accident on Lake Coeur d'Alene to illustrate the significance of water. He connects that experience to the tribe's effort to secure water rights, notes the fears and uncertainty that can surround the issue, and closes by recommending due pass.
Bill Rodden — Described as the tribe's lobbyist at the time and now deceased.
Norman — Referenced as having mentioned people's fears.
Joy Vega — Joy Vega is introduced and then testifies as division chief for the Energy and Natural Resource Division of the Office of the Attorney General about a settlement agreement resolving ongoing litigation. She explains that the settlement is beneficial for all sides and highlights key terms, including the tribe’s agreement to recognize and protect state law-based water rights with priority dates of September 6, 2023 or earlier. She concludes by noting that the agreement avoids continued litigation and offers to answer questions.
Charlie Shepherd — Vice Chairman Charlie Shepherd moves that House Bill 789 be sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the later reference to "the motion" points back to that same action during the discussion.
Ms. Vega — Her testimony about avoiding litigation is referenced in the wrap-up.
Paul Arrington — Listed as the first person signed up to testify.
Chris Bromley — Listed as a testifier; he says he has written materials for the chair.
Candace McHugh — Candace McHugh, representing the city of Coeur d'Alene through the law firm McHugh-Bromley, testified in support of the water rights settlement. She explained that the city was a party to the adjudication and has important lake water rights, so the settlement matters to the city because it protects historic lake operations and provides certainty. She concluded by submitting her written comments and recommending a due pass.
all parties — The chair notes that the parties worked together through litigation and negotiation to reach agreement.