March 12, 2014 District No. 2 Meeting Minutes

MINUTES Of the MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS Of the BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2 Terry, Montana MARCH 12, 2014 The Eleventh Regular Meeting of the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 at Terry, Prairie County, Montana, was held on the twelfth day of March, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. There were present and participating at the meeting: Barry Rakes Scott Sackman Also present and participating were: Raymond Strasheim, Secretary; Pat Davis, Treasurer. President Barry Rakes called the meeting to order, stating that all necessary and advisable business be conducted during this time and that notice had been received by each Board Member. Thereupon, President Barry Rakes announced that legal notice had been given and a quorum was present so that the meeting was legally and lawfully ready to transact business. The Minutes from the February 12 & 27, 2014 Board Meetings were approved without corrections and, or additions, by Barry Rakes seconded by Scott Sackman. All in Favor. Motion Carried FINANCIAL REPORT: Pat Davis presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures for March. A list of invoices to be paid was submitted and forms for the Prairie County Treasurer to transfer funds in the amount of $19,377.87, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. March 15th estimated payroll: $6,332.47; March estimated invoices: $6,174.42; March 31st estimated payroll: $6,870.98. Investment transfer was also signed to invest the remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $500,639.00 with Prairie County Pool. On a motion made by Scott Sackman and seconded by Barry Rakes the treasurer’s report was approved. All in Favor. Motion Carried. Pat informed the Board that the annual audit by Strom & Associates will be conducted the week of April 7th, 2014. MANAGER’S REPORT: Mr. Strasheim and Barry Rakes brought Scott Sackman up to date on the power issue pertaining to the meeting held February 27, 2014. Ray contacted Western Area Power Administration to discuss acquiring preference power through their administration. They informed Ray that the District would not be eligible because the fish screens are not mandatory and it was considered a voluntary improvement to the District. Ray also contacted Tongue River Electric and they estimated the cost to run power to the plant would be quite substantial along with the much higher cost of power through their company. Ray has contacted a company that deals in Siemans variable frequency drives to install in the Shirley pumping plant. The price quote was estimated at one-hundred forty-four thousand dollars, which would be funded by money available through a grant from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Ray will continue to research the issue further before a final decision is made. Ray spoke to the Board concerning the issue of extending the syphon for lateral 106 at Terry to accommodate the new railroad siding. Ray has been working with all entities involved to extend the syphon. Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 will contract the concrete work to be done, and B.N.S.F. will contract the rest of the work to be done that will be paid by the District. Ray notified the members of the Board that the fish screens are repaired and ready to be installed. No correspondence from Intralox since the last order was made for the remaining buckets needed for repairs. Pat and Ray are in the process of renewing the 310 permit through the Custer County Conservation District for the Shirley Pumping Plant. Ray stated that the pumps are done and ready to be installed. No bill has been received from Prairie Pump and Machine, Agri Industries to date for the pump repairs. The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Scott Sackman, seconded by Barry Rakes. All in Favor. Motion Carried. ATTESTED: ________________________________ ____________________________________ Raymond Strasheim, Secretary Barry Rakes, President