July 11, 2018 District No. 2 Meeting Minutes

MINUTES Of the MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS Of the BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2 Terry, Montana JULY 11, 2018 The Third Regular Meeting of the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 at Terry, Prairie County, Montana, was held on the eleventh day of July, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. There were present and participating at the meeting: Barry Rakes Lance Kalfell Scott Sackman Also present and participating were: Tim Kortum, Manager, and 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 and Resolutions from the June 13, 2018 Board Meetings were approved without corrections and, or additions, by Scott Sackman seconded by Lance Kalfell. All in Favor. Motion Carried FINANCIAL REPORT: Pat Davis presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures for July to all Board members for their review. A list of invoices to be paid was submitted and forms for the Prairie County Treasurer to transfer funds in the amount of $82,772.36, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. July 15th estimated payroll: $10,728.58; July estimated invoices $60,235.37; July 31st estimated payroll: $11,808.41. Forms were also signed to transfer funds from System Rehab Reserve to District 2 Cash O & M in the amount of $14,066.64 for Stockman Bank Loan# 2340054877 Payment. Investment transfer was signed to invest the remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $461,841.83 with Prairie County Pool. Warrant numbers from June 15, 2018 to July 12, 2018 range from 24575 to 24624. On a motion made by Scott Sackman and seconded by Lance Kalfell the treasurer’s report was approved. All in Favor. Motion Carried. MANAGER’S REPORT: Mr. Tim Kortum presented to the Board a letter from Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2's attorney, Abagail Brown, with updates concerning the water rights and the progress being made on the issue. She stated that the ownership of the District's water rights has been updated to reflect Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 as the owner (removing District No. 1). She spoke with Rita Frasure, from the Bureau of reclamation, about timing for submitting the boundary realignment petition and motion to amend the water right. After speaking with her they decided that Abagail would send her draft documents in later July or early August for review. In the meantime Abagail is compiling the petition for extension of boundary and supporting documents, as well as the draft motion to amend ready for review. Mrs. Brown also gave an update on the subject of McAuley Ranch and the excavation of US Drain 49-10-I. Tim informed the Board that he had spoken with Scott Aspenleider of Performance Engineering about his trip to Denver to speak with individuals about the Bureau of Reclamation and Project Use Power (PUP) contract that is due to expire on December 31, 2020. Dave Schwarz has composed a letter, with the help of Tim Kortum, that will be sent to many different officials that states the concerns, and subsequent effects, that Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 would have if the proposed increase in power were to take effect. The members of the Board discussed the issue at length and Tim will keep them advised of any new information. Tim Kortum and Pat Davis had a meeting at the District No. 2 office with Mr. Gary Pfiefle, who works with the Prairie County Commissioners concerning roads and easements. The road easement that was brought to the Board's attention by Mr. Brian Certain was discussed with Mr. Pfiefle. A letter was sent to Mr. Certain's attorney stating the findings of Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2. Tim stated that Mr. Jim Forseth, of the Bureau of Reclamation, has been contacted to come to Terry, at his convenience, and complete the flow and seepage measurements for the District in the Fallon Division. Mr. Kortum informed the members of the Board that the irrigation season has been running fairly smoothly so far. There have been a few small problems with the Fallon Relift VFD, and a motor at the Terry Pumping Plant, but has been easily fixed. There has not been a large demand for water as of yet due to recent rainfall in the Shirley Division. The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Scott Sackman. All in Favor. Motion Carried. ATTESTED: ________________________________ ____________________________________ Tim Kortum, Secretary Barry Rakes, President