April 20, 2022 District No. 2 Board Meeting Minutes

 

MINUTES

Of the

MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS

Of the

BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2

Terry, Montana

 

April 20, 2022

 

The Twelfth Regular Meeting of the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 at Terry, Prairie County, Montana, was held on the Twentieth day of April, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.

 

            There were present and participating at the meeting:

 

Barry Rakes

Lance Kalfell

Jackson Dion

 

Also present and participating were: Tim Kortum, Secretary; and Jessica Schott, 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 March 9, 2022, Board Meeting, were approved without corrections and, or additions, by Lance Kalfell seconded by Jackson Dion.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

 

 

            FINANCIAL REPORT:

 

            Jessica Schott presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures through March 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 $309,420.22, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. April 15^th estimated payroll: $20,557.51, March estimated invoices $309,420.22, April 30^th estimated payroll: $18,983.96.    Investment transfer was signed to invest the remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $446,937.57 with Prairie County Pool. In addition, a Fund Advance Request authorization sheet was signed for the transfer of $280,000.00 from the Stockman Bank Line of Credit into District 2 Cash 1020 O & M to pay 61% of the pipe materials ordered for the 1.6 Lateral Pipeline Conversion Project.  Warrant numbers from March 11, 2022, to April 21, 2022 range from 26882-26979. 

 

            The treasurer's report was approved on a motion by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion

 

            On a motion made by Jackson Dion and seconded by Lance Kalfell, it was RESOLVED, To authorize Buffalo Rapids Irrigation Distrct No. 2's acceptance of a Straight Line-of-Credit through Stockman Bank of Montana for an amount of $300,000 with a fixed interest rate of 5.00% per annum, in accordance with Section 85-7-2001 MCA.

 

            Jessica Schott reported that the audit has been completed for the onsite review of the accounting records for fiscal year 2021 with no findings.  The final audit report will be compiled and forwarded to the District when completed in full.  The Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board discussed the increase in cost for the annual audit services, noting an $800 increase from 2021 to 2022.  On a motion by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Jackson Dion, a motion was carried for Jessica Schott to investigate the audit requirements for the District, and possibly check pricing at another auditing/accounting firm.

 

            Jessica Schott presented insurance renewal proposals from SunLife Dental and MACo Property & Casualty Trust.  Ms. Schott explained that Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 received a rate pass for the 2022-2023 SunLife Dental policy with no increase in premium, while the MACo Property & Casualty policy received a 20% increase in premium for the 2022-2023 policy period. 

 

            MANAGER’S REPORT:

 

            Tim Kortum reported that the weather has delayed the ditch-buring crew and the estimated date pumps would be turned on, but stated preparations would be completed when the weather permits..   

 

            Mr. Kortum informed the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that the District had been approved for funding of Phase 3 of the 1.6 Lateral Pipeline Conversion project through the ARPA grant program in the amount of $500,000.  The contract is expected to be presented for signature in June 2022, with funds available in July, 2022.  Scott Aspenlieder with Performance Engineering will be in Terry the last week of April to meet with Tim Kortum and Jessica Schott, as well as any available Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board members, to review the current grant contracts in progress, and discuss possible upcoming planning grant projects.

 

            Tim Kortum explained to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that he had commissioned Tom Magalsky/Alternative Excavation to reshape the furthest lateral below the railroad tracks at Shirley to prevent further erosion and water flow restriction.

 

            Mr. Kortum also advised the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that he had agreed to purchase some used doglegs with valves, etc., from Rakes Farms for stock/resale items.

 

            The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Jackson Dion, seconded by Barry Rakes. All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

 

            ATTESTED:

 

________________________________                    ____________________________________

Tim Kortum, Secretary                                                                       Barry Rakes, President