September 14, 2022 District No. 2 Board Meeting Minutes

 

MINUTES

Of the

MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS

Of the

BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2

Terry, Montana 

September 14, 2022

 

The Fifth Regular Meeting of the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 at Terry, Prairie County, Montana, was held on the Fourteenth day of September, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

            There were present and participating at the meeting:

Barry Rakes

Lance Kalfell 

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 August 10, 2022, Board Meeting, were approved without corrections and, or additions, by Lance Kalfell seconded by Barry Rakes.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

            FINANCIAL REPORT:

Jessica Schott presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures through September 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 $47,664.66, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. September 15^th processed payroll: $13,121.28, August estimated invoices $21,374.19, September 30^th estimated payroll: $13,169.19.  Ms. Schott advised the board that the Prairie County Treasurer’s office has finished their fiscal year fund balance rollover and have provided corrected Cash Reports for July and August, which matched the cleared transactions and records used to reconcile accounts.  Investment transfer was signed to invest the remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $486,964.60 with the Prairie County Pool.  Warrant numbers from August 12, 2022, to September 15, 2022 range from 27197-27249.

            The treasurer's report was approved on a motion by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Barry Rakes.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

            MANAGER’S REPORT:

            Tim Kortum reported that Strad is working on a few doglegs on the Fallon pipeline to provide more shut-off points and increase producer ease-of-use.  Strad is also rehabbing the old Fallon River pump.  Three more pumps will need to be pulled at the end of season and serviced over the winter months.

            Mr. Kortum also reported that the Shirley discharge line is leaking, as well as a few areas at the Fallon Relift which will have to be re-lined or repaired when water is shut off for the season.

            Tim Kortum also noted that there was substantial moss growth in the canals again this year.  He will be discussing with Jared at Farmers Union the possibility of finding an affordable moss prevention chemical that has a fall application option.

            Mr. Kortum informed the board that the short-term Draw-Down Line of Credit loan through Stockman Bank is approaching its’ maturity date of October 1^st.  Mr. Kortum suggested meeting with loan officer Paul Eayrs to discuss the different options for terming out this loan further in order to keep a larger cash account balance during the Lateral 1.6 pipeline construction.  On a motion made by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Barry Rakes, it was RESOLVED

To refinance/lengthen the term of the current Stockman Bank loan contract to a term of 5 years in the amount of $303,000 in accordance with Section 85-7-2001 MCA and IRC 265(b)(3).

            Tim Kortum then reported that Rob will be back on the payroll next week to begin work on the headgates and other preparations for the pipeline construction.  Mr. Kortum is still waiting to hear from Scott at Performance Engineering regarding the feasibility of boring under the railroad for the 110 feet length of pipeline that will need to go through the syphon.

            Mr. Kortum also mentioned that a negotiation should take place to determine what is owed to Rakes’ for the used meters and valves offered to Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2.  Mr. Kortum stated that new meters would most likely be purchased for installation on the Lateral 1.6 pipeline.

            Tim Kortum also informed the members of the District No. 2 board that he received a quote to purchase a used 2021 hydraulic breaker/hammer for the excavator owned by Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2. that will be needed for the Lateral 1.6 pipeline construction in the amount of $11,000.00.  The lowest price to rent a breaker is $7,000.00 per month, so purchasing the attachment may be the most economical option.  Mr Kortum also stated that a second excavator will need to be rented for the duration of the project.

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

            ATTESTED:

 

________________________________                    ____________________________________

Tim Kortum, Secretary                                                                       Barry Rakes, President