MINUTES
Of the
MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Of the
BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2
Terry, Montana
October 13, 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 Thirteenth day of October, 2022 at 7:00 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 September 14, 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 October 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 $76,713.68, to cover payroll and invoices
were signed. October 15th processed payroll: $14,580.82, October estimated
invoices $44,427.31, September 31st estimated payroll: $17,705.55. Investment transfer was signed to invest the
remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $411,196.04 with
the Prairie County Pool. In addition,
transfer authorization sheets were signed for the purchase of a 2021 Magnum
Attachments Hydraulic Breaker/Hammer in the amount of $11,000.00 from Equip
& Emergency Reserve account, the purchase of a Rockwell/Delta 14” Lathe in
the amount of $3,162.23 from Equip & Emergency Reserve account, and $6,812.28
from System Rehab Reserve Account, for the Stockman Line of Credit #2340058643 current
interest payment. Warrant numbers from September
16, 2022, to October 14, 2022 range from 27250-27304.
The transfer authorizations were approved on a motion Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion. All in Favor. Motion Carried. The treasurer's report was approved on a motion by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
Tim Kortum reported to the District No. 2 Board that the crew is in the process of pulling the pumps to be serviced over winter and pumping out lines. Two additional employees were brought back on this pay period to assist with pipeline project preparations and removing pumps. Three pumps are being pulled for servicing, one from each division, and the tubes will be pulled at the Fallon Surge Towers to find and fix the leak that has been an issue. Mr. Kortum additionally stated that installing a SensaPhone system at the Shirley pump station would be a priority during this off-season so it will be ready for use in Spring 2023. The cost of the system is estimated at about $1,500.00.
Mr. Kortum also reported that a high school student in the Junior class has expressed interest in a work-study program agreement between Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 and Terry High School. Elizabeth Smith from Terry Public Schools will be in contact with Buffalo Rapids regarding details of the program and to present a preliminary agreement to the District No. 2 board.
Tim Kortum informed the board that all pipe, fittings, headgates, etc. needed to begin the pipeline construction project has been received and that preparations of the Terry ditch had begun. Mr. Kortum noted that when the first utility locate was done, it was discovered that the fiber optic communication lines are in too close proximity to both the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 ditches and producer fields. Mr. Kortum stated he would determine if there are any existing contracts/easements with any telecommunications companies. If not, he will draft a letter to the various communications companies regarding the right-of-ways on Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 ditches.
Mr. Kortum informed the members of the District No. 2 board that it was determined that construction of the pipeline through the existing syphon at the railroad tracks was not feasible due to the impossible angles within the syphon. This will require a bore to be made under this section of railroad tracks for a distance of 110 feet. Tim Kortum advised the board that he would be in contact with BNSF Railway to determine permitting requirements as well as Scott Aspenlieder with Performance Engineering to modify the construction plan designs.
Jessica Schott stated to the District No. 2 Board that she received the property appraisal report on September 16 from the appraisal conducted in August by MACo. The appraisal report places the replacement cost of the buildings and locations listed on the policy much higher than had previously been appraised in 2013. Ms. Schott advised that the District No. 2 Board could maintain the stated values currently insured on the policy, but would need to inform MACo of any disagreement with the new replacement cost valuations and make any changes within thirty days. The decision was made to maintain the current stated insured values and to look at coverage amounts again in the Spring when preparing for the policy’s renewal on a motion made by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
Lance Kalfell was approached by a District producer inquiring about available grant funding or Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2’s interest in partially funding any field tiling below the canal in Shirley. This was presented by this producer as an option instead of or in addition to lining the canal, due to his cattle grazing along the canal. The District No. 2 Board discussed the request, but ultimately decided against tiling as an option, citing issues with increased silting/erosion in ditches or the inevitable issues caused by moving excess/problem water to another area, usually causing additional problems. After some discussion, the District No. 2 Board ultimately decided to maintain the original plan of eventually lining/relining the entire canal and looking into building animal crossings for grazing stock.
The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
ATTESTED:
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