MINUTES
Of the
MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Of the
BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2
Terry, Montana
April 12, 2023
The Twelfth 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 April, 2023 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 Resolution from the March 8, 2023, Board Meeting were approved without corrections and, or additions, on a motion made by Jackson Dion seconded by Lance Kalfell. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Jessica Schott presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures through April 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 $67,217.02, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. April 15th estimated payroll: $15,439.56, April invoices $19,183.96, April 30th estimated payroll: $19,183.96. Investment transfer was signed to invest the remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $507,636.60 with the Prairie County Pool. Warrant numbers from March 10, 2023, to April 13, 2023 range from 27553-27587.
The treasurer's report was approved on a motion by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
Jessica Schott informed the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that applications had been submitted for insurance quotes had been submitted.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
Tim Kortum informed the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that he found a second contractor to bid the bore needed under the railroad crossing for Phase II of the Lateral 1.6 project. Mike Coleman Construction, Inc. out of Dillon, MT has agreed to meet with Mr. Kortum on April 13 at the future bore site in order to gather the information needed to provide a bid for the horizontal directional drill/bore needed for the pipeline project. The bid from Agri Industries for the bore work is estimated at $64,214. After some discussion, the Board gave their approval for Mr. Kortum to accept a contract from Mike Coleman if it is lower than the bid from Agri Industries.
Mr. Kortum then reported that the pumps at Shirley have been installed for the season, and that repairs would be made to the discharges that are leaking in that division. He also reported that the pumps had been installed at Terry, but one pump required repairs after being turned on for testing. The hub needing repairs was taken to Prairie Mountain Electric in Bowman for new bearings, and a spare hub has been installed for use in the interim. Tim Kortum then stated that installation of the pumps in Fallon would be taking place later in the week.
Tim Kortum informed the Board that ditch-burning would be starting next week, as weather allows. He also stated that dirt work had begun again in an effort to finish Phase I of the Lateral 1.6 Pipeline conversion project in order to turn on water for the season. Mr. Kortum reported then that at least two more employees will be hired to work on the burn crew and the pipeline.
Lastly, Tim Kortum reported that a SensaPhone had been ordered for installation in the Shirley pump house to alert the ditchrider of power failure or other irregularities in the operation of the pumps. This SensaPhone will require a separate cellular service contract at $25 per month, and can be canceled and reactivated at the end and beginning of each irrigation season. Mr. Kortum reminded the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that he had previously discussed the installation of a phone line at the Shirley pumphouse to accommodate the need for a SensaPhone with Mid-Rivers Communications, but it was determined not to be financially feasible as a new communication line would have had to be constructed to cross the Yellowstone River.
Jessica Schott additionally announced that the annual financial audit with Strom & Associates has been scheduled to begin on May 30, 2023.
The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
ATTESTED:
________________________________ ____________________________________
Tim Kortum,
Secretary Barry Rakes, President
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