August 9, 2023 District No. 2 Board Meeting Minutes

 

MINUTES

Of the

MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS

Of the

BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2

Terry, Montana 

August 9, 2023

 

The Fourth Regular Meeting of the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 at Terry, Prairie County, Montana, was held on the Ninth day of August, 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 at 7:02 p.m., 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 July 12, 2023, Regular Board Meeting were approved without corrections and, or additions, on a motion made by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Jackson Dion at 7:05 p.m.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.         

            FINANCIAL REPORT:

Jessica Schott presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures through 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 $66,368.84, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. August 15^th estimated payroll: $16,048.03, August invoices $33848.48, August 31^st estimated payroll: $16,472.33.  At 7:12 p.m., a transfer authorization and investment  was signed to invest the remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $438,513.78 with the Prairie County Pool on a motion made by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Jackson Dion.  All in Favor. Motion Carried.  Warrant numbers from July 14, 2023, to August 10, 2023 range from 27785-27834.           

The treasurer's report was approved at 7:15 p.m. on a motion by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried. 

            Jessica Schott informed the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that a couple of employees had expressed some interest in receiving their paychecks via direct deposit.  Ms. Schott presented to the Board an ACH User Agreement from Stockman Bank, and their fees and terms for providing this service.  After much discussion, it was determined to forego the direct-deposit/ACH payroll option at this time, unless or until a majority of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 employees elect to receive their paychecks electronically.

            MANAGER’S REPORT:

            Tim Kortum informed the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that the railroad bore for Phase II of the Lateral 1.6 Pipeline Conversion project has tentatively been scheduled with Agri Industries for the second week of October, 2023, after all systems have been shut down for the end of the irrigation season.  Mr. Kortum also reported that Scott Aspenlieder with Performance Engineering will be on-site on Tuesday, August 15^th, to survey the remaining portion of the Lateral 1.6 project.  Mr. Kortum has asked Performance Engineering to provide an alternate route option that cuts across a field owned by Robert Dolatta, which will significantly reduce the amount of pipe needed.  Mr. Dolatta has agreed to an easement for this stretch of pipeline if Performance Engineering finds this construction route feasible.  Mr. Kortum also provided an update on the DNRC grant application for the relining of the Shirley Main Canal, stating that the award letter for that grant project had been received.

            Mr. Kortum reported that Jarreth had finished repainting all four pump house floors as his summer project.  He also stated that Jareth would be looking into again doing the work-study program with Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 through Terry High School when school starts, but hopes to get approval from the school for longer than one class period.

            Tim Kortum then explained to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that the well pump used for filling the large water tanks on the burn truck/fire rig had a breakdown and was pulled for servicing and repairs.  The motor was taken to Prairie Mountain Electric in Bowman for repairs, at which time the completed Terry #3 motor was picked up.  Another pump at Fallon has been having some issues this season, and Mr. Kortum reported that this pump would be pulled in the fall with the others that are due for pulling and servicing during the off-season.  Tim Kortum also mentioned that there was a small amount of moss growth seen in the Shirley canal, and Josh was currently treating the problem areas with copper sulfate.

            Mr. Kortum additionally notified the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that he had requested an estimate from local painter, Mark Soderquist, to have the exterior of the office repainted.  Mr. Soderquist will be on-site on Friday, August 11^th to obtain measurements and write the estimate.

            The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. on a motion by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

 

            ATTESTED:

 

________________________________                    ____________________________________

Tim Kortum, Secretary                                                                       Barry Rakes, President