September 13, 2023 District No. 2 Board Meeting Minutes

 

MINUTES

Of the

MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS

Of the

BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2

Terry, Montana

September 13, 2023

 

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 September, 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, Jessica Schott, Treasurer, as well as Jack Huber and Elton Stickel of Fallon Sewer District.

            President Barry Rakes called the meeting to order at 6:55 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 from the August 9, 2023, Regular Board Meeting were approved without corrections and, or additions, on a motion made by Jackson Dion and seconded by Lance Kalfell at 6:57 p.m.  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 $54,122.87, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. September 15^th estimated payroll: $13,912.76, September invoices $27,938.11, September 30^th estimated payroll: $12,272.00.  At 7:07 p.m., a transfer authorization and investment statement were signed to invest the remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $388,464.02 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 August 11, 2023, to September 14, 2023 range from 27835-27887.

The treasurer's report was approved at 7:09 p.m. on a motion by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

At this time, Elton Stickel and Jack Huber of the Fallon Sewer District presented concerns to the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board regarding the fluctuating level of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 drainage ditch, located on the east side of the Fallon Sewer District lagoon.  Due to recurring issues with beavers in the canal, the drainage ditch level can become too high when beaver dams and silt cause water flow restriction and a back-up of water.  When the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 drainage water level becomes too high, it flows above the Fallon Sewer District’s lagoon drainage line, causing both waters to run together.  Mr. Huber stated that at the most recent inspection of the lagoon by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), a question was raised regarding the accuracy of Fallon Sewer District’s lagoon drainage flow and water sample measurements when these waters ae found to have been running together.  Mr. Stickel and Mr. Huber indicated that the DEQ inspector did not give them a fine for the deficiency or a date by which the issue should be resolved, but urged them to be proactive about finding a solution.  After a lengthy discussion concerning possible solutions, it was decided at 7:35 p.m. that both Districts would inquire with local trappers and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks regarding any special agriculture/irrigation permit for trapping beaver and muskrats causing damage or issues to necessary systems.  Mr. Stickel and Mr. Huber left the meeting at this time.

            MANAGER’S REPORT:

            Tim Kortum informed the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that a load of pipe for stock had been purchased at a discount from a private seller in Watford City, ND.  The 2,300 feet of 10-inch PVC pipe was purchased for about 10% of the cost of new materials.

Mr. Kortum reminded the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 board that the railroad bore for the Lateral 1.6 Pipeline project is still tentatively scheduled for the second week of October.

            Mr. Kortum then reported that the pump motor for the well servicing the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 shop yard would be finished with repairs at Prairie Mountain Electric some time this week, after which it would be picked up for reinstallation.

            Additionally, Tim Kortum noted to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that there was an issue with moss growth in the Shirley canal again this season.  Mr. Kortum stated that he may try to treat this growth with a different chemical next year to try and prevent the moss regrowth throughout the season.  Mr. Kortum also reported that the re-lining of the canal at Shirley would be postponed until 2024.

            The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. on a motion by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

            ATTESTED:

________________________________                    ____________________________________

Tim Kortum, Secretary                                                                       Barry Rakes, President