MINUTES
Of the
MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Of the
BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2
Terry, Montana
January 10, 2024
The Ninth Regular Meeting of the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 at Terry, Prairie County, Montana, was held on the Tenth day of January, 2024 at 1:30 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 1:27 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 Resolution from the December 13, 2023, Regular Board Meeting were approved without corrections and, or additions, on a motion made by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Jackson Dion at 1:28 p.m. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Jessica Schott presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures through January 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 $118,861.90, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. January 15th estimated payroll: $13,438.76, January invoices $90,905.61, January 31st estimated payroll: $14,517.53. This transfer was approved at 1:38 p.m. on a motion made by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell. All in Favor. Motion Carried. Ms. Schott then presented the investment statement, which was signed to invest the remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $416,697.09 with the Prairie County Investment Pool. Warrant numbers from December 15, 2023, to January 11, 2024 range from 28053-28112.
The treasurer's report was approved at 1:40 p.m. on a motion by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
A Declaration of Nomination and Oath of Candidacy form was given to the Terry Division Commissioner at 1:43 p.m. for the upcoming election.
Jessica Schott then presented to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District
No. 2 Board the worksheets for the estimated annual carry-over for the 2023
operating year. At 2:15 p.m. on a motion
made by Jackson Dion and seconded by Lance Kalfell, it was RESOLVED,
To transfer $36,524.64 from System Rehab reserve account to District 2 Cash O & M to reflect the estimated 2023 net loss. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
A preliminary budget for 2024 was presented to the Buffalo Rapids
Irrigation District No. 2 Board for approval.
Upon review and after much discussion, it was decided to increase the billable
labor rate for Machine Shop work, increasing the estimated income for the
Machine Shop to $4,000, and add $5,000 in expenses for building upgrades. With those changes made, at 2:17 p.m. on a
motion made by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Jackson Dion, it was RESOLVED,
That the 2024 Budget be approved. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
Ms. Schott then presented to the Board a proposed contract received from Strom & Associates, P.C. for audit services for the 2023 fiscal year, which was drafted for the same rate as the prior year. After a brief discussion, at 2:27 p.m. on a motion made by Jackson Dion and seconded by Lance Kalfell, the proposed audit contract was approved. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
Jessica Schott spoke briefly with the members of the Board about the upcoming Annual meeting. After a scheduling discussion, all present agreed that the March meeting and the Annual meeting would be held on March 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Notices will be mailed to all producers in early March.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
Tim Kortum reported to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that all bids had been received for the pipe and fittings needed for the remainder of the Lateral 1.6 Pipeline project and that a selection had been made. He explained that Treasure State Irrigation’s bid was within $800 of the lowest bid and were able to get the materials delivered to the District the fastest. Treasure State Irrigation was awarded the bid, and pipe will begin arriving by truck next week.
Mr. Kortum then informed the Board that Strad and Rob were still working on the pumps that had been pulled, and that no major issues had arisen so far. He also announced that Josh and Rob would be attending a free training from the Bureau of Reclamation for water measurement and management January 22-24 in Denver.
Additionally, Tim stated that the Jenny Reach canal lining project in Shirley would take place in the fall.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:58 p.m. 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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