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March 12, 2025 District No. 2 Board Meeting Minutes

 MINUTES

Of the

MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS

Of the

BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2

Terry, Montana 

March 12, 2025

 

The Eleventh 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 March, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

            There were present and participating at the meeting:

Barry Rakes

Jackson Dion

Lance Kalfell 

Also present and participating were: Tim Kortum, Secretary, and Jessica Schott, Treasurer.

            President Barry Rakes called the meeting to order at 12:42 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 February 12th, 2025, Regular Board Meeting were approved without corrections and, or additions, on a motion made by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Jackson Dion at 12:43 p.m.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

            FINANCIAL REPORT:

Jessica Schott presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures through March to all Board members for their review.  A list of invoices to be paid was submitted and a form for the Prairie County Treasurer to transfer funds in the amount of $45,102.50, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. March 15th estimated payroll: $14,445.13, March invoices: $13,956.10, and March 31st estimated payroll: $16,701.27.  This transfer authorization was approved on a motion made by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell at 12:50 p.m.  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 $699,020.02 with the Prairie County Investment Pool.  Warrant numbers from February 14, 2025 to March 13, 2025 range from 28826-28875.

The treasurer's report was approved at 1:03 p.m. on a motion made by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

            MANAGER’S REPORT     

            At 1:05 p.m., Tim Kortum reported District updates to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board, stating that pumps would be ready to go back in once the ice went out of the pump bays.  The motor from Fallon Relift that was being remanned at Prairie Mountain in Bowman is finished, and District employees will be going to pick it up this week.  The Fallon River pump being repaired at Agri Industries still needs to have the lube tubes done before repairs can be completed.

            Mr. Kortum then informed all present that employees were working on repairs to headgates, and repairs to the old lowboy trailer.  Mr. Kortum also reported that the new lowboy trailer was in the pump shop for upgrades.  Additionally, he reported that the burn crew would be starting next week, and one of the seasonal employees and a new seasonal employee would be coming on to help.  Tim Kortum also mentioned that the final blading on the 1.6 Pipeline would be done following burning.

Mr. Kortum also stated that the overhead door in the pump shop had been installed, and that the contractor would be back to install the door openers on both overhead doors next week. 

Tim Kortum then informed all present that a new overhead door and opener for the Pump Shop had been ordered and would be installed later in the Spring when the weather was warmer.  He also said that the work on the new lowboy trailer would begin when better weather becomes consistent. 

There was then a discussion between all present regarding the investigation into Health Savings Accounts and changes to the Health and Dental insurance plans.  Jessica Schott presented quotes for increased deductibles on the Health Insurance plan, as well as an alternative quote from Associated Employers for the Dental plan.  In order to qualify to open a Health Savings Account, the Health plan deductible would need be raised to a minimum of $2,000 per individual, which would not provide a large reduction in premium due to the Health plan rates remaining the same for 2025.  Additionally, due to Medicare status, not all full time, permanent employees would qualify for a Health Savings account.  It was ultimately decided by all present to forego raising the Health plan deductible and contributing to Health Savings Accounts until an increase in the Health Plan premium requires raising the deductible amount and on option for equal benefits for all full time, permanent employees can be found. 

Ms. Schott then presented the alternative Dental plan quote from Associated Employers.  The quoted plan provides the same coverage amounts with expanded coverage under Type B 80/20 benefits and the same maximum benefit amount of $1,500 per person, but with lower premium, and a lower deductible of $25 rather than the current $50 deductible.  At 1:27 p.m. after some discussion, on a motion made by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Jackson Dion, it was RESOLVED

            To accept the proposal from Associated Employers for the $25 deductible Group Dental Plan, effective April 1, 2025.

            Jessica Schott then reported that the worker’s compensation policy renewal had come in at about $500 less than 2024, due to rates for each classification code decreasing.

            Finally, at 1:32 p.m. Jessica Schott informed the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that as previously notified, the number of candidates filing a Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy for the expiring Fallon Division Commissioner position on the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board of Commissioners, Prairie County, State of Montana was equal to or less than the number of positions to be elected.  Therefore, the election is not necessary and had been canceled and that,

IT IS HEREBY DECLARED THAT said election will not be held and the candidate who filed for the position, Barry Rakes, will be elected by acclamation.  Mr. Rakes accepts his position.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:35 p.m. on a motion made by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

            ATTESTED:

________________________________                    ____________________________________

Tim Kortum, Secretary                                               Barry Rakes, President

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