November 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 

November 12, 2025

 

The Seventh 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 November, 2025 at 1:30 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 1:22 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 October 8^th, 2025, Regular Board Meeting were approved without corrections and, or additions, on a motion made by Jackson Dion and seconded by Lance Kalfell at 1:23 p.m.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried. 

            FINANCIAL REPORT:

Jessica Schott presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures through November to all Board members for their review.  Ms. Schott informed all present that expenditures included the rental expense from Agri Industries for the temporary pump at Fallon River in the amount of $8,57.05, as well as the final invoice from S&S Machine for the Fallon River No. 1 Pump and Motor Repairs and reinstallation in the amount of $78,674.00.

A list of invoices to be paid was submitted and a form for the Prairie County Treasurer to transfer funds in the amount of $132,231.28, to cover payroll and invoices was signed. November 15^th estimated payroll: $16,053.92, November invoices: $99,705.38, and November 30^th estimated payroll: $16,471.98.  This transfer authorization was approved on a motion by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion at 1:34 p.m.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

An additional transfer authorization was presented to transfer $66,882.08 from System Rehab Reserve account to District 2 Cash O & M for the third installment on Loan 2340058856, which will be due on December 5, 2025.  The Reserve account transfer was approved on a motion made by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell at 1:35 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 $478,436.65 with the Prairie County Investment Pool.  Warrant numbers from October 10, 2025 to November 13, 2025 range from 29243-29290.

The treasurer's report was approved at 1:38 p.m. on a motion by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

There was a brief discussion among all present regarding the most recent Fallon River pump breakdown, and if a claim should be filed with insurance for reimbursement of some or all costs associated with the pump and motor repairs and loss of use.  It was determined that a total of all associated expenses should be calculated, including the repairs at S&S Machine, costs for the temporary pump rental, and fuel costs and submitted to insurance.

            MANAGER’S REPORT:

            At 2:48 p.m., Tim Kortum reported to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that employees had pulled pumps, pumped out pipelines, and were now working on pulling meters for repair and repairing headgates.  He also stated that Strad was currently working on the Fallon River No. 3 pump that had been pulled for servicing and repairs. 

            Mr. Kortum then informed all present that S&S Machine had delivered and installed the Fallon River No. 1 pump and ran it for a short time after installation.  All appeared to be running well.  Mr. Kortum also stated that another motor from Shirley had been returned with S&S for repairs, but he did not expect the motor to need a full rewind.

            Tim Kortum then provided an update on the Shirley Main Canal project to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board, stating that the liner material would be delivered later today, and that employees were currently working to prep the construction area of the canal.  Mr. Kortum mentioned that they may extend the length of canal area to be lined by a short stretch to get all the way to the end near McAulay’s ditch if there are enough funds and materials available.

            At 2:05 p.m., Jessica Schott presented water usage overage totals calculated be end of season records and meter readings.  It was determined following a brief discussion to bill for the overage in all divisions.  Despite missing measurements and daily recordings in the Fallon division, a few producers still incurred substantial usage overage, and it was agreed by all to charge for overage accordingly as the water distribution regulations state.

            At 2:12 p.m., a proposed pivot site for a producer in the Shirley division was presented, stating plans for the pivot pipeline to tie into an existing Buffalo Rapids pipeline, with a request for Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 to cost-share the new pipeline installation.  The Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board had no objections to the new pipeline installation, but declined to cost-share due to the new pipeline delivering water solely to the private pivot.

            At 2:25 p.m., Jessica Schott presented tentative figures for the employee year-end bonus that will be paid on the December 15, 2025 payroll.  She stated that the full-time employee bonus amounts are fixed, but the part-time and seasonal employee bonus amounts could fluctuate due to the bonus being paid based on the number of hours they will have worked as of December 15^th.  All present were in agreement to pay the bonus amounts as presented.

At 2:31 p.m., Jessica Schott then presented to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board a draft of Tim Kortum’s proposed Manager’s Contract for the upcoming year.  Mr. Kortum requested no additional concessions, nor proposed any changes to the contract from the previous year.  With recommendation, and on a motion made by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Jackson Dion at 2:40 p.m., it was 

RESOLVED, To accept the proposed Manager’s Contract for Timothy Kortum for a one year term, to expire on November 30, 2026, or until a suitable replacement is found.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

            The members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board then directed discussion to plans for the annual District No. 2 Christmas party.  After a brief dialogue, it was ultimately decided to hold the Christmas Party at the BD- in Fallon again this year.  The date of December 20^th was agreed upon, depending on availability of the venue.  Ms. Schott will discuss the date and menu options with Delite Dukart and report the details to the Board and employees when plans are finalized.

            The meeting was adjourned at 2:46 p.m. on a motion by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

            ATTESTED:

________________________________                    ____________________________________

Tim Kortum, Secretary                                               Barry Rakes, President