February 11, 2026 District No. 2 Board Meeting Minutes

 MINUTES

Of the

MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS

Of the

BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2

Terry, Montana

February 11, 2026

 

The Tenth Regular Meeting of the members of the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 at Terry, Prairie County, Montana, was held on the Eleventh day of February, 2026 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 1:25 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 January 14, 2026, Regular Board Meeting were approved without corrections and, or additions, on a motion made by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Jackson Dion at 1:26 p.m.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

            FINANCIAL REPORT:

Jessica Schott presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures through February 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 $48,906.23, to cover payroll and invoices were signed.  February 15^th estimated payroll: $13,776.45, February invoices: $20,811.24, and February 28^th estimated payroll: $14,318.54.  This transfer authorization was approved on a motion made by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell at 1:30 p.m.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried. 

An additional transfer authorization was presented to transfer $7,986.01 from the System Rehab reserve account to District 2 Cash O & M to reflect the estimated 2025 net loss.  This transfer authorization was approved on a motion made by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Jackson Dion at 1:31 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 $637,822.25 with the Prairie County Investment Pool.  Warrant numbers from January 16, 2026 to February 12, 2026 range from 29409-29453.

The treasurer's report was approved at 1:37 p.m. on a motion made by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

            Jessica Schott then announced to all present that she had received the new premium rate notice for the health insurance policy that will renew on April 1, 2026, and that rates for the upcoming year had decreased by 10% from the current rate.

            MANAGER’S REPORT:

            At 1:43 p.m., Tim Kortum provided District updates to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board, stating that the repairs to the pump motors currently at S & S Machine are coming along well, and that no motors required a complete rewind.  He also reported that District employees were working on the repairs to the last pump, including rethreading lube tubes.

            Mr. Kortum also informed all present that District employees were finishing the upgrades to the new lowboy trailer with the addition of wood decking and fixed outriggers.  He also reported that work continues on the repairs to the meters, turnout gates, and headgates.

Tim Kortum then provided an update on the Shirley Main Canal lining project, stating that employees had done some blading prep work on the canal this week until it became too muddy, and that the dump truck rear end had been repaired and would be able to haul dirt for the project as the weather allows.

Additionally, Mr. Kortum reported that he and Ms. Schott had been made aware of a new Renewable Resource Grant cycle through the Montana DNRC, and that they would be having a phone call with Scott Aspenleider from Performance Engineering later this week to discuss applying for funding to convert one of the two problem laterals in Fallon from open ditch to pipeline.

At 2:10 p.m., the open Fallon Ditch Rider position was revisited and the costs associated with pursuing the H-2A program were discussed.  After some discussion, it was decided to list the open position through Job Service and table proceeding with H-2A at this time. 

            Finally, at 2:23 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 Shirley 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, Lance Kalfell, will be elected by acclamation.  Mr. Kalfell accepts his position.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:36 p.m. on a motion made by Jackson Dion, seconded by Lance Kalfell.  All in Favor.  Motion Carried.

 

            ATTESTED:

________________________________                    ____________________________________

Tim Kortum, Secretary                                               Barry Rakes, President