MINUTES
Of the
MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Of the
BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2
Terry, Montana
June 10, 2026
The Second 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 June, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.
There were present and participating at the meeting:
Jackson Dion
Barry Rakes
Lance Kalfell
Also present and participating were: Jessica Schott, Treasurer, and Tim Kortum, Secretary.
President Jackson Dion called the meeting to order at 1:19 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 Jackson Dion 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 May 13, 2026, Regular Board Meeting were approved with one correction to the President’s name on the signature line, with no additions, on a motion made by Lance Kalfell and seconded by Barry Rakes at 1:20 p.m. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Jessica Schott presented current budget figures which included payroll and expenditures through June to all Board members for their review. Ms. Schott reported that expenses for the month included repairs to the copy machine, as well as construction material expenses that would be reimbursable by the Shirley Main Canal Rehab grant. A list of invoices to be paid was submitted and a form for the Prairie County Treasurer to transfer funds in the amount of $54,404.82, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. June 15th estimated payroll: $17,384.35, June invoices: $19,426.50, and June 30th estimated payroll: $17,593.97. This transfer authorization was approved on a motion made by Barry Rakes, seconded by Lance Kalfell at 1:36 p.m. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
Ms. Schott reported that second payment assessments were received from Prairie County in May, and that reimbursement was received for the Quarter 1, 2026 grant expenses. She also reminded all present that the audit for Fiscal Year 2025 was scheduled to begin on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Ms. Schott then presented the investment statement, which was signed to invest the remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $525,641.94 with the Prairie County Investment Pool. Warrant numbers from May 15, 2026 to June 11, 2026 range from 29616-29679.
The treasurer's report was approved at 1:48 p.m. on a motion made by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Barry Rakes. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
Mr. Tim Kortum informed all present that all divisions have been dealing with ongoing issues with large amounts of weeds in the main canals and open laterals, likely due to dry conditions and excessive wind. He reported that the burn crew has been burning weed piles the ditch riders continue to pull out and would continue that protocol if the issue persists.
Mr. Kortum then reported that a portion of a ditch bank had washed out near McAulay’s in the Shirley division when attempting to deliver water and that Billy is doing some bank repair and reshaping to remedy the issue.
Mr. Kortum reported additional complications in Shirley which include a leak in the pipeline at Finneman’s, which will be getting fixed on Friday. He also mentioned that a vent cap had blown off the roof of the Shirley pump house during one of the recent wind storms, and that he would work with Billy to get an excavator over there to re-cap the vent before water damage could be done inside.
Tim Kortum additionally explained to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that there was also a pipeline leak in the Terry division, in the old portion of the pipeline at Lachenmaier’s. He explained that the line does not leak when water is being used, but only seems to leak when the line is charged fully and water is not being delivered. Mr. Kortum expressed that the line would be excavated and the leak repaired when the 2026 season is over.
Mr. Kortum then informed all present that the electrician had been back to the Fallon Relift station to address a failed low water sensor. He reported that a temporary sensor was in place until the new replacement arrived.
Mr. Kortum also accounted that one of the gear reduction boxes to open and close one of the valves at the Fallon Relift broke and could not be repaired. He explained that the employees were able to unscrew, move, and remount the remaining gear box and use one box for both valves, but that he was looking for a replacement for the broken gear box.
There was then an in-depth discussion by all present regarding some issues with being able to measure water at delivery points where there are no measuring devices. It was suggested and ultimately determined that meters or weirs should be placed at or ahead of delivery points to remove any guesswork and maintain transparency. The importance of all parties adhering to the District’s Rules and Regulations Governing the Distribution and Use of Water was reiterated.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:53 p.m. on a motion made by Barry Rakes,
seconded by Lance Kalfell. All in
Favor. Motion Carried.
ATTESTED:
________________________________ ____________________________________
Tim Kortum,
Secretary Jackson
Dion, President
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