MINUTES
Of the
MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Of the
BUFFALO RAPIDS IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 2
Terry, Montana
August 12, 2026
The Fourth 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 August, 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 1:18 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 Resolutions from the July 8, 2026, Regular Board Meeting were approved, with no corrections or 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 August 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 $54,755.98, to cover payroll and invoices were signed. August 15th estimated payroll: $14,903.73, August invoices: $24,107.76, and August 31st estimated payroll: $15,744.49. This transfer authorization was approved on a motion made by Barry Rakes, seconded by Lance Kalfell at 1:32 p.m. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
Ms. Schott then presented an additional form to transfer funds in the amount of $125,524.06 from District 2 Cash O & M to the System Rehab reserve account to reflect the insurance claim payment for the August 10, 2025 breakdown of the Fallon River No. 1 pump and motor. This transfer authorization was approved on a motion made by Lance Kalfell, seconded by Barry Rakes at 1:34 p.m. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
Ms. Schott reported that final second payment assessments were received from Prairie County in July, and that no investment interest disbursement was received from the Prairie County Investment Pool due to the County still being in process of their Fiscal Year rollover.
Ms. Schott then presented the investment statement, which was signed to invest the remaining monthly District No. 2 cash balances in the amount of $652,593.43 with the Prairie County Investment Pool. Warrant numbers from July 10, 2026 to August 13, 2026 range from 29743-29797.
The treasurer's report was approved at 1:35 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 the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District No. 2 Board that the Lateral 5.3B pipeline in Shirley was not getting water at the end of the line that connects to a pivot for Diamond Ring. Mr. Kortum explained that Tru Pipe had been hired to put an in-line camera through both ends of the pipeline looking for a blockage, but no obstructions were found. Mr. Kortum and Mr. Kalfell reported that the only area of the line inaccessible to the camera was the syphon which has a 90 degree drop. Mr. Kortum explained that the line did not appear to be air locked, but that an object, animal, or mud could be plugging the syphon. He stated that the next plan was to remove the air vent above the syphon to see if any obstruction could be seen or snaked out, but that he may need to hire a vac truck to clear the line.
Mr. Kortum then reported that Pump No. 1 in Terry had to be shut off on August 11th due to low water in the river, and that Billy was digging the channel deeper today. He then informed all present that the air lock issue in the Lateral 1.6 Pipeline seems to have corrected itself, but that he was still planning to install more air vents in the line on both sides of the railroad tracks when the water season is over to prevent future issues.
Mr. Kortum also stated that Glen French was having a problem again with the drain flooding his field when all three pumps in Terry are running with a full canal, but he states that when only two pumps are running, he can’t get enough water to the pivot on his other field to allow it to run. He has requested that the District raise the canal along his field. After some discussion by all present, it was determined that the District’s water right does not allow for this modification of the canal, and that Mr. French would need to move his pump for the pivot lower in order to get water, and that some work could be done to the drain in order to prevent the first field from flooding. Mr. Kortum mentioned that extensive ditch cleaning was needed in all three divisions of the District and that he was scheduling that with the equipment operators for this fall.
Tim Kortum additionally reported that the District had its Bureau of Reclamation (B.O.R.) facilities inspection on August 11th, and that it had gone fairly well with a few items noted for correction. Mr. Kortum reported missing covers from electrical boxes at the Shirley pump house, burnt out indicator lights on the cubicles at all pump stations, and that the overhead hoists in all pump houses were due for load testing. Mr. Kortum stated that the B.O.R. representatives were overall pleased with the facilities aside from the noted items, and that they stated the delivery of water was satisfactory and going very well.
Lastly, there was a discussion by all present regarding the advertising for the upcoming opening of the District Manager position, with suggestions of what qualifications they preferred candidates to have. All were in agreement that Jessica Schott should create a listing for the open position with the job description and agreed qualifications, and that it should be reviewed by President Jackson Dion prior to posting.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:11 p.m. on a motion made by Lance
Kalfell, seconded by Barry Rakes. All in
Favor. Motion Carried.
ATTESTED:
________________________________ ____________________________________
Tim Kortum,
Secretary Jackson
Dion, President
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