Flathead Irrigation District, April 27, 2022 Minutes
Ronan Community Center, 1:00 PM
303 3rd Avenue NW., Ronan, Mt.
Attending Commissioners: Paul Guenzler, David Lake, Bruce White, Trent Coleman & Janette Rosman.
Absent: Nobody
Pledge: Recording: None.
An Irrigator made note April 27 meeting agenda had 2021 date: Notice was made and corrected.
March Minutes: David Lake moved that we accept March Minutes. Bruce White Second, Passed.
Warrants: Bruce White moved that we accept warrants, Janette Second. Passed. The following warrants were approved. Click Here Design $55.00, Five Valleys Law $675.00, Whaley Accounting $750.00. Total warrants $1480.00. Please Note the Warrant List spreadsheet has January, 2022 date. That is incorrect. Flathead Admin Acct., $571,584. Flathead O&M $891,391.00. As of 3/31/22.
BIA rate increase: Cassie, “Bia proposed a rate increase for 2023. $35.50. Formation is already on the Register and FID has until May 3,2022 to send comments to the Register.” BIAhas $6.3M reserve, 2.5M to be in place for emergency funds. Concerns regarding how funds are being appropriated and BIA still does not have the number of employees they need and it is already in the Register. David Lake moved that FID write a letter opposing 2024 increase. Bruce White Second. Passed unanimously.
Discussion on FID hiring hydrologist: An irrigator requested that FID look into hiring a hydrologist.There was discussion in doing so. (Unknown speaker) “FID hydrologist would know if water is being caught for instream flows and would oversee the irrigators. Susan Lake was concerned about trespassing on project infrastructure. Bruce White, “If hired by FID we have the authority (commissioners) to walkeasements.” Dick Erb, “In current circumstances hydrologist would be very helpful. Irrigators would have a better understanding about their water. We need someone with expertise to protect historical water use for current situations.” Cassie reported 9 positions open between Missoula and Kalispell and $91,000.00 is the lowest pay scale. There was no further discussion.
Admin Discussion: Commissioners need to be thinking about admin fund increase or leave the same for May meeting. Budget will be sent out to commissioners for review and input before May meeting.
Budget for O&M increase in 2023: Federal Register has O&M increase to be $35.50 for 2023 irrigation season.
Public Comment:Duane Weible asked what is FID’s plan for moving forward with 638? Cassie, “Get 638 transaction in place by next irrigation season.”
Cassie reported Tribe has been approved for emergency employment, people with experience that want to work for Tribe. Employees will be hired thru Tribe. Emergency hire would be May 15-Sept 15.
Dick Erb asked that FID get physical 2022 budget and 2024 budget from BIA.
Adjourn:David moved to adjourn, Trent second.
Janette Rosman, secretary
