Flathead Irrigation District,
July 13, 2020 meeting
407 Main Street Ronan, Mt. 1:00 PM
Attending Commissioners: Paul Guenzler, David Lake, Dave Vincent & Janette Rosman
Absent: Bruce White
Pledge:
Recording: Janette Rosman
BIA report: None
June Minutes: Dave Vincent made the motion to accept the minutes with the following corrections: As presented in a letter to FID Commissioners by Cassie Dellwo: After Mach 9, 2020 FID meeting it was requested that I review the law to determine if Lake County would be able to cease making collections on behalf of Flathead Irrigation District. And the answer is no. Title 85 Chapter 7 of Montana Code Annotated governs irrigation districts in the State of Montana. Part 21 is specifically drafted with regard to govern Taxes and Assessments of irrigation the irrigation districts. David Lake Second, passed unanimously.
Financial Report/Warrants: David Lake made the motion to accept July Warrants, Dave Vincent second. Passed unanimously. July warrants were for the following: Whaley Accounting $600.00, Click Here Designs $55.00. Commissioner mileage/meeting attendance for January thru June: Paul Guenzler $531.63, David Lake $434.50, Dave Vincent $586.25, Bruce White $757.50, Janette Rosman $752.43 (also paid for mileage for picking up Warrants at Whaley Accounting and delivering Warrants back to Whaley accounting following each monthly meeting). Secretary payroll check for Janette Rosman January thru June 60 hours @ $15.00 per hour, $814.15. MACo (County insurance 1 year) $3,272.55. Five Valley Law $402.50. US Treasury-payroll tax deposit $137.70. TOTAL $8361.31
Cash Balance per Warrant Register: Flathead Irrigation – ADM $634,786.00. Flathead Irrigation O & M $1,799,268.00. As of June 30, 2020.
Admin Fund Budget Review: 2021 Budget was presented In Financial Package. As presented on Warrant spreadsheet FID has $634,786.00 in account as of 06/30/2020. Total 2021 Estimated expenses $169,870.00. Cash Balance on 06/30/2020 is $635,474.00 per Check register. Budget will be posted on Flathead Irrigation District.org web site and recorded at Lake County Courthouse. David Lake made motion to accept 2021 budget and Janette second. Passed unanimously.
Admin fee 2021: Dave Vincent made motion to leave Admin fee at zero (same as 2020). David Lake Second.
Passed unanimously.
BIA Second half Payment: Bill was presented for $1,470.905.29. David Lake made motion to pay bill, Dave Vincent seconded. Passed unanimously. There were no changes in BIA O&M charges for 2020-2021.
Meeting Date Second reading: for change of Article VII. Section 1. Regular Monthly Meetings. The District shall meet in a regular monthly meeting on the second Monday, Fourth Wednesday 1:00 PM of each month unless at a previous meeting it is determined by majority vote of the commissioners attending that the next regular meeting is unnecessary. Second reading stands until August when we vote on it.
Discussion on Article 7. First reading by-law: Secretary No. 2. The Secretary shall collect all charges and assessments of the District shall be responsible for preservation and maintenance of all funds, securities and related items of the District and shall maintain full and complete books of account with respect thereto. The board may outsource bookkeeping and financial responsibilities. The secretary shall deposit funds of the
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District in such banks or other depositories and in such manner as are provided in these Bylaws, as directed by the Board or required by law. The funds and bookkeeping of the Flathead Irrigation District shall be maintained in accordance to MCA 85-7-2136 (1-5) The County shall collect assessments of the District and be treasurer of those funds.
Update on District Court Case, Johanna Clark: FID received a letter from U.S Department of Justice on July 9, 2020 regarding case Number 2017R0098 and Court Docket Number 20-CR-00012. As noted,” A hearing before Judge Donald Molloy is scheduled on August 11, 2020, 9:00 AM at Missoula, Mt, US District Court, Missoula Mt, involves defendant Johanna Estella Clark. The purpose of this hearing is for the defendant to enter a plea of guilty. Your attendance is not required. If you are a victim of the charged offenses and wish to speak at the plea hearing, please call (VNS) Help Desk at 1-866-625-1631 for assistance and questions.
Public Comment: David Lake reported no active meetings on Mt Water Resources Meetings.
Gene Erb: Diversion problem on 1943 ditch. Who owns reservoir before goose hunters came in?
He also stated during meeting: Are we paying for pumping plant to pump water down the river?
Skip Palmer: Two diversions needed fixing. He wants to make sure his use of water is being recorded. He also had a comment regarding Senator Daines pushing to have meeting in Billings regarding Compact and not locally. Compact will not pass as it is right now, Bison Range being a part of it. Gene and Skips irrigation questions need to be answered by BIA who is presently managing the project.
Adjourn: Dave Vincent made Motion to Adjourn, David Lake Second. Passed