Flathead Irrigation District
November-December meeting
407 Main Street SW., Ronan
December 6, 2023. 1:00 PM
Pledge:
Attending Commissioners: Everyone
Safety of Dams: Mark Simpson, Irrigation infrastructure manager presented an update on betterment projects. Mainly those in Jocko, Pumping Plant and Charlo area improvements.
CITT: Casey Ryan, CITT, Compact Resource Officer. His first question to irrigators, “How can irrigators we be more efficient with stock water in off season?” Casey had no answers, he was asking and looking for input from Commissioners and irrigators. He referenced improvements to $12M of State of Montana’s $55M contribution shall be allocated specifically to water measurement activities, improving on-farm efficiency and mitigating any loss of Stock Water deliveries from FIIP. Irrigators input is important to him.
He also stated 2016 Cal Poly did a modernization plan for each area. Work in Jocko area is close to completion. Next area will be Charlo and he wants to schedule a meeting for Charlo area, Spring 2024.
Rob McDonald who oversees managers regarding Irrigation Projects and Safety of Dams gave us a public web site www.csktwatercompact.com for information on active FIIP improvements being done with Montana State $55M implementation dollars. I located public web site for CITT. https://csktribes.org/index.php/water-rights/compact.implementation-technicalteam.
Eric Brueguler: FIIP manager was not available.
Skye Cooley: FIIP hydrologist did an update on water use. Information about snow levels (water content) and predicted snowfall El Nino pattern. Go to cpc.ncep.noaa.gov.
October minutes were reviewed: David Lake made motion to accept minutes, Trent second. Passed.
November/December warrants: Click designs annual web site fee $35., Nov., $55.,Dec. $55., Five Valley Law #4971 $107.50, Whaley Accounting $750.00. Commissioners’ mileage/compensation last 6 months: Paul Guenzler $657.64, David Lake $671.40, Trent Coleman $593.67, Bruce White $693.44, Janette Rosman meetings/mileage $1008.72and Payroll for 6 months $779.05. Total expenses: $5406.42. Cash balance per warrant register: FID Admin $516,268.00. O&M $570,247.00. (thru 10/31/23) Janette made motion to accept warrants, Bruce second, passed.
Amendment added to Agenda: ACTION ITEM. “Paul to meet with BIA to go over budget and how money was spent in 2023. Paul will then give a report to the public on how BIA budget review meeting went.” David made this motion and Trent second. Passed.
Open Discussion: Regarding what projects to bring to CITT. Ideas on ways to administer stock water and or on farm improvements. This topic was discussed by Casey Ryan in his presentation. It is important for irrigators to contact Ryan how to use funds set aside for Stock Water improvements.
Contact FID: FIIP is attempting to compose an email list of irrigators to inform them directly regarding meetings, information on Project activity, etc. Please let Janette know if you want to be on the list.
Montana Water Resources Association: Annual meeting is February 7-9 2024., Fairmont Hot Springs.
David L. may not be able to go. Is there someone else who can take his place & will proxy be allowed?
PUBLIC COMMENT: Janette sent Judy Day census report. Wipfli finally responded to FID emails regarding annual audit. Mission and Jocko will be reimbursing FID for their share of building insurance.
ADJOURN: Janette made motion, Bruce second.
Janette Rosman, secretary