Flathead Irrigation Meeting, May 20, 2026
Mission West Community Development Partners
407 Main Street SW., Ronan. 1:00 PM.
Recording: Five Valleys Law Firm
Commissioners Present: Everyone
Pledge:
*BIA: Koshon Lacounte reported they are starting to take orders for water. Two pumps running, one pump keeps tripping. 12 temporary hires, 3 up North, rest are South. Mission and Jocko flushes mimic incoming flows. Up to Project to manage terms and conditions. It is FIIP opinion, there is enough water for flushing. FIIP has to answer to Fish and Wildlife habitat services. Mission Reservoir close to max, Crow 500’, St. Mary’s 16,000 feet out of 23,000 feet.
*CITT: Brian Hogenson, CITT is finalizing support tool for FIIP for moving water more efficiently. Reservoirs look better this year. Kicking Horse and Ninepipes at 3,000 acre feet from being full.
*Minutes: David moved to fix May minutes Spelling & approve. Bruce second. Passed
*Finances: David moved to approve May finances, Bruce second. Passed. Finances were Click Here Design monthly invoice $55.00 and $270.00 yearly hosting Flathead Irrigation District.org web site. Five Valleys Law, PLLC #8511 $632.50. Whaley & Associates PC #65674 $750.00, Montana State Fund #20497262 $426.33. Total invoices $2133.82. Admin fund $453,270.00, O&M (Operations/Management of Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (BIA) $1,037,353.
*Federal Register regarding 2027 Irrigation Rates Public Comment: David moved to accept letter with final change. Bruce 2nd. Passed. Letter is on web site: FlatheadIrrigationDistrict.org
*Cell Phones for temporary FIIP hires: Tribe will be purchasing phones for ditch riders,
*Water Court Update, Cassie Dellwo: Water Court is still gathering objections. Parties will receive notices allowing them to file counter objections. Then the Court will set up Status Conference. The total adjudication process may take several years. Those receiving objections has nothing to do with Water Court. There are many objections, contact an attorney if you have concerns.
Delinquent Water Assessment Bills: Contact has been made with Lake County regarding delinquent irritator water bill. Water will not be delivered until paid, following FID contacting BIA.
*Janette retirement: Janette will be retiring as commissioner and secretary.
Public Comment: Gene Erb had a question regarding Placid Creek Water right. FID unable to answer. Mr. Hocker wanted it on the record he had a personal complaint regarding family lawsuit.
Adjourn: Janette made motion to adjourn, David second.
Janette Rosman, Fid commissioner and secretary.
