by Sharon Michaels
BALLANTINE – The Huntley Project Irrigation District voted unanimously to purchase a ’96 International dump truck for $22,000.
The truck was driven to the district’s monthly meeting on Dec. 9 by a sales representative from Bad Lands Trucking of Glendive. The entire board had the opportunity to check the truck over and agree on the purchase price. The truck had just turned 59,000 miles on the trip from Glendive. Manager Mel Brozek thanked the representative for delivering the truck and for his honesty.
The district had been looking for a new dump truck because the one they had was “shot,” reported Brozek at the last meeting.
Vice president Dan Vogel reported the economic development meeting he attended told of government grants that are available and some have low interest rates.
“Because they are very valuable and we need did them, I will be working on them,” said Brozek.
The board unanimously approved to reimburse water user Bernie Buzanowski $5,800 on the construction of lateral Y through the railroad right-of-way. The railroad had refunded the district this amount from the railroad permit charge.
The board raised the workmen’s compensation limits from $100,000 to $1 million. Secretary Liz Freeman said, “This is the going rate and the premium rate is $150 per year.”
After discussing the Hi Line pump problems, the board voted to hire HKM Engineering for $10,000 to do a feasibility study for a variable speed pump and canal lining to the Bisbees. Brozek reported the Department of Natural Resources is offering grants for these programs and he will be writing them to save the district money.
Brozek reported pump bearings were needed for some of the pumps and he had checked with three different suppliers. Accurate Bearing and Sales Company of California was the lowest bidder with $1,557.50 plus $242 shipping charge. After clarifying these were the bearings needed, the board agreed to accept the bid.
Brozek reported the company would not ship the bearings without credit card payment. Since the district has no credit card, Brozek said, it would be stupid to spend $6,000 locally when he can save $3,000 with a credit card.
Vogel asked it it were possible to wire-transfer the money. Brozek said he would check into it.
Brozek told the Yellowstone County News on Dec. 14 that Accurate Bearing and Sales Company would only accept credit cards.
The board approved Brozek’s request to attend the Four State Irrigation Council annual meeting in Fort Collins, Colo., Jan. 13-15. This meeting involves workshops and the how, what, who and when for irrigation district boards, he reported.
Montana allows a rate of $100 per meeting to be paid to board members. The irrigation board has been paying $40 per meeting for years. The board voted to approve an increase to $80 per meeting plus mileage one-way not to exceed $100 effective January 2010. Board member Russell Becker opposed the motion.
Reminder to water users from the board: Be sure to return your nominating petitions to the district office by Jan. 6.
The board went into executive session on an employee’s issues. The only action reported in the closed session was Brozek will be obtaining a chemical license.
The district’s next meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m.
