by Sharon Michaels
WORDEN – Approximately 35 water users attended the Huntley Project Irrigation meeting and election Thursday, March 18. Because there were only two director positions open and only two people running, Russell Becker retained his position in Division 1 and Travis Kamp will continue to represent Division 4.
Dale Bilyeu resigned his position on the board of directors after serving for eight years as president. Because the district had been unable to hire a manager, Dale acted as manager for three and a half years as well. The board hired a manager, Mel Brozek, six months ago and he resigned effective March 14.
The district had to purchase a trackhoe, dump truck and two pickups last year, Bilyeu reported. A lot of silt had to be removed from Anita Dam and the crew has been working on that project, added Bilyeu.
“We had a good water supply last year and because of the snow depth in the mountains right now, it may not be as good this year,” said Bilyeu.
He also reported the district’s necessity to purchase a new loader. “The one we have now requires a new transmission. This would cost the district $20,000 and the loader is a 1968 and has over 10,000 hours,” said Bilyeu.
When Bilyeu called for issues from the users, Roger Boender asked, “How many hours does the district put on a loader in a year?” Dale said he didn’t know for sure. “We need to cut costs and decide to find the cheapest and best route to go,”said Boender.
Board member Cody Kuntz said, “We have to bid on them and after checking, we were only offered three used ones.
Boender then stated the board should have at least two employees with a chemical license. Bilyeu said the newly hired manager was going for a chemical license, but now that he quit, Dan Banderob would be studying this next week to complete the two credits needed for his license.
Bud Grice spoke of seeing employees uptown and not working on several occasions. “The employees should have to punch a time clock and everyone should work equally. Seems like lack of management,” he added.
“We do have time cards but not the punch-in time clock. They write their time down,” replied Bilyeu. Two of the employees have taken part of the month off, and they are not being paid, added Bilyeu.
A Yellowstone County News reporter asked Bilyeu, “Who will manage the district now?”
Bilyeu said he probably would continue to help until they could find a manager.
Grice said, “You should hire someone local.”
Kuntz said, “We have tried, step up!”
Dan Swartz asked if the district had a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) policy. Bilyeu said they did have years ago.
“The board should enforce it because the employees are driving district’s vehicles,” said Swartz.
The water users asked when the water would be turned in. Bilyeu said he didn’t know for sure. “Right now, we are working on cementing headgates,” he said.
Wendell Hays said he thought the foreman, Todd Wilson, should have been at the meeting.
Randy Sian asked for an explanation on his water-righted charges with the state law and Bureau of Reclamation. Sian had just obtained approval on water rights. He gave the board a copy of the codes he had received. The board decided it would be discussed at the April meeting, Thursday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
