Commissioners Present: Bill Posten, Dave Golay

Minutes of a regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of The Bitter Root Irrigation District held at the District office at 1182 Lazy J Lane, Corvallis MT on April 11, 2017.

Commissioners present: Bill Posten, Dave Golay and Matt Pendergast.

Also present: Manager John Crowley, Secretary Stacy Coulter, Bob Kirkpatrick, Harvey Hackett, Robert Jackson and Cary Hays

Bill Posten called the meeting to order at 10:00 am.

The minutes of the regular March board meeting were mailed to the Board. There were no additions or corrections. The March 2017 minutes will stand approved as mailed.

Manager Crowley reported gave water report: present elevation of Lake Como is 4229.1, last year at this time it was 4226. Snotel site is at 81” and 36.3 snow-water equivalent. Lake Como is at 60% capacity. Lake elevation for past 10 years has been very consistent.

The decision to start water on April 24 was agreed upon. The BRID crew has been performing routine maintenance at various locations along the ditch. Leak checks were performed on Siphons 1 and 2 last week.

Manager Crowley explained to the board that there is an issue with properties sold by Larry Wenger in regard to Robert Jackson’s access to his irrigation water. Robert Jackson explained that an agreement has been made to put in an underground pipe and install a meter and valve. It was discussed that the typical subdivision requirements will apply: easements need to be in place as well as meters and valves.

Matt made a motion to require easements as well as meters and valves on the two parcels being sold as well as Steve Zech’s remaining subdivided parcels in the same location. The motion was seconded by Dave. All in favor, motion passed.

Manager Crowley reported on the safety meeting on herbicide/pesticide use.

Manager Crowley reported on the Siphon II inventory. Molly and Wyatt from Morrison- Maierle joined Manager Crowley to collect data from the inside of the pipe. Molly and Wyatt also inspected the outside of the pipe. Manger Crowley suggested that the replacement of a few of the expansion joints on Siphon II will be necessary in the fall of this year. Discussion was held regarding the condition of the pipeline and future solutions.

Manager Crowley reported on SB 363 regarding the aquatic invasive mussels. Manager Crowley worked with the MWRA to include an amendment to the bill that will remove a proposed $25 charge to irrigators.

Manager Crowley reported on BOR exercises performed last week. The bureau sent scenarios to John and dam tender, Rod Sacks in order to practice responses. Office manager, Stacy Coulter will need to go through EAP training in the near future.

1 Manager Crowley reported on a slide in North Birch Creek. Due to a wet, long winter, everything on the bank became saturated and slipped away. There was discussion about future solutions to similar issues. For now, the crew will continue to observe the area closely.

Manager Crowley reported on the Coyote structure inlet. There were a series of holes that the crew has repaired in recent weeks. The Coyote structure will need further maintenance and repair in the near future; eventually it will need to be rebuilt.

Manager Crowley mentioned the 2018 budget. There was discussion about increasing healthcare costs and potentially switching from Blue Cross Blue Shield to Pacific Source. With two missing board members, the matter was tabled until the May board meeting.

The Knox water allocation matter was also tabled until the next meeting.

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 11:20 a.m.

CHAIRMAN ______

SECRETARY ______