Flathead Irrigation District Meeting Minutes
September 23, 2026
Commissioners present: Bruce White, Trent Coleman, Paul Guenzler
Not present: David Lake, Scott Buxbaum
Acting Secretary: Heidi Rosemont
Meeting opened by Paul Guenzler at 1:02 p.m.
Meeting recorded by Five Valleys Law, P.L.L.C.
BIA Reports: Koshon reported that the system has been shut down for the season,
there are maintenance roadblocks due to limited materials. No purchasing will take
place until after October. Pumping will continue until October. There was also confusion
regarding Producer Stockwater delivery, which CSKT addressed.
CSKT Report: Casey Ryan provided updates on the Crow Pumping Plant, including
pump testing scheduled for the second week of October. Shane Hendrickson discussed
year-end water season reporting, including flow reports and seepage studies. Liz
Dempsey reported that Kicking Horse Dam has been extended to January. Dewatering
will be July 15 2027 to 2029.
CITT Report: Brian Hogenson reported that the chair has been transferred to Maya
Rao. The group is looking at water predictions for the 2027 water year. The MSU
Extension On-Farm Efficiency Project is moving forward. Measurement tools are being
practiced, and on September 17, Mission South was included in the flow stream
management work. Mission North is expected to be next in 2028. An agency has been
selected to work with FIIP on the Operation Model.
August Meeting Minutes: Motion by Bruce White to approve the August meeting
minutes, seconded by Trent Coleman. The motion passed unanimously.
Financials: Warrants (Click Here Design, Five Valleys Law, Local Government Services
Bureau, Whaley, USPS) Motion by Trent Coleman to approve the financials, seconded
by Bruce White. Motion passed unanimously.
Re-Initiate Cooperative Management Discussions with CS&KT: Discussion was
held regarding the need to attend Tribal Council meetings. CME would allow the District
to manage and work more closely with the county. A motion was made Trent Coleman
and seconded by Bruce White to place the matter on the October agenda to create a
subcommittee and schedule a Tribal Council agenda and meeting. Motion passed
unanimously.
Compact Adjudication Update: Cassie Dellwo of Five Valleys Law provided an update
regarding the compact adjudication process and noted that it is a long timeline.
Public Comment and General Matters: Discussion was held regarding adding all
commissioners for check signing.
A letter was received from the Lake County Commissioners expressing concern about
tracts of five acres or less and reconsidering the collection of taxes. A meeting with
commissioners from all districts was discussed.
Motion by Paul Guenzler to coordinate a meeting with commissioners and area districts,
seconded by Bruce White. Motion passed unanimously.
The District Commissioners have requested a budget but have not received one. The
Secretary will begin contacting individuals directly to obtain the needed information.
At 2:01 p.m., Trent Coleman moved to adjourn. Bruce White seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
