- The agenda for the meeting was approved on motion by Craig Palmer and carried.
- Minutes of the January 21, 2026 board meeting were approved on motion by Rod Wendorff and carried.
- Business arising from the prior month minutes
No business arising from prior minutes.
- Snowpack Report / Water Supply Forecast / RID Diversions:
The Board reviewed the latest reservoir and snowpack graphs. Over the last few weeks, the Akamina and Many Glacier snow pillows have dropped considerably. The Flat Top snow pillow has also dropped, but it is still slightly above average for this time of year. The reservoirs are in great shape, but the snow pillows are a little concerning. Hopefully, we will receive some snow in the coming weeks.
Amanda and Joyce are working on the Irrican year end work. We must complete 2-year ends: one to October 31, 2025, and a 2-month stub year end to December 31, 2025, because the Irrican year end has changed to the calendar year.
- RID financial –Jason reported:
The Board reviewed the recent bank, MasterCard and payroll reconciliations.
Amanda presented an updated list of outstanding accounts receivable. We have collected a significant amount over the last few weeks. There are only 5 irrigators that are at risk of rate enforcement. There are also 8 HPA users that are at risk of having their turnouts locked out.
Jason reported that the RID year end is now with the auditor. The audit exit meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 18.
Jason also reported that Rod Wendorff was the only individual nominated for the Welling area director. He was acclaimed on February 12, 2026.
- Incorporating AI into RID Operations / AI Presentation for Seminar – Greg Robinson:
Greg Robinson from Muni311 presented on AI basics and how the RID can incorporate AI into RID operations. Mr. Robinson reviewed several different AI models, things to watch for when using AI, and possible ways AI can help streamline activities at the RID. Mr. Robinson will also be presenting on AI at our seminar on March 19. The Board and Mr. Robinson discussed a few things that could be included in that presentation, such as specific examples of how an irrigator could use AI to help manage their operations and help them make better decisions.
- Rainmaker
John reported that he visited with the representative from Rainmaker that presented at the AIDA Conference. The Board reviewed the company’s information and discussed how it could be used in Alberta. At this point, it looks like it would be up to the GOA to pursue an engagement with Rainmaker rather than individual districts.
- Seminar & AGM – March 19:
Jason reviewed the draft outline. We are still missing someone to give the commodity outlook report. John volunteered to reach out to a few contacts he has, to find someone to present the commodity outlook report.
Rod volunteered to chair the AGM portion of the event.
- AIS – AIDA Letter to the Province:
AIDA prepared a letter to the province to stress how important it is to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering Alberta. AIDA has asked that districts prepare a similar letter and submit it to the Environment Minister, Grant Hunter, and to the Premier, Danielle Smith. The RID Board approved drafting a similar letter and submitting to the government.
- Provincial Budget Release – February 26, 2026:
The provincial budget is scheduled to be released on February 26, 2026. The RID has received an invite for 1 member to attend the pre-budget release embargoed meeting in Edmonton on February 26. The Board approved of Jason attending the meeting.
- O&M Report and AIM Project Update:
Cody shared a slideshow of pictures taken over the last month of repairs & maintenance and pipelining activities. Cody reported on the status of each project as follows:
8-2 (Internally Funded Project) – This project is moving along very well. Our goal was to have all the pipe in the ground by the end of February. The recent cold weather may delay that by a week. A few of operators have been working extra hours to keep up on the backfilling and top-soil placement. In March we will connect the 4 loop lines. It will take a few days to complete the loop line tie ins, which means that users on the existing line will be without water for a few days. We will have to give notice to the landowners so they can make provisions to water their livestock and supply their homes as needed for a few days.
Gravity Pressure Pipeline System (“GPS”) (AIM & IRP) – Darin from WBES is continuing to work on getting a design for the PRV vaults. Our plan is to commence construction of the vaults on the Welling Main this spring.
Cross Coulee Extension (Irrigator Funded) – WBES has finalized the design for the extension and Lexcon has agreed to install the line.
- Equipment Maintenance:
Cody reported that most of the equipment was due for oil changes and some regular maintenance. Last Friday the crew stopped pipelining and worked exclusively on completing the required maintenance.
- Directors’ Items:
No items were brought forward.
- Next Meeting Date:
The next meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2026.
Motion to adjourn – There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 12:50 pm on motion by Craig Palmer.