Grand Mesa Nordic Council
Board Meeting
May 14, 2025
Zoom
Board members present: Tom Ela, Dan Tille, Susie Attaway, Marguerite Tuthill, John Traylor, Christine Noel, Ben Graves, and Nike VanArsdale
Board members not present: All board members were present.
Staff present: Christie Aschwanden
Guests: Abe Herman, Marilyn Kastens, and John Rankin
Dan Tille called the meeting to order at 6:01pm and read the GMNC mission statement.
- Minutes. John moved and Christine seconded to approve the March minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Tom moved and Susie seconded to approve the April minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
30 min Public Comment Period. John Rankin shared a comment requesting signs reminding skiers “to be kind” while on the ski area and to remind skiers of “downhill right of way.” John also shared his opinion that GMNC ought not use “world class” as a descriptor in the annual report.
- Bylaw Amendment. Dan introduced the proposed bylaw amendment. Board asked a few clarifying questions. Marguerite moved and John seconded to approve the amendment as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
- Monthly Financials. Christine provided the monthly financials report that was included in the Board packet. John moved and Ben seconded to reclassify $9,000 from Retained Earnings to Encumbered Net Assets for the Snowcat Replacement Reserve. Motion passed unanimously.
Investment Report – Christine shared that Skyway Station investments continue to mature to pay for upcoming building costs. Operating investments have been made for excess cash over the summer for operating needs.
- Executive Director Update. Christie provided her written report in the Board packet. She reviewed highlights of the following:
USFS – Christie shared USFS’s approval of the Skyway Station. She also shared USFS is planning to offer a timber sale within the GMNC ski pods. Christie is collecting more information and details and then will develop a strategy for how GMNC and its members can engage.
Operations – Tigran and Christie visited Kassbohrer to review their suggested maintenance items on the cat. Brian walked them through the needed repairs and maintenance items. This is going to be a very expensive summer maintenance year, but Brian says there aren’t any other obvious repairs or added maintenance costs to anticipate in the short term. Christie will build a maintenance cushion into the budget.
New Trails – Christie, Tigran, Ben, and Dave Mark have been going out to GPS map potential route for new trails. Christie hopes to have the routes pinned down by the end of the month so Westwater can begin their work.
- Skyway Station Update. Dan provided an update on the pre-construction work in the Board packet. USFS’s permission level served as GMNC’s letter to Mesa County’s planning department.
- Board Elections.
Abe Herman & Marilyn Kastens were nominated to join the Board. The vote to approve them was unanimous.
New Board Terms:
Tom Ela – 2025-2026 & 2026-2027
Susie Attaway – 2025-2026 & 2026-2027
Marguerite Tuthill – 2025-2026 & 2026-2027
John Traylor – 2025-2026
Christine Noel – 2025-2026 & 2026-2027
Ben Graves – 2025-2026 & 2026-2027
Nike VanArsdale – 2025-2026
Abe Herman – 2025-2026
Marilyn Kastens – 2025-2026
Co-Chairs: John Traylor & Abe Herman. Christine moved and Nike seconded this appointment for the 25-26 Season. Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer: Christine Noel & Secretary: Marguerite Tuthill. John moved and Susie seconded these appointments for the 2025-2026 Season. Motion passed unanimously.
The Board moved into executive session at 7:41pm. The Board will next meet on June 18, 2025, from 6-8pm via Zoom.
Respectfully submitted,
Marguerite Tuthill
Secretary