Grand Mesa Nordic Council

Board Meeting

December 17, 2024

Zoom

Board members present: Tom Ela, Dan Tille (received John’s proxy vote), Susie Attaway, Marguerite Tuthill, Christine Noel, Ben Graves, and Nike VanArsdale 

Board members not present: John Traylor 

Staff present: Christie Aschwanden, Tigran Bailey, Hailey Coughlin, Travis Boyd and Beth Klein

Guests: John Rankin, Dustin Dodson

Dan Tille called the meeting to order at 6:02pm and read the GMNC mission statement.

1. 30 min Public Comment Period. 

John Rankin asked about the access ability to the Skyway Station when it’s been built. Dan confirmed it will be open for use. He also asked about the possibility of grooming a connecting trail. He also shared his idea of hosting a long-distance race and to use the building for race sign up, waxing, awards, etc. Dustin chimed in with his thoughts on hosting a race like this and examples we could use to emulate.

1. November Minutes. Susie submitted the November minutes in the Board packet. Tom moved and Ben seconded to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.

1. Monthly Financials. Christine provided the monthly financials report that was included in the Board packet. Christine providing a detailed report on November’s financials and the year-to-date figures. She highlighted the strong fundraising numbers and the increase in first-time donors. Dan clarified that the current year’s budget is based on last year’s fundraising. Tom asked about the impact of raised fees on the financials, to which Christine responded that it didn’t cause any hesitation in donations. The Board also discussed the positive impact of early snow on their operations and the destination status of their ski resort. Travis, the CPA, then introduced GMNC’s 990, explaining its purpose and the strong financials for 2023. 

990 Tax Form. Travis presented the 2023-2024 fiscal year financial summary to the board. He highlighted a significant decrease in revenue, which was not due to a decrease in operational revenue but rather a large donation in the previous year. He emphasized the importance of a positive number in the revenue less expenses line, indicating sustainable operations. Travis also discussed the breakdown of revenue sources, noting that the majority came from grants and contributions from members. He further explained the balance sheet, noting an increase in total assets, which would support operations and the mission of the organization. Lastly, he discussed Schedule A, which measures public support for the organization, showing an increase in grants and gifts year over year, indicating good community engagement. Christine moved and Marguerite seconded to approve the 990 as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

1. CMU Ski Team. The Board discussed the request for collaboration with the CMU ski team, which had been proposed by Martin Wiesiolek, CMU’s Ski Coach. However, due to insurance and permit issues, the Board decided not to proceed with the proposal. They also discussed the financial aspect of the collaboration, noting that the CMU ski team had not been a member of the Nordic Council since 2021 and had not made any donations. The Board agreed to continue supporting the CMU Ski Team through discounted race entries and memberships but decided against making any cash donations. The Board also discussed the importance of focusing on their mission and not using their resources to raise money for another organization. The board very much wants to support the team, however, and offered to continue hosting the CMU Invitational, as it has in the past, in conjunction with the January GMNC race, with the entry fees for the college race one day going to CMU. Wiesiolek declined to accept this offer.

1. Executive Director Update. Christie provided her written report in the Board packet. Christie reported on the season’s progress, highlighting the success of the master’s clinic and the financials. She also mentioned the transfer of website maintenance to a new company and the submission of a capital grant to WCCF. Christie also discussed the success of Colorado Gives Day and the potential for future grants. Haley provided an update on ski school, mentioning the success of the Women’s Wednesday meetups and the upcoming ambassador training. She also shared some financial updates from the winter start, membership table, and family fun day events.

Tigran expressed concern that the grooming team’s efforts are not being adequately recognized in meeting reports, despite being crucial to enabling all ski activities. He emphasized the hard work and problem-solving required by his team to keep trails groomed with limited snow and equipment issues. Christie affirmed the outstanding grooming work, especially in preparing trails early season which helped drive strong donations. The grooming team is commended for their efforts removing downed trees and maintaining trails in excellent condition despite challenges. 

1. Skyway Station Update. Dan provided an update on the Skyway Station. Dan highlighted a positive meeting with Bill Edwards from the Forest Service. The Forest Service team liked the design and didn’t have many comments, indicating a potentially easy permitting process. However, there are still some details to be sorted out, particularly regarding the battery bank power and fire suppression system. Dan also mentioned the possibility of hiring Kent Sharp’s company to assist with the permitting process. 

The Board moved into executive session at 7:52pm

Respectfully submitted,

Marguerite Tuthill

Secretary