Grand Mesa Nordic Council

Board Meeting

October 15, 2024

Zoom

Board members present: Dan Tille, Susie Attaway, Marguerite Tuthill, Christine Noel, Tom Ela, and Nike VanArsdale

Board members not present: Ben Graves and John Traylor

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

Guests: Kathie Burns

Dan Tille called the meeting to order at 6:01pm and read the GMNC mission statement.

1. 30 min Public Comment Period. Kathie Burns provided an overview on herself and her interest in the GMNC.

1. Monthly Financials. Christine provided the monthly treasurer’s report that was included in the Board packet. Christine shared GMNC has completed its transition to the new accounting system, Quickbooks Online. The financial information provided in the report for the Board is for our current fiscal year through September 30, with monthly statements of activities (P&L statements, or income statements) provided for August and September. Fund 01 is for Operations and Fund 09 is for the Capital Project, aka Skyway Station. Once GMNC has been in this system for a year, it will have this year and last year comparative information. Christine shared the YTD operating revenue surpasses 2023’s figure by nearly double: $22,129 versus $11,456, in large part due to sustaining memberships and grants that Christie has secured. Additionally, YTD operating expenses are down about 18% compared with last year, so GMNC is trending very well financially.

1. Executive Director Update. Christie provided her written report in the Board packet. Christie announced a $20,000 donation received at Applefest, $5,000 of which will fund operations for this year and the remainder going to the Skyway Station. Christie provided additional updates on the Skyway Station fundraising work, highlighting the house parties. Christie shared she will be following up with the El Pomar Foundation leadership to see if there is a possibility of receiving more funds.

Christie reported the news on the increased membership fees has been sent out and she has only received one minor complaint about it. She did see multiple membership renewals after that update went out to the membership.  She also shared GMNC is moving to Google Workspace for email. Christie also shared the USFS has hired Tim Wise to replace Mike Jones and Christie will be meeting with him next Thursday.

1. Volunteer Coordinator Update. Hailey provided her written report in the Board packet. She updated the Board on the silent auction progress for GMNC’s kick off party. She shared she is also working on ensuring the kickoff parties are both fully organized. Applefest was another successful weekend, bringing in $4,340. Hailey is also getting ski school organized and instructors ready for the upcoming season.

1. Operations Update. Tigran provided an update on the pre-season maintenance and trail work being completed. He thanked those who helped with finishing up the trail work. The snowmobiles are looking good and will only need minimal maintenance ahead of the season starting. The snowcat is slated to be delivered on November 7th. The new snowmobile is on the way and will be delivered shortly.

1. Skyway Station Update. Dan provided an update on the pre-construction work. He has heard back from the architect that concept drawings will be delivered by the end of the week. This means we are well on our way towards having a building packet ready to deliver to the USFS for public comment.

Susie motioned to adjourn the meeting; Tom seconded. Motion passed unanimously and the Board adjourned at 7:07pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marguerite Tuthill

Secretary