Pine Forest Board members present were David Chantler, Marishka Marten, Kris Guttormsen and Lynn Lewicki.
Andy Oosterhof of Pine Forest Management Services was also present. There were approximately 19 members present.
Dave Chantler called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
Treasurer’s Report
Kris Guttormsen reported that due to the lower maintenance costs for snowplowing this past winter, $20,000 was budgeted, but spent
only $13,000, we are under budget. As of the end of April, there was $131,000 in the bank account, which includes about a years worth of expenses.
Projected net income is about $12,000 due to the low snow plowing costs. Over the last several years, we have been in the red, but now we are at an even point.
We will evaluate whether or not to increase the dues in the Fall. We could lose our surplus if we have a large amount of snow fall in the Winter.
The Association is in good shape.
Road Maintenance
Dave Chantler reported that Andy had to dig up and widen the road at the entrance because of a freezing water line that didn’t have enough insulation.
Also discussed was the issue of excessive dust at the entrance. $600 was spent to spread an organic solution at the “T” section of the entrance to help minimize
the dust. This will be the first of 2 or 3 annual applications, as the protection builds up over time. The County also uses the same organic solution on Elbow Coulee Road and has proven to be beneficial.
There were concerns brought up about the site lines. If Members have any concerns, they should contact the Board members, Dave or Andy.
There are about 85 homes now in Pine Forest, with 16 of them being occupied by full time/permanent members/owners, which impacts the roads so Andy is working hard to keep the roads in good shape. There are no plans to build any new homes this year. However, there may be some next year.
Forest Stewardship
Dave Chantler reported that Lynn has been intricate in driving the forest stewardship program and in obtaining funds. The funds have now dried up and we probably won’t be receiving any further grant funds. Some small areas remain to be cleaned up, but we are in good shape except for some dead and dying trees, some of which have fallen. We have run out of funds from previous grants but we still have some burn piles. The grant will not allow us to use grant funds for the burning. We will need to take charge and clean up the remaining areas and burn the piles ourselves. Lynn reported that Cliff has agreed to help with the burning. Some Members have also agreed to help with the burning and learn how to use the fire/water truck. We can begin burning in the Fall. Cliff will help oversee some of the burning of wood piles and have the fire/water truck ready. We will have to come up with the $8,000 matching funds and possibly pay Andy to help with the burning. Andy is a licensed contractor and has bonding and insurance coverage whereas the prior manager did not. Harry Grant has also agreed to help with the burning and has good ideas to put together a plan to support the grant.
Kent Hitch mentioned that the Bylaws allow the Association to go into private properties and clean up, and make fire wood available from the dead trees. A question was raised as to if anyone can remove trees in the right of way or greenbelt. The Bylaws restrict the cutting of trees, and the Association is not comfortable with a policy that anyone can remove trees except from a Member’s own property. Lynn reported that Judy Swank is our consulting forester who can come in and help recommend to property owners which trees are in danger and can be removed and cleaned up for fire safety and maintaining the forest.
A new property owner asked how to find out what work has been done on her property. Dave reported that property owners, whose property was affected, had already been contacted and any work required was already taken care.
Lynn reported that while there won’t be any more Federal grants available, there are some State grants available for private properties. Lynn also reported that Judy Swank suggested we finish with our current Federal grant and then look to see if we need the pursue State grants and see what we can do ourselves, including keeping up on underbrush, which is important. Most of the grants are through an organization which feels Pine Forest has gotten most of the grant funds and there are others who want some the grant monies.
Burning Regulations
Dave reported that outdoor burning at this time is restricted. Outdoor burning may resume this Fall after the first snow fall, and property owners can contact Andy to help assess when the weather is right for burning.
Dumpster Rules
Dave reported that the dumpster service is paid for by those Members desiring to use the dumpsters. Only kitchen garbage is allowed, and Members should take boxes, etc. to the recycling center. Dave also requested that garbage not be left outside the dumpster.
Miscellaneous
Lynn has noticed that some dogs have been continuously barking and howling early in the morning and encourage dog owners to take the dog(s) inside or keep them quiet. There was some discussion of the benefits of having dogs bark such as keeping the cattle away and other animals, but Members should contact the dog owners if there are any problems.
Kent Hitch mentioned that there was an article in the Methow Valley News regarding open range cattle, and Members can contact either (i) the Forest Service at (509) 996-4000; (ii) Don Lundgren, owner of the white cows in the North area, at (509) 996-3494; or (iii) Shawna Hicks, owner of the black cows in the South area, at (509) 997-2700, to report cattle on Member’s property and request that the cows be removed.
Dave reported that we have previously analyzed building a fence around Pine Forest, which is expensive and in order to maintain a lawful fence and service breaks, property owners must pay to rebuild. Kent was thanked for his comments and information.
Kent Hitch also suggested posting future Pine Forest Newsletters to the website instead of mailing hard copies to Members to help save money. Dave thanked Kent for this good suggestions and said that the next newsletter would be mailed in hard copy to Members informing them of this change and allowing those Members who still want to continue to receive a hard copy of the newsletter to let him know, thereby giving the Members a choice.
Board Elections
The current board members are Dave Chantler, Kris Guttormsen, Lynn Lewicki, Jim Rogers, Robert Steiner, Marishka Marten and Casey Ruud. The terms are staggered with (i) two year terms, and (ii) three year terms. Except for Dave and Kris, certain Board seats are up for election. Robert Steiner has agreed to step down due to a heavy workload leaving his seat open, Jim Rogers is up for election and would like to continue on the Board, and Lynn Lewicki is up for election, but would like to step down. The Board meets only a few times a year: Spring, Summer and Fall.
The Board nominees are Jim Rogers, Harry Grant and Lynn Theobald.
Dave asked if there were any other nominees from the floor. After further discussion, and upon motion duly made and seconded, the following were elected to the Board to begin serving a three year term:
Jim Rogers
Harry Grant
Lynn Theobald
Lynn thanked the Board and Members for the last twelve years of being able to serve on the Board. Those present thanked Lynn for all of her years of service.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:05 p.m.
Marishka Marten
Secretary
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