Pine Forest Owners Association
Membership Meeting
May 28th, 2011

Pine Forest Board members present were Harry Grant, Marishka Marten, and Laurie Hilton. Andy Oosterhof of Pine Forest Management Services was also present. There were approximately 9 members present.

Harry Grant called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.

General Comments

Member Don Sampson commented that Manager Andy Oosterhof is doing a good job with the road maintenance and in leveling them out. He also asked if the Association was staying within the budget. Harry deferred commenting on the budget to the Treasurer’s report to be given later in the meeting.
The issue of cattle was brought up and it was reported that we have a good relationship with the ranchers, and that Members are welcome to call the ranchers and request that they remove the cattle from the property, which the ranchers are happy to do. Andy suggested calling the Forest Service as well to report the cattle despite being in the open range zone.
Laurie Hilton commented that she was contacted by Ellen Lamiman, a local energy consultant, and agreed to pass on information to the Members about the Winthrop Community Solar Project and local investment opportunity in Project. Information about the Project is available at http://sustainablemethow.net

Manager's Report

Road Maintenance and Water System Andy reported that he has been working on fixing the washboard on the roads and laying gravel, and will be rebuilding the currently leaning main well house as soon as the standing water surrounding the well house dissipates. Andy also reported that the water was turned off for a short time on Friday, May 27th to repair the failed battery in the telemetry system.

Forest Health Andy reported that he will continue to clean up the area between the dumpster and contractor parking to minimize fire hazard, and that while the no burning sign is displayed at the entrance, anyone needing to burn piles on their property should give Andy a call.

Water Meters There was some discussing regarding the water meters. Andy reported that he reads the main meter weekly and if there is any significant change, he then reads the property meters to determine where the problems is and make any necessary repairs. We are within normal water usage at this time.

Home Construction There are two homes anticipated to be built, but are not yet ready to go the architectural committee.

Treasurer's Report

Laurie Hilton reported that due to the high volume of snow this past Winter, snowplowing was about $8,000 over budget, with the average cost being $28,000, and this past Winter the cost was $36,000. Amounts added to the budget were $10,000 for the main well house construction, $5,000 for road maintenance, and $3,000 for the greenbelt maintenance. As of the end of March, there was $112,000 in assets and a $50,000 CD. We are starting to build a reserve so that there is a full years worth of expenditures in reserve. The Association is in good shape.
Lynn Lewicki inquired as to what the Forest Health budget is set at, and Laurie reported the Forest Health budget is $5,000.

Miscellaneous

Andy reported that there are some recently created wood piles to be burned, and that Mike Myers’ bid was too high.
Lynn Lewicki commented on the importance of maintaining the forest health and to make sure the bushes don’t grow too high as it is a forest fire hazard, and asked if we need to hire another Forester. Andy said that Pam Swank is our Forester and is scheduled to come back in five years to review our forest health. Lynn requested that we remind Members to maintain their areas and give them options of who they can hire to help maintain their property.

Board Elections

The current board members are Dave Chantler, Harry Grant, Jim Rogers, Lynn Theobald, Laurie Hilton, Marishka Marten and Casey Ruud. The terms are staggered with (i) two year terms, and (ii) three year terms. Except for Lynn, Laurie, Marishka and Casey, certain Board seats are up for election. David, Jim and Harry are up for election and would like to continue on the Board.

The Board nominees are Dave Chantler, Jim Rogers, and Harry Grant.

Harry 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:

Dave Chantler
Jim Rogers
Harry Grant

Harry thanked Laurie Hilton for being the Treasurer and for all of her hard work, and thanked Marishka for creating a minute book for the Association.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:51 p.m.

Marishka Marten
Acting Secretary

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