The Board of Directors met at Bernie’s house on Saturday, June 2, 2018, 3pm
In attendance: Bernie Mann, Mike Bandera, Jay Mulholland, Jon Klima, Laurie Bratten
Financial Report
Jon presented the current Financial Report.
Bernie explained the reason for the $10,000 CD. Hawk Lane leads to Paris Creek Ranch (PCR). When it was being developed they wanted to use Hawk Lane as an access. PTRIA indicated we have a deed for that road. PCR suggested they would pursue this legally. PCR offered $10,000 as a one time payment for access. This was placed into a CD for legal fees for future similar problems. The CD is currently $12,761.02. PTRIA asked for $200/year to maintain the road, which has been paid annually.
Roads
Bernie gave some history concerning road maintenance. Bernie moved here in 1993. Dues were $50. Cougar had no gravel. Many others did not. Dues were not enough to keep main roads graveled. The roads had been graded once a year for $4-5,000, usually done by Paul King. That left not much for gravel. We could afford up to 10 loads. Eventually dues were raised to $125.
In 2002 Bernie asked the board about buying a grader. The membership asked about using the CD. It wasn’t to be used per the By-Laws, but the membership requested that it be used. After looking around, we got the grader for $9500. Bernie started grading in 2003. We saved money from not contracting out the grading, so the loan was repaid in 2.5 years out of the dues. Bernie did grading solely for 10 years. He trained 3 operators during this time, but none of them are currently helping. Considering where the roads were 20 years ago, the roads are now in great shape.
Now we need a primary person to do the grading and see that the grader is maintained. It would be nice if it could be parked in that person’s yard. There is an operator’s manual which is very helpful. The grader is now in good shape. As soon as we get some moisture, Bernie will get to work with grading. Mike and Jay have both offered to help. Seth may be available mid-July.
The newsletter always states: “If there is a bad spot in the road, please call Bernie to take care of it.” Bernie did get a complaint about Badger, but he had felt it wasn’t in need of it. Bernie needs to be informed about these spots. Generally, Bernie grades as needed. He doesn’t grade the roads based on who does and does not pay their dues.
Jay asked how many property owners there are. There are 180 parcels with 145 owners.
Snow Removal
In the past, members have asked, “Can PTRIA afford to contract for snow removal? Bernie tried calling someone, but they wouldn’t come until others were serviced first. Another was too expensive and wanted a full-year contract. Basically, Bernie couldn’t find anyone acceptable. As it is, some folks have plow vehicles who volunteer. Bernie has offered to reimburse them for fuel.
Road Maintenance
Grading in winter is difficult when the ground is frozen. It is best done just after a rain or snowmelt.
Washboards: They come back shortly after grading! The gravel should have had some binder in it, and it should have helped keep the washboards away longer. The gravel we got last year should have had some of this binder. Wetting it down after grading should help. Paul King has the equipment and can do this at $80/load which would cover about .5 mile. It would be $160/mile. Paul could get water out of the ponds. Per Jon, access to the ponds would not be a problem.
Bernie asks the Board if we should try this for Deer-Antelope, Elk to Bobcat, maybe 4-6 miles. The Board agrees to do this for up to $1,000. Jon will take it out of Road Repair.
Cattle
Bernie spoke about problems with cattle coming in to PTR. Leslie Thomas has been helpful to find the owners and round them up if necessary. This year the cows have been coming in earlier than usual. People complain about them getting onto their property.
There are 3 ranchers around, one around 31 Mile Mtn, Patrick Frazee near Paris Creek Ranch, Dave Wolfe has grazing rights to the north. The landowner to the north is Frederick Costello, who illegally split his property in PTR to less than 20 acres. The county won’t allow building permits on less than 20 acres. (sidenote)
Dylan Anderson has mended a good portion of fence around their property at the NE. The area north of PTR is owned by Frederick Costello who gives grazing rights to Dave Wolfe. Dave has been uncooperative. We would need to get permission to get onto that property to cut trees and mend the fences if we choose to do so.
Buck Hayes to the south of Jon has fence which is actually on Jon’s property. He maintains it, but won’t let Jon move it. It was there before Jon bought the property.
Patrick Frazee has fixed the fence to the west of our perimeter, but the owners of that border property tore it down because there was a dispute about where the property line is. Apparently the fence had been placed on their property.
At one time, all of PTR had a fence around the perimeter. The fence hasn’t been maintained for about 20 years. There is nothing written down or in the bylaws about maintaining that fence. Not everyone wants their property fenced or cares about the cattle roaming around.
Bernie wants to know if we want to hire someone or look for volunteers to mend the fences? Should we take it to the membership? How many members care about the cattle, and do they want us (PTRIA) to be responsible to keep cows out?
Laurie suggested that if we were to put up fence it would require permission of the landowners. It is the individual landowners’ responsibility to fence cows out of their own property, not the cattle owners. So, if PTR members don’t want cattle on their property, it’s their own responsibility.
Board Decision: This should be a membership issue. We will bring this up at the August meeting. Ask how many people think PTRIA should fence out the cattle. It would require permission of the landowners around the perimeter. Ask the members whether we should buy materials, pay for someone to do it, or ask for volunteers.
Bernie wants to know what to tell people who call to complain about cows on their property. Answer: He needs to tell them that it is their responsibility to fence cows out. Bernie can offer to call the owner of the cattle to see if they’ll come round them up.
Proposed Budget
Jon pointed out the Proposed Budget for 2018-19 Fiscal Year. It’s the same as last year. The Board approves the Proposed Budget.
Laurie apologized for not paying attention to her duties as she should and plans to do better. She is now taking minutes at the board meetings.
Bernie, Jay & Mike agree to meet Saturday, June 9, 10 am, to begin training on the grader.
Meeting adjourned around 5:20pm.
Minutes submitted by Laurie Bratten and approved by the Board through email correspondence.