GMPOA Board Minutes
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes: GMPOA Board Meeting, November 11, 2024
NOTE: This meeting was held via Zoom
Board Members Attending: Bruce Koerner, George Tague, Mike Hansen, Heather Brenner, and Jolene Tollenaar
Guests Attending: Mariah Lewis
Meeting called to order at 7:10 PM MST
Minutes of the October 14, 2024 Board meeting were approved.
Jolene presented the Treasurer’s Report. The GMPOA account balance in $3,762.12. This amount included funds received from the sale of a culvert for $300. The only expected expenses for the remainder of the year are associated with the Fall Newsletter (expected in December), and the taxes for 2024. The report was approved.
Heather reported that the snow fence had not yet been erected, but hoped to get that project completed in the near future.
As for roads, Mike reported that he had installed a culvert on Limestone Canyon Loop and that Rick White and Jack Marten had been working on Bison Hollow Road.
The majority of the meeting was spent discussing the upcoming turnover of seats for various board members. The following is a summary of that discussion.
2025 is an election year for the seats currently occupied by George Tague, Bruce Koerner, and Jolene Tollenaar. Bruce and Jolene wish to retain their seats. However, George has decided to resign before the election, probably in January of 2025. Additionally, Geneva Hollis, whose current term began in December of 2023, may be resigning in January as well.
According to the bylaws, when a Board seat becomes vacant during a term, the Board can vote to add a new member to the Board. Mariah Lewis has attended several meetings as a guest and expressed an interest in being a Board member. Jolene, our election committee chairperson, would like to encourage any property owner interested in serving on the Board to attend our next meeting as a guest and make their intentions known. She’s also requesting that potential Board members submit a letter of interest not later than December 31, 2024, so a vote may be taken during January of 2025. Contact her for details at 916-243-8913.
NOTE: Board meetings are held via Zoom during the months of October through April. They take place on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 PM MST. The next meeting will be held December 9. Property owners are always welcome to attend. Contact any Board member for more details.
Once the seats are filled, the Board is charged with selecting members by vote to fill the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Administrator. In order to minimize the potential turmoil next year of having four new board members, the Board decided that Chris, the current Vice President would step up and serve as the interim President. Bruce and Jolene would continue to occupy their seats as Administrator and Treasurer at least until we can determine if they will be challenged for their seats during the 2025 election period. Once the membership of the Board has stabilized, the interim President will initiate a voting process to determine the new office holders.
NOTE: all of this information is to be included in the newsletter and posted on the GMPOA website to insure the widest dissemination.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 PM MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes: GMPOA Board Meeting, Oct0ber 14, 2024
NOTE: This meeting was held via Zoom
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Chris Trussell, Mike Hansen, Jolene Tolenar, Heather Brenner, and Bruce Koerner
Guests Attending:
Meeting called to order at 7:03 PM MST
The notes regarding the September gathering were acknowledged.
Joline presented the Treasurers Report, which included the account balance of $3,972. George reported that he had sold a culvert to a property owner for $300 and would deposit the check in the GMPOA account this week. The report was approved (see attached report).
Rick White is going to use one of the GMPOA culverts to replace an existing culvert on Bison Hollow Road. Mike and George will help move it to the work site.
The barricade was removed from Cat Track Road several weeks ago. However, George reported that someone has now created another barrier by falling trees onto the road.
The subject of the snow fence in Dutch Weaver’s field was brought up. Heather will coordinate a volunteer group to set it up before winter snow arrives.
George discussed the fire trailer, its current status, and the timing to get it winterized and stored. The meeting was adjourned at 7:16 PM MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes: GMPOA Board Meeting Sunday September 8, 2024
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Heather Brenner, Mike Hansen
Guests Attending: None
NOTE: This meeting was held at the Copper Queen Saloon in Helmville, MT.
Meeting was called to order at 2:05 PM MST.
As a quorum minimum was not met, the meeting proceeded as discussion only.
Topics included:
The treasurers report reflects a balance that should met our fall expenses and allow for the holdover emergency fund of $3,000. Thanks to Ricky White for this year’s road work and generous donation of time and equipment beyond our road budget.
Progress on the investigation of the Chimney Lakes/Cat Track Road blockage, including the fact that it is still (or again) impassable and remains a hazard. The sheriff has been contacted. NOTE: This is the first mention in a GMPOA meeting of a road blockage consisting of three concrete pillars placed across the road at the location mentioned above. More complete information regarding the blockage and any discussion on it will be included in the minutes from the October 14th meeting.
A property owner’s email suggested getting competitive bids from other sources for our tax preparation expenses.
Mike Hansen reported on the condition of the Westridge Road (poor) and included it in our list of potential projects. Another project still undone is the cleaning of the cattle guard on 271 at Hoover Creek Road.
Reminder: October Meeting via zoom on Monday, October 14 @ 7:00PM
Meeting adjourned 3:10 PM
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes: GMPOA Board Meeting Sunday, August 11, 2024
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Mike Hansen, Chris Trussell, Heather Brenner, Geneva Hollis, Jolene Tollenaar and Bruce Koerner.
Guests Attending: Muriah Lewis
NOTE: This meeting was held at the Copper Queen Saloon in Helmville, MT.
Meeting called to order at 2:13 PM MST.
The minutes from June 9, 2024 were approved.
Jolene delivered the Treasurers Report (see attachment). The bank account balance is $8,707.68. However, most of the remaining funds down to our “emergency level” balance of $3,000 plus annual administrative expenses are already obligated to pay for road work completed.
Mike delivered the road report. Ricky White has done a great job grading and repairing the 17-
George led a discussion on the infestation of knapweed throughout our area and possible future solutions to the problem. This included a transition to Milestone herbicide, the introduction of goats in specific areas to eat the plants, and our purchase of $200 worth of bugs that eat knapweed.
George also led a discussion regarding the upcoming 2025 election cycle and the need for new board members. Jolene, the current treasurer and election committee chair, will provide more detailed election information in time for the spring newsletter in June.
George showed pictures of the Package Delivery Shed that, when finished, will be placed near the church/US Post Office structure in Helmville. This will provide property owners a secure place in Helmville to have packages delivered by UPS and FedEx. We should note that this project has been accomplished entirely with donated materials and labor. A big thanks goes to George, Chris, and all the other participants.
George brought up the issue of Board Meeting times and locations. It was apparent to everyone that Zoom meetings are sufficient and more convenient during the off season. However, most of the work is done in the summer months and meeting in person is more important. Likewise, the Board needs to meet on a consistent schedule so that all property owners may participate as desired. And finally, the Board needs to retain the right to call special meetings of an urgent nature in order to discuss specific issues that must be dealt with immediately.
As a result of this discussion, Chris made a motion that was seconded by Jolene and passed unanimously. It stated that in the future, regular monthly Board meetings would be held as follows: In the months of October through April, Board meetings would be held virtually via Zoom on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM, MST. During the month of July, an informational meeting would be held for all property owners as part of the annual GMPOA picnic. And finally, during the months of May, June, August, and September, the meetings would be held on the second Sunday of each month at 2:00 PM, MST, at the Copper Queen Saloon in Helmville, MT. This schedule will be published on our website and included in the fall newsletter.
Muriah Lewis introduced herself at this time and expressed a desire to serve on the board.
The Meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
The July 6, 2024, Board Meeting was held at the annual meeting and barbecue. 130 people attended. No minutes were kept of the meeting.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, June 9, 2024
NOTE: This meeting was held at the Copper Queen Saloon in Helmville, MT
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Chris Trussell, Geneva Hollis, Mike Hansen, Jolene Tolenar, Heather Brenner, and Bruce Koerner
Guests Attending: Teri Koerner
Meeting called to order at 2:05 PM MST
The minutes from May 12, 2024, were approved.
Jolene provided a Treasurer’s Report and informed the group that cattle lease funds ($14,000, see attached report) had been received from P & B Cattle Company. A discussion ensued on the amount of money that could be earmarked for road work this year. George moved that $11,000 be earmarked for roadwork and that the remaining $3,500 be retained for other expenses. Jolene seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
George reported that he had received several complaints regarding a new property owner that allows his livestock, primarily goats, to graze freely on neighboring properties. George plans to visit them and provide a copy of the Montana Statute that prohibits this.
George handed out copies of the new 2024 Spring Newsletter for review. The final draft will be distributed by email or mail during this coming week. Property owners are reminded that, in order to reduce expenses, the Board will not be distributing hard copies of Newsletters in 2025.
George reported that the U.S Post Office in Helmville will no longer accept packages delivered by UPS or FEDEX. It was also reported that the Copper Queen Saloon would like to limit this practice as well. This initiated a lengthy discussion on what other options are available to GMPOA property owners and how the Board could assist in coordinating this effort. More research is needed and the issue will be discussed again at future meetings.
George confirmed that the July GMPOA Board meeting will be held during the annual picnic on July 6.
Geneva reported on several picnic items. These included the following. She has arranged for guest speakers to talk about local wildlife and wildland fires. We are planning to purchase 50 lb. of burgers this year, as the number of people attending continues to increase. Chris and Jolene will bring 100 lb. of ice. She requested volunteers to meet at the picnic area at 9:00 a.m. on July 6 to help set up. George will coordinate mowing and spraying the picnic area.
Mike, chair of the road committee, reported that their plan for this year will focus on that section of Hoover Creek Road immediately after it enters the GMPOA area coming up from the Jens Exit. This is a steep area, beginning with a cattle guard and containing a number of switchbacks, culverts, and hazardous areas. Rick White has indicated he will do our road work this year. Mike has also donated 180 feet of plastic culvert that he acquired in Missoula. He will provide a more detailed project description at the annual picnic.
Jolene, in her position as chair of the election committee, reminded everyone that 2025 will be an important year for the Board. The terms for the seats currently held by George, Jolene, and Bruce will be up. Additionally, Geneva announced that she is planning to sell her property sometime next year, which would necessitate replacing her. Jolene will prepare detailed election guidelines taken from the GMPOA Bylaws to be presented at the next meeting and posted on our website.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 PM MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, May 12, 2024
NOTE: This meeting was held at the Copper Queen Saloon in Helmville, MT
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Chris Trussell, Geneva Hollis, Mike Hansen, Jolene Tolenar, and Bruce Koerner
Guests Attending: Dutch Weaver
Meeting called to order at 2:15 PM MST
The minutes from April 8, 2024, were approved.
Jolene provided a Treasurer’s Report and informed the group that we were almost out of money with a bank balance of approximately $560. (see attached report)
George reported on the following OLD BUSINESS items:
There have been technical problems with the GMPOA website. He and Jolene will deal with resolving the issues.
A BIG THANKS to Heather Brenner and her snow fence crew. The fence has been taken down, rolled up, and stored at the edge of Dutch Weaver’s field. Dutch has approved leaving it there until time to re-install this fall.
George will place an item on the website and in the newsletter re removing trees from the various easement areas along the road network.
George will issue a warning to all that several small packs of dogs were reported roaming through the western portion of the GMPOA area. Incidents of attacks on livestock and other pets have taken place.
George and Mike will work on/research providing an easement through the GMPOA Park for a parcel belonging to the Jim Davis Estate in order to enable its sale.
George reported that property owners were not to use the physical address of the Helmville Post Office as a delivery location for FEDEX or UPS parcels. Various alternatives were discussed.
NEW BUSINESS
Dutch Weaver discussed cleaning out various cattle guards with the Board .
Geneva and George led a discussion on the upcoming annual GMPOA picnic to be held on July 6. George has stored most of the supplies and equipment at his place. The number of guests increases every year, requiring more supplies.
The June GMPOA Meeting will be held at the Copper Queen Saloon in Helmville on Sunday, June 9th at 2:00 PM.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 PM MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, April 8, 2024
NOTE: This meeting was held via Zoom
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Chris Trussell, Geneva Hollis, Mike Hansen, Jolene Tolenar, and Bruce Koerner
Guests Attending: None
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM MST
The minutes from March 12, 2024, were approved.
Jolene provided a Treasurer’s Report and informed the group that our remaining bank balance was $595.57. George reported that the recent property tax increase adjudicated by the MT Supreme Court didn’t apply to the GMPOA Park property.
Geneva reported that the snow fence had been taken down and stored at the edge of Dutch Weaver’s pasture, out of his way. She also reported that she had ordered wildland fire mitigation and safety materials to be distributed at the summer picnic. Additionally, she’s looking for a guest speaker for the subject.
George reported that Kerry Duff, a realtor, contacted him regarding acquiring an easement through the GMPOA Park. She is attempting to sell a parcel from the Jim Davis estate that’s adjacent to the park. The discussion on this issue eventually broadened to include associated liability, the Board’s authority, easement roads in general, etc. The consensus was to table this issue until our next “in person” meeting (hopefully in May). All attendees agreed that more questions needed to be answered and information acquired.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM, MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, March 12, 2024
NOTE: This meeting was held via Zoom
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Chris Trussell, Geneva Hollis, Heather Brenner, Mike Hansen, and Bruce Koerner
Guests Attending: Ean Kennedy. (NOTE: Ean is listed as an attendee for this meeting. However, he experienced technical difficulties and texting was our only way of communicating with him.)
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM MST
The minutes from February 12, 2024, were approved.
George discussed the Treasurer’s Report (attached) dated March 11, 2024, that was prepared by Jolene and submitted via email. He added that our state and federal taxes have been prepared, submitted, and paid as required. The tax preparer has been paid ($585) as well. Our current bank balance is approximately $595, which has to last us until we receive the 2024 grazing fee funds.
George discussed a text message received from Ean Kennedy regarding problems this winter with parking near our easement through Dutch Weaver’s property. George decided to table this issue until more detailed information could be acquired.
Mike reported that Rick White wants to do the GMPOA road work this year. He also reported that Rick encountered locked gates in areas thought to be easement roads open to all property owners. Rick was engaged in snow removal this past winter at the time. Mike plans to gather more information on this subject and report back to the Board in the near future.
Heather reported that the snow fence installed on Dutch Weaver’s property adjacent to a portion of Mud Creek wasn’t really tested this past winter due the mild weather conditions. She will contact Dutch regarding allowing it to remain in place over the summer.
George reported that technical difficulties have prevented the posting of the fall GMPOA Newsletter on our website. He hopes to resolve this situation prior to the next Board meeting
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM, MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, February 12, 2024
NOTE: This meeting was held via Zoom
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Chris Trussell, Geneva Hollis, Jolene Tollenaar, Heather Brenner, Mike Hansen, and Bruce Koerner
Guests Attending: None
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM MST
The minutes from January 8, 2024, were approved.
Jolene submitted an amended email Treasurer’s Report that was current up to February 9th, which was approved (attached). She also reported that the GMPOA account balance as of the day of the meeting was $1,234.56.
George reported that the major remaining expense for 2023 would be the fee for the GMPOA tax preparation, which is expected to be approximately $585. After some discussion, the consensus of the group was to continue using this service in order to avoid a variety of problems.
Heather reported that a portion of Spruce Gulch Road will need repair work in the spring. The segment of this road near Hoover Creek Road is used frequent by property owners traveling to a local water source.
Geneva Hollis volunteered to contact the appropriate agency in order to acquire fire safety literature to hand out at the upcoming GMPOA summer picnic. She will also try to arrange for a guest speaker on the subject for the event.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM, MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, January 8, 2024
NOTE: This meeting was held via Zoom
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Chris Trussell, Heather Brenner, and Bruce Koerner
Guests Attending: None
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM MST
The minutes from November 13, 2023, were approved.
Jolene had submitted by email a Treasurer’s Report that was current up to January 8, 2024. George discussed the fact that we had spent beyond our normal $3,000 emergency buffer in2023 and would have make up for this in 2024.
George and Heather informed the group that various property owners are gathering firewood from the common area in the vicinity of where the GMPOA picnic is normally held.
George discussed the newsletter process, which is currently a combination of mailing hard copies and email. In and effort to reduce costs, George has established the administrative guideline that they will only be sent out via email in the future. A notice of this policy change will be posted on the website and included in the next newsletter. Heather agreed to pick up the “returned” newsletters at the Post Office in Helmville.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM, MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, November 13, 2023
NOTE: This meeting was held via Zoom
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Mike Hansen, Chris Trussell, Geneva Hollis, Jolene Tollenaar, and Bruce Koerner
Guests Attending:
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM MST
The minutes from October 9, 2023, were approved.
Jolene discussed the November 13th, 2023, Treasurers Report. Our current balance is about $1,800. But, with the additional expenses anticipated for the end of the year, our account will be almost empty. George discussed providing some sort of a “bridge loan” if necessary.
George reported that Virginia Causey was working on the Fall 2023 newsletter and that she needed input from various people regarding road work, the picnic, weeds, fire, and so on.
Congratulations Heather on your work organizing the volunteers who put up the snow fence. We all realize this is an experiment and are anxious to see the results as the upcoming winter progresses.
George will write a letter on behalf of the board thanking Rick White for the excellent job he did on road work this year.
Mike discussed and asked for input on locations to install the cattle guards that were bought in Lolo this year. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM, MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, October 9, 2023
NOTE: This meeting was held via Zoom
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Mike Hansen, Chris Trussell, Geneva Hollis, Jolene Tollenaar, and Bruce Koerner
Guests Attending: Ean and Candice Kennedy
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM MST
The minutes from September 11, 2023, were approved.
Jolene and George led a discussion of our current financial situation. Our existing bank balance is $12,635. The following is a list of existing bills that will be paid in the next few days:
$620 To Rick White For Cattle Guard Repair
$1,129 To Myronda/Billy For Gravel
$9,000 To Rick White For Road Work
$400 To a third party For purchase of used cattle guard
Furthermore, George estimated we would have additional financial obligations this calendar year in the amount of $1,400. This would leave an approximate balance of $2,000 available for any emergencies that might develop between now and June, 2024.
George provided the following information:
Goerge and Mike moved the fire wagon from its summer staging point back to George’s property. It has been drained and winterized. George also informed the group that it will need new tires next year.
Additional fencing materials for the snow fence project have been donated by Ian Argall and Geneva. Heather Brenner volunteered during the last meeting to manage this project, but wasn’t available for an update on the progress to date.
George then led a discussion on some issues that have come up regarding one of the road segments worked on this past month. The area lies on the Hoover Creek Road about 1 mile toward Helmville from the “NonTypical View” property owned by Pete and Laurel Doney. The work was performed by Rick White and included culvert installation, straightening and widening the roadway, and grading to control runoff.
Ean Kennedy was the spokesperson for several property owners. They were primarily concerned with the number of larger rocks left on the roadway and the degree of slope of the roadway developed during the grading process. While the rocks can damage a vehicle undercarriage, it was reported that most had been removed by the time our meeting took place.
Regarding the slope of the roadway, some vehicles had slid into the embankment when the road surface was slippery due to rain. This could become a bigger problem when winter covers the road with snow. Most of the discussion during the remainder of the meeting revolved around ways to mitigate this issue.
Since this was a obviously safety issue, the consensus of the above discussion was for the road committee to locate and acquire gravel to apply to the surface of the roadway in order to make it less slippery. All realized that time was a factor for this effort due to the impending winter weather. George then took two actions.
George moved that the Board authorize the Road Committee to spend up to $1,200 to purchase, haul, and apply gravel to this segment of road. This motion was seconded by Bruce and passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM, MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, September 11, 2023
NOTE: This meeting was held at the Copper Queen Saloon in Helmville, MT.
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Mike Hansen, Chris Trussell, Heather Brenner, Geneva Hollis, Jolene Tollenaar, and Bruce Koerner
Guests Attending: Rick White
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM MST
The minutes from August 14, 2023 were approved with corrections.
Treasurers Report: Jolene reported that we have $13,700 in the Well Fargo GMPOA checking account.
Road Report: Rick White reported that planned to begin work on GMPOA road projects on Monday, September 18. Mike said he would coordinate delivery of the associated culverts and volunteers.
Chris reported that he had looked at a weed sprayer for sale at Habitat for Humanity in Hamilton. The particular model was designed to be carried on an ATV. The consensus was that he should purchase it for GMPOA use.
Discussions:
George reported on the cattle guard that he and Rick White had repaired since the last meeting. Further cattle guard upgrades and repairs were discussed.
George reported that the snow fence materials were on hand and requested that Heather take charge of this project. After agreeing to do so, Heather led a discussion on the various tasks necessary to complete the snow fence installation.
Mike reported that a large logging project had begun on the State Land adjoining our southern border. He anticipates that it will continue most of the winter and have a major impact on that portion of the Hoover Creek Road going out to the Jens Exit. A discussion ensued.
George announced that the October, 2023 meeting will most likely be held via ZOOM.
The gathering ended at 7:30 PM, MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, August 14, 2023
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Mike Hansen, Chris Trussell, Heather Brenner, Geneva Hollis, Jolene Tollenaar,
Guests Attending: Rene and Beau Pauley, Dave Mannix, and Rick White
Meeting called to order at 7:21 PM
The minutes from July 10, 2023 were approved.
Treasurers Report: Jolene explained we have $14,000.28 in the Well Fargo GMPOA checking. The recent expenses were:
Check Who What Amount
119 Sanitation Solutions Port-a-potty/Picnic $160
118 Myronda/Billy Gravel $375
117 Montana Snow Fence Snow Fence $675
116 George (reimb) Herbicide $312.90
George picked up the snow fence and the experiment will begin this winter to see if it will help with the drifting snow on the road running through Dutch Weaver’s property near Highway 271.
Dave Mannix informed us that they have begun bringing cows into the GMPOA area. He is also interested in developing springs in various locations where the water would be channeled into water tanks. This would obviously require permission from and coordination with the landowners where the springs were located. More information will be forthcoming as discussions continue on this subject. Dave also reported that they treated a lame steer last fall and found shotgun pellets in its leg. He asked the GMPOA to remind everyone NOT TO SHOOT THE COWS.
Heather said there are cows jumping the cattle guard on the 17 mile road.
Road Report: Mike Hansen said the road committee has decided this year we will be putting in the culverts. They are starting where West Ridge and Hoover Creek come together. Rick will do the work at a rate of $125 per hour for labor and equipment. This work will be done after Labor Day once the fire season has subsided some.
Geneva Hollis made a motion to approve the Road Committee proposed work this year. Chris Trussell seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-0.
Discussions:
The GMPOA website was discussed and possibly having info about volunteering for helping on the roads. Possibly a place to sign up for a work day to cut smaller trees away from the road.
Rick discussed using a rock rake on the roads, adding brakes on the water wagon, and adding another water trailer.
The gathering ended at 8:02 PM, MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, June 12, 2023
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Mike Hansen, and Bruce Koerner
Guests Attending: Ean and Candace Kennedy, Ricky Kruegel
NOTE 1: Since the requirement for a quorum was not met, this gathering wasn’t an official Board meeting. The event was held at the Copper Queen Saloon in Helmville, Montana, and began at 7:15 PM, MST.
NOTE 2: The major objectives for this meeting were associated with the resignation of Ean Kennedy and the appointment of Heather Kennedy to the Board. New officers needed to be selected and new membership established for the various committees. This wasn’t possible, but various issues were discussed anyway.
George is asking for volunteers to help prep and place the fire wagon.
George is asking for volunteers to help retrieve the snow fence purchased in Kalispell, MT. Also, he asked that people look for T-posts that might be available to complete the snow fence preparation. Any T-posts acquired are to be delivered to the culvert storage location at George’s cabin.
George has constructed new “wings” for the sides of Dutch Weaver’s cattle guard. However, installation can’t be completed until a fencepost is repaired.
Two culverts have been delivered to their intended install location: one near the stick house and the other on Maple Leaf Road. Plans for the actual installation are in work. Various priorities for this summer’s road work were discussed. George estimated that the GMPOA had $9,000 available for road work this year.
George informed everyone that more herbicide would be needed this year.
Candice Kennedy informed the group that there were problems with snow removal this past winter. She informed the group that the manner in which Rick White operated his grader resulted in many flat tires due to the rocks pulled up/onto the road.
The gathering ended at 8:00 PM, MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, May 13, 2023
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Mike Hansen, Bruce Koerner, Jolene Tolenar, Chris Trussell, and Geneva Hollis.
Guests Attending: Beau Pauley, Shawn King, and Dutch Weaver
This meeting was held at the Copper Queen Bar in Helmville, Montana, and called to order at 12:03 PM, MST.
The report of the April 10, 2023 gathering was unanimously approved.
No Treasurer Report was given. George reported that the Tax Return for 2022 had been completed. Jolene reported that she was looking for a new (less expensive) accountant to compile our tax return for next year.
The meeting was then opened to discussion about summer activities.
George reported that the cattle guard located where Mud Creek Road meets Highway 261 needs to be cleaned out. Dutch reported that he has put a temporary gate up to prevent his livestock from wandering onto the road. Mike was going to check with the MT State Highway Department in order to determine who’s responsible for maintaining it. He later reported that the State has no responsibility in this area. Due to the frequent use of the road and associated parking area by GMPOA landowners, maintaining this road segment and cattle guard has become a responsibility shared by Dutch Weaver (the land owner) and the GMPOA landowners (the most frequent users).
George led a discussion on accessing equipment resources from various landowners. This included Bob Styles, the Brenners, Dave Southcott, and others.
George announced that Dutch Weaver had approved the installation of a snow fence in the hay field he owns that borders the Mud Creek Road. The purpose of the snow fence would be to prevent snow from drifting across the Road where it is slightly lower than the field. Dutch requested that snow fence be set up in the fall and taken down in the spring so as not to interfere with haying operations and grazing. He also asked not to damage his field with vehicle traffic.
George announced that the annual picnic would be held on Saturday, July 1. Virginia Causey is taking the lead on this and will have tasks for most of us.
The GMPOA Fire Wagon is currently located at George’s house. He will be asking for volunteers to help fill it and move to its summer location.
George informed everyone that it will soon be time to spray the weeds on Manley’s property adjacent to the road into Chimney Lakes. He will be asking for volunteers for that project. He also informed everyone that we should have enough herbicide on hand to get us through the rest of the year.
NOTE: 2023 would normally be a GMPOA election year. The following is an abbreviated version of related events that occurred prior to and during this meeting.
The seats up for election this year were Seat 3, held by Mike Hanson, and Seat 4, held by Ean Kennedy. No candidates contested Seat 3, so Mike is automatically reelected for another 6-year term. Ean Kennedy had decided not to seek another term on the Board. Heather Brenner was the only candidate announcing for his seat and is automatically selected for a six-year term. Since, Ean decided to vacate his seat at once, the board appointed Heather to the Board immediately. This was done with a motion made by Mike, seconded by Jolene, and passed unanimously, as per the bylaws. It is the Board’s intention to select new office holders and committee members as necessary at the next meeting.
A big thanks from everyone goes to Ean for the hard work he’s done over the past years. Likewise, we want to welcome Heather Brenner to the Board! We look forward to working with her.
Mike Hansen proposed the following list of road work priorities for this year. George added item 1 B. There was general agreement on the priorities, but no motion was passed.
- Clean the cattleguard near the junction of Mud Creek Road and Highway 261.
1-B. Grade the ruts where landowners drove off the road near Dutch Weaver’s hay field.
2. Install a culvert on Hoover Creek Road near the Brenner’s property.
3. Replace a culvert on Maple Leaf Road near Don Philip’s property.
4. Starting at the grey rock gravel pit on Hoover Creek Road, haul rock to fill potholes and soft spots to the south east on Hoover Creek Road.
George announced that the next meeting would be held at noon on Saturday, June 11th, at the Copper Queen Saloon in Helmville. The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 PM, MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, April 10, 2023
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Bruce Koerner, Jolene Tolenar, Ean Kennedy, and Chris Trussell.
Guests Attending: None
NOTE: This gathering was held via Zoom and was not called to order due to technical difficulties, lack of issues to discuss, and the fact that the only motion made was to approve the previous meetings minutes. It began at approximately 7:10PM and ended at 7:40PM, MST.
The minutes from the March 13, 2023 meeting were approved.
The majority of the discussion had to do with winter snow conditions, snow removal, which roads were passable at the time of the meeting, and predictions related to snow melting.
The most important item discussed was the time and location of the next meeting. This would normally be held via Zoom on the evening of second Monday of the month (May 8). All agreed that meeting in person would be important in order to get started on planning for the summers’ activities. George will make a decision on this as soon as possible.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
GMPOA Board Meeting, March 13, 2023
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Mike Hansen, Bruce Koerner, Jolene Tolenar, Ean Kennedy, Chris Trussell, and Geneva Hollis.
Guests Attending: Heather Brenner
This meeting was held via Zoom and called to order at 7:05 PM, MST.
The minutes of the Feb 13, 2023 meeting were unanimously approved.
No Treasurer’s Report was given.
The major topic of discussion for the meeting was again snow removal. George opened the subject with two issues for the Board to consider.
- The first question was “what portion of our annual budget should be allocated for snow removal and related activities?”
- The second question was “how involved should the GMPOA Board be?” For example, we have a Road committee. Should it take on the task of coordinating snow removal?
All of the Board members contributed to the discussion, but it quickly became apparent that more research and discussion would be required. Some of the major points are provided below.
- The first item covered dealt with how much of the 50+ miles of roadway should be eligible for snow removal. The initial consensus was to focus on Hoover Creek Road.
- Another point involved the amount of money to be spent each year. The focus here was primarily directed toward two categories of expenses: equipment/labor and other improvements. These will be covered individually.
- So far in the equipment/labor category, the Board has begun providing some reimbursement for fuel.
- The major discussion in the improvements category focused on the possible use of a snow fence to mitigate the accumulation of snow on that portion of Hoover Creek Road adjacent to Dutch Weaver’s pasture. It was decided the Board would seek a meeting with Dutch Weaver on site sometime in early May in order to discuss this possibility.
- The final road item discussed included both road maintenance and snow removal on the Jens exit portion of the Hoover Creek Road. It was agreed that Board Representatives should meet with our county commissioner early this summer in order to generate greater efforts on their part. George requested names of all year-round residents in order to give greater weight to this request.
Further information on bear intrusions was provided by George and Mike. The number of incidents reported by the public in Western Montana were at a record high last year and even greater numbers are anticipated this year. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM, MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes: GMPOA Board Meeting, February 13, 2023
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Mike Hansen, Bruce Koerner, Jolene Tolenar, Ean Kennedy, and Geneva Hollis.
Guests Attending: Heather Brenner
This meeting was held via Zoom and called to order at 7:05 PM, MST.
The minutes of the January 9, 2023 meeting were unanimously approved.
Under the subject of Treasurer’s Report, Jolene informed the group that there had been no financial transactions since our last meeting and that our bank account balance was $3,041.93.
George added that he had provided the required worksheet information to our accountant in order for the 2022 taxes to be compiled.
The major topic of discussion for the meeting centered around snow removal issues. Ean Kennedy brought up the problem of snow drifting across the Upper Hoover Creek Road in the vicinity of Dutch Weaver’s pasture. Various solutions involving the construction of snow fences and adding gravel to raise the road bed were discussed. Ean also provided information regarding which land owners had assisted in snow removal by providing equipment, labor, or both. He estimated that these individuals had consumed approximately $500 worth of fuel in this effort.
George made a motion (seconded by Jolene) to provide Ean with $200 of GMPOA funds to distribute as a partial reimbursement to these landowners. This was passed unanimously.
There was general agreement that having our fellow landowners participate in road maintenance was an important issue, especially for summer road projects, given the limited budget of the GMPOA.
George reported that he had received information from Jamie Jonkel of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, regarding intrusion by bears. The material outlined various methods the agency had developed to prevent bears from entering campsites, cabins, and other areas. George will distribute this to all board members.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM, MST.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes: GMPOA Board Meeting, January 9, 2023
Board Members Attending: George Tague, Mike Hansen, Bruce Koerner, Chris Trussell, Jolene Tollenaar.
Guests Attending: None.
This meeting was held via Zoom and called to order at 7:15 PM, MST.
The minutes of the December 12, 2022 meeting were unanimously approved.
There was a general discussion regarding 2023 being an election year, Ean Kennedy’s intention not to run for re-election, and the overall impact on the services provided to the GMPOA property owners. All agreed that Ean Kennedy had done a great job as GMPOA Vice-President and chair of the road committee. He will be missed. Jolene, the chair of the election committee, reminded everyone that, in accordance with the bylaws, potential candidates needed to turn in the paperwork stating their intention to run by May 1, 2023.
Jolene also informed the group that she would ensure the GMPOA 2022 taxes and the filing with the Montana Secretary of State would be accomplished as required this spring.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM, MST.