Grand Mesa Nordic Council
Board Meeting
April 15, 2026
Zoom
Board members present: Tom Ela, Abe Herman, Susie Attaway, Marguerite Tuthill, Marilyn Kastens, John Traylor, Christine Noel and Nike VanArsdale
Board members not present: Ben Graves
Staff present: Christie Aschwanden, Tigran Bailey, Lily Wade, and Beth Klein
Guests: Val Szwarc
John Traylor called the meeting to order at 6:01pm and read the GMNC mission statement.
- 30 min Public Comment Period. Val asked for financial details. John directed him to the GMNC website for the publicly available information and to Christie for specific questions.
- Minutes. Tom moved and Susie seconded to approve the March minutes with edits. Motion passed unanimously.
- Monthly Financials. Christine provided the monthly financials report that was included in the Board packet. GMNC received a significant $10,000 donation from Tom and Sue Beechman, alongside a $1,000 contribution from Aims Comey . These contributions, combined with the anticipated solar tax credit, have significantly bolstered the Skyway Station project’s bottom line; the board now projects a $17,000 surplus upon the building’s completion. This surplus is particularly vital as it provides a buffer for upcoming summer work, including approximately $32,000 in remaining rock and reclamation work, while also allowing the board to consider future investments in heavy maintenance equipment. Overall, despite a tight initial budget, the recent influx of donations and successful end-of-season outreach has placed the organization in a strong fiscal position heading into the off-season.
- Executive Director Update. Christie provided her written report in the Board packet. Christie discussed GMNC’s successful transition from active winter operations to administrative off-season planning. She highlighted the overwhelmingly positive community feedback regarding the new building, noting that many residents expressed “wow” reactions after finally seeing the interior following years of viewing only drawings.
Regarding operations, Christie confirmed that the season concluded successfully and that she is currently preparing the final end-of-season report for the Forest Service. A major highlight was the trail expansion project; a recent newsletter blast triggered immediate engagement, with several community members already reaching out to volunteer for summer trail work. Christie also emphasized the value of the recent season-end party, which served as a major touchpoint for the community and a catalyst for a few significant last-minute donations and membership interest.
- Operations Updates.
Tigran – Tigran shared that winter operations concluded successfully on the 15th. Tigran plans to keep the snowcat on the Mesa for summer maintenance to save on transport costs. He proposed expanding snowmobile equipment (manual track setter and grader) for shoulder-season grooming. This discussion will be folded into the June budget meeting.
Lily – She reported a successful season for outreach and a high turnout at the season-end party. She stated GMNC saw steady swag sales (hats, bandanas) and a full inventory of swag will be conducted during the move-in process to prepare for next year’s orders.
- Skyway Station Update. Dan provided an update on the final work. Security control board and camera installation are scheduled for the coming week. A final inspection is tentatively scheduled for Monday; if passed, the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) will be requested immediately. Moving of the warming hut and equipment will commence once the CO is obtained and the ground is dry enough to support heavy machinery (likely June). Work continues on interior aesthetics (donor wall color/legibility) and light summer maintenance.
- Building Operations Manual. The Board discussed whether to vote on the manual. It was decided that the Board will treat the manual as a living document and the policies will be largely decided at the Executive Director and Building Committee level. The manual will likely be split into three sections: Public/Volunteer usage, Operational/Daily maintenance, and Construction/Structural specifications.
- New Business. John Traylor announced he is stepping down from the Board. Dan Tille expressed interest in rejoining the Board to focus on building management. Abram Herman and Marguerite Tuthill expressed interest in serving as Co-Chairs. Marilyn Kastens expressed interest in serving as the Secretary.
The Board adjourned at 7:07pm. The Board will next meet on May 13th at Bill Heddles Rec Center in Delta.
Respectfully submitted,
Marguerite Tuthill
Secretary