Grand Mesa Nordic Council
Board Meeting
November 19, 2025
Zoom
Board members present: Tom Ela, Abe Herman, Susie Attaway, Marguerite Tuthill, Marilyn Kastens, Christine Noel, Ben Graves, and John Traylor
Board members not present: Nike VanArsdale
Staff present: Christie Aschwanden
Guests: Dan Tille
John Traylor called the meeting to order at 6:03pm.
- 30 min Public Comment Period. No guests were in attendance.
- Minutes. Christine moved and Tom seconded to approve the October minutes with minor changes made in the document. Motion passed unanimously.
- Skyway Station Update. Dan provided an update on the construction process on Skyway Station. The project remains on track and within budget. Siding is being installed on the snowcat barn. H-VAC and electrical wiring are underway, with an inspection expected next week. Drywalling is scheduled to begin the second or third week of December. A high-end, pan-tilt-zoom security camera has been installed to monitor the solar array. Dan explained that the cat shed will not be heated to avoid high costs associated with hazardous water drainage requirements. Furthermore, a well cannot be drilled due to Forest Service regulations. While the official completion target is April 2026, the builder aims to have the building ready for occupancy by February or March 2026. Board asked a couple questions on the process and different parts of the building being worked on. Dan shared GMNC is on track to complete fundraising efforts by the end of 2025. Board discussed how successful the building tours were during Opening Day.
- Monthly Financials. Christine provided the monthly financials report that was included in the Board packet. Operating revenues are up, and expenses are down compared to last year. All investments (Operating and Skyway Station) have matured and will be reinvested with a financial advisor.
- Executive Director Update. Christie provided her written report in the Board packet. Christie shared that early season snow is present but thin. Packing has begun on Scales Lake Road. Lily has been performing well as a new hire. Volunteer Sign-up Geniuses are live for upcoming events. Upcoming events include the Nordic Festival – Nov 28-30, Women’s Wednesday & Wax Clinic – Dec 3, Whiskey Club Fundraiser – Dec 4, and the first race on Dec 6.
- Fundraising Committee Update. John provided an update on Fundraising Committee, sharing the Committee is wrapping up their efforts. He asked the Board to consider standing up a committee focused on building operations. Christie recommended maintaining the Fundraising Committee but focusing it on broader fundraising efforts. Marguerite motioned to create a Building Operations Committee, Tom seconded. The motion passed unanimously. John requested Board members to reach out if interested in serving on the committee or to recommend community members for the committee.
- Events Committee Update. John ran through upcoming events. These events are publicly posted on the GMNC calendar and website.
The Board adjourned at 7:09pm. The Board will next meet on Wednesday, December 17 via Zoom.
Respectfully submitted,
Marguerite Tuthill
Secretary