Grand Mesa Nordic Council
Board Meeting
September 16, 2025
Bill Heddles Rec Center, Delta
Board members present: Tom Ela, Abe Herman, Marguerite Tuthill, Marilyn Kastens, John Traylor, and Nike VanArsdale
Board members not present: Christine Noel, Susie Attaway, and Ben Graves,
Staff present: Christie Aschwanden and Dan Tille
Guests: John Rankin
Abe Herman called the meeting to order at 6:03pm and read the GMNC mission statement.
- 30 min Public Comment Period. No public comment.
- August Minutes. Tom moved and John seconded to approve the August minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
- Skyway Station Update. Dan provided a construction update, a written report was included in the Board packet. Overall, the project is on time and on budget. John provided a funding and fundraising report; a spreadsheet was included in the Board packet. Tom motioned for GMNC to commit to moving ahead with the project in full, including building the cat shed, Marilyn seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Marilyn motioned for GMNC to approve a 0% interfund loan of up to $50,000 to fund remaining building costs, Tom seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
John motioned for GMNC to maintain any fundraised building funds remaining after the building is completed in the building capital fund for building maintenance and operations, Marguerite seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
- Financial Report. John provided the monthly financials report that was included in the Board packet. This time of year, in the summer months, much of GMNC financial data does not hold a lot of significance. However, GMNC revenues are about even as the same time period last year, and expenses are less than the same time period last year, making the net loss to date smaller than this time last year. Skyway Station investments continue to mature to pay for current and upcoming building costs. Operating investments have been made for cash in excess of summer operating needs. The last of these matures at the end of September.
Organizational Systems Audit – The Finance Committee identified 5 “mission critical,” top-priority items for our CPA Travis Boyd to begin work on the audit. These include:
- Grants Management
- Bookkeeping
- Payroll Processing
- Information Systems Management (i.e., Square, ProPay, etc.)
- Communication Lists
The Finance Committee will serve as the primary point of contact and will convey these to the Board.
- Executive Director Update. Christie provided her written report in the Board packet. She reviewed highlights of the following:
- Christie submitted multiple grant applications during this last month.
- She is working with Delta County on purchasing a gasoline fuel cube.
- Kickoff parties are planned for Oct 26 at the Yarrow in Austin, and Nov 2, at Cruise Control in GJ. Both are from 3-5pm.
- Instead of a silent auction, GMNC is going to plan a 35th anniversary party for GMNC. Details are still coming together, but it will be a celebratory evening.
- Volunteer trail days have begun.
- Christie is making tweaks to the GMNC website to streamline the content.
- Board discussed the trail expansion project included some additional costs that have cropped up and potential next steps.
- Christie will distribute a sign-up sheet for Membership tables.
- Other Business. Abe asked about the history of the GMNC and CMU Cross Country Ski Team relationship. Board discussed ways to mend the relationship and finds ways to move forward together.
The Board adjourned at 7:55pm. The Board will next meet on October 14, 2025 via Zoom.
Respectfully submitted,
Marguerite Tuthill
Secretary