OHA Board Meeting Minutes (DRAFT)
Feb 20, 2020 6:45pm
at Bob’s 115 Taurus Ave, Montclair, CA 94611
Meeting called to order at 19:10. In attendance were: President Bob Reid, Vice President Sally Weare, Secretary Michael Bowen, and at large members Wakean MacLean, Lisa McLaughlin and Alix Quay (Alix participating via teleconference). Diane Livoti was absent due to illness. Members Sarah Cohen (membership coordinator), Robin Cooper and Theresa Priestley present.
1) Approve Agenda (LM/MB) – approved as revised (3 and 4 reversed, 9(d) added)
2) Minutes Approval of January 21 and Feb. 11 meetings (SW/LM, WM abstain) January 21 minutes tabled over discussion regarding content. Feb 11 minutes approved as revised to redact Executive Session reference.
3) Membership Issues/Status Review Waiting List
- a)The board reviewed 6 month status of Robin Cooper (no report provided) and approved her continuation for remaining six months of probationary period.
- b)SC provided an overview of the membership application and list updating process (see attachment). She noted it is highly labor intensive. Board discussed existing vacancies, possible revisions to fee structure, and Tanya Ericcson’s desire to re-join as a proprietary member. The board voted to conduct one more interview to fill one of two remaining slots, then to freeze new member interviews indefinitely (LM/SW, MB abstain). SC was assigned to return to the board with a proposal for how best to manage the membership application and processing process in the future.
4) Review Plannning Grid – No items for February. Vet clinics pending for March. Board will ask Megan (currently coordinating immunization list) to coordinate vet clinics.
- a) Pasture Rotation Schedule – Several moves in March, all through gates (not in hand) except for March 28 or 29 in-hand move to Lower Sullivan. Dieting rotation begins in March with SW to coordinate.
5) Pond Pasture Trough Repair Status
RC provided a presentation to the board regarding Ruby’s proclivity to enter water troughs and possible solutions to discourage or prevent the behavior. Reportedly Ruby has done so since she was six months old, and is unlikely to modify her behavior per Chris Ellsworth. RC indicated she is happy to finance any necessary repairs or modifications, but requires labor assistance and the support of the board for any modifications. The board assigned WM and SW to assist RC in proceeding with any changes.
6) EBMUD Report
WM updated the board on EBMUD related items.
- a)Capital Improvements – No update from EMBUD
- b)Pond Occupation – Pond fenced and no alternate pasture necessary;
- c)Spring Dieters – currently approved for 11 horses, SW to lead effort;
- d)Storage Structures – Awaiting approval
- e)Boundary Fence – Awaiting Clinic reschedule from Kerry at EBMUD; MB will lead fencing team in interim.EBMUD has agreed to repair Johnson Ranch/Old Dairy Fenceline.
- f)Beer Can Gate – Caitilin lead on project. EBMUD biologist and Erica still need to walk site to confirm absence of protected species. Fallen laurel tree approved for removal.
- g)Water Supply – EBMUD has not deciphered source of leak. Expressed appreciation for attempts to dig up leaky pipe. Will continue effort to assure water supply to pavilion.
7) Treasurer’s Report
Due due illness all items tabled except for 7(c). The board discussed the current financial status and need to reevaluate the fee structure.
- c)Associate Member fee is proposed for increase to $250/year (MB/WM). Subject to 30-day Review.
8) Rule Change
- a)New Proposed Rule
- Trailers may be parked at OHA overnight for one night only and must be removed the next day. Prior permission from the board is required for consecutive days/nights of trailer parking. (MB/LM/AQ/BR for; WM/SW against – motion passes)
9) Old Business
- a)Hay Closet Roofs – Volunteer needed to help repair the leaky roofs over pavilion hay closets. Board will ask Carla to coordinate volunteer effort.
- b)With gratitude for her service in managing feeding schedule and other critical duties, Allison Blood worth was assigned to assist with website update and relieved of her ten pasture hours during the time she is assisting with these important technical needs. LM is senior content editor, Erica and Eddie will continue updating their specific areas of interest.
10) New Business
- a)BR updated the board on his communications with Moraga Horsemen’s Association and Redwood Riders. He has proposed working together to preserve equestrian heritage. MHA was receptive and RR has not been contacted yet.
- b)Decision Making/Responsibility Flow Chart
Significant discussion ensued about the recognized need to have a clear chain of command for various tasks and areas within the lease. The board decided to try assigning Specialist Teams for various functions, with the following proposals:
- Tree Clearing – Sonny and Scott
- Fencing – MB and ?
iii. Plumbing – Doug and Scott
- E-Fencing – Erica and ?
- Building – Carla and Caitilin
- c)Revamping Pasture Teams-
WM will contact Linda Furtado and request an updated job description of pasture managers.
- d)Ring Pasture
Suzette Curran provided a written overview of the arena status and sought board direction on how to proceed. Suzette is directed to contact John Foughy to solicit opinion on readiness for disking, and to inquire if we can use it now with the understanding that it will be disked in the future.
- e)Website Needs
Highlighted needs discussed by the board included
- Easy link to work hour list
- Easy link to feeding schedule
iii. Mobile friendly utility
- Up to date assignments
- Other? Please provide suggestions!
The board retired to Executive Session at 9:23 PM.
11) Executive Session
12) Next Meeting – The next meeting is set for March 10 at Bob’s home.
Meeting adjourned at 10:13 PM.
