Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes December 3rd, 2001
Upcoming Events
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes December 3rd, 2001
Upcoming Events
Saturday, December 7th, Work party for fence preparation of Lower Sullivan 8-11am. Call Fred if going.
Thursday, December 13th 2pm, Walking thru Upper Pasture with EBMUD and Richard regarding movable fencing planning
Saturday, December 15th, Moving to Lower Pasture/Sullivan after 10am. Feeding will be out for herd that morning so that herd can learn new location.
Saturday, December 15th, Semi-Annual Dues Due $225 each. After 1/1/02 $10 late fee will be added each month until received.
Saturday, January 10th Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. at Christy’s. Christy will provide food.
Saturday, January 19th, Tentative date for moving to Upper Pasture
Business
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on December 3rd, 2001 at 7 p.m. at Kim’s house. Present were Board members Richard Brown (President), Christie Larner (Vice President), Kim Zvik (Secretary), Anna Johnson (Treasurer), Bronwyn Evans and Liz Strauss.
Minutes for the September 16th meeting need the additional clarification:
Original text “Next the membership discussed whether or not the board should fill the 38th horse space, vacant now for 21 months. Presentations were made by Morris, in favor, and by Bubs and Liz, against filling the space. For the most part, these were the reasons sent out with the September 7th minutes.” (Add) Bubs and Liz presented a number of new considerations for not bringing any more horses on the pasture.
The minutes of the November 8th Board meeting were approved with the following changes:
– Late date for dues is 1/1/02 not 1/10/01
The agenda for the membership meeting was briefly discussed.
New Board Member
Welcome Linda Furtado!
Feeding for Loree
Liz is feeding 1/1 with Mark. Morris is feeding 1/8. Richard is feeding 1/15. Bronwyn is feeding 1/22 and 1/29. Ana is feeding 2/6 and 2/13. These are all extra feedings!
Treasurer’s Report and Budget
Ana gave a report and set budgets for the year. We have projected expenses of $18,609 and income of $20,179. The income includes charges for last years work hours of $1,530. Please pay your work hours bill if you received one by 1/1 when you pay your OHA dues. Please see motion #4 regarding non-payment.
Annual Grazing Plan (AGP) EBMUD Report
Richard presented the grazing plan to EBMUD as scheduled on 11/27. It was approved and now movable fencing plans must be laid out. Richard is walking thru the Upper Pasture with an EBMUD representative Thursday, 12/13 at 2pm. If you would like to join Richard, please meet at the Red Barn at 2pm.
Credit for Feeding if Feeding Stops Early in February?
Should members signed up for February feedings get feeding credit if feeding stops early due to early grass?
Motion #1: Moved to grant credit for feeding credit even if feeding stops earlier than expected. Passed 5/1.
Motion #1 Amendment: This credit should be retroactive to the year 2000-01. Passed 4/2.
Who Gets Feeding Credit?
The name on the sign out sheet is the person who gets the feeding credit. If you feed for someone else and expect feeding credit, make sure to sign your name. Otherwise, sign the name of the scheduled feeder so that they get the credit.
Should we have a special feeding 12/15?
Since the horses will be fed in the Lower Pasture/Lower Sullivan in a new location starting 12/15, Morris suggested (via email) that we feed in the morning and consider an extra feeding that day too.
Motion #2: Feed in the morning 12/15 but do not feed an extra feeding that day. Passed 7/0. Yes, we had one more voting board member by this motion as one board member arrived late. Fred and Elise have been notified and can feed at 9am 12/15 so that food will be ready for the herd when they move. Everyone, please feed on the Teasle when doing your feedings. Wormers will be located in the Lower Pasture saddling area.
Leave of Absence for Loree
Motion #3: Release Loree from any work hours, feedings or dues responsibilities through 6/15 at which point we will consider extending this if needed. Passed 6/1.
Minimum Number of Required Work Hours?
Should there be a minimum number of work hours every member should be obligated to work each year?
Motion #4: Members should be required to work at least half of their work hours. If this minimum is not met over a one year period, membership can be terminated. 3/3 1 abstention. This motion did not pass.
Motion #4 Amendment: Require 50% of work hours and terminate membership if 50% not worked 2 years in a row. Passed 4/3. Of course, the board will review each case and members should notify the board in advance if they anticipate a problem meeting this minimum.
Additional Notes
Leo out of Pasture of the winter
Joan Dalzell (Heidi’s Sponsor) has a new home phone number (510)548-2519
Heather Halfleigh got her old phone number back (510)528-1031
OHA Work Projects List:
· After herd moves back up to Upper Pasture in January, move excess hay into barn and move pallets back into Lower Pasture saddling area
· Build fence in Lower Sullivan and remove barbed wire. Work party this Saturday, December 7th 8-11am.
· Remove barbed wired and t-posts from Upper Sullivan. Call Beverly if interested.
· Recondition ring surface. Call Ginny if interested.
· Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
· Facilitate drainage in old stalls
· Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
· Replace railroad ties separating covered and uncovered areas in the pavilion corrals
· Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Alice Brown
· Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
· Move hose faucet on El Toyonal to below the gate to avoid puddling by gate
· Repair trail from upper pasture saddling area to facilitate winter run-off—call Morris for details
· Clear and repair trails-lower forest, lower pasture to pear orchard, pear orchard
· Continually shovel up piles of manure to make room for more
· Spread and harrow composted lower ½ of manure in ring before the rains
· Rodent-proof white shed
· Waterproof pavilion sheds and reinforce bowed doors
· Volunteer as Lower Sullivan Ranch (LSR) manager to arrange building an electric fence at the grazing perimeter and removing a segment of barbed wire fence between Lower Pasture and LSR.
Thank Yous:
Furtados (Linda and Marcia’s sister) for taking some manure
Liz, Morris, Richard, Ana & Bronwyn for covering Loree’s feedings
Christy for delivering a get well card and flowers to Loree on behalf of OHA
Minutes respectfully submitted by Kim Zvik, Secretary
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes November 8th, 2001
Look on the Web for Mintues On-Line at http://home.pacbell.net/zvik/OHA/minutes.htm
Upcoming Events
Week November 30th Rescheduled Dental Clinic Anna will call and email those interested when she has a firm date
Monday, December 3rd Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. at Kim’s. Richard will provide food.
Saturday, December 15th, Semi-Annual Dues Due $225 each. After 1/10/01 $10 late fee will be added each month until received.
Saturday, December 15th, Tentative date for moving to Lower Pasture/Sullivan
Saturday, January 19th, Tentative date for moving to Upper Pasture
Business
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on November 8th, 2001 at 7 p.m. at Kim’s house. Present were Board members Richard Brown (President), Christie Larner (Vice President), Kim Zvik (Secretary), Anna Johnson (Treasurer), and Liz Strauss. Bronwyn was absent.
The minutes of the October 3rd Board meeting were approved with the following changes:
– Beverley and Bubs are not on the board but are advising as needed
– Liz took the 37th horse space
The agenda for the membership meeting was briefly discussed.
Board Position Open
Loree resigned from the board. The board is actively seeking a replacement. Please contact Richard if interested. Get your work hours in where it’s warm and dry and when you can’t ride anyway ! The board will choose from those interested to fill the spot at the next meeting December 3rd.
Treasurer’s Report
Ana gave the board a report of our fiscal situation. We have $5,358.23 in an interest bearing checking account and $8,614.34 in a CD coming due next month. If you receive an additional bill for work hours with the hard copy of your minutes, please include that payment along with your semi-annual dues.
Motion #1
Should the board consult with Beverly on where to put the money when the CD matures? Passed 5/0. Ana will consult with Beverly.
Annual Grazing Plan (AGP)
Beverly prepared a recommended pasture rotation schedule to include the new Sullivan Ranch property.
Motion #2
Pass Beverly’s recommended plan. Passed 5/0. Beverly will present it to EBMUD 11/27.
New Associate Member
Kirsten Whitsett interviewed to become an Associate Member
Motion #3
Admit Kirsten? Passed 5/0.
38th Space
Fill 38th Space without new AUM data including Sullivan Ranch? EBMUD will not recacluate the AUM to include Sullivan Ranch this year.
Motion #4
Should we fill the space? Passed 4/1. Ana is taking this space.
Eliminate Professional Membership Fee
Motion #5
Should we eliminate the professional membership fee ferriers and vets were required to pay? Passed 4/1. There will not longer be a fee for professional members.
Give Morris 6 Month Extension on Filling 2nd Horse Space
Motion #6
Should the board vote to allow Morris 6 more months to find a suitable horse for his vacant 2nd horse space? Passed 4/1.
Miscellaneous:
New Horse Description – Dakota is an eight year old Chesnut Appy, with one white soc, and a white star. Not too many spots. He is Ana’s second horse. He is occupying the 38th space now. Liz now has a vacant space for a second horse (the 37th space). If you see Dakota away from the herd, please walk him up to the herd with you if possible.
Need Extra Feeders – We need members to help feed in Loree’s place in January. Please contact Kim if you can feed 1/1, 15, 22 or 29. You get extra work hours for this.
Note on Feeding – Please remember to make sure to feed after 1pm and before dark.
Sullivan Ranch Update – Fred will manage this new pasture.
Vehicle Access to Lower Pasture – Christy will talk with Joel Fried, the EBMUD attorney, about allowing us to access the Lower Pasture from the South gate again.
New Riding Partner – Welcome Steven Wight! Steven is Gailyn’s new riding partner.
Weed Control Committee – Beverly will present Alice’s recommendations to EBMUD
Poles and Toys in Ring – Please move off poles and toys if bothering others using the ring. It rule that we haven’t enforced to date. Please don’t leave them out in the rain as it will create ruts in the ring.
Re-surfacing ring – Richard will ask if Ginny wants to work on this.
Work hours and outside workers – There was some discussion regarding the $10/hour work hour fee and the cost of hiring and insuring outside workers. There was no motion or conclusion drawn from these conversations.
OHA Work Projects List:
· After herd moves back up to Upper Pasture in January, move excess hay into barn and move pallets back into Lower Pasture saddling area
· Build fence in Lower Sullivan and remove barbed wire. Call Fred if interested.
· Remove barbed wired and t-posts from Upper Sullivan. Call Beverly if interested.
· Recondition ring surface. Call Karen if interested.
· Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
· Facilitate drainage in old stalls
· Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
· Replace railroad ties separating covered and uncovered areas in the pavilion corrals
· Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Alice Brown
· Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
· Move hose faucet on El Toyonal to below the gate to avoid puddling by gate
· Repair trail from upper pasture saddling area to facilitate winter run-off—call Morris for detail
· Clear and repair trails-lower forest, lower pasture to pear orchard, pear orchard
· Continually shovel up piles of manure to make room for more
· Spread and harrow composted lower ½ of manure in ring before the rains
· Rodent-proof white shed
· Waterproof pavilion sheds and reinforce bowed doors
· Volunteer as Lower Sullivan Ranch (LSR) manager to arrange building an electric fence at the grazing perimeter and removing a segment of barbed wire fence between Lower Pasture and LSR.
Thank Yous:
Fred for managing Sullivan Ranch
Karen for hand coving ring
Bronwyn and Morris for cleaning out the shed
Diana & Steve Johnson (Ana’s parents) for taking some manure
Minutes respectfully submitted by Kim Zvik, Secretary
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes October 3rd, 2001
Upcoming Events
Weekend, October 20th TWHA Fun Day!
Thursday, November 8th Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. at Kim’s (223 Willamette Ave., Kensington 94708 510 525-3141). Check www.mapquest.com for directions. Loree will provide pizza.
Saturday, Week November 9th Dental Clinic with Todd of Equine Dental Clinic and Mike Parker-please call or email Anna if you want to attend so that she can ensure there will be time for your horse(s). She already has 9 interested horses and needs 1 more to schedule!
Next Work Party?, stay tuned!
Business
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on October 3rd, 2001 at 7 p.m. at Christie’s house. Present were Board members Richard Brown (President), Christie Larner (Vice President), Kim Zvik (Secretary), Anna Johnson (Treasurer). Bronwyn Evans (EMUD Representative), Loree Cole, and Liz Strauss.
Beverly James and Bubs Schaaf were absent.
The minutes of the September 16th Board meeting were approved with the following changes:
Bylaws passed 14-1
The sentence “for the most part these were the reasons sent out ” was struck because other reasons were discussed besides those sent out in the email.
The agenda for the membership meeting was briefly discussed.
Anna Johnson is the new OHA treasurer replacing Shirley Delsart. Anna
Johnson’s signature is to be added to the signature card for OHA’s accounts
and Shirley Delsart’s signature is to be deleted. Richard Brown’s signature
is to remain on the signature card as he is still president of OHA.
Budget issues were addressed.
Capital improvement budget will be addressed in a meeting to be arranged with EBMUD reps.
Issues for discussion include Developing spring on the Sullivan Ranch, Cross fence once spring is developed, replace water line in lower pasture in part or entirely and lobby for better crossing at washed out fire road (conceding that this last issue was unlikely).
Beverly James will oversee development of the upper Sullivan Ranch.
Dogs
Members are asked to abide by dog restrictions as stated in the Rules (Rule X, page 18). “A. Dogs must be kept on a leash on all property leased by OHA, with the exception of the following areas: 1. The saddling area and corrals, 2. The paved road, 3. The fire road leading from the bar gate on the Orinda side of El Toyonal straight up to the Seaview Trail B. No dogs are allowed under any circumstances near or around the pond in the Upper Pasture. C. All dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets in the saddling area. D. Dogs are not allowed on the other EBMUD lands except where specifically stated. No dogs are allowed on the lands leased to cattlemen around Inspiration Point.”
Sharing Horse Ownership
Heather P. visited to elicit discussion on her request that Nina be allowed to share ownership of a new horse with her.
Motion #1: Make a one-time, qualified exception to the stated pasture rule that limits one owner per horse for proprietary members. The qualified exception was made based on Nina’s longevity as an associate member (8 years) and demonstrated responsibility at OHA. Passed 4/3 For/Against. This motion passed. The board may consider revising the pasture rule in the future but no change was made in this case.
38th Space
38th Horse Space discussed. There is continuing frustration about resolving this issue once and for all. Some members believe the membership vote from 9/16 should stick. Others believe that new information has emerged that should be considered. The board does have the right to re-vote and over-rule general membership votes based on new information. Also, email cannot be used by the board for absentee votes by board members.
Motion #2: To fill the 38th horse space immediately and not wait for EBMUD to revised the AUM allotment when adding the new Sullivan ranch space. ¾ For/Against. This motion did not pass. The board will consider re-voting after getting the revised AUM. Richard emailed EBMUD to determine when we can call a re-vote. It is hoped by the next meeting or so.
12/24 Occupancy Rule
12/24 Occupancy Rule Discussed (Rule IX Changes of Horses Item I, page 18). “Members may keep their horse(s) elsewhere, or have an empty space, for up to 12 consecutive months; however, the member must have a horse occupying their space, and on the pasture, for at least 12 of every 24 months.” People were concerned about the impact of the rule (or its removal) on stall space, work hours, and general membership unity.
Motion #3: To keep the 12/24 occupancy rule in place and consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis. 7/0 For/Against. This motion passed.
Horse *&$#&@:
Manure problem discussed. The Furtados are arranging to take ½ of it. Bronwyn wants to remind members to take some on a regular basis for their gardens. Christie & Bronwyn will call all members to urge manure removal. Stay tuned for a work party to do this. You can get work hours piling up the existing manure to make room for more!
Motion #4: To spread and harrow the ring with the fully composted lower ½ of the manure. 4/3 For/Against. This motion passed.
Miscellaneous:
Note on new associate members. Proprietary member is responsible for providing him/her with a key. OHA Secretary will provide him/her with a rulebook and parking placard.
Alice will be responsible for OHA weed control. Contact her if you would like to earn work hours in this way.
Richard will contact Morris regarding fencing Sullivan Ranch.
Heather H. will be mailing Christie the list of horses vaccinated at the 10/6 vet clinic.
Board members receive 1 ½ hours for each meeting. ½ hour is left for visiting and eating !
Richard sent Kim rule book changes.
Anna will be leasing Liz’s vacant horse space for 3 months. Anna’s horse has already arrived at OHA.
OHA Work Projects List:
· Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
· Place builder’s hardware screen and canvas over barn vents (call Richard)
· Facilitate drainage in old stalls
· Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
· Replace railroad ties separating covered and uncovered areas in the pavilion corrals
· Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Alice Brown
· Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
· Move hose faucet on El Toyonal to below the gate to avoid puddling by gate
· Repair trail from upper pasture saddling area to facilitate winter run-off—call Morris for detail
· Clear and repair trails-lower forest, lower pasture to pear orchard, pear orchard
· Continually shovel up piles of manure to make room for more
· Spread and harrow composted lower ½ of manure in ring before the rains
· Clean out and rodent-proof white shed
· Waterproof pavilion sheds and reinforce bowed doors
· Rebuild water pipe to lower pasture. Notify Richard of blowouts in the meantime.
· Move palets to shoulder of El Toyonal before hay delivery to Lower Pasture. Call Fred.
· Volunteer as Lower Sullivan Ranch (LSR) manager to arrange building an electric fence at the grazing perimeter and removing a segment of barbed wire fence between Lower Pasture and LSR.
Thank Yous:
James for fixing the broken pipe on south side of the Pavilion.
Lens for fixing the broken hinge on the south/west Pavilion stall and for building the step in front of the red barn.
Elise for waiting (lots of hours) for the hay delivery.
Liz for summer fly control.
Note: if I missed any, email me for the next minutes!
Minutes respectfully submitted by Kim Zvik, Secretary
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes September 16, 2001
Mark Your Calendar:
¨Wednesday, October 3- Board Meeting-starts 7:15 p.m. at Christie’s
¨ Saturday, October 6- Alternate Fall Vet clinic starts 10 a.m. with Erik Hansen-please call Dr Hansen’s office if you are attending so that he may have vaccinations on hand for your horse.
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on September 16, 2001 at 11 a.m. at the upper pasture saddling area before the Annual Membership Meeting. Present were Board members Richard Brown, Morris Older, Beverly James, Bubs Schaaf and Anna Johnson. Bronwyn Swan and Shirley Delsart were not present.
The minutes of the September 7 Board meeting were approved as written.
Cheryl Ann Fulton, who has been a riding partner for over a year, was proposed as an Associate member by Christie Larner. Cheryl was interviewed by the Board, which then voted to accept her as an Associate Member.
The agenda for the membership meeting was briefly discussed.
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Annual Membership Meeting
Minutes September 16, 2001
The OHA Annual Membership Meeting was held at the upper pasture saddling area starting at about 12:15 p.m. on September 16, 2001. Signing as present were Richard and Alice Brown, Anna Johnson, Beverly James, Bubs and Sarah Schaaf, Morris Older, Liz Strauss, Shirley Delsart, Lorree Cole, Bronwyn and Sienna Swan, Jane Binder, Fred Goff, Edie Black, Linda Furtado, Christie Larner, Georgia Williams, Lisa Jordan, Lisa Culin, Renee Benoit, Gailyn Johnson, Ryan Munoz and Cheryl Ann Fulton. In all 16 of OHA’s 24 proprietary memberships were represented.
The meeting unofficially opened with a presentation by Gailyn regarding the development of 225 homes, a golf course and more, planned for Gateway Valley just off Highway 24 in Orinda. The project has been approved by the city, but still needs permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and a water board because of the environmental impacts it will cause. Gailyn urged us all to find out more and let these panels know how we feel about this development. Call Gailyn at 925-254-5126 or the Gateway S.O.S. committee at 925-376-9625 for more information, or the Army Corps of Engineers at 415-977-8848 to be notified when there will be a hearing.
The meeting officially began with a welcome by Richard Brown to our 33rd annual meeting. It was duly noted that Linda Furtado was one of our founding members. Richard referred the membership to a list on the back of the agenda of events at OHA during the last year. He noted that the preparation of the Sullivan Ranch for grazing will be a focus of work the next year.
Shirley passed out financial statements and a brief discussion led to a proposal by Alice Brown, who noted that no money had been spent in the last year on weed control. She wondered if that meant that these unspent funds would carry over to the next year’s budget and added to the amount to be spent on weeds next year. It was explained that to date the budgets have been only an estimate of the next year’s spending and that funds have never been carried forward in that sense; rather a new budget estimate is made by each new board for the coming year. After a discussion, she moved that the next board create a 5-year plan for weed abatement and specify funding that will be appropriated for that purpose and carried forward to the following year if unspent. It was pointed out that these funds for weed abatement would thus be treated differently than funds for any other purpose. The proposal was approved by a vote of 14-0.
The next discussion concerned the revision of the bylaws of OHA. The proposed revisions, which were mailed to the membership with the minutes of the July board meeting, were the subject of several amendments. The first amendment, proposed by Christie, was to keep the vote required to amend the bylaws at a majority of memberships, rather than changing it to a vote of 2/3 of the memberships, as had been proposed. The group voted 16-0 to accept this amendment.
Next Edie Black and Fred Goff proposed that Article III-Membership, Section 2-Eligibility, be changed to read that “Membership is open to any member of the public who has adequate experience with a horse, who demonstrates a willingness to participate in the life of the OHA and agrees to abide by its rules and regulations. The OHA will not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic, or social background, sexual orientation, or religious belief.” After some discussion, this amendment was rejected by a vote of 9-4. Morris proposed a vote on the non-discrimination section of the amendment only, and this was rejected by a vote of 8-5, although some who voted against suggested it might be appropriate to place this statement in the rules and regulations.
Finally Fred Goff proposed that the section of the proposed bylaws (Article VIII) amending disposition of assets in the event that the association should cease existence be changed in favor of the provision in the original bylaws, which provided that assets would go to a charitable organization. Fred stated that as a non-profit organization, state law mostly required that we keep that provision. This amendment was approved by a vote of 14-0.
With the 2 approved changes, the proposed amendments to the bylaws were approved by a vote of 14-0.
Next the membership discussed whether or not the board should fill the 38th horse space, vacant now for 21 months. Presentations were made by Morris, in favor, and by Bubs and Liz, against filling the space. For the most part, these were the reasons sent out with the September 7th minutes. Everyone was given a chance to speak on the issue, and an advisory vote was taken to guide the next board on this issue. The vote was 8-6 in favor of filling the space.
Finally an election was held to fill the 4 empty board spaces. Anna, Bronwyn and Richard will remain on the board for one more year. Bev, Morris, Shirley and Bubs were thanked for their service on the Board this year. Several people declined nomination, but Liz, Kim, Morris, Edie, Christy and Lorree accepted nominations. Liz, Kim, Christy and Loree were elected to serve on the Board for the next 2 years.
As the meeting closed, Linda Furtado made a special request that, especially during feeding season, any member who can remove their horse’s rear shoes do so to prevent kicking from becoming a serious injury.
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes September 16, 2001
The newly elected board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met briefly following the membership meeting. Present were Board members Richard Brown, Anna Johnson, Christy Larner and Lorree Cole, as well as Shirley Delsart and Morris Older, who volunteered to take minutes. The Board elected Richard Brown to continue as President, and Kim Zvik to serve as secretary. The Board voted to make Liz Strauss and Anna Johnson our Co-Treasurers and to authorize Richard Brown, as President, to continue to be a check signer.
The board set the next meeting for October 3, at 7:15 p.m. to be held at the home of Christie Larner. As always all members are welcome at the meeting. Call Christie at 925-254-1257 if you need directions.
Minutes of all September 16th OHA meetings respectfully submitted by Morris Older
Also: OHA has purchased Uniprim, an antibiotic powder, for our emergency vet kit. This is in case your horse is injured and infected and needs to begin treatment before a vet can arrive. Whenever possible talk to a vet before treating your horse with this medicine. Remember that this medicine requires that the horse (either yours, if you start, or the next horse, if you do not replenish what you use), be treated with a full course of treatment to be effective. Partial treatment not only may be ineffective but could lead to a more resistant infection. Please follow the directions in our medicine kit to replenish the supplies and pay OHA if you should use this medicine.
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes March 21, 2001
Mark Your Calendar:
¨ Thursday, May 24– 7 p.m. Board meeting at Richard Brown’s.
¨ June 15–pasture fees are due: $225 per horse, $50 for Associate members, $25 for riding partners
¨ July 1-Pasture dues are now late-a $10 fee per horse or associate membership postmarked after 7/1.
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on March 21, 2001 at the home of Beverly James. Present were Board members Richard Brown, Beverly James, Shirley Delsart, Morris Older and Bronwyn Swan. Anna Johnson and Bubbs Schaaf were absent. The agenda prepared by Richard Brown and the minutes of the previous meeting, with an omission noted, were both approved. At the previous meeting the Board had discussed and decided against a proposal to grant increased privileges to long term Associate Members.
Shirley gave a brief treasurer’s report-our bank accounts totaled $5,467 at the time of the meeting, not including our certificate of deposit that covers member work deposits.
Beverly and Richard reported on recent discussions with EBMUD about the Sullivan Ranch parcels and our annual grazing plan. No decisions were made at this meeting and these discussions are ongoing. For more information on these issues, contact Beverly or Richard. We were asked to justify the lower pasture barn, which was questioned as a potentially attractive nuisance, and we developed a list of reasons to justify its use, which were subsequently accepted by EBMUD.
In response to our call for pasture managers, Loree Cole and Renee Benoit had volunteered and will be helping out in that regard.
We agreed that Richard would talk to the owners of 2 chronically vacant horse spaces to see what their plans are for filling their spaces, which have been vacant beyond the time limits specified in our rules. Richard will report back to the Board at our next meeting on this.
The Board discussed whether it would be permissible to approve potential applications for associate membership from neighbors whose primary interest is in riding through the pasture on their own horses. Although nothing in our rules out this possibility, several members had expressed the opinion that such approval would be contrary to the spirit of what associate membership is. Board member noted that the people involved either are now or could become riding partners, so the issue really is whether they need a member to accompany them when they come to the pasture. The following arguments were discussed:
Pros:
§ Good will from our neighbors
§ Injuries have not resulted in past when other horses have ridden through pasture (TWHA, NATRC, neighbors)
§ More people to keep an eye on the horses and the pasture
§ Existing members can bring any friends to pasture by signing them up as riding partners
§ Any such associate membership would be subject to annual board review.
§ We could get to know people who are on the waiting list before their names come up
§ More work participation from skilled associate members
§ A plus to expand use of a community resource-the pasture
Cons:
§ Adverse interaction between guest horse and herd possible-injuries or contagion
§ Harder to regulate who has keys
§ Possible errors in gate closings/lockings
§ Ill will from existing members who cannot bring friends or certain relatives onto lease, whereas neighbors could
§ Selection process could be vexing
§ Board unlikely to use discretion
It was decided that a poll would be taken of the members to see how they feel about this issue. Please examine the above list and talk to any board member if you would like clarification of the issues involved.
The herd-safety inspection program is fully operational. Approved at our previous meeting, you are hereby offered a work hours credit of .25 hours for inspecting the herd in the same way you might during feeding season. A sign-up calendar is now in the lower pasture saddling area (and will follow the horses to each pasture), and the first person to sign each day is eligible for this credit. In late March and all of April, the herd was thus inspected on more than half of all days. Although there is no guarantee that this will happen every day, the chances are good that some injuries will be spotted sooner using this voluntary system. Any time you have a few extra minutes you may take this credit provided no one else has already done so on that day. All of us benefit from knowing that an OHA member is looking over our horses.
Announcements:
§ EBMUD has confirmed that non-members are prohibited from entering the leased property even if they are looking at ahorse to buy.
§ Fly control is underway. Please do not meddle with the the traps or bait. Instead, c Call Liz if you have any questions.
§ Kim’s horse, Pasha, has arrived and is now in the lower pasture.
Current Riding Partners-we decided to publish a list in the minutes. Note that all riding partner memberships must be renewed or will expire on June 15:
§ Cheryl Fulton 510-601-8383 (Christie)
§ Gary Rosenberg 510-849-9808 (Bronwyn)
§ Ryan Munoz 510-531-8924 (Anna)
§ Kim Christlieb phone unknown (Lisa)
§ Diana Lynch 510-848-5535 (Morris)
§ Moriah Moll 510-548-5215 (Richard)
§ Diana and Anne Hedge phone unknown (Jane)
§ Marianne Ric 707-775-4367 (Edie)
§ Laura Klein 310-230-4342 (Edie)
§ Natalia Binnewies 510-843-4651 (Sienna)
§ Golda Blum 510-528-1830 (Kim)
§ Harim Zonenchin 510-421-0444 (Kim)
Finally, we agreed to have the next meeting (after much post-meeting consultation) on Thursday, May 24 at the home of Richard Brown at 7 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Morris Older, Secretary
OHA Work Projects List 5/2/2001:
¨ Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
¨ Place builder’s hardware screen and canvas over barn vents (call Richard)
¨ Facilitate drainage in old stalls
¨ Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
¨ Replace railroad ties separating covered and uncovered areas in the pavilion corrals
¨ Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Alice Brown
¨ Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
¨ Move hose faucet on El Toyonal to below the gate to avoid puddling by gate
¨ Repair trail from upper pasture saddling area to facilitate winter run-off—call Morris for detail
¨ Clear and repair trails-lower forest, lower pasture to pear orchard, pear orchard
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes November 14, 2000
Mark Your Calendar:
? December 15-Membership dues are due–$225 per horse
? Saturday, December 16 tentative date for move to lower pasture. Use wormers in lower pasture saddling area
? Jan 2-Membership dues are late-a $10 fee per horse per month late now applies
? Tuesday, January 9- Board meeting at Bubb’s house-starts at 6:30 p.m.
? Jan 13-tentative date for move to upper pasture
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on November 14, 2000 at the home of Richard Brown. Present were Board members Richard Brown, Beverly James, Bubs Schaaf, Shirley Delsart and Morris Older. Anna Johnson was unable to attend. The agenda prepared by Richard Brown and the minutes of the previous meeting, with one correction—the meeting date was October 17 not September 17– were both approved.
Shirley gave a brief treasurer’s report, clarifying some issues from our budget discussion in October. She has sent members bills for unfulfilled work hours totaling $1,900 for the last two years. As of the meeting $700 of these fees had been paid. We agreed to finalize the budget for this current year at the next meeting, but as it seems that our projected income and expenses will match closely, we agreed to hold the December dues at $225 per horse.
Next we discussed relations with EBMUD. Because the replacement of the water line in the lower pasture was accomplished at the lower range of the allowed budget, we have $1,400 remaining in allocated capital improvements funds for the current year. We agreed to propose spending this money on the replacement of the water line from the spring box in the upper pasture, down through the trees above the saddling area, to the point where it disappears underground on the way to the lower pasture. We have received a bid on this work for $1,735, and would pay the excess from our own funds. In addition we agreed that Bev, our EBMUD liaison, Richard, and any other interested Board members would meet with Virginia in early December to discuss our grazing schedule, capital improvements, cross fencing of the upper and lower pastures, and expansion of the pasture to include sections of the Sullivan Ranch property. We agreed that, as the lower section (below El Toyonal) of the Sullivan Ranch requires extensive work to be make it safe for grazing, we would propose to EBMUD that we only add the upper section to our lease this year.
We discussed filling the empty horse space which the previous board had decided not to fill in May. We had delayed decision on this issue until we could see how many of our allotted 398 Animal Unit Months, a measure of how many horses have been on the pasture, were used this last grazing year, concluded on September 30. It turns out that we used 368, after using 356 the previous year and exceeding our allotment by using 418 AUMs in 1997-8. Opposing viewpoints were argued: that the numbers show that the pasture can easily support one more horse, and that the numbers show that even with a number of unfilled spaces we are nearly reaching our limit. We agreed to look further back into the past to see if the numbers of AUMs used in past years can help us predict what to expect in the future.
The Board appointed Richard and Morris to propose by-laws revisions to bring our by-laws into accordance with our rules and regulations. These changes will be proposed for approval by the general membership at the next general membership meeting.
There apparently has been no negative reaction to the abolition of horsey hotel fees at the last board meeting. All members are asked to pay their outstanding bills accumulated before the abolition of these fees as of October 18th, regardless of whether you had recorded your usage. Please send your check directly to Shirley.
We next discussed the protocol for moving horses to the lower pasture in December and back in January. The first move will be to the lower pasture on Saturday, December 16th. Wormers for your horse will be in the lower pasture saddling area. Please do not move your horse before 10 a.m. At 11 a.m., any overly excited or wild horses in the upper pasture who appear to pose a danger to themselves or to anyone else by their behavior will be moved to the lower pasture. Calm horses that have not yet been moved will remain in the upper pasture until their owners arrive. Whiteboards will be placed in the upper and lower pasture saddling areas listing any horses that are moved by volunteers.
We briefly discussed ideas relating to cross-fencing the upper pasture to encourage the growth of grass and the demise of weeds. Possibilities include a fence from the north corral to the upper limits of the pasture near the water tanks, which would allow for a water trough near those tanks. A fence could go up further towards the Sullivan Ranch property if a water trough can be supplied there. And a section towards the forest might rely on the forest pond for water, although doubts were expressed concerning the ecological impact on that pond. It was agreed that these ideas would be discussed with EBMUD. Additional control of weeds may possibly be accomplished by EBMUD, which may be willing to mow thistle, mustard and teasel.
With little discussion an addition to our rules and regulations concerning the lower pasture corral was approved. Last winter this corral was used during winter rains for the first time and the result was major rutting and deep footprints. The board decided unanimously to restrict usage of this corral in the winter, subject to the same conditions applied to winter arena usage: “The lower pasture corral is not to be used when wet. ‘Wet’ is defined as when the ground is moist enough for horses to leave a ¼ inch deep hoof print.”
Our next discussion concerned the compost bin, largely completed at the time of our meeting. We still need to divide it into three sections. Once we start using it, Bronwyn and Bubbs agreed to be responsible for aerating and turning the pile for the first time period. Their experience will help to establish future guidelines for the most efficient use of the bin.
By the time you receive these minutes, new forms for nominating your friends for riding partner memberships should be available in the shed.
Our by-laws give the power to fill any vacated board position to the board. We agreed to add to Section 1A of our rules and regulations the following sentence: “The Board will fill any vacated board positions after notifying all members of any such vacancy.”
Horse News: Our count of horses currently at OHA is down to 29, but will soon increase again to 30. From our usual total of 38 subtract four unfilled spaces (one that the board will reconsider filling, and three vacant spaces held by Elise, Morris and Linda Furtado), Frank (at Moraga Horsemen’s), Leo, Scotty and Freckles (gone for the winter), and TJ (coming back soon). Loree Cole’s horse, Beau arrived on December 3rd and is available for your viewing pleasure in the North corral until December 16th.
The Board scheduled its next meeting for Tuesday, January 9th at 6:30 p.m. at Bubbs house. Members should feel free to attend any board meeting-we welcome your input. The proposed agenda includes:
? Adoption of the budget for the 2000-2001 grazing year
? Possibly filling the horse space abolished by the previous board
? Consideration of Loree and Kim for full proprietary membership
? Timetable and protocol for moving the herd back to the upper pasture
? new class of membership for people without horses on pasture
November 14, 2000 minutes respectfully submitted by Morris Older, Secretary
OHA Work Projects List 12/11/2000:
? Move cut brush to road side of fence so EBMUD can chip it.
? Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
? Place builder’s hardware screen and canvas over barn vents (call Richard)
? Facilitate drainage in old stalls
? Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
? Replace railroad ties separating covered and uncovered areas in the pavilion corrals
? Check lower pasture fences and remove trash along fence line before move to l.p.
? Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
? Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Alice Brown
? Build enclosures around pipes at lower pasture trough and at and near lower pasture corral
? Haul manure in trailer off-site for last time??—call Anna Johnson for details
? Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
? Move hose faucet on El Toyonal to below the gate to avoid puddling by gate
? Insulate water pipes above ground
? Repair trail from upper pasture saddling area to facilitate winter run-off—call Morris for details
? Fill ditch near repaired water pipes between pavilion small corrals and tie-posts
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes October 17, 2000
Mark Your Calendar:
? Tuesday, November 14-OHA Board Meeting-6:30 p.m. at Richard’s house
? December 15-Membership dues are due-$225 per horse
? December 16-tentative date for move to lower pasture
? Jan 2-Membership Dues are late-a $10 fee per horse per month late now applies
? Jan 13-tentative date for move to upper pasture
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on September 17, 2000 at the home of Katherine Schaaf. Present were Board members Richard Brown, Beverly James, Bubs Schaaf, Shirley Delsart and Morris Older. Anna Johnson and Bronwyn Swan were unable to attend. The agenda prepared by Richard Brown and the minutes of the previous meeting, with one correction—the meeting date was September 12, not August 2– were both approved. The unusual personal note about Flame in those minutes was approved as appropriate, and it was decided that members are encouraged, when circumstances require, to request that any similar note about their horses be put in the minutes.
Shirley gave a brief treasurer’s report, along with preliminary budget projections for the coming year. We discussed these at some length, and hopefully be able to approve a revised budget at out November meeting.
Our major discussion of the evening concerned horsey hotel fees. Prior to the meeting there had been proposals both to abolish and to increase these fees. Various board members argued that the fees were an extra burden to those who, in most cases were keeping their horses in stalls due to medical or dietary issues beyond their controls. These members are already burdened by having to come up to the pastures to feed, medicate and clean up after their horses once or twice a day, and in some cases by veterinary bills as well. While the stated purpose of the fee was to compensate the association for the extra cost (mostly work hours) of trucking manure off-site, the fee was also applied to those who used the lower pasture corral despite the fact that the manure produced there has never been trucked off-site. And now we have a new composting facility which will reduce greatly the time required to deal with the manure. In support of the fees it was pointed out that they were also meant to discourage stall use, a priority mandated by EBMUD, and that abolishing the fees would mean that that income, about $20/horse/year, would somehow have to be replaced in our budget for next year. Bubs, who has been keeping track of the pasture census for the last two years, reported, however, that if anything stall use has increased, not decreased, since the fees were instituted. As a strategy to discourage stall use, the fees have not been effective. In light of these factors, the board voted 4-1, with Beverly James dissenting, to abolish the fees for horsey hotel starting on October 18th.
Next we discussed riding partner memberships. The rule passed last year gave the Board the “authority to approve, deny or revoke riding partner memberships.” In practice, OHA members have declared other persons riding partner members simply by requesting it, filling out liability forms and paying the fee, all of which are necessary steps outlined in the rules, without ascertaining that the secretary has received these forms or giving the board a chance to approve these members. While the intent of the last and also the current Board is to keep the process simple, not all fees and releases have been received for all riding partners. The Board decided that forms will be available in the shed for riding partners, and that riding partner members will not be allowed on the pasture until the secretary is able to acknowledge that all appropriate paperwork has been completed. We also decided that the words “approve, deny or” will be stricken from the rule quoted above. Please note that until I am able to make up a riding partner application, a letter from the proprietary member proposing a candidate, which includes all of the information listed in D2(b) on page 12 of our rules, will be considered to be a sufficient application.
We briefly discussed the lower pasture, noting the impending delivery of hay there (which has since been delivered and tarped). In addition, as part of the replacement of the water line from the lower pasture corral to the lower pasture water trough, completed as one of our capital improvements, we were able to have installed standpipes of faucets and hoses at the top and bottom, of the lower pasture corral, and along the lower pasture corral fence line in the lower pasture. Because the standpipe in the lower pasture and at the bottom of the corral are in the open, they will need to be fenced off for safety. But we now have water at the top of the corral, and available in the saddling area as well-both improvements over the previous situation.
EBMUD has completed the installation of a new fence around the upper portion of the Sullivan Ranch property, adjacent to the upper pasture above El Toyonal. This makes it likely that we will be asked to graze the area adjacent to the current fence line in the upper pasture (where the July, 1999 fire was) sometime this year. Previous discussion was that we would enclose that are with electric fencing and then open up the gate, and probably a good stretch of the fence line, currently separating that area from our pasture.
The OHA manure compost bins are nearly complete. At this writing walls need to be installed to divide the bins into three parts, but otherwise all the work has been done. We are deeply appreciative of all the work done by Andrew Woolman, who not only designed and supervised the construction of the bins, but who also added the artistic horse heads on the main roof beams. In addition Richard, Fred, Lisa, Georgia, Morris Nina, Bronwyn, Gary, Kim, David Benoit, Alice and probably some others as well assisted in the construction.
The Board deferred approval of Loree and Kim as proprietary members since the rules require this to be done so once one year after the arrival of their horses on the pasture. Although it has been a year since they were accepted as probationary members, their horses did not arrive until late November of last year.
Horse News: Our count of horses currently at OHA is down to 28, but will soon increase again to 30. From our usual total of 38 subtract four unfilled spaces (one that the board will reconsider filling, and three vacant spaces held by Elise, Morris and Linda Furtado), Frank (at Moraga Horsemen’s), Leo, Scotty and Freckles (gone for the winter), TJ (coming back soon) and Loree Cole’s space, soon to be filled by her horse, Beau.
Many of you have already heard about Flame. Suffice it to say that on election day she fell down and was unable to get up, despite the valiant efforts of a large search and rescue team who moved her over fifty feet to a flat spot in the pavilion corral. I chose to end her suffering and wish to express my deep appreciation to all of you who helped me with her over the years, recently, and on that day.
The next meeting will be at Richard’s home at 6:30 on Tuesday, November 14. Members should feel free to attend any board meeting-we welcome your input. The proposed agenda includes:
? treasurer’s report, 2000-2001 budget, including dues for coming year
? Possibly filling the horse space abolished by the previous board
? By law revisions necessary to bring our by-laws into agreement with our rules and regulations
? Timetable and protocol for moving the herd to the lower pasture and group worming
? Pasture rotation and cross fencing options to improve uniformity of grazing and combat weed invasions
? proposal for method to replace a board member who has resigned or died
? new class of membership for people without horses on pasture
October 17, 2000 minutes respectfully submitted by Morris Older, Secretary
OHA Work Projects List 11/12/2000:
? Move cut brush to road side of fence so EBMUD can chip it.
? Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
? Place builder’s hardware screen and canvas over barn vents (call Richard)
? Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
? Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Alice Brown
? Build enclosures around pipes at lower pasture trough and at and near lower pasture corral
? Haul manure in trailer off-site—call Anna Johnson for details
? Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
? Move hose faucet on El Toyonal to below the gate to avoid puddling by gate
? Insulate water pipes above ground
? Fill ditch near repaired water pipes between pavilion small corrals and tie-posts
Minutes from September, 2000
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes September 12, 2000
Mark Your Calendar:
¨ Tuesday, October 17-OHA Board Meeting-6:30 p.m. at Bub’s house
¨ December 15-Membership dues are due
¨ December 18-tentative date for move to lower pasture
¨ Jan 2-Membership Dues are late-a $10 fee per horse per month late now applies
¨ Jan 13-tentative date for move to upper pasture
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on August 2, 2000 at the home of Beverly James. Present were Board members Richard Brown, Beverly James, Anna Johnson, Bronwyn Swan, Bubs Schaaf, Shirley Delsart and Morris Older, as well as Jane Binder. The agenda prepared by Richard Brown and the minutes of the previous meeting, with one correction—the meeting date was August 1, not August 2– were both approved
Our last minutes reported the resignation of Heather Hafleigh, but did not state that she had resigned because she felt that the workload for board members would be exceeding her expectations. We were very fortunate to have Bubs volunteer to take her place, and the Board accepted her nomination prior to the September 12th meeting. Since our rules do not tell us what to do when a Board member resigns, there will be a proposal discussed at our next meeting for a new rule to cover this situation.
We talked about our capital improvements budget. We agreed to accept a bid of $5,359 to replace the water line in the lower pasture from the lower pasture corral to the water trough in the lower pasture. This will use up our entire 1999-2000 capital improvements budget, as well as all but about $800 of our 2000-2001 capital improvements budget. We have just today, October 5, 2000, added $150 to that total to provide for standpipes and faucets in the lower pasture saddling area, at the top of the lower pasture corral, and on both sides of the chain link fence just below the lower pasture barn. We debated on two alternatives for the rest of the money: electric fencing for the area of the Sullivan Ranch property adjacent to the upper pasture, which we will be asked to graze sometime in 2001, and replacing pipe running from the springbox which feeds the lower pasture water system. Lacking knowledge as to what materials or labor EBMUD might supply us with, we left the decision to our EBMUD representative, Bev, to be made when more info is available. More on this in our next minutes.
We talked briefly about upcoming work parties, of which there have been two since the September 12 meeting, to build the roof for our compost bins. Thanks to our master builder, Andrew Woolman, our compost bin will have a truly unique and wonderful look to it—if you haven’t seen it yet, you have another reason to come up to the pasture. Much still needs to be done, so please call Andrew if you can help finish the roof.
Three 55 gallon drums have been filled with water for use in an emergency. Two are near the pavilion, and one is in the upper pasture saddling area. These are to be saved incase there is a fire, or used if the water system fails. As long as fire season is upon us, please keep an eye on the pipe filling the pond. If it stops flowing, that means that the water tanks that are in the upper pasture to provide fire to the new hydrant on El Toyonal are not full. If that happens we need to conserve water, so if you see that the pond is not filling, make a big note on the dry-erase board, and let Richard or Morris know ASAP.
Reminder: Part of feeding the herd is checking on all of the horses up there. This means looking them all over carefully to check for injuries. Driving or walking through the herd does not allow you to see all sides of each horse. Owners should be notified of any injuries, and a seriously injured horse should be confined. The horses should be counted as well, to be sure they are all there. Currently there are 33 horses at the pasture, though that number will change soon when Loree Cole brings Beau to the pasture. Between the stalls and the pasture, you should be able to count to 33.
A personal note on the above: I am hoping, before it starts raining, to be able to give Flame more time in the pasture. She’s the one with the enlarged right front knee, the right front leg that barely bends when she walks, and a stiffness in the rear that has kept her out of the pasture for a few weeks, but which she has had for several years. When she lays down, it is to rest for a while. With her front leg the way it is, it has been difficult for her to get up for years, and she may not want to rush. Just because she is laying down is not itself a cause for panic. She may even sound like she is moaning—in fact she has made similar grunting noises her whole life, and quite often when I used to ride her. I always thought she was singing and sang along. When she is laying down, these noises are not a sign of colic or distress. She was on the pasture the first two weeks of feeding and did quite well for most of that time. If she is not in the pavilion, look for her when you feed, and please feel free to let me know what you observe, especially if she seems any worse than what I have described. Thanks to all who have been keeping an eye on her, both on and off the pasture.
We had a long discussion of forage, weed control and pasture rotation. Alice presented a survey she had done of weeds and grass in the upper pasture. Despite some disagreement on the amount of grass in the upper pasture, we were pretty much agreed on her recommendations to improve the quality of forage in our pasture. She recommended the following short and long-range solution:
¨ To survey and keep track of the grass and weeds each year
¨ To consider strategic, aggressive weed control when indicated to combat invasive species
¨ To investigate re-seeding of some areas
¨ To consider using future capital improvements funds for more water pipes in the upper pasture so that
¨ Cross-fencing of the upper pasture might improve grazing patterns and discourage weeds
We all appreciated the extensive efforts that Alice had put into preparing her materials and her recommendation.
It was reported that the Sullivan Ranch property, above El Toyonal South of the pasture, is being re-fenced around the perimeter by EBMUD so that in the future sections of it can be grazed by OHA.
We discussed a couple of member issues. We granted Elise Geske, who tore her Achilles tendon in an accident near the end of a 100 mile endurance ride, additional time to find a horse to fill her space. Kim Christlieb was approved as a new riding partner of Lisa Jordan, and Diana Lynch was approved as a riding partner of Morris Older. Anne and Diana Hodge were approved as riding partners of Jane Binder—Diane is a daughter of Lucille Arnon, for many years an OHA member prior to her death in 1986, and Anne is Diane’s daughter. In addition Ryan Munoz was approved as a riding partner of Anna Johnson. Marianne Rice and Laura Klein were approved as riding partners for Edie Black. . Remember that riding partners may ride with any OHA member
Sad to say, there was an auto buglary at the pasture, just outside the El Toyonal gate near Wildcat on August 9th. The thief smashed windows on Angie’s car and looked under her seats to find her purse, and then drove off. A police report was made, and apparently there have been other such incidents recently at Inspiration point.
The next meeting will be at Bubs Schaaf’s home at 6:30 on Tuesday, October 17. Members should feel free to attend any board meeting-we welcome your input. The proposed agenda includes:
¨ possibly abolishing the charge of $1/night for keeping your horse in a stall or paddock
¨ filling the space abolished by the previous board
¨ treasurer’s report, 2000-2001 budget, including dues for coming year
¨ the OHA web site
¨ 1 year vote on Loree, Elise and Kim as proprietary members
¨ work participation
¨ proposal for method to replace a board member who has resigned or died
¨ new class of membership for people without horses on pasture
¨ cross-fencing upper pasture to improve forage
September 12, 2000 minutes respectfully submitted by Morris Older, Secretary
OHA Work Projects List 10/8/2000:
¨ Move cut brush to road side of fence so EBMUD can chip it.
¨ Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
¨ Place builder’s hardware screen and canvas over barn vents (call Richard)
¨ Build roof on compost bins—call Andrew Woolman to volunteer
¨ Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Alice Brown
¨ Haul manure in trailer off-site—call Anna Johnson for details
¨ Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
¨ Move hose faucet on El Toyonal to below the gate to avoid puddling by gate
¨ Set up pallets for lower pasture hay delivery-call Morris or Lisa for details
¨ Fix underground water leak at faucet near small pavilion corrals
OHA Board Minutes From August, 2000
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes Aug 2, 2000
Mark Your Calendar:
¨ August 19-Horses return to upper pasture-clear out hay barns
¨ September 9- Feeding Begins in the upper pasture
¨ September 16-Fall Vaccination clinic with Mike Parker, DVM
¨ December 15-Membership dues are due
¨ December 18-tentative date for move to lower pasture
¨ Jan 2-Membership Dues are late-a $10 fee per horse per month late now applies
¨ Jan 13-tentative date for move to upper pasture
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association on August 2, 2000 at the home of Richard Brown. Present were Board members Richard Brown, Beverly James, Anna Johnson, Bronwyn Swan and Morris Older. Absent were Shirley Delsart , in Japan, and Heather Hafleigh, who has resigned as a Board member (more below). The agenda prepared by Richard Brown and the minutes of the previous meeting were both approved. In Shirley’s absence a quick treasurer’s report was presented by Richard. We have $10,300 in our checking account and $227 in a savings account, in addition to $8,000 in an account containing member deposits. This total does not include an unknown number of member board checks that had not yet been deposited as of August 2. Our major upcoming expenses are winter hay and EBMUD lease payments.
We discussed a number of responsibilities that members have assumed. Ginny will continue as our disaster –preparedness chair. The fire department has not as of yet been able to supply Morris with a pager for emergency communications. Lisa will arrange for our hay purchase. Anna will coordinate a work party on the day we move horses to clear out the hay barns so that new hay can be stacked inside. Bubbs will arrange the feeding schedule, and Liz will type it up and distribute it. If you haven’t yet talked to Bubbs, contact her immediately—she’s more than halfway done with the schedule. Bubbs will continue to report to EBMUD on the pasture census; please be sure to sign your horse out and in whenever you remove or return him or her to the pasture. Bronwyn will arrange for the fall vet clinic. If you plan to give your own shots, see the rules for the list of required shots. Horses are to be wormed at that time. We discussed fly control and agreed that in addition to biologic controls, we would like Liz, who had volunteered, to put 2 or 3 traps at the tack room. Andrew Woolman will coordinate the construction of the compost bin roof. If you have relevant skills, please call him to volunteer to help.
We briefly discussed yellow-star thistle control. On July 8, Fred hired 4 workers to cut and pull yellow star thistle in our pasture bordering Seaview trail in Tilden at a cost of $377.60. A group will go back later to get whatever has grown back since this initial effort. Although we have eradicated most other yellow-star in our pasture, this has only been accomplished by our vigilance in attacking new stands before they can get established. It is vital that we get these at the earliest possible moment, so if you see yellow-star anywhere in our pasture, please call Alice Brown immediately.
We discussed our grazing plan, including capital improvements. We were all a bit surprised to learn that the 1999-2000 grazing plan was never completed, although the grazing year ends on October 1. We decided that we would want the extra $2500 or so spent on concrete for the compost bins to be our first priority for a capital improvements credit. If this alternative is selected, then any amount left over would go towards the drainage and the roof for the compost bin. If the concrete is not allowed, (as redently haws turned out to be the case) then we would want the money to go towards replacing the water line in the lower pasture. We had several bids submitted, with and without EBMUD doing the trenching for laying pipes below the ground. This would mean a more reliable supply of water, as well as water in the lower pasture saddling area. We also discussed altering the pasture rotation so that we would ideally move down to the pear orchard and lower pasture earlier in the spring. That way the horses might get to the grass in the lower pastures before it blows over, and leave more in the upper pasture for later on. In recent years, the move has been postponed due to late rains, late washout repairs, and water supply problems. Hopefully these can be avoided next year.
We discussed whether the number of feedings for members with 2 horses should be double those of people with one horse, or whether the ratio should remain at 1.5 as it has been for years. The board was split on this issue, and decided that it should be moved slightly in that direction but not all the way. In the past families that have filled both feeding spots on the same day have been given credit for only one feeding. We decided not to change that rule, and not knowing how many days would be so filled, decided that we would leave it up to Bubs to determine the exact number of feedings for one and two horse memberships.
We discussed the situation that developed in moving the herd from the pear orchard to the lower pasture. Numerous horses were moved well before the designated time, the horses grew unmanageable and the gate was opened before numerous members arrive to move their horses. The horses pushed through the narrow gate and rushed up behind three members who were barebacking their way up. Fortunately no one was hurt. Some members who arrived on time were unable to worm their horses because they had been let go early.
We decided that in the future moving early would not be allowed, and that one person should be in charge of each move—Richard volunteered for the next move. Several volunteers will be assigned to move horses whose owners do not appear within 15 or 30 minutes of the designated time. Each move will be discussed by the board in detail before it happens.
Heather Hafleigh has resigned her position on the Board, so there was much discussion before, during and since the meeting of how to replace her on the Board. Our rules book does not address this situation. Last year, when Lisa resigned, Bronwyn, the runner-up in the previous Board election, replaced her. The runner-up this year, Christie, considered and declined. Some of the only other possible replacements will not finish their one-year probationary period until October, although we have had probationary members on the Board at times in the past. At this writing the issue has yet to be resolved.
We briefly discussed filling the empty horse space left by Karate, and abolished by the last board, which in May over-ruled the 1999 annual meeting decision to leave the number of horse spaces unchanged. It was decided to table this discussion until the next meeting, when a full board may be present. If you have strong feelings on this or any other issue, please let a board member know so that your views can be taken into account.
There has been a complaint from a member who wants us all to remember to clean out old hay (not just manure) from the stalls and paddocks when you remove your horse from them.
We moved on to discuss member issues. Elise Geske, who on July 16 completed the 100 mile Tevis on a friend’s horse, finishing 10th and winning the Haggin Cup awarded to the Best Condition horse, was granted a three-month extension until October 8th to find a horse to put into her space at OHA. Bronwyn Swan, also completed the Tevis on Scout, finishing 36th. Angie Woolman has the continuing conditional approval of the Board to graze Scotty, who is being treated for EPM, in the ring pasture, although she is now required to feed him hay while he is in there as the grass is starting to look short. Loree Cole has given Shotsie to her grandchildren, and will bring her other horse, Beau, a Morgan, to OHA in October. Kim Zvik has had Sky off the pasture from since July 27—he will return August 28th. Morris has had Granite off the pasture since early July—he will return soon.
We did our annual review of Associate Members, and all associate members were approved to continue for another year. We also discussed our Riding Partners. Ryan Munoz has been approved as a riding partner for Anna Johnson, and Diana Lynch was approved as a riding partner for Morris. Both approvals are pending payment of fees, signing of release forms, and submission of letters to the secretary. Although riding partners are sponsored by particular members, they may ride on the pasture with any member.
The agenda for the next meeting will include:
¨ possibly abolishing the charge of $1/night for keeping your horse in a stall or paddock
¨ filling the space abolished by the previous board
¨ moving the membership meeting back to the fall, as stipulated in our rules
¨ the OHA web site
¨ the protocol for moving the herd, and
¨ the grazing plan and capital improvements.
The next meeting will be at Beverly James’ dome home at 6:30 on Tuesday, September 12. Members should feel free to attend any board meeting-we welcome your input.
August 2, 2000 minutes respectfully submitted by Morris Older, Secretary
OHA Work Projects List 8/15/2000:
¨ Move cut brush to road side of fence so EBMUD can chip it.
¨ Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
¨ Place builder’s hardware screen and canvas over barn vents (call Richard)
¨ Finish drainage on compost bin
¨ Build roof on compost bins—call Andrew Woolman to volunteer
¨ Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Anna Johnson
¨ Haul manure in trailer off-site—call Anna Johnson for details
¨ Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
¨ Move unused hay from pond hay barn. Remove, rake and replace pallets
¨ Fix underground water leak at faucet near small pavilion corrals
Minutes from June, 2000
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes June 21, 2000
Mark Your Calendar:
¨ July 1-Member dues ($225) and sponsor’s annual dues ($50) are now late. A $10/month late fee now applies.
¨ July 15 or 22- Horses return to lower pasture-wormers will be in lower pasture saddling area. All horses must be wormed before moving to lower pasture.
¨ July 18-Oha Board meeting at Richard Brown’s starts at 6:30 p.m. All members welcome
¨ August 10-Red barn and pond hay barn must be cleaned out to allow new hay to be delivered.
¨ August 5 or 12-Horses return to upper pasture
¨ August 15-Deadline for completion of your work-hours.
The newly elected Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met for the first time on June 21, 2000 at the home of Beverly James. Present were Board members Richard, Brown, Shirley Delsart, Heather Hafleigh, Beverly James, Anna Johnson and Morris Older. Absent was Bronwyn Swan.
The first order of business was to act on the suggestion made at the general meeting to stagger the terms of the board. Normally 4 members are elected one year and 3 the next, so that there is continuity in the board’s functioning. This year six members were elected. Accordingly we decided to designate one-year terms for Heather, Beverly, and Morris. Shirley’s term, the only on that had not expired this year, will also become vacant next year. Richard, Anna and Bronwyn’s terms will be for two years.
Next we elected officers and filled key positions for the coming year, as follows:
¨ President: Richard Brown 510-653-5172 rjoelbrown@aol.com
¨ Vice President: Bronwyn Swan 510-519-2764 spswan@earthlink.net
¨ Secretary: Morris Older 925-254-8943 morrisolder@earthlink.net
¨ Treasurer: Shirley Delsart 510-527-7322 sjd@uclink4.berkeley.edu
¨ EBMUD Liaison: Beverly James 510-524-7597 bbjames@james-engrg.com
¨ Work Chairperson: Anna Johnson 925-254-0414 Califgirl1@aol.com
We agreed that we will seek as much participation from members not on the Board as is possible in sharing equally the work of running our organization. Expect to be called, and please volunteer often.
Everyone who was present at the Annual Membership Meeting received a copy of the newly revised Rules and Regulations. If you were not there, your copy should be included with these minutes. If it is not please call me (Morris) and I will be glad to send you a copy. The last Board worked long and hard to bring these up to date. A couple of things worth noting:
¨ Riding Partner Memberships are now available so that you may ride with your friends who are not members, on their horses or yours. The fee is only $25 for a year-see the complete rules on pages 12-13. At this Board meeting we accepted Christie Larner’s application to make Cheryl Ann Fulton, a world-renowned harpist who keeps her horse Fazon on El Toyonal, our latest riding partner.
¨ Wormings are Mandatory whenever the whole herd is being wormed. This rule was passed years ago but some members have chosen to ignore it because their horses are ‘on a different schedule’. You may worm your hose as often as you like, but you must worm on the date twice a year when everyone else does. This rule was passed a few years back to ensure that the herd is wormed as a group when it shifts pastures. Worms can live on the ground for only a short period, and when we first switch pastures, that new pasture is worm-free. If this rule is followed a worm-free pasture can be kept from being immediately contaminated by fresh worms from horses whose worming medication has worn off, thus promoting the health of the entire herd.
¨ OHA Parking Placards are Mandatory in every car that you park at the pasture. This is for the safety and peace of mind of all pasture members. You shouldn’t have to guess if that strange car really belongs there. Gailyn has made up sixty new placards. You should have one in each car that you drive to the pasture, and it should be visible. If you need additional placards please call Gailyn at 925-254-5126 and she will mail them to you.
We agreed on the following tentative pasture rotation schedule: Removal of electric fence in pear orchard, July 1 (turned out to be June 27); return to lower pasture on July 15 or 22, with the entire herd to be wormed at that time; return to the upper pasture on August 5th or 12th.
Having attended the recent yellow-star thistle management workshop Alice Brown recommended that yellow-star thistle must be pulled or cut by June 28. This because it begins to seed shortly after the first flowers turn bright yellow. Studies have shown that cutting it then and again a few weeks later is very effective in reducing the number of plants year to year. Controlling it before the seeds are produced also reduces the need to remove the plants. For this reason we need all members to be on the lookout for yellow star in bloom at OHA. If you see it, call Alice and tell her where you spotted it. We agreed to try and get it picked or cut as soon as possible. It was noted however that the plants, if cut, do grow back, and that new flowers appear on the plants for a period of months. This means that even if we don’t get at it immediately, it will be months before it is too late, as new seeds will from throughout those months. We will ask EBMUD about spraying with Transline near Sea View.
Next we discussed fly control. We used to spend $80-100 on flytraps. Last year we instead used biological controls, primarily insects that eat fly eggs, and spent $423. The budget this year is $500. But members reported that the flies, if anything, seem out-of-control this year. Biological controls may be effective, it was argued, but $500 may be just a tiny drop in the bucket in a pasture as large as ours. We agreed to supplement the biological controls with flytraps this year.
Our manure compost bin is nearing completion. Since our meeting a trench has been dug around the bin. Geotextile cloth, perforated pipe and gravel will fill this trench to prevent water from flowing through the bin from above. Andrew Woolman will be working on the roof in August and could use some help. The Board will appoint someone to be charge of composting, to develop rules for composting and to teach them to the membership.
Reminder: Sign out you horse whenever your horse is not grazing on the pasture for 24 hours or more. Our annual rent is determined by how many horses are on the pasture for how long, and if your horse is not signed-out, we are probably paying more than we should. While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign out on the horsey-hotel sheet.
Capital Improvements and our Annual Grazing Plan came up next. Due to the lack of continuity between this year’s and last year’s board, we did not know that the current year’s grazing plan and capital improvements budget has apparently not yet been completed. Three possibilities for spending $3,000 to $3,300 on capital improvements were discussed:
¨ A new water line to the lower pasture, with or without EBMUD digging the trench for a new pipe.
¨ Roof, drainage and the portion of concrete not covered by last year’s budget for the compost bin.
¨ Electric fencing for the areas of the adjacent Sullivan ranch property that we could be asked to graze, perhaps within the next year.
Member News and Issues: Sara Schaaf’s Corazon is up at Grizzly Peak Stables for a month of intense riding. Granite will also be up there for a couple of weeks so I can do some more riding. Elise Geske’s 3-month extension to bring her horse into the pasture expires on July 8th. Scotty has EPM and will be confined at least 6 months. Angie received permission from the Board to turn ‘Scotty out in the ring pasture during the days from 10a.m. to 6 p.m. as the walking around may be therapeutic. Please contact Angie (first) or Richard if you experience any problem with this arrangement. Shirley will be in Japan until August 26th—please contact Mirek or Lisa if there is any problem with Dusty. Tony Romero’s request to escort the Oakland Police Department’s Mounted Patrol through our pasture will be referred to EBMUD.
Treasurer’s Report: Shirley reported that we have $5,400 in our checking account, as well as an $8,000 CD covering member deposits. This is, of course, before the deposit of most of the spring membership dues. While Shirley is gone, Richard, our other check signer, will handle any immediate tasks. When she returns, she will be sending out bills for work-hours, horsey-hotel and hay.
We approved the last meeting’s minutes. The next Board meeting will be on Tuesday, July 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Richard Brown. Members, as always, are welcome to attend. Call Richard if you need directions. The agenda will include:
¨ Fall veterinary clinic, dental clinic
¨ Feeding schedule
¨ Move to upper pasture
¨ Annual review of sponsors
¨ Adding organic material, dirt or ?? to the arena—it’s getting to rocky to rototill
¨ Rescheduling our general membership meeting back to the fall
¨ Capital improvements and grazing plan
¨ Maintaining the number of horse spaces–reconsider decision to dissolve empty space
¨ Horsey hotel fees
June 21, 2000 minutes respectfully submitted by Morris Older, Secretary
OHA Work Projects List 7/1/2000:
¨ Move cut brush to road side of fence so EBMUD can chip it.
¨ Remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
¨ Place builder’s hardware screen and canvas over barn vents (call Richard)
¨ Place 55 gallons near pavilion and barns and fill with water for emergencies
¨ Finish drainage on compost bin
¨ Build roof on compost bins—call Andrew Woolman to volunteer
¨ Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Anna Johnson
¨ Haul manure in trailer off-site—call Anna Johnson for details
¨ Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
¨ Move unused hay from pond hay barn. Remove, rake and replace pallets
¨ Fix underground water leak at faucet near small pavilion corrals
Minutes from June 10, 2000
OHA Annual Membership Meeting
Minutes June 10, 2000
This is an attempted reconstruction from memory of our annual membership meeting, since no one took notes. Present were most if not all of the following: Fred Goff, Richard and Alice Brown, Shirley Delsart, Bronwyn Swan, Heather and James Pineda, Beverly James, Ginny Conte, Lisa Jordan, Christie Larner, Katherine Schaaf, Angie Woolman, Rene Benoit, Morris Older and several others.
Before and during the meeting, several lists were passed around so that they may be corrected and revised. If you were not at the meeting, be sure that you let Morris know if you have any changes that should be made to the horse or membership list. Also Heather Hafleigh may or may not have a photo of your horse in the new horse identification photo album she is assembling. Contact her if you are not sure. If you were not at the meeting and a copy of our new rules and regulations book is not enclosed with these minutes, please let Morris know.
After welcoming the membership and okaying the agenda, we moved on to the board election. This time 6 seats were open, with only Shirley continuing in the second year of her term. There were seven candidates, so we voted by writing on secret ballots which of the seven we did not want to be on the board. Elected were Anna Johnson, Beverly James, Richard Brown, Heather Hafleigh, Bronwyn Swan and Morris Older.
Our featured speaker, Willis Lamm could not attend this meeting, so Orinda-Moraga Fire Captain Rob Goodyear spoke in his place. He suggested that in many circumstances of fire in our pasture it might be best to move the horses to safety on the pasture. The ring pasture and the pavilion both might make good secure areas depending on circumstances. If evacuation is necessary, he strongly suggested that we keep trailers off El Toyonal, where they could impede the passage of emergency vehicles, and instead try and load on Wildcat Canyon Road. He answered questions from those attending, and since no one took notes, I guess you had to be there.
We briefly discussed fly control and agreed to continue with our program of biological controls, and there were a few announcements and a brief discussion of yellow star thistle before we adjourned.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Morris Older, OHA 2000-2001 Secretary
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes July 24, 2001
Mark Your Calendar:
.
¨ Friday, September 7-Board meeting – starts 7 p.m. at Bubs’ house-all members welcome
¨ Saturday, September 15-Fall Vet clinic starts 2 p.m.with Mike Parker, DVM
Sunday, September 16- Annual Membership Meeting
Reminder: Do not drive over the bridge or in the area between the pavilion and the lower pasture except in an emergency.
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on July 24th, 2001 at the home of Beverly James. Present were Board members Richard Brown, Shirley Delsart, Morris Older, Bronwyn Swan and Katherine Schaaf. Beverly James and Anna Johnson were unable to attend.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved and the meeting agenda was accepted.
Richard reported that our bank account was up to $9,424 with hay to be purchased soon. It was unclear how many members had yet to pay their dues.
We decided to extend the work-hours deadline from August 15th to September 16th. As in past years you will have the choice of crediting any hours worked during that period either to this year’s work hours book (if you haven’t reached your requirement yet) or to next year’s hours (if you have already finished your hours for this year).
We agreed that Richard would pen a note of thanks to Wakean McLean, who donated fencing materials to OHA when, after 17 years, he lost the Arabian ranch in Lafayette he had leased with his partner Erica Braun.
We are still waiting for EBMUD to sign our Annual Grazing Plan, and, due to concerns about pesticides, decided to reject their offer to spray Round-Up on coyote bush stumps near our barns and paddocks.
We agreed, at the meeting and afterwards, to send out the proposed revisions to the OHA By-Laws to the membership, and they are enclosed with or attached to these minutes. They were written by Richard and Morris and will be voted on at our annual membership meeting-the only forum where our by laws can be changed. Our current by-laws have not been revised since they were written over 25 years ago, and are in some areas conflict with the rules that we have adopted since then. The revision addresses these conflicts including the by laws provision that requires that the annual membership meeting be held on the third Friday in September and the provision that requires that an available space be given to the first person on the waiting list who is over 21 and owns a horse. In other places the revisions specify that the Board will elect the officers of the association from among its members, and that their duties will include duties specified in our rules. In the proposed By-Laws being distributed, all additions are in italics, and wording being removed has a line through it. Please take the time to read these now and let us know if you have suggestions for improvement so that they considered before our meeting. Hopefully we can approve these revisions without taking a huge amount of time at our meeting.
The Board wishes to thank everyone who returned the feeding schedule to Kim, and to Kim for taking on this task and doing such a good job.
We briefly discussed the fall vaccination clinic, usually held on the same day as our annual meeting. Bronwyn agreed to call Mike Parker to arrange it, and reports that due to Mike’s schedule, the clinic will be on Saturday, September 15th at 2 p.m. At this clinic the flu, rhino and rabies shots as well as worming are all mandatory. OHA does not supply wormers on the days of the vet clinics, so buy your own or ask the vet.
We considered, interviewed and approved Gary Rosenberg as a new Associate Member under the Furtado/Romero proprietary membership. He will be riding Kisa.
The Woolmans have cancelled their membership and requested that their name be place on the waiting list. Those present were rather upset by this turn of events and wish to thank Angie and Andrew for their remarkable contributions during the relatively short time they were members. Since the meeting Angie has been proposed as an Associate Member by Alice Brown, and, the Board having voted to waive her interview, has been accepted as such
We discussed the issue of some members’ chronically empty spaces. Our rules require that a horse be kept on the pasture for at least 12 months in any 24 month period, but this rule has never been enforced. The rules provide that by not meeting this requirement a member will forfeit their space. It was observed that 3 members have probably violated this rule, but since the board has been lax in pointing this out, we felt the penalty was perhaps extreme. We decided to send letters to these members, reminding them of the rule, and promising that it will be enforced for the 2 year period starting with this board meeting.
In horse news, Richard reported that Linda and Tony will be bringing Checkers a 4 year old gelding to the pasture on August 11th. In addition Frank has recently returned and is on the pasture, while Freckles is in a stall. Freckles recently won a reserve championship (second place, overall) at a recent show and has won several first and second place ribbons in jumping competitions of late. And Bronwyn took Scout to the Tevis 100 mile Endurance Ride where he finished 17th out of 225 horses entered.
Subject to renewal, all riding partner memberships expired on June 15th. The only people who have renewed their memberships are Ryan Munoz, Golda Blum, Marianne Rice, Cheryl Fulton, and Diana Lynch. All other 2000-2001 riding partner memberships ended on June 15th. Of course they may be renewed by sending dues to Morris or Shirley.
The professional associate membership of Erik Hansen, DVM, has also expired. If any of his clients wish to continue his professional associate membership, they should pay his $50 annual membership fee and request partial reimbursement from his other OHA clients. Otherwise he will be asked to surrender his key at the time of his vet clinic.
The Board briefly discussed filling the horse space vacated by the Woolmans, and decided to defer decision on this issue. The reasons for and against filling the 38th space, drawn up separately by Morris and Bubs were distributed and discussed. It was agreed that they would make some revisions in light of the discussion and that these reasons would then be sent to the membership. There will then be a poll of the membership on this issue, which will allow all members to vote without a discussion, or a vote at our annual meeting, which will allow a discussion of the issues before a vote is taken among those present.
The Board again discussed the issue of allowing, and reversed last meeting’s proposed procedure for dealing with this issue. Currently there is nothing in our rules prohibiting associate members from riding their own horses through our pasture. At our last meeting we had agreed on the following proposal: that associate members with their own horses would be allowed to ride those horses through OHA subject to the following new restrictions:
¨ That they may not ride those horses through the lower pasture when horses are in that pasture and that they seek to avoid the herd in the other pastures when possible;
¨ That only associate members who keep their horses on El Toyonal be allowed to ride those horses through our pasture, and that this restriction be reconsidered at the end of 2003
¨ And that associate members who meet the other requirements provide proof of vaccinations of any involved horses according to the OHA requirements both when they join and each June 15th thereafter.
At our last meeting we had decided that in the light of the even division of member opinion on this issue that we would vote at the annual meeting on this issue. But in discussions with members, a number of members told us that they had been asked to vote on “whether to allow neighbors to ride through our pasture.” Because that is not what was being proposed, because we know well the individuals involved (Cheryl Ann Fulton and Diana Lynch, (both riding partner members), Kirsten Whitsett, and David and Corinne Whittal), because we unanimously felt that it was the right thing to do, because we felt that too many major items were not being decided by the board and would all have to be decided at the annual meeting, and because the board is elected to conduct the business of the organization and to make these kinds of decisions, we voted to pass the above proposal and relieve the membership of the responsibility to debate it at our annual meeting.
A preliminary agenda for the annual membership meeting was proposed by Richard and will be finalized at the next Board meeting. It includes a treasury report, a recap of the last year, a discussion and vote on by-laws revision, a vote on the 38th space, unless conducted by poll before the meeting, and the election of officers.
The next Board will have the following continuing members: Richard Brown, Anna Johnson, and Bronwyn Swan. Of these only Anna will be eligible for re-election at our 2002 annual meeting. Of our departing board members, Shirley, Beverly and Morris will be eligible for re-election, while Bubs will not. Please consider whether you would like to be on the Board next year and whom you think should be nominated to represent all of us.
We scheduled the next Board meeting for 7 p.m. at bubs’ house. As usual, all members are welcome to attend.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Morris Older, Secretary
OHA Work Projects List 8/3/2001:
¨ Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
¨ Place builder’s hardware screen and canvas over barn vents (call Richard)
¨ Attach no-skid material to manure bin ramp
¨ Fix/re-hang right front pavilion stall gate-call James Pineda
¨ Rehab/widen/weed creek crossing on lower-pasture to pear orchard trail-call Fred
¨ Facilitate drainage in old stalls
¨ Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
¨ Replace railroad ties separating covered and uncovered areas in the pavilion corrals
¨ Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Alice Brown
¨ Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
¨ Move hose faucet on El Toyonal to below the gate to avoid puddling by gate
¨ Repair trail from upper pasture saddling area to facilitate winter run-off—call Morris for detail
¨ Clear and repair trails-lower forest, lower pasture to pear orchard, pear orchard
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes June 19, 2001
Our deepest condolences to Heather and James Pineda, on the loss of Ballou, who passed away July 1 due to overall weakness resulting from a bacterial infection. Over the years Heather and her team set a standard for horse care that few of us will ever match, and we know that Ballou will be deeply missed by all who were privileged to know him.
Mark Your Calendar:
.
¨ Sunday, July 1-Pasture dues of $225 per horse, $50 for Associate members, $25 for riding partners are now late-a $10 per month late fee applies per horse or associate membership postmarked after 7/1.
¨ Tuesday, July 24 at 7 p.m.-Board meeting at Beverly James’s house-all members welcome
¨ Sunday, September 16-Annual Membership Meeting
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on June 19th, 2001 at the home of Katherine Schaaf. Present were Board members Richard Brown, Beverly James, Anna Johnson, Morris Older, Bronwyn Swan and Katherine Schaaf. On vacation, Shirley Delsart was unable to attend, but she did e-mail in her vote on one issue, as noted below. OHA member Jane Binder also attended.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved with these corrections: the annual meeting will be Sunday, September 16th,rather than Saturday, September 15; Jane Binder is the pasture manager for the upper pasture saddling area, North corral and ring pasture, but not the pavilion area; and Liz ‘s suggestion of a pasture manager system was made to Richard, not Fred. There was also confusion at the meeting about the motion on opening the 38th horse space-the motion was not clearly stated and most members assumed that the vote was to open the space to both current and possible future members, while the secretary assumed and reported that the vote was to open the space to our second-horse list only, which was consistent with previous discussion. Finally, the minutes were correct that Richard reported that Liz would decide on keeping her space by mid-summer, but Liz denies ever saying that. The agenda was accepted with one addition.
In Shirley’s absence, Richard gave a brief treasurer’s report, noting that our bank balance has increased by $75 since the last meeting to $4,772, not including the certificate of deposit that covers member work deposits.
Beverly reported on recent discussions with EBMUD about our annual grazing plan and proposed capital improvements. In a recent meeting with EBMUD’s Rod Tripp and Penny Spears, who has replaced Virginia Northrup as the ranger assigned to oversee our pasture, our capital improvements for this year were changed. The water tank and trough for the upper Sullivan Ranch parcel was postponed to the next grazing year, which begins in October. This year’s capital improvements will include old fence and debris removal in the upper Sullivan Ranch, a new fence around the old water tank and adjacent hazards on that parcel, and a 2-strand electric fence around the lower Sullivan Ranch parcel adjacent to the lower pasture, just below Mrs. Long’s parcel.
As a result we will begin grazing both Sullivan Ranch parcels this year. Once the work on the upper parcel detailed above has been completed, the fence separating that parcel from the upper pasture will be removed, and by late summer that parcel will be open for grazing. This summer EBMUD will mow the huge patch of teasel in the lower Sullivan Ranch, it will be seeded, the fence will go around it, and that is where the horses will be fed during their winter lower pasture rotation. It is hoped that their hoof action will kill off teasel and plant seed at the same time they are eating.
The Board unanimously approved the grazing plans drawn up by Beverly for this current year and next year as well, detailing the capital improvements listed above as well as the tentative grazing schedule, which is quite similar to our current schedule but with only one pass through the lower pasture next spring.
The Board also began to look at a proposed agenda for the annual meeting, which will be sent to the membership after revision. The board also reviewed Anna’s compilation of 1999-2000 work hours, as well as a summary of previous years, which could lead to a later revision of work hour requirements. The Board also discussed the donations from Wakean McLean, a friend of Morris and Fred’s who is 2nd on our waiting list for membership, and who has been evicted from the ranch in Lafayette where he has raised horses for over 17 years. Morris had brought 35 metal fence t-stakes over the night before, and the Board agreed that he should go back and get the non-barbed wire, the no-climb horse fencing, and the metal cabinet that has been offered, and agreed to pass on the sheet metal gates, and water troughs also offered.
Richard summarized the latest developments in the War on Weeds (WOW!). The Schaaf family, Tony Romero, Linda Furtado, Georgia Williams, Nina Stradtner, Kim Zvik, Lorree Cole, and Alice and Richard Brown have cut teasel in the pear orchard, lower pasture and various area in the upper pasture.
Bronwyn volunteered to head the development of the feeding schedule, with the assistance of Anna, Katherine and Liz and perhaps Kim. Since the last meeting, Heather Pineda has volunteered to be the pavilion area manager.
There’s a new horse in town as of June 23rd: Elise has filled her space with a 7 year old Arab mare named Opal. Freckles returned to the pavilion area for about a week, but Marcia was unable to bring him back after a lesson due to truck trouble.
The Board approved all current associate members for another year. Please note that all riding partner memberships expired on June 15th, and are dormant until renewed by the payment of fees for 2001-2002.
The Board next discussed the issue of allowing associate members to ride through the OHA pasture on their own horses. The poll of the membership on this issue ended with 11 in favor, 12 opposed and 2 not voting. A motion was made to explicitly allow associate members that privilege (right now there is nothing in our rules either allowing or prohibiting it). To meet objections voiced by some members, the motion was quickly amended by a 5-1 vote to prohibit passage through the lower pasture when horses are in that pasture and to require horses passing through to avoid the herd in the other pastures when possible; by a 5-1 vote to restrict this privilege to neighbors with horses on El Toyonal through the end of 2003, at which time this restriction will be reconsidered; and by unanimous vote to require proof of vaccinations of any involved horses according to the OHA requirements both when the associate member joins and each June 15th thereafter . The Board then decided to delay any decision on the amended motion until the annual membership meeting, at which point the entire membership will decide this issue.
The Board then discussed the issue of filling the 38th horse space, which has been empty since December 1999. A motion to open the space to the 2nd horse list was voted down 5-2, including Shirley’s e-mailed vote. Instead the Board decided to poll the membership on the issue. Members are encouraged to submit their reasons to open the space to Morris (925-254-8943 or morrisolder@earthlink.net), who will develop a list of reasons to fill the space, and to submit their reasons not to fill the space to Katherine (510-527-2032 or BUBSKMAS@WORLDNET.ATT.NET), who will develop a list of reasons not to fill the space. Both lists will be prepared in time for the next board meeting after which they will be sent to the membership prior to polling. Please send us your reasoning sooner rather than later so we can include them when we have to make up the lists.
We scheduled the next meeting for Tuesday, July 27th at 7 pm at Beverly’s house. We will be discussing the revision of our by-laws, our fall vet clinic and the agenda for the annual meeting. As always, all members are welcome to attend.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Morris Older, Secretary
OHA Work Projects List 6/23/2001:
¨ Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
¨ Place builder’s hardware screen and canvas over barn vents (call Richard)
¨ Attach no-skid material to manure bin ramp
¨ Fix/re-hang right front pavilion stall gate-call James Pineda
¨ Rehab/widen/weed creek crossing on lower-pasture to pear orchard trail-call Fred
¨ Remove electric fence in lower pasture-call Fred
¨ Facilitate drainage in old stalls
¨ Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
¨ Replace railroad ties separating covered and uncovered areas in the pavilion corrals
¨ Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Alice Brown
¨ Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
¨ Move hose faucet on El Toyonal to below the gate to avoid puddling by gate
¨ Repair trail from upper pasture saddling area to facilitate winter run-off—call Morris for detail
¨ Clear and repair trails-lower forest, lower pasture to pear orchard, pear orchard
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes May 24, 2001
Mark Your Calendar:
¨ June 15–pasture fees are due: $225 per horse, $50 for Associate members, $25 for riding partners
¨ Tuesday, June 19– 7 p.m. Board meeting at Katherine Schaaf’s.
¨ July 1-Pasture dues are now late-a $10 fee per horse or associate membership postmarked after 7/1.
¨ Saturday, September 15-Annual Membership Meeting
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on May 24th, 2001 at the home of Richard Brown. Present were Board members Richard Brown, Beverly James, Shirley Delsart, Morris Older, Bronwyn Swan and Katherine Schaaf. Due to an emergency Anna Johnson was unable to attend, but she did e-mail in her vote on one issue, as noted below, and provided a phone number in case we needed her. The agenda prepared by Richard Brown and the minutes of the previous meeting were both approved without discussion.
Shirley gave a brief treasurer’s report-our bank accounts totaled $4,697 at the time of the meeting, not including our certificate of deposit that covers member work deposits.
Beverly reported on recent discussions with EBMUD about our manual grazing plan and proposed capital improvements. We agreed to ask EBMUD to accept, without requiring additional bids, the bid we had solicited from Trax Trax to develop a new water source for the upper Sullivan Ranch parcel. We agreed that a 500 gallon tank, which would provide 1-2 days reserve of water, was insufficient, and agreed instead to request a capital improvements credit for a 2500 gallon tank, although this would push the total expense beyond the credit available for one year. If EBMUD refuses to allow us to use more than one year’s credit for this project, the Board voted to spend our own funds (about $1,000) to make up the difference.
We briefly discussed our grazing rotation; it seems likely that after the pear orchard pasture has been grazed, the horses will return to the lower pasture for perhaps 2-3 weeks. After grazing in the lower pasture, the horses will then be returning to the upper pasture, most likely including the upper Sullivan Ranch parcel, with fence removed in between the upper pasture and the Sullivan Ranch. In the unlikely event that the water source development for the upper Sullivan Ranch has been completed, then the horses would probably graze that section before returning to the upper pasture.
We discussed the protocol for the move from the pear orchard. Last year this move was rather chaotic, and we were lucky that nothing serious happened. To avoid any problems, this time there will be someone in charge of the move, there will be a gate monitor, and no one will be allowed to move their horse before 10 a.m on the day of the move to anywhere except the paddocks and stalls near the red barn and pavilion area. The horses will be wormed when we move the horses from the pear orchard. Wormers will be available in the pear orchard saddling area a day or two before we move.
We next discussed the composting bin. The pile on the right has been cooking well, and all but the top 6 inches is ready for your garden. Please help yourself, as we will need the space after a while.
We discussed the pasture manager system. Renee has volunteered to be the pear orchard pasture manager (or Goddess, as she calls it), Fred has volunteered to be the lower pasture manager, and together they coordinated putting up the fence in the pear orchard and the move to the lower pasture, which occurred without incident. Jane has volunteered to be the manager of the upper pasture saddling area, North corral, ring pasture and pavilion. This system, adopted after Liz Straus told Fred about Moraga Horsemen’s does it, seems to have encouraged more participation in some of the work that needs to be done.
We next discussed weed control. Alice reported that the weeds are basically out of control in most areas of the pasture and that nothing we have done to date has had any effect, aside from our years long campaign against yellow star and fiddleneck. In particular she mentioned teasel, various purple flowered thistle, mustard and poison oak as major problems, getting worse every year, and reducing the amount of grass available for the horses. Overgrazing of the pasture was blamed as the major cause of this. Her feeling was that we have to do something, but nothing we have done yet seems to work. Although this assessment was disputed in part by one board member, most others agreed with her assessment.
The board agreed that we would spend up to $500 of our $1,300 weed-control budget for the year on additional fencing to discourage overgrazing of problem areas, although there was no clear consensus on where such fencing might be effective. In addition it was suggested that we consider buying or borrowing goats and/or llamas to graze weedy areas that the horses are not interested in. Bev agreed to look into these possibilities and discuss them with EBMUD. This discussion took an hour, leaving little time for the rest of the meeting.
After much discussion by e-mail, but little at the meeting, the board voted again on the issue of allowing current members on the second horse waiting list the opportunity to fill the open 38th horse space, vacant since Linda Mayeda moved Karate in December, 1999. This vote had been postponed at the last two meetings until all members might be present. Although Anna Johnson was unable to attend, she had emailed her intention to vote in favor of opening this space. The vote was 3-2 in favor of allowing members on the second horse list the opportunity to use that space, with one member abstaining and one refusing to vote. The board then decided that this was not a majority and that it would be voted on again at the next meeting. If you have strong feelings on this issue please let the members of the board know how you feel.
The Board then discussed the date for our annual membership meeting. Traditionally held in September, the meeting was held in June of 1999 as our then President was having a baby, and the meeting was held again in June in 2000. This meeting will include discussion of the first-ever revision of our thirty-three year old by-laws, which can only be revised at the annual membership meeting or at a special membership meeting called for that purpose. Two obvious revisions: the by-laws state that our annual meeting must be on the third Friday of September, and that if there is a vacant space, it must be given to the first person on the list who is over 21 and owns a horse. Both of these provisions are obviously no longer in harmony with our rules, which unlike the by-laws, have evolved over the years. In addition to the perception of overgrazing, board members have refused to open up the empty horse space to new members because of the fear that if the first person on the list were rejected, the organization could be sued for violating it’s own by-laws.
A suggestion to hold the meeting in July or August was rejected on the grounds that too many people would be on vacation, and so the board voted to extend its term in office to fifteen months (although this aspect was not discussed) by scheduling the annual membership meeting for Saturday, September 15th.
The Board briefly discussed the notion of associate members being allowed to ride their own horses through our pasture. Loree Cole had surveyed non-board members, 7 of whom were opposed to this idea, 2 of whom were in favor, and 9 of whom abstained or had not responded. The Board went around the table, and it was clear that with some restrictions (neighbors only, horses must have shots) a majority of the Board was in favor. We postponed a vote to allow the rest of the membership to express their opinion by contacting Loree Cole. The example of Moraga Horsemen’s Association was cited on this proposal. They have 17 horses on their pasture, but over 100 members and a public trail running through their pasture. For many years, horses that do not reside there have thus had the opportunity to pass through and, in the case of members, to use their arena. These outside horses are not required to have shots. There have been no health problems, and virtually no disruption of their herd.
Richard reported on the status of chronically unused horse spaces, after talking with the members involved. Angie had not yet responded but may give up her space. Liz Strauss may give up her space and keep Frank at Moraga Horsemen’s-she will decide by mid-summer. Linda and Tony have a horse, recovering from a chronic leg infection near Sacramento, who will be moving to Bear Creek Road, and may then come to OHA in July. Elise will probably be bringing a horse to OHA in June. Freckles has now (on June 2) returned. Dues for proprietary members, associate members and riding partner members are due on June 15th, with a penalty applying to any postmarked after July 1st.
Agenda items for the next meeting will include the agenda for the annual meeting, by laws revision, mandatory work hours or else, annual review of associate memberships, the fall vet clinic, and the issue of allowing members on the 2nd horse list the opportunity to fill any available open spaces. The meeting will be on Tuesday June 19th at the home of Katherine Schaaf.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Morris Older, Secretary
OHA Work Projects List 5/2/2001:
¨ Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
¨ Place builder’s hardware screen and canvas over barn vents (call Richard)
¨ Facilitate drainage in old stalls
¨ Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
¨ Replace railroad ties separating covered and uncovered areas in the pavilion corrals
¨ Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Alice Brown
¨ Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
¨ Move hose faucet on El Toyonal to below the gate to avoid puddling by gate
¨ Repair trail from upper pasture saddling area to facilitate winter run-off—call Morris for detail
¨ Clear and repair trails-lower forest, lower pasture to pear orchard, pear orchard
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes February 15, 2001
Mark Your Calendar:
¨ Wednesday, March 21– Board meeting at Beverl,y James’ dome home-starts at 6:30 p.m.
¨ Saturday, March 24–OHA vet clinic with Mike Parker, starts 2:30 p.m.
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on February 15, 2001 at the home of Bubs Schaaf. Present were Board members Richard Brown, Beverly James, Shirley Delsart, Morris Older and Bronwyn Swan. Anna Johnson and Bubbs Schaaf were unable to attend, although Bubbs was available if needed for a close vote. The agenda prepared by Richard Brown and the minutes of the previous meeting were both approved.
Shirley gave a brief treasurer’s report. Our budget for the coming year was approved—it looks like our income for the year, about $22,000, may exceed our expenses by about $1,000. Or we have a cushion against unanticipated expense levels.
Beverly and Richard reported on recent meetings with EBMUD, during which Beverly, Richard and Virginia Northrop hiked both the upper and lower Sullivan Ranch parcels and discussed debris clean-up on both parcels, as well as capital improvement possibilities. These include the possibility of developing a spring for a water supply on or near the Sullivan Ranch properties. For more information on these discussions, contact Beverly.
Since our Board meeting a work-party to remove old hazardous fence materials from the upper parcel was rained out and rescheduled for the following weekend, when it was rained out again. This work will probably be rescheduled in April. In addition we discussed, and in principle approved the idea of having an OHA member as manager for each pasture. This person would make sure that ‘their’ pasture was ready before the herd moved there, that wheelbarrows and hay hooks are moved when needed, and would coordinate the move to their pasture. Volunteers please contact Anna or Richard.
The Board discussed and unanimously approved Morris’ proposal for Herd-Inspection work hours. For years, when the herd has been fed, it has been the duty of the feeders to inspect the horses for injuries, lameness, lost shoes or any other noticeable condition. If anything is amiss, the horse’s owner is notified, or in extreme cases, action is taken on the spot to begin the healing process-the horse may be brought down, and the vet called immediately if the owner is unavailable. But for the other 210 days of the year, we have had no comparable mechanism other than random observation. We decided to change that by offering a work hours credit of .25 hours for inspecting the herd in the same way one would during feeding season. A calendar will be placed in the shed, and the first person to sign each day will be eligible for this credit. Although there is no guarantee that this will happen every day, the chances are good that some injuries will be spotted sooner using this voluntary system. Any time you have a few extra minutes you will be eligible to take this credit provided no one else has already done so on that day. All of us will benefit from knowing that an OHA member is looking over our horses.
Bronwyn agreed to schedule the March vaccination clinic with Dr. Mike Parker-see the date above. Please contact Emily Strauss if you are planning to have your horse vetted on that day—this year, for the first time, we were asked to let Dr. Parker know how many horses he would need shots for. We briefly discussed composting, fly control and pasture rotation—we may move the herd out of the upper pasture as early as April.
Several horse owners on El Toyonal near the lower pasture have been seeking a way to use our trails to access Tilden Park, and two have become riding partners. But it was noted that Associate membership would allow these people to ride their own horses across our pasture without needing to have pasture members accompany them. They would be able to contribute to the pasture (and have indicated a desire to do so) and we would collect fees from them to help our budget. Several members have offered to propose them as Associate Members. We discussed this for a while, and while noting that the Board would have the right to approve or to deny associate membership to these neighbors, wondered how many more of our neighbors might seek the same arrangement. Because these people would not really be sponsoring, or necessarily riding, OHA horses, this would be a little different than our Associate members up to now—although in some case, associate members have done little more than visit a horse rarely while the owner is out of town. So we decided to seek comments from our membership before deciding whether it was appropriate to approve such applications. Please let the Board know how you feel on this issue.
There then followed a lively discussion as to whether the Board actually does care how you, the members, feel on any issues. A member pointed out to one of our Board members that the membership had voted, at our annual membership meting in 1999, not to reduce the number of horse spaces available on our pasture. In May of 2000 the last Board voted not to fill a vacant space, and the current board has delayed filling it for the last nine months. This Board member had been unaware of the membership’s earlier vote and asked if it was appropriate for the Board to ignore the wishes of the membership.
While some Board members argued that in a cooperative organization such as OHA the Board should strive to implement the wishes of the membership, especially in those few instances where the membership discusses and votes on something, the opposite argument was also made—that the By Laws give the membership powers only to elect the Board and to Amend the By Laws. Some argued that the membership should therefore have not been allowed to vote on this issue, that the vote was not binding on the Board in any way, and that the members were uninformed on the issue. Other members noted that if we had truly competitive elections, where voting was based on positions taken on issues, then Board members would be justified in adhering to their own principles; since however OHA Board members are essentially volunteers, elected without opposition, then it is incumbent upon us to represent as best we can the wishes of the membership. But other members feel that the Board is empowered to do whatever it thinks is correct—if the membership objects their recourse is to volunteer to serve on the Board. The issue remains unresolved but clearly has implications that should be discussed by members and Board members alike so that we can come to a consensus on how we function as an association sharing governance of a pasture.
Finally, we agreed to have the next meeting on Wednesday, March 22 at the home of Beverly James at 6:30 p.m.
February 15, 2001 minutes respectfully submitted by Morris Older, Secretary
OHA Work Projects List 3/9/2001:
¨ Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
¨ Place builder’s hardware screen and canvas over barn vents (call Richard)
¨ Facilitate drainage in old stalls
¨ Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
¨ Replace railroad ties separating covered and uncovered areas in the pavilion corrals
¨ Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Alice Brown
¨ Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
¨ Move hose faucet on El Toyonal to below the gate to avoid puddling by gate
¨ Insulate water pipes above ground
¨ Repair trail from upper pasture saddling area to facilitate winter run-off—call Morris for details
¨ Fill ditch near repaired water pipes between pavilion small corrals and tie-posts
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes January 9, 2001
Mark Your Calendar:
¨ Thursday, February 15th- Board meeting at Bubb’s house-starts at 6:30 p.m.
Reminders:
¨ Please do not feed your horse in the pasture outside of the gate to the saddling area. This is a violation of OHA rules because a dangerous situation is created when more than one horse is present in that area while the food is still there-this could even be the next day.
¨ Please do not leave leftover hay in the North corral—it gets moldy when it rains..
¨ Riding partners are only permitted on OHA property accompanied by a member.
That said, the Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on January 9, 2001 at the home of Bubs Schaaf. Present were Board members Richard Brown, Beverly James, Bubs Schaaf, Shirley Delsart, Morris Older and Anna Johnson. Bronwyn Swan was unable to attend. The agenda prepared by Richard Brown and the minutes of the previous meeting were both approved.
Shirley gave a brief treasurer’s report. With most dues and fees paid, we had, at the time of this meeting, about $6,000 in the bank, not including our member deposits.
Next we discussed relations with EBMUD. Because the replacement of the water line in the lower pasture was accomplished at the lower range of the allowed budget, we have $1,759 remaining capital improvements credits against our rent for the current year. We proposed spending this money on the replacement of the water line from the spring box in the upper pasture, down through the trees above the saddling area, to the point where it disappears underground on the way to the lower pasture. Richard and Beverly met with Virginia Northrop of EBMUD on December 10th. At that time, EBMUD nixed that idea, and also asked us not to spend the funds on electric fencing for the upper Sullivan Ranch parcel, as they have already spent a large sum on perimeter fencing for that parcel this year. They would prefer to see that money spent on weed control, developing new water sources on the upper Sullivan ranch property or adjacent to that area in our upper pasture, or on hazard removal in the Sullivan Ranch property. We agreed to propose that some of this money be spent on hazard removal, with old fence to be removed at the rate of $1 per foot.
Weed Control: EBMUD agreed to mow teasel, mustard and varieties of thistle, except for yellow star, where the terrain permits a large mower to travel. It will be OHA’s responsibility to control yellow-star, to remove cut teasel, to cut weeds where necessary where a mower cannot, and to provide EBMUD with the locations where a mower can be used. Alice will take on this last-listed task.
Sullivan Ranch: EBMUD expects OHA to use the upper parcel during the current fiscal year. This will require removal of 2 old barbed wire fences, repairing an existing fence adjacent to a drop-off, and construction of an electric fence around the perimeter of the grazeable area, or at least a fence on the uphill side to prevent the herd from going uphill towards Tilden Park. We expressed our reluctance to take on the lower Sullivan Ranch parcel, below Mrs. Long’s until the large amounts of teasel, 2 old barns, machinery and other hazards can be removed. At this point EBMUD is not sure that this can be deffered for more than one year.
Work News: The Board deferred a plan to build dividers for the compost bin until we see whether they are necessary. Elise, Lorree Cole and Richard Brown cut more coyote brush around the pavilion and in the North corral. Richard built a cage around the standpipe at the lower pasture water trough and put a small fence around the new standpipe in the lower pasture near the lower pasture corral fence.
OHA Web Site: Our OHA Web Site is alive and well, thanks to the efforts of our Webmaster, Kim Zvik. Can’t find your horse list, member list, minutes, or feeding schedule?—go to http://home.pacbell.net/zvik/OHA/ for the latest.
OHA e-mail: You can get your minutes by e-mail. And save them on your hard-drive in your new OHA folder, or print them up if you wish. Not only will you get them sooner, we will save some paper, an envelope, a stamp and make my job easier. Please contact me at morrisolder@earthlink.net if you would like to get your minutes this way.
We agreed to spend $600 this year on fly control. $500 will be spent on parasites that eat the fly larvae, and $100 will be spent on flytraps—half of that will be spent on disposable fly traps. We will attempt to see how effective the disposable traps are compared to the bait and traps we have been using around the tack shed.
We voted unanimously to approve Lorree Cole and Kim Zvik as proprietary members of OHA. Associate member Gayle Wayne, who is no longer sponsoring Heidi Kader’s Patches, is now sponsoring Edie Black’s Heather. Erik Hansen, DVM, was accepted as a professional associate member.
After months of discussion we finally voted on filling the empty horse space which the previous board had delayed filling in May. At the last meeting we had decided to look further back than the past two years when we had failed to use our allotted AUMs. A look further back revealed that over the past 11 years, we averaged 367 of our allotted 398 AUMS, exceeding that total in only one year. Nevertheless, the discussion this time focused only on the conflict between our rules, which have been revised several times to allow us to choose the best applicants, and our by-laws, which provide that the first person on our list of applicants be invited to fill a new member opening. The by laws also cannot be changed except by vote of the membership at our annual meeting or at a special meeting of the membership called for that purpose. Fear of potential lawsuits by rejected applicants was mentioned and since we are reluctant to call a special meeting, it was decided that we could not accept any new members at least until after the by laws are changed at our annual meeting in September. Furthermore a vote to allow current members on the second horse list the opportunity to fill the empty space was defeated by a vote of 3-3.
We agreed to seek a special exception to the rule prohibiting non-members from entering the property for potential buyers of OHA horses.
Finally, we agreed to have the next meeting on Thursday, Feb 15 at the home of Bubs Schaaf at 6:30 p.m.
January 9,2001 minutes respectfully submitted by Morris Older, Secretary
OHA Work Projects List 1/9/2001:
¨ Move cut brush to road side of fence so EBMUD can chip it.
¨ Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
¨ Place builder’s hardware screen and canvas over barn vents (call Richard)
¨ Facilitate drainage in old stalls
¨ Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
¨ Replace railroad ties separating covered and uncovered areas in the pavilion corrals
¨ Weed control-yellow star thistle and others-call Alice Brownl
¨ Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
¨ Move hose faucet on El Toyonal to below the gate to avoid puddling by gate
¨ Insulate water pipes above ground
¨ Repair trail from upper pasture saddling area to facilitate winter run-off—call Morris for details
¨ Fill ditch near repaired water pipes between pavilion small corrals and tie-posts
