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OHA Board Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2003
Present: Beverly, Morris, Fred, Christie, Anna, Heather P.
Absent: Elise
1) Minutes of November 19, 2003 Board Meeting were approved.
1)
2) Treasurer’s Report: The Board reviewed a report submitted in advance by Elise. Balances in OHA bank accounts are:
2)
a) CD $9,003.34 (work hour deposits)
b) Checking $11,471.69 (before paying for Lower Pasture hay)
c) Total $20,475.03
c)
3) 2003-04 Budget: The Board reviewed the proposed budget for this year. Most budget line items will stay the same as last year. The following changes were proposed that differed from last year’s budget:
3)
a) $500 additional allocation for weed control, bringing total allocation to $1,500.
b) $250 additional for trash removal, brining total allocation to $300, in order to rent a dumpster to remove accumulated waste.
c) $50 increase in allocation for ring rototilling, bringing total to $350.
d) $300 for plumbing repairs
e) Decrease secretarial amount due to less postage and copying as most minutes are now e-mailed.
f) Increase tools allocation from $300 to $500 for projected wheelbarrow repair/replacement.
g) $200 allocation for replenishing the medical supplies.
g)
g)The budget will be approved at the next meeting when the Treasurer can attend. A copy of the budget will be sent with the next minutes.
g)
4) Membership Secretary’s Report:
4)
a) A reminder that members’ contact information, including home, work and cell phone numbers, is in a binder in the white medical cabinet in the red barn.
a)
b) Fred will send membership information updates (e.g., addresses, phone numbers) to Kim for posting on the website. Check the website if you need info about a new member or if someone’s info has changed.
b)
c) Please remember that riding partners need to sign a release of liability form and send it with their Riding Partner application and $25 annual dues payment to Fred, who must acknowledge receipt before they are allowed on OHA property. Blank Riding Partner Applications are in an envelope on the bulletin board in the white shed. Please note that the following riding partners are current with their payment and a release is on file with OHA:
i) Sarah Morrill (Heather Hafleigh )
ii) Meghan Toledo (Edith Black )
iii) Malina Weitkemper (Nina Stradtner)
iv) Claudia Weitkemper (Nina Stradtner)
v) Crystal Hurley (Anna Johnson)
vi) Carmi Weininger (Elise Geske)
vii) Kim Christlieb (Elise Geske)
viii) Katherine Palau (Bubs Schaaf)
ix) Steven Wright (Gailyn Johnson)
x) Deborah Todd (Heather Pineda)
If your riding partner is not on this list, s/he is not allowed on the property until the annual $25 dues payment has been made and a release has been signed!!
5) EBMUD Liaison Report
5)
a) Pasture Census Reports: Renee will assume responsibility for submitting these monthly reports to EBMUD, which show how many horses were on and off the pasture each day. Thank you, Renee! All members, please remember to sign your horses in and out on the census sheets in the white shed!
a)
b) Annual Grazing Plan 2003-04: The main capital improvement project for this year will be replacing the pipe from the lower spring box in the Upper Pasture to the green box alongside the fire road heading into the Upper Pasture just above El Toyonal, or possibly to where the pipe goes under El Toyonal. If there are any funds remaining, we may add cross-fencing to the Upper Pasture, but this would require development of additional water sources, which EBMUD may not be able to get done. The third priority is weed control.
b)
b)The first step towards replacing the pipe is to get bids for the project. As this project is located in the Upper pasture, the UP managers, Erica and Wakean, will be asked to coordinate getting the bids.
b)
b)The Seaview fence line will be replaced in 2005 by EBMUD; since that is a boundary fence it will not be charged to our capital improvements budget.
b)
c) Pasture Rotation: The pasture rotation schedule will remain as planned for last year. We will move back to the Upper Pasture in mid to late January. We may have hay left over that will need to be moved to the red barn (Plan now for this prime work-hour-earning opportunity!).
c)
d) Important Feeding Update: Morris has learned that EBMUD measures the “residual dry matter” (i.e., grass) in the Upper Pasture in precisely the location that we feed the horses hay during the wet months – near the back gate from the pond barn. This could be affecting our residual dry matter calculations, by which EBMUD measures the condition of our pasture. Please note that there is a surveyor’s pole about three feet tall in the ground near the fence as you walk to the right after you leave the gate behind the pond barn. Please do not feed within 100 feet of this pole, especially on the uphill side of it.
d)
e) North Corral Rehabilitation: EBMUD is requiring us to reduce our use of the North Corral and embark on a rehabilitation plan that will bring back vegetation in the corral. Please read Morris’ e-mail on this subject dated December 18th. If you receive the minutes by postal mail, a copy of the e-mail is attached.
e)
f) EBMUD is going to provide us with gravel next summer to help reduce water retention at the Upper Pasture hay barn.
f)
f)
6) Pasture Moves: Please remember that when we are moving horses to a new pasture, OHA policy requires horses to be moved at the scheduled move time. If you need to move your horse at another time, you must remove your horse from the herd more than one hour before the scheduled move time. For example, if the scheduled move time is 10:00 am, you must remove your horse before 9:00 am. Do not remove your horse from the pasture between 9:00 and 10:00 am. In addition, horses should not be released into the new pasture until the rest of the herd is ready to be, or has been, released. The scheduled move time is the time that members meet at the pasture gate to walk in to catch the horses. Your cooperation is much appreciated and will help keep everyone – people and horses – safe during pasture moves.
6)
6)
7) Next Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27th at 7:00 pm at Heather Pineda’s house.
Looking for Something to Do?? Work Projects:
1. Tarp hay in Upper Pasture hay barn
2. Replace fluorescent bulbs in Pavilion
3. Spread wood chips or gravel at the tie posts in the Pavilion
4. Install gutters along Pavilion on the side of the big corral
5. Improve stall drainage
6. Haul manure
7. Repair fence in Lower Pasture corral
8. Bring excess hay down from Upper Pasture barn (if roads dry enough), and from Lower Pasture, to Red Barn
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes August 19th, 2003
Look on the Web for Minutes On-Line at http://home.pacbell.net/zvik/OHA/minutes.htm
Upcoming Events
Friday, August 28th – New hay arriving. Your personal hay, if you had any, has already moved out of the red barn. Please make sure to cover it before it rains.
Saturday, September 6th at 11:30 (board) 12 noon (everyone) – Annual meeting at OHA with new member welcome party and full review of new membership procedures. BYOC (Bring your own chair).
Saturday, September 6th – last day to record 2002-3 work hours
Saturday, September 6th – last day to purchase Grand Nationals tickets.
Sunday, October 5th from 9am to 5pm – Charles Wilhelm Clinic New Date. Renee has organized this riding clinic for members at OHA. Please contact Renee if interested. We can only have 10 attendees. So sign up soon and no later than Sept. 30.
Saturday, September 13th – TWHA Work Party. Meet at 9 a.m Saturday September 13 at the Tilden Corporation Yard–bear left past the Steam Trains parking lot off Lomas Cantadas near Grizzly Peak Blvd. We will move to our work spot at 9:30 and leave a note saying where we are working.
Saturday, October 25th – Grand Nationals. Please join OHA members for a group trip to the Cow Palace for $22 each. RSVP to Anna.
TENTATIVE Saturday, Sept 6 or 13 – Move top rest of pasture likely but not set definitely.
Business
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on August 23rd, 2003 at 7 p.m. at Christie’s house. Linda Furtado, Anna Johnson, Morris Older, Fred Goff, Beverly James, Christie Larner, and Kim Zvik were present.
Minutes from July 29th approved as written.
Upcoming Elections
There are 3 board positions available. It’s an easy way to get your work hours when it’s too dark to ride! The Secretary position is open. VP (Christie) and Treasurer (Anna) are subject to re-appointment by the board and may be filled by existing members. Ongoing terms for the 2nd year are Pres (Bev) and EBMUD Liasion (Morris).
Welcome new and existing probationary members!
The following, unfortunately, cannot yet vote or run for the board. But we heartily welcome them to OHA and can’t wait for some of this great new leadership to join us! Please welcome Nina Stradtner, Carolyn Colson, Vibeke Norgaard, Diana Lynch, Cheryl Fulton, Erica & Wakean Braun/Maclean, and Renee Benoit.
Annual Meeting Agenda
11:30-12 Board Meeting
12 General Membership
Correct member and horse lists
Welcome new members
Penny Spear of EBMUD
Fred Goff on Overview New Member Criteria (see attached)
Elections
1 Adjorn
Horses In and Out
All horses are back save for Leo, Freckles, Dakota, Kisa, and Sadie. Cheryl Fulton’s horse, Fazon, has arrived and is currently in the Pavillion. Diana Lynch, Renee Benoit, and Carolyn Colson, still have yet to get/bring in their horses.
Top Workers!
Motion #1 to give up to $50 total to be used to purchase 3 gifts for those members working the most hours in 2003-4.
Work Hours Year Change
There will be a new work hours book in the shed for 2003-4. Up until and at the 9/6 meeting you may designate hourse in either the 2002-3 book or the 2003-4 book. After 9/6, the 2002-3 book will be removed. The treasurer can then tally up the hours for 2002-3 and bill for those that didn’t do the minimum required hours (24 for one horse, 33 for two). 9/6 is the last day to record your 2002-3 hours.
Weed Control
Star thistle removal–none is visible near the Seaview gate. Please go up along the fenceline to the right of the gate. There are bags there and you can leave them there for Bronwyn to haul down.
Thanks
Christie – for food at the board meeting
Anna – for putting in the new tie rails
Morris, Anna, and Tony – for continuing to drag the arena
Lens and Georgia – for the new water bars in the South Pavillion stalls and for cutting brush around the ring.
Heather – for the calls regarding the last two moves.
Bev, Christie, Anna, Kim, Morris, Linda, and Fred – for serving on the 2002-3 board.
Bronwyn – for arranging for the hay delivery
Bronwyn & Elise – for doing the feeding schedule
Fred, Christie, Richard, Bev, Marcia, Wakean, Gailyn, Cheryl – for Barn clean-up
Anna’s mother – for hauling 30% of our manure!
Work Needed
* Manure moving – we are getting awfully full! Please take it or put it in the ring.
* Arena dragging – this is ongoing need at least weekly. All you need is a truck, hitch and an hour.
* Teasel and star thistle removal critical. (If you pull and bag star
thistle near Seaview gate Bronwyn will haul it away. The star thistle is
staging a comeback in this area and needs urgent attention)
* Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower
pasture corral
* Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
* 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 * Clear and repair trails-lower forest, lower pasture to pear orchard, pear
orchard
* Continually shovel up piles of manure to make room for more
* Rodent-proof white shed
* Waterproof pavilion sheds and reinforce bowed doors
* Waterproof white shed
* Facilitate drainage in old stalls Call Christie or Linda if interested.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Kim Zvik
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes July 29th, 2003
Look on the Web for Minutes On-Line at http://home.pacbell.net/zvik/OHA/minutes.htm
Note: Member list has a user id and password Pasha gogirlgo
Upcoming Events
Thursday, August 7th – Feeding Schedule Preferences are due. Please return forms to Elise as soon as possible.
Saturday, August 16th OR 23rd 10am – Tentative dates to move to the Upper Sullivan Ranch pasture. Feeding may start early this year and we will schedule it as such and run through mid-Feb.
Tuesday, August 19th at 7pm – Board meeting to review final new membership procedures at Christie’s house. Christie will provide the food.
Saturday, September 6th at 11:30 (board) 12 noon (everyone) – Annual meeting at OHA with new member welcome party and full review of new membership procedures. BYOC (Bring your own chair).
Sunday, October 5th from 9am to 5pm – Charles Wilhelm Clinic New Date. Renee has organized this riding clinic for members at OHA. Please contact Renee if interested. We can only have 10 attendees. So sign up soon and no later than Sept. 30.
Saturday, October 25th – Grand Nationals. Please join OHA members for a group trip to the Cow Palace for $22 each. RSVP to Anna.
Business
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on July 29th, 2003 at 7 p.m. at Kim’s house. Linda Furtado, Morris Older, Fred Goff, Beverly James, Christie Larner, and Kim Zvik were present. Anna Johnson was absent. Elise Geske and Kathy Campbell also attended briefly.
Minutes from June 10th approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report
Checking $11,585.79, Savings $223.98, Money Market $8,983.30. Most everyone paid their dues. Anna is sending out certified letters to those who didn’t.
Horses In and Out
Frank and Riva are back. Leo, Corazon, Freckles, and True remain out. Sadie, Dakota, and Kisa are now out. Diana Lynch, Renee Benoit, Carolyn Colson, and Cheryl Fulton still have yet to get/bring in their horses. Wakean/Erica are leasing Christie’s second space and will bring a horse in the Fall. Liz is leasing Bub’s space until Fall and then will rent Marcia’s second space.
New Associate Member
Kathy Campbell was interviewed as a prospective associate member.
Motion #1 to admit Kathy as an associate member to OHA. Passed 6/0
Please welcome Kathy Campbell to OHA as Morris’ sponsor. Kathy will be riding Wakaen/Erica’s new horse when he comes in.
Locks New and Old
All locks have been changed at OHA and the old ones have now been removed. Everyone has a key including the sanitary person for our outhouse.
Motion #2 to sell Georgia the old OHA locks for $1 each. Passed 7/0
Grand Nationals
We are having a group trip to this year’s Grand Nationals at the Cow Palace. Tickets are $22 each. Please RSVP to Anna.
Charles Wilhelm Clinic
Rescheduled for Sunday Oct 5 9 am to 5 pm. This is open only to members of OHA, their sponsors, and riding partners. This is not open to general public. The maximum number of participants is 10 riders at $100 per rider fee. If we have less than 10 it will cost more depending on how many less are participating. We are aiming to get the full
10 participants. Auditing available at no charge. The topic will be picked by consensus by clinic participants. Go to http://www.cwtraining.com/ for information on clinic topics and about the Charles Wilhelm philosophy of training horse and rider (John Lyons
certified). Call Renee Benoit (510)525-4687 or email mailto:rbenoit@riverdeep.net or
Lisa Culin (510)526-2630 with questions or to sign up. Deadline for sign-up is Sept 30.
What a Drag!
Motion #3 to purchase a drag for the ring for #340. Passed 6/0
Notes
Get Well – Marcia’s new horse got a bone infection. We hope all goes well after the surgery.
Thanks
Bronwyn – for picking Yellow Star Thistle.
Kim & Bev – for changing the locks
Anna – for installing new tie rails
Erica – for taking on fly management
Morris, Cheryl, Bev, Jay, and Bronwyn – for helping absentee owners move their horses from the Pear Orchard to the Lower Pasture
Renee-for organizing the move
Richard – for handling water problem in Lower Pasture
Morris, Anna, and Tony – for dragging the arena
Work Needed
* Manure moving – we are getting awfully full! Please take it or put it in the ring.
* Arena dragging – this is ongoing need at least weekly. All you need is a truck, hitch and an hour.
* Teasel and star thistle removal critical. (If you pull and bag star
thistle near Seaview gate Bronwyn will haul it away. The star thistle is
staging a comeback in this area and needs urgent attention)
* Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower
pasture corral
* Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
* 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 * Clear and repair trails-lower forest, lower pasture to pear orchard, pear
orchard
* Continually shovel up piles of manure to make room for more
* Rodent-proof white shed
* Waterproof pavilion sheds and reinforce bowed doors
* Waterproof white shed
* Facilitate drainage in old stalls Call Christie or Linda if interested.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Kim Zvik
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes May 6th, 2003
Look on the Web for Minutes On-Line at http://home.pacbell.net/zvik/OHA/minutes.htm
Upcoming Events
Monday, June 15th, Dues Due – late if after June 30th. It is the proprietary member’s responsibility to remind their associate and partner members to pay their dues ($225 per horse, $50 per associate member and $25 per riding partner respectively). We will cancel riding partner memberships if they do not renew without warning or correspondence.
7pm Tuesday, June 10th, Board Meeting at Bev’s House – Review Associate and Partner members.
TBD – Pear Orchard work party. Email Renee if interested.
10am-12pm Saturday, May 31st – Weed Control work party. Meet at in UP, fire road near Upper Sullivan. Bring shovel, gloves, clippers, 50lb size horse feed paper bags. Contact Alice for more information.
TBD – Lower Pasture move. Probably between May 17th and 31st.
TBD – Pear Orchard move. If you would like your horse to be excused from grazing, please contact Bev in advance for approval. Most likely between June 1st and June 14th.
Business
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on May 6th, 2003 at 7 p.m. at Kim’s house. Linda Furtado, Fred Goff, Beverly James, Morris Older, Anna Johnson, Christie Larner, and Kim Zvik were present. Nina Stradtner, Ginny Conte, and Renee Benoit were also in attendance for portions of the meeting.
Minutes from April 3rd approved as written.
New Associate Members
Kathryn Burroughs and Sher Hickerson were interviewed and accepted as new associate members for Heather Hafleigh and Heidi Kader. Kathryn was already a riding partner. Welcome Kathryn and Sher!
Horses In and Out
Opal, Sadie, and Frank have returned to the pasture. Leo, Corizon, Checkers, Freckles and True are still out.
Treasurer’s Report
Work hours and dues up to date.
Motor Cross Bikers
If you see motor cross bikers damaging the shoulder of the unpaved section of El Toyonal near the bridge, please don’t confront them but do call the park police at (510) 881-1121.
Mountain Bikers
Morris witnessed mountain bikers riding down through our pasture from Seaview at night with lights, headed all the way to San Pablo Dam Road. Please don’t confront them but do call the park police at (510) 881-1121.
Leasing Space
Liz is leasing Bub’s space in place of the one she was leasing from Opal’s space from Elise since Opal has returned.
Ring Update
The ring got rototilled and graded.
Motion #1 To compensate Pat Ward for his consulting time and write an apology letter that he did not get the grading work as originally planned. There was a mix-up between the yearly rototilling and the grading work for this year only. Passed 7/0.
Weed Control
We get credit against our lease payments for the first 30 hours spent picking teasel and yellow-star thistle. Currently teasel and fiddleneck are the weeds to be picked. Please pick weeds when you can as toxic and invasive weeds are in our pasture. This is a nice relaxing way to get work hours and is best done before they go to seed in a few weeks. Consider carrying a bag for collecting weeds when you go get your horse. You can dispose of them at home or in the saddling area garbage cans. Please contact Alice for more information. Also, please try and attend the weed control work party May 31st.
Riding Clinic
Motion #2 Permit Renee to organize a Charles Willhelm clinic at OHA for members only. Passed 7/0. Renee will be emailing all members the types of clinics he can run and choose one based on our feedback.
Filling Horse Spaces
We are interviewing to fill 4 spaces in the next month. Spaces are Lisa’s 2 former spaces, Jane’s former 2nd space, and Liz’s former 2nd space. Anna, Linda, Chrisite, and Fred are conducting the interviews. Kim is arranging for the interviewees.
Tie Rails
We will replace the leaning ties in the saddling area and the tie posts in the pear orchard as soon as possible. We will discuss adding them in the pavilion and fixing the ones in the Lower pasture at the next meeting.
Mosquito Fish
We considered putting fish in the troughs to eat mosquito larvae given the onset of West Nile Virus. EBMUD said we cannot bring foreign animals into the pasture for fear of it causing an environmental imbalance.
Pasture Rotation Schedule
We apologize for the late notice for the last pasture move from the Upper Sullivan to the Upper Pasture. We especially realize that it was not convenient Easter morning. Much of our late decision had to do with reading the grass level in a new pasture setup. We will attempt to give more notice for future moves. Thank you to everyone for pitching in and making it a safe move after all.
Thanks
Morris & Fred for leading fencing party
Morris moving herd from Upper Sullivan to the Upper Pasture
All who contacted Christie regarding Matisse
Alice & Richard for weed watch, salt blocks, pear orchard trail check, and trough watch
Anna, Christie, Linda, Wakean, Erika (2 days), Kai, Marcia, Bronwyn (2 days), Kim (next day), Renee, Gailyn, James, Alice, Arianne, Bev, Lisa C., Ginny, Shirley, Morris (3 days+), Tony, Fred, and James for working the fencing party and building the “Great Wall” of OHA.
Ginny & Nina for organizing the ring consultant and research
Richard for map of pasture for new members
Fred for updating new member procedures
Work Needed
* Fiddleneck,teasel removal (critical between now and June)
* Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower
pasture corral
* Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
* 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
* Clear and repair trails-lower forest, lower pasture to pear orchard, pear
orchard
* Continually shovel up piles of manure to make room for more
* Rodent-proof white shed
* Waterproof pavilion sheds and reinforce bowed doors
* Waterproof white shed
* Facilitate drainage in old stalls Call Christie or Linda if interested.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Kim Zvik
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes March 2nd, 2003
Look on the Web for Minutes On-Line at http://home.pacbell.net/zvik/OHA/minutes.htm
Upcoming Events
Thursday, April 3rd, 6:30pm, next meeting at Christie’s.
Saturday, March 15, 2pm, Parker Clinic (Was no-show, rescheduled and occurred Sunday, March 16th for those that could make it).
Saturday, March 15, 2pm, Herd moves from Upper to Lower Pasture
Saturday, March 29th, 10am, Hanson Clinic, Please call Heather Hafleigh if you plan to attend.
Saturday, March 29th, 10am, TENTATIVE move back to Upper Pasture
Saturday, March 22nd, 10am ALL HANDS work party for building cross fence in Upper Pasture. We must complete this before moving the horses back to the Upper Pasture.
Business
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on March 2nd, 2003 at 6 p.m. at Christie’s house. Linda Furtado, Fred Goff, Beverly James, Anna Johnson, Morris Older, Christie Larner were present. Kim Zvik was absent. Elise Geske and Ginny Conte were also present.
Minutes from January 26th approved as is.
Ring Improvement
Ginny and Elise presented a proposal for ring improvement as advised by Pat Ward along with his review of the benefits and detriments of past proposals. His suggestion for optimal improvement given out finances and physical realities, involves substantial grading to change drainage from the SW corner to the NW corner “ toothing” the ring. Ongoing maintenance, once this was done, would involve monthly rototilling. A small tractor would probably be needed. Ginny will research tractors (used etc), Morris will inquire with EBMUD re: keeping a small tractor on the land. Nina and Alice are exploring fundraising. Bev James volunteered to set the grading stakes with Jay. Motion in support of grading proposal pending resolution of researched items, seconded and approved unanimously. Estimated cost is about $1,000 for labor and equipment. John Fuey will be contacted for a comparative estimate.
Treasurer’s Report
$13, 711.51 in checking.
New Member Selection Procedures
New Member Selection Committee Report: 3 spaces are available. The board reviewed suggestions for the new member process in detail. Thanks to Fred for the great effort going into updating this process to assure fairness and consistency. This review will continue and hopefully be completed at the next meeting. A welcome letter with helpful information and a questionnaire are in progress. A new position of Membership secretary for these communications would help in the future and is being discussed.
EBMUD project status
Fence to cross upper pasture is being staked out. The line has changed and is in process per EBMUD.
There is a problem due to low water pressure in the new trough. Morris is researching for a solution. Also the valve needs to be sheltered from the horses.
Fence building Workparty will be 3/22 to allow Fred and Morris time to get the supplies. Please come and help. This is a big job and the more the merrier.
AGP 2003-04
The Annual Grazing Plan is still under review by EBMUD and will hopefully be approved soon.
Bay Ridge Trail
Morris presented information re: the Ridgetrail Campaign to promote a connector trial from Kennedy Grove to feeder trail # 1 that connects Briones in the Pinole watershed. The board voted to approve a letter be sent from OHA in support of this effort.
Hay Racks
The acquisition of new hay racks like the ones on trial in the Pavillion was approved.
Work Hours
Reminder: Everyone must do at least 50% of their own workhours over a two year period. Consider earning fun hours working with everyone, poison oak free building the cross fencing March 22nd!
Notes
Condolences to Jane for the sudden loss of Red Dog. We will miss seeing him.
Thanks
Heather P., Nina, Josh and Morris for putting water bars on trail.
Liz and Mark for removing the old fence between upper pasture and Sullivan ranch.
Richard and Morris for attending to water problem in Lower Pasture.
Heather H. for making calls for herd moves.
Ginny & Elise for preparing the ring report
Christie for arranging the Parker clinic.
Heather H. for arranging the Hanson clinic.
Morris for staking the Cross Fencing
Work needed
Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in the lower pasture corral
Replace railroad ties separating covered and uncovered areas in the pavillion corrals
Set up hose stand adjacent to old corner stall in saddling area
Move hose faucet on E. 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
Continuous need to shovel up piles of manure to make room for more
Rodent proof white shed
Waterproof pavilion sheds and reinforce bowed doors
Waterproof white shed
Facilitate drainage in old stalls – need ideas- call Linda/Christie
Minutes respectfully submitted by Christie Larner
Orinda Horsemen’s Association
Board Minutes January 26th, 2003
Look on the Web for Minutes On-Line at http://home.pacbell.net/zvik/OHA/minutes.htm
Upcoming Events
Sunday, Februrary 3rd, Feeding Stops.
Saturday, February 8th – Work party to move the new Upper Pasture trough and lay out new cross fencing lines. Rain reschedules until February 22nd.
VOLUNTEER NEEDED! – Please contact Beverly to set up and organize a work party for building cross fencing in the Upper Pasture on March 8th.
Sunday, March 2nd, at 6:30pm, Next board meeting at Christie’s house. Agenda will be emailed to members in advance. Christie will provide food.
Saturday, March 8th, work party to build the cross fencing. March 22nd if rain.
Saturday March 15th at 2 p.m. Mike Parker vet clinicStay tuned for date for Hanson clinic March – move to the Lower Pasture. Stay tuned for an exact date.
Business
The Board of the Orinda Horsemen’s Association met on January 26th, 2002 at 6 p.m. at Kim’s house. Anna provided the food. Present were Board members Beverly James (President), Christie Larner (Vice President), Kim Zvik (Secretary), Morris Older, and Fred Goff. Absent was Linda Furtado.
Minutes from December 19th approved as is.
New email
Heather Halfleigh has an email address hdh@earthlink.net
New Member
Welcome Renee as a probationary proprietary member to OHA. Renee is in the market for a horse. If you have any good leads, let her know.
Horses Still Out
Frank, Freckles, Leo, Corazon, Checkers, Riva and Sadie are out for the winter. This brings total herd size to 27. Please especially watch the old horses Alex, Matisse, Macho, Socrates, and Baron. There are 2 vacant spaces and 2 unfilled spaces.
Treasurer’s Report
Everyone but 1 paid due their dues. We have only $245 outstanding in work hours. We have approx. $16,000 in checking.
2 Horse Spaces Open
Lisa Jordan’s 2nd space and Jane’s space is now available.
Fly Control
We will not be doing fly parasites this year due to the increased cost. If you see a noticeable increase in flies this summer, please let us know so we can subscribe again next year.
OHA Annual matrix update
Upcoming are insurance renewal. March we have a vaccine clinic. There will be both a Hanson and Parker clinic. Heather H. and Christie are arranging it. See dates above..
Moves from Upper to Lower and Lower to Upper Pasture
Move from Upper to Lower –was a bit risky. We need to coordinate to move at the same time for safety so that anxious horses don’t run up and down repeatedly with members walking on the same road If you can’t move at this time, please arrange to have your horse in the night before or by 9am the day of the move. . Renee’s organization of the move to the LPO is a good example of a well-coordinated move.
Member Issues
Report from Ad hoc committee on guidelines for selection process: they are working on guidelines and will report back at the March meeting
Report from new member selection committee – we interviewed 3 interviews using the spirit of the new procedures. We interviewed a newly admitted member to get tips on how to better interview and orient new members. During our last interviews we realized that we need to document some additional criteria.
Consider whether to interview for additional open spaces – we will not interview for the 2 spaces open now until the procedures are finalized by the March meeting.
Consider policy on paying members for work
Motion #1: Should members get paid for working at OHA before or after they have fulfilled their work hours requirement? No. Of course, the time spent working can be used to fulfill work hours. Passed 6/0.
Can alumni members be unpaid riding parters?
No. But we do love you alumni and want you to come ride as a paying riding partner.
Feeding
When should we stop feeding? We will stop next Sunday, February 2nd. Christie is organizing moving the excess bales down to the red barn.
Can we feed after dark? Beverly is polling the membership as to our position on this policy. Please look for it, fill it out, and return it for consideration. Our current policy is that horses be fed before dark between 2pm and dark.
Should Farriers Carry Insurance?
Yes. EBMUD requires a $2M liability policy unless they shoe only when the member is present. This is a professional member. Others may not have a key.
EBMUD Liason regarding capital improvements
Upper Pasture Cross fencing – Capital improvement: the fence dividing the upper pasture will be a 2002-2003 capital improvement. The Lease credit for capital improvements is half the total lease cost; this year’s lease cost is $5,93, so the credit is $2,965. The fence will be longer than originally estimated and could use as much as $1,500 of our total credit.
Stalls new and old – French drains were installed 10 years ago behind the old stalls and drain out into the wet saddling area. These have not worked in the past and may not be enough to solve the problem. EBMUD feels that we have more stalls and paddocks than any other lessee. EBMUD is not willing to make new stalls or improvements to the old stalls in the upper pasture saddling area a capital improvement project. Could we do this with our own money? EBMUD said no. We cannot replace the old stalls when they fall apart either.
New or extended pasture – We are allowed to investigate extending the Pear Orchard into the old dairy area which is unused as present. Or, we can consider having this as another pasture. They are not interested in replacing the washed out road between the Lower Pasture and the Pear Orchard.
Tie Rails – We can rebuild the tie rails in the upper pasture saddling area and the pear orchard as a capital improvement. We have a good bid and expect to begin the work as soon as the Annual Grazing Plan is isgned.
Weed Picking – of teasel and yellow-star thistle at $20.25 which is 3 times minimum wage. The number of hours will be determined by how much is left over after the fence and new tie-rails are built.
Motion #2: Approve capital improvements for 2003 as above. Passed 6/0.
Consider approval of 2002-03 Grazing schedule
The schedule will be the same as last year except that the March rotation to the lower pasture will be replaced by a similar stint in the upper Sullivan/Southern upper pasture area if we finish the new fence in time. The grazing schedule will thus be something like this, though subject to change depending on grazing conditions:
Now until about March 8: Upper pasture
Approx March 9-23: Upper Sullivan, southern portion of upper pasture
March 24-April 26-Upper pasture
April 26-May 24-Lower pasture
May 25-June 8-Lower pear orchard
June 9-July 12-Entire pear orchard
July 13-Aug 3-Lower pasture
Aug 4-Dec 13-Upper pasture
Dec 14-Jan 10-Lower pasture
Motion #3: Approve as described. Passed 6/0.
Consider adoption of 2002-03 AGP
Motion #4: Approve AGP. Passed 6/0.
Email language to rule book
Append email with confirm receipt in additionto the option to call people as a form of communication. Passed 6/0.
AdditionaNotes:
Trespassers: When members encounter trespassers on the pasture, they should in a friendly way advise them that they are trespassing, that their permit (if they claim one) is not valid on the horse pasture, and that if found by an EBMUD Watershed Ranger, they will be subject to a steep fine. And maybe to suggest the quickest way out if they ask. EBMUD has increased security
concerns since September 11th. Fines can be pretty steep depending whether the trespasser is charged with a misdemeanor or an infraction, and could be as much as $500. Most people will leave when told they aren’t supposed to be there. If someone encounters a trespasser who isn’t cooperative or is a repeat offender, they should call EBRPD at 510-881-1833 as soon as possible. This is the direct line to the dispatcher, who will send an officer to the scene. If a trespasser is acting strangely or exhibits any violent behavior, leave the area immediately and call the police from a safe location. A description of the individual, their clothing and their direction of travel can be very helpful. Calling later, whether hours or days, can still be useful in letting the Parks police know about increased trespassing.
Thank Yous
Richard for clearing out the down tree and fixing holes in Sea View fence at the gate and at the lookout to the North.
Anna for providing food.
Kim, Anna, and Fred for interviewing 3 prospects.
EBMUD for seeding the Sullivan teasel area and for cutting the Oak at the Wildcat gate to allow for hay delivery.
OHA Work Projects List:
- Cut and remove brush remaining around barns and structures and in lower pasture corral
- Cut drainage ditch from N corral to El Toyonal
- Replace railroad ties separating covered and uncovered areas in the pavillion corrals
- 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
- Rodent-proof white shed
- Waterproof pavilion sheds and reinforce bowed doors
- Waterproof white shed
- Repair new Upper Pasture water trough
- Build cross fencing
Facilitate drainage in old stalls – Call Christie or Linda if interested.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Kim Zvik, Secretary
OHA Ring Recommendations 2/1/03
Pat Ward – Ring Builder (over 17 years experience)
RECOMMENDED SOLUTION:
PHASE I
Within the next 45 days—or while the ring condition is still ‘soft’:
- Grade ring and tooth it (1’ to 6’ grade TBD, or as stated by OHA)
- Cut drainage to the NW corner (now at SW corner)
- Hours: approx. 1 day by Pat Ward
Costs: approx. $1000 includes labor and equipment (actual cost would be $600 as John Fouhy’s $400 rotoilling charge would not be necessary.
RESULTS:
Grade the surface, change drainage to correct corner—prep for maintenance program.
PHASE II
Within a week of grading:
Begin a rototilling schedule of 3-4x per month during riding season (every week optimal)
- OHA to purchase multi-use small tractor with a loader in front and rotovator in back.
- Hours: approx. 3-4 OHA work hours a month during riding season
- Costs: approx. $1000-$2000 for tractor (although OHA member may have access to free tractor)
RESULTS:
To gradually improve ring quality by breaking rock and surface down over time into a smoother, more manageable surface
CONCLUSION:
If OHA does nothing, Pat backs up John Fouhy’s observation that ring will eventually be rendered ‘useless’. Other solutions reviewed by Pat considered ineffective or cost prohibitive (see ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS doc).
The recommended solution is straightforward, practical, and takes into consideration our budget, ring conditions, and weather factors (namely rain and winds). It will make the ring condition ‘considerably better’ over time, during the regular riding season (although does not significantly improve conditions for year-round use).
Action Items:
OK from EBMUD, research tractor costs, fuel delivery, instituting maintenance schedule (work hours), re-contacting members to pledge $ (or who already pledged)
AUDIT OF ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS:
Pat Ward – 2/03/03
Proposal: Complete ‘proper’ ring redo with grading, base, mesh and sand
Conclusion: Cost prohibitive—over $15K
Proposal: Grading and ring prep—adding sand, or other surface
Conclusion: Will last approx. 2-3 years; surface with both work in or blow away.
Proposal: Grading and ring prep—adding compost
Conclusion: Not long lasting (time undetermined, but under 2 years) surface becomes both slippery and dusty
Proposal: Crowning ring only
Conclusion: Ineffective for our situation
Proposal: Adding drainage system onlys
Conclusion: Not effective for our situation
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