On March 4, the Farmstead Association board held its regularly scheduled meeting in Panaca.
The meeting opened with public comment, as per usual, and the only comment made was by a prospective newcomer to the farmstead. Bryan Simkins introduced himself to the board and expressed his interest in the position left open by the departing Grant Perkins, who will be taking over as Caliente’s public works manager.
Next on the agenda was the selection of officers. Kim Lee was voted in almost unanimously to continue as president of the board, with the only nay coming comically from Lee himself.
The board then turned to its yearly audit. The overall audit was positive; over the last three years, the farmstead has made money, and while there are still some debts to be dealt with, the money in the bank is enough to pay them off. With the association in compliance with all accounting practices, auditor Dan MacArthur gave the board high marks for its well-maintained records.
Following this, Cory Wadsworth gave the board a detailed explanation of insurance coverage for the four properties and variety of machinery owned and operated by the farmstead.
Next, the board turned to the senior center. Since it’s a volunteer organization, the facility’s budget is limited. The farmstead, as a service to the community, had been providing water to the center free of charge. There was a discussion as to whether this agreement would be extended beyond the originally agreed-upon date and it was decided that the board will continue to provide water for free, but a new agreement will need to be drawn up.
Following this, Franklin Katschke, legal counsel for the farmstead, gave his position on the definition of premises, which has been a constant concern at board meetings ever since issues involving multiple charges to a single meter began. Katschke’s opinion was that the farmstead’s definition was adequate, but that he was confused as to what the board needed the definition to do. He suggested that he sit down and review the board’s policies to properly decide what should be done with the meters and properties in question. The contract with the Panaca town board was also brought up, and Katschke expressed his willingness to assist with the matter.
Next, Perkins formally tendered his resignation, and the board thanked him for the years of service he had given to the farmstead and wished him all the best in his new position.
The board will post the advertisement for Perkins’ replacement in the paper, with the position of certified utility operator compensated based on experience.
Then Perkins gave his final maintenance report to the board. The people in charge of installing the windows at the farmstead building discovered that the windows were two inches too wide, forcing them to stop the installation. The correct-sized windows are now being ordered.
Perkins also reported that one of the windows on a farmstead pickup truck blew out and shattered, reportedly due to the air displacement of a large passing semi-truck. While some members of the board found this excuse suspicious, others noted that they had seen it happen before with their own eyes, and the timing of the accident fit the explanation.
The board then adjourned until the next meeting on April 1.
