The Minutes
SLE HOA BOARD MEETING
Date: February 11, 2026
Location: Cup of Grace
Board Members Attending: David Petersen (President), Gus Ferguson (VP, by phone) Brendan Mills (Treasurer) and Bryan Pettit, James Stover (Members at Large), and Tisha Dore (Secretary, by phone)
Quorum: YES
Call to Order: 6:05pm
Minutes from the last meeting: Accepted (Motioned by: Gus Ferguson, Seconded by: Tisha Dore)
Treasurer’s Report
Current in checking account: $ 55,572.29
Current in savings account: $ 21,947.24
Current in petty cash account: $ 201.00
Total in bank accounts: $ 77,720.53
Total owed by the community is $16,959.72.
Reminder: New Credit Card Payment Option LIVE ONLY Through March 2026...
With this new service, payers using credit (standalone credit cards not attached to their bank accounts) will be automatically charged the 3% convenience fee. If payers use a debit card connected to their bank, they will still need to add the 3% just like they have always done.
SO…CREDIT CARDS = 3% CONVENIENCE FEE IS AUTOMATIC. DEBIT CARDS = YOU STILL NEED TO ADD 3%.
The two residents still owing for 2025 can pay by card both 2025 + 2026 dues by Mar 31st. Then the service will be turned off, so we pay the subscription for three months only, which incentivizes prompt payment.
******************** REMINDER: The 2026 dues are $273.17 (22.76/mo) ********************
Behind on your dues? Send payment ASAP or contact Brendan Mills, at treasurer@spiritlakeeast.org. For more info on payments + donations (mailing address): www.spiritlakeeast.org/payordonate. To view Financial Reports, visit www.spiritlakeeast.org/financial-reports, and click Receipts for receipts by year.
Motion to accept Treasurer Report by: James Stover
Motion Seconded by: Gus Ferguson
Roads Report: From Jon Dore (Road Chair): We continued to clear slush, distribute sand when needed.
With rising temps and melting snow, the roads are muddy, coming apart, but still frozen in many areas.
We’ll be doing more grading, rock distribution shortly, just need to give the roads some extra time to warm + firm up. If we don’t, they’ll turn to mud. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
As previously discussed, Jon is working to secure from Scarsella, the contractor of the Highway 54 project, asphalt grindings on a budget. He wants to rent a roller for material distribution on our roads and has access to discounted pricing. He’ll check back with the superintendent this week. More on this to follow.
Also, resident in attendance—Brian Peterson—volunteered to help in whatever way, when/if needed.
Email: roads@spiritlakeeast.org. For the roads form (to report issues): www.spiritlakeeast.org/roads
Motion to Accept the Roads Report: Gus Ferguson
Motion Seconded by: James Stover
ARC Report: James answered questions about building as well as our CC&Rs + single-family home policy. While multigenerational living is common in SLE, all must reside under one roof, in the single home allowed. If you are building and have questions, contact James at arc@spiritlakeeast.org. For more info on building in SLE and to access form (for review/approvals): www.spiritlakeeast.org/building-info.
Motion to accept ARC Report by: Bryan Pettit
Motion Seconded by: Brendan Mills
Timber Report: Planning on logging in spring? Reminder logging + timing needs approval (form below).
For questions about Timber Management, email Timber Chair, Gus Ferguson: timber@spiritlakeeast.org. Commercial Logging + Timber Exemption Forms can be found here: www.spiritlakeeast.org/timber.
Motion to accept Timber Report by: James Stover
Motion Seconded by: Bryan Pettit
Welcome Report: New to Spirit Lake East? Welcome to our beautiful community. If you're been living in SLE for years, but have changed emails or phone numbers, please go to our website, click on “NEW?” and register your latest contact info with us. This is how we send the newsletter, reminders and/or reach out if there's an issue or emergency: www.spiritlakeeast.org/new-residents + welcome@spiritlakeeast.org.
Motion to Accept Welcome Report: Brendan Mills
Motion Seconded by: Gus Ferguson
OLD BUSINESS
No Soliciting Signs – Per the request of a resident at the last May semi-annual meeting, we’ll put-up the bus signs at the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe entrances once entrance construction is complete.
Last snow storm, sign at CDA + Spokane Circle was knocked down. Brendan stored and will reinstall soon. Per the Jan 2026 meeting, one is missing from Sandpoint. Brendan is ordering a new one for that as well.
Installation will take place soon. Brendan will be consolidating the signage as well to create a better visual because, currently, there is a lot of different signage on/around SLE signs.
Winter Newsletter: Distribution is complete. Given how many options there are now for online posting of the newsletter (Facebook, Nextdoor, website + email to all who have provided one), we will no longer be mailing newsletters to those who have not provided an email and can find it on our website. If you want to provide an email address, please send it along with newsletter entries for consideration: newsletter@spiritlakeeast.org. Newsletters & Ad Info: www.spiritlakeeast.org/newsletters
Lawsuit – Last Reminder: Mediation was held virtually on 12/19/25. Given the strong evidence provided, it was agreed that the case be dropped, with prejudice. In other words, if the agreed-upon terms are not honored, then we may pursue our case further.
Motion to Accept Old Business: Tisha Dore
Motion Seconded by: James Stover
NEW BUSINESS
No Soliciting Signs – David: From previous meetings, we want to have No Soliciting signs at the entrances. While the “private community” and “no trespassing” notices on the entrance signs should be enough, they apparently are not. Brendan will handle this along with the other signs mentioned in Old Business.
Intermax – Our fiber internet company is still doing set-up, including trenching up our very long driveways at no charge. We’ve never before had this option and it’s a great added value to any home. Get it done while the grant is still in place, Spirit Lake East Homeowners. Tiered services offered: $80, $100, $130/mo. Call 208-676-0471 or visit intermaxnetworks.com/fiber.
Poll – Given dues were not increased for many years (even by the 3% the board alone may vote to increase them each year), we are far behind the times + inflation. At this rate, SLE will continue to struggle to cover basic costs including insurance, equipment, maintenance, fuel, etc., all of which are increasing at a rate higher and faster than our ability to raise dues by 3%, even if done every single year moving forward.
Most everyone knows already that we’ve distributed a poll to gauge interest in voting to increase dues. David is keeping a tally of the online + hardcopy poll responses. Tisha is also tracking as a second pair of eyes and recording all written feedback submitted by residents. All will be shared with the community.
If you haven’t yet submitted your hardcopy poll (included in the envelope with your dues bill), please send that in with your payment (or alone if you’ve already paid your dues online). If you’d rather submit your poll response through our Google Form, here is the link: https://tinyurl.com/SLEPoll
REMINDER: One poll response per property. If you submit more than one, the first received will be counted and included in final results. Extended deadline: February 28th.
Motion to Accept New Business: Brendan Mills
Motion Seconded by: Gus Ferguson
- Motion to adjourn by: James Stover
Motion Seconded by: Bryan Pettit
- Meeting was adjourned at: 6:35pm
