The Minutes
Date: July 8, 2026
Location: David Petersen’s Home (Cup of Grace is having their floors done this week)
Board Members in Attendance: David Petersen (President), Brendan Mills (Treasurer by phone), and James Stover + Bryan Pettit (Members at Large), Tisha Dore (Secretary, by phone)
Quorum: YES
Call to Order: 6:32pm
Minutes from the last meeting: Accepted (Motioned by: James Stover, Seconded by: Bryan Pettit)
Treasurer’s Report:
Current in checking account: $ 12,330.78
Current in savings account: $ 32,171.62
Current in petty cash account: $ 201.00
Total in bank accounts: $ 44,703.40
We've collected most of the 2026 dues. Total owed by the community is: $9,249.44
******************** REMINDER: The 2026 dues are $273.17 (22.76/mo) ********************
The credit card payment option is now turned off. The 40+ homeowners still owing dues may still pay by check or money order. If you don’t have checks, you can transfer the money from your account to the HOA’s at First Interstate Bank in Spirit Lake. Walmart in CDA processes money orders for just $1.
Also, for all who missed it last month, the 2025 Audit is live online, thanks to resident, Elisika Ambler. The audit is available for the community’s review along with other financial reports and Q1 + Q2 2026 receipts here: www.spiritlakeeast.org/financial-reports. THANKS, ELISIKA!
Also, we mentioned last month that we now have a new accountant who can more easily incorporate into our new bookkeeping processes. The new service is Reliable Accounting. Previous provider, Straight Arrow Tax & Accounting, completed our 2025 tax return, and that will conclude their responsibilities for SLEHA.
We are now over the six-month mark of when 2026 dues were due and we have 30+ owners who still owe either in-full or partial. Collections notices to go out soon + max interest will continue to accrue monthly.
Behind on your dues? Send payment ASAP or contact Brendan Mills, at treasurer@spiritlakeeast.org. For more info on payments + donations (including mailing address): www.spiritlakeeast.org/payordonate
Motion to accept Treasurer Report by: Bryan Pettit
Motion Seconded by: Tisha Dore
Roads Report:
As discussed, I want to get everything graded this season including areas that don’t get enough attention. That said, the roads are dry with hot weather + little rain recently, and it’s our crew’s busiest time of year. They’re doing their best get to the last of it as scheduling is possible.
Also, I recently met (at the HOA shop) with a resident/attendee of our June board meeting who has extensive experience in heavy equipment maintenance + some grading. He’ll definitely be an asset to SLE. We walked through possible matches to his skills, and in addition to some repairs/maintenance, he may help us to run the grader too, if/when needed. I want lead operator, Joe, to meet with him about this too.
For anyone who is wondering about the entrances and when those and the Highway 54 work will be done, I spoke with IDOT, and we can expect those temporary stop lights to continue through end of month. As for our entrances, they are still on the radar, and will be done along with the road as it progresses, soon.
The asphalt grindings from our spring road improvement project are continuing to hold up great. We had a few potholes open up from some rain late last month, but they’re minor, and to be expected. Talks with Scarsella, Hwy 54 contractor, continue in prep for a similar project this fall as material comes available.
Speeds are picking up. Please SLOW DOWN. This is a rural community with unpaved roads and wildlife. Keeping it at 15mph makes a huge difference in preserving our roads and keeping everyone safe.
Also, I know we invited folks to arrange with us to grade again (if possible) to prep roads before spraying. But (reminder from last month) we ran out of time and moisture to do more passes. So, please go ahead and book with Lyman’s or whoever you prefer, if you haven’t already. We’ll work around you, if needed. Sorry I’ve not been able to respond to you individually. It’s a busy season. Thanks for your understanding.
REMINDER: Fundraising continues to cover hours/materials needed to continue our long-term improvement project of rebuilding the crown in our roads + distributing/rolling more asphalt grindings. We're also looking for a new-to-us roller. None of those items are covered by our annual HOA budget.
We are asking for your help. Please consider donating for above-and-beyond work + materials and roller rentals that aren’t part of our existing budget for usual maintenance + repairs. Donations—big or small—are welcome. THANKS! Mail checks to: SLE HOA – P.O. Box 217, Spirit Lake, ID 83869 *Memo: Road Fund
Email Q’s to roads@spiritlakeeast.org. For roads form for reporting issues: www.spiritlakeeast.org/roads
Motion to Accept the Roads Report: Brendan Mills
Motion Seconded by: James Stover
Architecture Report
A pole barn build was approved just after the last (June) meeting. Another application was submitted for just yesterday, James will review/respond as soon as possible. Beyond that, we have no other new builds. Have building plans (or Q’s to prep)? Contact ARC Chair, James Stover, at arc@spiritlakeeast.org. For info on building in SLE + Architectural Form for approvals: www.spiritlakeeast.org/building-info
Motion to accept ARC Report by: Bryan Pettit
Motion Seconded by: Tisha Dore
Timber Report
Reminder: If clearing trees in prep for fire season, please take precautions. Use of chainsaws in dry times can lead to sparks/fire. So, the earlier in the season, and in cooler/damp mornings, the better. Be safe.
Send timber/logging questions to: timber@spiritlakeeast.org. For links to the Commercial Logging + Timber Exemption Forms, visit: www.spiritlakeeast.org/timber
Motion to accept Timber Report by: Tisha Dore
Motion Seconded by: James Stover
Welcome Report:
If you’re new to Spirit Lake East, Welcome! If you haven’t yet registered as a new owner here or you’ve been living here for years but your contact info has changed, please register or re-register with us online. Questions? Contact Tisha Dore at welcome@spiritlakeeast.org. Newbies who’ve yet to register for HOA billing/mailings (or if you have a new email), fill-out the form here: www.spiritlakeeast.org/new-residents.
Motion to Accept Welcome Report: Brendan Mills
Motion Seconded by: Bryan Pettit
Old Business:
Signs – Signs in need of repair or replacement in SLE ordered. The remaining sign updates at the entrances (consolidating + no soliciting) will have to wait until after Hwy 54 construction is done. No further updates.
Intermax – Take advantage of the grant while it lasts including trenching up our long driveways for FREE. It adds value to any home. Services: $80, $100, $130/mo (208-676-0471 or intermaxnetworks.com/fiber).
Summer Newsletter: Latest edition in the works (Local Events, Fire Safety, Updated Map, Hwy 54 Update). IMPORTANT REMINDER: Given the newsletter is posted on Facebook, NextDoor, website + email, we will no longer be mailing newsletters to those who have not provided an email and can find it on our website. It’s also difficult to email PDFs without tripping a spam alert, so we’ll just email the link to download. Please send updated emails (or newsletter entries for consideration) to: newsletter@spiritlakeeast.org.
Newsletters & Ad Info: www.spiritlakeeast.org/newsletters
DOT Letter received –Apparently, a compliance group has been recently requiring SLE to be DOT certified. David says he cannot understand why we would need to do that. His belief is we should allow it to lapse because the program is responsible for compliance of public roads management and SLE roads are private. Is there any reason why we need DOT compliance for plowing our private roads? Bryan: seems like a scam. All agreed that if DOT compliance is not necessary, it should be cancelled. David will cancel it. David then asked if it’s really necessary to have a CDL to drive plow trucks in SLE. In June, Gus said it was for insurance. David is going to call our insurance company to ask if they need this. If not, we’re moving on from it.
Motion to Accept Old Business: James Stover
Motion Seconded by: Bryan Pettit
New Business:
Shooting – There have been complaints, the shooting range is right at Farragut with new seasonal hours (Fri-Mon, 9am- 4pm). This also includes the archery ranges. The fee is $10 per person and $5 for those under 18 years old. The single fee includes the use of the rifle and handgun ranges, archery ranges and trap stations. For more info + location visit this link: https://idfg.idaho.gov/shoot/farragut
At the June meeting, long-time community member, Darrell Richardson, proposed a CC&R committee for managing neighborhood compliance with the governing rules of SLE. After careful review of his proposal + history of past proposals in meeting minutes going back 20+ years, the board has decided not to move forward with such a committee. We continue to invite ideas. Thanks, Darrel, for your time and suggestion.
Motion to Accept New Business: Tisha Dore
Motion Seconded by: James Stover
- Motion to adjourn by: Bryan Pettit
Motion Seconded by: Brendan Mills
- Meeting was adjourned at: 6:48pm
