The Minutes
SLE HOA BOARD MEETING
Date: June 10, 2026
Location: Cup of Grace
Board Members in Attendance: David Petersen (President), Gus Ferguson (VP), James Stover (by phone) & Bryan Pettit (Members at Large), Tisha Dore (Secretary, by phone)
Quorum: YES
Call to Order: 6:31pm
Minutes from the last meeting: Accepted (Motioned by: Gus Ferguson, Seconded by: Bryan Pettit)
Gus reminded: after May semi-annual meeting, we typically confirm if anyone want to change roles (NO).
Treasurer’s Report:
Current in checking account: $ 13,959.81
Current in savings account: $ 32,118.68
Current in petty cash account: $ 201.00
Total in bank accounts: $ 46,279.49
We've collected most of the 2026 dues. Total owed by the community is: $9,415.45
******************** 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, the 2025 Audit is now complete, thanks to volunteer, Elisika Ambler. She delivered the audit today and it has been made available for the community’s review along with other financial reports as well as Q1 + partial Q2 2026 receipts here: www.spiritlakeeast.org/financial-reports. THANKS, ELISIKA!
Also, we have a new accountant who can more easily incorporate into our new bookkeeping processes.
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: Gus Ferguson
Motion Seconded by: Bryan Pettit
Roads Report:
As discussed at the semi-annual meeting last month, I want to get everything graded this season including areas that don’t get enough attention. Of course, this is our crew’s busiest time of year too. They’re doing their best get to the last of it (and after rain for greater moisture in the road) as scheduling is possible.
Also, we’ve had some offers from others to run the grader. This is greatly appreciated. However, we’re sure those who have expressed interest in joining the Road Crew understand that the grader is a very expensive piece of equipment and liability on our roads is also a serious consideration. Our lead operator and Road Chair need to personally vet those folks when they have more time. Thanks for your patience.
See spring newsletter for work done, update will be in summer issue: www.spiritlakeeast.org/newsletters.
The asphalt grindings from our spring road improvement project are holding up great. The board agrees. We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from owners too. We’ll definitely move forward with another asphalt project in fall with Scarsella, contractor on the Hwy 54 project, as material comes available nearby.
Speeds are picking up. Discussion held on what can be done. We unfortunately can’t have sheriff in here. Please slow down to preserve our unpaved roads and drive safe around our equipment + operators. If you encounter equipment on our roads here in SLE, wait for them to wave you on when it’s safe to pass.
Also, I know we invited folks to arrange with us to grade again (if possible) to prep roads before spraying. But we’re running out of time and some want to book. Please go ahead. We’ll work around you, if needed. Sorry I’ve not been able to personally respond to you all. It’s a busy season. Thanks for your understanding.
Fundraising For Above-And-Beyond Items: Now that we’ve purchased and outfitted our new-to-us grader, which is already saving us money, reminder that we’re still working to rebuild the crown in our roads and want to keep 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, so we're asking for your help.
Please consider donating for above-and-beyond work + materials and roller rentals that aren’t a part of our existing budget for the 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: roads@spiritlakeeast.org. For the roads form (to report issues): www.spiritlakeeast.org/roads. Email Q’s to roads@spiritlakeeast.org. For roads form for reporting issues: www.spiritlakeeast.org/roads
Motion to Accept the Roads Report: Gus Ferguson
Motion Seconded by: Bryan Pettit
Architecture Report
No new builds or inquiries since last month. If you 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: Gus Ferguson
Timber Report
Discussed Idaho Dept. of Lands Fire Smart program pitch as presented by a community member prior to the meeting for consideration among the board tonight. First non-starter: it requires numerous lots—in a row—to commit to the program for 10 years (including new owners when lots change hands).
That alone could create a great deal of conflict among neighbors who may feel pressured to join because they have to for bundled approval. It could also create issues with new owners taking over such agreements that impact their lots and those owned by surrounding neighbors who are in the program.
In addition, it could potentially change the look of the community if this program takes hold, one bundle of lots at a time. Meanwhile, individual owners lose agency and control of forest management as well as money-making potential of logging their own properties for years to come. The board agrees there’s no need for a government program. The Timber Committee is here to help community members manage their forests and approve independent logging operations (simply apply using the online form, link below).
Lastly, 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: James Stover
Motion Seconded by: Bryan Pettit
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. Visit www.spiritlakeeast.org, click on Newbies, and enter your info. Newbies, come up after for a little gift.
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: Bryan Pettit
Motion Seconded by: James Stover
Old Business:
Signs – Signs in need of repair or replacement in the community are on order. The remaining sign updates at the entrances (consolidating + no soliciting) will have to wait until after highway construction is done.
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 underway including Local Events, Fire Safety, Updated Map, etc. 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. Gus confirmed that it’s for insurance.
Motion to Accept Old Business: Gus Ferguson
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
Long-Time Community Member, Darrell Richardson, is in attendance tonight. He and his wife have lived in SLE for 30 years. Both previously served on the board for a total of 10 years starting in the early 2000’s. Darrell held the position of president during that time. Darrell wants to do his part to continue to preserve the live-and-let-live culture and approach that has been the backbone of our rural HOA since inception. He said he’s here tonight to once more be of service to the board in support of SLE and provided a nice write-up highlighting his offerings on key issues of interest to him including proposing a CC&R committee. We’ll review his materials + discuss offline at a later date to see if this is something that is needed.
Motion to Accept New Business: James Stover
Motion Seconded by: Gus Ferguson
- Motion to adjourn by: Gus Ferguson
Motion Seconded by: Bryan Pettit
- Meeting was adjourned at: 6:52pm
