Canada Creek Ranch Association, Inc.
Annual Meeting - Unapproved Minutes
September 21, 2019
Present:
both immediate and long-term - that we believe will
strengthen the Ranch going forward.
Raymond Karbon, President
Frederick Calabro, Director
Matt Ames, Vice President
Timothy Chambers, Director
Viki Kaszonyi, Treasurer
William Cook, Director
Mark. Smith, Secretary
Alton Lifsey, Director
Brian Rogers, General Manager
Nancy Thurston, Director
Julie Olds, Recording Secretary
Our long-tenured General Manager, Eric Johnson, announced
he would retire at the end of 2019. This meant that the Board
had to not only find a suitable replacement but had to ensure
the transition between the outgoing and incoming GMs was
as smooth and uneventful as possible. It also meant that the
Board had to assure itself that valuable “corporate memory”
wouldn’t be lost in the process.
Happily, we didn’t have to go very far in our search for a new
GM. In March the Board interviewed and hired Brian Rogers
as the new CCR General Manager.
Members: Barbara A. Steele, Janet & Paul Edwards, Sharon
Karbon, Ellen Phillips, Gary Zechel, Scott H. Pederson, Lanny
Cotner, Sylvia & Jim Treadaway, R. Roger Drouin, Nancy
Calabro, John & Carole Gibson, Bob Herrmann, Roger D.
Ray, Earl S. Sowers, Jane Gordon,
Jo-Carole Zechel.
Brian was, of course, a logical and obvious candidate to
replace Eric. He’s been a full-time employee of the Club for
fourteen years. He and his family have strong roots in the
local community and are already proving to be great
ambassadors of the Ranch to outside organizations and
community groups.
CALL TO ORDER
R. Karbon called the 2019 Annual Meeting to order at 2:01
p.m.
Brian was first hired to bring the Ranch into the electronic
age, setting up and expanding our use of computers and other
electronic media to enhance record-keeping, improve
communications, and gain the business efficiencies inherent
in running a modern operation. Brian’s energy and ambition
soon led him to seek broader challenges within the work
environment. With Eric’s support and encouragement, and
the willingness of past Boards to help this young man
develop his skills and talents, Brian made the most of the
opportunities to expand his business experience and
knowledge. In addition, he worked hard to attain important
certifications in private club management that have already
paid dividends and promise to improve the Ranch’s
operations in every facet of its business.
R. Karbon inquired if any members would like to revoke
their proxy and vote by ballot.
R. Karbon declared the ballot box closed and authorized the
Election Committee to tally the election results.
INTRODUCTION
R. Karbon introduced the Board of Directors and staff to the
audience.
INVOCATION
Lenore Howe gave the Invocation.
Although his retirement was effective September 1 st , Eric has
agreed to remain available to us through the remainder of
this year to ensure the “corporate memory” he holds has been
effectively transferred to our new General Manager.
CERTIFICATION OF QUORUM
M. Smith certified a quorum in compliance with the Canada
Creek Ranch Association By-laws.
Another challenge the Board faced since our last General
Membership Meeting is the permanent closing of 19 of our
49 gas wells. Our dwindling gas revenues are not news to
any member who has been paying attention to the Club’s
financial statements. Our gas revenues peaked in 2008, when
natural gas was selling for over $15.00 per million cubic feet.
That year the Ranch received over $346,000 in gas royalties.
But by 2014, gas revenue had fallen to a little over $100,000.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Roger Drouin, seconded by Sharon Karbon to approve
the 2018 Annual Meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT
V. Kaszonyi gave the Treasurer’s Report, as of August 31, 2019.
Motion by Carol Drouin, seconded by Janet Edwards to approve
the Treasurer’s Report as reported. Motion passed unanimously.
And by 2018, gas revenues shrunk to only $27,000. With
dwindling production volumes, and natural gas prices falling
to less than $2.25, our 2019 royalties will certainly be much
less. But the actual closing and capping of almost 40% of our
wells is a visual and dramatic reminder that we’ve effectively
reached the end of this revenue stream. And losing our gas
revenues is actually a pretty big deal.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – Raymond Karbon
President Raymond Karbon gave the following report:
Since the last General Membership Meeting the Board has
faced some challenges. It has created strategic responses –
12
Continued on page 17