Ponderosa, Ca

July 12, 2026

PPOA Virtual Meeting 7/12 @10:00AM

Invited 1tracy559@gmail.com fohne@icloud.com fohne@pacbell.net ginnyjamm@gmail.com Matt Doty phil@upstartvillage.com sharon@tcwpi.com thesierrahome@gmail.com

Attachments PPOA 260712 Transcript

Summary

Board members approved the May 17 meeting record, reviewed preliminary Fourth of July financial results, adopted a shared-cost August 8th chipping plan, renewed the mail-building lease, and advanced fire-safety, mailbox, heliport, community-platform, membership, and event initiatives. Sharon Thomas, Matthew Doty, Tracy Landeros, Phil Rudnick, and Virginia Carlborg were present when the meeting was called to order; Frank Ohnesorgen and Dennis joined shortly afterward. Amanda Allen was absent and will be welcomed at a future meeting.

Governance, Finance, and Mailroom
The BoD unanimously approved the May 17 minutes, deferred the June 14 minutes, received a preliminary July 4 financial report, authorized the annual mail-building lease, and assigned follow-up for mailbox applications, payments, records, and a written procedure.

Fire Safety and Community Infrastructure
Members approved a half-PPOA, half-property-owner chipping model for August 8th and a program to source lidded metal ash cans for developed member properties. Work also continued on the summit siren, fire-brigade PPE, the PERCH nonprofit approach, the temporary community platform, wayfinding, and entrance-sign projects.

Events, Membership, and Communications
The BoD debriefed the Fourth of July event, advanced a trial farmers market, approved a $500 Labor Day taco potluck for September 5, established additional community-calendar dates, and prioritized clearer membership messaging, directory cleanup, website updates, and email-list maintenance.

Decisions

Aligned & Approved

May 17 meeting minutes approved: Phil Rudnick moved to approve the May 17 virtual-meeting notes, Matthew Doty and Virginia Carlborg seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
June 14 meeting minutes deferred: The BoD postponed review and approval of the June 14 notes until the next meeting, when they will be considered with the July 12 notes. The June record is to reflect Phil’s up-to-$1,000 summit-siren donation.
Preliminary July 4 financial report received: The BoD reviewed reported receipts and expenses from the cakewalk, Fire Brigade T-shirt sales, auction, and event supplies. Final classification of dues, donations, petty cash, and event proceeds remains subject to reconciliation.
Two event receptacles approved: The BoD approved purchasing two large outdoor receptacles for PPOA events, including a separate recycling option, so future events do not depend on borrowed containers.
Community farmers market concept advanced: The BoD supported testing a recurring produce market with the Hidalgo family and allowing Ponderosa residents to offer complementary handmade goods, subject to site permission, vendor scheduling, and final operating details.
Shared-cost chipping program approved: For the August 8th chipping day, the PPOA will contract for the service, pay the contractor, and collect one-half of the applicable cost from participating property owners. The motion passed unanimously, with implementation details to be confirmed against the current quote.
Mail-building lease renewed: The BoD unanimously authorized renewal and payment of the Kramer-property land lease for the mail building at $1 per month while easement and subdivision discussions continue.
Mailbox administration approach reaffirmed: Matthew Doty will manage applications, assignments, and operating procedures; Tracy Landeros will collect and report payments; and the records will be maintained in a shared cloud file.
PERCH nonprofit approach advanced: The BoD supported continued evaluation of repurposing the existing Fire Brigade 501(c)(3) for the Ponderosa Emergency Response Community Heliport, subject to Fire Brigade board approval, state review, and resolution of any outstanding filings or obligations.
Temporary community-platform plan continued: Planning will proceed for an approximately 20-by-30-foot platform with removable canopy, tables, and seating, using donated wood when practical or weather-resistant composite materials otherwise, with a goal of usefulness by the Labor Day event.
Metal ash-can fire-safety program approved: The BoD unanimously approved researching lidded metal ash and charcoal cans for PPOA members with developed properties, accompanied by instructions on safe use and disposal.
Labor Day taco potluck approved: The BoD approved a PPOA-sponsored taco potluck for Saturday, September 5, 2026, with a $500 budget. PPOA will provide tacos; attendees will be asked to bring sides and beverages.
Community calendar dates established: The BoD identified November 21 for Friendsgiving, November 22 for tree decorating, December 26 for the holiday-lights event, and February 20 for a weather-dependent Snow Day. A Memorial Day event will be reconsidered after Labor Day.
Membership communications prioritized: Future event and service notices will more clearly explain PPOA sponsorship, member benefits, and the distinction between PPOA and PCSD, while supporting the goal of broader property-owner participation.
Open session concluded: The regular meeting moved into closed session at approximately 12:10 PM. Closed-session matters are intentionally excluded from this public meeting record.

Next steps

☑ Matthew Doty Prepare Meeting Records: Finalize the July 12 notes, confirm the June 14 notes include Phil Rudnick’s summit-siren donation, and place both records on the next meeting agenda.

☐ Sharon Thomas Welcome New Director: Welcome Amanda Allen and complete any remaining onboarding ???????at the next meeting she attends.

☐ Tracy Landeros, Sharon Thomas Reconcile July 4 Finances: Separate cakewalk, T-shirt, auction, dues, heliport-donation, and petty-cash amounts; deposit proceeds; return the unused event advance; and report the final net result. Sharon will forward the check-allocation email and prior-year figures.

☐ Sharon Thomas, Phil Rudnick, Matthew Doty Collect and Publish July 4 Media: Gather posted photographs, obtain Phil’s event video, and select appropriate material for the PPOA website and community communications.

☐ Frank Ohnesorgen, Phil Rudnick Close Out T-Shirt Inventory: Count the remaining Fire Brigade shirts, agree on Phil’s purchase amount, transfer the inventory, and remit the proceeds to the PPOA.

☐ Tracy Landeros Purchase Event Receptacles: Obtain the two approved large outdoor receptacles, including a recycling container, and store them with PPOA event supplies.

☐ Phil Rudnick, Sharon Thomas, Tracy Landeros Develop Farmers Market Trial: Phil will confirm vendor interest and scheduling; Sharon will secure PCSD or alternate-site permission; and Tracy will publish dates, location, and participation information once confirmed.

☐ Frank Ohnesorgen, Tracy Landeros Implement August 8th Chipping Program: Confirm the revised terms and quote with Matt Goldsmith, collect participant addresses and agreements, publish preparation instructions, coordinate the route, and administer the participating property owners’ half-share payments.

☑ Sharon Thomas, Tracy Landeros Complete Mail-Building Lease Renewal: Execute the annual Kramer-property lease, issue the authorized payment, and continue tracking the proposed subdivision and easement protection.

☐ Matthew Doty Publish Mailbox Procedure: Create a simple written application, payment, approval, assignment, and key-control process; circulate it to the BoD; and post it in the mailroom.

☐ Matthew Doty, Sharon Thomas Contact Mailbox Applicants: Sharon will send contact information for Jeff Hager and Christine Diak; Matt will contact them, Paul Dickman, and Tanya Blassingame and provide a status response no later than the end of the following week.

☐ Sharon Thomas, Tracy Landeros, Matthew Doty Consolidate Mailbox Records: Sharon will send the current-holder spreadsheet, Tracy will report payments received, and Matt will update assignments and place the master file in a shared Google Drive location.

☐ Matthew Doty, Frank Ohnesorgen Advance PERCH Nonprofit Conversion: Prepare the Fire Brigade board proposal, identify any outstanding debts or state filings, convene the required board meeting, complete catch-up paperwork, and circulate the proposed conversion documents before submission.

☐ Matthew Doty Price Community Platform: Prepare a recommended budget and equipment list for the 20-by-30-foot platform, canopy, picnic tables, chairs, and wood-versus-composite alternatives, with an implementation target before Labor Day when practical.

☐ Sharon Thomas Engage Platform Builders: Contact Bill Dolmovic and Del White regarding design, donated or milled materials, construction support, and a realistic completion schedule.

☐ Sharon Thomas, Frank Ohnesorgen Improve Community Wayfinding: Sharon will follow up with the street-sign lead about matching exit signs and installation progress; Frank will print and post protective-sleeved community maps at the mailroom as an interim measure.

☐ Sharon Thomas, Frank Ohnesorgen Develop Metal Ash-Can Program: Sharon will obtain volume pricing and draft the safety message; Frank will seek a donation or discount from Tractor Supply and other vendors; and both will return a recommendation to the BoD.

☐ Matthew Doty, Tracy Landeros, Frank Ohnesorgen, Dennis Complete Welcome Packet Draft: Organize the scanned source materials into a current draft, review it for outdated content, and circulate a working version for BoD consideration.

☐ Sharon Thomas, Matthew Doty, Tracy Landeros, Phil Rudnick Rebuild Directory and Membership Database: Sharon will resend the source file; Matt will reformat it by tract, address, owner, contact data, and membership status and research missing owners; Tracy will record dues and updates; Phil will assist with corrections and membership outreach.

☑ Frank Ohnesorgen, Sharon Thomas Complete Fire-Brigade PPE Purchase: Frank will follow up on the Curtis credit application and advise whether advance payment is required; Sharon will assist with the check or other documentation needed to prevent further delay.

☐ Sharon Thomas, Tracy Landeros, Matthew Doty, Frank Ohnesorgen Post Plaque Protocol and Evaluate Options: Resend and review the existing plaque policy, post it in the mailroom, inspect the commemorative shelter for expandable nameplates, and return cost and wording options before authorizing any new plaque.

☐ Frank Ohnesorgen, Matthew Doty, Phil Rudnick Complete Summit-Siren Purchase and Testing: Frank will order the electronically activated siren and evaluate placement; Matt will assist with range testing; and Phil will remit his up-to-$1,000 donation through the PPOA.

☐ Tracy Landeros, Matthew Doty Plan Labor Day Taco Potluck: Confirm the September 5 time and site, menu, volunteers, Ramon’s availability, shopping, the $500 budget, potluck and bring-your-own-drink instructions, and clear PPOA-membership messaging.

☐ Matthew Doty, Ramon Assess Community Barbecue: Inspect the existing commercial barbecue and present repair, refurbishment, or replacement options and estimated costs.

☐ Sharon Thomas Publish Community Calendar: Circulate the agreed Labor Day, Friendsgiving, tree-decorating, holiday-lights, and tentative Snow Day dates and revisit a Memorial Day event after the Labor Day debrief.

☐ Matthew Doty Modernize Website and Email Notifications: Update old content, post current Fire Brigade and Labor Day information, evaluate easier multi-user updates, clean the PPOA email list, and provide a status overview at the next meeting.

☐ Phil Rudnick, Matthew Doty, Frank Ohnesorgen Advance 30-Acre Trail Plan: Walk the property, sketch the proposed trails and inspirational stops, create a usable map, and determine whether a Labor Day preview is feasible.

☐ Sharon Thomas Continue Entrance-Sign and Decal Follow-Up: Track Bill Damovic and Dell White’s sign work, obtain the camera-ready artwork when available, and forward it for the decal project.

Sharon Thomas and Matt Doty Continue to work on getting the Temporary Community Platform from concept to reality.

Details

Attendance and Call to Order: Sharon Thomas, Matthew Doty, Tracy Landeros, Phil Rudnick, and Virginia Carlborg participated when the regular meeting was called to order at approximately 10:11 AM. Frank Ohnesorgen and Dennis joined at approximately 10:14 AM. Amanda Allen was absent.
May 17 Minutes: Phil moved to approve the May 17 virtual-meeting record. Matthew and Virginia seconded, and the members voted unanimously to approve it.
June 14 Minutes: The June 14 record had only just been added to the invitation and had not been reviewed by all members. Approval was deferred to the next meeting, together with the July 12 record.
Community Acknowledgment and New Director: The BoD acknowledged the passing of community member Roy Eynaud. Amanda Allen was not present, so her formal welcome as the new at-large director was deferred.
July 4 Receipts: Tracy reported $37 from the cakewalk, $352 in Fire Brigade T-shirt receipts, and $2,122 from the auction. Some checks included other purposes, so the category totals were treated as preliminary.
July 4 Expenses and Reconciliation: Event supplies cost $480.55. The group identified $107 in the cash box as PPOA petty cash rather than Sharon’s personal funds and characterized the event as producing approximately $2,000 net, pending final allocation of dues, donations, and reimbursements.
July 4 Attendance and Volunteers: No formal headcount was taken, but participants believed attendance and parade participation were roughly half of a typical year. The BoD thanked Tracy, Virginia/Jenny, Ramon, the cooks, donation solicitors, setup and cleanup volunteers, and other contributors.
Firewise Table and Constitution Trivia: Frank distributed Firewise information and the Fire Brigade newsletter and spoke directly with attendees, although only one or two new email contacts were collected. The 250th-anniversary trivia used approximately five or six teams and included children; members recommended retaining both activities for future events.
Parade, Community Address, and Media: The parade had an estimated ten entries and received strong praise for the participants’ effort and patriotism. Phil’s community address was well received, and his daughter recorded a short event video. Photographs were also reported on community Facebook pages.
Fresh Produce and Farmers Market: Produce supplied through Phil’s Hidalgo-family contacts was well received. The family may be interested in making trial or recurring trips to Ponderosa, potentially coordinated with Pine Flat and Camp Nelson, while residents could offer noncompeting handmade goods.
Farmers Market Location: The preferred concept is a scheduled market near the PCSD building, but Sharon will first seek permission from Gabby. The Mail Building area, Dave’s lot, Jen Thompson’s commercial property, or another approved location may be used if necessary.
Remaining T-Shirts: Frank reported a significant quantity of older Fire Brigade shirts remained. Phil offered to purchase the remaining inventory after Frank completes a count, with proceeds going to PPOA.
Event Receptacles: Tracy identified the absence of adequate event trash containers as a recurring operational problem. Phil moved to purchase two large receptacles, the motion was seconded, and the BoD approved it.
Chipping Quote and Prior Practice: Frank reported a current quote of approximately $1,900 for one crew and one chipping day on August 8. Approximately ten cabins used the service the prior year, and earlier programs had sometimes included donated contractor days.
Chipping Cost-Share Decision: Members debated full PPOA funding, direct owner payment, and the value of chipping to Firewise participation. The final motion requires PPOA to contract and pay the provider, then collect one-half of the cost from each participating property owner. The vote was unanimous.
Chipping Administration and Eligibility: Frank will confirm the contractor’s acceptance, announce the program, gather addresses, and require roadside placement and agreement to receive chips back on the property. The BoD also discussed linking subsidized services to membership, but the final motion focused on cost-sharing and left detailed collection and eligibility procedures to implementation.
Pine Needles and Defensible Space: Members noted that pine-needle disposal is a separate challenge because the usual disposal site is not accepting them. They also discussed the flammability of wood chips placed too close to structures and the need to follow insurer and Firewise guidance.
Mail-Building Lease and Easement: PPOA owns the mail building but leases its site from Kramer properties for $1 per month. The owners are pursuing subdivision of the surrounding property and have discussed an easement to protect the building’s location. Renewal and payment were approved unanimously.
Mailbox Procedure and Applicants: Matt had not yet documented the mailbox process and committed to write, circulate, and post it. Current requests include Paul Dickman, Tanya Blassingame, Jeff Hager, and Christine Diak; Matt will contact each applicant after receiving any missing information.
Mailbox Payments and Shared Records: Tracy will collect payments and tell Matt which accounts are current. Sharon converted the handwritten holder list to a spreadsheet, and Matt will merge the data and maintain a shared cloud-based master record.
PERCH Nonprofit Strategy: Matt reported that the existing Fire Brigade 501(c)(3) may be repurposed for the Ponderosa Emergency Response Community Heliport, avoiding the longer process of creating a new entity. The live information site is pondopad.org.
PERCH Obligations and Approvals: The proposed entity would assume the existing nonprofit’s obligations. Frank was not aware of outstanding debt but identified state tax and filing catch-up work. A Fire Brigade board vote, state review, and complete documentation are required before conversion.
Temporary Community Platform: The current concept is an approximately 20-by-30-foot raised platform with one or more sturdy removable canopies, collapsible or picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs. Matt estimated the canopies at about $300 each and the initial furniture at well under $1,000, before platform construction costs.
Platform Materials and Schedule: Donated wood remains the preferred economical option; composite decking was discussed as a weather-resistant alternative. Sharon will contact Bill and Dell, who are currently focused on the entrance sign, and the group hopes to have the space usable by Labor Day.
Entrance Sign, Exit Signs, and Maps: Bill and Dell continue milling the large entrance-sign timbers. Phil raised the need for matching exit signs, Sharon will consult the street-sign lead, and Frank will post printed community maps at the mailroom as an interim wayfinding measure.
Fire Prevention and Rental Properties: The group discussed the risk created when renters or owners discard hot charcoal or ashes on the ground. Members emphasized that property owners must provide safe containers and clear instructions and remain accountable for fire-safe practices at their cabins.
Metal Ash-Can Program: The BoD approved researching lidded metal cans as a practical PPOA member benefit and fire-prevention measure. Each can would be distributed with a clear message explaining proper use for fireplace, stove, and barbecue ashes.
Welcome Packet: The source material is fully scanned. Matt will assemble a current working draft from the electronic files and prior suggestions for review by Tracy, Frank, Denis, and the BoD.
Community Directory and Membership Database: The current directory requires corrections and is difficult to read because of its many columns. The proposed rebuild will organize tract, address, owner, contact information, and membership status and use county records to identify owners when PPOA has no current data.
Membership Outreach: Phil offered to assist with corrections and the goal of broader participation but did not want to lead the effort. Tracy will update payments and contact changes, while Matt will circulate the rebuilt list and support direct outreach to nonmembers.
Fire-Brigade PPE: Frank submitted the vendor credit application so Curtis can ship before receiving payment. He will follow up; if credit is not approved, PPOA may need to issue the check before the equipment is shipped.
Commemorative Plaques: An existing written policy allows individuals to fund a plaque subject to consistent design and approval. The policy will be posted, Frank will inspect whether the shelter has an expandable nameplate plaque, and no new plaque will be ordered until options and wording are reviewed.
Summit Siren: Frank identified an electronically activated plug-in siren with a stated remote range of about 1.5 miles. He and Matt will test actual range and placement in the mountainous terrain, and Phil will route his donation through PPOA for the purchase.
Labor Day Event: The BoD approved a taco potluck for Saturday, September 5, with a $500 PPOA budget. Tracy will coordinate food and volunteers, seek Ramon’s help, and ask attendees to bring a side and their own beverages. Communications will identify the event as a PPOA member benefit.
Community Barbecue Condition: The existing commercial barbecue is difficult to move, has safety concerns, and is near the end of its useful life. Matt and Ramon will determine whether it can be repaired or should be replaced and develop cost options.
Community Calendar: The open-session calendar identified September 5 for the Labor Day event, November 21 for Friendsgiving, November 22 for tree decorating, December 26 for the holiday-lights event, and February 20 for a tentative weather-dependent Snow Day. Memorial Day planning was deferred.
PPOA Sponsorship and Membership Messaging: Members reported confusion between PPOA and PCSD and differing assumptions about who funds community events. Future notices will more clearly describe PPOA sponsorship and encourage membership when PPOA funds, volunteers, or services are used.
Website and Email List: PonderosaCA.com is functioning, but much of the content is outdated. Matt will modernize the site, post current Fire Brigade and event information, evaluate easier update tools, and clean the email list so announcements reach current recipients without relying on obsolete lists.
Thirty-Acre Trail Concept: Phil is designing hiking trails with inspirational messages on the 30-acre property. Matt and Frank offered to help with a field review and map, and the group may preview the concept during the Labor Day event if sufficient progress is made.
Closed Session: At approximately 12:10 PM, Sharon ended the regular session and opened a closed session. The recording was stopped, and no closed-session discussion is included in these notes.