Boarders Minutes


Old Business - Issues from Boarders on 9-18-10 Discussed on 10-16-10

FIRST AND FOREMOST: THIS IS NOT AN ALEX BASHING MEETING – IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH ALEX, WRITE IT DOWN AND SUBMIT TO MANAGEMENT.

SECONDLY – IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO BE HERE NOT A GIVEN RIGHT. IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT HERE THEN YOU CAN LEAVE, NOBODY IS FORCING YOU TO STAY HERE. WE ARE HERE TO WORK WITH MANAGEMENT NOT AGAINST MANAGEMENT. THAT BEING SAID LETS START THE MEETING.

1) Rent – Can there be some kind of discounts? Some of us are on a fixed budget (Retirees) and some of us have more than one horse, with the rent going up it could cause hardships. Can our payment system here be set up like some of the other areas on post where they go by rank?

RENT: Hard to budget, lower rank would have lower fees, but higher rank as well as retirees & DOD would have to make up for them.

2) Can a flier go out or put in the news letter asking people not to park in the road around the perimeter? Alley is parking right on the road and people can’t get by her car.

In SOP, will have reminder in October newsletter.

3) Can a flier go out or put in the news letter asking people to park in the middle of the road in the ails. Again people are parking by their tac rooms making it difficult to go around the vehicle.

In SOP, will have reminder in October newsletter.

4) Can a flier go out or put in the news letter that the turn outs are not to be used to work horses. New boarders are working their horses in these areas.

In SOP, will have reminder in October newsletter.

5) Can management provide the regulation where it states that video surveillance can’t be used in the stalls? We are suppose to be a part of post but were not on post, we have to follow post rules but we don’t get the protection from post.

Nanny cams or regular cameras are approved, have to comply with Safety, meaning battery operated, cannot be plugged into power outlet.

6) Boarders want to see the 3 strike rule enforced. There are plenty of boarders that don’t take care of their horses or abuse them and boarders are writing them up (more than 3 times) but management does not evict them. How long are the complaints good for?

Every boarder is afforded an opportunity to correct infractions. Every issue is handled on case by case basis, complaints do not expire.

7) Define “ABUSE” – what we see as abuse others don’t. In order for boarders to write up another boarder we need to know what the definition of abuse is.

Texas penal Code Title 9.
Offenses against Public Order and Decency
Chapter 42. Disorderly Conduct and related Offenses

Section 42.09 Cruelty to Livestock Animals

(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly:
(1) Tortures a livestock animal;
(2) Fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, or care for a livestock animal in the
person's care;
(3) Abandons unreasonably a livestock animal in a cruel and unusual manner;
(4) Transports or confines a livestock animal in a cruel and unusual manner
(5) Administers poison to a livestock animal, other than cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats,
belonging to another without legal authority or the owner's effective consent;
(6) Causes one livestock animal to fight with another livestock animal or with an animal as
defined by Section 42.092 ( Non-livestock animal)
(7) Uses a livestock animal as a lure in dog race training or in dog coursing on a racetrack
(8) Trips a horse
(9) Seriously overworks a livestock animal

8) Per Earlene – need burm built up on trailer road, cars having problem getting through.

Alex needs additional information

9) Boarders want the chain of command posted at the barn.

Procedures will be posted on the bulletin board but you first start with Alex Murphy then Judy Johnson

10) Would like to know if we can have absentee votes for the upcoming board elections? For those who are truly not here in Texas – not those who are deployed but family members are still here.

Yes, but management recommends all boarders are given opportunities to do absentee vote for maximum participation.

Please visit the Hunt & Saddle site at http://huntandsaddle.blogspot.com/
Minutes, pictures, important dates and other information will be posted there. Please if there is anything you would like to see on the site please contact Jinette stalls 69, 71, 73.

Thanks for coming to the meeting!

Results from the voting on 10-9-10 for our new AC Board Members

Elected for Active Duty (Officer) - Jennifer Woods
Elected for Active Duty (Enlisted) - Tabatha Carpenter
Elected for Retiree - Jinette Campbell
Elected for Other - Anita Muniz
Elected for At Large – Terry Williams
Elected for At Large 2 - Morgan Whitlock


Old Business - Issues from Boarders on 8-8-10 Discussed on 9-18-10

FIRST AND FOREMOST: THIS IS NOT AN ALEX BASHING MEETING – IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH ALEX, WRITE IT DOWN AND SUBMIT TO MANAGEMENT.

SECONDLY – IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO BE HERE NOT A GIVEN RIGHT. IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT HERE THEN YOU CAN LEAVE, NOBODY IS FORCING YOU TO STAY HERE. THAT BEING SAID LETS START THE MEETING.

1) What is the Chain of Command for Hunt & Saddle: Alex, Judy, Mike, Johnston, CG, etc…? Should be given out while signing for tac room. Would like to have this posted with bldg. #’s, phone numbers, and procedures.

The Chain of Command starts with Alex then Judy. If you are not satisfied with the results then you can ask them or they will tell you who to go to next.

They don’t want to put out a chain of command due to people not following it – for instance a new boarder has already jumped the chain of command without giving lower level management a chance to fix the issue.

2) Cat Sponsoring – Catherine Levandovsky and Jessica Taylor will sponsor a cat each.

3) Would like to know if there are plans to re-open Montague and if not how can the boarders get it re-opened? Even if we are told no there are no plans nor will there be plans we still want to try to get Montague re-opened and want to know the procedures to do this.

There are NO plans to re-open Montague and there is NO process to pursue this subject.

4) Boarders want boarder email addresses given to AC members to receive information about the AC board meetings and boarders meetings. The boarders can sign a paper when they sign for stall asking permission to give their email to AC member for informational purposes only – AC board meetings, minutes from boarders meetings, etc.

Management will let new boarders know about the board – it will be up to the new boarder to contact or attend the meetings and give email addresses.
               
5) Need a shaded area for Vet and Farriers. Are there any plans for this if so what is the status?

There is a Vet/Ferrier NAF contract open for this project. Covered ferrier stand with water & electricity is FY10 project. It is open for bids now but there have been no bids on the contract.

6) Can boarders build a shaded area in their own stalls to provide shade for their horse(s)? Like a shaded extension from the stall.

Yes, with management approval for design and material (at owner’s expense). Any improvements must stay when boarder vacates.

7) Turn Outs – are they going to be rotated?

If there are enough volunteers to move them then they will be moved – this will be a make a difference day project.

8) What is the status on the White Arena Sprinkler?

Water tank system will be FY11 project; will be purchased when approved and funded. We are looking at an estimated date of Oct/Nov 2010.

9) Footing in the Arena – what is being done about it?

Waiting for water tank system which will provide significant improvement; without water, doing the best we can. The arena will also be dragged once a week.

10) Barrels/Jumps – Can they be left up in the separate arenas for use? They are extremely heavy to move all the time. If Boarders want the arenas groomed around the equipment they can do it themselves.

In order for the arena to be dragged the equipment needs to be moved. Some boarders do want equipment removed because they don’t use the equipment and it would be in their way.

11) Want to know if there is going to be a permanent turn out area that will be utilized for all horse to use at the same time – something like what 1st Cav has? If this is in the planning what is the stats on it. If not how what are the procedures to implement this.

No current plans for permanent turnout area; could be possible future CPMC project (NAF funded).

12) Volunteer Time – Can it be done at anytime?

Volunteer Time can be done at any time just approach Alex and tell her you have time to do something and ask what you can do. MANAGEMENT WELCOMES ANYBODY WHO WANTS TO VOLUNTEER TIME FOR THE IMPROOVEMENT OF THE STABLES

13) On volunteer day those boarders who do not want to do any beautification of the area but do want to do only things that pertain to the horses (such as move the turn outs) can there be a list divided (horse stuff & beautification stuff) so the volunteer can pick what they feel is more important to do? Most boarders will volunteer on volunteer day if it is for the horses and not for beautification of the area.

It is difficult to plan and purchase materials for volunteer days, due to the short time frame (3-4 hours). Many repair projects take more time as well as more volunteers. Lately we had only a handful of volunteers; therefore small projects were a better option (cutting grass, picking up rocks, painting etc).
Question from management to boarders: is moving the turn-out-pens a beautification project or not? It takes about 10 people to move a turn-out pen in the limited time frame of a volunteer day

14) Can we have a tac sale at the Boarders Meetings or Volunteer Day?

Yes

15) Connex – can they be moved if requested to a closer area near boarders stalls?

Connex’s are as close as can be to the boarders. Management does not have the equipment to move the connex’s. Boarders can ask your neighbor to trade connex – then let management know, and re-label.

16) Security Issues – Can boarders put up nanny cams?

Management was told that you CAN'T put up any type of video surveillance but they will check to see if they can post a sign saying this facility is under surveillance.

17) Mounting Block – Can we have it moved to the front of the Brown Arena for all Boarders to use?

You mean the one at stall #82? Management’s understanding is that the mounting block at stall #82 is owned by a boarder (Ms. Rosten).  If that boarder is willing to let us move it to the brown arena we will gladly do so; boarders should approach Ms. Rosten directly if the block belongs to her. There is currently a small black mounting block at the entry of the brown arena. This is also a Make-a-Difference day project.

18) Hitching Post – Would like to see a hitching post near the Brown Arena for all Boarders to use.

Management foresees issues arising with putting up a hitching post at the brown arena.  Are horses being left alone, tied up to the hitching post, when people get their next mount, smoke a cigarette at the picnic area or simply ride one of their other horses in the arena?  Who is responsible for cleaning up behind those horses tied up at the hitching post? We feel this will become a safety issue.

19) Would like to be able to have clinics and if we have clinics can the person giving the clinic bring their own horse to use?

Yes, as long as management has prior knowledge of the event and health documents s prior to arrival of animals, and as long as the clinic stays out side pavement ring; can use the white arena.

20) Want to know if a person can come in and give lessons – like a pony club sponsor, lessons, training, etc?

Boarders sign a release form when they sign for their stalls accepting the responsibility for their guests. A guest can be a vet, ferrier, friend, or instructor etc. However according to sop 35-5 the stable may not be used for commercial purposes or personal gain

21) Would like to know if they can have shooting events – at play-dates?

NO! Safety Issue        

22) Can play-dates be opened to outside guests if they have the proper paperwork for horse(s)?

Yes, as long as management has health documents prior to arrival on all animals and as long as the animals do not cross the pavement ring around the stables.

23) Want to know exactly what can be used if a boarder is to bring a friend with a horse? Want a list items that can be used and a mapped area of where they can ride – wash rack, arena, trail around H&S?

Outside horses need to stay outside the pavement ring and all health documents need to be given to management prior to arrival of animal.

24) Cement stalls – open to the idea but don’t want bars between horses. Feel that this would be a much better way for upkeep of the barn – instead of replacing with wood that just rots away.

If Hunt & Saddle will be rebuilt, there will be cement walls between the stalls and tack rooms with a gap of 12-24 inches at the top for air circulation.

25) Would like to ask H&S (Sportsman Center) to please renew your digging permit.

H&S coordinates digging requirements with DPW.

26) If Rent is going up – what have they done in return? If nothing has been done then rent should not go up – there should be some kind of trade off.

Rent WILL BE going up to $75.00 per horse, the date of this change is not yet known. H&S’s only source of revenue is rent and occasional late fees. Enough money must be generated to make H&S self-supporting (repair materials, labor and improvements) and meet the 8% Army profit standard. H&S is a CAT C MWR facility which does not receive any govt. funding (tax dollars). H&S currently does not meet the standard. Reinvestment (CPMC projects/improvements) into a facility/program is based on Return on Investment, profitability and the number of Soldiers that would benefit.

27) When is the next election? What positions are there? Can spouses run in those positions?

Yes, spouses can run in those positions. The new board will be elected and in place by the new fiscal year. I will ask what all positions are available. The positions are Active duty (Officer), Active duty (Enlisted), Retired, Other (DOD), and At Large.

28) Put up for vote among boarders: Do we want to have every month a set day to have a boarders meeting?

Vote was 12 yes and 2 no. We need to set a date for the meeting to take place.

29) Major Concern - How do they file the complaint against DPW – ICE? What are the procedures?              

You can go to the web site and file a complaint – http://ice.disa.mil

30) Major Concern – Leah Horse – 1st denied, then approved, then denied. People are extremely upset that management is not helping to solve this but instead are making it more difficult to resolve the issue. 

Issued resolved.

Thanks to everyone who showed for the meeting to make a difference!
 

Old Business - Issues from Boarders on 7-29-10
8-8-10

1) Want a parking area in picnic area.

This will be put out for a vote among boarders.

2) Smoking in Vehicles - Why can’t we and how can this be changed?

Per Regulation 470-1 Section 10-5 part a
"10-5 Horse Stables. Applies to private horse stables only
a. There is to be no smoking inside of or within the circumference of the barn's arenas, stalls and driveway."

3) Ditch - can’t see it in road area - Getting filled in?

Already filled in. Issue resolved.

4) Play Dates - why we are not having them?

In order to have playdates or fundays we will need volunteers to do it. If interested please see Jinette and we will work together to have them in the future.

5) Picnic Table - why haven't they been done or when will they get done?

Volunteer day - is on list to be done on volunteer day, do have supplies to do tables. If anyone has the time to volunteer and would like to do them before a volunteer day – Please see John to get the supplies to do the table(s).

6) Cat Fund - Vet sponsoring??

No, we are not sponsored by the post vet. All shots for the cats do come out of the "cat-fund". If anyone would like to sponsor a cat and pay for their vet bill please see Jinette

7) Internet page for Hunt and Saddle - free.

If anyone has a site that is free please give appropriate information to Jinette.

8) Why have names on connex?
This is to make sure everyone with stalls does have connex. If any of them leak or have additional problems, please fill out a work form to have it looked at or replaced if needed.

9) Poisonous Plants - why do some people have them and why haven't they been removed "saying that horses can’t get to them" Lily of Valley.

This plant was never planted due to objections from boarders. If anyone sees this plant please show one of the AC so the issue can be addressed.

10) Arena - Lights not working, lights out, not being dragged, to deep in certain areas.

Work order has been put in for lights. Footing of the arena - there will always be rocks but we are seeking appropriate suggestions to see what can be done to help make the area work for the horses and boarders. Also cant drag arena if equipment is still in there.

11) Roads - can’t get into tack rooms, cant open stalls, no drainage, hugh curb.

Management is aware of the concern - this issue is not an MWR issue this is a DPW issue. A complaint can be made with ICE.

12) Barrels - took barrels and put in white arena, didn't tell anyone - so people who wanted to use them were looking all over the place for them, hiding the barrels from people who want to use them, jumps in the way of barrels, jumps are not being put away.

This issue happened to both Western and English riders the issue here was to see who is using the barrels and to address those individuals on putting them away when finished.

13) By Laws - who is making them up and why are the boarders not being told what changes are being made (for a vote) before they are made - to get the boarders opinion before any changes are being made.

The only change was turning horses out in the brown arena - you must be with your horses when you turn them out in the brown arena. No other changes have been made.

14) Trailers - no ramps to get in and out.

Trailers can be parked so that you can get to them without going over the curb, please contact Alex on an area you can park your trailer until the road is completed. The road is high enough to get trailers over the curbs.

15) Dumpsters - are not near ramps, can’t get wheel barrels up ramps due to plywood not even with ground and wheel barrel tires being low to the ground. Can this get fixed?

Management is aware of this - a new driver who did not know - has been contacted. They are also in the process of redoing the dumpsters so that the drivers have to pull the dumpster out before lifting it, dump them, and then put them back under the edge of the dumpster.

16) Round Pen - is it done (in front of brown arena), needs more sand, lower boards so that we don’t lose sand.

Yes, round pen is done; sand is in there, it was voted that the boards stay the way they are because the round pen can’t be dragged with the boards down.

17) Complaining to Morgan and Tanya about the picnic area - they are not the only ones who use it or smoke there.

At the time of the day they are the only ones seen there and thought if they were told they would spread the word to the others that Alex does not see throughout the day.

18) Stalls not getting cleaned and not getting written up, but others are getting written up (feel like being picked on)

Alex is not out here all day but if you are concerned then you need to write it up and submit it to management so the issue can be addressed. Another point on this although you may not have been present the owner of the stall may have cleaned the stall - you just may not have seen this.

19) Quarantine - Still have to go through it?

Yes.

20) Why did some horse not go through quarantine? Goose met with the owners at Hunt and Saddle. (Post to Post??)

As far as management knows this was a post to post transfer.

21) Rotation of horses - even though you have the 90 day in and out - why is someone able to bring in different horses to their stalls when only 1 horse is suppose to be assigned to 1 stall at all times?

This is a regulation that has been manipulated to that persons own use, and is within the regulation.

22) Boarders Meetings - they feel is a joke because nothing that the boarders suggest get done, it seems like no one listens to the boarders. The board does what they want thinking it is what the boarders want but the board members do not let the boarders know until "whatever" is done - like the planters - they feel this was a waste of time - what boarders did they ask about this?? Where was the vote on this?? Minutes from the board meeting are not being provided to the boarders to keep them aware of what is taking place at the meetings.

The new fiscal year will be starting soon and the board will have several open positions if anyone is interested in applying for a position, please let Alex know if you are interested. In order to have change the board needs to have YOUR opinion - if you don’t let us know we can’t help resolve any issues. Your opinion can be heard at the boarders meetings. Jinette is also looking at when she finds a website, posting the minutes there for everyone to view.

23) Is rent going up? If so why?

Yes, rent is going up to $65.00, due to inflation and so on.

24) Cover over picnic area.

Put a vote out to all boarders on putting up something like a gazebo - this would be done only by volunteers on a day that the volunteers can do it. Supplies would have to be donated. Some supplies might come from Management - Alex is checking on this. If anyone has gazebo plans please get with Travis.
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