Update on EQC meeting and legislation

Hi All

Just a quick note that we are NOT presenting at the EQC meeting next week. We have been advised by Sen. Tutvedt to try to meet with the beneficiaries (MonTrust in particular) to try to reach some consensus about our proposed legislation instead. We are trying to pull together a meeting for next week to discuss with the our open bid concept, which would include protections for leaseholders, including insuring the value of our improvements, only putting vacant leases or those leaseholders want to vacate into the bid pool, and a provision to allow us to match the highest bid (if we’re required to go to bid at renewal.) I know some of you are concerned about a bidding process – we are well aware of those concerns and would only pursue a bid process if those are taken into account. Unfortunately, there just isn’t any other method to calculate market-based fees that will hold water, so if we want the system to operate any differently than it currently does, this is our shot.

So, no need to drive to Helena for the EQC meeting at this time. (We’ll probably present to them in July and will want a good showing then.)

However, DO plan to attend the Land Board meeting on May 17. I’ll send out a postcard with an update prior to that meeting so everyone is informed.

Thanks,

Lisa Owens