EASTERN SANDOVAL CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
Board Meeting Minutes
8 July 2024
4:00 PM
A. Call to order. President George Franzen called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm via Zoom.
B. Roll Call. Directors present, representing a quorum: George Franzen, Wayne Gaede, Jim Harre, Phil Messuri, Rich Reif, and Jean Roberts. Gary Madee, Jacques Ramey, and Myron Temchin were absent.
C. Minutes: Minutes from the June meeting were approved.
D. Introduction of Guests: Chris Daul, Bob Gorrell, and Lance Voss. Makayla Roberts of the Garrity Group, representing Vulcan mine owner Mt. Adams, noted that she was in attendance to listen to the discussion and provide feedback to Mt. Adams.
E. Monthly Reports
1. Treasurer’s Report: Wayne Gaede reported a balance for ESCA in US Bank as of the end of last month of $5,060.34. Income included $375 in dues and $0.02 interest. Expenses of $973.73 included credit card fees, D&O insurance renewal, and Post Office box renewal. At US Eagle, ESCA had a balance at the end of last month of $36,145.61. Income included $0.03 in interest on the savings account and $129.86 on the CD, and no expenses. The total of ESCA’s accounts at both institutions was $41,205.95.
The US Bank balance for LPT as of last month was $2,302.90, with no income or expenses for the month. The US Eagle account balance for LPT at the end of last month was $30,835.94. Income for the month was $0.03 in interest on the savings account, $111.31 in interest on the CD, and no expenses. The total of LPT’s accounts at both institutions was $31,006.28.
Wayne confirmed that he plans to instruct the credit card company to reject charges for the Microsoft subscription, which we no longer have and have been unable to contact them.
2. IT Report: Jim Harre reported that ESCA has 47 standard members and 37 joint members, for a total of 111 votes.
3. Fuel Reduction Project/USFS Meeting Report: George reported that last month, Myron Temchin gave a presentation to the District head of the Forest Service and other USFS officials. George also reviewed the lengthy Forest Service process that will take place before any decisions are made regarding fuel reduction and a proposed controlled burn in the Placitas area. The process includes an opportunity for community input, and he noted that the USFS is still in the early planning stages of this project.
4. Land Protection Trust (LPT) Report: LPT Chair Mary-Rose de Valladares was unable to attend but provided an email report. She has met in person with Subcommittee clerks on both sides of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to urge inclusion of the Buffalo Tract in any 2024 land use package. She is also reviewing the final draft of the proposed Las Placitas Association contract with State and Federal authorities.
F. Old Business:
1. Communication With Members: Discussion delayed until the next meeting. — OPEN.
2. ESCA Bylaws Changes: George and Rich are making final adjustments before submitting the changes to the State, so that the bylaws change can be notarized and reported as required. OPEN—Rich, George, Wayne
3. Vulcan Land Reclamation: After discussion of Vulcan’s plan, Board members agreed that we do not have the expertise to assess the effects of the changes on water flowing to, under, and beyond I-25, and that Sandoval County should be involved in the issue. Phil volunteered to draft a motion for email vote. OPEN—Phil
4. Controlled Burn Issue: George noted that the motion drafted by Gary Madee urging the USFS to use lessons learned in previous controlled burns was approved in an email vote. CLOSED
G. New Business:
1. Albuquerque Open Space Vote on E-Bike Access: George asked that Jean resend the proposed ordinance to the board. Jean noted that the Albuquerque City Council vote on this ordinance will take place August 5. George will contact Sandy Johnson to learn where LPA stands on this issue, which would affect e-bike usage on the Buffalo Tract. Bob Gorrell suggested contacting ESCAFA as well. —OPEN—Jean, George
H. Open Discussion:
1. Signpost article: No article needed at this time.
2. Pipeline Work in Placitas: Phil volunteered to track this issue for ESCA. Repair work is currently underway on the Buffalo Tract north of Sundance Mesa and La Mesa.
I. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:16 pm.
Next meeting: 4 pm, August 12, 2024, at the Placitas Community Library.