EASTERN SANDOVAL CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
Board Meeting Minutes
14 October 2024
4:00 PM
A. Call to order. President George Franzen called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm.
B. Roll Call. Directors present, representing a quorum: George Franzen, Wayne Gaede, Gary Madee, Phil Messuri, Rich Reif, Jacques Ramey, and Jean Roberts. Myron Temchin and Jim Harre were absent, due to a family emergency and travel respectively.
C. Minutes: Minutes from the September meeting were approved.
D. Introduction of Guests: Mary-Rose de Valladares, Chair of the Land Protection Trust; Bob Gorrell.
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 $6,478.94. Income included $550 in dues and $0.02 interest. Expenses totaled $831.81. At US Eagle, ESCA had a balance at the end of last month of $36,546.91. Income included $0.04 in interest on the savings account and $131.31 on the CD, and no expenses. The total of ESCA’s accounts at both institutions was $43,025.85.
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 $31,350.26. Income for the month was $0.04 in interest on the savings account, $112.55 in interest on the CD, and no expenses. The total of LPT’s accounts at both institutions was $33,653.16.
2. IT Report: Jim Harre reported by email that ESCA has 46 standard members and 54 joint members, for a total of 110 votes.
3. Buffalo Tract Report: In Myron’s absence, Mary-Rose reported that he has distributed a request for proposals (RFP) and is following up with several consultants who responded. Las Placitas Association, Myron, and Mary-Rose are working together to determine how to take into consideration a new BLM conservation rule, which may require an RFP amendment that would add an environmental assessment to the scope of work. The conservation rule has not been well defined yet.
4. Buffalo Tract RMP and Legislation: Mary-Rose reported that the Governor’s office is planning to comment on the BLM’s Resource Management Plan. Some local pueblos are asking to meet with the BLM, and they have the comments submitted by ESCA and Las Placitas Association. Mary-Rose also provided our comments to Sandoval County officials. On legislation, Congress is in recess.
F. Old Business:
1. Election of Board Officers: Jim Harre reported by email that all board members up for re-election were elected by a wide margin. –CLOSED
2. ESCA Annual Meeting: George reported that Sandy Johnson of Las Placitas Association will speak about Buffalo Tract developments. Gary Madee contacted Forest Service personnel, one or more of whom will attend and speak. George will also ask Ron Overley to ask for a speaker from Vulcan Mine to address what will happen in September 2026. –OPEN—George, Board
3. Donations and Administrative Cost: Wayne confirmed that he sent the $1,000 check to the Placitas Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization. Wayne moved that we donate $300 each to KUPR and Casa Rosa, and an administrative payment of $600 to Placitas Community Library. Rich seconded the motion. The motion passed. –OPEN – Board
4. Adopt-A-Highway: Phil Messuri reminded the board that this effort is scheduled for Oct. 26, 9am. He is sending a second reminder to members, and he has requested safety vests from NMDOT. –OPEN – Phil
5. Letter Concerning Recommendations to County on Vulcan Reclamation: George reported that he and Myron Temchin are recommending that Mt. Adams hire an independent, third-party quality assurance company that can assure that they are following Federal and State reclamation rules. George provided a letter, which would be sent to the Sandoval County manager and lawyer, the County Commission chair, Commissioner Katherine Bruch, and Mt. Adams. Rich moved that we send this letter, and Wayne seconded the motion. The motion passed.
G. New Business:
1. Abandoned Pipeline Material on Buffalo Tract: Phil reported that the pipeline company has removed leftover materials on the Buffalo Tract. –CLOSED
H. Open Discussion:
1. Signpost article: George will check with Sandy Johnson to learn how Las Placitas Association has been successful in submitting articles to the Signpost. – OPEN—George
I. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:02 pm.
Next meeting: 4 pm, November 17, 2024, at the Placitas Community Library.