The ES-CA Board met on Monday, April 4, 2016. In attendance were board members: John McNerney (JM); Susan Fullas (SF); Bob Gorrell (BG); and Chris Daul (CD). A quorum was reached. Lynn Koch (LK) and Jerry Saxton (JS) arrived later. A number of members and residents were in attendance as well.
Jamie Silva-Steele, President and CEO of Sandoval Regional Medical Center made a presentation about the hospital and distributed information to board members.
Of concern to the board and residents of the area is the mil levy on property which helps to fund both SRMC and RUST Medical Center. SRMC is part to the University of New Mexico Health System and RUST is part of the Presbyterian Health System. Both hospitals are located in Rio Rancho and currently receive monies equaling a 4.25 mil levy. Ms. Silva Steele noted that RUST receives approximately 55% of the proceeds from the tax and SRMC receives approximately 45%. This discrepancy was questioned by the board.
Ms. Silva-Steele also noted that the current levy is necessary for current operating expenses and that any lowering of the rate or elimination of the tax would have a negative financial impact upon SRMC. She also stated that SRMC was not in favor of any increase in the rate.
The written materials provided an overview of the hospital services, costs, patient data, etc. SRMC is preparing a strategic plan which should be released this May.
The board asked numerous questions about vacancy rates and how to increase use of the facility. Ms. Silva-Steele stated that she and the CEO of RUST would be willing to make a joint presentation to the Placitas community later this year. The Board will follow-up.
Monthlyreports were given as follows:
a. Treasurer’s Report: SF reported that ES-CA had a balance of $19,002.00 on 3.31.16, which reflected membership dues of $686.00 in March, interest of $0.81 and expenses of $915.79 (Insurance cost of $596.00 and road signs – $319.79). SF filed the yearly corporate report with the NM SOS and sent information to the accountant to file the Federal 990-N form for 2015.
SF reported that the LPT had a balance of $42,659.18 on 3.31.16.
b. Membership: JS reported that there are currently 144 sustaining members. He distributed information about non-renewing members and the board will follow-up with phone calls to individuals listed.
c. Communications: CD reported that the Signpost had an article by ES-CA in the April edition. CD arranged for EM to make a brief presentation at the Placitas Chamber of Commerce meet and greet on April 21. CD drafted a letter to the editor in response to an article in the Abq. Journal about the drilling application. ED to submit revised letter.
d. IT: Tony Pellechio reported that the data base is being worked on and that Kathy Kitts will be taking over most of the work.
e. Watchdogs: There was no report.
f. Political/Legal: JM reported that he had met with Jason Montoya of the NM PRC to discuss the pipeline issue. JM will utilize Montoya to access Federal records and information pertaining to the safety plans of the pipeline companies.
EM reported that he had met with Dwight Patterson about his proposed pipeline monitoring plan. At this time, there is no plan to put any issue to a vote of the public.
g. LPT: Dick Ulmer reported that both Vulcan and Cal Mat have been added as defendants to the County’s lawsuit against Lafarge. We are still waiting for the judge to rule on joining the LPT as a party to the suit.
Current issues discussed included:
County Ordinance/Moratorium on Drilling: BG and Al Friedman reported. It was noted that the moratorium is not on the agenda for the County Commission meeting of April 7. CD to follow-up with Commissioner James Dominguez. BG has offered his assistance to the County in the drafting of an ordinance.
As an update, the County Commission did not discuss a moratorium at its meeting of April 7, since only Commissioners Dominguez and Scherzinger asked for it to be on the agenda.
BLM/RMP: CD reported that he believes the plan will not be issued until the summer. There was no other information at this time.
ESCAFCA: EM reported that the Fisher retention basin was almost complete but that ESCAFCA reported that it is low on funding at this time.
Issues Needing Attention
h. Calendar of Events for 2016: EM reported that the candidates’ forum is scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2-4 pm, at the Placitas Community/Senior Center. The Membership Appreciation event is scheduled for October 16, 3-5 pm at the Placitas Library. The Annual Meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2-4 pm at the Anasazi Winery.
i. Hospital Bonds: This item was discussed under the presentation by Jamie Silva-Steele.
j. US 550 Corridor Project: There was nothing new to report. CD to meet with Jack Torres, Bernalillo Mayor, to discuss.
Next ES-CA Board Meeting
The next ES-CA Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 2, 2016, beginning at 6:30 pm at the Placitas Fires Station.
Upcoming Events
k. The Highway Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 23.