EASTERN SANDOVAL CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
Board Meeting Minutes
10 June 2024
4:00 PM
A. Call to order. President George Franzen called the meeting to order at 4:04 pm at the Placitas Community Library.
B. Roll Call. Directors were present, representing a quorum: George Franzen, Wayne Gaede, Jim Harre, Gary Madee, Phil Messuri, Rich Reif, Jean Roberts, and Myron Temchin. Jacques Ramey was absent.
C. Minutes: Minutes from the May meeting were approved.
D. Introduction of Guests: Mary-Rose de Valladares, Chair of the Land Protection Trust (LPT).
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 $5,659.05. Income included $125 in dues and $0.02 interest. Expenses of $614.50 included credit card fees, insurance renewal, Placitas Chamber of Commerce membership renewal, Akismet spam protection renewal, and Microsoft subscription renewal. At US Eagle, ESCA had a balance at the end of last month of $36,015.72. Income included $0.04 in interest on the savings account and $133.70 on the CD, and no expenses. The total of ESCA’s accounts at both institutions was $41,674.77.
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 $30,894.94. Income for the month was $0.04 in interest on the savings account, $114.60 in interest on the CD, and no expenses. The total of LPT’s accounts at both institutions was $33,197.84.
Wayne reported 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. He has also paid the post office box fee and will work on an insurance payment that is due.
2. IT Report: Jim Harre reported one membership renewals since the last meeting. ESCA has 46 standard members and 32 joint members, for a total of 110 votes.
3. Land Protection Trust (LPT) Report: LPT Chair Mary-Rose de Valladares noted that we might have an opportunity to include legislation to permanently withdraw the Buffalo Tract from gravel mining in a land bill bundle that Congress would consider later this year. She will report more in future meetings.
4. Status of the Buffalo Tract: Myron reported that an initial draft plan is ready, but until the grant is resolved, no further movement can happen other than preparatory tasks such as identifying an environmental expert.
F. Old Business:
1. Communication With Members: The Board discussed how often and what to communicate to ESCA members. Ideas included updates on the Buffalo Tract grant; County Commission and Planning and Zoning meeting agendas; links to information and events at community organizations, such as the library, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Senior Center; and nuggets from the ESCA minutes. We will continue to discuss at the next meeting. — OPEN.
2. ESCA Bylaws Changes: George will review drafts sent by Rich, so that the bylaws change can be notarized and reported as required. OPEN—Rich, George, Wayne
3. Controlled Burn Issue: The Board discussed this issue at length, based on research and comments provided by Myron and Gary. Gary and Myron will draft comments to be reviewed by the board for potential submission to the US Forest Service. George will contact Sandy Johnson to learn whether the Las Placitas Association plans to respond to the USFS. –OPEN-Gary, Myron, George.
G. New Business:
1. Vulcan Land Reclamation: Myron will research State regulations on reclaiming land to learn what rules apply to Mt. Adams as the owner leasing land to Vulcan. This understanding will allow ESCA to inform members of what to expect as Vulcan ends operations.—OPEN–Myron
2. ESCA Board Members’ Email Addresses: The Board discussed various methods for establishing email addresses for Board members who do not want to use their personal emails for ESCA business. The Board agreed that any change to contact information will be voluntary.–CLOSED
H. Open Discussion:
1. Signpost article: No article needed at this time.
I. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:56 pm.
Next meeting: 4 pm, July 8, 2024, via Zoom.