The Eastern Sandoval Citizens Association held its monthly board meeting on Monday, October 6, 2014. Board members attending were: Bob Gorrell, Chris Daul, Ed Majka, Orin Safier, Tony Hull, and Lynn Koch. Also attending the meeting were: Steve Vaughn, Marsha Masden and Scott Stevens.
The board discussed the standing committee reports. Below are the highlights of those reports and discussions.
Treasurer’s Report. Orin noted that a number of membership dues payments have been received recently and attributed this to the continued high visibility of ES-CA through events and other activities.
Land Use Planning Trust: Steve Vaughn presented a written report which noted that two contamination issues are present: arsenic in water and dust particulates. NM Environment Department is looking into both issues. LPT is preparing a motion to intervene in the pending lawsuit between the County and Lafarge and will make a decision soon as to whether to intervene. LPT continues to fundraise to cover the costs of anticipated litigation.
Membership Committee: Chris noted that ES-CA board members should attend HOA annual meetings to discuss ES-CA and the benefits of joining. Chris, Ed and Jerry will follow-up on this project. Chris will attend a Ranchos HOA meeting on 10/18.
Political/legal Committee: Ed reported the following:
ESCAFCA is proposing bonds totaling $2.2 million that will be voted upon by residents of Bernalillo and Algodones. Fisher Sand and Gravel is still looking to be annexed by the Town of Bernalillo. Chris noted that he had discussed the proposed annexation application with Fisher’s representative and that no proposal has been submitted to the Town at this time. Ed noted the comprehensive article in the Signpost about the four bond issues that are on the November ballot. The hospital tax will be up re renewal in 2016. Ed suggested that ES-CA begin examining the pros and cons beginning next year. Chris suggested that both hospitals should be contacted and asked to make presentations to ES-CA.
Among the old business on the agenda were the following items:
At-Large Director Elections: Susan Fullas, Bob Gorrell and Lynn Koch are running for the three seats. Orin will send ballots out to ES-CA members by October 15. He will also send out membership renewal notices.
I-25/550/165 Interchange: Bob noted that we had received the final draft of the report from Souder Miller. Some positive changes are proposed. However, the lost acceleration lane is not proposed. The full report has been sent to all board members.
Candidate Forum: The candidate forum was a great success and thanks go to Ed Majka for putting it together and serving as moderator. We will do another one in two years and look to work with other local groups as well as the Placitas Library Association.
Member Appreciation Party: This was also a success as we had good attendance and attracted new members.
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ES-CA Statement of Support: ES-CA has sent its Statement of Support, which lists the conditions we would like to see imposed on the Buffalo Tract of the BLM land, when it is disposed of, to Santa Ana Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo and the Land Grant. We are also making sure it is sent to our Congressional Delegation. The Land Grant is holding a public presentation of their plan on October 11 and Tony Hull will attend or will send a representative. Santa Ana is doing another public presentation of their plan on October 25. Bob will send them a letter noting that we have already attended one of their presentations and that we would like a written copy of their proposal.
New business discussed included:
Gravel Mining Legislation
Increase County’s Administrative Authority: Legislation is being drafted that would allow counties to fine an entity up to $10,000 per day for a zoning violation. We will need to work with the Legislature to get this introduced and passes.
Expand coverage of Mining Act: The Sierra Club has indicated that they would support legislation that would expand the coverage of the NM Mining Statute to include gravel mines in excess of 5 acres.
All members are encouraged to attend the ES-CA board meetings which usually take place on the first Monday of each month, beginning at 6:30 pm at La Puerta Realty on Rt. 165. Please check the Forum to see if meeting dates have been changed. You are also encouraged to attend the Political/Legal Committee meetings which are usually held on the last Monday of each month, beginning at 6:30 pm at the Library.