EASTERN SANDOVAL CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

Board Meeting Minutes

12 August 2024

4:00 PM

A. Call to order. President George Franzen called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.

B. Roll Call. Directors present, representing a quorum: George Franzen, Wayne Gaede, Jim Harre, Phil Messuri, Jacques Ramey, Rich Reif, and Jean Roberts. Gary Madee and Myron Temchin were absent.

C. Minutes: Minutes from the July meeting were approved.

D. Introduction of Guests: LPT Chair Mary-Rose Valladares, County Commissioner Katherine Bruch, Judy Labovitz, Vicki Gottlieb, and Lance Voss.

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 $5,277.63. Income included $225 in dues and $0.02 interest. Expenses were $7.73 for credit card fees. At US Eagle, ESCA had a balance at the end of last month of $36,280.33. Income included $0.04 in interest on the savings account and $134.68 on the CD, and no expenses. The total of ESCA’s accounts at both institutions was $41,557.96.

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 $31,121.76. Income for the month was $0.04 in interest on the savings account, $115.44 in interest on the CD, and no expenses. The total of LPT’s accounts at both institutions was $33,424.66.

2. IT Report: Jim Harre reported that ESCA has 48 standard members and 32 joint members, for a total of 112 votes.

3. LPT Report: Mary-Rose reported that the BLM’s Resource Management Plan (RMP) was released August 12, comprising four volumes. The withdrawal of the Buffalo Tract from mining will need to be added once the withdrawal period is completed. Mary-Rose is working with Las Placitas Association to review the RMP. The withdrawal period provides for a 30-day period for any public protest, which ends September 8 and will need to be in writing. The Governor of New Mexico will have 60 days to approve or disapprove the RMP.

In an email to the Board, Myron Temchin reported that Las Placitas Association has signed the New Mexico Economic Development grant, with regard to the Buffalo Tract. An organizational meeting was held on August 8, which included steps to hire an environmental consultant.

 4. Fuel Reduction Project USFS Report: George reported that the Forest Service is required to acquire reports from a broad range of agencies to determine the implications of their plans to reduce the chances of a fire. Funding, timing, and the method of fuel reduction will then be determined. Gary Madee is attempting to set up a meeting with USFS, preferably with the entire community.

 5. Status of the Buffalo Tract Grant: George reported that Las Placitas Association is ready to sign the paperwork for the grant, and at their request, George provided a letter to explain ESCA’s role in working with LPA.

 F. Old Business:

1. Communication With Members: George asked Jean to gather information about community events each month that Jim can send out to the ESCA membership. OPEN—Jean, Jim.

2. ESCA Bylaws Changes: George confirmed that the bylaws change has been completed. Rich Reif will research whether the bylaws need to be submitted to the State of New Mexico. OPEN-Rich

3. Motion by Gary Madee on Sandia Fuel Reduction Project: George reported that the motion asking the USFS to consider lessons learned in previous New Mexico fires was approved by the board and submitted to the USFS. CLOSED

4. Vulcan Recommended Drainage Change: ESCA is recommending that the agreement to end mining and reclaim the land not be reopened. A letter to this effect was sent to the County. ESCA has not received a plan, and Commissioner Bruch noted that the County has not received a plan, either. She also commented that Vulcan’s recommendation is still tentative, but that Placitas has flood control problems and may want to organize to address this in the future. Resident Lance Voss expressed concern that Vulcan and Mount Adams have not divulged plans for the future of the land. Mary-Rose commented that Planning and Zoning has no plans to amend the Placitas master plan, which would be a major undertaking. CLOSED

5. E-Bikes in ABQ Open Space: Jean reported that the Albuquerque City Council met on August 5 to consider the E-bike ordinance, which passed in an 8 to 1 vote. ESCA provided a letter to each member of the council asking that they vote against the ordinance. The letter was included in a packet put together by a coalition of Albuquerque organizations opposing the ordinance. CLOSED

G. New Business:

1. Pipeline Work on the Buffalo Tract: George reported that the new pipeline will be installed and buried but the old pipeline will not be removed. CLOSED

2. Election of Board Office: George reported that each of the board members whose terms are ending have agreed to continue. We will discuss the election at the next meeting. OPEN

H. Open Discussion:

1. Signpost article: No article needed at this time.

2. Jardineros donation: Wayne noted that we have received a $1,000 donation from Jardineros, and we need to provide a response with how the money helped us perform our mission.

I. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 pm.

  Next meeting: 4 pm, September 9, 2024, at the Placitas Community Library.

ESCA MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO ATTEND THE ESCA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

EASTERN SANDOVAL CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

Board Meeting Agenda
12 Aug 2024
4:00 PM

1. Call to order

2. Roll Call

3. Acceptance of minutes

4. Introduction of Guests

 5. MONTHLY REPORT

A. Treasurer’s Report – Wayne

B. IT Report – Jim

C. Fuel Reduction Project USFS Report, Washington report – George – Mary Rose

D. Status of the Buffalo Tract Grant- Myron

 6. OLD BUSINESS

A. Best way and what to communicate with Members – Board

B. Documentation of changes to the ESCA’s Bylaws – Rich – George – Wayne

C. Motion by Gary Madee on Sandia Fuel Reduction Project – George

D. Vulcan Recommended Drainage Plan change for gravel mine reclamation – George

E. The E- Bike on the ABQ Open Space, City of ABQ Ordinance – Jean – George

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Pipeline work on the Buffalo Tract – George

B. Election of Board Office – George

 8. OPEN DISCUSSION

 9. Article for Signpost – Board

10. Adjournment

Next meeting 9 September 2024 at the Placitas Library in person 4:00PM

Join Zoom Meeting:

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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.

ESCA MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO ATTEND THE
ESCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

EASTERN SANDOVAL CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
Board Meeting Agenda
8 July 2024
4:00 PM
ZOOM Meeting Only

1. Call to order

2. Roll Call

3. Acceptance of minutes

4. Introduction of Guests

5. MONTHLY REPORT
    A. Treasurer’s Report – Wayne
B. IT Report – Jim
C. Fuel Reduction Project USFS Meeting Report – George – Mary Rose
D. Status of the Buffalo Tract Grant- Myron

 6. OLD BUSINESS
    A. Best way and what to communicate with Members – Board
B. Documentation of changes to the ESCA’s Bylaws – Rich – George – Wayne
C. Vulcan reclaiming the land as Vulcan concludes its’ mining. – Myron
D. Motion by Gary Madee on Sandia Fuel Reduction Project – George

7. NEW BUSINESS
    A. Vulcan Recommended Drainage Plan change for gravel mine reclamation – George

 8. OPEN DISCUSSION

 9. Article for Signpost – Board

10. Adjournment

Next meeting 12 August 2024 at the Placitas Library 4:00PM

George Franzen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: ESCA Board Meeting 8th of July, 4:00PM Agenda and Zoom Invite
Time: Jul 8, 2024, 04:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting

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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.

EASTERN SANDOVAL CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
Board Meeting Minutes
13 May 2024
4:00 PM

 A. Call to order. President George Franzen called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm at the Placitas Community Library.               

B. Roll Call. All Directors were present, representing a quorum: George Franzen, Wayne Gaede, Jim Harre, Gary Madee, Phil Messuri, Rich Reif, Jacques Ramey, Jean Roberts, Myron Temchin. 

C. Minutes: Minutes from the April meeting were approved. 

D. Introduction of Guests: None 

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 $6,148.53. Income included $175 in dues and $0.02 interest. Expenses included credit card fees of $4.23. At US Eagle, ESCA had a balance at the end of last month of $35,881.98. Income included $0.03 in interest on the savings account and $128.91 on the CD, and no expenses. The total of ESCA’s accounts at both institutions was $42,030.51.

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 $30,780.30. Income for the month was $0.03 in interest on the savings account, $110.49 in interest on the CD, and no expenses. The total of LPT’s accounts at both institutions was $33,083.20.

Wayne also reported that Karen Cox has reviewed ESCA’s financial records and found everything in order.

Wayne also reported that he filed our annual registration with the State of New Mexico and renewed ESCA’s membership in the Placitas Chamber of Commerce.

 2. IT Report: Jim Harre reported three membership renewals. ESCA has 47 standard members and 33 joint members, for a total of 113 votes. Jim also worked with Mail Chimp, which was updating its systems, and recent ESCA emails to the membership have been sent successfully.

3. Land Protection Trust (LPT) Report: LPT Chair Mary-Rose de Valladares was away and will provide a report at the next meeting.

4. Status of the Buffalo Tract: Myron reported that Las Placitas Association (LPA) was awarded a $100,000 grant, although details of the use and management need to be worked out. Myron, Mary-Rose, and George are working with LPA to put together a plan for how the grant will be used. The plan will need to be approved and incorporated into the Bureau of Land Management’s Resource Management Plan. George also noted that we need to review details of our insurance coverage with regard to work on the grant.

 F. Old Business:

1. Adopt-A-Highway: Phil reported a successful road cleanup in April. The next cleanup will be October 26. CLOSED.

G. New Business:

1. Communications With Members: The Board discussed the potential content and frequency of communications to members. In particular, we will communicate information about the Buffalo Tract grant to ESCA members, once more details are worked out. We could also provide a periodic report or annual report of accomplishments and projects underway. We will continue to discuss at the next meeting. OPEN — Board

2. ESCA Bylaws Changes: George and Rich will meet to discuss having the bylaws change notarized as required. OPEN—Rich, George

3. June 1 Placitas Appreciation Day: Gary Madee and Jim Harre agreed to volunteer with George at the ESCA table. CLOSED

H. Open Discussion:

1. Vulcan Mine: The Board discussed Myron’s preliminary review of Vulcan’s compliance with the agreement between Sandoval County and owner Mt. Adams. . OPEN—Myron, Board.

2. Zoom Meetings: Rich Reif moved that ESCA meet via Zoom in June and July. Jim seconded the motion, and the motion passed. CLOSED

3. Signpost article: No article needed at this time.

4. ESCA Board Contact Information: Gary asked about ESCA email addresses for board members rather than using our personal emails. Discussion tabled until next month. –OPEN

5. Controlled Burn Issue: Gary asked whether ESCA had a position on this issue. Discussion tabled until next meeting. OPEN

I. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 pm.

  Next meeting: 5:23 pm, June 10, 2024, via Zoom.

ESCA MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO ATTEND THE ESCA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

EASTERN SANDOVAL CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
Board Meeting Agenda
10 June 2024
4:00 PM
ZOOM Meeting Only (see link below)

1. Call to order

2. Roll Call

3. Acceptance of minutes

4. Introduction of Guests

5. MONTHLY REPORT
A. Treasurer’s Report – Wayne
B. IT Report – Jim
C. LPT Report – George – Mary Rose
D. Status of the Buffalo Tract – Myron

6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Best way and what to communicate with Members – Board
B. Documentation of changes to the ESCA’s Bylaws – Rich – George – Wayne

7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Vulcan reclaiming the land as Vulcan concludes its’ mining. – Myron – George
B. ESCA Board members email addresses. – Jim – Gary
C. Information on control burns, pros and cons. – Myron – Gary

8. OPEN DISCUSSION

9. Article for Signpost – Board

10. Adjournment
Next meeting 8 July 2024 Zoom from wherever you are 4:00PM

Join Zoom Meeting
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ESCA MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO ATTEND THE ESCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
EASTERN SANDOVAL CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
Board Meeting Agenda
8 January 2023
4:00 PM
Placitas Community Library

1. Call to order

2. Roll Call

3. Acceptance of minutes

4. Introduction of Guests

5. MONTHLY REPORT
A. Treasurer’s Report – Wayne
B. IT Report – Jim
C. LPT Report – George – Mary Rose

6. OLD BUSINESS
Buffalo Tract Withdrawal and beyond – Board

7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of Phil Messuri as New ESCA Board Member “At Large” – Board
B. District Directors function on the ESCA Board of Directors – Board
C. Zoom Meeting for monthly Board meeting – Board.

8.OPEN DISCUSSION

9. Article for Signpost – Board

10. Adjournment

Next meeting 12 February 2024, Placitas Community Library AT 4:00PM

George Franzen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: ESCA Board 8 Jan 4:00pm, Placitas Library, Agenda and zoom invite
Time: Jan 8, 2024 04:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 815 6217 5234
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ESCA MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO ATTEND THE ESCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

EASTERN SANDOVAL CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

Board Meeting Agenda
11 September 2023
4:00 PM
Placitas Community Library

 1. Call to order

2. Roll Call

3. Acceptance of minutes

4. Introduction of Guests

5. MONTHLY REPORT

A. Treasurer’s Report – Wayne

B. IT Report – Jim

C. LPT Report – George

6. OLD BUSINESS

ESCA and LPA Placitas mailing supporting Buffalo tract withdrawal – George

 7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Support for the PTO of the Placitas Elementary School – George

B. ANNUAL MEETING 8 OCT 2023, 2-6PM, PLACITAS LIBRARY – BOARD

 8. OPEN DISCUSSION

Article for Signpost – Board

 9. Adjournment

Next meeting 9 October 2023, Placitas Community Library AT 4:00PM

ESCA MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO ATTEND
THE ESCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

EASTERN SANDOVAL CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
Board Meeting Agenda
14 August 2023
4:00 PM
Placitas Community Library

1. Call to order

2. Roll Call

3. Acceptance of minutes

4. Introduction of Guests

5. MONTHLY REPORT
A. Treasurer’s Report – Wayne
B. IT Report – Jim
C. LPT Report – Mary Rose -BLM zoom meeting.
D. Report on SRMC – Erica

6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Transferring ESCA funds to a new financial institution – Jim, Wayne and Board
B. Non-renewal members status – District Directors
C. ESCA and LPA Placitas mailing supporting Buffalo tract withdrawal – George

7. NEW BUSINESS

8. OPEN DISCUSSION
Article for Signpost – Board

9. Adjournment
Next meeting 11 September 2023, Placitas Community Library AT 4:00 PM