EAST GATEWAY COALITION MEETING MINUTES 4/22/2010

The meeting of the East Gateway Coalition was called to order at 6:45 on April 22, 2010, by President Roger Mickelson.
Roger introduced guests: Antonio Sandoval (representing U.S. Rep. Heinrich), NM Legislature Representative Jim White; Michael Brasher, Bernalillo County Commissioner; Steve Sink and LT Todd Hudson, APD; David Robbins, APS; and Lenton Malry, Bernalillo County Manager’s office.
Steve Sink, who is the Crime Prevention Manager at APD, stated that one of the most important things to keep in mind is we are each in control of our own personal safety, and we control our own environment. He stressed that it is important to always remember the non-emergency phone number to call is 242-cops.
It is necessary to always use our “gut instinct” about what is going on around us. If something does not look or feel right, it probably is NOT right. He stressed that women should not carry a purse. Make a small packet and carry it on your person. Never carry more than one credit card.
He noted that there have been many cars stolen this year as on cold mornings people go out and start their car to let it warm up and go back into their home…..the car is gone within seconds. APD will etch VIN numbers on your vehicle, usually on the last Saturday of the month from 10 am until 2 pm at various locations around the city. Call 311 the week before to find the location for the event. The next VIN event is in the Target parking lot (Lomas, east of Eubank) on May 22, a week earlier than normal to accommodate the May 30 holiday weekend. You can usually find the location listed in the newspaper (or call your local APD office). If carrying your certificate of registration in your car (as required by law) he suggests making a copy of the certificate (and sign the copy) and carrying that instead.
Mr. Sink had many other suggestions about how to make your home safe, handling solicitors, home invasion, and panhandlers.
Mr. Sandoval reported that Rep. Heinrich had been working on various legislation relative to veterans’ affairs (and offered copies of a “Veteran’s Resource Guide”); tax credits for purchase of a new home; “Hire Act” breaks for small businesses; and the American Recovery Act.
Mr. David Robbins, APS Board Member, noted that the board of directors had been working very diligently on the 2011 budget. He noted that the school district has dozens of different funds, of which some are restricted as to how they may be utilized. The primary operating monies come from the state. Capital funds may not be spent for operating expenses.
A couple of year ago staff had “found” $8 million, and bonuses and raises were given to personnel, as well as monies directed to the athletics programs. This same $8 million mistake was repeated the following year. It was later discovered that these monies were not “restricted” and, thus could be recouped and replaced. With lower revenues and higher expenditures, APS now has a $43 million shortfall for the fiscal year. It was found that many procedures were not documented and there was no written protocol in place for employees to follow. The board now requires monthly financial reports, explanations of variances of projected expenditures as well as close monthly examination of financial status. The current operating budget is $650 million.
Mr. Robbins noted that 98 administrative jobs have been eliminated during the last year.
In responding to a question about vandalism at the schools, Mr. Robbins stated that the district is in the process of installing cameras to document the damages and the vandals.
Representative White stated that unemployment in the state is now at 8.7%. He said that we can expect more taxes and the state budget must be balanced and it will probably be done through taxation. He also noted that education gets 60% of every dollar the state takes in.
Bernalillo County Commissioner Michael Brasher reported that the county is looking at a charter school. He stated that new construction is “hurting”. The economy does not support much new construction. Tourism is down, and “tax lightning” is definitely going to affect other taxes with increases.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50.
Respectfully submitted,
Geneiva Meeker