EAST GATEWAY COALITION
MINUTES JULY 21, 2011 MEETING
The meeting was called to order at 6:36 by President Roger Mickelson. The president then acknowledged Matt Zidowski, who represents Representative Martin Heinrich; Sally Mayer of the Mayor’s office; Lenton Malry, Bernalillo Co. representative; Wendy O’Brien, representing Maggie Hart Stebbins, Bernalillo Co. Commission Chairperson. During introductions Ms. Mayer spoke to the audience about Governor Susanna Martinez’ campaign: “Catch Billy the Kid”. Lenton Malry noted to the audience that August 3rd would be the annual “Neighborhood Night Out” in which neighbors get to know their neighbors to help in the prevention of crime.
The president then introduced Foothills Area Commander Cliff Saylor. Commander Saylor noted the latest crime surge in the area has been in auto burglaries. He cited twenty-one auto burglaries, eleven stolen vehicles, one commercial burglary, and two individual residential burglaries during June. He stated there has been a fifty percent recovery of items taken in the “pillow case” burglaries. Commander Saylor also noted that APD is working closely with the developer’s agent of the former “Furr’s” store property, located on Juan Tabo and Central, to reduce crime, vandalism, and loitering on the property.
City Clerk, Amy Bailey, was then introduced. Ms. Bailey informed the audience of the city election coming up on October 4 when four members of the City Council will be elected, twelve bond issues will be presented, and the red light camera program will be voted upon (this is a preliminary vote on the camera program, since only the City Council can “determine” whether or not the program is continued). There will be early voting at selected sites, and regular voting for our area at Manzano Mesa Multi-generational Center and at the Four Hills Country Club. Ms. Bailey noted that all absentee voting lists have been purged, and it would be necessary to call either 311, or the City Clerk’s office to request an absentee ballot for the election; they will no longer be sent automatically to those who have voted absentee in the past. These ballots will go out to those requesting them on August 30.
Jason Marks, District 1 representative on the Public Regulation Commission, was introduced. Mr. Marks noted the industries regulated by the commission, and noted that the most urgent concern is the Public Service Company’s proposal for rate hikes. PNM had asked for a 22% increase, but is now considering an 11% increase. The increase would be in two phases: 6% in August and in January the increase would go 10.85% (or another 4.85%). Then in 2013 PNM is asking for another $20 million, which Mr. Marks feels should not be allowed. He believes PNM is entitled to SOME rate increase due to improvement s they have put into effect, and the capital expenditures they have made, but $20 million is not justified.
Bernalillo County Commissioner Wayne Johnson was then introduced by the president. Mr. Johnson stated that he is very actively working on committees to formulate the redistricting of Bernalillo County due to the increase and change in population cited in the 2010 census. He pointed out that most of the increase has been on the west side, and that some areas lost residents. The County redistricting work will define the boundaries of precincts so important to all elections. The work must be completed by September or October before the next November election.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:06.
Respectfully Submitted by
Geneiva Meeker
MINUTES JULY 21, 2011 MEETING
The meeting was called to order at 6:36 by President Roger Mickelson. The president then acknowledged Matt Zidowski, who represents Representative Martin Heinrich; Sally Mayer of the Mayor’s office; Lenton Malry, Bernalillo Co. representative; Wendy O’Brien, representing Maggie Hart Stebbins, Bernalillo Co. Commission Chairperson. During introductions Ms. Mayer spoke to the audience about Governor Susanna Martinez’ campaign: “Catch Billy the Kid”. Lenton Malry noted to the audience that August 3rd would be the annual “Neighborhood Night Out” in which neighbors get to know their neighbors to help in the prevention of crime.
The president then introduced Foothills Area Commander Cliff Saylor. Commander Saylor noted the latest crime surge in the area has been in auto burglaries. He cited twenty-one auto burglaries, eleven stolen vehicles, one commercial burglary, and two individual residential burglaries during June. He stated there has been a fifty percent recovery of items taken in the “pillow case” burglaries. Commander Saylor also noted that APD is working closely with the developer’s agent of the former “Furr’s” store property, located on Juan Tabo and Central, to reduce crime, vandalism, and loitering on the property.
City Clerk, Amy Bailey, was then introduced. Ms. Bailey informed the audience of the city election coming up on October 4 when four members of the City Council will be elected, twelve bond issues will be presented, and the red light camera program will be voted upon (this is a preliminary vote on the camera program, since only the City Council can “determine” whether or not the program is continued). There will be early voting at selected sites, and regular voting for our area at Manzano Mesa Multi-generational Center and at the Four Hills Country Club. Ms. Bailey noted that all absentee voting lists have been purged, and it would be necessary to call either 311, or the City Clerk’s office to request an absentee ballot for the election; they will no longer be sent automatically to those who have voted absentee in the past. These ballots will go out to those requesting them on August 30.
Jason Marks, District 1 representative on the Public Regulation Commission, was introduced. Mr. Marks noted the industries regulated by the commission, and noted that the most urgent concern is the Public Service Company’s proposal for rate hikes. PNM had asked for a 22% increase, but is now considering an 11% increase. The increase would be in two phases: 6% in August and in January the increase would go 10.85% (or another 4.85%). Then in 2013 PNM is asking for another $20 million, which Mr. Marks feels should not be allowed. He believes PNM is entitled to SOME rate increase due to improvement s they have put into effect, and the capital expenditures they have made, but $20 million is not justified.
Bernalillo County Commissioner Wayne Johnson was then introduced by the president. Mr. Johnson stated that he is very actively working on committees to formulate the redistricting of Bernalillo County due to the increase and change in population cited in the 2010 census. He pointed out that most of the increase has been on the west side, and that some areas lost residents. The County redistricting work will define the boundaries of precincts so important to all elections. The work must be completed by September or October before the next November election.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:06.
Respectfully Submitted by
Geneiva Meeker
