EAST GATEWAY COALITION MEETING MINUTES 10/1/2010

EAST GATEWAY COALITION
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 21, 2010 MEETING

The meeting held in the Manzano Mesa Multi-generational Center was called to order at 6:43 p.m. by President, Roger Mickelson.
APD Foothills Area Commander, Cliff Saylor, told the audience that burglaries in the area have increased with the manner of access being: ring the front doorbell, then go to the back and kick in the door to gain entrance to the home. Auto thefts are on the increase, especially in commercial areas, and with people leaving their cars while they allow it to warm up.
Senator Tim Keller noted New Mexico has no law governing homeowner associations. He is preparing a bill to be presented to the Legislature this year. His committee is basing its work on Arizona, Nevada, and California laws. Several local public forums have been held in which the attendees submitted suggestions for rules they would desire to be covered (or excluded). He noted that hearings would be before two committees in the House and 2 committees in the Senate; then it would go to the Legislature.
Representative Jim White informed the audience that the budget will be a huge problem this year, as one of the major things the Legislature will have to deal with is a $1,000,000 cut in Medicaid subsidies from the Federal government. He noted that the session, which begins January 18, 2011, will be a sixty day session.
Bernalillo County Commissioner, Michael Brasher, thanked the audience for allowing him the privilege to serve on the commission. As his term ends December 31, 2010, he is very concerned with the fact that the County Manager will continue to have the power to approve contracts up to $300,000 without open bidding, or commission approval. He noted that the commission continues to work on an ethics bill. He stated that he is continuing to work on I-40 closures and noted that a meeting is to be held shortly with all concerned agencies.
Dr. Dan Derksen, a twenty-six year UNM faculty member, spoke on the “Affordable Health Care” Act. He noted after this law goes in to effect, the U.S. will be short about 90,000 physicians by 2014. He also noted that presently New Mexico loses three out of four graduates from the medical school to other states.
A Joint Land Use Study for future use of a five mile area around Kirtland Air Force Base was presented. There are recommendations concerning funding, coordination of problems, study of land use compatibility, building code considerations, Base growth, as well as many others.
The President noted that the Sector Development Plan was passed by the City Council on October 4. Many amendments were made to the plan by Council members without public awareness or input. The plan was sent to the Mayor on October 22.
Ted Korbin, Traffic Engineer, discussed the Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan. The plan, presently in draft form, would review methods of traffic calming, and discuss new methods for handling the process.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

East Gateway Coalition Meeting

The Annual meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 20, 2011, at the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center. The agenda is not set at this time.

EAST GATEWAY COALITION MEETING MINUTES 7/22/2010

EAST GATEWAY COALITION OF ASSOCIATIONS
MINUTES OF JULY 22, 2010 MEETING

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by President Roger Mickelson.

He introduced the following guests: Antonio Sandoval (representing U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich); NM State Representative., Jim White; NM State Senator, Tim Keller; Bernalillo County Commissioner, Michael Brasher; Lenton Malry, Bernalillo Count Manager’s office; and Isaac Padilla (representing City Coucillor, Don Harris).
The President then introduced Commander Cliff Saylor, who is the new commander at the Albuquerque Police Department’s Foothills Area Command. Commander Saylor announced that the Foothills Area Command will hold an open house on August 4 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and invited all to attend. He then apologized to the audience, stating that he had been called to another meeting, and introduced Lieutenant Todd Hudson to speak to the audience. Lt. Hudson said the area had recently had 12 burglaries and 15 car thefts and car burglaries. He stated that the crimes were most commonly committed during the daytime hours (as people are at their jobs, or otherwise away from their homes). Most vehicle burglaries happen during the night time hours. He stressed that personal items should not be left in vehicles as most of the items stolen were purses, cell phones, lap tops, and other personal items. It was also stressed that cars should be garaged or secured at night. He noted that we should all be aware of what is going on in our neighborhood. If a strange vehicle is spotted at the wrong time in the wrong place, get a license number, note make, color, anything that would help identify the vehicle. The same applies in all situations….be a good witness….note what is happening….report what you have observed.
Mickelson then introduced Senator Tim Keller, who spoke on the recent findings that the State must cut another 3% from its 2011 budget. He stated that both he and Representative White have worked diligently on the budged and are trying to prevent an increase of taxes.
Representative Jim White was then introduced. Rep. White stated that he took office in the fall of 2010, appointed to take Representative R.J. Berry’s seat when Rep. Berry resigned to run for Mayor. He has no opponent in November, so he has two and a half years yet to serve. He stated the 2011 State budget is about $600 million short. He stated the previous Legislature had predicted a six percent increase in revenue which they knew would not occur. He discussed the Legislature’s efforts on establishing ethics legislation. He also discussed a recent proposed City Council bill which would infringe on homeowner associations’ covenants. Rep. White stated that anyone purchasing a home where there is a HOA should have all rules disclosed to them before they purchase.

The President then introduced Russell Brito. Mr. Brito, who is employed in City Planning, stated that the East Gateway Sector Plan is to be heard by the Land Use, Planning, and Zoning committee on August 11, then will probably go to the full Council in September. It is still possible to submit comments to the Planning Department or Council staff on the Sector Plan. The Sector Plan is designed to help improve the quality of life by sustaining or improving commercial, office, industrial, utility and residential properties. He stated land use could be change by changing zoning. Mr. Brito noted that the Mid-Region Council of Government (MRCOG) is predicting that by year 2035 population in the area will increase by 600,000.
Mickelson then introduced Gabriel Rivera, who summarized potential Metropolitan Redevelopment projects from Wyoming to Tramway.
Mickelson finally introduced Shannon Beaucaire, who is with the City of Albuquerque’s Legal Department. Ms. Beaucaire is in charge of the Community Mediation Department. She urged the audience to utilize this service to help resolve disputes or conflicts that may occur in their areas. The sessions allow the individuals to clearly express their concerns and discuss the resolution with the opposing individuals.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 pm.