Embudo Canyon Neighborhood Association

Embudo Canyon Neighborhood Association (ECNA)  General Meeting Minutes, 12 January 2012

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM at APD’s Jeffrey Cole Russell Memorial 

Substation by Vice-President Ray Dymale.  

Officers present were Ray Dymale,  John Minks,  Dave Zeuch, Nena-Joy Almodovar, Suzanne Kersten, and Floyd Spencer.  The meeting room at the Jeffrey Cole Russell Memorial Substation was nearly filled with members of the ECNA.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Mr. Greg Lobberegt, Realtor

Mr. Lobberegt appeared briefly and was thanked by enthusiastic applause for his willingness to publish the ECNA Newsletter.  

Greg spoke briefly, reminding the Board that we may submit articles for the newsletter while he retains page three for his communication.  Also, if if there is any specific topic  that we wish to see in the newsletter, to just let him know, especially if it is real estate-related.  

He expressed the hope that real estate will start picking up soon.  There are very few “short sales” in the Foothills area, which is good news.  Councilman Harris inquired as to home values, and Greg indicated that he is starting to see them stabilize in the Foothills.

Councilman Don Harris

Councilman Harris gave a brief presentation on redistricting of the City of Albuquerque.  Increases in the city’s population with increasing growth on the West Side has resulted in the need to move one district to the West Side and to expand the remaining districts on the East Side.  A plan is currently before the City Council and will soon be voted on.  It is likely that quite soon, ECNA will be entirely in Councilman Harris’s District 9.

The Councilman told the Association that boundary signs are not expensive, and that we should be able to find the money to construct and place two signs.  

In 2013 it should be possible to obtain additional funds for the East Central Redevelopment project.  The City is awaiting additional Federal funds before undertaking the construction of medians on E. Central.

Next year’s City budget will be “lean.”

County Commissioner Wayne Johnson

Commissioner Johnson appeared at the meeting mostly to introduce himself to the Association.  He did remark that it is unlikely that there will be any serious problems related to redistricting of Bernalillo Country.  He also noted that the Bernalillo Country Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has helicopters that are underused.  BCSO and APD are trying to establish a relationship such that the City will obtain greater access to BCSO’s helicopters, helping to amortize the cost of the helicopters and benefitting both agencies.

APD Lieutenant Nick Gonzales and Commander Cliff Saylor, Foothills Area Command

Commander Saylor made some brief introductory remark.  He is preparing the year-end documentation for the Foothills Division, and notes that the Division has made significant progress in crime reduction in some areas, but still has areas in which improvements need to be made.  

This holiday season the Foothills Command focused on “police presence” in retail areas and had great successes.  There were NO robberies, down successively from the past two years. 

Bike units have done extremely well in community-service, especially with regard to things like relocating the homeless into shelters, and  in reducing panhandling in retail areas.  

There was, however a spike in residential burglaries during the holiday season, so Foothills Command is placing increased emphasis on establishing new Neighborhood Watches.  The Commander also noted that he has a new Crime Prevention Specialist, Ms. Jill Garcia, who can help with establishing Neighborhood Watches.

Lt. Nick Gonzales provided a detailed account and analysis of 2011 crime in the ECNA area.  He also provided a written summary, which the Secretary will investigate having put on the Association’s web site.  In brief, there were 

• 28 auto burglaries
• 23 residential burglaries, one of which was thwarted by an alert neighbor, who heard a burglar alarm going off
• 3 robberies
• 2 thefts
• 12 auto thefts

Lt. Gonzales also provided helpful tips on how to reduce these types of crimes:  citizens need to be vigilant, and call 911 or 242-COPS when they observe anything suspicious.  Both the Lieutenant and the Commander agreed that it really doesn’t matter which number to use.  If you forget 242-COPS, definitely use 911.

Lt. Gonzales is offering a FREE WORKSHOP for small business owners and  their staff on FEB 7, 2012   on Robbery Awareness for the Small Business.  Call him for more info and to register for the workshop by calling him at 553-2210.

Ms. Stephanie Russo, from Congressman Martin Heinrich’s office

Ms. Russo appeared briefly to reaffirm the Congressman’s commitment to assist constituents with problems related to the Federal government, including problems with difficulties making mortgage payments.  

Constituents with any such problems can either visit any of the Congressman’s local offices, or Ms. Russo holds regular meetings at the Monzano Mesa Multigenerational Center from 10:30-11:30 AM on the first Monday of every month.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Treasurer’s Report

ECNA has a balance of $1,706.80 as of 11 January 2011.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Formation of Barking Dogs Committee 

Suzanne Kersten reported that 135 letters were sent out to targeted “problem streets” to raise awareness of people as to the City’s ordinances related to barking dogs.  An ECNA member remarked that the letter seems to have had an impact on the problem in her immediate vicinity, though the true test would come in spring when dogs are out more.  

However, as this problem is ongoing, Suzanne moved for a vote that a “Barking Dogs Committee” be formed to further address the issue.  The motion was seconded and passed by oral vote with none opposed.  Volunteers who will form the committee are Suzanne, Gloria Drayer and Sharon Swim.

Selection/Adoption of Boundary Sign Design

ECNA member Judy Minks put forth a design for the two boundary signs that the Association is seeking to buy and place on the two main entrances to ECNA, Indian School at Monte Largo and Lomas at Tramway.  After some discussion, it was moved, seconded and put to a vote to accept the design and further examine (1) costs and (2) the exact wording to be put on the signs, the latter of which will be put before the Association before final adoption.  The oral vote passed with none opposed.

Election of New Officers

At the end of their  terms, President Jay Brotz  and Treasurer John Minks both declined to run for additional terms.   

Nena-Joy Almodovar indicated that she was prepared to run for the office of ECNA President.  With no other names put forward, it was moved by Treasurer John Minks and seconded by Secretary David Zeuch to vote upon the matter.  Nena-Joy was unanimously elected President.

Suzanne Kersten indicated that she was prepared to serve as Treasurer.  With no others nominated, it was moved by Vice-President Ray Dymale and seconded by Secretary David Zeuch to vote upon the matter.  Suzanne was unanimously elected ECNA Treasurer.  Changes in the office will result in the transfer of appropriate bank signature cards.

With Nena-Joy’s and Suzanne’s election to higher offices, this left two Director-at-Large vacancies.  Both Jay Brotz and Gloria Drayer (both absent) had indicated that they would be willing to serve in this capacity.  Judy Minks’ name was also put forth as a nominee.  Judy was out of earshot at the time the nomination was made, which was apparently made by someone who did not understand that the “slate” was full. 

It was moved by Vice President Ray Dymale and seconded by ex-Treasurer John Minks that the matter be put to a vote.  It was passed by unanimous voice vote.

Once informed of her “accidental” nomination and election without any intent on her part, Judy Minks promptly resigned her new post in an e-mail to the Board dated 13 January 2011.  No further action is needed as three Directors-at-Large (Jay, Gloria and Floyd) meet requirements outlined in the by-laws.

By-laws

It was noted that the written copy of the bylaws needs to be revised to reflect recent changes made by the Board which changed the annual meeting date and membership fee.  

The new Bylaws need to be sent to the City, and, related to the changes of the annual meeting date, an addendum to the ECNA annual report to the city Neighboorhood Association  coordinator needs to be sent.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

David H. Zeuch, Secretary