Here is the April update from the Foothills Area Command of the Albuquerque Police Department.

Foothills Area Command April 2012

Seminar Presenter, Trainer and ECNA member, Jessi Princiotto, with friends (L-R) Lucia, Whiskey and ChoCho

Are you or your neighbors frustrated with your dog barking? Your ECNA may be able to help. The Association is planning a free seminar, “ Barking: How to Allow Your Dog to Express Himself, without Annoying the Neighbors” to be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Lomas Tramway Library from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Animal experts will be on hand for a fun and informative discussion that will cover topics like understanding your dog and his needs, interpreting the dog’s language. training ideas for a happy canine-human bond, and what to do when your neighbor’s dog is barking up a storm. We’ll review city statutes regarding barking behavior and how to talk to a neighbor(s) about barking problems and enhance communication for a positive outcome for all.

8 March 2012

The meeting was called to order by President Nena-Joy Almodovar at 7:00 PM at the Jeffrey Cole Russell Memorial Police Substation, 12800 Lomas Blvd.

Officers present were Nena-Joy Almodovar, Vice-President Ray Dymale, Treasurer Suzanne Kersten, Secretary David Zeuch, Roger Jones and Gloria Drayer.

Guest Speakers:

Mr. Bobby Sisneros

Bobby Cisneros gave a short PowerPoint presentation on the rollout of the City’s  improved curbside recycling program.  A pilot program has begun in selected areas of the City in which residents are being provided with wheeled recycling bins which will accept many more recyclables than the current program.  None of the pilot areas fall within ECNA’s boundaries, but it is hoped that the program will be operational City-wide by the end of 2012.

Detailed information on the pilot program and what the program will look like when it is fully operational can be found at the following web sites:

http://www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/recycling/residential-curbside-recycling/curbside-recycling-with-a-cart

http://www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/recycling/residential-curbside-recycling/faqforrecyclecartpilotprogram

Lt. Nick Gonzales, APD Foothills Command

Lt. Gonzales gave a brief presentation on police activities and crime trends in the Foothills Command area.

The Foothills Area Command has substantially the same “management” as it did prior to some recent “re-bids” of personnel, with the addition of a new lieutenant.  They haven’t lost any personnel, and may even have gained some staff.  Overall however, the police force is doing more with fewer personnel.

Over the past two months the Foothills Command has initiated “Problem-Oriented Policing,” or POP.  They have begun to analyze data for lesser crimes in order to predict  potential “hot spots,”  that is, areas where violent or major crimes may be about to occur.   Once hot spots were identified,  two officers were assigned for patrol 24/7.  As the day shift comes on at 7:00AM,  officers would specifically look for people who were warming up their cars in preparation to go to work, without being present near their cars.  If officers found cars warming up, they would try to contact the owners to educate them about the potential for car theft to which they were opening themselves up.

From about 8:00AM to 3:00PM, officers would focus on residential burglaries prevention in the area when people are off at work.  They were successful in apprehending several people who had committed burglaries.  They also conducted vigorous traffic enforcement along major residential area feeder streets and apprehended two “most-wanted” burglary suspects emerging from the residential areas.

From about 5:00 to 7:00PM as residents are returning home, officers conducted foot patrols and inspected cars for property that might be attractive to a thief, purses, laptops, wallets and the like.  The officers would once again educate the residents as to the potential thefts to which they were leaving themselves open.  Similarly, they were keeping their eyes open for open garage doors.  Their historical data indicate that in seven out of ten burglaries, something was left open.

In the past week, the Foothills Area command has had zero auto burglaries, which they attribute to their focused POP activities.  Lt. Gonzales emphasized that this improvement was the consequence of an increasing partnership between police and citizens.  The statistics used in the predictive analyses cannot be collected if citizens don’t report crimes.  Overall, crime in the Foothills Area Command is down.

A question arose as to whether any home invasions have occurred in the 5:00-7:00PM time frame in the Foothills Area Command.  Lt. Gonzales was not aware of any that have taken place.  However, he emphasized that if people come to your door that you don’t know, you do not have to open your door to them if you are worried that it’s a ruse to invade your home.  Talk with them through the door, and then let the APD know that suspicious individuals are in your neighborhood.

Corporal Benavides, Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department

Nena-Joy opened the floor to members to voice their concerns to Corporal Benavides about difficulties with barking dogs.  Two members expressed concerns about the difficulties of  getting animal welfare officers out in time to respond to complaints while the dogs are still barking.  One of the two members mentioned that more movement had taken place with regard to her particular problem in the short period since she had joined ECNA than in the 15 months that she had tried to get help from Animal Welfare.

The other voiced concerns that in her neighborhood, there appears to be a culture of acceptance of dogs barking.  She wanted to know what Animal Welfare could do to better educate dog owners regarding the concerns of neighbors of dog owners.

A third member mentioned that he has been the recipient of complaints to Animal Welfare about his dog barking from the neighbor behind him, as well as receiving letters from the ECNA indicating that his dog was a “barker,” and also stated that he was quite unhappy that one of the ECNA letters was sent to his place of work.  Nena-Joy apologized to him on behalf of ECNA and promised that such a thing would not happen again.

After hearing the concerns of members, Corporal Benavides provided a brief explanation of what his organization can do, and described for members a way to submit complaints on-line, as well as to try to use the City’s free mediation services to resolve problems between neighbors regarding noicy pets:

http://www.cabq.gov/pets/noisy-animals

Judy Minks and Nena-Joy asked Corporal Benavides about the extent to which Animal Welfare recommends mediation at the very first intervention.  He responded that mediation is suggested by Animal Welfare officers from the start.

He also acknowledged that it is difficult especially for women to confront neighbors about these types of issues, and suggested that people who are worried about such confrontations leading to retaliation, etc., can ask Animal Welfare to suggest mediation at the very first call upon the offending neighbor.  He also suggested that such people can call the City’s 311 number or go online to get further help.

There was a brief discussion of “bark collars.”  It is Corporal Benavides observation that sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t.

Jessi Princiotti has extensive experience with training dogs not to bark.  She discussed at length why dogs bark and how to train them not to do so.  This in turn led to a discussion that perhaps ECNA should host a workshop at the Tramway and Lomas Library on re-training barking dogs.  ECNA already has a room reserved at the library on Saturday,  April 28, and it was decided that ECNA members would pursue planning for such a workshop.

Old Business

Review and Approval of the Minutes

It was moved by Ray Dymale to accept the minutes from the February meeting as written, and seconded by Roger Jones.  The minutes were approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Treasurer’s Report

Suzanne Kersten reported the ECNA has $1,842.27 in its savings account, and $280.46 in checking.  Expenses for the past month were $10.00 for the State Public Regulation Commission.

Boundary Sign Report

Judy Minks reported that there are still difficulties associated with locating the second boundary sign on Lomas, as the best sites are all on private property.  Judy asked for help in trying to pick a second location.  Nena-Joy asked anyone who is interested in helping Judy to note on the sign-in sheet that they are interested in helping.

Newsletter Publication

Greg Lobberegt has agreed to give ECNA the front page of his real estate newsletter.  He has no regular publication schedule, and said that he would publish it any time that we wanted to publish something.  He just needs two weeks’ advance notice to get it prepared for mailing.  It was decided that we should target early/mid April, early June and September, and January, more or less coinciding with the real estate cycle.

It was further decided that the next story for publication would be on the problem of barking dogs and upcoming events.  Nena-Joy solicited additional help on writing such an article, and asked interested volunteers to sign up on the sign-in sheet.  Ray dymale volunteered to help with writing the article.

Park Report

Judy Minks decided to leave the bird feeders that had been stocked with rice with the apparent intent of killing birds.  Judy was concerned that if she took down the feeders as was planned at the last meeting, she might be committing theft.  It was decide that notes would be put on the feeders pointing out that rice can kill birds.

Transition Activities

David Zeuch reported that he had completed the annual report and prepared a package that would notify the Office of Neighborhood Coordination that we had changed our annual meeting from July to January.  He will send it by certified mail, return receipt requested.

New Business

New Election of Board Officers

Owing to time constraints, Suzanne Kersten has decided that she cannot serve as Treasurer.  Floyd Spencer, previously a director-at-large, has agreed to  stand for election to the office of Treasurer, and Suzanne has volunteered to stand for election to her previous post of director-at-large.    Ray Dymale moved that we approve this change by a board vote, and John Minks seconded the motion.  The election of Floyd Spencer to the office of Treasurer, and Suzanne Kersten to director-at-large, was approved unanimously by voice vote.  The current roster of ECNA officers is now as follows :  Nena-Joy Almodovar, President; Ray Dymale, Vice-President; Floyd Spencer, Treasurer; David Zeuch, Secretary; Gloria Drayer, Roger Jones and Suzanne Kersten, directors-at-large.

Correction to January minutes:  Jay Brotz volunteered to continue to maintain the ECNA web page, not to stand for election to the office of director-at-large at the January Annual Meeting and his listing as a director was an error in the minutes.  His name has been removed from the list of ECNA officers.  At the end of the January meeting the  three directors-at-large were Gloria Drayer, Floyd Spencer and Suzanne Kersten.

Ice Cream Social and Annual Picnic Events

Nena-Joy suggested that as a service to ECNA members, business owners who live within the ECNA boundaries should be allowed or encouraged to set up a table advertising their business at our Ice Cream Social and/or Annual Picnic.  Attendees responded positively to this idea.

Nena-Joy also indicated that Apple Mountain Strings and Things would like to play once again at either our Ice Cream Social or Annual Picnic.  The board decided that the preferred event would be the Ice Cream Social.  She will convey that information to Apple Mountain Strings and Things.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

David H. Zeuch

Secretary, Embudo Canyon Neighborhood Association

Here is an update from the Foothills Area Command of the Albuquerque Police Department. Also, some information on How to Start a NW, Duties of a Block Captain, and Residential Burglary Prevention.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSO.

presents

NM State Legislative Representative, District 20

Jim White

presenting

“2nd Annual Legislative

Wrap-Up”

GET THE INSIDE SCOOP ON THE

ROUND HOUSE PROCESS;

INTERACT WITH  YOUR  REP

Saturday, March 24, 10am

@

Lomas & Tramway Library

FREE

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by ECNA President Nena-Joy Almodovar at the Jeffrey Cole Russell Memorial Police Substation.

Officers present were Nena-Joy Almodovar, Vice-President Ray Dymale, Treasurer Suzanne Kersten and Floyd Spencer.

OLD BUSINESS

Review and Approval of Minutes

Ray Dymale moved to accept the minutes of the January 12 meeting, Suzanne Kersten seconding. The minutes were accepted by unanimous voice vote.

Treasurer’s Report

Suzanne Kersten reports that ECNA currently has 54-56 paid members for 2012.

There are currently $1,682.13 in the savings account, and $280.46 in the checking account, for a total of $1,962.59.

Transition Activities

The Board still needs a third person who is officially on the Association’s bank accounts. With only two on the account, which is currently the case, it would be improper for one Board member to reimburse the other for ECNA expenses without a third Board member’s oversight. Ray Dymale said that he is willing to be put on the bank accounts, and Nena-Joy said that she would get together with Ray outside of the meeting to have him added to the accounts.

Dave Zeuch is in the process of informing the City that we have changed our Annual Board Meeting from July to January, and will prepare an updated Annual Report—which will cover the time period from July 2011 to January 2012—to accompany this notification.

Election of New Board Director

Roger Jones accepted nomination to serve as the Association’s third Director, and was elected unanimously by voice vote.

Routine Reports:

Liquor License Violation Monitoring

Judy Minks monitors liquor license # [insert number here] for the convenience store located at the Phillips 66 gas station on the corner of Lomas and Tramway. She will report on this only annually, about three months before their license comes due. This will require a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to get information about the license, such as violations. If the license renews in October she places her request in July.

Activities Related to ECNA’s Adoption of Embudo Hills Park

The City requires a monthly report from ECNA on the condition of Embudo Hills Park, which Judy and John Minks have been attending to. Judy will have the report put up on the web site regularly, rather than distributing a copy to each Board member.

An attendee remarked that she has seen two bird feeders at the park which were not placed by the City, and which contained rice, which can kill birds. It appears that someone in the area is indeed trying to kill birds.

Judy indicated that she will take the feeders down and turn them in to Malia Tafoya, who is our contact with the Parks and Recreation Department.

ECNA Boundary Signs

According to Judy Minks, the funding for our two signs is encumbered and the City will be sending us a rendering soon. Judy will be following this very closely with the person who is contracted with by the City to construct the signs in order to make sure that it is done correctly.

Councilman Harris has asked if he can send a message to ECNA which he would like to have passed on to our membership. After we receive his message we will decide if it is appropriate, and if so, it may be posted to the web rather than emailing the membership.

Barking Dog Committee

Additional form letters were sent out to more homes as decided at the January meeting. One response was received via the web email and acknowledged. Since the January meeting members have withdrawn their interest in this committee. As we consider guest speakers for future meetings, it was mentioned that a speaker from city Animal Control or Mediation departments might be a consideration.

NEW BUSINESS

Membership

Suzanne has prepared a new, completely up-to-date membership list. Fifty-six registrations were received to date. She also sent out sixteen letters to people who were not members in 2010 or 2011, asking them to consider rejoining for 2012

Judy has volunteered to pay for a mailing to those who were paid members in 2011 to ask them to consider joining for 2012.

On this same topic, it was briefly discussed what the timing should be for sending out these same letters. We have some interesting speakers and events coming up soon, such as Representative White’s de-brief on the current legislative session, that may be of interest to the membership. Once the events for the first half of 2012 are finalized, confirming those dates and speakers as soon as possible, we would strive to post the membership drive letter within 10 days, as a goal.

Use of E-Mail and Mailing Lists, and Greg Lobberegt’s Newsletter

The new ECNA Officers and Board were reminded the our member email list is confidential for our use only, never distributed outside the organization. The Board or board designee will make the decision as to what might be of interest to our membership and neighbors-at-large. ECNA strives to perform a public service, and it is important to continue to serve the entire community, not just ECNA members. Moreover, it is to be hoped that those non-members who read our mailings and access our web site will be encouraged to eventually become members.

A discussion occurred regarding the space allocated for our use in Greg Lobberegt’s newletter, in which he has graciously allowed us space for ECNA communication. Upcoming events or a topical “neighborhood news” article seemed to make sense. Nena-Joy to contact Greg Lobberegt to ascertain his planned publication dates and deadlines.

Upcoming Events

Representative Jim White

On March 24 ECNA will host an event at which Representative Jim White will present a de-briefing on the current legislative session. Nena-Joy volunteered to prepare the verbiage to announce the event and will distribute it to the various Board members to be taped to the signs that they have and covered with plastic wrap in the event of rain.

Requests to Speak from Candidates in the June Primary

We have also started receiving requests from candidates in the upcoming June primary to speak at our meetings. If we honor one request to speak, then we really have to honor all requests, which could totally occupy our meetings and run for hours. After some discussion it was decided that we will host a “Candidate Open House” to which any and all candidates are invited at a single time, and permitted to speak for a limited time. Judy Minks has volunteered to try to schedule the public room at the library at Tramway and Lomas for the event, at which time scheduling can begin.

District 8 Coalition of Neighborhoods

Nena-Joy attended the most recent meeting of the District 8 Coalition of Neighborhoods, and remarked that it was quite interesting. There was a brief discussion of the extent to which we care to participate in the Coalition. It was decided that until we know whether or not part of ECNA remains in District 8 we would not formally join as dues-paying members, but one of the three board members expressed an interest and will try to attend the Coalition meetings.

Brainstorming Goals/Events for the Coming Year

We are committed to the same activities that we had last year, the Ice Cream Social/National Night Out, our picnic and our potluck dinner, along with participating in the annual City Cleanup.

However, we “kicked around” the following thoughts without reaching any decisions:

Ideas included raffle at the annual Ice Cream Social, prizes for childrens’ games, some kind of “micro-community project/contest” which would encourage neighbors to get to know each other better, concentrating efforts to build a true neighborhood watch program paralleling Commander Saylor’s efforts.

If anyone has any other ideas or thoughts on the above, submit them via the web or the ECNA gmail box by 20 February.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15PM.

Respectfully submitted,

David H. Zeuch

ECNA Secretary

And here’s an update on residential burglary in our neighborhood from Jill Garcia, the Foothills Crime Prevention Specialist: Foothills Residential Burglary Update, and some advice from APD: Residential Burglary Prevention

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

Thursday, January 12th will be our first January Annual Meeting (since moving it there, from July, last October in a vote). During this meeting, as with all Annual Meetings, we will have officer elections. This year, President, Treasurer, and three Directors will be elected. We will be discussing our accomplishments in the past year and our schedule of events for 2012, and as always, taking ideas for neighbors on what we ought to be doing.

To kick off the meeting, we will have two speakers. One of our two City Councilors, Don Harris (District 9 – everything south of Indian School in our NA) will speak and then take questions, and then a staffer from Martin Heinrich’s office will speak and take questions.  Please plan to attend and bring your questions for our speakers.

Jay Brotz

President, Embudo Canyon Neighborhood Association