Southern New Mexico Common Cause

Draft Minutes of the Governing Board Meeting

Wednesday, March 15, 2005

 ·        Meeting Location: J.W. Flours Restaurant, Las Cruces, NM 88001

 ·        Members Attending:                                                                                                                                                                                 

 Mary Ballard, Alex Burr, John Bloom, Steve Carter, Lynn Ellins, Delores Halls, Jim Kadlecek, Mike McCamley, Tamie Smith  and Charles Welch

           Members Not Attending:

 Jane Asche, Phil Banks, Gus Bigelow, Mary Ann Digman, Rose Garcia, Ron Gurley, Woodie Jenkins,Vanessa Quiroz, and Vicki Simons

 Guest

 

John Lazaruk

1.   Call to Order:    Lynn Ellins called the meeting to order at 11:43 AM..

 2.   Introductions and Agenda Approval/Changes:

 The agenda was approved by voice vote.

 Introductions were made or all knew each other.

 3.  Approval of February Meeting Minutes:

 The February meeting minutes as amended were approved by voice vote.

 4.  Projects:

A.  MMC -   John Lazaruk will take a look at MMNC/Lifepoint.

 B. City Council -  T Smith commented that the City Council meeting held on Tuesday, 14 March addressed the Convention Center issue and it (the name of the project) was changed from “Convention Center” to “Conference Center.” The possible sites were discussed.  The NMSU site along with the “Tee Time” site were considered.  NMSU will brief their plan on Thursday 16 March 2006.  Their plan includes a Hotel for the Hotel Management students at NMSU.  The Spaceport (plan) has not been developed.

            C.  NMSU Regents –  (See attached report from John Bloom) The last Regents meeting was       held with one vacancy. The Executive Session was announced in the same way as usual – “the session was closed and ‘concerned’ personnel issues.” The ‘old’ President apparently liked to talk a lot. The ‘new’ President may be more attuned to compliance. The Food Court was settled in a meeting separate from the Regents. The NMSU Regents were “let known” by Common Cause that the NMSU Regents meetings and their subsequent actions were being “followed” by Common Cause and they, Common Cause, was observing what the Regents did and what they didn’t do. Matt Brix, the Executive Director of Common Cause New Mexico in Albuquerque, will find out where the FOG organization is on the matter of the NMSU Regents.

 D.  Dona Ana County Board of Commissioners -  The County’s goals were summarized by Commissioners Curry and McCamley.  They were then approved by a 4-1 vote. Commissioner Butler was the only dissenting vote. The fact that water was in the goals was noted. The Stott Road money was distributed.  There was a compromise with Commissioner McCamley and the call lists for the Medical System. One of the goals to achieve was a County Comprehensive Plan. It was voiced during this Board meeting that maybe there is a place for SNMCC (Common Cause) in the development of a DAC Comprehensive Plan that may include “all” / “many” things. SNMCC is a “process” oriented organization.  What our exact role will be is up-for-grabs.

 E.  Las Cruces School Board - No Report.

 F. ETZ Commission -  Lynn Ellins stated that last meeting was not held.

 6.  New Business    

  1. Tamie Smith announced that there would be a meeting on the Iraq War this Saturday.
  1. There will be a briefing by NMSU on their Conference Center Plan, as previously mentioned.

C.     The Annual SNMCC Meeting / Luncheon was addressed by Lynn Ellins with additional input by many others. The price will be $10.00. It will be on April 20th from 11:30 to 1:00. We must determine the “Who, When and Where” in order to invite people . Our Backup position (if Governor Richardson cannot attend and speak) will be two State of New Mexico Senators, one from each party, to speak on Ethics

7.  Other –

  1. John Lazaruk was nominated to become a Board Member. His nomination was moved,

seconded and approved by voice vote.

 B.  Tamie Smith commented that Neighborhood Associations need to be registered with the City of Las Cruces.  Contact Ms. C. Oak.

C.  John Bloom added that there would / should be no meeting of SNMCC in April in light of the Annual Meting / Luncheon on April 20th.

 8.  Old Business - None

 9. Next Regular Meeting:  May 17, 2006

 10. Adjournment:  Lynn Ellins adjourned the meeting at 12:45 PM

 

Respectfully Submitted,

         

Michael McCamley

SNMCC Board Secretary

 

 

Date Approved and Signed