Vecinos del Bosque Neighborhood Association Meeting
June 7, 2007

6:30 – 8:33 pm

Attendees: Irma Ruiz, Cris Sanchez, Robert Sanchez, Richard Rivas, Robert Rodriguez, Adrian Pedroza (The Albuquerque Partnership), Louis Tafoya (President, West Side/South Valley Weed and Seed Strategy)

Ditches with Trails Update (Walking Guide)

* Subcommittee is Lesley Molecke, Irma Ruiz, Dory Wegrzyn, Jane Mahoney, Stephen Picha, Mary Jo Picha, and Anita Gallegos.
* Lesley updated to say that meetings have taken place, and that trail must be agreed upon before more progress can be made.
* Interest all the way to 5 Points.
* Irma met with Ditches with Trails steering committee last week. Gave an update to let them know that we have a core group of people working on it.
* Conservancy District is 95% sure that they’ll have funding for brochure to be printed in Spanish, as well.
* Robert Sanchez suggested that we get together with newly-elected Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District Board Member, Augusta Meyers to ask for beautification items like trash containers, bridges, benches, etc.
* Cris Sanchez reported that he will ask Paul Griego’s wife if we can borrow and scan some old pictures of the area.

Board Vote – Extend N.A. boundary to add Poplar Lane

* The Poplar Lane Neighborhood Association has asked to join us.
* Extend boundaries to Bridge to include Poplar Lane.
* Irma will ask that they write a letter and CC: Nano Chavez at the County.
* A vote will be taken by the Vecinos in the future to vote on the joining. We’ll ask for the letter between now and our next meeting on the 28th.
* If we extend our boundaries to include Poplar Lane, it will dissolve the Poplar Lane Neighborhood Association.

Treasurer’s Report

* Now have three signatures:
o Robert Sanchez, Treasurer
o Cynthia Hughes, Membership Coordinator
o Robert Rodriguez, Board Member as emergency
* George Montoya has been removed.
* Deposited $19.24 – reimbursement for printing fliers. The Albuquerque Partnership reimbursed us for those.
* Deposited membership dues for two members.
* Current balance: $1376.90.

Neighborhood Night Out

* Subcommittee is Robert Sanchez, Gary Runyan, Cynthia Hughes, Lesley Molecke, Irma Ruiz.
* Robert reported on small meeting held with George, Richard, Cynthia, and Robert. The meeting was intended to evaluate the event and see what should be changed.
* Neighborhood Night Out (National Association):
o $25 to become a member, but you don’t get anything back from the national group other than a letter saying that you’re a member.
* Current suggestions:
o Hold the event on a night other than a Tuesday night – maybe a Saturday afternoon.
o Hot dogs or watermelon just to get the neighbors and political guests to come out.
o Ask people to bring lawn chairs, tables.
o Use the park, which now has a small bit of grass.
* Price:
o We pay quite a bit to hold this event, including $350 last year for porta potties and water at the last event at the park.
* Exciting News:
o Louis Tafoya joined the meeting to inform us that the Weed and Seed group is planning a National Night Out event on August 7th.
o Will take place on Atrisco Plaza parking lot for visibility.
o Weed and Seed will get tents, chairs, tables, porta potties, and potentially music for this year’s event.
o Irma received an email from Dolores Herrera, Weed and Seed Coordinator, Louis will ask Dolores to send another email with latest information.
o With this news in mind, the group discussed holding a separate Vecinos “block party” type event for our neighborhood association.
+ Take a walk along our new walking path during our block party.
+ Barbara will sponsor a jumper if we want it.

* The group agreed that the subcommittee should meet again to discuss this option, next Thursday the 14th or the 21st.

Other Business/Updates

* SV Coalition
No update.

* Money from The Albuquerque Partnership

Adrian Pedroza reported that we have $400 that must be spent by the end of June.

o Need a letter by the end of the week to show how we will spend the money. Need justification of how we will use the money to purchase things to improve the community (i.e., substance abuse prevention, crime prevention. Things to bring community together to discuss these topics).
o Can be in emailed by Monday.

Ideas:

o Shade structures for events (tents)
o Folding tables
o Gloves, shovels, etc. for cleanup events

* Changes at The Albuquerque Partnership

In the new year, which begins in July, we will have a more official budget, better planning, and organization.

o Changes are taking place in the Partnership. Moises Venegas is retiring and Adrian Pedroza will be new Executive Director starting July 1.
o Goal to build healthy and safe communities.
o Retreat scheduled for the 14th of June 8:30am-1:00pm at the Albuquerque Museum.

* Methamphetamine Awareness Workshop

Methamphetamine Awareness Workshop on the 25th, 6:00 pm, Holy Family

Vecinos del Bosque agreed to co-sponsor event. Flier will be updated and Adrian will email and give 200 copies to Irma to distribute.

* Holy Family Fiestas

Holy Family Fiestas parade taking place on August 4th and 5th. Richard will be there with bike program. Vecinos has traditionally been involved with banners on a truck.

* Tolerance Workshop

Tolerance Workshop with MLK III. Louis will forward the flier to Irma so that she can forward to the group.

* Zoning Hearing Examiner’s Agenda

Lesley received the agenda and made it available to the group.

* Speed on Sunset

Robert and Irma will be meeting with City, County, Council of Governments to discuss speed problems on Sunset.

* Sidewalks and Drainage Project Along Five Points

Meeting was held at AMAFCA offices Richard Rivas, Cris Sanchez, the Aragons, Jerry Montoya, Jim from the Winery at Five Points were in attendance from our neighborhood. Funding has has been allocated and they’re going to do it, but there seems to be a disagreement between the County and AMAFCA re: who is responsible. Looks like it may be resolved, and started at the end of next Summer or the beginning of next Fall. The County must kick in the money.

Next meeting: June 28, 6:30, CAC

We will discuss:

* Median landscaping with special guest Elizabeth Reardon.
* Vote on who will represent Vecinos at the Weed and Seed National Night Out meeting