Minutes for January 17th 2006 Meeting

President Kate Duffy presided over discussion of the following topics:
Responsibilities of Board Officers—as defined in the DMNA bylawsNegotiations re:

1. Sharing Water—Jim Sanborn reported the Interstate Stream Commission has agreed to install gauges at various key locations to monitor flow of the Hondo River. This may help assure the water is shared equitably among residents of Des Montes, Valdez, and Arroyo Hondo. This is particularly important in times of drought. Jim Sanborn stated a pending agreement regarding percentages has been drafted and sent to a Federal judge for approval.
2. Communication with Community—Erich Kuerschner stressed the need for the DMNA to move through the process of developing land use regulations with the utmost transparency. It should be made easy for the entire DM neighborhood to access information.
3. Discussion: We hope to communicate openly with everyone in the neighborhood. There is no hidden agenda. We value every opinion. The DMNA news and minutes are posted on our website DesMontesNeighbors@yahoogroups.com. Due to limited funds, regular “mail outs” are not feasible. Perhaps radio announcements or short newspaper reports can be utilized to clearly inform residents as we move forward. A phone tree would help in gathering input from everyone as we work to define our goals and land use needs. DMNA will strive to act above board in every move we make.
4. Maps and Data Base—Taos County Assessor, Gerald Nichols, has helped Jim access computer-based maps delineating plats and Des Montes boundaries. This will help build our database of contact info. Jim now has the updated mailing addresses of property owners. Still to come, actual physical addresses.
5. Land use Regulation Development Task Force--Linda Moscarella will head the task force with assistance of Mandy Stapleford and Jim Sanborn plus any others who are interested in helping to undertake this task. They plan an outreach to enlist people, starting with contacting past DMNA officers and members who are interested. In addition, we’ll continue to collect and develop materials that will help clarify our common goal to develop regulations based upon the needs and desires of everyone in Des Montes.
6. Proposed Condos on Hondo-Seco Road—Linda Moscarella recently made phone calls and learned no new details are available. Builder has not yet applied for a special use permit from the County.
7. Property Taxes—Kate Duffy states we need to clearly summarize the tax situation so all will understand. At our October meeting, Gerald Nichols, Taos County Assessor explained that we are presently assessed at only 50%, with 3% cap remaining in place except for those undergoing rezoning or upon the sale of property. However, Nichols stated Governor Richardson wants statewide reassessment to reflect 85% of resale value. Bottom line: Reassessment is coming to all of New Mexico, regardless of future development and land use.
8. Spring Cleanup—Mandy Stapleford volunteered to act as Chairman of the neighborhood ‘roadside’ cleanup on May 13. Mandy will host a potluck dinner at the end of the day.
9. School Outdoor Lighting at Night—Jim will contact the school regarding schedule. Newer lights are somewhat better, not quite as bright. Hopefully a timer will be set to turn lights off at 10:00 PM.
10. Equestrian Center—Neighbors expect to see the existing permit limiting the number of horses enforced. Jim will discuss this with County Attorney Blankenhorn.

Continuing Goals—

1. Outreach to neighbors to get involved in the drafting process

2. Create a vision statement

3. Summarize the tax situation

4. Declare why we need land use regulations

5. Continue to collect and develop materials that will guide our discussions with neighbors

Treasurer Jim Sanborn reported a balance of $277.59 in First Community Bank. Upcoming meeting dates—Feb. 21, Mar. 21, Apr. 18

Respectfully submitted, Kathy McGinty