SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO COMMON CAUSE
Minutes of the Governing Board Meeting
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Members attending (12): S. Carter, C. Welch, D. Halls, R. Gurley, T. Smith, A. Burr, J. Bloom, W. Jenkins, G. Bigelow, P. Banks, L. Ellins, and M. Ballard.
Members absent (7): J. Asche, M. Digman, V. Quiroz, R. Garcia, J. Kadlecek, M. McCamley, and V. Simons.
A. City Charter - Jenkins reported that there has been no action pending the establishment of a date for the initial meeting of the Charter Commission.
B. Other city issues - Continued to next meeting.
C. MMC Issues - Carter discussed the status of ownership of the Healthplex. Gurley reported rampant morale problems among Lifepoint staff members, there are no employee replacements and management is in limbo. Ellins reported that he has acquired Anthony Avallones files: 1) Deeds of all property seems to be in the transfer files; Pegusus owns a 0.30 share of the Healthplex property, 2) He has verified Consumer Unions concerns still exist indicating that the city and county will have little on no say in the use or lease of the hospital property, 3) It is unknown if the policy on indigent care due by the end of August exists, 4) There is no definition of what occurs after the first 36 months of Extended Care payments neither the level nor terms are defined, 5) The issue of a donation of public funds to a private entity as raised by Anthony Avallone still exists, and 6) Default of payments on the line of credit Province obtained from Wachovia could result in the lender taking over the hospital. Ellins will document these issues. Banks thanked Ellins and Carter for the time and effort they have put into this project.
D. Dona Ana County Issues Welch reported that as the audit will be completed soon he will report on this subject at the next meeting. He reported on the conditions the county placed on the approval of the NMSU liquor license.
E. NMSU Regents Issues Bloom reported that the recent Regents meeting as perfunctory with no issues to report.
F. School Board Issues Banks reported no new issues.
A. Bigelow reported that CC is in a financial crisis and that the national office will experience a 25% reduction of its personnel.
B. Burr reported the need for local advertisement of the upcoming vote on the run-off election amendment to the NM constitution.
C. Halls reported the schedule for the presidential debates. She reported the upcoming candidate forum being sponsored by NARFE.
Respectfully Submitted,
//signed//
Gus F. Bigelow assisted by Tammy Smith
Acting SNMCC Board Secretary