SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO COMMON CAUSE

Minutes of the Governing Board Meeting

Wednesday, September 15, 2004

 

  1. Phil Banks called the meeting to order at 11:55 a.m. at J. W. Flours Restaurant, Las Cruces, NM 88001.

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.

  1. There being no objections the agenda was approved by unanimous consent with the addition of two presentations as part of  “Other Business.”
  2. There being no changes the minutes of  August 18, 2004 were approved on a motion by Jenkins. 
  3. Projects

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 Avallone’s 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. 

  1. Monitoring Public Meetings (w/LOWV) – Banks repeated the request that members attending public meeting send Simons a short written report to her. 
  2. Mailing to Socorro and Silver City  - No response resulted from 47 inquiries regarding a local chapter in those communities. 
  3. Website Update – Burr requested member make suggestions to him for revising the design of the web site.  Several of the links are inoperative.  
  4. State Annual Awards Luncheon:  Oct. 9. – Tickets are still available.  (A later report is that Chellie Pingree will be replaced as keynote speaker by Fred Harris.)
  1. Other Business: 

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.

  1. Next Meeting is October 20.
  2. The meeting was adjourned at 12:54 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

       //signed//

      Gus F. Bigelow assisted by Tammy Smith

      Acting SNMCC Board Secretary