March 7th, 2022
----- • By way of email correspondence, the Board approved the 2021 Financial Summary and the 2022 Proposed Budget. The Board approved the continuation of an operating budget at a slight deficit to draw down the reserve fund in a gradual manner.
----- • The selection of a new attorney for HOA business matters was approved via email correspondence.
----- • Following the departure of two of our Directors in recent months, the Board selected Tien Nguyen and Chris Hart to fill their vacancies (in accordance with Article 3.04 of the Bylaws). We would like to thank Evan Grasser and Patty Trellue for their contributions to the neighborhood, and to welcome Tien and Chris to the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenny Brewster
Secretary
The Estates at Tanoan Homeowners’ Association
Annual Meeting, April 24, 2022
(Meeting in the Neighborhood)
The meeting commenced with President, Darrell Spreen, introducing the current HOA board members, thanking recent Directors (Evan Grasser and Patty Trellue) for their contributions, and thanking our neighbors for attending. He also expressed our appreciation to Kim Elliott, the HOA business manager, for her many extra efforts.
Special Guest.
Trudy Jones, City Councilor for our district, spoke about some of the topics discussed during the two recent, in person council meetings. Homelessness and crime are two major issues for our City. The following day, Trudy and a charted bus with her fellow elected officials were going to visit a model to address homelessness that is being used in Las Cruces, NM. The basics of the Las Cruces model are as follows: It is located on 5 acres in an industrial area, within the city limits. Tents are provided as a sleeping area. Medical care, job training, counseling, support finding a job, and transitional support are provided. The first month is provided free. Then small rent is charged. There is a time limit of ~5 months.
--- • A resident had questions about the current projects in Albuquerque that are having limited success – the old Lovelace Hospital facility on Gibson and the “small pod” center run by the County. Trudy gave what limited information she had about each.
--- • Residents and Trudy brought up the crime in Albuquerque that is increasing with no end in sight. Trudy pointed to the judges for releasing criminals. She stated that individuals arrested are often back on the streets within hours.
Trudy also spoke about issues with large numbers of vacancies within all areas of the City – police, permits, etc. She also voiced her opinion that ART is necessary for the growth of Albuquerque – that to be a ‘real’ large city, we need that type of public transportation.
Trudy announced that she will not seek re-election and encouraged residents with any interest in running to speak to her for advice and to answer any questions.
Financial Report
Next to speak was Kathy Darwin, the HOA treasurer. She spoke about the HOA budget, both for 2021 and 2022. She stated that the 4 main expenditures are Security (~$27k), the business manager, grounds maintenance and the water bill.
--- • No questions for Kathy
Safety and HOA Events
Lucy Barabe, Vice-President, started off by talking about neighborhood safety: mainly speeding and running stop signs, but she also mentioned sidewalk safety. That trees are causing sidewalks to buckle in some areas and that poses trip hazards. Any trips or falls would be the liability of the homeowner.
--- • Residents brought up safety concerns about the blind corner at City Lights and Starshine. The suggestion/request was made to check with the City about getting yellow lines and/or no parking signs along that corner.
Lucy then mentioned the planned neighborhood events:
--- • 4th of July parade, possibly followed by a cook-out/potluck; Back to School BBQ; Halloween – the idea of ‘shutting down’ trick-or-treating early was floated; no decision was made.
Security
Darrell then discussed security costs and coverage – more coverage = more cost. There were several questions and comments surrounding security – with the high crime rate in Albuquerque, it is clearly an area of concerns for our residents.
Discussion was had surrounding the possibility of having a list of phone numbers and/or emails for our residents willing to share such information. It was thought it could be helpful in keeping an eye out for one another. Currently, TxtAlert is used by our residents to notify everyone promptly if suspicious activity is seen in the neighborhood.
--- • One person asked about IPS (IPS is a security company which has bid on our security service in the past).
--- • Another suggested contacting a retired policeman to take on our security patrol – no one had a good suggestion as to how this could be accomplished.
--- • Someone asked about competitive bids and if other companies have been contacted (yes, and the nature of some of the competitive bids was discussed).
Darrell stated that if the Directors wish to re-address the neighborhood security service they will need volunteers to assist in the evaluation process. One suggestion that Darrell had was that we could ask Securitas for additional reporting criteria, such as the number of turn arounds during their patrol periods.
Landscape Maintenance
There was a reminder to residents to keep after the weeds in their front yards and near the street.
Discussion regarding the park common space – some trees are nearing the end of their lifespans. Most still appear to be healthy. They were all trimmed in the fall of 2021. It was suggested that the bark from the purple plums should be retested as one resident believes they have some sort of issue.
The entrance was discussed a bit – that the plants in the median at the entry are in need of attention. Teresa Edens of Morning Star Court expressed interest in helping with the project.
Darrell reminded residents to seek approval prior to making modifications to the front of their properties.
White slump blocks and the difficulty in finding them was brought up. It was noted that a couple of residents have managed to find them recently (in AZ and in TX). Darrell offered to assist residents in locating the blocks if necessary.
Residents were thanked for attending and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jenny Brewster
Secretary