[NENA] Brief D4 Minutes

[JOE YARDUMIAN]

                                                                                                               11/23/08

                                       BRIEF MINUTES OF THE 11/19/08 D4 
                                    COALITION OF NEIGHBORHOODS MEETING

The Coalition President reported that the annual "Bug House" Christmas display would be held at Menaul School this year.  She also reported that skate boarders had damaged the the Domingo Baca Skate Park by skating on the concrete before it had set.  The City has repaired the damage but unfortunately, the vandals weren't apprehended.  Mayor Chavez is going to the Legislature to ask for computer software free of charge to "fire Wall" cyber stalking.  Sandia Labs have developed the software.  Coleen Frenz of the Parks Dept. will cross check the Sandia system with the system to be installed at the Multi-Generational Center for compatibility.  APS is training teachers about the system and the Library has a system in place currently.

Councilman Brad Winter reported on the Proposed Convention Center and Hotel proposal being considered by the city.  He noted that the city had an independent group evaluate the proposal and make a report in addition to the report from the group proposing the project.  He noted that the information was much more factual this time.  Cost is estimated to be $438-450 million, to be paid for over 30 years with an 1/8 cent tax increment.  One approach is to extend the current 1/4 cent transport tax, drop the proposed streetcar funding, and use 1/8 cent of the 1/4 cent transport tax for the Hotel and Convention center.  A Special Election may be called for the public to vote on the matter. (special elections cost around $500K). The report further noted that all cities are doing public financing of such projects.  As envisioned, the project would encompass a 550 room hotel in addition to the Convention Center.  Although a parking facility is needed, the $56 necessary is not included in the $ 550 estimated cost. Customer services must be first rate or the project would not be successful.

Councilman Winter also reported that the city expects a $ 20 million budget shortfall because of lower gross receipt tax income, and city depts. are taking steps to reduce funding wherever possible.  Police and Fire services will not be impacted.  Brad also noted that NE Area Police Cmdr Henz is concerned about the rise in robberies and panhandling in the NE. 

There was extensive discussion from the D4 members regarding "pockets of hunger" in our far NE area.  As a specific case in point, Albuquerque Meadows reported that they had became concerned about some of their elderly residents.  Their investigation revealed a number of elderly individuals were reduced to eating one can of vegetables or soup a day as their entire food intake.  In addition several individuals were going to bed at sunset to conserve heat and electricity.  As is frequently the case with the older generation. asking for or accepting "charity" goes against the grain.  In addition, many of the elderly had mobility issues, ie. couldn't pay for gas or bus fare to go to food distribution centers like Roadrunner or other food banks.  Alb. Meadows expeditiously 
contacted and worked with Roadrunner to establish Alb. Meadows as a Roadrunner Distribution Center.

The D4 discussion noted that such pockets are of great concern, particularly in times of economic stress.  The Coalition voted unanimously to pursue identifying such pockets of need and coordinating efforts throughout the year to aid in these sad situations.

Adjourned at 8:55 PM

Respectfully Submitted
Joe Yardumian, NENA Rep to D4
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