The intent of this newsletter is to report the official minutes of the Board meetings and other unrelated events or notices which may be of interest to our Association members.

Board meetings are normally held the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:15 PM at the SLP fire station. All property owners are welcome.

Next Board Meeting: Monday, July 23, 2001

OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE SLPPOA BOARD MEETING

Board meeting called to order 7:26 PM

Board members in attendance: Ann Cooke, Suzanne Star, Marj and Bill Sigler, Sondra Cantrell, Eric Larson, Maggie Schmitt, Kirk Thompson, Wayne VanderHam.

Guests: Don Bednar, Jan Souter, Donna Smith, Julie & Scott Allen, Mark Taylor, Becky Titus, David Garcia, John and Neva Jo Doubs

No corrections noted on the May minutes. Cooke moved, Cantrell seconded, May minutes unanimously approved as written.

Treasurer / Marj Sigler
LANB account balance is $54,625.93. There is $1977.52 in outstanding account receivables. This represents eight lots; three with carryover amounts from last year. The bank foreclosed on one lot and Marj Sigler has received the payment for that lot. Marj Sigler mailed the June statements with a page outlining the rules in the By-Laws about filing liens. Liens and lien releases are ready to file on all accounts that have not attempted to pay. Marj Sigler will continue to mail out bills with the $5 or 1.5% late fee which ever is greater.

Water / Kirk Thompson
The system 2 new well is now on its fifth pump and this pump has also failed. Thompson will not replace the pump until he figures out the problem. He is actively looking for an engineer to determine and isolate the problem. He reported that the Hovenweep pump is also bad but that is to be expected because the pump is old. Thompson handed out a Water System To-Do list, which he reviewed with the Board members. Based on numbers presented at the meeting Thompson reported that SLP should be able to subsist on the present flow of water, however an abnormal usage of 27,000 gallons consumed in 7 hrs on Sun, June 25th suggests that there may be a leak(s) in the system. Thompson commented that the New Mexico Rural Water Association (NMRWA), Don Bednar, and he would survey system 1 for leaks. He reported that presently water is being consumed faster than it can be pumped and stored and that property owners need to take immediate action to conserve by curtailing the washing of vehicles, unnecessary use, and the watering of lawns and gardens. He reports that because there are owners that continue to ignore water conservation efforts, forcing those residents at higher elevations to go without, that he and Bednar are now periodically shutting down the entire system to help replenish the water supply in the storage tanks.

Bednar suggested that once the present water problems are resolved that SLP needs to formulate goals to improve the water systems and storage and consider adding another 12,000 gal tank. He commented that SLP should pursue any grant monies available. Bednar commented that Christy Sturm, a grant writer for the Pojoaque Pueblo, has volunteered to help write proposals for grant money.

Cantrell asked about the cost to replace the whole system. Both Bednar and Thompson stated that it would be cost prohibitive.

Schmitt asked for a run down of the water system problems. Bednar commented that after a week of running a new pump, followed by a shut down, that a new start-up breaks the shaft.

Cooke briefly outlined for the Board meeting guests, how the water system functions and supplies water via the booster and tanks. She noted the problems of line diameters and restrictions. Cooke asked about the water levels in the well and if they were holding steady with the heavy pumping of the well. Bednar suggested that the water table has dropped 14 ft of water in the new sys2 well, however we still are losing less than 10%, which suggests that SLP's water resources are not in jeopardy. Cooke suggested that moving a sufficient water volume on system 2 is the biggest problem. Cooke suggested that the booster might not be efficient to move the volume of water needed to keep a reserve in the storage tanks. She hypothesized that the dynamics of moving water results in pressure shock waves caused by water hitting the curves and constrictions in the pipeline between the system 2 pump and the booster station holding tank and could be part of the problem. She commented that a surge arrester that allows an air bubble to be compressed rather than the pipe line fittings and the pump mechanics might be a possible solution.

Smith commented that the SLP water system has always had problems due to the poor and cheaply executed construction of the water system by the subdivision developer. She suggested that past and present volunteers have been asked to correct a system, which has always been flawed with problems. Smith suggested that the system has been in dire need of revamping for many years and that if water conservation practices are ignored, that water meters may need to be investigated. Smith suggested that money needs to be spent (and many members would be happy to write a check today) if SLP is to resolve this issue. She also commented that our water is cheaper than most areas, (some areas are paying over $200 per month for water) and that special assessments may be necessary.

VanderHam declared that the Board is not against spending money, but will pursue the problem in a systematic way.

Bednar stated that the failed pumps are warranteed which has helped with the cost.

Souter recommended that we hire a professional to evaluate the situation, which Thompson and Bednar have already been pursuing.

At the request of Thompson and Bednar, Cooke commented on an idea, which she has investigated an idea to add a new pipe up to the booster station through the meadow. Bednar commented that a high-density polyethylene pipe would be the best option because the pipe is considerably tougher than those presently in use. Cooke suggested two possibilities for a new pipe line: to trench up Los Griegos which could present major problems due to presently buried phone lines, electrical lines, water lines and house connections to the water, and road closure or to trench along property lines from the well site to the booster station, which would present minimal road hazards or closures. Cooke suggested that there was an issue of easement rights, but that she has talked with the property owners involved and with the exception of Dave Schmitt, all appear to be in favor. Cooke consulted with Garcia about easement access and appropriate documentation should this option be considered. Bednar commented that ultimately the hired engineer and/or contractor would be responsible for the logistics of the placement. VanderHam suggested that we investigate the cost, logistics, and reports from the people who will be hired.

Thompson suggested that we still do not have a permit for the well so that may be another issue to be resolved before proceeding.

Thompson cited some statistics regarding water usage. He commented that one person using a sprinkler for one hour can use 1/20th or 1200 gallons of the SLP water storage supply. He commented that he needs to get Hovenweep and system 2 pumping and find the leaks and that he and Bednar will continue to intermittently ration the water supply by turning on and shutting off the water systems during the day and night.

Thompson expressed concern over the present water usage in year 2000. He suggested that it is due to either major usage or major leaks or probably both. Thompson stated that SLP needs to pay for professional input and that he and Bednar will pursue the hunt for an engineer. Smith volunteered to help with whatever needs to be done. Sigler moved to authorize Thompson to find an engineer and hire him. Schmitt seconded. All approved. The motion carried unanimously.

Bednar suggested we start immediately to pursue the grant issue. VanderHam commented that grants take an inordinate amount of time to acquire.

VanderHam commented that there will be a special mailing to distribute the Consumer Confidence Report for Year 2000 and that a flyer be included regarding the need for community water conservation. Schmitt volunteered to put together a flyer.

Scott Allen commented that we could lower our fire insurance if we had at least 30,000 gal in storage tanks.

Bednar handed out the Consumer Confidence Report for Year 2000, which will also be posted on the web.

Souter suggested that we need more public relations on water conservation.

Thompson talked about cost of adding a water meter system. Souter suggested that the SLP water system problems might be exacerbated with the upcoming fire season. She asked whether we could have trucks with water. Cooke commented that SLP does not have enough water to fight a forest fire She added that at 30 gals per minute few if any homes could be saved. Her best advise for the upcoming fire season is for residents to pack important documents and belongings and be prepared to leave, clear a defensible space on properties, and make sure to update your loss coverage.

Thompson introduced the idea of service connection fees; charging people when they begin new development to ensure that all water system hookups are done correctly. Architectural control would be the common point of contact to ensure compliance. He also suggested that a letter outlining the procedure and requirements be created that would be mailed to all the local developers/contractors and also handed to the builder/contractor of each new resident.

Cooke inquired about check valves on each residents service connection and whether the lack of these devices could cause very serious health problems with the quality of our water should contaminated water be back-sucked in the communal water system. Thompson estimated that 80% of the residents in the area presently do not have check valves, which prevent water from back washing into the water system. He suggested that the chlorination systems presently in service should be adequate to prevent problems.

Thompson reported that the state wants SLP to combine all well permits under one permit. He expressed concern about losing acre feet water rights if we co-mingled the wells.. He asked that SLP attorney Garcia investigate the water law and work with the State Engineers Office to clarify what exactly are the implications of doing this. Garcia agreed to check into the details. Cooke moved that Garcia initiate the discussion with the state. Schmitt seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

Thompson reported that he is publishing current water status information on the website.

Thompson also reported that the electrician is going to wire the pedestal this week and that he needs to remove the old pedestal, so that they will be using the generator to run the sys 2 pump while the pedestal is being worked on. He stated that the state regional inspector will be up to inspect when the installation is finished.

Bednar and Thompson presented an inventoried list of all water parts and stock on hand and noted that it will be posted in the shed. They requested that any parts used for repair be checked off and initialed on the sheet.

Roads / Bill Sigler
Bednar commented that a culvert pipe is showing near the booster station. Bill Sigler hopes that Meskimens will be snow blowing instead of plowing this coming winter.

Architectural Control / Eric Larson
Eric reported that he set up a meeting with the disputing parties (May newsletter report) and that the parties have declined.

Schmitt asked whether names should be published of people who are making renovations or additions to their homes (like fences, decks, etc). VanderHam suggested names could be published as long as it is official business to the board.

Legal/Covenants/Ann Cooke
Cooke reported no new work on the covenants.

Board discussion ensued regarding the proposal of running the new water line between property lines. It was noted that Dave Schmitt is one owner that is presently objecting to this proposal. Cooke commented that she would like to hire a surveyor. Bill Sigler commented that the engineer needs to be the first point of business. Thompson suggested that the time of hiring a surveyor should be at the discretion of the engineer. Thompson motioned that the surveyor be hired at the discretion of the engineer, Sigler seconded. All approved. Cooke commented that she will contact each owner for permission for the engineer and/or surveyor to access properties.

Parks/ Maggie Schmitt
Schmitt thanked all those who have helped with the phone tree during the water problems. Star suggested that out of town property owners need to be notified of the water problems. She suggested that a notice be added to the flyer.

Forest Service/Sondra Cantrell
Cantrell suggested July 14th for the Informational Day in SLP. She added that Dennis Vesquez, the new superintendent of Bandelier and a trustee of the Valle Grande would be in attendance. Time for the meeting was set for 2 PM.

Cantrell reported that SLP was not awarded the water storage tank grant discussed at the May meeting.

Cantrell asked about the elk management meeting. She also commented that Forest Service contracts are currently being given for the expansion of fuel breaks, and that the fuel breaks are going to be made with axes because of the chain saw restriction. There will be new red and blue flags in the northwest and south of the development marking the new fuel breaks. Approximately 450 acres of fuel breaks will be done by contractors. She reported that the state has $17 million in grant monies for the removal of hazardous fuels on private lands.

Cantrell added that the Forest Service reports that they have increased the number of fire fighters in the area and currently have 5% of these on as a hand crew. They also have a helicopter in Los Alamos with crew only 15 minutes away.

Long range planning/ Sondra Cantrell
No report

Parks Neighborhood Watch/Maggie Schmitt
No report.

Unfinished business:
VanderHam suggested that the purchase of the storage building be put on hold until the water problems are resolved.

New Business:
Cooke commented that Thompson has gone above and beyond the call of duty for SLP, and many property owners have suggested that Thompson be reimbursed for his efforts. Cooke made a motion to reimburse Thompson. VanderHam read the By Laws regarding reimbursing a board member. He suggested that according to the By-Laws, the Board cannot compensate him on certain duties, but can compensate him on activities outside of the job description pertaining to a board member. Garcia discussed the possibilities of accommodating the motion. Cooke's motion was tabled until further decision from Thompson.

VanderHam asked for a volunteer to head up the nomination committee. Nobody volunteered. VanderHam volunteered to contact owners outside the board for help.

Next meeting: July 23, 2001 7:15PM