Minutes of General Meeting
July 14, 2009


Welcome

  • All in attendance were welcomed.

Old Business

  • Bathrooms on the Beach
  • David Graff said that the bathrooms on the beach will be open within a week, according to the delegado, Nestor Palomera. They are in need of water, electricity, and a caretaker. Contrary to previous minutes, Nestor said the owner of the restaurant in front of the bathrooms does not have a key and is not using them for personal use.
  • Turtle Egg Project
  • The government will not support this project although they may supply some funding. The project has been tasked with the Amigos Animal Protection Committee who will work with Yajaira Cazarez.

Treasurer's Report

  • Werner Rohde reported a balance of $26,940 pesos, reflecting income from T-shirt sales and donations and expenses for the casitas de basura, recycle bins, trash barrels, and the spay/neuter clinic.

    There is a new Project Status Report on our website that includes projects not yet completed. Refer to the Finances tab.

    Amigos tax return for 2008 was filed at the SAT office in Puerto Vallarta last week (all amounts were zeros). The return for 2009 is due on or before February 15, 2010. A few items of information are outstanding before Amigos can obtain a bank account but it will happen soon.

Delegado/President's Report

  • David reported the posting of three 'No Tirar Basura' (Don't Throw Trash) signs around Lo de Marcos. They were installed after the community cleanup project. Nestor is expecting four more signs.

    During David's absence in August and September, Mitch Schilling is the Amigos contact for the town government. Mitch and Nestor established a relationship working on the Senior Center sewer connection project

Committee Reports

  • FundRaising

    The Committee is working on a letter to be emailed to all members that advises them of the event's date and plans, as well as solicits their donations of technical items that will be auctioned.  The event will be held in the plaza.

    Luis Huerta and Dora Madrigal joined the committee

  • Garbage

    The Committee is still searching for an artist to paint the newly installed trash collection sites.    Positive feedback was shared about the town's reaction to the sites.  Less trash on the beach and full barrels have been noticed. Several barrels have been removed from the site next to the river. During the community cleanup project, 20 barrels were purchased.  Amigos purchased 7 of those barrels but we were allowed to stencil our logo on all 20.  If some of the barrels are relocated, there is nothing to be done immediately.  David suggested that, in the future, committees include replacement, repair, and maintenance in their budgets.

  • Recycling

    The Committee has received requests for more plastic recycling bins.  A donation has been received to fund their construction and wire will be ordered.  The man, Luis Fernando, who collects the plastic is doing an excellent job and comes to town at least every four days.

    The Committee's next focus will be the placement of bins on Emiliano Zapata, since reconstruction of that street is practically finished


  • Membership

    There are 118 members now.  Membership can be obtained via the website or on a form obtained from Jacque Graff.


  • TShirts

    Nothing to report.

  • Signs

    Nothing to report.

  • Schools

    Thanks were given to all for approving the bathroom repair project.  The work will begin next week and be finished by August 22 which is the first day of school.  Wiliam Bravo is the electrician/plumber and he will be paid directly by Amigos

  • Website

    There is a new Project Status Report (under the Finances tab) and an Animal Protection Committee status report  (under the Committees tab).

  • Security

    Nothing to report.

  • Drainage

    Patrick Murphy will be out of town for the months of August and September.  Several members who are full time residents will watch the areas subject to flooding.  If there are issues that need the attention of the delegado, please contact Mitch Schilling.

    Roy McLean is a new member of this committee.  His special interest is water quality

  • Senior Center

    Work continues on the Center's connection to the city sewer lines with plans for completion before the rainy season.  The Center has suspended meetings until after the rainy season.

  • Animal Protection

    The donors of the past spay-neuter clinic were thanked again.  Nothing new to report regarding the acquisition of a large animal trap.  Recently, the Committee has been involved  helping Melanie respond to the crime mentioned above.

  • Health Clinic

    Nothing to Report.

New Business

  • Melanie Blair reported the sighting of a case of animal bestiality on the property adjacent to her animal care business. She has contacted the police and the town government, as well as the employer and family of this man. She asked for advice from Amigos. After the general meeting, the officers held a special meeting to discuss the issue.

    Amigos is not a law enforcement organization and while many are abhorred by this crime, we cannot arrest or prosecute or demand such action. Amigos Security Committee provides guidance helping people obtain legal assistance. Melanie was asked to pursue the issue as she wants to, requesting the assistance Amigos can provide. Amigos Animal Protection Committee rescues animals in danger. The victimized dog escaped and ran from the scene so no action was taken>

Other Announcements


    • Other Items

    A complaint was spoken about the graffiti that has begun appearing in town.  While it is illegal, it's also difficult to prosecute.  This issue may be adopted by one of our existing committees.

    Dave Martinez said that La Casa de Los Ninos has moved into their new location and invited all to visit.  They are located on Emiliano Zapata, across from the delegado's office.  Look for their sign. 

     

Meeting adjourned

  • Twenty people attended the meeting including seven officers of Amigos.

  • jg: secretary