Minutes of General Meeting
November 10, 2009


Welcome

  • All in attendance were welcomed. Three new people were introduced. Ana Heredia is a new bi-lingual resident in town and she has volunteered to translate Amigos documents. Maria and Estella are active members of the local church and volunteered to help Amigos with festivals.

    David Graff introduced the Officers and notified the group of Werner Rohde's resignation as Treasurer.


Old Business

  • No discussion.

    Treasurer's Report

  • Following Werner Rohde's resignation, Mitch Schilling verified our balance of approximately $19,000 pesos. Werner's final report as Treasurer has been posted on the website, and we thank him for his 10 months of service.

    A new bank account is pending.

    Delegado/President Report

  • Lo de Marcos has received federal funding for a new black water treatment plant. Nestor Palomera, the delegado, is considering a ½ hector plot of land near the former plant. Outflow will be used for irrigation. This is a town project, not an Amigos project.

    A request was made to assist the town's funding for the Virgin of Guadalupe celebration on December 11-13. Donations were collected by Jacque Graff at the end of the meeting and $2500 was given to Nestor.

    Amigos projects are undertaken only after approval is received from the Lo de Marcos officials -- the delegado (Nestor) and the president (Victor Carrillo). Any communication regarding Amigos projects must be done by David, and he will only discuss projects that have been approved by the members of Amigos.

Committee Reports

  • FundRaising

    The Committee continues to prepare for the annual Fund Raiser. Posters are beginning to appear in town, advertising February 6th, music, and fun.

  • Garbage


    There are three casitas of basura in place. The original one is at the intersection of Calle Las Minitas and Calle Universidad, another is near the Plaza de los Toros, and the third is near the river entrance beyond the baseball field.

    The barrels that were placed along the beach in the spring have disappeared. The need for replacement barrels was deferred to the committee.

  • Recycling

    The Committee was very active during the summer, growing to include Riviera Nayarit initiatives and federal grants to recycle and clean the town. Enthusiastic applause greeted the news. Please review the full report for details.


  • Membership

    There are 110 members.

  • TShirts

    Nothing to report.

  • Signs

    Nothing to report.

  • Schools

    The primary school bathrooms were repaired over the summer. Volunteers are needed to paint them.

  • Website

    As mentioned above, Ana Heredia has volunteered to work on translations for the website.

  • Security

    Nothing to report.

  • Drainage

    As usual, the roads in town have been adversely affected by the seasonal rainfall. Later in the meeting, Nestor said the roads will be regraded in December.

    Crocodiles have been sighted in the estuary that borders Calle Las Minitas.

  • Senior Center

    Nothing to report.

  • Animal Protection

    Spay-neuter clinics continue to occur throughout the area and many animals are given care. For example, a four day clinic in San Blas two weeks ago treated 94 animals. The committee hopes to have another clinic in Lo de Marcos in the spring. Please refer to the committee report for requested items and more information.

  • Health Clinic

    Nothing to report.

New Business

    • Semarnat's Question

    Two students from the University in Puerto Vallarta visited Lo de Marcos to determine what is the biggest issue in town. They studied the beach, drainage, plastic recycling, contamination, and other issues. Yajaira Cazarez is their contact.

    • Officers Nominations / Elections

    Amigos officers are elected for a one year term and can serve more than one term. Each year the group of officers must have at least one new member. The general meetings of December and January will accept nominations for 2010. Eligible people must reside in Lo de Marcos more than six months a year.

    The elections will occur during the January general meeting and one must be present to vote. Only members of Amigos may vote.

    • Committee Members Review

    David will send emails to all committee members, asking if they have continuing interest to serve. It is possible to join or withdraw at any time. If you wish to join a committee, contact the chairperson.

    • 2009 Committee Projects Review
  •      The following projects are open:

    • T-shirt – 100 t-shirts and a new design

      Membership – socials in the plaza

      Animal Protection – large animal trap (the committee withdrew the project)

      Drainage – water testing

      Senior Center – chauffeur service for seniors continues

      Schools – English language support for secondary schools

    • 2010 Committee Projects

    Projects arise and are done by committee. Please have your 2010 projects identified before the Fund Raiser. Committee Chairperson meetings will be held once a month, on the final Tuesday.

Other Announcements


    • Other Items

    none

Meeting adjourned

  • Twenty-six people attended the meeting including six officers of Amigos and Nestor Palomera.


    jg: secretary