Minutes of General Meeting
November 11, 2008


Welcome

  • Ralph Sima was welcomed to Amigos by David.
  • An item was added to the agenda by Ron Deschamps. He would like the meetings to be scheduled earlier in the day. He suggested Tuesday mornings and Mitch said that the Mexican members are typically working then. While there was consensus that earlier meetings are preferred, the issue was deferred to the Officers Committee.

Old Business

  • No Old Business

Treasury Report

  • Jacque reported a balance of approximately $34,000 (pesos). There was no income received nor payments made during the summer recess. She also reported that the PayPal verification work is pending discussion with Manuel and the Amigos funds reside in Manuel's business account at Bancomer. Jacque and Veronica are trying to determine the status of the Amigos account at Bancomer.

Committee Reports

  • Environmental

    Nothing to report

  • Garbage

    Construction on the garbage collection site was discontinued during the rainy season. Work has resumed and by week's end, the Garbage Committee expects the construction to be 75% complete. There was a hole behind the site and construction waste and fill dirt were added. Ron has contracted Luis of La Penita to build the gates. Luis has bid a good price and may use remnants from other projects. Ron paid a $2000 (peso) deposit and expects the balance to be $3000.

    Werner asked about rebuilding the fence (in front of the hole). He reported dumping of trash and great fires in the hole. David believes there is a new owner of the property who may be willing to repair the fence. Perhaps we'll work together.

    It was stated that Manuel will provide the garbage containers for the new site. Two of the containers we purchased last year were stolen and discovered in San Pancho. The painting of our logo done by Diana has worn away and we're searching for another method of marking the containers. Ana has tried to contact Coca Cola and Pepsi Cola about obtaining their syrup containers but has been unsuccessful. Ron said there are many companies in Guadalajara that use the type of containers we need.

  • Recycling

    Ana referred the audience to the Amigos website to learn about the Recycling Committee's activities. There were no committee meetings during the summer.

    Ana reported a variety of efforts underway:
    ** Leti Bernal is saving her cardboard boxes. Anyone wishing to may go behind the curtain in her store, flatten the boxes, and take them to San Pancho or Sayulita for recycling.
    ** Yajaira is collecting glass and plastic. She also collects recyclables from the Pemex gas station.
    ** Lucia, one of the town seamstresses who makes school uniforms, is making purses by crocheting plastic bags.

    There are programs in neighboring villages that provide funds to schools and children for the recyclables they have collected. Currently there is no similar program in Lo de Marcos.

    Ana suggested the recyclables may be stored at the Ferreteria Pina on the highway. They have a large enclosed structure that doesn't appear to be used. The Recycling Committee will investigate.

  • Membership

    Jacque reported no new members and summarized the current membership. The group represents 27 Mexicans, 28 Canadians, and 39 United States-ians.

  • Signs

    Ron reported no activity during the rainy season. Manuel has installed all signs for which he has posts.

  • Website

    David reported the success of the website and asked people to send emails to info@amigosdelodemarcos.org if they have stories or information to be considered for publication. When Frank asked, David reviewed the method for suggesting agenda items or to volunteer on a committee. Again, send an email to info@amigosdelodemarcos.org. Email addresses and phone numbers of Amigos individuals are generally not listed on the website.

New Business

  • David announced the election of new officers for the 2009 calendar year. The Amigos board has a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and three Vocals. Jacque motioned to have a special meeting in January to hold the elections. She said the general meeting may need to consider other important topics (like a fundraiser) and the election should be separate. Mitch seconded the motion and the audience passed it. Members must attend the meeting to vote. It will be held the third Tuesday of January, the 20th.

     

Open Discussion

  • Ralph asked how information is distributed around town. He was referred to the Amigos website as well as the jaltembasol.com online newsletter.

    David reported that Lo de Marcos is having general elections in December. Town officials hold office for three years.
  • Dave Martinez offered the assistance of La Casa de Los Ninos and suggested our two groups work together. “La Casa is the future of Lo de Marcos” and if the children are taught how to recycle and put trash where it belongs, for example, the future of Lo de Marcos will have less landfill trash and no littering. The suggestion was well received and discussion ensued about joint projects.
  • Ron seeks a park bench that can be installed in the grassy area next to the garbage site. As many people walk the Calle Las Minitas, a resting place is desirable. Diana suggested a concrete bench be made and the children of La Casa decorate it with broken mosaic. Various ideas followed.

Meeting adjourned

  • Fifteen people attended the meeting, including three officers. The meeting was conducted in english only.