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Los Amigos de La Peñita--Jan.15/08
General Meeting Summary
Forty two people attended this very informative, successful meeting. Danny and Roche from the Guayabitos Homeowners Assoc. were guests at this meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Brochure--Bob Gibbs completed the brochure and will have copies made and it will also be placed on our website.
2. Garbage Truck--Marconi promised a new truck for La Peñita and it will arrive before Semana Santa.
3. Guayabitos Homeowners Assoc. and the Hotel Assoc.--we are joining forces to show a unified front in our request for better water/sewer and garbage service. Los Ayala and La Colonia will also be asked to join this group.
4. Website--completion of website is still in progress, Barb is waiting for text from committee members and this information will be given to Barb by the weekend.
5. Estuary--Betty not present at meeting to give report.
6. Registered organization---Los Amigos must become a registered organization and will start the process.
7. Plastic Recycle Program--the program should be in operation by the end of the month
8. PO Box--we now have a PO Box number that will be on our stationary, brochure and website for written communication. The PO Box is being shared with our Sec/Treas. Arla so the annual cost is only $80 pesos.
9. Pay Pal Account-- do to the expense of having funds sent via Pay Pal, we will not have an account but have funds transferred direct into out Bancomer Bank account.
10. Abandoned/Derelict Car Removal---Betty not present at meeting to give report on when Roger Murphy’s offer to pay for the removal of these vehicles from our streets will take place.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Fund Raising--Ken not present so Karen reported that all activities are focused on the Thomas Bartlett Feb. 10 event which is sold out. Arla, who is in charge of ticket sales, has a waiting list if more tickets are made available.
A) Silent Auction--Karen is in charge and requested items of interest for the auction as well as cash donations or services for those who do not have an item to donate. Forty door prizes are also needed so almost anything will be suitable for a door prize. Use your imagination for the Auction and Door Prizes!
B) Donations can be made through our website or contact Karen at 274-2244. Items can also be dropped off at the Xaltemba Restaurant/Gallery.
Water/Sewer-- Nora reported that the present water supply problem will continue until Feb. 9th at which time the new water storage facility will be completed to receive water from the new well. When the new system is activated there will be more problems with leaking water pipes from the higher water pressure which will be repaired immediately. Funds will be available from the Federal Government to correct problems that arise from the increase in water pressure such as replacing old pipe with new. Los Ayala and Guayabitos will also receive water from the new system. The government has invested 15 million into this project which does not include the distribution system.
A) Sewer--A problem still exists with the treatment facility and sewage going into the estuary. However, Siapa is aware of the problem and are correcting the problem. Profeca, a national organization for the environment will have no consideration of any person who is responsible for this problem.
B) Siapa wants everyone to pay their fees so money is available for maintenance and Siapa promises that all complaints will be attended to. Siapa needs to issue a public report when problems arise to make everyone aware of what is happening when water is not available and the sewage treatment facility shuts down.
C) Danny reported that Guayabitos residents pay their fees every two months because if paid annually, the funds disappear.
Clean-UP--Betty not present, no report. Question asked about the use of the old garbage cans that are being replaced with the 30 new ones. Nora said that Don Pedro at Delicacion will give old ones for public use, not private use but the persons receiving the old cans must be responsible for the maintenance.
A) Identification badges still not available for members representing Los Amigos but are in the process of being made
Beach Report--Bob Gibbs reported that letters have not yet been written to Government officials but will be drafted soon. Bob reviewed the beach and cemetery erosion problem and the steps Los Amigos will take to correct the problems. The other issue is the illegal buildings that are present on the 20 meter zone from the high water line; these structures must be removed to accommodate the proposed Malecon.
Treasurer Report--Since the last meeting, no expenses but received a donation of $500 pesos from Ken/Marty, the realtor and $200 Pesos given at the meeting.
Public Relations--Need volunteers to arrange publicity through Radio, TV, and Newspaper so the public is aware of our activities. David Easby volunteered.
A) Danny gave the name Mark Murphy, Nuevo Vallarta Riviera Nayarit, as the new president and on Feb. 8th there will be a Tourism meeting so we must be ready to make a joint presentation at this meeting. Take pictures of anything you see that is bad for our area so the photos can also be presented at this meeting.
Security--Gord is still away so no report. However, home security is a personal issue but we need proper street lighting and will meet with the local police to voice our concerns and how we can help the police address our concerns.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Regarding the city by-law about throwing trash into the streets---who is going to enforce it and what is the amount of the fine? Don Pedro, the delegate is in charge but Marconi’s secretary is having flyers made to advertise this new law and the amount of the fine.
2. Request from visitors in La Peñita RV Park for Conalep to clean up the trash, weeds and dead animals along the side walk that goes into town as a fund raiser for the school instead of having a dinner with entertainment. Danny will take us to the school to meet with the school directors regarding this issue.
3. Nicholas from Los Ayala, volunteered to design an upgrade for our town square with new trees, flowers, etc. which he will donate. He needs volunteers to help with this beautification project.
4. Nora reported that the main avenida in La Peñita is being rejuvenated by Marconi. Every 50 meters a new lamp post will be installed from the highway to the beach for a total of 50 lamp posts. Also the fountain, benches and planters will be rejuvenated. Next Wednesday, Marconi will be here to lay the cornerstone for this project.
5. When there is a Mexican resident attendance at our meetings of 50% or more, the meetings will be conducted in Spanish and translated into English. Also, the Mexican residents that join and work with Los Amigos and show the same dedication that Betty and Nora have shown will be eligible to be elected into an official position with Los Amigos with foreigners as their assistants. To be eligible for an elected position, you must be a resident of La Peñita for a minimum of 8 months. A recruitment campaign will be organized to invite the Mexican residents to come to our meetings.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM, next General Meeting will be Jan. 28 at 7:00 PM at the Xaltemba Rest./Gallery
Los Amigos de La Peñita Dec. 10 General Meeting Minutes Summary
Thank you to Eddie and Roberto for the use of Xaltemba Rest./Gallery for our meetings.
Twenty six people attended this meeting.
OLD BUSINESS;
1. Brochure will be completed with new information before next meeting
2. Estuary--the fisherman continue to throw plastic oil containers, etc., into the river. Betty and Nora will contact the authorities and have them explain to the fisherman not to throw their trash into the river. Betty reported that the government will be cleaning the entire estuary with machines after Jan. 8/08.
3. Used Garbage Truck--an appointment will be made so we can go to Tepic or Compostela with two master mechanics from Los Amigos and have our mechanics decide if the garbage truck is suitable for use in La Peñita. In the meantime, Don Pedro has accepted a smaller garbage truck from Compostela for use in the higher areas. Two weeks ago, Betty was at a Assoc. of Merchants meeting in La Peñita and they suggested La Peñita purchase a truck to provide more service for the area. There is a fund of $800,000 Pesos for the purchase of a new truck but Lupita will not part with the funds.
4. Meeting with Guayabitos Homeowners Assoc. and the Hotel Assoc. re water/sewer and garbage has been postponed. The meeting will take place before our next general meeting.
5. Website--the name Los Amigos de La Penita.com has been registered and Barb is waiting for our committee to provide her with all the necessary information to get it started.
6. Registered Assoc.--Marco, the local Notario will charge $6000.00 for his services to register Los Amigos and Juan Morales the accountant will charge $1000.00 for each accounting report he has to file. We will still meet with Guayabitos Homeowners Assoc. before making a final decision on what to do. Other accountants names were given who will charge less fees as a contribution to our group.
7. Ramone from the newspaper was not at the meeting because of problems publishing the paper do to lack of funds. It was suggested that Los Amigos could pay for an ad in the paper to publish our meeting minutes in Spanish and our activities to promote Los Amigos. The ad would generate funds for the paper and sales of the paper would increase if the community purchased the paper. Raphael will find another newspaper that will publish our minutes, activities and promote Los Amigos.
8. Chacala plastic bottle recycling program meeting was very informative. Suggested to use money from recycling for a Scholarship/Achievement program for poor families. Hector will obtain costs of Crusher and Shredder. Maybe, Coca Cola will be interested in supporting this project, Raphael will find out.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Fund Raising--needs six more volunteers to help with the Thomas Bartlett fundraising event. Ken reported that they are on schedule and the tickets and posters, etc., will be available within a few days. This event will take place on Feb.10 from 4 to 7PM and for a donation of $500 pesos/person, you can attend this extravaganza that is limited to 150 people. Los Amigos hopes to raise $10,000 USD with Thomas Bartlett hosting the entire extravaganza. Tickets can be purchased from members of Los Amigos.
2. Water/Sewer--Nora met with Jorge Rubio from Siapa who showed her the map of the new water line. The line has stopped at the tire shop because those properties are on the Public Zone so Guayabitos and La Peñita has not been done yet until this problem is solved. The new water storage tank half way up the hill should be completed by Jan.1/08. The water from the new well is only for La Peñita but during Semana Santa, water will be given to Guayabitos and Los Ayala for the tourists. Siapa will have a new calendar available in Jan. showing the dates that our areas will receive water. Raphael reported that the old sewerage treatment plant is being renovated to be put back into fulltime service to assist the present treatment plant. This should eliminate future sewage problems with effluent going into the river. The red flags have been removed from the beach indicating that it is safe to swing in the ocean again.
3. Clean Up--Betty reported that from the bank to the Toucan rest., palm trees are being painted and the street cleaned and curbs painted. Friday, a request will be made to all of La Peñita to keep the area in front of your house clean and she will start a cleaning campaign with two elderly residents with aprons, cans and a dolly working from the bank to the end of the street to keep the area clean. Betty will ask for donations from the property owners to pay for the two elderly workers and asked if Los Amigos could pay $100 per person. A resident is willing to store the trash on his property until the garbage truck hauls it away. Betty will talk to Lupita about the truck hauling the trash away. Los Amigos needs to provide badges to identify the committee heads and workers so the community will know that when donations are requested it is for Los Amigos.
4. Beach--As soon as the correct government agency is identified, a letter will be written to that agency
asking what they are prepared to do to prevent further erosion of the beach and cemetery. The proposed Malaccan project for La Peñita was discussed and we should also find out the status on that.
5. Treasury--No expenses since last meeting, now have $8,470.00 pesos and $10 USD
NEW BUSINESS
1. Do to lack of Volunteers, Los Amigos is not going to take on new projects or create new committees until the existing projects have been completed
2. Eddie will do all the Public Relation work for Los Amigos with assistance from members when called upon for help.
3. Los Amigos has a Pay-Pal account so money can be donated via internet;
4. Fund Raising committee will in the future, prepare a calendar to sell that has photos of our area for each month and lists local events under the appropriate dates.
5. Los Amigos will have a permanent PO Box number for $108/year, email address and phone numbers for contact and correspondence.
6. Roger Murphy and his group volunteered to pay for the removal of all derelict/abandoned vehicles from the streets of La Pentad. This project will start in Jan/08
California Hotel George was given a standing ovation for his dedication to Los Amigos and all the work he has done for us and La Peñita. George is leaving for the US and does not know when he will return.
No more meetings in December because of the Holidays. Next meeting Jan. 14/08 at 7:00PM at the Xaltemba Rest./Gallery. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL RESIDENTS AND GUESTS OF LA PEÑITA
November 26
Twenty six people attended this meeting which helped to make it a very productive and successful meeting.
OLD Business:
1. Brochure will be updated to state that we are a non-political group and give our new date, time and location of general meetings and also include Ken’s mandate of our goals and objectives.
2. Nora reported that on July 31/07 a meeting was held at the Casa Blanc with Marconi, Sec. of Tourism, Betty, Nora and Don Pedro. Los Amigos requested support with our garbage/trash problem and Marconi promised 30 trash cans, T-shirts, and logo signs stating “Keep our city clean”. Today, we received 100 T-shirts with the logo, etc., imprinted on them and the 30 trash cans imprinted “Help keep clean Rivera Nayarit” and bumper stickers stating the same. New regulations went into effect, it is now a law that a fine will be levied for discarding trash in the streets and throughout our area.
3. The old Chacala garbage truck that we were to receive was cancelled because it would cost $2000 pesos/day to operate. Nora is trying to get a “loaner garbage truck” from Compostela on a regular basis.
4. The meeting regarding the recycling of plastic bottles and bags will take place on Dec. 7/07 at 10:00 AM at the library in Chacala. Five representatives will attend this meeting and report back.
5. The scheduled meeting with the Guayabitos Home Owners Assoc. and the Hotel Assoc. to form a joint committee to send letters to government officials re our water/sewer and garbage problems had to be postponed to a latter date. Also, Los Amigos beach committee will be sending a letter to the same government officials asking what they are prepared to do to prevent further erosion of La Peñita's beach and cemetery bordering the beach. Once we get a definite commitment from the government that they are willing to invest funds to correct this problem, we will go ahead with a new marine engineer report along with the old US Army Corp of Engineers report to state what action must be taken to resolve this problem. In other words, why spend the money for a new report if the government is not going to correct the problem.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FUND RAISING: Ken reported that on Nov. 17 at a committee meeting ways of raising funds was discussed as well as the need to develop guiding principles and specific strategies. Roberto proposed a day event that will be held on our beach to show pride in our beach and involve everyone from our community. Thomas Bartlett made a generous offer to host a fund raising cocktail- buffet event at his home in February to accommodate a limited number of guests all at his expense. This event will be given lots of pre- publicity and a cost/person will be determined by the committee. A motion was made and carried to allow the fund raising committee to pursue their proposed activities of raising funds. To increase our current balance of $6,550.00 pesos, a plate was passed for donations and $1.920.00 pesos and $10.00 USD were collected.
Water/Sewer: Nora brought Jorge Rubio from SIAPA to give an update on the water system. The new well is completed and ready to deliver water but work is still in progress on new water lines from the distribution tanks and new storage tank. All work should be completed by Dec. 31 so in Jan./08 all water districts will receive water on a regular basis. The public can view the plans of this new system in the SIAPA office and see when water will be delivered to their area.. Customers will receive water every three days but in the beginning, there will be delivery problems because old pipes will break under the increased pressure and need to be replaced. This new well is primarily for La Peñita but during Semana Santa, water will be shared with Los Ayala and Guayabitos to serve the tourists. Jorge Rubio agreed to keep Nora updated on their progress and immediately advise if there are problems that will cause a delay in the expected delivery date for
water.
CLEAN-UP: No report at this time
SECURITY; Gord reported that a meeting will be held in Jan. when he returns from Canada. The local police number is not in service but this will be investigated.
BEACH: No report other than the letter to the government agencies asking what their intentions are to provide funds to correct the beach and cemetery erosion problem.
NOMINATING: Mary Alice explained that for now, no elections will be held until peoples levels of commitment regularizes but instead four people will be appointed into the positions of President and Sec./Tres.. This appointment will take place immediately and last until May at which time the appointments will be re-evaluated. President--Betty with Mark as co-president ; Sec./Tres.--Nora with Arla as co-Sec./Tres. We now have a Mexican resident and a foreigner resident sharing these positions.
TREASURY; Nov. 12/07 balance=$3,550.00 Pesos. Nov. 26/07 balance=$6550.00 Pesos. Received donations from the following: $1000 from Gerry and Anita, $1000 from Maxine and John (this was originally put into a separate fund to clean the estuary) and $1000 from anonymous. The estuary was cleaned by Joyce and her volunteers.
NEW BUSINESS;
1. Web Site for Los Amigos--three people offered their services to form a site for us, Tom Plattenberger, Dot Bell and Barb Stears. A committee will be making a decision within the next two days on which person to go with. The site will be bilingual with either Eddie or Trudy Osterman doing the translating; they will also do the translating for the newspaper, brochure and TV.
2. Need to form a Public Relations committee to present Los Amigos to the public on a regular basis via newspaper, etc.. Eddie volunteered to work on this committee but not head it.
3. Should we become a registered organization? This question is being pursued with Ken and Mark meeting with the local accountant, Juan Morales and the Notario, Marco. Also will meet with Danny from the Guaybitos H O Assoc. for advice and help.
4. Eddie arranged for Ramon from the local newspaper, Mirada de Pacifico, to attended this meeting and he will attend future meetings to report in the paper our activities and accomplishments.
There will only be one general meeting in December because of the holiday season. Next general meeting will be on Dec 10/07 at 7:00 PM at the Xaltemba Rest/Gallery. A very big THANK YOU to both Eddie and Roberto for allowing Los Amigos to have our meetings at their restaurant.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Clean Up
---Water/Sewer --- George, Nora and Betty had a meeting with Jorge Rubio from Siapa on Nov. 9. Only one of the three pumps for the wells is operating at this time but the other two pumps will be repaired or replaced. A new water storage facility is being constructed on Calle Americo Vespuce which when completed will provide an additional supply of water for La Peñita. A long discussion took place on why the water shortage problem has not been resolved. It boils down to lack of funds, Rubio said there is not sufficient funds to pay CFE for the electric bill and requests everyone to at least pay their sewer bill of $48 pesos/month so there will be funds to keep the pumps operating. Amnesty will be given to all old past due accounts if the property owner will just pay the sewer charges for 2007 and 2008. Of course, property owners that are receiving water are expected to pay for water received. Please explain this proposal to your neighbors so they understand the amnesty proposal and then pay for their sewer service. Los Amigos will post a water schedule throughout the city showing when your area is to receive water. If you do not receive water on the designated days, go directly to Siapa to report the problem. Also report if you see leaks in the water lines so they can be repaired. The new well with the 10” PVC pipe that is being laid was discussed and there are conflicting stories between what Guayabitos was told and what La Peñita was told by Rubio. So, Mark is arranging a meeting with Guayabitos and then request Rubio to publish in the newspaper the complete plan re water and sewer service for Los Ayala, Guayabitos and La Peñita. Also, when there is a water/sewer problem, publish this in the newspaper so all residents will be aware of exactly what the problem is and when/how it will be resolved.
Beach---
Security---No report given but a house in Guayabitos was broken into a few days ago.
Fund Raising---Chairman Ken needs a committee of 3-4 to propose activities for raising funds and what activities to support in La Peñita with the funds raised.
Treasurer report-- there is a balance of $3,550.00 in our kitty with an additional $1000 pledged but not yet received.
New Business;
Estuary/river clean-up----No school children are allowed to participate in this job, Compostela will do it.
Election of officers---It was decided that a nominating committee will contact Mexican members to fill the positions of President, Vice president, Secretary and Treasurer. These positions will be appointed for a period of one year with non-Mexican residents as their assistants. After a one year period when our organization has had more experience, an election will be held.
Ken submitted the following to define exactly what Los Amigos is and what we hope to do:
Los Amigos de La Peñita
A community service organization
La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit
Los Amigos de La Peñita (Los Amigos) is a community service organization comprised of residents and members of the local community. Los Amigos exists to serve and advocate for the people of La Peñita, the surrounding Colonias, and the community at large. Services include but are not limited to: cleaning and repairing streets, cleaning and improving the beaches, improving the availability of essential water, improving the efficiency of sewer systems, promoting greater community security, and advocating for expansion of recycling programs.
All members of the greater La Peñita community are invited and encouraged to participate in planning and providing these services. Decisions regarding the affairs of Los Amigos are made by those community members in attendance at official meetings of the organization.
Los Amigos is a non-political organization and does not participate in political campaigns, endorse candidates, promote legislation, nor advocate or endorse any political party. Los Amigos is non-sectarian and does not endorse any particular religion.
Los Amigos is working to become a non-profit corporation under the laws and regulations of the State of Nayarit. Under the pending bylaws, only the corporate officers elected by the members of the community speak for or on behalf of Los Amigos.
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George reported that Marconi is giving La Peñita a used garbage truck from Chacala. It is being repaired but we should have it here and in operation soon. We will now have two trucks.
A committee is meeting with the librarian, Vicki, from Chacala to learn about their plastic bottle and plastic bag recycling program. Our school children will be involved in this and the funds received will go towards their school or class. We are hoping to expand this program to include cans and glass bottles.
Jaltemba Sol requested a photo of the attendance at this meeting but when the photo was taken a few had already left.
Remember all general meeting are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Xaltemba Restaurant/Gallery. Next meeting is on Nov. 26 so lets have a big turn out!.
Jaltemba Sol