Meeting Recap
As promised, here is a brief overview of tonight’s meeting. First, there were just over 100 attendees. This included about 10 officials, from Jeff Steinborn to NMED, NMFA, BECC, federal, county, city, and mutual domestic representatives – who served as a panel to answer questions. It was quite orderly, although it was clear that all but a couple of folks were in strong opposition to the Hope Road site.
Jeff gave an overview and reiterated his opposition. Each panel member made a brief statement and then questions were taken from the audience. Tom Austin started off and covered many aspects, including some fairly technical legal issues. There seems to be a real question whether NMFA money was properly spent. The NMFA rep thinks so, but many of us don’t agree.
Jeff also made clear that the City of Las Cruces (CLC) has the capacity to handle waste water from up to 6000 additional households. Obviously this is more than Dona Ana village and surrounding area needs. However, CLC can not approach Dona Ana Mutual Domestic Water Consumer’s Association (DAMDWCA), but rather DAMDWCA has to approach CLC. This is because of a lawsuit that was settled in DAMDWCA’s favor. Jeff strongly encouraged DAMDWCA to talk to CLC about this alternative to building a new plant. Let’s hope they start talking.
Ian and Cathie Leslie spoke as well. Ian stated the vast difference in the way DAMDWCA advertised the meeting for the site behind the Hill Baptist Church in 2004, versus the tiny little notice in the Las Cruces Sun News in March 2009. This is the notice that didn’t say anything about the Hope Road location even though that was the site in question. Cathie mentioned that in the Souder, Miller & Associates (SMA) July 2008 report, Leasburg and Ft. Seldon areas are referred to as remote, but that the proposed WWTP is said to be in a central location. How can it be central and remote at the same time?
There was strong opposition from customers of DAMDWCA concerning being forced to hook up and increased rates. It turns that the county plans to turn over the existing sewer system to DAMDWCA. This means that rates will be set by DAMDWCA and not the county. A rather emotional plea from one DAMDWCA customer to Sue Padilla (county utilities) asked that the county NOT turn over control to DAMDWCA. Apparently only the county commissioners can do this. So let them hear your voice.
These weren’t the only voices heard. All were heartfelt, and many put the various reps on notice. All eyes will be on them and the process.
Let me close by saying that Jeff Steinborn was great. He ran a good meeting and made it clear what he wants to happen. He asked how many in the audience would like to see the 25 acres become a park. All but a very few raised their hand.
As Cathie Leslie said to Jeff after the meeting – “At the October meeting we were heard, at this meeting we were listened to”.
