The meeting was called to order by chair Lil Jones at 7:00 p.m..
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Carol Yokum.
Roll was taken by Ernest Green. All Council members in attendance. Quorum attained.
The Minutes of the last meeting, March 4, 2010, were approved by the council and are available at the library and on our website at www.WPCCC.info.
Treasurer Report was given by Ken Freese. Reported $1,452.22 as present bank balance. On the motion of Ken Freese, seconded by Carol Yokum, to pay outstanding bills was passed by the Council.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None Noted
NEW BUSINESS: None noted.
SPEAKERS:
Lt. Clemens, Pima County Sheriffs Office, Ajo District was introduced by Ken Freese. Noted possibility of five new deputies by Fall. Reported several warrants had been served locally resulting in confiscation of 500 pounds of marijuana off the streets of Ajo. Also noted be aware of people toting square black back packs and urged reporting to Sheriffs office. Most likely it is marijuana and most likely armed.
Deb Miller, Supervisor Bronson’s Office, was introduced by Ernie Green. Offered several brochures of interest covering American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funding, Emergency Kits for the Elderly, (by Homeland Security), Preparing Pets for Emergencies and People with Disabilities and Preparing for Disaster (by FEMA), a Pima County "Plan-Prepare-Protect" Community Preparedness Tool material and an information sheet regarding the regional plan similar to 911 "SafetyAlertGPC.com". Miller noted she comes early on WPCCC meeting nights to assist any one with County question and by appointment only on Fridays.
Devon Reno, U.S. Border Patrol Public Relation Officer was introduced by Deb Morrow. Reported on the increasing illegal border crossings with groups of 100 or more crossing simultaneously at different locations. The checkpoint north of Ajo continues to intercept drug traffic with the use of dogs and portable radar. Reported the Ajo Station confiscates the most illegal drugs by the U.S. Border Patrol . Nogales is second. The Tucson district, witch Ajo is a part, averages 53% of the illegal aliens apprehended along the U.S. national borders. This is largely caused by the Columbian loss as the center of cartel power to Mexico.
Patrick McDermott and Kristi Liza, Arizona Public Services were introduced by Lil Jones. Jones reiterated the background information regarding the Dark Sky Ordinance, the money saving grant from Indian Gaming, the termination of the APS "Share the Light" program and the need for this SLID to provide and maintain streetlights south of Rasmussen. McDermott provided an information sheet noting: Be aware that reported street lights out in the Ajo Heights lights may no longer be repaired. Funds were "FROZEN" many years ago by the Arizona Corporation Commission which restricts maintenance of these lights except lights and sensors which are no longer available nor manufactured. The majority of these lights are mercury vapor lamps and under Arizona Revised Statute 49-1104-A: Prohibit’s the use of mercury vapor light fixtures after January 1, 2011. B: Shall not apply to outdoor light systems erected prior to 1950.
Nina Altshul, Community Gardens, was introduced by Arlene Dreste. Altshul reported the many activities being planned for Earth Day being celebrated on April 24. The continued success of the community gardens and the farm stand on Wednesdays.
On the motion of Carol Yokum, seconded by Chris Dimitrakopoulus, the meeting was closed by the Chair, Lil Jones at 8:05.
Submitted:
Ernest Green
Secretary
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