Meeting Summary
Attendees (Board):
Lynn Pickard, Jack Lippincott, Mark DeCamp, Bernadette Romero, Christi Clancy, Margo Cutler, David Dougherty, Cathie Sullivan (Jerry Barron absent, gave proxy to Christi) Community Attendees:
More than 20 community members were present.
The meeting began with introductions of board members and attending community members. The meeting focused on updates and discussion related to TVCA administrative operations, funding, infrastructure capital improvement planning, fire prevention, water and septic initiatives, and community engagement.
1. Greeting and Review of Meeting Agenda (Lynn)
Lynn welcomed attendees and reviewed the draft agenda. No changes were requested, and the agenda was followed as presented, with some matters combined.
2. Treasurer’s Report (Jack)
Jack provided a Treasurer’s report, indicating that $20 had been taken in since the last report, and he included an update on administrative banking matters. Work is ongoing to complete the full account transfer and ensure continuity of financial operations.
3. Dues Report / Electronic Payments (Jerry, Mark, Jack)
The board reported that 2026 annual dues had already been approved at $15. The board had decided at its January meeting that payment of dues would be a requirement of TVCA membership unless the member submitted a statement that they are unable to pay. Discussion included the implementation of electronic dues payments via PayPal, and other possible payment methods to be linked from the TVCA website.  There is still the option to pay by mail. Members were encouraged to submit dues using either method.
Submit checks to “TVCA” P.O. Box 215, Tesuque NM 87574, or from PayPal, search for Payee: Tesuque Valley Community Association, or from the button once it is on the website.
4. Funding Report – 501(c)(3) Exploration (Mark)
Mark presented findings from a committee review of potential transition to, or partnership with, a 501(c)(3) organization. He outlined possible benefits, including tax-deductible donations and grant eligibility, as well as limitations such as restrictions on lobbying activities. The board discussed the possibility of using a 501(c)(3) structure in a pass-through or low-overhead model and agreed to continue evaluating this option.
5. Administrative Task List (Review and Approval) (Lynn, Christi, Mark)
Lynn reviewed the administrative task list with the board. Discussion focused on prioritization of tasks, including the historical marker project and ongoing Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) coordination. The board agreed that Lynn would discuss one final time whether leadership of the historical marker effort could be transferred toa person who had expressed interest in the history of Tesuque. Lynn also asked whether anyone present was interested in taking on the task of trying to get a historical marker under the onerous requirements of the Cultural Affairs Division. No one present responded. If the person who had expressed an interest does not want to take on the project, the project will be removed from the task list.
6. Firewise Report (Rachel, Margo, Chris, Bernadette)
Chris Romero provided an update on some Firewise activities, emphasizing the need for additional volunteers at the Tesuque volunteer fire station. Community members were encouraged to contact Chris with potential volunteer leads and to also volunteer themselves – mailto:cmromero3840@gmail.com (816) 804-5392
Chris introduced Dr. Jonathan Frenzen, who presented on the installation of two AI-enabled fire cameras, located on Tesuque Peak and at a private residence in Monte Sereno. Dr. Frenzen explained the benefits of the cameras for early fire detection and outlined the annual operating and maintenance costs. He will present additional details at the February 24 Firewise meeting at 5:30 at the Tesuque Fire Station. A written presentation was provided to attendees, and it is attached to the email with these minutes. Lynn read Rachel’s email to the Firewise committee members, which contained the agenda for the February 24 meeting: (1) gather input for 3rd Annual Free Community Chipping Day; (2) discuss possible locations for fire mitigation work pursuant to a grant by Forest Stewards Guild for work on one Tesuque Property; and (3) determine future directions and interests for the committee and community.
7. Safe Septic Report (Mark, Cathie)
Cathie Sullivan and Mark DeCamp provided an update on the Safe Septic Program, which is focused on community education regarding septic system maintenance and exploring potential financial assistance options for residents. Planned next steps include development of an informational pamphlet and survey for targeted community distribution.
8. Aamodt Preparedness Report (David, Mark)
David Dougherty reported on the Aamodt Preparedness effort. The committee’s first major action will be to host a town hall meeting with Chris Thornberg from the State Engineer’s Office to explain water settlement options. The subcommittee is preparing invitations and informational handouts for the public.It is hoped that this meeting will be on March 5 at 5:30-6:30 at the school.
9. Protect Tesuque Update (Optional)
No formal Protect Tesuque report was requested or presented, but see information below regarding Commissioner Justin Greene’s remarks. It was also pointed out that the Water Quality Control Commission will hear the appeal in March and interested parties may listen on line and perhaps attend in person, but would not be allowed to participate. 
10. County Land Use and Planning Report (Lynn)
Lynn reported on ongoing county land-use matters, including work toward updating the County’s Sustainable Growth Management Plan and strategic land-use planning efforts. This is a County-wide effort and is not specific to Tesuque. The Tesuque Community Plan was worked on by the community from 2010-13 and approved at that time. The Plan was updated in a process that ran from 2019-23 and approved by the Board of County Commissioners in 2024. It is not anticipated that an update process will be undertaken in the near future.
Lynn also explained the TVCA Land Use Committee which is open to all TVCA members. That committee functions as the spokesperson for the TVCA (as the official Community Organization) on matters of land use that require discretionary (as opposed to administrative) approval by the County. Lynn said the TVCA used to get involved at the time it was notified of neighborhood meetings, that are required to be hosted by landowners seeking discretionary approval. Now, the County invites TVCA as a courtesy to listen to, but not participate in, Technical Advisory Committee meetings, which is the first step landowners need to take in advance of things such as variances or conditional use permits. Present at the TAC meetings are County staff and other interested entities that explain to landowners what requirements must be met for their projects. The actual presentation of the projects and approval or disapproval takes place later. Lynn reported that she attended and took notes on two TAC meetings involving accessory dwelling units at which the staff were particularly concerned with septic issues and fire/emergency vehicle access. 
11. Other
ICIP and Infrastructure Discussion:
The board discussed current County-approved ICIP projects, including a bike lane on the uphill portion of Bishop’s Lodge Road and “historical community” welcome signage for Tesuque, the latter to act as traffic calming. She noted that the large project to rebuild the roads and include bike and pedestrian facilities in the area between the school and the post office was taken off the County’s ICIP list because it needed further study. Rusty Day suggested prioritizing limited road repairs in Arroyo Griego, rather than the full project, and the board agreed to revisit this matter at a future meeting.
Acequia Madre Update:
Jan Wisniewski from Acequia Madre addressed attendees regarding the need to recruit two new commissioners due to current members relocating out of state. Interested individuals were encouraged to contact Jan at 505-470-3396 or Jan@mcn.org.
County Commissioner Remarks:
County Commissioner Justin Green spoke briefly to the community, providing updates on road studies, traffic calming, and ICIP funding, noting that the Tesuque Road calming via the bulb outs and welcome signs is likely to be fully funded this year. He also referenced a developing, legislative-based approach to the Bishop’s Lodge wastewater issue, stating that a “final solution” could be forthcoming. Protect Tesuque representatives clarified that the PT board had not been contacted regarding any such solution and that, if contacted, the issue would have been brought to the community for discussion.
12. Next Meetings
• May 4, 2026 – Community and Board Meeting (with social event)
• September 14, 2026 – Board Meeting
• December 7, 2026 – Annual Community and Board Meeting
Committee meetings will be scheduled separately and announced as confirmed.
Next Steps 
• Christi, Corresponding Secretary, to distribute ICIP webinar information
• Firewise Committee to hold February 24 meeting at fire station
• David to organize March 5 Aamodt town hall (5:30–6:30 pm)
• Cathie/Mark/Joanna to finalize and mail Safe Septic pamphlet after board approval
• Community members to volunteer for committees and attend relevant meetings. Volunteering can be done at the meeting or by submitting an email to the TVCA website
• Lynn to contact the person interested in history and to seek Jeanne’s hospitality for the May 4 meeting