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The meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Kelly O’Donnell at 10:00am. Roll call was taken with seven members present, one attending by conference call. Officials and guests present included: Steve Landeene, NMSA, Lou Gomez, NMSA, MaryAnn Myers, NMSA, Belinda Lucero, NMSA, Mike Holston, Procurement Solutions, Luci Woodard, DMJM, Wayne Savage, DMJM, Commissioner Kent Evans, Sierra County Commissioner Gary Whitehead, Shannon Bacon, Sutin, Thayer & Browne, Cathy Harper, NMMSH, Randall Hayes, NMMSH, Mindy Ybarra, SCEDO, Alvin Dominguez, NMDOT, Galen Garcia, SLO, Aggie Saltman, Senator Domenici’s office, Stephanie Troller, NMEDD and several community members.
Authority Members Present:
Kelly O’Donnell, Chairwoman
Ben Woods
William Loomis
Brent Westmoreland
Jerry Hanks – Designee
Toots Green
Jim Manatt – conference call
Authority Members Not Present:
Richard Holdridge
Motion: Brent Westmoreland moved to amend the agenda to allow Alvin Dominguez from NMDOT to give an update on the road project as item #4 on the agenda. William Loomis seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Motion: William Loomis moved to approve the agenda. Toots Green seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Motion: Ben Woods moved to approve the minutes from the January 31, 2008 meeting. Brent Westmoreland seconded the motion. Motion carried.
NMDOT Update:
Alvin Dominguez reported that the road project is on schedule. Bid opening will be in May with construction beginning in July and completion by October. He stated that two structures will be replaced on AO13 which are Canyon Draw and Hatbury Draw.
Legislative Update:
Steve Landeene reported that the NMSA operating budget has been increased to $663.6K with an additional $143K for a marketing position and expenses. He also stated that an additional $7.5M in capital funding for roads was appropriated, which leaves $7.5M remaining of the $140M committed by the State. He advised that FY2010 will be a key legislative session to include organizational design implementation, legislation to ensure that language is clarified on zoning and property issues so that all concerns are addressed.
Spaceport America Vision/Strategy:
Mr. Landeene stated that Sierra County is the host/owner of Spaceport America. He explained that Spaceport America is the catalyst for economic development, tourism and education in New Mexico. He reviewed the objectives which include:
- Foster economic and community development through spaceport related activities
- Develop a world class enterprise delivering a unique experience
- Instill organizational flexibility to accommodate customer/partner needs safely
- Symbiotic relationship with the El Camino Real Trail to maximize the value of both assets
- Environmental leadership
He reviewed the business lines that will be achieved through partnerships and organization development.
Mr. Landeene reiterated the key reasons that Sierra County, New Mexico is the ideal location for the spaceport. He explained that the limited air traffic, the elevation and latititude and low population density are all benefits. He continued with the importance of understanding the value of Spaceport America and that it is about creating history, a new industry and a better quality of life. He reviewed the past benefits of space exploration and the future benefits envisioned. Mr. Landeene stressed the benefits that Sierra County will gain with the spaceport such as, leaving a legacy, opportunity for our children, financial stability and enhanced infrastructure. He explained how the majority of the Gross Receipts Tax will be collected from spaceport related activities and non-residents and that items such as groceries, medical, prescriptions and property are not subject to the tax.
Mr. Landeene continued discussing some of the rancher community concerns which include zoning issues. He stated that the Spaceport District will not have zoning authority.
Progress Update:
Steve Landeene reviewed the strategic imperatives for 2008.
- Creation of the Spaceport District
- Completion of EIS, ROD and FAA site license
- Signed Development Agreement by March 2008 and Lease with Virgin Galactic by Fall 2008
Finalize design May 2008, prepare bid packages June 2008, initiate contractor selection
- Spaceport America groundbreaking aligned with EIS/ROD & VG schedule
- Develop business lines
Mr. Landeene stated that Dona Ana passed the GRT in April 2007, Sierra County will hold an election on April 22, 2008, with Otero County committed to vote on November 8th if Sierra County passes the GRT. He also stated that development of an MOA is currently underway to mitigate each site. He continued stating that the estimated date for finalizing the agreement with Sierra Electric is April 2008. Mr. Landeene provided an update on the Terminal and Hangar Facility stating that URS/Fosters are nearing completion of the programming phase. He advised that a new UP Aerospace agreement will be in place by April 2008 with plans for additional launches taking place during 2008. He also stated that there are active discussions with numerous customers. He advised that Hatch is currently engaged and seeking grant money in addition to the money from NMSA for the Welcome Center.
Resolutions:
Chairwoman Kelly O’Donnell discussed voting on the two proposed resolutions which included the Sierra County Welcome Center Resolution and the Spaceport District Zoning Resolution in open session if Board Members had no legal questions that needed to be addressed in closed session.
Motion: Ben Woods moved to amend the agenda to vote on the two proposed resolutions in open session. Brent Westmoreland seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Motion: Ben Woods moved to approve the proposed Spaceport District Zoning Resolution. Brent Westmoreland seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Jim Manatt stated that he did not feel it was wise to vote on the resolutions prior to the Sierra County Gross Receipts Tax vote. Additional discussion followed on the basis for passing the resolution which is to make a statement which is consistent with statute since the Spaceport District has no zoning authority. Shannon Bacon with Sutin, Thayer & Browne advised that zoning is only allowed by state legislature. She stated that the New Mexico Zoning Act limits zoning authority to counties and municipalities and does not include political subdivisions.
Public comments included concerns with the spaceport having a “buffer zone” and the possibility of disturbing private property. Mr. Landeene responded, stating that there is no buffer zone.
Gary Whitehead commented that Sierra County has endorsed a resolution that will not support any restrictions to take away property rights or allow eminent domain and will protect private land rights.
Motion Ben Woods moved to approve the Spaceport District Zoning Resolution. Brent Westmoreland seconded the motion. Brent Westmoreland, Toots Green, Ben Woods, William Loomis and Richard Holdridge voted in favor of the approval. Jim Manatt voted against the approval. Motion Carried.
Chairwoman Kelly O’Donnell stated that NMSA and the Spaceport District have no authority to create a buffer zone and no power of eminent domain.
William Loomis moved to approve the Sierra County Welcome Center Resolution. Brent Westmoreland seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Concerns were voiced about approving the resolution before a successful Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) vote in Sierra County.
Motion: Brent Westmoreland moved to amend the Sierra County Welcome Center Resolution contingent on a successful passage of the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) in Sierra County. Ben Woods seconded the motion. Motion carried
Motion: Brent Westmoreland moved to approve the amended Sierra County Welcome Center Resolution. Toots Green seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Progress Update:
Steve Landeene continued with comments on Virgin Galactic’s unveiling of the White Knight Two and Space Ship Two and the opportunities that this will bring including possible NASA missions.
Public Comment:
A comment was made about the majority of the people who have expressed opposition to the gross receipts tax are retirees who have just moved to the area and have no children in the area.
Questions were asked on the EIS on whether there is enough water at the site and the about the air quality and potential noise pollution. Steve Landeene responded stating that the EIS will address these areas and will be mitigating these issues. He advised that there is ample water on the site for this project. He also advised that the latest technology is being used and the noise level should be minimal. Mr. Landeene stated that this is his understanding and that the actual findings by the experts conducting the studies will be available in the draft EIS report that will be put out for public comment approximately at the end of April. He also stated the public will be fully engaged in the Record of Decision and Spaceport America will not receive the ROD unless all of the elements including noise, water, and all impacts are satisfied and addressed.
James Webb commented on the job opportunities and growth that will be created by the spaceport project and those voting against the GRT will be saying no to these opportunities.
Jim Hayhoe reported that the Space Development Foundation now has eight summer intern positions available and have received over thirty applications from all over the U.S.
Steve Mann with the Southwestern Area Workforce Board advised that they have submitted an application for funding to focus on developing a workforce in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and acknowledged the support received.
Discussion followed on using a public tax for a private entity. The analogy of an airport was discussed, pointing out that it is built with public funds, but the companies that use the airport pay user fees, etc., and they provide services that benefit the community.
Mr. Landeene commented on how expanding the tax base leads to more access to services for the community, including retirees. Chairwoman O’Donnell added that the more economic activity the more tax revenue is generated which leads to lower tax rates needed to generate revenues.
William Loomis commented on the commitment to education that this project has had from the very beginning and how it has always been a part of the project.
Gary Whitehead presented on Sierra County’s support of the project but also their obligations. He stated once the tax is passed the roads in the Engle area will be improved, once construction begins $1.2M will come into the county. He also stated that as members of the Sierra Electric Co-Op, revenues will be increased. He also spoke on behalf of the People for Aerospace and presented an educational video that will be distributed by the group.
The Chair entertained a motion to enter into executive session pursuant to 10-15-1(H) (8) of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussion of the Virgin Galactic Development Agreement.
A Roll Call Vote was taken:
Chairwoman O’Donnell - yes
Toots Green - yes
William Loomis - yes
Brent Westmoreland - yes
Ben Woods - yes
Back in Open Session:
The Chair stated that the Virgin Galactic Development Agreement was discussed in executive session. She also advised that NMSA will hold a telephonic Board Meeting in approximately ten days from tomorrow to discuss a resolution giving the Executive Director the authority to negotiate and execute the Development Agreement with Virgin Galactic. She also stated that a briefing document will be obtained from legal counsel on comments of the Development Agreement.
Next Meeting:
The next regular NMSA meeting will be on April 24th, location to be determined.
Motion: Brent Westmoreland moved to adjourn. William Loomis seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Approved: ______________________ Date: ____________________ Kelly O'Donnell, Chairman
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