"Interest can change at any time," stressed Juve, "The economy has changed immensely over the last four years. refinancing has almost dried up on mortgage lending. The rate you have on the open market is a good rate, but it's not a fixed rate, CD's on the other hand have a fixed rate for the term of the CD."
Next up was the approval of minutes of previous meetings which Board Member Ricardo Calderon wanted to make additions and clarifications on statements he had expressed in those meetings however the board accepted the minutes as is. Calderon stated that he felt the board was not allowing their documentation to be transparent for any person who might happen to pick up a copy of the minutes and they were playing with the law.
Board Chairman Juan Manuel Farias told Calderon in no uncertain terms that he took offense to his comments and he did not appreciate the insult and accused Mr. Calderon that he was playing to the cameras of the news media gathered before the board passed the minutes by a vote of 2 to 1. The board did however address the issue of transparency by approving a motion to look into broadcasting their meetings via the internet and/or on Channel 14.
Calderon abstained from voting on the approval of the meetings of September the 4th as he was not able to attend, but he made reference to the sale of some ear, nose and throat equipment to the UMC which he felt was a bad deal for the MCHD. The CEO of the district Elcira Bares explained that they got as much as they could have for the equipment and also informed the board member that it had even been discussed to give it to UMC.
The going market rate on the gear was apparently $12,000, and Calderon felt the district had taken a $10,000.00 loss on the sale as the UMC owed the district some $4,000.00 in other fees.
When the issue of Candles for Life being housed in the MCHD offices, they were allowed to do so at the rate of $1 per month much like the rent being charged to Precinct 1 for the building they presently use for day to day business.
The item on the agenda dealing with this lease was tabled for the next meeting.