La Cuentista I

Fall 2026 Newsletter

Find everything you need: www.lacuentista1hoa.com

HOAMCO Manager: Teresa Stivers
(505) 924-5978 ext. 2110
tstivers@hoamco.com

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HOA Annual Meeting

We encourage all homeowners to participate in this meeting. These discussions will guide the board for the next year. Your input is essential.

• October 21, 2026
• 6:00 PM
• Don Newton-Taylor Community Center
• 4900 Kachina St. NW
• Zoom access will be available

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Friendly Reminders

School is back in session

Please remember to be extra cautious in the morning and when school lets out. Speed limits are 30 MPH on exterior roads and 25 MPH on interior roads.

Trash and recycle bins

Please put bins on the curb by 7 AM on trash day. Be aware of wind conditions if placed on the curb the night before.

Watering in drought conditions

Water by numbers, 15–20 minutes.

• March: 1x/week
• April/May: 2x/week
• June/July/August: 3x/week
• September/October: 2x/week
• November: 1x/week

No dumping in open spaces

Please refrain from dumping in open spaces, as it increases our HOA cost to dispose of it. Call 311 to arrange free extra or large trash pickup.

Please do not block sidewalks

Please do not block sidewalks with cars, boxes, trash, etc. Our community is wonderful for walking. Please be mindful of our handicap members who need access to sidewalks.

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Good neighbors are like stars.
You don’t always see them, but you know they’re there.

La Cuentista 1 Homeowners Association Inc.

Board of Directors’ Meeting

June 2nd, 2026
6 PM
In person and on Zoom

Minutes

Call to order

The Meeting was called to order at 6:14 PM, by unanimous consent.

Approval of the March, April & May 2026 minutes

All Minutes were unanimously approved with corrections made to the April 21st Executive meeting minutes. Accounts receivables were corrected from $20 to $20,000 for doubtful accounts.

Financials

Financials as of April 30th. Operating account is $23,509.76; Reserve account holds $93,209.48. Total assets are $140,799.50. The reserve account balance is expected to decrease significantly due to upcoming water diversion berm costs.

Accounts totaling just under $20,000 from bankruptcies are not being written off to maintain a claim in potential collections.

• Action item: Identify specific bankruptcies as they near closure: Contact VF Law for updates.

Open space berms and water diversion project

An estimated $60,000 is needed for berms in the open space to divert water into existing drains, serving as the first step to fi the rain drainage system and prevent erosion.

The board decided to proceed with Bill Joiner’s quote despite only obtaining one bid due to the difficulties in securing engineering firms for competitive drawings. La Cuentista 2 had agreed to fund a portion of the berm costs with the remainder offered as a 0% loan.

• Action item: A walkthrough with Bill Joiner will be scheduled to go over the project site and to stake out project elements before the work begins.

Berm construction will involve clearing brush and vegetation, using on-site dirt, and creating berms “3 foot wide, 2 foot high” from La Mantista walls to the south side of the open space, leading to the drain.

Riprap, consisting of “6 inch rock and two layers thick,” must be placed on the upstream side of the berms to prevent washing away, which is a “big expense.”

The city will not provide financial assistance for drainage issues, only requiring a grate installation at La Cuintista 3; the HOA is responsible for maintaining and repairing the property despite a city easement.

Open space land donation & liability

The board is pursuing the donation of the open space land to Parks and Recreation to alleviate a “significant liability” for the HOA, as donating the land would transfer liability for the pond’s repair to the city.

A speaker stated, “I am all in favor of donating that. That sounds like a great idea. It’s brilliant. I can’t believe we didn’t think of that before. Just because we get rid of the liability for anything out there that happens.”

Donating the land requires a 75% “yes” vote from HOA members with notarized signatures, as stipulated in the CCNRs (paragraph 29). Board members cannot serve as notaries.

The berms are considered necessary even while pursuing land donation, as the donation process could take 1.5–2 years, and berms “buy us time” and demonstrate “good faith effort” to address erosion.

Landscaping, maintenance & future projects

Landscaping remains the largest HOA expense, with concerns raised about Yellowstone’s performance, including a lack of visible presence, ineffective weed spraying, and improper plant trimming.

• Action: Schedule a joint meeting with the HOA Board, Yellowstone’s leadership, and the landscaping committee to discuss performance issues and set clear expectations.

An idea was proposed to hire a landscape architect to develop a 5–10-year master plan for community open spaces, particularly along Kinnick, to guide future landscaping and improve aesthetics.

• Action: Obtain bids for a landscape architect to create this community landscaping plan.

A volunteer program is being developed to reduce labor costs for common area maintenance, with consideration for liability insurance for volunteers.

• Action: A letter will be sent to the community seeking 20–25 volunteers for “pick and shovel kind of work,” emphasizing that without volunteers, future projects may not be feasible at current fee levels, potentially requiring a special assessment.

Preliminary future projects include addressing dirt areas between streets and sidewalks (e.g., along Upkemock, Uraka, Rosa Park) by replacing crusher fine with rocks for long-term savings and removing three large dead trees in the moon-shaped open space between Comfrey and Camino de Paz.

Violations, rules & development

There are nine open violations, with next notices scheduled for May 15 for uncured items.

• Request: Future violation reports should include the specific dollar amount owed for each violation.

A homeowner reported a new neighbor on Camino de Paz with multi-colored, non-blinking string lights on their roofline and pergola that remain on all night, violating CC&Rs Section 19 (“no unshaded exterior light shall be permitted which project light more than 15ft from a dwelling”).

• Action: Sandra, Ben, and Cheryl will approach the neighbor to request the lights be turned off by 10 PM.

Three-story apartment buildings are under construction at the corner of Kimmick and Rosa Parks, and a proposed gas station with a liquor and convenience store is planned for the corner of Kimmick and Paseo.

These developments were “done deals” from three years prior, but residents were not adequately informed, and the Ventana HOA was not accepted for notices by the city.

Reserve study & administrative actions

The board needs to determine New Mexico’s requirements for HOA reserves and complete a professional reserve study, which has not been done in the past.

• Action: Investigate the cost of having a formal reserve study completed for the open space and plants.

Adjournment

With no further business, the meeting adjourned to Executive Session by unanimous consent.

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, at 6 pm
Hosted at HOAMCO
9700 Education Place NW, Albuquerque, NM
A Zoom meeting link was provided

Minutes

Meeting to order

The meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM.

In attendance

• Jeff Pointer, President
• James Grage, VP
• Don Gray, Treasurer
• Greg Delelles, Director at Large (appointed by the BOD by majority vote)
• Virginia Gonzales, LCI Association Manager
• Rosemary Chabala, Trainer/Association Manager

Agenda

Quorom established.

Motion made and seconded – all approved, motion passed.

Approve minutes from

• 12/01/25 Board Meeting
• 01/14/26 Special Meeting

Motion made and seconded – all approved, motion passed.

It was noted that approved meeting minutes will be uploaded to Caliber and the Association website.

Financial report – January 2026

• Balance Sheet / Income – Expense Statement
• The financial reports were reviewed.
• The Board discussed potential dues increases for the upcoming budget year, taking into consideration anticipated landscaping projects and rising costs. No action was taken.

Motion made and seconded – all approved, motion passed.

Violations report

• The violations report was deferred for discussion during Executive Session.

Committee meetings

ACC (Architectural Control Committee)

• Discussion regarding a shed that is currently not in compliance, including concerns about setback requirements.
• The Association Manager and Board will continue to investigate this issue.

Landscaping

• Discussion regarding the cutback of native shrubs and landscaping throughout the community.
• While maintenance is necessary, concerns were expressed regarding the aesthetic impact and health of the plant/shrub.
• The Board discussed the need to balance maintenance and visual appeal.

New/unfinished business

Communications

• Website
  • Discussed paying for website management.
  • Discussed needing help with the Newsletter.
    • The homeowners need to step up to help with this endeavor.
• The Board of Directors aims to strengthen community connection and communication and believes it is essential for homeowners to contribute their time and energy to this committee.
• The Board discussed communication methods with homeowners.
  • It was noted that not all homeowners are on email, limiting the newsletters reach electronically.
  • A suggestion was made to include the newsletter with billing statements to avoid additional costs and improve distribution.

Open space

Diversion of water flow

• The open space and ponding area between La Cuentista I and La Cuentista II were discussed.

Status of LC II work

• LC II paid for some dirt work to be done at the holding pond. There is erosion issues due to intermittent rain.

Joint committee

• The Board noted plans to hold a joint meeting, later in the month, with LC II to address maintenance responsibilities and ongoing concerns.
• Ongoing discussions with the City of Albuquerque regarding open space were also noted.

Debrief Jan 14, 2026, meeting

• Brief general discussion and follow-up from the January Special Meeting.

Open discussion

• The Board will review the LC I Liability Policy regarding allowing homeowners to act as work crews for community clean up days.
• It was suggested that the Board develop a 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year plan to prioritize community projects and expenditures.

Next meeting

Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6 pm at HOAMCO’s large conference room.

Adjournment

Open meeting adjourned and onto Executive Session at 6:55 pm.

The HOA board had a reserve study done to better understand what is typically expected of a reserve fund and the consequences of not having one properly funded.

We’ve been given two documents for this. A summary and the full report.
– View the Summary
– View the Full Report

When: September 1st, 2026 at 6:00pm.

You can join us in person at the HOAMCO office or join via zoom. The zoom information is emailed a couple of days before the meeting.

If your email isn’t on record with HOAMCO, please email tstivers@hoamco.com and ask to be added to the list.

A little news:

A reminder to all that we have a website, www.lacuentista1hoa.com. Within the website are notes from previous meetings, dates, and times of upcoming meetings. Forms are available for any additions or modifications to your home or yard, along with a section containing HOA phone numbers. There are also helpful city/county numbers, i.e. Water Department. On the last tab is a link to sign up for the HOA Facebook page.

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Pet Waste & Leash Reminder

The Homeowner’s Association has recently received concerns from residents regarding the presence of dog waste on walkways and driveways. Our HOA (members) have invested in six pet stations in our neighborhood where there are bags available to pick up your pets’ “poop” and a receptacle to also dispose of the bag.

Just as an FYI, there is a city ordinance for picking up your pet’s poop! www.bernco.gov/poopfairy or www.cabq.gov/pet waste and water quality.

Speaking of pets, there is also a city leash law for pets when walking your pet in the community (www.cabq.gov/pets). Please be a responsible pet owner.

If you encounter people not picking up their pets’ “poop” or not using a leash while walking their pets, you can submit a complaint to the HOA office (505-924-5978 x2141) or call 311. If possible, please take a picture of the situation or if you know the name of the pet owner.

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Spring Clean Up

Recently, we have had a spring clean up event as well as a green waste pick up. It is great to see so many residents committed to maintaining tidy and appealing properties. A BIG thank you for being a positive example for others. We appreciate all that you do!

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Volunteer Needed

Help is still needed for volunteers for the quarterly newsletter. If interested, please call or text Rita Sue on 206-920-9698.

Happy Summer Everyone!

La Cuentista Unit I Homeowners Association

Special Homeowners Meeting
January 14, 2026, 6pm Minutes

Board Members Present: James Grage, Greg Delelles, Don Gray and Jeff Pointer, HOAMCO Manager Gary Illingworth, and many homeowners in person and via Zoom.

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I. The Meeting was called to order by Jeff at 6:00pm.

This meeting was called by petition of the required number of homeowners for the purposes:

1. To discuss the increase in dues that the board approved in conjunction with the powers granted to the Board previously and which was ratified without opposition during the defined approval process and subsequent annual meeting.
2. To discuss property 8108 Cayenne Drive seeking release from the HOA.

II. Introduction of the board members was made.

III. The above items were discussed:

1. HOA Attorney Legal opinion had been obtained and was provided in the mailed notice of the meeting.
2. Homeowners stated that Section 29.4 of the CCRs was conflicting with Section 29.8 of the CCRs.
   • i. The Board confirmed that the passages do not conflict but may seem confusing. Section 29.4 is applicable if the membership should seek to change the assessment amount or if the Board wished to increase assessments by more than the amount granted to it in the powers granted in Section 29.8 which allows the Board to increase the dues on the year up to 20%.
3. Homeowners stated there was not transparency in the process.
   • i. The board explained that the budget was prepared, drafted, reviewed, and approved all in the announced Board meetings which occurred throughout the year and which was issued notices. The notice came in the form of posting on the dates for the year on the HOA website, stated the date of the next meeting during that prior meeting, as well as sent notice by email 3 days or more prior to the coming meeting. At anytime someone may contact the management office and ask for meeting information and more if they don’t believe they have the information. Also the budget for 2026 was sent in the notice of the annual meeting, given at the annual meeting, and discussed at the annual meeting. The first billing of 2026 included a copy of the budget and provided the new amount. As well the Board is elected to represent the community. Other than as given in the governing docs the Board does not seek homeowners for comment on the issues unless certain issues seem to require it.
4. Property 8108 Cayenne Drive release.
   • i. The Board informed the homeowner that the HOA does require the HOA to call a vote. Section 35 of the CCRs allows the homeowner to obtain the approval of 75% of the community for their release from the HOA. Such approval is to be provided to the HOA with notarized signatures for all signers on individual pages under the written statement that the signing owner is granting release of that property for such purpose from the HOA. The homeowner acknowledged their understanding.

IV. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:08pm.

La Cuentista Subdivision Unit 1 Homeowners Association Inc.

Board of Directors Meeting
December 1, 2025 – Minutes

Hoamco & Zoom Meeting

Board Members Present: James Grage, Jeff Pointer, & Don Gray
Absent: Rita Sue Grage & Greg Delelles

Others: Gary Illingworth of HOAMCO and Cheryl Hunt, Ben & Dorothy Huff, Tammy Wolf, Starla Munez, Steve Bickel, Brian, Monica, Eileen, Sandra Gonzales, Russell Plumb, and Rich Fite.

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The meeting was called to order by Jeff at 6:00 PM. The agenda was motioned to be approved as drafted by James. Don seconded. The motion passed. Don motioned for approval of drafted minutes for August 25, 2025. James seconded. The motion passed.

Financial Reports

Gary Illingworth presented the highlights of monthly financials ending October 31, 2025. A Delinquency list has been provided to the Board for their review. Gary was asked to contact all accounts with odd low balances to be informed that they had an outstanding amount.

Don motioned to approve the July financials. James seconded. The motion passed.

Violations

The Violations list has been provided to the Board. There are 4 current violations.

Committee Reports

ACC – No Report. James reminded homeowners to obtain approval by ACC before beginning projects.

Landscaping – James reported that Kimmick easement projects are desired by the committee. However, the committee understands the priority at this time is to address drainage easement needs. The quotes for easement gravel is tabled to be determined at a later time.

Joint Committee – James reported on the November 20th meeting of LCI and LCII Boards on drainage pond. The Boards have agreed to the priority of this work. James spoke on the efforts by both boards to set aside funds for this work. Also reported was information by an engineer on concerns for more run-off coming to the pond in the future from future areas which the engineer confirmed is not a part of the city plans. The engineer also answered concerns for the pond sizing and original construction which the engineer said were both done according to the plans. The engineer also provided a rough drawing and suggestion that the HOAs may want to create a small collection area that directs water to existing drains in the easement which the developer had not directed water toward due to going out of business. This option will be looked into with contractors and seek quotes.

New and Unfinished Business

• Kimmick Easement Quotes – Tabled until after drainage project is no longer the first priority.
• Open Space on Kimmick (County matching funds) – James reviewed this source of funds. Tabled until drainage project is no longer the priority.
• Seeking committee volunteers – James stated for the attending that the HOA seeks volunteers for the ACC (4) and Landscape (3) Committees.
• Inform of Special Meeting called – A special meeting of the membership has been called and is scheduled for January 14th at 6pm. Notice will be mailed as required.
• Dropbox licensing – Cost of data collection software for Drainage project information was looking into. The cost of licenses was found to be excessive and would be an amount which should not take from the project itself. Dropbox will not be pursued.

Open Discussion Items

Various types of violations such as leaves were reviewed.

Next meeting: Special Meeting on January 14, 2025 at 6pm. Next Board Meeting is March 3rd, 2026.

Executive Session: Called to order at 7:38pm and adjourned at 7:46pm

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm.