2026-11-02 - City Council

>> Well. Good afternoon. Welcome to City Council for Monday, November 2nd, 2026. It's approximately 1 p.m. I'm Eric, and we'll start with a moment of silence for the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces as they protect our interests around the globe, as well as our courageous men and women of the Las Vegas Police and Las Cruces Fire Department as they keep our city safe. 24 over 7365. Councilor McClure. If you'll lead us in the pledge.

>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

>> The presentation of certificates and proclamations. Councilor McClure.

>> Hello, everyone. Oh, it's on already. Too nice. Okay, this one is going to be for Las Cruces Weekend of remembrance for Road Traffic victims. It's [speaker] here. Hey, I am. Okay.

>> Wonderful board members here. Good to see you.

>> All right, let's read it. Whereas the third Sunday of November is acknowledged internationally as a day of remembrance for road traffic victims. And whereas roadway violence is rampant, killing and seriously injuring 3000 36,640 persons in the U.S. in 2025, 454 of them in New Mexico. And whereas 35 of those lives were lost in Dona Ana County. And whereas our state, which consistently ranks disproportionately high in roadway fatalities, was the most deadly state in the country per vehicle miles traveled in 2025. And whereas traffic fatalities and serious injuries result in tremendous suffering for victims families and emergency workers, and recognizing that our entire community bears the burden and expense of this ongoing epidemic. And whereas we recognize the particular vulnerability of cyclists, pedestrians, and other users of active transportation of all ages, we also affirm that persons who get around on our community by other by means other than motor vehicles deserve to do so without fear of death or serious injury. And whereas we wish to promote and support walking and cycling as viable and safe mobility options for recreation and commuting. And whereas safe streets and roads contribute to the healthy, to the health equity and sustainability of our community. And whereas deadly collisions are preventable, therefore any more than zero fatalities is unacceptable. Now therefore, we, the Mayor and City Council of Las Cruces, New Mexico do hereby proclaim November 14th to 15th, 2026 as Las Cruces Weekend of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

>> Mr. Pro Tem, Madam Councilor, members of the Council, I just want to thank you all for this recognition. As we said here in New Mexico, we are disproportionately affected by road safety incidents, by unsafe road driving practices, and so the responsible responsibilities on each and every one of us are. Proclamation was drafted by a youth by our youth board members. So this is something that is being called for by our next generation. And so we are honored here to be here on their behalf. Thank you.

>> Thank you.

>> Next, Las Cruces Public Schools, a presentation.

>> It's been a while since I've been here. It's great to see everyone. I definitely missed y'all. So good afternoon everyone. Mayor, members of Council, city manager. My name is [name], budget director with Las Cruces Public Schools. Thank you so much for allowing us an opportunity to promote some of our events here today. As you know, the benefits of education on a community for a stabilized economy as well as social well-being. So with that being said, we'd like to invite the community out to participate in our budget and give us some feedback. So with our budget survey, what we'd like to do is basically determine our priorities. So with those priorities, it helps us determine our resource allocation. It also gives us an opportunity to determine what our strengths and weaknesses are. So this year we are running a promotion for students in which they can enter to win a gift card to colleges. If they complete the survey, they also have another opportunity to win for their school. So there's two ways to win for a school. One is for the most surveys taken. Also, the school with the highest percentage will win. So we're pretty excited about that. So with that, we are also extending that with the success of our budget survey competition with students. We're extending that to staff as well. So staff has an opportunity to win $100 in budget for their school to use towards general supplies and materials. So we're really excited about these new up and coming promotions for our budget survey. We also like to invite the community out to join us for our next budget survey, our town Hall on March 4th. We also will be at the farmers market on November 14th. So please stop by and visit us. We'd love to hear from you. Thank you very much. Mayor and Council.

>> Thank you to [staff]. Thank you everybody. Come ahead. Next is highlight the finance and parks. [staff], are you going first finance. Okay.

>> Good afternoon. Good afternoon, mayor, Council and staff. [staff]. For the record, I'm here today to share some of the cool things that are happening in the finance department. You know, one of the I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing that we do in finances. We've always got three years that we're looking at, right? We're auditing last year, we're in this year and we're budgeting for next year. That's a whole lot of years that we're trying to work with. That said, I do want to bring forth some some cool awards that we got both for last actually fiscal year 25. We just got the award for our Gfoa award for our annual Comprehensive Finance report and popular annual Finance report. That's the much smaller one that a lot of people tend to to use. And in addition to that, as mentioned, I think it was at the last meeting, the budget book also got the Gfoa award. And this actually was awarded to us with a special recognition for performance measures. And what that means is that three reviewers gave the highest possible rating in at least one category. So that's we're very proud of that. Additionally, I wanted to share some legislative funding highlights or updates, I guess more so we have 19 agreements totaling about $24.6 million. Three of those are outstanding from fiscal 25 and 16. We received 16. For fiscal year 26, totaling about 21.8 million. Two of the agreements are fully executed for about 3 million, and those are scheduled for the either November 11th or December 7th Council meeting. And the other 17 agreements are in various approval stages. We are also I just talked a little bit about our annual. That the aquifer just got an award that was for fiscal 25. We are doing our annual audit and financial statements for fiscal 26 as we speak, audit test work is complete and the financial statements are being prepared by both Treasury and accounting staff. The exit conference is tentatively scheduled for November 16th. The audit will be submitted to the office of the State Auditor by 121, and hopefully I don't see any reason this wouldn't happen. It would be brought before council to be approved in January, as happened last year. I don't know if you remember, we did have a separate single audit that we had to bring forward, and that might happen this year because the feds have still not released their compliance supplement. So the auditors can't move forward with their single audit yet. So that's still, still pending. And then finally, I just wanted to share the we approved a resolution in on October 5th for 22.15 budget 122.1 $5 million budgeted amount for the GR. And we've already encumbered 2.4 million. So just wanted to let you know that as soon as we got that, we hit the ground running and started working on getting those funds spent because there's some projects in there that I know are priorities to everybody. And with that, I will stand for any questions, concerns.

>> Okay. Thank you [staff]. Next we have parks.

>> 1.3.

>> Is this.

>> [staff], Parks and Rec director. Thanks for the patience there. We wanted to give just a few updates for the public. We've given some updates on this to city staff and to via information sent out by email to City Council. The floods at the end of September had a significant impact across the city. There was a lot of cleanup everywhere, probably the area. One of the areas that was most impacted was Lawrence Park and Trail. It was completely submerged. There were areas in which there was deposited three feet of sand and soils. It took us a couple weeks to get on the north side of that park open. It took us a little bit longer to get the trail, and here's some pictures. I sent out this video. It wasn't very good quality, but it really kind of showed the amount of soil that was deposited on the trail. We want to thank our partners in public works for loaning us equipment, and also going out and doing the finished work. After we got the soil removed, they did the final sweeping of the trail. We now have almost the entire park open. There is a section on the south side that we've reduced the amount of deposits from three feet down to 2 to 5in. We can't go any further because of the saturated soils underneath. We'll just sink and we keep getting more rain. And so we will continue to work to pull that out. My anticipation is, though, that the amount of soil that was deposited, the length of time the grass on that in those areas will need to be replanted. But the staff did a great job of getting it open and getting it usable again. We also want to highlight for those in the public that on October 13th, we had a ribbon cutting for [facility]. We finished the remodel of that facility. We redid the restrooms. There's restrooms in the middle of the building that hadn't been usable for over a decade. We redid the entry, the. Kind of the community gathering area in the in the front and the control center. We also did some work to other areas of the building. We we have a play party room that's already getting quite a bit of use. We've started a number of fitness classes in our programing and the community. I love one of the individuals from the community walked in the first day and when she walked out, she was like, wow, I've come here for 20 years. I didn't know it could look this much better. And so I was excited about that feedback. On the 27th of October, we had the groundbreaking. For Apodaca, this has been a project that has long been envisioned an aquatic playground. I understand that clear. Back in like 2017, 2016, this was a vision there. We've broken grounds. We're anticipating by end of May that the aquatic playground and the trail, which will be about a quarter mile trail loop around the park, will be open. We will continue construction through November of next year. We're bringing in a pavilion. It will be the largest pavilion in the city. It will serve a be able to serve about 250 people. And so that we're excited about that. I'm. Have any questions? I'm here to answer those. But we're really excited and appreciate the support we've gotten from council, from the state in capital outlay and other things.

>> Thank you. [staff]. Good stuff. Thank you. Next on the agenda is the text of the link [staff].

>> Good afternoon mayor, city Council. All right. My name's [staff] and I am doing pets of the week for CMV. So our we have two dogs highlighted for our pets of the week. We have slushy. She is. She's a friendly, affectionate, and. She's full of energy. She loves interacting with people and enjoys attention. She has a fun and playful personality that's definitely sure to make you smile. Just like she's smiling in her photo right there. As you can see, she has two different colored eyes, which is always something fun to discuss and talk about. She would love an active family who can give her plenty of playtime, adventures, and love. And then we have Bluey, who's a beautiful German shepherd mix with a sweet, affectionate personality, and he has a lot of love to give. Bluey has spent time around other dogs and knows how to communicate boundaries. When she needs a little bit of space. A little bit shy at first, but does have a very, very loving side. She would love to find a patient, caring family who will give her the attention, comfort and security she deserves. So those are our two pets of the week this week and then some of our other adoptable dogs. We have cowboy, smoky, jazzy, and Ken. They're with their beau. We are very thankful to all of our volunteers and our staff who take the time to take these photos, to kind of highlight and show you guys what we do have available here at our shelter. We have some of our adoptable cats Bluebell, Loki, Batman, and Puccini. Like I said, our cats just love love most of them, right? Sometimes they want to be a little bit left alone. But we do have some amazing animals at the shelter that we would love for everybody to come and check out our long term residents. We have Maddox, who's been with the A SCV 237 days, Noel for 234, Hopper for 218 and Thumper for 218 as well. So we have some events coming up November 4th, 18th and 25th. We have an adoption event at the Farmers Market, November 7th and eighth at Petco. We will be there November 14th Community Night at Mesilla and November 28th we have an adoption event at PetSmart. So for more information, you can always email us. Look at our Facebook page, our Instagram page, and our website. We have all of our animals up there, and I just want to give a special shout out to our interim digital content specialist, who you guys have been seeing more than me lately. She's been really working hard to get our animals out on social media and highlight them. And just a big thanks to all of our team at SEV. So come by, adopt an animal, foster an animal. We would love to work with you, so feel free to reach out anytime. And I stand for any questions you may have.

>> Thank you. Next is a.

>> Conflict of interest. Does any member of the City council, city manager.

>> Member of the city staff have any known conflict of interest with.

>> Any item.

>> On the agenda?

>> No. None.

>> None.

>> No.

>> No conflict.

>> None. No public participation will allow up to three minutes, no pending litigation or items on the non consent. Please state your name for the record and [staff] will come up and he'll offer you to the podium.

>> [Public comment: a resident spoke about the accuracy of the city's lead and galvanized service line inspections and the inspection inventory, and called for changes in utilities leadership.]

>> [Public comment: a resident spoke about lead that can leach from brass connectors and fittings, asked what the utilities department plans to do about it, and raised inconsistencies between inspection reports and the online inventory for some properties.]

>> [Public comment: a Sonoma Ranch North homeowners association representative gave the cost of the Arroyo management plan from city records, described a washout and an unresolved question of who owns and maintains the arroyo, and asked the city to provide the document establishing any association responsibility for infrastructure in the arroyo.]

>> [Public comment: a Sonoma Ranch North resident spoke about the final plat of phase two, the missing permanent regional retention area, ongoing erosion in the privately owned arroyo and whether the city will enforce its development requirements.]

>> [Public comment: a resident thanked a councilor for visiting a classroom, asked the city to address the lack of a bike lane or safe route for a person with a wheelchair at Idaho and Chapel, and asked how city council elections work. Staff took an email address.]

>> [Public comment: a resident praised the finance staff award and the city's purchase of a distressed property, asked the city to act on blighted structures and potholes, asked when the Casas Lindas renovation project would start, and commented on the election.]

>> [Public comment: a resident commented on Project Jupiter, campaign contributions and the election.]

>> [Public comment: a resident thanked the Council for agenda items on community trails, gross receipts tax spending and capital improvement plan funding, and made closing remarks on the eve of the election.]

>> [Public comment: a resident asked the Council to address which groups may use the council chambers facility, and asked whether the skate park will be finished.]

>> [Public comment: a resident objected to the siting of treatment and behavioral health facilities, described effects on nearby businesses and neighbors, and asked the Council to require paid security for a restaurant. No action was taken during comment.]

>> Next is the acceptance of agenda.

>> Move to approve.

>> Second.

>> Okay.

>> Thank you. This is on the motion to accept the agenda as presented. Councilor McClure. Yes. Councilor Mattis. Yes. Councilor Harris.

>> Yes.

>> Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor Munoz. Yes. Mayor.

>> Yes. First item is 7.1. It's a.

>> Public hearing.

>> Time. Is it?

>> So public hearing is now open.

>> At 1:53 p.m.

>> Is there anyone here for or against.

>> The issuance of the liquor license?

>> Good afternoon. I am [name], New Mexico liquor licenses and I am in attendance virtually. And I am here on behalf of the applicant in favor.

>> Mayor, we do have somebody joining us virtually over the phone. They are the representative taking care of the process of the liquor license on behalf of a Longhorn Steakhouse. If you have any questions for her.

>> Okay.

>> Seeing none other, it's. This public hearing is now.

>> Closed at 1:54 p.m.

>> Move to approve.

>> Second.

>> All right. Good afternoon. Council. [staff] Ochoa, Community Development. For the record, before you, we have another liquor license for what is going to be known as the Longhorn Steakhouse, located at 500 South Shore Boulevard, pursuant to State in New Mexico statute. The application was submitted for approval. What is a transfer of ownership and change of location of an inter local dispensary liquor license. That liquor license number being DIS0012961 with on premise consumption only. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the state did send preliminary approval to the city on September 3rd, 2026 because of when we received the that approval, we did have to have a public hearing within 45 minutes. We were not. Within 45 days of that approval. We're unable to meet that. In order to have the meeting today, we did request for an extension and the extension was approved. This did go out for you to all reviewing parties, and nobody saw any issues with the proposed liquor license. Basically, 500 South Telshor is the existing pecan grill. That property building has been purchased. There are plans to actually demolish that building and construct the new Longhorn Steakhouse in place of there. Basically, what we're doing here is just the the companies getting the initial things in line, if you will, and one of them being the actual liquor license, one of the first steps to get that business into Las Cruces, as shown here. Subject property right on the corner of Lohman and Telshor Valley Mall to the south. Just to give us bearing where we're at. So today, Council your options. Want to vote yes and approve the proposed liquor license or two to vote no and deny the ABC will be notified of the vote, and the application will continue through the process with the state and finalize here at the city as well. That is the conclusion of my presentation. I stand for questions.

>> Thank you. [staff] Councilor.

>> Thanks, mayor.

>> And [staff], I have the same question that we've had many times before, which is, I guess, why the extensions like this seems like kind of a rubber stamp process. And it's been, you know, 60 days since they submitted the approval. So.

>> Councilor Harris, Mayor, basically what happens is they get, they go to the it's a, it's a pretty long process that has deadlines that are due. The 45 days starts the day they let us know that they approved it. Then we need to line it with a City Council meeting within those 45 days. But then we also need to do public advertising 30 days before the meeting and 15 days before the public meeting as well. Additionally, on top of that, we also send out needed if a liquor license within 300ft of any religious institution, church or military institution, which I guess we don't have to worry about that here. We need to send out letters to within so many days as well. So those 45 days is just step by step, us getting all those notification requirements that we're required to do on behalf of the state before we could have our public meeting, essentially. And then the extensions are requested basically, again, to align it to an actual scheduled city Council meeting, sir.

>> Okay, good.

>> Good to know, I guess. Yeah, we have the notification requirements. So that that kind of is what it is. Yes. Thanks. That's all I got.

>> Councilor.

>> [staff], thank you for this. My question is less of a comment and more of a [staff] about to become the most popular person on Facebook, where people are speculatively talking about the steakhouse opening next week. But you did say that they're tearing down the building, which I was news to me. So congratulations. I think you're about to become internet famous. So anyway, thanks for sharing as always. Just a friendly note, if people are looking for this insider track, [staff]. [staff] your man.

>> Councilor Bencomo.

>> Maybe congratulations and good luck.

>> Perhaps.

>> [staff], do you have a timeline for the demolition? I'm just curious, given that it's kind of a important, very visible part of that corridor. Do you have that timeline? What what they expect to how long they expect to be working on construction?

>> Councilor Bencomo mayor, in our conversations, they're very in the initial stages of everything right now. That's why the liquor license is here, because that takes some time to get through the state's process. They they're still working on construction drawings for the actual building itself, but staff has not received those yet. We do hold what are called pre-application meetings. When we get a set of building plans that are about 90% done, we do provide that as an option for them to do so. After they get that done, then they submit for building permits, and that's when the they if they get approved, then demolition starts and there's no real timeline, unfortunately.

>> Okay.

>> That's okay. Thank you, [staff], I appreciate it.

>> Okay. Christie.

>> This is on the motion to approve resolution 27-073. Councilor McClure. Yes. Counselor. Mattis. Yes. Counselor. Harris. Yes. Counselor. Bencomo. Yes. Counselor. Koran. Yes. Counselor. Munoz. Yes. Mayor.

>> Yes. Next is item 7.2, resolution number.

>> 27-074.

>> Move to approve second.

>> Good afternoon, mayor counselor, city staff. [staff], financial services department. And before you today is a resolution requesting authorization to enter into agreement for EMS transport Billing Services. In 2021, the City of Las Cruces Fire Department received a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity through the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. This allowed Las Cruces Fire Department the ability to provide medical transport services, which include both basic and advanced life support services, and charge a fee for said services to be able to charge these fees for the services that are rendered through the Las Cruces Fire Department, they require billing services from a qualified vendor. This will have the vendor provide billing, collection of funds, provide financial reports, and do analysis on the funds that are collected for funds that are collected through EFT cash check from any party that is paying on behalf of a patient. Las Cruces Municipal Code 24-424B allows the city of Las Cruces to utilize contracts from other existing agencies. Inter-State or intra state agencies, to meet requirements within our procurement code, EMS management and consultants, or EMS. MC provides favorable rates through the Eagle County Health Service District. Contract number RFB number 2024-01. This contract is effective through April 1st, 2029, and through this contract, we can get a 4.25% charge on all net collections that are received for funds that are collected on behalf of Las Cruces Fire Department, we are asking to be able to enter into an agreement with EMS MC for an annual amount that won't exceed $500,000, plus applicable taxes. Based off of that, 4.25% collected off of any of the revenues that are collected from patients patients. This is, of course, subject to approved budget appropriations. Before you are your council options, and I will stand for any questions.

>> Council.

>> Thank you. So my question is more general on the the billing process. Do we just go after like, what is insurance reimbursable? Or are they going to also go after patients above and beyond? I know that sounds harsh, but.

>> Mayor Councilor.

>> Harris.

>> I will have to turn it over to [staff].

>> Mayor, Council member, staff. [staff], division chief of EMS for Las Cruces Fire. Thank you for the question. Currently, we are not sending people to collections or trying to gain it that way.

>> Yeah, great. Thanks.

>> Councilor.

>> I just I just wanted to thank you, Division Chief [staff], specifically, this is a really complicated thing. And as Councilor Harris mentioned, it's painful to be navigating our for profit health care system in this in this context. But I just really want to thank you for the way that you helped a constituent who reached out about a billing related issue, and it really meant a lot to me. You got back to her really quickly. And the, the approach with which you all took helps me trust that that you are great shepherds of this. And I really just want to thank you for, for doing that. So that's all.

>> Thank you, councilor.

>> [Clerk].

>> This is on the motion to approve resolution 27-074. Councilor McClure. Yes. Councilor Mattis. Yes. Councilor Harris. Yes. Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Counselor. Munoz. Yes. Mayor. Yes.

>> Next is item 7.3, resolution. Number ♪27-075.

>> Move to approve second.

>> Go ahead. [staff].

>> Okay.

>> Good afternoon, mayor.

>> City Council, my name is [staff], CIP manager. And today I have an amendment for your review and approval. The CIP, as you know, is our public commitment as to how funding that's related to infrastructure will be spent with. Identify the projects that will be next in line. And with that, whenever there's a change, whether a project has received additional funding or there's a change in the project, we come to you to make that recognition and amend the CIP. Today, we have one amendment, which is related to the recently approved your bond funds that was approved. And then from there, 20 millions were secured in a bond from their 60%, which is 12 million was dedicated to maintenance projects, 40%, which is 8 million, was allocated to new projects. Out of those 8 million, 2 million were allocated to close out existing CIP projects. And the amendment here today is to present the first allocation of those 2 million. The proposal that we have here for you is to dedicate 280 700,000 to the South Main Trail. This is a new multi-purpose trail along various Elephant Butte Irrigation District laterals. This project has been on the CIP since 2022. The intent is to close out one of the major segments that will go from university to bouts. When this project was added in 2022, they secured a grant from the Recreational Trails Program, which is a federal grant for $200,000. They also had the secured the required match, and they were ready to move forward for construction. Unfortunately, when they did their first bid process, it came out on successful from their multiple bid processes were done throughout the years, but that actually led through three attempts where no bids were submitted. So that meant that time went past by the grant had to be extended, extended for time, and that was approved by NMT in 2025. It now has an expiration date of 2027. But that also meant that more time was required to start the process. And of course, an increase in cost with this allocation of the two, with the portion of the 2 million that was allocated to close our existing CIP projects, this segment of this major trail that will increase pedestrian connectivity throughout the city will be closed out. The intent, if approved, is to start this November with an estimated completion date of June 2027. With that, I will pass it on to [staff] for Parks and Rec. To provide more details and background on this project.

>> Good afternoon, [staff] with staff, this may seem familiar to you. You just actually saw this in terms of a naming of a trail. And so for most of you who were there in that last council meeting, this is just going to be a repeat of the information that you've heard. So this particular trail actually starts at South Main and ultimately will end at South Main up near the South Main and Idaho intersection. What's been constructed thus far is along the Tortugas lateral, just south of I-10. And ultimately, what we're talking about in terms of construction for this particular segment is along the Las Cruces lateral from University Avenue, all the way up to bouts behind the Las Cruces High School. This has been a long time coming. And as [staff] has described, this particular this particular trail segment has really been a challenge to get through procurement. We think that we're almost there. We see the finish line. We actually do have somebody that we're contracted with. And so this amount that that [staff] is offering to allocate will actually get this segment constructed. We're really excited about that. And so I'll turn it back over to [staff].

>> Thank you. So then as I recap, out of the 2 million were deducting this first allocation to the South main. That will leave us around 1.7. The intent of the remaining balance of this fund is that we want to finish the CIP process. We just started the F 28 CIP process, and right now departments are in the process of refining their projects, meaning existing projects. And out of that, we want to identify and have clear numbers as to what projects are partially funded and how much they need to close out after that, following the GR guidance, which is for public safety, parks, streets and just critical infrastructure, will develop a short list and bring back for review and approval. So as we mentioned, this is a project that has a lot of history. It started in 2022 where the staff secured funds for it, but due to a lot of back and forth, they were not able to start construction. As [staff] mentioned, the first segment, they will have a ribbon opening on November 10th and immediately this November. If if this amendment is a proposal is approved, they will start construction for the second largest segment of the trail. So with that, here we have our Council options and we stand for questions.

>> Thank you [staff].

>> Any questions? Councilor Bencomo.

>> I don't have questions. I just wanted to say thank you. I think, you know, when we asked the public for GR increase, it was really hard ask, but these are exactly the kinds of projects we said we just never had enough for. And so I really appreciate you, the work that you all are, all the departments, [staff], especially you are putting into making sure that projects that are really important get finished finally and appreciate the, the update that you just gave us. I'm looking forward to that list and to closing out more projects. Remind us how many projects are currently on the CIP?

>> We're about 300.

>> That's right. Thank you.

>> [staff]. Also.

>> Thank you, City Councilor [staff], I want to thank you for the work you've put into this and the ability of and your skill set of telling a story so that we can all understand what's what's happening, whether through projects that we have currently. That is a lofty list. I want to continue to stress that we should prioritize as much as we can, just to make your life easier. There's so many things out in the community, and I get that. But so that we can be on target and focused and make things happen, prioritization will be important, but thank you for managing and listening to us in our project request. Thank you [staff]. Thank you madam.

>> Thank you.

>> [Clerk].

>> This is on the motion to approve resolution 27-075. Councilor McClure. Yes. Councilor Mattis. Yes. Councilor Harris. Yes. Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor Munoz. Yes. Mayor.

>> Yes. Next is item 7.4.

>> Resolution number 27-076.

>> To approve.

>> Second.

>> All right. Good afternoon, Mayor and City Council. My name is [staff], and I'm going to be walking you through the proposed memorandum of understanding between Arrowhead, the regions of New Mexico State University and the city of Las Cruces. So this all started in April of 2022, when the Governor's Media Arts Collective initiative was created. In March of 2024, the state Economic Development Department approached Nmsu and Arrowhead about creating a southern hub in Las Cruces for this initiative. In September of 2024, the initial scope, budget, and funding agreements were all in place. July of 25. The contractors were procured and due diligence had been completed, and it was in December of 2025 that additional funding need was identified. And just this past July, the design had been completed. So the current status. So the design is complete with broad film industry input. The $15 million budget supports building a shell and basic finishes. Construction did begin in of tha targeted completion of July of 20. The supplemental funding that's being requested today is needed by the end of by this month to complete Interior's on schedule. So there are two facilities in this plan. The first one is the studio, which is 22,400ft. It includes hair, makeup, wardrobe and talent holding, production offices and planning space, catwalk and lighting, infrastructure and multi-purpose spaces. And then this this picture. All the white areas are the parts where potentially the city's funding could go. The second facility is a 10,000 square foot production support building, which includes operator offices and conference space mill shop and set construction and machining, painting, laundry and storage. Again, in this picture, the white areas are where the potentially the city's funding would go. So the economic impact of this studio. So it will attract larger film and television productions. It increased production spend in Las Cruces and the county. It supports production spending $10 million or more locally. There's potential for television series spending up to 30 to $50 million annually. It's a there's a Southern Hub initiative goal of 100 plus new Union film crew shot crew jobs, and it expands opportunities for local crews and small businesses. So this is a breakdown of the funding. Under the base budget, you will see the $15 million is to go to the building shells, the site work and utilities and design, general contractors fees and whatnot. And that is being funded by the state Economic Development Department. And then the 3.9 million is for interior finishes. And again, the design and general contractors. And and the bottom part, there has been a request to divvy that up equally three ways between Nmsu, the county and the city. The Regents and the Board of County Commissioners have already approved their 1.3 million. So that's why I am in front of you today for that last one third of it. So what is the impact without having this funding? It eliminates or reduces essential interior improvements. It will move production functions into trailers or off site spaces. It reduces operating efficiency and appeal to productions, and it's limit financial viability and expected local economic benefit. So going down to the specifically the city's contribution and the MOU, like I stated, this agreement is between the city, the Regents of Nmsu and Arrowhead Center. If the city agrees to this, the 1.3 million will be provided in 30 days of the effective date. These funds support. Again, the interior finishes and improvements. The city does have a say on the final floor. Plans and changes to fund uses. Nmsu's job is to oversee the disbursement, and Arrowhead is completing the improvements. So the oversight and benefits. The construction and monthly expenditure report will be given to the Economic Development Department, with an annual progress report going to City Council. The city has audit rights and recovery provisions for improper expenditures. Any unspent city funds must be returned within 30 days of project closeout, and city access to media can have access to this media production at a low or no cost, subject to reasonable arrangements. And just real quick were the funding is coming from. Back in 2015, City Council allocated $2.8 million approximately from Hold harmless Dr. specifically for cinematic infrastructure. There is approximately $1.8 million left in that pot of money, so the $1.3 million would be coming from this pot. representatives of NMSU and Arrowhead are here to answer any questions that you have. And with that, I stand for questions.

>> All right. Thank you, [staff] Councilor.

>> Thanks, mayor. And [staff], I guess two things which are sort of related. One is I was talking with somebody in the film industry here a couple of weeks ago and asked specifically about this and, and what they thought. And they're excited about it. They, they think everyone else in the industry locally is excited about it. It sounds like the industry is hurting a little bit. Since we don't have a preferred film partner due to unfortunate situations. Unpleasantness, and but they were kind of excited. And there's a lot of buzz about this facility. So I am in favor of getting it done. But at the same time, I understand that Albuquerque has gone really hard into sound stages and are suffering greatly because of that investment. And so I guess I'm curious to the everyone involved. Just like, is that a concern that we have here? Are we more satisfied that we have enough location based stuff and we're not trying to go for location based on sound stages just to be outbid by, you know, somewhere else. Anyway.

>> I'm going to turn it over to [staff].

>> Thanks.

>> Mayor Councilor Harris is.

>> Good to see you all. Thanks for allowing us to come today. I understand the concerns about the industry and we get our inputs. I get my inputs anyway from Film Las Cruces and from the state film office. And speaking with the film office director of the state last week, he said for the first time in two years and everybody acknowledges the downturn. But he says for the first time in two years, they're now seeing demand pick up statewide, which is good. But we've also been told that the demand in Las Cruces has been better than the northern part of the state, in part because of the uplift for being outside of the Albuquerque Santa Fe area. So the prospects for Las Cruces remain to be good, I believe. Okay.

>> That's all right. Thanks, thanks.

>> Mayor Pro Tem.

>> Thank you. Councilor. So just to comment, I, I believe the film industry in southern New Mexico is economic development. Just had a chance to enjoy it. Went to the celebration film Las Cruces put together a beautiful video. Great job [staff] and team. I was able to see the unveiling last night and I thought that was amazing. So there's about $4,045 million in in production that comes to this area. But as far as direct spending, where actual citizens, actual residents feel like going to a coffee shop or buying something, it's about $19.5 million. In fact. Check me. I'm just coming from the top of my head. But I think that we have a potential in southern New Mexico, in Las Cruces, to gain some of this market share. That Las Cruces market is very different. The labor market in Albuquerque, it's a different setup. And the feedback that I heard from some of the folks involved in the industry who have come from out of state and all over the world, has been very positive. They enjoy the southwestern hospitality, they enjoy the food down here. And I'm not saying that food in the north is not good. It's absolutely good. It's just different in a different way. So I think the internet soundbite. Thank you. Councilor Bencomo or no, that was Councilor I mentioned that. I want to go on a little bit here soon. So I think that this, this this, this makes sense. The university, the local film industry and the city of Las Cruces get to work together and to partner. So I appreciate everyone who's involved who put this together. Thank you [staff].

>> I also want to say that I wholeheartedly support this. This is great for our community. It's a tremendous investment, whether we talk economic, whether we talk about job creations, the excitement of the film and the truth be that the film industry in Las Cruces is thriving and it's done it without the infrastructure that's needed. This is an opportunity to get that infrastructure to partner up, to be able to to benefit for all of this community. And really, for us, it's a small portion, what we're putting up, what we're partnering. It's a $20 million investment, and we as a city are putting 1.3. I would gladly do that for our community. And I think this is a great thing moving forward. So thank you. Thank you to all. And I know there are some members of the public that would like to speak. I know we're we're very honored to have our senator and our representative here today. If they want to come up and say a few words and then other members of the public. If you'd like to say a few words.

>> Hello, mayor. Council management, good to be with you guys. Today. I'm State Senator Jeff Steinborn. I'm also the president of Film Las Cruces, one of the founders of film Las Cruces. This is an exciting day. This is a catalytic day for the film industry. We we definitely ask for your support of this. On behalf of the entire film committee, ask for your support of this resolution. As you saw from the presentation, this funding has been been marshaled since 2015. The city's contribution. It's been sitting there for the right investment. We made another investment a few years ago, which wasn't didn't work out the way we would have liked, but but thankfully we stopped that. And so you still have some funds left to invest in this. So it's not new money in that regard. The state money, as the mayor pointed out, we've gotten over $20 million, 2023 million to be exact, from the state. So it's an incredible deal, I think, for the city of Las Cruces to put in 1.3 for over 20. That's coming from the state. The county, of course, also already did what you're considering today and put in 1.3, as did the university. So that's the financials. As you said, mayor, last year, I think Mayor Pro Tem, you actually said it last year, one out of five movies made in the state of New Mexico were made in Las Cruces. 13% of all direct film spending was spent here in Las Cruces. This is a remarkable. So we are a lot of communities in the state wish they were thriving like Las Cruces is. And this is certainly going to allow us to go to the next level. It is a globally competitive business, to be sure, and that's why we have a great film office. That's why we have to work hard every day. We're going to have to continue to work hard. There's lots of things being discussed at the state level to further enhance the state film incentives to. You might have heard that president on down in Congress in a bipartisan way is looking at amending the federal film. Incentive to help make the United States bring onshore some of the film that has gone overseas, which is part of the issue in a in a national sense. So there's a lot going on, but the studio is certainly going to allow us to go to the next level in terms of economic impact. And and I think it's right sized for the opportunity. So with that, we're excited. Mayor, there are other members of the film committee here, not too many, but who would love to say a few words if given the opportunity. So thank you all. And I'm here to answer any questions if you have any. Thank you.

>> Hi Mr.

>> Mayor, Mr. Mayor Pro Tem City Manager Council great to be here. I want to just echo the comments and urge support for this adoption of this. I was really pleased in the first year that I chaired House Appropriations and Finance. We dedicated $15 million in the geo bond statewide process, and then an additional $8 million in a recent session for additional square footage, including offices there at the film studio, the city participating in utilizing resources that the city has had, I think is a very strong way to show and to really braid funding and get the best outcome possible. I think this is a template for as we bring additional dollars here to southern New Mexico and come out with really statewide and regionally competitive projects that serve our residents critically, that diversify our economy because there is nothing that is or that is equally important, as so many of the other public policy imperatives that we have. Now. I know you all are supportive. Thank you all for giving me this chance to speak, and we'll keep working to bring additional resources down here to southern New Mexico. Thank you.

>> [Public comment in support: a founding member of Film Las Cruces and local actor spoke for a purpose-built soundstage and the resolution.]

>> [Public comment in support: the film liaison for Film Las Cruces described productions' need for a soundproof studio and local crews trained at DACC.]

>> [Public comment in support: a resident said the resolution has their support and asked the city to give the public periodic updates on the city's finances, given the budget deficit.]

>> [Public comment in support: a film hairstylist spoke about how film work has helped local families and the lack of a facility.]

>> Thank you everyone. [Clerk].

>> This is on the motion to approve resolution 27-076. Councilor McClure yes. Councilor Mattis yes. Councilor Harris. Yes. Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor Munoz. Yes. Mayor. Yes.

>> Next is item 7.5.

>> Resolution number.

>> 27-077.

>> Move to approve.

>> Second.

>> I'd also like for motion. Second, vote to suspend the rule to discuss item 7.5 and 7.6. At the same time.

>> Not to suspend.

>> The rules to discuss.

>> Second.

>> This is on the motion to suspend the rules to listen to item 7.5 and 7.6 concurrently. Councilor McClure. Yes, Councilor Mattis is absent. Councilor Harris. Yes. Councilor Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor Munoz. Yes. Mayor. Yes.

>> Thank you.

>> Good afternoon, Mayor and City Council [staff] with Housing and Neighborhood Services. The resolution before the resolutions before you seek to approve pre commitments of city fundings for senior affordable housing developments. There are two of them, the residents at Sonoma Ranch and Royal Crossing. Our most recent consolidated plan, 2026 to 2030, identified a shortage of nearly 4500 rental units, with renters facing higher cost burdens, the investment in affordable housing coincides with the objectives of City Council strategic Plan, Elevate Las Cruces, our affordable housing plan and other city plans. Both of these projects will be applying with Housing New Mexico for low income housing tax, credit funding or light tech funding, with pre commitments of funding required to meet the light tech application requirements. The residents at Sonoma Ranch will be located near Sonoma Ranch and Central Avenue, and Rural Crossing will be located in the new Royal Crossing subdivision just north of Apodaca Park on Samaritan Drive. With two projects applying for funding for senior housing. We wanted to highlight a few studies that focused on the demand for this type of housing. The most recent New Mexico Housing strategy projects up 23% growth rate in the senior population by 2005, which is weird because that's only eight years away. Sounds weird to me. 2025 New Mexico Housing Needs Assessment, and noted that many seniors fall within the category of low to moderate income, with 40.4% in New Mexico earning less than 40,000 a year, with the national average being at 36%. And I reviewed a housing feasibility study on Friday that identified the four senior housing complexes we have here in Las Cruces. Three of those are at 100% occupancy, with one at 95% occupancy, identifying a very low 1.25% vacancy rate. With our newest Pedrena complex online, they have a waiting list right now of 73 households. The first project, the first resolution under 2777 for is for the residents at Sonoma Ranch. Phase one. The complex will contain 961 and two bedroom units for those age 55 and above, earning up to 60% of area median income. Total development costs are estimated at 28 million, and construction anticipated to begin in late 2027. Plans are calling for an L-shaped building southwest design with amenities including a clubhouse, outdoor patios, fireplaces, business and fitness, fitness center and a covered pavilion. The resolution before you or I'm sorry, the developers are [developer]. It's the same developer that's developing the Peachtree Complex right now. They will be partnering with the development arm of [development partner] for the project. The resolution would approve a pre-commitment of up to 4 million in funding, not to exceed 15% of total development costs and subject to the project, receiving a Light Tech funding award and the partners being certified as qualified grantees under the state's Affordable Housing Act and under city ordinance. And if the project receives an award of light tech funding, we would come back to council at a future date for a budget adjustment and the final loan agreement. Here's a vicinity map of the subject property with an overlay of the building on site, you'll see Sonoma Ranch on the left hand side and then central right next to the current. The new fire station nine. And here's our our Tex rendering of the development. The second resolution, number 2778, is for the Royal Crossing Senior Housing Project. The developer is [developer] in partnership with Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation. Plans here call for 81 and two bedroom units for those households aged 55 and above, earning at or below 60% of area median income. Total development costs here is estimated at just over 22.8 million. Outdoor amenities including fitness business centers, a community center along with walking paths, a community garden, outdoor grilling areas and they will be working with city staff, city park staff to allow for connectivity with amenities at Apodaca Park, and this is a potential catalytic product project for the Apodaca MRI. The resolution would approve a pre-commitment of up to 3 million in funding, subject to the project, receiving a 9% Lihtc award from Housing New Mexico and also the developer's being certified as qualified grantees as through the ordinance and the States Act. The city purchased this property. You might recall we purchased this property back in September 2026 under resolution dash 2661, so a ground lease would be required. And we're proposing an 80 year ground lease with terms of 12,000 a year. If the project is awarded, like tech funding, we would come back to council with a future resolution for a final loan agreement and the ground lease. There's a vicinity map of the subject property. You see, it's directly adjacent to the northern part of Apodaca Park, and the building overlay on the right hand side. And then we have Arctic architect's rendering of the front elevation. And that is my presentation. And you all have standard Council options for each resolution. And I stand for questions.

>> Thank you, [staff] Councilor.

>> Thank you [staff]. You know, I won't even ask about the hamburgers, but I'm picturing the hamburgers right now. But I'm wondering if you can talk a little bit about we've had a lot of success getting light tech funding, I think, relative to other jurisdictions in the state. I'm wondering if you can talk a little bit about the competitiveness. And I do have actually a specific question if these two are competing against each other or if it's not competitive in that same way, the funding that comes from housing New Mexico, if you can talk a little bit about that landscape and how it's worked in the past for us and how these will work, potentially.

>> Sure. Mayor and Councilor Karen, the these two projects will not compete against each other. There are two types of tax credits, the 4% and the 9%. The 4%. The 9% has deadlines in. In January of 20th January 2027, and the 4% is is a noncompetitive. However, from the rumblings that we're hearing, they're making it more competitive. But they're they're two different funding pots. So they are not competing against each other. And our past history with with low income housing tax credits, there was about a ten year period that from working here where we didn't receive any light tech funding awards. And I fully believe that was because there was no city investment beyond a couple hundred thousand dollars in home funds. Once we started investing in the projects, the projects were getting awarded. They're based on there's points in their application system for investment from municipalities, and I believe that's definitely helped us with with getting those light tech awards and getting these projects done.

>> Thank you. I'm glad to hear it. Thanks.

>> Councilmembers.

>> Thanks, mayor. And [staff], a couple of kind of random questions, I guess. First, I am in support of this. I think that the city investment in these projects is clearly very important. We get a lot of bang for our buck by being able to leverage all these funding sources. So I guess a couple of kind of operational things. One, do we index our ground leases to inflation? I know that's not like the subject of today's meeting, but when you said $12,000 ground lease for 80 years, like in 80 years, 12,000 bucks isn't going to be a lot. It's not a lot now.

>> But Mayor and Councilor Harris, that's a good question. I'm not sure I know the answer to that. This would be our first project with a ground lease. Okay. So we'd have to work through that. MFA requirements are are stating that the ground lease needs to be more than 75 years. So we went to 80 years and talking with the developer and the financial feasibility, we went with 12,000 a year.

>> Okay.

>> Just curious since that came up. So it'll be interesting to see how this plays out with us when our first one. And then the other question is, especially out in Sonoma. I hope that we're also looking and thinking about how that plan development will integrate with other commercial opportunities in the neighborhood and transit. I don't know if anyone has has thoughts on that, what the future of that that land looks like nearby, if there are future transit plans. I know no one from transits here but.

>> Mayor and Councilor Harris. I'm not sure if anyone from transportation is here. I know when we were building Peach Tree, there was the same talk about the transportation, and we kind of had the talk of what comes first, the busses or the people. Right now we're getting the people out there. So I think the Transportation Department could do a review on that and see about providing it out there.

>> Okay. Sounds good. I am also in favor of reviewing that and making sure that that that area is covered. Well, otherwise, no, this this sounds great. Thanks.

>> Councilmember.

>> Thank you. Thank you, Councilor Harris. I had a very similar thought about the Sonoma one regarding transit, just because of some of the things we've heard about Peach Tree and how long it takes to get out there. And so but it does. Transit doesn't just happen. It has there has to be political will and investment. So just, you know, I think it's, it's very important priority for us to keep in mind. I wanted to ask you. Thank you for the presentation. I wanted to ask you about timeline for each. When we expect them, shall they, you know, be funded and all of that when they would be set to be completed. And I ask because there's clearly an urgency for senior specific housing. You said that our current senior Padrinos has 73 people on the waiting list. Seniors are losing access to Medicaid, Snap benefits, HUD, increased rents. And so it's it's not easy for people who live on a set salary, right. And a fixed salary and, and are vulnerable. So can you just talk about, one, the urgency of what you're seeing with seniors and then the timeline for these two projects?

>> Yes, mayor and Councilor Bencomo urgency is definitely there. As you know, the timeline for these MFA has specific timelines after they're awarded funding of when construction must start. My best anticipated guess is that both of these would try to start construction before the end of 2027.

>> Okay. Thank you so much, I appreciate it.

>> I also have excuse me, I also have representatives from [developer] and then from Tierra del Sol housing in the audience for any questions.

>> Okay. Thanks, [staff].

>> Sorry.

>> Just one last thing I wanted to say. Given the urgency we have seen in recent years, the numbers the population of unhoused folks that is growing most is senior, the senior population. So there is a serious urgency to the matter.

>> Thank you, Madam City councilors. Thank you, [staff], as well. So I'm encouraged by these projects. There's obviously a need for for housing on so many levels. 2010 I believe that the median price was about $180,000 for a home. Today, that is $315,000, I believe. So all of the above makes sense when we're talking about housing. And I'm glad we're we're moving forward on this probably 14, $1,500 a month or so. So I think the residents of West Coast are definitely feeling the, the stress of, of making it paycheck to paycheck. And projects like this are super important. I think also, I appreciate the developer working on this good, great reputation. I do want to stress to the development and make sure that our team would also stress to not just consider the quality of what's being built and the amenities and areas around it, but also to look at the environmental erosion, drainage. You know, we've we've had more rain. I have not I have grass in my yard. I didn't even plant to get a lawn mower or whatever. Our climate is changing. And so I think long term, I think it's important to, to look at. And we've had some of my residents talk about drainage and erosion issues. Those are important. So in the long term, it's important to also consider that as we're moving all this earth around these these constructions. So thank you for that consideration. Thanks, [staff]. Thank you mayor.

>> Thank you Councilmember. Thanks for the senior plus, you know, 55 plus the housing for for both projects. I, I really support that. I have a question and I think you could probably answer it because of the status of our budget and everything manager. We had to go to the trash talk for because there was no opportunity. Correct. In other words, it looks like that's the only place we could find that.

>> Mayor and Councilor Mattis for these projects for the Royal Crossing, the 3 million is coming from our go bond that we did for housing.

>> Okay.

>> And out for the residents at Sonoma Ranch, we have 1.7 million in Gabon going towards that. So only 2.3 million would be coming from Telshor fund. And we have that from cost savings from, I believe, the Pedrina project, where we got money from the state and kind of gave back to Telshor fund.

>> So we turn back to the Council for.

>> 2.3 million. Would what we would need for both of these projects from the Telshor fund. All other funds are coming from the bond funds restricted for the housing.

>> Thank you. Yeah. City manager.

>> Thank you, [staff] and Councilor Mattis, just just to reiterate. Last month, month and a half ago, we presented a work session in front of you and council. And in there we asked for direction from you and council to help us decide how to expend and our expenditure plan for the Telshor fund. And we received consensus that we should not spend spend down on the corpus. And so it is our understanding that even with this, from our projections that we can get from Treasury, we're we're not spending down on the corpus. So I just wanted to reiterate that. So you understand that staff has listened to you, and we're doing our best to ensure that we keep this Telshor fund sustainable while helping out the most vulnerable, most in need.

>> Thank you. I can remember, I believe, our auditor actually saying that the corpus of the fund, which is 28.

>> At at at the last work session. Correct. That's what.

>> It was. Thank you.

>> Who do you have in the audience again, [staff]?

>> [Representatives of the two development partners spoke in support. One said the Sonoma Ranch site is in a HUD designated area that adds a 30 percent boost to the tax credits, that the plan is to apply to Housing New Mexico this month or early next month, hoping for approval in February or March, with construction possibly starting by the third quarter of next year and taking 12 to 14 months, and that a phase two is planned next year. A Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation representative said the organization is excited about the Royal Crossing project.]

>> All right. Well, thank you. And. Yeah, we know that we partner with [name] for many years, so we look forward to it. [Clerk]. We have to do 7.5 first. Yes. Okay. Go ahead.

>> This is on the motion to approve resolution 27-077. Councilor McClure. Yes. Councilor Mattis.

>> Yes.

>> Councilor Harris.

>> Yes.

>> Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor Munoz. Yes. Mayor. Yes.

>> Now for 7.6, we need a motion and a second.

>> Move to approve.

>> Second.

>> [Clerk].

>> This is on the motion to approve resolution 27-078. Councilor McClure. Yes. Councilor Mattis.

>> Yes.

>> Councilor Harris.

>> Yes.

>> Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor Munoz.

>> Yes.

>> Mayor.

>> Yes. That item 7.7 Council.

>> Number 27-011. Ordinance number 3127.

>> Move to approve second. Good day.

>> Mayor, councilors and staff. My name is [staff] with Housing and Neighborhood Services. I am presenting an ordinance to authorize the donation of two city owned vacant parcels to the [housing corporation] for their use in affordable housing. The May Avenue lot was acquired through the na T process due due to its deteriorated condition. The parcel was replotted to create two single family lots and are ready for housing development. The city will file a land use restriction agreement on each property to ensure it remains as affordable housing. The ordinance before you today is to donate the listed properties to Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation for the construction of single family homes. The property addresses are May Avenue. The homes will be sold to income qualified households working through the Home ownership program. Land disposition is allowed through the act. They are the sole. Is a qualified grantee and is also a HUD designated Community Community Housing Development Organization. Disposition is recommended by the Affordable Housing Committee and is in alignment with the city's adopted plans. The vicinity map shows the location of the 2nd May Avenue parcels in the surrounding neighborhood near East Griggs Avenue. Here is a Replat showing lot one and two, and an example of a conceptual floor plan for the type of house that could be developed on these lots a three bedroom, two bath home. The parcels are located in the South Mesquite Overlay District, which requires the plans to be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Committee. Before you are your council options and I stand for questions. Do you have. This whole staff is also present to answer any additional. Thank you.

>> Thank you. Any questions from Council? Seeing none. [Clerk].

>> This is on the motion to approve ordinance 3127. Councilor McClure. Yes. Counselor. Mattis.

>> Yes.

>> Councilor Harris.

>> Yes.

>> Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Counselor. Munoz. Yes. Mayor.

>> Yes.

>> Thank you.

>> Thank you. Next is board appointments. There are two. I'll need a motion and a second for each of the following. [appointee]. New appointment to the Oversight Committee.

>> Move to approve.

>> Second.

>> This is on the motion to appoint [appointee] to the Oversight Committee. Councilor McClure. Yes. Counselor. Mattis. Yes. Councilor Harris.

>> Yes.

>> Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor Munoz.

>> Yes.

>> Mayor. Yes.

>> The next one is [appointee].

>> New appointment to the Oversight.

>> Committee move to approve second.

>> This is on the motion to appoint [appointee] to the Oversight Committee. Councilor McClure. Yes. Councilor Mattis. Yes. Councilor Harris.

>> Yes.

>> Councilor Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor Munoz. Yes. Mayor.

>> Yes.

>> Next is the notice of proposed.

>> Ordinances in the three of them. The first one is Council bill number 27-012. Ordinance number 3128. An ordinance supporting the investment of up to $700,000 in economic development project in accordance with the City of Las Cruces Local Economic Development Plan.

>> Bring forward.

>> The second one is Council Bill number 27-013. Ordinance number 3129, an ordinance amending chapter 26, sections 26101102 and 104.

>> Bring it forward.

>> The third one is Council Bill number 27-0144. This number 3130. An ordinance amending chapter 30 Division 17 Building Standards of the Las Cruces Municipal Code to adopt the most recent State of New Mexico construction Industry Division standards.

>> Bring it forward.

>> Next time will be City Council member. Board reports and comments. Council. McClure.

>> Thank you, mayor. A couple things I just wanted to say thank you to the Las Cruces Utilities for having their rodeo and letting me tag along. I just want to give a shout out to Councilor Harris, who kept our dignity alive because he was the only one who got the basketball into the the bucket at the skid steer. It's very impressive. I was quite like he was defending our reputation on council there. So I just want to say thank you to that. It was a heavy Apodaca week last week. We did the the groundbreaking for the trail and the water park. Also the MRA. We had a interesting session to where I just wanted to kind of urge city management to consider that MRA might need to be a little bit bigger to capture some of the businesses on the other side of North Main. Just to give that a little bit more of an essence of where that money can come back to help those neighborhoods. That's definitely sort of a, an ask in, in might be take a little bit more time to do, but I definitely think of that area spoiler liver in that area as something as part of my neighborhood. And I think giving back those businesses, giving back would be a great thing. So, and just to say too, there's a QR code for a survey on the MRA. If you have more ideas, please let us know. That would be helpful as well. I believe that's open till December. Don't quote me. I think it's December. Yeah. Yes, yes. Okay. Thank you. I always like when people nod in the audience to help me. And lastly, I wanted to say that Councilor Mattis and I went to go check out some tiny homes this last past Friday. I was really excited to see what kind of options are there at Valley Homes, if other people would like to check those out. Base model for some of them are is roughly $70,000. I think these could be some options for people to. And I look forward to exploring that. I hear there might be a work session in order, and I'd like to offer my support for that. So thank you.

>> Thank you, Councilor.

>> Thank you mayor.

>> Sorry I missed a couple of weeks. I missed the middle. But I. Japan and it was quite an experience to.

>> Be in Japan.

>> I was telling them about the the streets are just absolutely 100%. And so potholes before [staff] has to put up with me calling about potholes, but nice to see that, you know, and I. Feelings come up infrastructure repair. I have another item city manager maybe that could help me with that. We're getting calls from crystal clear and last night discussed us about the easement. That's after the five one. And so there was 3 or 4.5 foot easement from from the sidewalk to the to the property line. And it seems like nobody nobody is claiming ownership of that. It's it's not, you know, because there's not a holiness organization and there's not a developer that's around that could could tackle that. But some of the. Developments. Sometimes the residents, well, it's not the city, but, you know, the way that it doesn't look that no one could come to some type of resolution on that easement that stops some of the other neighborhoods, and particularly in district ten, I can get with you if I. Economy and go for a stroll through different complaints. On on our tiny house. I think everybody would be excited to know this. But for example, I don't want to put a 7 to $80,000 payment for 55 plus. So if they're spending 22 million of those, if you spend 23 million for tiny one, you get 275 years, 275. So that's, that's quite a jump on. That 55,000, 5000 and. Home affordable homes, not what we wanted. Well, that that would be a much better number to be achieved for 23 million of your children, 200, 300 million. So let's. Consider a. Land and and city manager for work session on on tiny homes in January. Appreciate that. That's it. Thank you very much.

>> Thank you Council.

>> Thanks, mayor. Couple things.

>> The utilities right here.

>> And and thank you for the shout out. I promise it was the first time in 20 years that I drove in a skid steer, perhaps more about the skill. But, but but it was great. And thank you to, to utilities management for putting that on. And really, you know, telling employees that, that they're appreciative. It looked like everybody had a great time. And, and it was well received. And then the other thing is, of course, it is getting colder and I'm hopefully looking forward to the new cooling warming center at community of Hope kind of opening up. I know there's been some permitting delays, but I do want to make sure that that is is on track and that that we're going to be able to fund it fully in order to keep it open, as long as it needs to be kept open to, to serve the community that it needs. That's it for me. Thanks.

>> Thank you. Council.

>> Thanks, mayor.

>> I just have two things I want to chat about. Last week. My appointment to the Senior Programs Board reached out to me, as well as to other members of that senior board to have a meeting, and they wanted to discuss what they've been hearing at their respective senior centers and meetings and just in in community with fellow seniors. And it was really alarming. And I left one feeling like, gosh, we need to do a better job at connecting with the folks that we put on these boards. And so just really grateful for these particular members of the senior boards to have come to me to, to talk about some of the concerns that they're hearing. And then to and more importantly, just the increasingly worrisome conditions for seniors in our community, people who have fixed incomes, people who are losing access to Snap benefits to Medicaid, to those critical social welfare nets. And so I am very concerned. And, you know, just having conversations with Casa Peregrinos rising cost of food everywhere, I think it really would be important for us to start thinking about a more shorter term plan for the next year or two, and emergency planning for how we take care of the most vulnerable in our communities to include seniors. So I've asked City Manager to connect with senior program staff to get an update on how they feel like things are going. But mayor, I would like to. Request a work session so that we can hear from senior programs and but specifically from the members of the senior board who are, you know, members of the community. And and I think have a lot to say. And so I just feel very concerned and very grateful for what they raised and would hope that we are, you know, listening directly from those folks mostly impacted. So that's that on senior programs, the second thing I wanted to chat about was that last week I was invited to a meeting by [a shelter operator], who runs the Dream Center and has been running a really a warming center, if you will. A cooling center has really opened up that space for unhoused folks to land there. The meeting included three shelter operators, whose names are omitted. And honestly, it was really powerful. It's these three folks who are doing this incredible work, all with very different philosophies, not all of which I necessarily agree with, but they are the folks on the ground doing the work that it takes to care for unhoused populations. And I would just hope that as a city, we are making it easier for those partners to do their work instead of harder. I think there's things happening in Albuquerque that are, in fact, making it harder for those folks trying to do this very important hard work. And I hope we don't take follow suit. I, I really hope that we are better partners in, in making this ecosystem a little bit easier for those partners. Anyway, we chatted about the coming cold months and they're in communication with each other about what it's going to take to care for folks more and more. All of them are seeing more families, more single parents with little children, more seniors. And so I hope that we are just better partners to those to those community organizations. The last thing I want to say on this, because I left, quite frankly, very upset about a piece of information I learned here, all three of them, all the three shelters receive calls from our local hospitals who are getting ready to release folks who have been in the hospital, who are also unhoused. And sometimes the hospitals will call ahead of time and say, can we bring this patient to your facility? Sometimes they will not call, sometimes they will just drop people off, and sometimes those people will be okay and ready to be released. And sometimes they will be swollen. Sometimes they'll need bandages change, sometimes they should not have been released. [An account of one patient discharge is omitted.] Like it is absolutely unacceptable and I would hope that we are calling in our partners at these hospitals. And, you know, since maybe they're going to save all kinds of money now on med mal reform, and that's a good thing, perhaps they can invest it in better patient care, and especially those folks who are most vulnerable, regardless of their income status, regardless of their housing status, regardless of their insurance status. I felt very upset by this situation and hope that I've asked the city manager to sort of help me get more information about the policies that are three hospitals have in relation to unhoused patients, and hopefully we can work better in collaboration with them, with the shelters, with the county, on how we care for literally the most vulnerable people in our community. So that's all I wanted to report back on today. Thank you.

>> Thank you, Council.

>> Thank you. I, I echo that deep concern and worry that this is the situation is about to become even more acute. We've heard this from a number of populations and community partners that that they are facing double the lines, triple the lines of folks at Casa de bear than than they've had in the past. And it's only going to get worse as, as folks, TANF and other things continue to expire. And I would also echo the senior programs discussion. The recently there was a a sort of gap in fund and feed feeding or dropping off food for animals. As folks who are part of the senior programs and Meals on Wheels, the the A SCMV has stepped up to fill that gap. And so they are currently accepting pet food donations and donations, monetary donations for, in particular, helping seniors keep their animals fed in that context. So I do want to appreciate the A S, C, m v for stepping up to fill that gap that we recently learned of, in particular with seniors who have pets. So please drop off any food donations that you have there or action programs for animals also has a an ongoing pet food bank that is always taking all kinds of clients. So here, here to those requests and recommendations, also to the A SCMV issue. I think I just wanted to make a note of a very horrifying public. My least favorite public health domain is worms. But since since we're here now in an infected zone of the New World Screwworm the A SCMV is taking a really proactive approach to to addressing this. And they got funding to do preventative treatment of a lot of animals, but they are also asking folks to pay really close attention to the animals in your care to make sure that they are not experiencing symptoms of the new world Screwworm, which is here in our community and is a function of not necessarily paying. It's really a function of looking at your animals. If they have even a tick bite or a flea bite, the. The screwworm fly will lay its eggs in the in that tick or flea bite. So horrifying. Imagining what that looks like. So please everyone, be on the lookout. Look at your pets. Make sure that they're on flea and tick preventative and pay close attention to that. And again, thank you for the s c, v for making sure that they can continue to serve. This affects us because we transfer out hundreds of animals to other states every single month. That's how we're able to reduce the euthanasia rate at the shelter. And if other states can't accept, in some cases, other states can't accept those animals from an infected zone. And so they're doing everything they can to make sure that we maintain those relationships and hopefully are still able to transfer those animals out, which saves their lives from our shelter. So quick. Public health note I also wanted to thank our city clerk's office. I, I know we're not really supposed to talk about elections, but there is an election tomorrow and the city does have a geo bond on the ballot. I'm not saying anything more about that. And I do want to point out that doing that is actually an extraordinary effort. Recently, a community in our region didn't their priorities didn't make it on the geo bond ballot. And when I saw that, it made me really want to appreciate our city clerk, council, city staff, folks who made that happen, both behind the scenes and in front of the scenes. And then, you know, thanking the folks who vote in this upcoming election up through tomorrow in that. But I do want to thank folks, because I'm really glad we didn't end up in that. In that situation, I really feel for the community that did did get lost in the geo bond shuffle. So thank you, City Clerk, for making sure that we are able to ask folks to support the library in the way that they can. So thank you. That's all.

>> Thank you mayor.

>> Thank you. Mayor, city councilors. I've been getting questions about our expenditures, and I think I mentioned in public comment as well. So I know City Manager [staff] or [staff], maybe there's a way to answer that. I mean, obviously I know they come from different buckets or different funds, but it's still kind of a question that's out there. There might be a general answer that you might be able to provide today, but I think maybe what makes sense would be to gather together in a work session and go over some numbers, go over some training. I know there's been a lot of a lot of work and, and our city team members have rolled up their sleeves to, to save money, to do things more efficiently. And it's, it's been, it's been some work. You know, [staff], you you've inherited quite a bit and not only to kind of make it through, but to get awards during that process is, is superhuman. So when I.

>> Think of.

>> Wonder Woman, I think of you. So is there a general answer we can give now? Maybe later on we could, you know, dive in.

>> Sure. Mayor Councilor Munoz, the city manager, did already ask me to prepare some information for the next council meeting. I obviously haven't had a chance to do that yet, but there are a couple of things that I will say. Number one, this is something as you can imagine, we are watching very closely and I'm happy to report that we are trending in the in the right direction. We have actually asked departments to provide us with their critical needs. Excuse me. And they provided us, I think, last week. So [staff] and I will be looking at that in the next week or so to determine how we want to move forward with that. So we're slowly, to use [staff]'s words, slowly cracking the door open so that we can, you know, make sure and adjust those critical needs that the departments haven't been able to fund. And yes, I think it's so important that people do understand that there's a lot of different funding sources. And so for capital outlay, we can only pay for certain things and for, you know, flood control, it can only be for certain expenditures. And that is something that I don't think everybody understands. So we will do our best to explain that. But overall, the what I want you guys to take away from today is that we are trending positive.

>> Okay. Good news. Thank you [staff]. Thank you. Thank you and good work. I and again, just as individuals and households are having issues with affordability and, you know, making it paycheck to paycheck, other entities like governmental nonprofits and businesses are also going through the same thing. So again, just fantastic job. Please keep it going. So this last week, City Manager [name], Councilor Bencomo and I had the opportunity to go to Casa de Pellegrino's with the Church of Jesus Christ Latter day Saints. And those who raised over 40,000 pounds of food, 40,000. I thought that was phenomenal. I was so impressed and so touched because I saw about 30, 35 young adults there ready to roll up their sleeves to unload the the food. You know, that's where we needed, you know, Councilor house to help us with the forecast. They did have a forklift there. So we were good. We were going to go, but that's, that's another night they like we realize that there is a need. 40,000 is a lot. It's going to have an impact, but it will have a short term impact. We still need to continue to do that and support groups like that and support young adults who take time out of their silos and collect food and put that together for those of our residents who needed here in Las Cruces, also have the opportunity to participate in our Halloween at the Mesilla Valley Mall. That was a safe, safe and fun environment. Thank you to the organizers, [organizers] for putting that together. It was it was a lot of fun and it felt safe again. It seemed as though there was about 4000 folks there. I don't know what the counts will finally be, but it was a good, good crowd. Additionally, I attended the Honor Those Muertos celebration. It was. It was awesome to see the cultural aspect of southern New Mexico and Mesoamericans. And so I wanted to thank [organizers], Las Cruces, Main Street Film, Las Cruces, and the Hispanic Chamber for putting that together. Lots of amazing art, especially from up and coming art, young artists. It was phenomenal work. The music, the dancing and, and, you know, the art that was produced there was, was extraordinary. It did get rained out again, just like the Pachanga also got rained out. However, I think the vendors did did well. Folks that were there had had a great time. We all tried to huddle under under tents and listen to mariachi and watch Folklorico and the Aztec dancers dance. So it was it was absolutely nice. It was, it was great event. And I would encourage and thank the city staff who helped also support that event and our city manager for providing his leadership to making sure that the. I believe the third annual event. And we hope that it continues as a tradition downtown. Thank you. Mayor.

>> Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. Yeah, just a few things that I wanted to mention. You know, when we talk about the senior programs and updates, we can do that with the departmental highlights. Or like Las Cruces Public Schools came up today and gave a presentation. We can also do that with the with the seniors and bring up some of the issues and what's going on.

>> Also.

>> Like we talked about warming stations and things. That's why I'm also looking and supporting that. We have a work session for tiny homes. Then we won't need the warming stations.

>> And so those.

>> Are some of the things that we can look at. And our public health co-ordinator is working on a presentation himself that he's developed and partnering with Nmsu and, and doing surveys and things like that so that we can, we can look at how we can help our residents in the community that are suffering and struggling.

>> Those those.

>> Things that [staff] is working on, and I know also with community development, is also working on coming together, working with developers to do a work session on tiny homes. So that'll come in the near future.

>> Thank you for the reminder.

>> About Halloween, because I do.

>> I just want to say not only.

>> For the mall, but to all the organizations out there, the nonprofits, the clubs, the businesses, the churches, all the treats that they put on during this time was a great event for our community, for our kids to have a safe and happy Halloween. So a shout out to all the groups that participated and gave of their time and volunteer times, and to.

>> Police and.

>> Fire that were out there to.

>> Also support.

>> And to mitigate traffic as best as possible.

>> A great.

>> Community event. So thank you to all and appreciate that. And with that, I'll turn it over to the city manager.

>> Thank you. Mayor Enriquez, Mayor Pro Tem Munoz and city councilors, city manager, just a few comments, and I'll let you be on your way. Just an update on the Casa Linda's project. These things take time. We are in the middle of reviewing vendor packets right now and working to get a qualified contractor on board. Evaluation is critical, but we want to make sure that we take our time so we can prevent what happened the last time and pick the appropriate vendor for this specific project. Update on the skate park. We continue to work with the contractor to make sure that they they take the appropriate measures to come back. They have been open and having discussions with us. So there's been a lot of back and forth on the skate park on on Hadley. We appreciate their willingness to to work with us. And we're there at the finish line. We just keep going back and forth on negotiating a little part of that, but we hope to be done with the negotiations with them and and plan after the holidays that the contractors can come and we'll have a skate park open by spring. That is our hope. So we'll keep you posted on that council. Thank you for your patience. Twilight residents, behavioral health. The city has to follow the law, and this is a house that is permitted by permitted by the state and follows federal regulations. They are currently permitted. Just ask [staff] and Community Development to just double check, make sure that all the permits were there and all. He confirmed that there are current permits and under current land Use code, they are permitted there. So our. Our hands are tied because we have to follow the law. But if there are any neighboring complaints, there is a state hotline that can be contacted. And so here's the hotline for that 1-800-752-8649. If if there are not following the rules. So that is the New Mexico Health Care Authority. And in addition to that, echo some on council who attended the rodeo. I just want to say thank you. It was refreshing to attend the rodeo. I try to make it every year and they do a great job. They get a lot of sponsors. So for those who are looking at the how fiscally conservative utilities and the city, the city can be, they do a great job finding sponsorships and they, they raise a lot of funds from the private from private donations and getting prizes, prizes from the private side so we can learn a lot from the utilities and how they do that. So we appreciate [staff] and all the staff for all they do. When a line is busted, water, wastewater there, the crew that do it when we're that do it behind the scene. And so we appreciate them. So kudos to to you all that utilities keep up the great work and and great job councilor Harris to you making a bucket on the skid steer. Counselor. Mayor Pro Tem Munoz absolutely work session finance. Well we'll have [staff] come back next council meeting. We'll get get you that necessary and appropriate information that you're requesting. Absolutely. To make sure that we're transparent with that. And let me check my phone and see if

>> There's anything else. And last but not least, I appreciate [staff] sent me this this update. We had stopped our internal meetings from doing this. We have a meeting called the Clean Sweep meeting. These meetings are essentially done with various departments, and I almost hate to name it because I'm going to miss one. But we have Parks and Rec, and then we have our GIS departments within Parks and Rec and other departments. We have public works and we have facilities, and we have all the various departments that have control the right of ways and make sure that we are abating the weeds and tracking any nuisances. They are the team that get together in a conference room every month, making sure that we are on top of our timelines. And so there are timelines of every spot that the city owns to ensure that within appropriate, reasonable time frame that we get to these areas and spot check them and make sure that we abate the weeds or whatever needs to happen. So [staff] was able to get that off the ground and running last month. And so just want to let you know, as we have these, these areas that arise, that is the team that's on it to make sure that we resolve those issues. So I just want to thank all those departments and [staff], for running point on that, making sure that we can take care of those spots. So if any spots come up from you that are on public easement, please send it, send it my way or to staff's way. And we'll, we'll make sure that we take care of that. So thank you, Mayor and Council.

>> Appreciate it.

>> Okay. I just want to mention one other thing that I forget as a big sports buff, just want to send out a revelations to Joe. This is a third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers. He's also a former. We played baseball for the Aggies representative well and just want to say thank you. And congratulations to Joey Ortiz. And with that I look for a motion to adjourn.

>> Move to adjourn.

>> Second.

>> This is on the motion to adjourn the meeting. Councilor McClure.

>> Yes.

>> Councilor Mattis.

>> Yes.

>> Councilor Harris.

>> Yes.

>> Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor Munoz. Yes. Mayor. Yes.

>> Okay. And