Council - Regular Meeting

l meeting. Today is Monday, March 2nd, 2026 at approximately 1 p.m. I am Mayor Eric Enriquez. Before we start, I want to mention that we have the ASL American Sign Language up in the front as interpreters available at every city Council meeting. If you please stand, we'll start with a moment of silence for the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces as they protect our our interests around the globe as well as our courageous men and women of the Las Cruces Police and the fire Department. Council Bencomo. If you lead us in the pledge, pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Typekit. Next on the agenda we have presentations or proclamations. We have no proclamations, but we have what we have now in our agenda is departmental highlights. We're going to start out with airport. With a departmental highlight. So that's you, Blake. Yeah, that's airport highlight. Yeah. Good afternoon, Blake Davenport

I'm the interim airport director. That's. Can barely read it. Mr. mayor. Mayor pro tem councilors again. So my name is Blake Davenport. I'm your interim airport director. The little map up here, if I want to orient you to it. We basically have two primary runways at the airport. One two, three zero. That is your kind of top to bottom. It's green. It's about 3 or 4 years old. It's in very good shape. Since we've been up here. We've done quite a bit of maintenance on it. It's probably got about another 15 year useful life and it's in good shape. If you see the yellow line parallel with that northwest to southeast line, that's your taxiways there, yellow that basically annotates that. The condition of those of the taxiways are not as good but still quite serviceable. So we do routine maintenance on those as well, including just daily inspections. We do have future plans to improve the yellow taxiways, probably over the next couple of years. That will improve those to a green status. And then the rest you see is in red. And so this kind of parallels exactly what we do with all of the streets where we do an annual assessment of the condition of the runways, taxiways and apron. If it's red, it means it's reached its th% end of its useful life. So the red at the bottom there is runway 826. It has not been maintained. It has not been reconstructed in roughly 25 years. So it's it's at the end

of its useful life. So we took core samples on 826 about two weeks ago. I should get the results from those in the next few weeks. And as we get those results in, that'll kind of drive how we're going to rebuild the runway. We think it's about in today's dollars, if things stay stable, it's about $10.5 million project. I would invite anybody who desires you're free to come up to the airport. I love giving tours. We very much now have a very open door policy, so we encourage anybody to come up and check the place out. Right. It's in a lot of ways this is a very capital intensive department, even though there's only about five of us that work up there. And I think in general, it's hard for me to kind of describe in just slides and stand here and talk to you about what an investment and the opportunities and the challenges we have up there. But if you want to come up, I'll give a plug for the barbecue. It's very good. Our office is right by there. You just make a right. The door is always open, and I'm happy to throw you in a truck and we'll go out and drive. Drive the airport and show you around. It's very nice. That's really all I have. Any questions? No. That's good. Blake. Thank you. Thank you for the departmental update and for the invitation. Thanks. And we appreciate that. Thank you. Next on our agenda, we have highlight from Parks and Rec Steven Bingham. Mayor, council, Steven Bingham, Parks and rec director. As mentioned, just wanted to highlight a few

upcoming registrations. It's just a few of the upcoming ones. We have a baseball camp that will be offering an a Stem camp, half day camps, 17th through the 19th. The registration opens tomorrow at 9 a.m. We also have our second session of the Year of Swim Lessons March 23rd through April 2nd. That registration is opening March 14th until full. There's a about 120 slots in that. We also have our hiking series that is open right now. We also have our cupolas Cruces beautiful dumpster days coming up on Saturday 21st from eight to noon. Free disposal of household trash, yard waste and other permissible items will be at Apodaca Park, Young Park, East Mesa Recreation Center and we want to report that the elevator was repaired finally over the weekend. And it is up and running again. And we are also working on a replacement of the pump on the warm water pool, which had previously been replaced with a repaired pump and it went down. We have a contractor on site there doing some tests. They believe the original pump that was put in was wrong sized, and when the replacement was put in, it failed. And so they're they're evaluating that and will get new part ordered. All right.

Thank you Steve. Next we have the week Carol. Good afternoon I'm Carol Nielsen digital content specialist with the animal services center of the Mesilla Valley. This week our dog of the week is harvest 82251. I'm an overall happy go lucky guy who loves adventures. You'll often find me at the front of my kennel hoping for some love and attention. While I can get a bit excited during walks, I'm actually quite calm when I settle down. I'm a true people pup and love meeting new friends. I'm also pretty smart. I know how to sit and take treats politely and I learn quickly. I would thrive in a home that can provide a little behavioral training. If you're looking for a loyal companion who adores belly rubs and is always ready for fun, I'd love to meet you. And this week our Cat of the week is Mia 99771. I just arrived at the shelter this last week. I started off shy, hiding in the back of my kennel, but I've shown progress. I no longer retreat and have begun to relax around staff. This new place has been a bit overwhelming for me. Currently, I'm not the type to rush to people and also I'm getting to where I won't run away either. I need a calm, understanding household that can help me learn what love feels like again. With patience I can become a loyal companion. Together, we can take small steps toward building trust. And as always, we like to highlight our long term residents. This week it's going to be a little bit longer, so please bear with me. So Hulu, our longest term resident, unfortunately, was recently euthanized, and as part of the reason why we highlight our long term residents. Because the longer an animal stays in shelter, the more likely they are to decline behaviorally, which happened with Hulu. We do

want to note that we do have a new director who is committed to helping animals, especially behavioral animals, so that we can try to avoid euthanasia where possible. And also, there's only so much we can do if people aren't coming to adopt our long term residents, because ultimately that will be the best solution for them. So we're sad for Hulu. So and also, we want to turn our attention to our other long term residents. Farrah, who has been with us 348 days. Lily, 306 days. Rosa 274 days. And so all really good options for adoption. So please take time to look at our long term residents when you come in our upcoming events. This Saturday we will be at Petco from 10 to 1. And then we actually have a new location March 14th. We're going to be out in hatch at the Village Hardware from 10 to 1, so please come by, especially the residents out in the county that can't always make it down to Las Cruces. For more information, feel free to visit our website or follow us on social media. Thank you. Thank you Carol. Next we have our special guest. Today we have Doctor Sabina Hirschauer. If you want to come up and your students as well. There are students from Nmsu, from the Department of Government, and they are also the Democracy Seminar Group. And we want to get a photo of you, doctor. Hirschauer, if you want to come into the podium and kind of telling us a little bit about your program, and you can volunteer one of your students.

I am one. Is is that on? Yes. Well, so it was kind of my idea and Councilor was so kind to shepherd us through this council session. But what the seminar is all about is democracy in the local and what it means for real people in real places. So we just wanted to watch you today. So how you do politics, but in a good way. Not sometimes what we see, you know, in national news, not necessarily in, you know, some of this. So we just want you to see to see how you work with democracy in the local and how you make people's lives better. So this is all thank you. Thank you for having us. Is there anybody. We get? Chris. Somebody has their own. I don't know where communications is at. Oh here comes somebody from the communications as well okay. Yes. So get in the picture. Just real good. Thank you thank

you, thank you. Welcome again. Thank you, thank you. Don't shoot. No, no that's perfect. She reached out. I was going to ask you to join. Next we have. Does any member of the city council, city manager or any member of the city staff have any known conflict of interest with any item on the agenda? None. None none. None. None. No. Conflict. Next, we have the public participation for three minutes. No pending litigation or items. Online consent. If you just speak clearly into the microphone, state your name. And you'll have three minutes. And Katrina will be up here to usher you to the podium. Thank you. Mayor, mayor, pro tem council, those here today, those watching online. I'm Lynne Maurer. At the last meeting, assistant utilities Director Carl Clark stated the city's drinking water sampling

had never identified any lead level exceedances that he knew of. He also said with respect to sampling associated with the city's 2024 consumer confidence report, quote, our water is at two parts per billion. Close quote hand out. One shows that, in fact, these are not that rosy. Our water is actually four times higher. Three homes tested in August 2024 and the Las Cruces Municipal Water system, where eight, six and three parts per billion respectively, all are under the current action level of 15 parts per billion. But Mr. Clark mischaracterized this key health information. The record shows the city does not test drinking water each year for each of the city's five water systems. Contrary to what Mr. Clark stated, this important fact becomes clear when you compare the sampling results of the CCR reports. Indeed, the city did no sampling at all in 2019 or 2022. Hand out two shows the timing of sampling and the numerous gaps in the reports. This led to the discovery that the city published false information regarding sampling results in the loss. Alturas water system. The 2024 CCR for the Las Alturas system, which just repeated the numbers from 2023 because no new sampling was done in 2024, falsely claimed that no samples exceeded the action level. In fact, one sample pulled in 2023 showed 24 parts per billion and another 18 parts per billion, both well above the action level of 15. See handout one. The CCR also falsely claimed that despite these two exceedances 90th percentile compliance was achieved. This is saying that 90% of the samples were compliant. In reality, those two exceedances brought the overall compliance below 90%. Thus, the drinking water in the licensure system was non-compliant in 2023 and 2024. This was hidden from the public. There are also falsehoods in the 2020 CSRs which I don't

have time to spell out now. What Mr. Clark did not say is that the action of a will decrease from 15 parts per billion to ten parts per billion as of November 1st, 2027. Las Cruces Utilities is now operating on a less strict standard. While this may be lawful at present, it is considered inadequate. That's why the water testing standard was strengthened, which does not affect the lead and copper rule requirements for competent inspections. Honest notices about findings, lead and galvanized pipe removal, and publication of a full and accurate inventory. Lead and galvanized pipes must come out regardless of any test results in the public must be truthfully and completely informed in a timely manner in light of copious false characterizations and huge gaps in sampling. I have no real confidence in the city's so-called consumer confidence reports. Thank you for this opportunity to speak. Mayor, city council, I'm Liz Rodriguez Johnson. It looks more and more like Las Cruces. Utilities never intended to uphold its promise to put disadvantaged properties first, a promise made to obtain $15 million in funding to implement the

federal Lead and Copper Rule. It appears that the department may have sought and obtained the $15 million under false pretenses. What's clear is that the utilities department doesn't have its priorities straight. The first handout for you relates what should be happening. The second, third and fourth handouts relate to what should be happening. Then the first handout relates to what should not be happening. The second, third and fourth relate to what should be happening the first week of November. City inspectors spent the majority of their time and resources inspecting properties that are not disadvantaged of 1042 inspections, or 24% were for disadvantaged properties. The first week of December, the imbalance was much higher. Only one property of 28 inspected, or 4% of of the total, was for disadvantaged properties. Handout eight shows the estimated valuation for the non disadvantaged properties that inspectors examined during these two weeks. Their devotion of time inspecting these generally higher value properties that are not designated disadvantaged violates the city's promise made when asking for the 15 million and violates public trust. Instead of inspecting a property valued at more than 465,000 on Cheyenne Court and its neighboring 400,000 properties, utilities inspectors should be inspecting all the properties listed in handout B, these truly disadvantaged properties have estimated values of less than $100,000. This adds to the list of less than 100,000 properties provided at the last meeting. We urge utilities management to direct inspectors to check out these obviously low income properties posthaste. When all the inspection for these properties are completed, Las Cruces utilities inspectors

should work on the properties in disadvantaged neighborhoods, with the estimated value of less than $200,000 is helpfully listed in handout C. It's both unjust and dishonest to prioritize non disadvantaged properties for inspection over these genuinely disadvantaged ones. Finally, before even one more property valued at $300,000 as high or higher is inspected, absent an overriding reason, every one of the properties on handout D, which shows yet another mobile home community without water hookups and which doesn't appear in the inventory, along with every single property on handout C, provided the last meeting should be inspected and added to the map and inventory. The city continually fails to include these lower income folks on the map or in the inventory, or even acknowledge their existence. This is obvious, and it's also cruel. So maybe cruelty is the point. Chris Apodaca Can I add agent, impresario, film and television mayor, pro Tem council members chief story. Chief Daniels. You know, I was thinking, I've given you information on myself, my background. You really can't put what I do on a resume. I just saw a movie called air with Matt Damon, and he. That's kind of. That's kind of what I do. Jerry Maguire with Tom cruise instead of sports agent film and TV actors. You all know that I've been around for a long time in the industry.

Close to 40 years as a professional in the big leagues. In the show. In the majors. Not many people have had the opportunities that I have, and I've been truly blessed, and I'm grateful for the things that I've done in my career and look forward to many years. Still, I when I was in Hollywood 14 years ago, I was thinking, you know, I'd like to go to Las Cruces, maybe and get something going, see what I can develop. So I kind you for about a year for and eventually moved here to be with my mother, who's since passed, and I have family here. That's why I choose to live here as well as I was born here. This is home, and I love the Mexican food. Can't beat it. It's best in the world. There are a lot of big fish in this town. Are actually a few big fish, and a lot of little fish that think they're big fish. They need to swim upstream to the ocean. That's where the whales are, meaning the studios and the money you need to get up there and give it a shot and see how you do. It's a whole different experience. There was somebody that spoke here a couple weeks ago. And they were talking about the the competition in the city and all this, and I, I just don't get that. It's ridiculous. You shouldn't have competition here. You have 14 other states doing

what you're doing. Plus California and. No one's working together. I have a lot of information on myself. The countdown. See? Any questions? I'll see you next time. Councilor Juan Garcia. Thank you, Councilor Harris, for providing the update on flow. I recognize your concerns, yet it's important to assess questions based on facts and overall overall community, rather than focusing on particular affected groups. District Attorney Macias, for the convictions of two of the killers responsible for the Young Park massacre. What they were done destroying lives. The question is why weren't lawyers with real deterrence, real consequences not enacted that could have possibly prevented this tragedy? Look at the price of blood and potential monetary costs to the city of reaction. And of guilty of a depraved mind murder. Determining that Nathan Rivas ActionScript and I quote a total and deadly indifference to the value of human life. I have been saying this time and time again, the reason people kill is because what's the matter? And our repeated total indifference to the value of human life, we see this all from the most Cruces the Suffolk, for raising

revenues on quality of life or public safety was recently discussed in this chambers. Nice to have parks and their families who are afraid to use them due to the out-of-control crime. In my opinion, pushback against public safety isn't about fiscal matters, it's about hostility towards law enforcement. That sentiment is voiced by many of our friends on the left and members of the Las Cruces anti-police group. The leader, who is the self-proclaimed anarchist, claimed they were, quote, being incinerated as a part of something organized. During public comments, a speaker warned that the same leader is part of highly organized groups that coordinate efforts to stack local meetings. The leader was credited with fencing in over 250 people from El Paso, Silver City and other quirky, dissuaded public event. That's pretty impressive. No doubt those folks were, quote, unpaid concerned citizens. This same leader tried to team up with CPS board member Patrick Millman to start a book review board, where they advocated for measures on handling age inappropriate books in libraries. And, you know, upside down world. Thousands of Iranians are celebrating the death of their brutal dictator who killed thousands of Iranians and hundreds of Americans, while American leftists or fears that he was killed make some sense of this. Thank you. Everyone. Good

afternoon. Here's one for the seven and for your records. Okay. So you use one of theirs. I'll do that. Good afternoon. Council everyone. My name is Yoli Diaz. I have provided you a Dennis Knox financial assistance file that he had sent to me, which is three files and also 6.5 section of indigent care and continuation of services from the Asset Purchase Purchase Agreement and the 2004 MMC policy. Memorial Medical Center is currently facing several issues regarding the subject at hand. One significant problem is that Memorial Medical Center is using Dona Ana County's Resolution 20 2368 as their indigent policy. This may represent an update to their policy, potentially replacing the one mentioned in six section 6.5 Indigent Care, continuation of services of the Asset Purchase Agreement and the similar policy revised in year 2020 ten. As of May 2016, Memorial Medical Center began incorporating information from Dona Ana County Resolution 20 1469, a year 2014 resolution into their 2016 policy, which MMC renamed Chap. Notably, this policy also excluded cancer care and outpatient dialysis. Dona Ana County's resolution included a quote payor of last resort end quote clause, defining it as a situation where residents eligible for health coverage for the same type of care do not qualify for the Dona Ana County Health Care Assistance Program Indigent program. This wording, in effect, actually excludes all residents which Memorial

Medical Center did. Currently, as confirmed by documents provided by Dennis Knox and available on the MMC website as of today, March 2nd, 2026, Memorial Medical Center is directly using resolution 20 2368. The current resolution, as its indigent care policy. This resolution also contains a saying, quote, pay of last resort and quote language. Dennis Knox also shared a flowchart used by Memorial Medical Center's admissions department for screening residents. This flowchart asks, do you have health care coverage? If the answer is yes, no further screening is required. One consequence is that Memorial Medical Center has no financial assistance nor cost adjustments to insured indigent residents. Medical bills, regardless of their indigency status. The 2004 MMC policy pertained to uninsured, underinsured, the indigent, and more. So, Dennis Knox has informed all of us that FMC is using Dona Ana County's Resolution 20 2368 as our FMC Indigent Care policy, their workflow as a process, and they update it. 815 policy was City of Las Cruces notified of the updates of both years 2023 and 2025? And did the City of Las Cruces get involved? Last statement please allow it. Is City of Las Cruces involved now with Dona Ana County? Now that they are revising the Dona Ana County Indigent Care Resolution, since city residents are affected. Thank you. Thank you for the extra seconds. Good afternoon, City Council. My name is Lucas Harding, for the

record. I am just here again today. As I said, I would be two weeks ago to continue advocating on behalf of the community that has spoken loudly about the things that we want to see in our community. I was heartened to hear about the elevator and hot water pool being fixed at the at some of our resources here. Those are the kinds of things that make a city, a city, a home. When I when my daughter was little, we spent a lot of time with the family center. And, and I have fond memories of getting to spend that time with her and take advantage of the shared resource that, you know, part of my living here, I share with other community members and is provided on behalf of all of us. And it is that kind of an environment that we can continue to advocate for with our tax dollars, with the collective revenue from the GR team, to create a space in our town that is welcoming, entertaining and family friendly. With recent world events. And especially the fiscal costs of those of of of what we see the federal government doing in foreign places around the world. I'm reminded of the statement that I attended as a moral document, that how we choose to spend our dollars is a reflection of our values, and so I think that what I want to just leave here once more, thank this community asked loudly last year when the question was asked, how would you like to engage with us, the city, on how we spend this

revenue, and you all rose to the occasion and asked us to engage with you publicly at six separate meetings. And we did. And you gave us a really wonderful way to participate. Speaking of democracy, direct democracy into your districts. And you spoke with us and I, I spoke with you there. Many of my friends spoke with you there. You had representatives from all of your departments. Those water guys need to raise an excellent advocate for their department. And across this city with all six councils or I'm sorry, in all six council districts, what people want was clearly voted on. And that information was presented to you in October of last year. So I know that you know that. I know that the staff knows that. The question remains why that wasn't reflected on the work session and the upcoming vote based on what we were presented. So I would just ask you to keep those things in mind as you get to that place. Thank you. Hello. Liz Bennett, public health social worker. We just came out of a legislative session that failed to pass gun safety regulation and failed to pass meaningful reform for juvenile justice during a media tour by our police chief, seemingly calling for harsher punishments for young people, we also heard soundbites mentioning the importance of evidence based strategies like youth development and diversion, cognitive behavioral therapy and early intervention in school settings. So where then, is our city's commitment to investing in those evidence based prevention strategies for the young people who have been put on blast for the last year, it is my understanding that the

proposed police training facility could cost somewhere between 40 to $60 million, but we don't know exactly how much or what for because there isn't an official plan or detailed proposal in place with this. In combination with the millions spent on the real time Crime Center and the millions allocated from the state capital outlay for the police racetrack, I would be interested to see the comparison of amounts of dollars spent on community based prevention versus police initiated response. The $60 million for a police training facility alone is three times the annual budget for all of the Parks and Recreation Department. I understand that the city has made an effort to invest in community the progress toward affordable housing development, outreach to the unhoused, feeding seniors, and providing after school programs is key, and that effort is appreciated. However, business as usual feels like pennies on the dollar and is not enough to meet the moment we are in, particularly with our young people. If there's one thing that the police chief and I agree on, it is that collectively we are failing the next generation. We must invest in the expansion of services that meet young people where they are and offer hope for who they can become. I've often heard Chief Story, described as someone who prioritizes evidence based interventions, and the evidence is clear investing in the criminalization and incarceration of youth is investing in systems of harm that perpetuate crime and incarceration, investing in culturally relevant, real world multisystemic support and mentorship is what leads to recovery. The challenges our young people are facing require meaningful and long term planning and long term investment. For those of you interested in continuing this conversation, I would like to invite you to an event hosted by Dreamcatcher and unlock civics happening this Friday

from 5 to 9 p.m. at the hood. The Public Health is Public Safety event is a community centered gathering focused on connection, healing, and practical solutions that strengthen safety through care. This event brings together youth, families, organizers, and those directly impacted to explore how harm reduction, empathy and shared responsibility can create safer, healthier neighborhoods. Thank you. Good afternoon mayor, city council and staff. My name is George Pearson and I'm vice president of Vela Cruces, a bicycle pedestrian advocacy organization. At the last meeting, a master plan and preliminary plat was approved for the Soaring Eagle Heights subdivision. The proposed subdivision is located on the northern part of city limits, in a little carved out on the west side of Atlas Drive in Council District five. It is next to Vista middle school and not far from Columbia Elementary School. The county, supported with state funding, has built a multi-use trail that extends from Dona Ana to Columbia Elementary. There's still a small gap up to city limits that will hopefully be filled in in the not too distant future. At the PNC meeting, there was some discussion about the cross-section design for Elks Drive in front of the subdivision. It was pointed out that the county multi-use trail is nearby, and that with the middle and elementary schools nearby, there was an expectation of school age pedestrians along Elks. Revisiting the Elks Cross section was voted down by PNC, with reasoning by commission members that the proposed cross section meets design standards. This may be true, but it does not meet improving the quality of life for citizens. Realize

has recommended cross sections for various roadways, but these are minimum standards. Turns out the Elks Cross section was decided at the DRC, with minutes showing only that a wider turn lane was recommended by staff. To me, this design promotes vehicle travel over pedestrian safety. New Mexico's number one in per capita pedestrian fatalities, and getting us off the top of this horrible list is the duty not just of nmdot, but also of all the local governments, including especially Las Cruces. The city talks the talk about traffic safety and Vision Zero, but they do not seem to be walking. The walk looks like the design is just creating an enforcement problem and not helping with design elements that would increase safety. What can we do to revisit the decision and approve a design that includes an extension of the multi-use trail along Elks Drive in front of this subdivision? This is a problematic area in solving the connectivity problem for bicyclists along Elks, but this is an opportunity that should be grabbed to help with traffic safety. Let's build a 21st century road that prioritizes prioritizes safety over moving vehicles. Thank you. And since I have a moment left, if you there was a grand opening of the Elks Trail by the county and safe routes to school, and there's a great video that the county put together. You can find it either on the county's Facebook page or Safe Routes to School Facebook or the Facebook page. So I would hope you take a look at that also. Thank you. Good afternoon. I'm Jim Hurst, I glad I made it here in time for public comments. I was watching at home. I heard one

of the speakers say that the protests and the. Participation of citizens in these hearing, or in public or public comment opportunities were somehow inauthentic and that we were paid and all that sort of rot. It is simply not so. The protests in this town are authentic. Our appearance at school board is authentic. Our appearance at county council or county commission and this body are authentic. Nobody's paid. Nobody's bussed in. They want to pretend that all society's ills are the result of liberal intervention, and that our policies created the world as it is. That simply is not the case. Liberals in local government have generally been in the minority until recently. That's a matter of historical fact. We didn't bring. Segregation and all the social ills associated with that. We didn't create homelessness. We don't control the capital of this country. The wealth of this country is generally % controlled by conservatives. Everybody knows that social policy is generally controlled by conservatives. Everybody knows that the media is controlled by conservatives. Everybody knows that the news is controlled by conservatives. Everybody knows that. Get over by liberals for the problems. We're just trying to correct them. As Billy Joel said, we didn't start the fire just because we're trying to fight it. We didn't like. So stop this crap about us causing all

the problems. Thank you very much. Good afternoon. Mayor, city Council Chief of Police Tim Jenkins, I would like to start by giving you all some heartbreaking statistics. We are just barely 60 days into 2026, and eight police officers were killed in one week alone. Two incidences here in New Mexico last week. 16 officers killed since January 1st, 67 officers ambushed. 22 officers shot in the line of duty. 19 officers stabbed. We are two months into the year and there is a 65% increase nationwide in juvenile crime. This is not federal agents or immigration officials. This is local police fighting to protect our own communities. Behind every uniformed officer is a human being who has chosen a profession rooted in service, sacrifice and responsibility. Supporting our officers is not, and I repeat, is not a political statement, but rather a community responsibility. Modern policing is more complex than ever, and our officers are held to the highest standard humanly possible. Officers don't only serve as law enforcers, but also as counselors, mediators, first responders, and crisis intervention specialists. They respond to mental health crisis, domestic disputes, traffic accidents, violent crimes, and community concerns, often all in the same shift. If we expect

professionalism and compassion from our officers, then we must ensure they receive the resources and support necessary to perform at their best. Please. Safety is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement, but rather a partnership between city leadership, police departments and the community. When City Council invests in our officers, it is investing in a safer and stronger city. Our officers deserve support and our community deserves excellence. Many times in the last two weeks, while dealing with our officers, I have witnessed time and time again our officers choosing compassion over the rule of law. And that is what needs to be celebrated, encouraged and strengthened. So let's help each other invest in what brings our community together rather than the things that divide us. We live in a world that feels so angry and divided, and a world where bad news travels at the speed of outrage. Can we please come together as a community and let each one of us be the change that we want to see and remember that our officers are husbands and wives and parents and children of our very own community that deserve a safe place, peaceful place, just as much as we do. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Next is I'll read a close statement. Those Cruces City Council meeting on March 2nd, 2026 at 11:01 a.m. The following were in attendance. Mayor Enriquez Council McClure. Councilor Harris. Councilor Bencomo.

Councilor. Koran. Councilor. Ramirez. City manager. County Councilor police Chief Jones three. City attorney, city clerk Christine Rivera, outside counsel Luis Robles. We're to discuss the pending litigation regarding Lee and Pamela Sylvester as personal representatives of the estate, or possibly Izzy versus City of Las Cruces, which is closed pursuant to New Mexico state statute in 1978. Section 1015 Dash 1H7. Chief starring and Lois. Lois collector 1203 entry where assistant interim assistant city manager, civil and Community Development director Chris Faber at 12:03 p.m. to discuss the purpose of the acquisition or disposal of real property or water rights by the public body, which is closed pursuant to New Mexico State Statute 1978. Section 1015 1H8. The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m. That somehow the motion for acceptance of agenda move to accept second. This is on the motion to accept the agenda as presented. Councilor McClure. Yes. Councilor. Mattice. Yes. Councilor. Harris. Yes. Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes.

Councilor. Munoz. Yes. And mayor. Yes. So we will start out with item 8.1. A public hearing is required. Yeah, I got it. So the public hearing is now open at 1:51 p.m. Is there anyone here for or against the issuance of this license? See, one is now closed at 1:51 p.m. The resolution number 26 107. A resolution approving the request for a transfer of location of count, counterfeit liquor license package sales, BW gas and convenience retails located at 4805 Russell Drive. Move to approve. Second. Okay. Thank you, Mayor Adam. Community development, for the record, before you, we have a liquor license for the proposed or the currently under construction. All number 102507 located at 4805 East Mesa East. Excuse me. 45 Mesa Drive. There we go. Pursuant to New Mexico state statute, an applicant, an application has been submitted for approval of a transfer of location of a canopy liquor

license number Dis 000868, with package sales only for the all subs. 102507 the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the state did send preliminary approval to the City of Las Cruces on January 6th of this year. Staff would require an extension. That extension was approved by the state in order to hear this liquor license hearing today, staff saw no issues with the proposed application other than one issue, which is the distance requirement per requirements. There is a required 300 foot distance required for liquor establishments to a school campus. The Organ Mountain High School is actually approximately 264ft, that is measured from property line to property line. Council may may may grant a waiver to this requirement to allow the business within 300ft of the school counselor may use traditional guidelines such as, you know, health, safety, welfare issues that may be come up as a as a way for you to do your decision. Voting yes will approve the liquor license and the associated waiver shown here. The subject program, I guess, would be the northwest corner of Memorial and Mesa. The school in questions on the opposite side, on the south side of a of a Bataan Memorial. So with that Council, your options are one. Vote yes and approve the proposed liquor license and associated waiver to the vote and deny. That is the conclusion of my presentation and I stand for questions. Thank you. Adam. Any questions? Councilor Harris? Thanks, mayor. Does the maverick that's on the other corner have a liquor license, or are they trying to get one? Councilor Harris? Mayor no, they did not have they did not

have a liquor license. Okay. Thanks. That's all. All right. Seeing. No. This is on the motion to approve resolution 20 6-107. Councilor McClure. Yes, councilor Mattice. No. Councilor. Harris. Yes. Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor. Munoz. Yes. Mayor. Yes. Motion passes. Next is item 1.2, resolution 20 6-108, a resolution to approve the submission of a grant application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation. To approve. Second. Good afternoon, mayor, city council staff and public. My name is Kristal Silva. With the Grants Administration program today, I am bringing forth a resolution to approve the submission of a grant application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation's Municipal Arterial Program for the Public Works Department. The New Mexico Department of Transportation is soliciting applications for the Municipal Arterial Program, or Map. The purpose of the Map program is to assist municipalities in project development. The intersections of West Amador Avenue and McSwain drive have been identified to undergo improvements. These improvements will provide pedestrians with an improved and protected multi-lane crossing point by stopping busy vehicular traffic along West

Amador Avenue, allowing pedestrians to cross safely. The city has estimated construction and design for the project to be $984,100, with a $584,100 amount having been funded with the New Mexico Capital Outlay Grant that was received in fiscal year 26. This year, the city is requesting $300,000 from Nmdot, with the city contributing the required match of 100,000 for an application total of $400,000. Nmdot does require a resolution of approval in order to apply for this map. Funding. With the map on the screen. These improvements are a continuation of city initiatives to increase pedestrian safety along the West Amador Avenue corridor. The corridor directly serves the community of Hope Campo Amador, crossing the Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission, and multiple nonprofit service providers. These destinations generate consistent daily pedestrian activity across Amador Avenue. Funding through this Nmdot grant is critical to advance implementation of the Hawk pedestrian hybrid beacon. The Hawk signal provides a cost effective, proven safety countermeasure that significantly reduces pedestrian crash risk while maintaining vehicular mobility on this major arterial. Before you are your Council options and I stand for questions. Thank you, Crystal councilor Curran, thank you. Thank you for presenting this. And I, I just I appreciate the opportunity to vote on this. And I also appreciate I just want to sort of give a shout out when when we have all of these infrastructure

conversations. I do feel like sometimes we are not necessarily paying attention to how much things cost. But this this is a hawk signal signal, which I think of as like kind of I don't want to say it's not very much, but it's not like we're redesigning this road. This road is is what it is. It will change pedestrian safety and it costs about $1 million. I think from the initial thing, it looks like it costs half $1 million, but there is a lot of money behind it. And so I think for me, part of what I'm going to spend some time like sort of in conversation. And since there are a bunch of students here from Nmsu is sort of talking about like how much things cost in, in the world today and, and so that's really bear with me while I, while I point out this is $1 million for one pedestrian crossing, we wish that we had 400 of these right in the city. Probably we would all ask for some kind of pedestrian intervention in a number of places. And it and I say this because my district is getting a new traffic signal that's $1.5 million. So I say all of this to say, just as a note, stuff costs a lot of money if you didn't know, and we're trying to figure out constantly how to balance things like people's safety, different types of income and or different types of city income, like in this case, grants dot state capital outlay and our own GR money or or tax money that we use to match all of this. So of course, more of a comment than a question like all politicians do all the time. But I just think it's really telling that this costs $1 million ish. And in my mind it should be cheap as is, I guess what I say and that I wish so. Anyway, thank you, thank you. Councilor Harris. Thanks, mayor two this is a silly question. Maybe. What what is heart stand

for? For everyone else in the room? I actually have it in my other documents, but if I'm able to refer to public works, I would appreciate it. Good afternoon. As an interim assistant public works director, Jimmy Moreno. For the record, Mayor Councilor Harris Hawk is a high intensity crosswalk activation signal. So it's it's a signal that is activated by pedestrians. That way, it's only in use during times of high pedestrian activity. It can be activated to stop traffic. All right. Thanks. Yeah. My my comment is I drive that road every day, and having a signal for that crossing would be amazing. So it's great. Thanks. Thank you. Mayor. Yes. Council member. Jimmy, since you're up here and, well, either of you, I'm assuming, Jimmy, though, can you give us a timeline for the project? Sure. Mayor Councilor Bencomo. This project actually just started design, so this will finish late winter. The design and hopefully construction in the beginning of the calendar year. Councilor. Yeah. Jimmy, do you have a pedestrian crossing in Las Cruces already? Is there one sample? Yes, mayor. Councilor Mathis currently university has has a hawk system in place, currently activated and in use. And West Picacho. Yes. In addition, West Picacho. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Councilor Bencomo.

And isn't isn't there one on Roadrunner across from veterans. That one is not a it's a beacon. But excuse me mayor that's a beacon. However it's not a hawk system. You can't avoid it by pedestrians. Okay. Thanks. It's clear. Yeah. I didn't see it. We good? I see, Mr. Pearson. Yeah. I'll take public comments. I have two minutes. Thank you, George Pearson. These are. The questions might be addressed later during the design, but I'll ask them now if the location of the Hawk system is going to be aligned with the multi-use trail that exists in that general area, and also of a pedestrian refuge would be part of the process. And my final question is not directly related to this, but the roadway segment, if a speed limit change reduction is being considered for this segment of roadway, because it's the posted speed I believe is 40 miles an hour, which is really not conducive to pedestrian travel. Thank you. Tim Jenkins. For the record, I travel this road hundreds of times a week. The supply house on Amador with Nelson, and when I travel that road, I'm going to say that that probably 1% of the people crossing that road yield a crosswalk was there. To me, it's hard to justify $1 million for what we have doesn't ever, ever get used as is right now. Just so you guys know, it's

hard for me. We have decided to breaks all the time because if we're going to use. So it's hard to justify spending $1 million on what we have used already. Thank you. Okay, so. This is on the motion to approve resolution 20 6-108 Councilor McClure. Yes. Councilor Mathis. Yes. Councilor. Harris. Yes. Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor. Munoz. Yes. Mayor. Yes. That's the. Next is the resolution number 20 6-109 resolution authorizing an amendment adding 10,000 to the contract for film economic development services with Film Las Cruces move to approve. Second. Good afternoon. Mayor, Council, city staff. My name is Alicia Hernandez, purchasing manager for the financial services Department. Before you today is a resolution to authorize an amendment to our contract for film economic development services. Currently, film Las Cruces is the only firm dedicated to the development and growth of the film industry, specific to Las Cruces and the surrounding area. For the past ten years, film. Las Cruces has cultivated and sustained relationships with an array of film industry firms and personnel, and that has been a contributing factor in

the attraction of film production to Las Cruces through promotion, film permitting, workforce development, local vendor support and marketing services. Film. Las Cruces has created opportunities for film and media production in the Las Cruces area that has provided employment for residents, generated revenue, bolstered local businesses, and increased use of otherwise unused and underutilized facilities. On April 25th, 2024, in accordance with Las Cruces Municipal Code 24 seven, a sole source determination was approved with Film Las Cruces in relation to film economic development Services contract number 2324 098 was executed on June 27th, 2024 for a term of two years through June 30th, 2026, in an amount not to exceed 95,000 plus applicable taxes annually, subject to approved budget appropriations. Economic development is requesting authorization to increase the spending limit of the contract for the final year of the agreement, adding $10,000 for a new amount not to exceed 105,000 plus applicable taxes annually, subject to approved budget appropriations. These funds may be used to support a marketing and promotional campaign, including advertising with Movie Maker magazine in an amount not to exceed $8,000, and participation by Film Las Cruces at the American Film Market in Los Angeles, in an amount not to exceed $2,000. Before you are your options, and we have staff from Film Las Cruces, as well as Elizabeth Peters from Economic Development and myself for questions if you have any. All right. Thank you, Alicia. Any questions? Councilor Harris.

Thanks, Laura. Do you have an estimate on the return that you expect to see from this advertising campaign? I would have to refer to Elizabeth Peters on that. Good afternoon, mayor and city council. Sorry to do this, but I'm going to refer to Andrew from Film Las Cruces. Good morning, Mr. Mayor and Council. Yes. The returns that we're trying to get, we're trying to get more productions here. And the easiest way to do that. Could you state your name for the. Yes envelope? That is Andrew from Las Cruces, Mr. mayor, city council, the return that we're trying to get is to get productions here. We have already had success at similar events. We went to an Albuquerque media event and we were able to bring two productions and so similar event that we wanted to attend is a collection of producers and industry makers that can make those decisions to come to Las Cruces. And so we're just trying to make sure that we could be in those in those meetings and have those conversations. Okay, thanks. Councilor. I just wanted to thank councilor House for considering all of the I think it's very important that everything we do, you know, has some type of good return of investment. So but this is my recruiting people is this recruiting advisors and and special people that will actually get more production here. Is that what this is for, Mr. Mayor? City council? Yes, in a way. So what we're trying to do is not necessarily advisors, but the people who are bringing production, those are the producers. A lot of

times, like for example, when you have a production in town, they are trying to hire locals as much as possible. But the productions that are bringing in are usually from out of town are producers, directors and everything like that. So what we do is we try to make sure that they're staying there as part of our process, so that they know that we are viable for filming, that we are film friendly, and so giving them that information and so that they can make those decisions to come here. What kind of process are shown? How do you do that? How do present the idea as far as Cruces for these folks? And the general? Yes, Mister mayor, city council, it's it's mostly individual meetings. Sometimes there are meetings we have, for example, sometimes we'll reach out to production companies and try to pitch the whole company. A lot of times we'll try to reach out to individual producers with individual projects and get them to come here. The thing about film is that it kind of works in projects like, for example, there's a movie in town, they will work that movie, they'll open offices, they'll bring in some of their crew that hire others, and then once they've done their means, they usually go back to wherever they are and finish the film. And so what we're trying to do is let them know that they can come here. The way we do that is a we have meetings. We let them know that we're film friendly. We talk about how we can do permits. We talk about how we have the infrastructure. But another thing is that we will create location packages for them. So our location package is when you write a script, you know you're going to have where the script takes place. And so a lot of times we had a film that took place in right now we have a film that takes place, you know, overseas or in a different country in Mexico, the big popular one. And so we kind of find those locations in Las Cruces that could fit that, those locations, if it's a gas station, we show

them all the gas stations we have here. And so once they come here, they know that all the locations that they're looking for are available in Las Cruces. And it kind of gives them a head start as to where they can begin. Thank you. To Mister. Love, both of you and your team produced over the years really successful. I will try to comfort. So I'm so sorry I understand. So the past is that regional national where you kind of walk through the process, but what's your target audience? So one of the things about is that it's kind of hard to figure out how to market it, because we're marketing less places, but we're not marketing our Cruces two last questions. We're marketing them to people in L.A. to people in New York, all over the country and all over the world. Last year we even had a production from Finland come in, and we had lessons really, about trying to let as many people who are making films are in the film industry and know that not only do we have the locations, not only do we have the infrastructure, but we can help them with permits, we can help them with crew. And so it's just letting them make them aware, of course, which is very competitive. So some of them know all about that. Gotcha. Thank you, thank you. Yeah. Andrew just. I like to say we're very supportive of of the film industry, the the excitement, the tourism, the economic value. We talk about ROI, we talk about our students at Nmsu and all that. And it's very promising and good. But what do you have going on right now? What is it that's going on

right now in Las Cruces that is taking place with film? So yes, Mr. Mayor, city council. Yes. It's been a very exciting, honestly, the last two years since last year at about probably about January. We've had production every single month in one way or another, whether it's pre-production or actual production. So there's been for the entire year. That was one of our first brands to make here at Walmart, so it was very good to have that since then. Like I said, the polls have been have grown in in have increased of people wanting to bring it in. And we've also had productions raised. Obviously, even right now we have three productions in town right now that are trying to bring on another one that is on the way within the month. So like I said, we're very busy right now. And on top of that, we've also had infrastructure grow. We've had a property that opened in the last year, in the last few years and last, and this year they decided that they needed more room because they are so busy and they have expanded. And so just those kind of infrastructures, the crew base has grown exponentially. And even being able to use some of the different buildings and stuff here. So yes. Thank you, Andrew, thank you for that seeing no other questions. Christine. This is on the motion to approve resolution 20 6-109 Councilor McClure. Yes. Councilor Mathis. Yes. Councilor. Harris. Yes. Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor. Munoz. Yes. Mayor. Yes. Next is item 8.4, resolution number 20 6-1 20

resolution authorizing a purchase of land for Medicaid. Ambulance reporting with public consulting Group. Move to approve. Second. Good afternoon. Mayor, Council. City staff. My name is Virginia Barela Boyer. Two with the financial Services Department. And before you today is a resolution requesting authorization to enter into agreement for ambulance reporting services. The City of Las Cruces Fire Department provides emergency medical response services for the City of Las Cruces for transportation and treatment, which could include immediate care to the ill and injured patients, life saving care, and relief of medical systems in calendar year 2020 for the Las Cruces Fire Department provided 3852 transports at an estimated cost of $3,415.53 per transport, for a total estimated cost of $13,156,609.33, 71.66% of the actual cost for providing these ambulance services to persons participating in Medicaid may be supplemented. If the Las Cruces Fire Department participates in programs available through the ground Emergency Medical, Transportation or New Mexico Emergency Ground Ambulance Services programs. The city requires assistance in compiling the data for eligible transports, preparing reports, and submitting to the agencies to receive reimbursement up to

the 71.66% per eligible transportation. In August 19th, 2024. Resolution 20 5-0 18 was approved, which allowed the city to enter into an agreement with Public Consulting Group, LLC of Boston, Massachusetts, and this agreement allowed PCG to put together a metric in order to compile all this data to isolate the the transportations that were eligible because they qualified under these two programs, prepare the reports, send them off to the agency so we can receive the reimbursements for the eligible transports. They ensured that the collection of all data, the preparation of all reports, were in alignment with HIPAA or, I'm sorry, the Health Improvement, Portability and Accountability Act, as well as the health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, as well as all state and federal statutes and statutes and regulations regarding the compiling of this data and reporting. Las Cruces Municipal Code, chapter 24 seven allows the city to enter into a sole source agreement. When a sole source determination has been made. So at this time, the Las Cruces Fire Department is requesting to enter into an agreement with PCG to replace the one that has just expired, to be effective through December 31st, 2028. The terms of these agreements is that PCG will be paid 15% of whatever reimbursement is collected by the programs, and

the annual not to exceed amount will be 600,000. Before you are your options. And I stand for any questions. Thank you. Councilor Curran. I, I was just wondering if you could go back to the the slide that talks about the cost. That's like 13 million ish. So this is how much this is for one year. I will defer to Chief Daniels. But I believe this reporting is just for calendar year 2024. Fire chief, for the record, Mayor Council. That's correct. That is the what would be the estimated cost for a calendar year associated with transports at full rate that takes into account salaries, benefits, depreciation of apparatus, the cost of fuel? Every aspect of that transport is what that's taking a look at. Okay. Thank you. And then we're hoping to go after 71% reimbursement of that, which is like I guess 9 million ish. Well I can not quite okay. What this what this program does is we share the in essence through the state health care authority. There is a a cost associated with the state. The state takes their portion first. And then at that point the MCO is distribute the remainder to us. This year it's been just over $2.2 million for

calendar year. 24 is it's right around 2.3 million for calendar year 24. We will get our funds is what we would, and then we pay 15% of our net collected revenue. So that's so 13 million. We've been able to collect about 2 million. That's our that's what we receive there. Okay. A lot of what's reimbursed by Medicaid. That's what the consultant is really hired for us to look and try to maximize our collectible revenue under the program. This is when we have work session on in July. We talked about the Medicaid reimbursement program. That's this program. So as our transport volumes increase, we have a couple of years. Expect to see those numbers increase significantly because we transported 3850 2000, just over 5000 times in transported. We're expecting to see about 12,000 transports this year, 11 between 11 and 12,000 this year. So but these are generally calculated a year a year to two back. So that's I guess you are getting you are segwaying perfectly into the question that I had, which is hundred thousand dollars. Doesn't seem like that. Seems like we're putting a cap on it. Like I don't want them to be like, oh, we're not doing the paperwork anymore. And then we leave money on the table, I guess would be my the thing that I would worry about. That's why I was getting at that question. So it sounds like it's enough for now. And given that reimbursable rate, but we might need to change it in the future, I, I would guess that in three years we'll be seeing different numbers. So at the termination of this contract, this is this is enough to get us through the combined calendar year 24 and

25, which we expect to see potentially the latter part of this fiscal year and then calendar year 26. She would align well with this, but in 2028, you're correct, I, I would believe that this could be lower than what we would need. Okay. Thank you. Sorry. That's just I was just thinking that that seemed like not very much money in this, in this round table. So given all of those things, thank you very much. I appreciate thank you, mayor and Council, to also add into that, if we do get into a situation where we're still in the term of the agreement and we see that we're coming close to that capping limit and we feel that we are going to exceed it, we would come back to council to request an amendment and give the justification for that, for approval. Councilor Harris, thanks, mayor. First, I very much appreciate you spending acronyms for everybody. And then my I was also curious about the the cost. So that's been answered. Just out of curiosity, are there any plans to be able to bring in staff to submit these reports in-house, you know, in the far future, or is this something that's really left to to consultants who help with this nationwide? Well, that's a nice I would write it out. I, I don't know that we would we have the staff or in New Mexico this is we've just started collecting this year. So we don't entirely know the entire framework as as well. I don't think anybody in the state does. So every one of the providers currently in New Mexico is is contracting with PCG. There's I think up to up to 13 providers now that are

are now this is what they specialize in is is NM gas and rural health care transformation funding opportunities. So right now I would say no all the time. So what it would look like for us to build that capacity. And also it's a small portion. It's it's not all the time. So. I'm not sure we would justify an FTE through this. It's somewhat cleaner just to continue at least for now. That's my recommendation. Until we understand more about the system. Okay. Yeah, that sounds fair. I'm glad to hear that. What kind of pooling with the other municipalities and other providers throughout the state to to get value out of this service. That's it. Thanks. Okay. Seeing none other. Christine. This is on the motion to approve resolution 20 6-110. Councilor McClure. Yes, councilor Mattice. Yes. Councilor. Harris. Yes. Councilor. Bencomo. Yes. Councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor. Munoz. Yes. Mayor. Yes. Next is board appointments. We have none. Notice of proposed ordinances. None. City council member. Board reports and comments. Councilor McClure. Thank you. Mayor. I wanted to give a quick shout out to specifically Akani, who when I asked him, hey, is there a way for us to be innovative with active transportation to find a

solution that might work, especially given the situation at the city? And now we have a active transportation team. I'm hoping not to steal his thunder by announcing this, but I also hope that they could be willing to present, much like in the department news that we had today. That would be great. See where they're going first as they're going. It would be really interesting to see how that's happening. I was also going to say for the Juvenile Justice Board, our continuum, we need board members, and I'm going to be sending a whole lot of emails to people to poke them into wanting to be a board member, because we can't exist as a continuum without board members. So we're looking for social service, agency representatives, youth serving agencies, business community. So people in the business community might get an email from me, religious organizations, youth and families, people who want to actually do some some investigation. So what is it? What is the board do? Analyze local trends that put youth at risk. Assess community resource gaps. So we if you are have any curiosity for every month, we're going to be moving to once a month meetings to talk about what kind of gaps in the local community. Please reach out to me. I am the chair of the board continuum, and we're going to be getting a coordinator here soon. And that's going to propel us to kind of make some changes and do some programing that should be really helpful for the future. That's all I have. Thank you. Thank you, Councilor Matisse. Yeah, I have a few things. I just want to start by saying I really enjoyed spending Saturday in the trail planner. I want to thank Council for. Further government. By the district. And with that, I think the 100 families were

coming around. Some of the planning. I am trying to think what to do with that. And the fact that our home. But it's paid for and what we was that referred to trans was very complimentary of the program and the city and the volunteers have found it and agreed that the family. I just want to thank you again. The other thing, I want to also have some information from. The French pronouns. And when we interview with without having but they pull them out, homeless. Families because that's quite a. Problem for developing sometimes called. For 39,000. Maybe we'll get together with the French pronouns, but. Consider some of those. More successful. But. I'd like to say thank you to you and. Malpractice reform passed, and it was really great for the for the people. For so many reasons. And I appreciate that. And again, 1%. Yes. Thank you. I. Examination right. We're going to talk about the topic. There's also a problem. That's having a. Possibility for the

father was born in the just that I think it's important 4.5. Eight that the event will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish. The parish hall. If you can come out. It's coming from. And what we're hoping the the trust for public. Last but not least, I have to mention it. I received a I think it was 77 page that. F1 24 animal Battalion. Alicia and all that. Let's get those payment for. That area and the hospitality lady I just want to for the city manager. I have a feeling that some of those travel to go to and receive this food from. I didn't have time to go through some several pages and it's. I just want to thank them. I thank you, Councilmember, city manager, you can refer those questions to me, Brad Douglas or Viola, and we'll get them to the appropriate parties. Thank you. Thank. I always, always for you. Thank you. Thank you Council. Thanks. Mayor. I have a hand for faster. And I'd also like to thank our legislators this last session around the genitals that were asked for the city in terms of capital outlay and other programs, and one of those have have funded or partially funded a lot of the items that we wanted to do with money. And so,

you know, when some of those things disappear from the list, sometimes it's for a good reason, because I don't think that other way. So, you know, looking forward to the next work session that we have on the priorities to to really push that out and make sure that we're getting what the community wants. And the other thing I wanted to bring up is I was going to somebody else. When we are looking at funding these projects and doing light to really, you know, look carefully at the connections that we're building and make sure that we're prioritizing safety over speed and throughput. For those in my district that I grew up in the area and that fleet is is awful from anybody who looks at it from the outside, from the people who live on it. It's it's unsafe for pedestrians and it's not safe for drivers. At the racetrack. And it's like that because it is the time that there's two, two school crossings and Church Street. And, you know, we just need to, I think, think very carefully about the kinds of infrastructure building and try and prioritize safety for people. That's it. Thank you mayor. Thank you, Councilor Bencomo. Thanks, mayor. Just really briefly want to thank the students from Nmsu for coming and spending the afternoon with us. I'm also an alumni of the government department at MSU, so I'd love to see other young folks engaged and involved. And certainly, you know, professor, you talked about how you, you know, were coming here to see people do democracy in a different way. Perhaps you didn't necessarily get that fully, but we certainly try our best here. And I think local politics and local government is frankly my favorite kind of government, because it feels

like a laboratory for positive change and for us to really try things that lift up the most vulnerable in our community. So it's great to have you all here. I hope you come back and, you know, certainly stay in touch with with with us. I don't have a lot today. I just I did want to request that, you know, thankfully, thankfully, we have folks like Mr. George Pearson who remind us of this often. But there was a couple of months ago we had asked for a work session on active transportation. And I don't you know, we haven't gotten that yet. And I do think it's an important conversation for us, as you kindly said, not to just talk the talk, but walk the walk and have a serious conversation about the pedestrian safety crisis that we have in the city. So thank you for that reminder. George and I would like us to continue thinking about having that work session come to council soon. So thanks, mayor. Thank you, Council president. Thank you. And yes, thank you all for coming and sitting it out. It's good. Good to see you. I didn't know that it would be this fast. I would have I would have made the pitch that you stayed the whole time. If I had known you were going to be so quick and efficient. So thank you for coming again. Please, if you need anything, please reach out. We are here to help and love to hear from people in our community. So I also don't have a lot except my community meeting is coming up next Tuesday evening and it is going to be for district five. It's at Highland Elementary, which is just off of the frontage road on Emerald. It is focused on safe streets in particular. It starts at 6 p.m. departments that will be there include. Sorry, I'm just opening this little document. It will include public works, community

development, police, traffic speed and safety folks and MPO with their latest hot off the presses safety and accident related traffic data. So there will also be an opportunity for people who are there. In particular, this is aimed at residents of district five, but I'm sure everyone is always welcome to engage with those departments and see what the plans are for the future of of safe streets and, and all of the things that everyone highlighted and I think is really important to us to keep moving forward in that way. So Highland Elementary School, March 10th at 6 p.m. So I'll see you there. Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. Thank you. Well, thank chief Dominguez Department Council and. I got to the point where men and women of the fire. Are still some of our senior. Right. So definitely that was a component as well. Does have a look at where you sit down. Please apply. Secondly, I wanted to go to the legislature in short stature, like commander of the second suggestion I want to do, but I'll go back to department heads are there. Christina Garcia, clerk for information on our on our efforts and where I think that the city. We did a session. The city attorney who supported. Feedback from our residents. So we actually

produced showed or. Your attorney general reference. And then we also challenged students. Thank you. I appreciate your. I think some people. Councilor Bencomo Councilor. Pam and I will listen to the new city real time. It was like 3 or 4 with us. In the session and the third Ward community. To our perspective, I think that is associated with being put on. And the final piece that would Seguros evidence that counselors are, I think, the youth of our I would like to learn and so I think. With our students here from the elements as well. We would like to expose our young adults who are working on the future of our our people to have civil government works. To have. But thank you, madam. Thank you. Just a couple of things, but. Doctor Sabrina, thank you for being here. Thank you for attending. Yes, yes, yes. Okay. Thank you, thank you. Alright. Now thank you all for being here. And shout out to the Walton Center on quality of life. The addition that took place last week. Public works for all their input so that the

seniors can have a place for physical fitness and other activities that will take place long, long, long ago. And they were so happy and thrilled and excited to show up. Councilor thank you for being there and just want to give a shout out for the Munson Center and their addition. Also today we have doctor. Across America at 9 a.m. everyone was to read in school, stop everything they were doing, and got to go to charter school and read to the third grade, fourth or fifth grade. So, you know, those are some of the things that we're going to do for our community and instill that for our kids to to be active and to read and to get educated. So that's all I have for today. I just want to turn it over to our city manager now. Thank you, mayor Enriquez Council manager, Mayor Pro Tem Munoz and city councilors. Just a few announcements and then I'll let you on your way. On the active transportation coordinator. I must say that was all staff. Kudos to David Cedillo and to staff for being creative and strategic. Stepped up to the challenge and figured it out. And just an update from that Oscar. Another as a PE, and we'll be the prime point of contact. And August 11th will have a work session and we'll come with more information. And then we'll also work on on having this before May announced with the appropriate staff before May, but after after a PE and is the POC supervised by Vanessa morales Romero, who's also a PE and supported by additional

engineering staff. Jeremy Barela. He has and II and is a previous rep to Bpac. So the Natasha is a PE who's also supporting and Kyle Arend another PE. So there's a lot of piece helping out with the active transportation coordinator. So that's always great news. A lot of experience there. The combined team will work directly with partners in the community and especially our departments as well, to ensure that all active transportation matters are considered and we're moving forward with those also. City clerk this is kudos. So Christine, please raise your hand. Christine, please. You want to do a dance? Christine. We'll save that for later. But Christine received her master's of municipal clerk certification two weeks ago. Can we get a round of applause for her? So that that took her ten years to do this is amazing. And honestly, if you ask Daniel, the clerk of the nation who has their MC, which stands for Master Municipal Clerk, most will say they don't because it's hard to get. So this took Christine ten years. It's a ten year endeavor. There's a lot of requirements. So for all you government students, if you're looking to be city clerk and you want to be MC, come talk to Christine. She knows ten years to do, but that's because she floating around doing agenda packets all day. She's active doing other stuff. And so we appreciate that. Again, she needed to go to conference. There was classes that needed to be enrolled. She needed to teach. She needed to be on on panels. There's lots of options. So we appreciate your work is reflected amongst that. So we appreciate you. Thank you so much, Christine. Moving on. Just one announcement. Appreciate the work that

Richard Hannaway Sonya, working closely with with Transit and transit, has six new EV busses that are adding to the circulation, which makes it a total of 11 total EV fleet. And out of 20 total. But we just wanted to say thank you to our transit department making it happen. Thank you to City Council for your support. We get grants to get these EV busses, but there's always a match and so we appreciate it's not easy to purchase and then maintain and then keep these going and to drive themselves and to fix them. So we appreciate the transit making that happen. So thank you. Look forward later in March for the six new arrivals to come. So you'll see them in circulation. The timeline for those who are interested to come and be heard. The opportunity to come and speak to that. Obviously you can use public comments, but we'll we'll have the first resolution on March 16th. And then really the main discussion for two projects, if you're interested, will happen on April 6th and then the second World. And approval of the ordinance will happen on April 20th. So April 6th is really I think I have a lot of the discussion and decisions made by then, but again, for anyone in earshot and to our government students who are looking for a great discussion, this is a $28 million that has to be spent in city Council is going to decide and listen to public comments, and that decision hopefully will be will be made on April 6th. So come out and see what happens with those appropriations. And I just to echo some of the councilors, legislative session went well. We had about 14 million from legislators and about 18 million when you

include the grants. It was a great session, and I don't want to take take too much from the what will happen at the end of April. But Christine will give a work session again. So the governor has all the appropriations on her desk right now, and she has about 30 days to approve it. And then we'll come bring them to you. Council, make sure that you understand what makes it on the list and answer any questions then. And we can pivot if we need and talk about and assess and review. That's all for me. Thank you mayor. Thank you Connie. I'll look for a motion to adjourn. Move to adjourn second. This is on the motion to adjourn the meeting. Councilor McClure. Yes, councilor. Mattice. Yes, councilor. Harris. Yes, councilor. Bencomo. Yes, councilor. Koran. Yes. Councilor. Munoz. Yes, mayor. Yes. Congratulations. Okay.