Council - Regular Meeting

Welcome everybody. I'd like to call the regular city council of February 11th to order. Miss Cassandra, Mayor David Romero here. Councelor Marvin Martinez present. Councelor Barbara Casey here. Councelor Bonito Pacheco present. Councelor David Olivari here. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. We do have a quarrel.

Thank you. And I'd like to acknowledge we do have the New Mexico Highlands football team uh here with us today. So, coach, you don't mind uh leading us or getting a couple players and leading us in the pledge. [clears throat] to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you.

Councelor Casey will lead us in a moment of silence. Let us bow our heads in a moment of silence and grieve for the people who have passed away our commun in our community this last month and also to thank God for all the good things that we have here in Las Vegas. We have uh three institutions of higher learning. We have wonderful people who live here. kind, generous people and um we are blessed for all of that. Let us give thanks for those things. Amen.

Amen. Mayor, if I could, Mr. Manager, mayor, if I could on a moment of silence, um u a city in the region uh lost one of our heroes uh Senovia Gyos Armstrong, Marine Corps veteran uh passed on. and I just wanted to ask for um her thoughts in uh this moment. Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you. Mr. Mayor, approval of the agenda. You [clears throat] guys had an opportunity to review the agenda. Any changes? If not, I entertain a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve the agenda as presented. Second, Mr. Mayor. Motion by councelor Casey, second by anybody. All in [clears throat] favor? I those opposing sign. You guys have it. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Moving on to our public input. We have no public input this evening. Moving on to our mayor's appointments, reports, recognitions, and proclamations.

Uh, and I'll go ahead and, uh, you know, first of all, you know, welcome you guys here. Uh, this is probably the first time that we've had New Mexico Highlands University football team here in our in our chambers. So, thank you for joining us, but I'll go ahead and turn this presentation over to our newly elected uh council member because he asked that we do this in [clears throat] recognition to the astounding uh the great season that you guys had. And I look I think we're looking forward to even better season. I know we've had an opportunity to talk to coach and we're excited. Uh I think uh Highlands Pride is coming back to this community. I think we hadn't had that in a while. So, Mr. Councelor, do you mind presenting?

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh members of the audience, uh members of the of the council, thanks for being here this evening. I just want to take this uh opportunity to recognize uh our football team, our coaching staff, our administration from New Mexico Highland University. Uh the reason that we brought you here tonight is is in honor of the successful season that you've had. It's been quite some time that we've had a winning season at New Mexico Highlands University. And uh as a city, as a community, as a university, I think it brings a lot of uh morale and pride to our town. Uh not only for the university, but for the region in general. I'd also like to take this opportunity to to welcome our our players that are here. you come from all over the world, uh all over the country and we welcome you and we are glad to have you here not only at Highlands but at Las Vegas in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Uh um so with that being said, I'd like to take this opportunity to to uh ask Coach Kurt and his staff to uh step forward right here at the mic. Sir, he he's used to this because, uh, for those that don't know, we we've been in front of other governing bodies. I'm usually on the other side of the microphone. So, uh, Coach Kurt, I just have a few things to to say about Coach Kurt, and excuse me for sweating here. As Lucas knows, I uh try to get the gym in every day, and I I barely got here in time, so I'm still uh uh recovering from that. But, uh, Coach Kurt has is is not only a football coach in our community, but he's a mentor of, uh, young people, uh, not only at Highlands, but in our community. Uh, we've we've had the opportunity to travel not only uh to different states here in the in the US, but to American Samoa. And he's uh been

able to show me a part of his homeland, and he's uh uh really taken to here, Las Vegas. He has a a wife who's not here tonight, but as I say, and my wife's probably maybe at home listening hopefully because I'll get some more points. But behind every good man is an even better woman. So, his his wife is an integral part of the success not only of our football team, but of uh uh our community, raises his children here, they go to school here. Um and and like I say, even though we're worlds apart where we come from, American Samoa is like Las Vegas, New Mexico, and an island. That's what I equate it to, you know, family oriented uh uh nose to the grindstoneone, hardworking type of people like we are here. Uh so it's a it's a good a good uh fit for us. So, in uh uh honor of the winning season and what you bring to our community as a coach, as a person, I'd like to congratulate the Highlands University football team on your winning record and present this certificate to uh Coach Kurt Tava Sao. Close enough. Correct me, coach. It's all right. Uh we appreciate you and we look forward to growing what has started here at Highlands University. Go sir. [applause] [applause] [applause]

Say a few words up here. Maybe some other counselors have some other uh so while coach comes to the mic I don't know if you guys want to say a few words counselors councelor Casey I just want to say Kaviva Highlands I graduated from there and I won't say how long ago that was but I wore my purple so [applause] I'm very proud of Highlands and I'm so happy that you're here and I'm very proud of all of you that are here with us this evening. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Oh, um I mean again first off my friend Councilman man uh you know PCO thank you so much for the opportunity to you know be in front of you guys. Um you know I may be at the forefront of everything but trust me you know behind me it's a it's a village [snorts] you know with the leadership and the support from uh Dr. Wolf our president and the great coaching staff that I have. Um some of them are not here. They're finishing up our workouts right now. And then great group of young men that are sitting right behind me too as well. I know some of them probably moved on, graduated, and focusing on, you know, other things in life right now. But, you know, we recruited u what you call it a good group of guys that are going to come in and represent this community, this city to the fullest. you know, um it might Las Vegas might not be their first option, but they're here, you know, they're here to uh you know, build something special, uh that the community are going to be proud of, you know, and uh I just want to say thank you from our team, my staff, and our president, you know, for the recognition, you know, but there's more work to be done, you know, and uh super grateful for the honor. Um, but you know, I look forward to, you know, I'm going to invite you guys, you know, to come out to our games this uh this fall. Not only just football, but you know, all athletics, you know, cuz you know, we got a great group of coaches that are building something special here and try to bring that excitement back, you know, and, um, again, from our leadership, uh, Dr. Wolf and, you know, every everyone from, you know, the admin down, you know, these guys have been behind, you know, my back and our team since we got here, you know, two years ago. And our mission and our goal as a football program is to mold young men, you know, to become men. So when they do leave our program, you know, either they're going to stay here, continue to build this community or they're going to go back home to their communities and you know, share some of you know what Highland taught them, you know, during their time here. So I'm grateful and uh, you know, before I uh,

you know, step down, you know, uh, from our team, we brought a couple helmets here for you guys. Um, city councilman Pacheco, uh, you know, you can hand it out to whoever you want, but you know, this is kind of like our, uh, you know, thank you to to mayor and everybody for the support and, uh, you know, for more things ahead. So, super grateful and, uh, thank you for everything. [applause] [applause] Mayor,

thank you on behalf of the city. Thank you, sir. I know in the mayor's office is, you know, uh was able to move in there officially without uh you know, during an election, you're not sure, right? So, you don't put too much stuff up, but uh I'm excited about, you know, putting Highlands University. I have a a flag there of Highlands. I mean, it's represents, you know, and I have dignitaries come into my office. You know, we want them to know that Highlands is a very important part of this community. Uh I will say a few things that uh I was never invited after that first game. I was invited to do a coin flip and we lost the coin flip and I was never invited back. But [laughter] just want to throw that out, President Wolf, but but no, I mean, you know, I I think uh and I won't be the only one to say this. Uh our community has always strived when Highlands does good, right?

So, I know you know what this governing body, we've wanted to support Highlands. As a matter of fact, Mr. Manager, I don't know how many city employees we took yesterday to Highlands Day. Uh I think it was what 15, 18 of us. I mean, we had a big team uh you know, from the city to support Highlands and and I think that's uh you know, Highlands has been there to support us and we'll do the same as we move forward. So, uh we're we got your back and I know you guys got ours and you know to the players uh you guys are you know part of this community and I think what coach represents and not only uh the football coach, all the other coaches is family and I think that's what Las Vegas, New Mexico is. So, you guys ever need anything, you know, hear from the city, the manager, any of us up here, you know, we're here to help you guys thrive because we want you guys to succeed and be uh, you know, products of I mean, you might not have been born here, but at the end of the day, when you graduate from here, you'll always be known as from Highlands University, from the city of Las Vegas. So, thank you guys for making that uh that choice to go to school here.

Thank you so much. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you. We can get the football. If you guys don't mind coming up, we'll take a a picture real quick. You guys want to come up, guys? And hey, one thing I want to point out to our uh directors out there, they're not just representing the H, but if you look at the front of that helmet, look what they have right there. So, all right. They're real. I don't know if they're going to see us behind you guys. [laughter]

That's how you go. Go back up. Back up. Back up.

How you doing? How you doing? How you doing? Doing good. Doing good. I [laughter] feel so safe. Grab that helmet. There she go. It's right there. He's putting on the helmet. [laughter] Shoulder pads and everything. Sorry. took the gold.

Get the babies in there. Okay, you guys ready? One, two, three. [clears throat] Thank you. [applause] Thank you so much. Where are you from? I thought you were from Raton, but I thought you were the other kid from over there. The Bolton. The the coach's son. What's his name?

Thank you, sir. Nice to meet you. [laughter] Those things are heavy. That and then all the gear. That's why they have All right. So, we'll go on to council's reports. Yes. Thank you, Mayor. Council's reports. Counselors.

Councilman. Thank you, Mr. Manager. Mr. Mayor, council. Right. just recognize uh we got some brand new pool tables that [snorts] senior citizens. It took us some [clears throat] time. It took us some years. The people love it. I was I travel out there like three, four times a week just to talk to the people. They're senior citizens. They we I love to talk to them about everything and anything. But there we're been talking about these pool tables for the past 10 years. me and councilman, our previous councilman uh uh means hall donated two pool tables like back in 19

2017. Like 10 years ago. Yeah. 2017. So we donated some tables and we got some brand new ones. I want to thank you June for taking care of this and our and our seniors. So, our seniors are very special to us because it's it's our heart and you get to talk to them and they're happy. When they're happy, we all are happy. Thank you, Councilman Martinez.

Mr. Mayor, thank you. I do want to say thanks for the uh for those tables that were brought in also, June. And I I do appreciate that. uh start somewhere as a vision and then all of a sudden it becomes reality because you know those people out there they they don't have a lot of recreation and they those tables actually bring that recreation as long as you don't have no bedding going on of course but but uh nevertheless I I want I wanted to also mention that we went to uh uh city manager myself councelor Gilibbury and Travis along with Jimmy SC went up in Castle Rock, Colorado, and we took a look at their state-of-the-art water treatment plant, which was pretty exciting to I think more exciting to Travis, but it was it was pretty educational for myself and and the rest of us. And I I thought it was a a great opportunity to see somebody else's facility that could be here. Maybe not in that uh that size or fashion, but all the components that are there can be in our community. And we had a really good uh meeting with these people and we got some very good ideas. And I think I think uh Travis went ahead and you know realized that we're living in the probably in the 50s 60s probably over here maybe I don't know but nevertheless we we saw this treatment plant it was a good experience for all of us and and we uh we learned a lot and and there's a lot more to learn moving forward but things are looking up when it comes to the water treatment plant on our community and if we get something similar to that, we're going to be in real good shape for the for the

coming years. And I I could only see good things coming out of it. So, I just wanted to thank uh you know, everybody that did go. It was uh very informative again, [snorts] but uh it was exciting to see something new that could possibly be here. And why not here? Don't we deserve something good in Vegas? Of course. And I I just want to see that come full full circle and make make sure that we have the quality of water that we can produce for our people. Our people deserve to have that. So thank you mayor. Just wanted to bring that to to your everybody's attention. Thank you. Thank you councelor Martinez. Councelor Casey.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. [snorts] [cough and clears throat] I have a lot of thank yous u for this evening. I want to thank Jeff Rudolph from parks department. He has been very very uh helpful with uh the purchasing of playground equipment, new playground equipment for Maru Park. And he did contact me yesterday via email to explain that um everything is ready to uh be shipped over here. And they plan to have everything installed in April. And I think that's perfect timing for when school ends and the kids will have a place, a safe new playground in which to play. I'm very happy about that and I want to thank him greatly for all of his assistance. I also want to thank uh Mr. Lopez, Arnold Lopez, uh, from the ST uh, public works department and particularly all the work that his department has done uh, for our streets, particularly Luther and Lane and um, as a matter of fact um, Monday evening I was thanked by people who live on Luther and Lane. Um, I happened to see them at a a funeral function and they stopped me to thank me for that. It was kind of awkward, but still I appreciate that very much and [clears throat] I want to thank Mr. Lopez and his crew for all the work that they have done there and the patience that they've had with some of the people that they have had to deal with. Uh, I also want to thank Amanda Salas. I think Amanda has been just fantastic as our public information officer. And I say this because oftentimes what I when I learn that something is going on in the city, I learn it from

the PSAs. And if it weren't for those PSAs, I would not know what is going on. [snorts] And um that I'm sorry that it's leading into something that might be considered negative, but I'm kind of tired of being treated like the ugly stepsister. I rarely get any information, and if I do, it's always late or after the fact. I would really like to have some kind of means of having communication with what's going on. so that I'm not surprised or embarrassed when people tell me, "Hey, I didn't know that was happening." Blah, blah, blah. Well, hello. I don't know about it yet either because I have not been notified. So, I would really like to have better communication coming from our administrative office to uh let us all know what's going on. Oftentimes, the men counselors know what's going on, but I am not informed and I don't appreciate that. Not even one little teensy wensy bit. So that needs to change and if it doesn't, you'll be hearing from me again and again and again and again until it does. So this is what I would like and I don't have a problem with anything else other than that. I would like to know. Yes, we have 60 plus new employees. No idea where they are. Don't know their names. Don't know what they're doing. Don't know what departments they're in. Those are the kinds of things that we need to know. All of us, not just the men, but also this woman would like to know what is going on so that I can better serve my community. And I don't serve just my ward. I serve all of Las Vegas. I'm a city counselor, not a ward

three counselor. And so I want to also iterate that. So, please, if we can have some form of better communication, I would be very happy with that. And um if a a counselor has an idea that he thinks might be something wonderful for Las Vegas, I think not just one person should be told, but all of us should be told. We need to share the knowledge. We need to share the ideas. we need to share with each other so that we know what is happening throughout Las Vegas, not just in one word. So that's all I have to say. Thank you so much everyone that's here. I appreciate all our city employees and I thank them for the wonderful job that they do. I'm very proud of them. Um I'm especially proud of the women that are working so hard. They do a fantastic job. The men work very very diligently and they are always on the spot and they're um very um ready to help in any way and I appreciate that greatly. And so I know that I feel very comfortable if I have an issue that comes up with uh solid waste or with the water department streets, I can call and I know that uh I I will get assistance from the directors. So thank you so much uh for all of that. And those of you that are out there in the trenches every day, I appreciate you more than words can even express. Thank you so much. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Councilman Pacheco.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, W two update. Uh just a a few quick uh uh points. There's there are areas of under consideration on tonight's agenda that will directly impact W 2. Uh we are uh considering a uh meal overlay on Ridgerunner Road. uh and as as part of what I campaigned on and and one of the key points was uh uh community beautifification. And so uh that would fall under one of those areas. Uh Mountain View Drive, we're going to consider a MAP grant that would help with uh flooding and uh drainage as well as ADA compliance. We are also going to consider a street street sweeper which would serve the entire community. But again, that goes to beautifification and and maintaining what we have. Uh just to rehash a bit of my last update, Mr. manager and uh you and I have discussed some of those points and and some of the inventory things that that I would uh uh like to have uh for reference such as the the signage our lighting uh graffiti and I appreciate the response that I've received from uh all parties with the city at the executive level that are are participating in that uh in terms of water Uh I started out small kind of baby steps but that's a large issue. Uh I've been investigating that a bit further. Look [clears throat] forward to a [snorts] uh tour of the water plant and some of the discussions that we are uh having in terms of long-term uh resolution to the ongoing water challenge that we have in this community. We are not going to grow or

improve if there's no water. Water is everything. Um, for constituents that are there out there listening, which I don't know how many listen to the or watch the the uh council meeting, but there will be a series of texts that will go out to a segment of W 2 that will solicit some feedback. So, if you receive those texts on behalf of uh myself, please answer those. I would really appreciate the the feedback that uh you provide. In addition to that, I'm in the process of setting up uh social media channels that will allow constituents to provide feedback on a real-time basis. Uh I want to have that for reference and work on the issues that are important to war to as well as to the community of Las Vegas. Um, another area that I have interest in is uh our city ordinances and I've communicated with the city manager. He he was actually thinking the same thing. So, I'll give him credit for for starting the initiative, but we're we're having some of our ordinances reviewed. Uh, you know, we may have some ordinance on the books that that go back to horse and buggy. I don't know. But there are some that are obsolete and there are some that that we need to update. Uh so let's let's become more efficient and let's have ordinance on the books that we can actually enforce. Um so in terms of my updates that that will serve as my update for today. Um, and uh, I just want to also say I I I really want to thank everyone that showed up in Santa Fe yesterday. It was a good show for the city. It took time. It took effort to get there. Uh, but we put our [snorts] best foot forward. I would also want to just put out there for consideration in the future. uh in the

past we had a collaborated effort between many entities the city highlands Luna I think and had a a after hours promotional event on behalf of the area. Uh the return on investment on those types of things is immeasurable. We build relationships. Uh we leverage funding and Mr. Manager, I'd like to to put that out for consideration in the future. Um, so that is all I have. Thank you. Thank you,

Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to add one more thing. Um, you know, like just like councelor Casey added that, you know, we're just not ward four council. I'm not a ward four council councilman by myself. I also serve the balance of the city and we make decisions on a uh every meeting in reference to the entire city. But I do I do want to mention that uh Ward 4 is donating $35,000 to Keen Street which is in Uler's ward which is ward one and I don't know the extent of that phase of uh of the development of that project but nevertheless that that [clears throat] was primarily at one time in Ward 4 and and I felt that it was that it was beneficial for us to be able to share some of those uh [snorts] some of those, you know, expenses and so forth moving forward, you know, to get uh Keen Street taken care of. It's been in the it's been in the works for a lot of years, a lot of talking about it, but I think now, Arnold, you've got, you know, you've got a uh you've got it well figured out what you need to do there. And and uh you did ask me for some of that funding, and I think we we need to support that. So again, I want to make sure that the entire city knows that we're here to share those services. It's not our stuff. It's not our money. It's the public's money. We have to make be good stewards of our money for the city, for the uh for our community. So I want to move always move forward in making sure that we have projects like that, you know, aligned with our community. So, thank you uh for for doing that project of naturally and and uh wanting to make sure that we uh we move forward with it. Of course,

Mr. Mayor, if I may just make a comment on that. Yeah. Um thank you, Councilman Martinez. And he is correct. He made it possible. We had a shortfall in in that in that budget to complete that project. So, we appro approached Councilman Martinez and he easily um you know committed to it and thank you for that. You made that project possible. Thank you again. Thank you, Councelor Casey. And then we'll Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Get this to work. I I forgot to mention uh before I started that last part of my um report. I would very much appreciate it if what I stated at the end would be put in the minutes for this meeting verbatim. Certainly, councelor. Thank you very much, Mr. Councilman Lee.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. City Manager and Mr. Mayor and Council. We did tour a water treatment plant up in Colorado. It's awesome. We took a look at every little not [clears throat] every aspect, but almost everything. And that's what we need here in this beautiful town. Once we get this water, people are going to be very, very happy. Even me, because I've been here all my life. But the thing is that it's something very awesome to me and to everybody who lives here. So, I want to thank everybody, especially my clients and my city manager and all the staff. Thank you for everything you guys do. Thank you.

You Mr. Mr. Manager, I just want to could we go ahead and if you don't mind uh I guess sending uh me a schedule of when you meet with counselors or if you could have executive schedule with counselors specific dates that way to make sure they get the information. I'd be happy to do that. Mayor, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Moving on to our city manager report. We have our city manager, Mr. Robert Annayia. Mr. Manager.

Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, I think I would like to start first and foremost, and I won't ask that it be put verbatim because these meetings are recorded on record. I would say, uh, specifically, Mayor and Councilwoman Casey, I'm a girl dad. I have five daughters, uh, two of my own and three that I consider my own. And I will not take any exception at all. I will always assure that there's equal treatment for women, men, people of all walks, race, color, creed, gender, preference. Plain and simple, on the record, straightforward, straight to you, straight to you, mayor, and straight to every single counselor. I've worked here eight months, almost nine, and will continue to work on improvement to add additional information. I went back and looked at the meetings that the city previously had. I went back and looked on the reports previously provided and I'm going to continue to add more and more detail. I also respect mayor and each and every counselor that we can't spend the whole meeting going through the manager's update and the report. So, I'm working to balance that, but I'm happy to add more and more and more and my door is open to the meetings that the mayor suggested at any time with any of you, rain or shine, day or night, at any time that you prefer and you would like. And so, I just want to say that clearly on the record. But my girls are my life. Doris, my partner, my girls and their success and wellbeing and I've instilled in them in no way ever to take exception or second seed or backdoor or anything

to anybody based on who they are or what they believe or what they do. I'm not ashamed to say that on the record and I'd say it on the record every time if I need to. I'm so proud of them and I'm proud of all the people that work at the city, men and women alike. Period. And so that's what I would say respectfully to start. Mayor, uh, I'm not going to I had a very detailed report last time, so I just want to highlight that we've been spending a lot of time at the legislature and I can tell you that this team has garnered respect statewide and we'll continue to build on that respect statewide. Each of these individuals on the leadership team are e are experts in their field, but they're committed to learning and engaging and working with the legislators and all those subcommittees and structures that can bring resources and revenue and projects to the city just like they have done now, but before I even got here. So, that's a credit to you, mayor, and that's a credit to the council for your vision, direction, and leadership. Uh, ongoing coordination occurred. I've had meetings with the New Mexico Municipal League with AJ uh councelor Pacheco not noted the ordinances. I want to highlight our clerk who's going to be uh running front of the line with us and our team to work with the New Mexico Municipal League to take those ordinances and resolutions, go through those, dissect those and take priority. She's already done her work and reached out to the department heads. We're going to work on their priority ordinances and then we're going to also bring up those ordinances that are old that we need to renew and revisit and then bring back recommendations as we're required to do to the mayor and council for your review and consideration. Miss Lada is the attorney that's been assigned to

facilitate that, but we also have access to Mr. Costiano and others that are going to help us through this process of reviewing, revising, and updating. Madame Clerk, is there can you add a few comments as to that work that we're doing? So, I did reach out to all the directors and we're going to start in fact tomorrow I meet with um you said her name is Lada. And she will be here tomorrow in person and we're going to start with some of the ordinances in community development that I've received from them. So, we'll start with those and then we'll move forward until we get through all of them, which is going to take quite a bit of time, but we'll keep moving forward.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. A couple other items, Mr. Mayor. I know you have other things you're going to get to. I ditto and echo every word that was said associated with the Castle Rock visit. We learned a lot and we have a lot more that we're going to work on in conjunction with Castle Rock. One of the things that I'm going to initiate with Travis's team is to give some of their people the opportunity to travel up to Castle Rock to work alongside some of these folks and get some hands-on understanding and experience as to how those facilities function and operate. So, Mr. Martinez is going to take a contingent of his team so that they can experience directly what might facilitate and help them as we navigate the construction of the project. Uh I met with the New Mexico Finance Authority. We're in close uh communication with Mr. Madrid and the finance team to take a look at our whole financial picture to then now during the budget process bring some recommendations that might help us with our capital project and capital investments moving forward for the city of Las Vegas. A couple other things, meeting with the New Mexico Environment Department. uh based on your direction mayor and uh we've been working with the economic development department. This is something that we've conveyed and reported to the whole mayor and council and we're going through the process of on-site readiness for the airport. So, uh, Secretary Black from the environment department included us, uh, alongside there's probably, I think about 11, um, uh, other cities and jurisdictions that are going through this same process where the consultants are evaluating different properties and parcels of land to make sure that we have the information we need to apply for grants and make sure that we're on site and ready to to to maybe bring recommendations to you that you would then adopt. and move forward. And so

we're excited about that because they're paying for that. Secretary Black is paying for that through the through the economic development department. So we're excited about that. A couple other things. Um we uh are continually in communication all day. We had several meetings uh with our staff, our our council that's helped us with the intergovernmental agreement, with our finance department, with NMED to asssure that as we're going through this billing and payment process with the environment department that we're uh up to date on tracking of where the project is and also the expenditures where they fall. And there's a tandem not only understanding but recognition that the public wants to see, you want to see and make sure that spend uh expenditures made are being done so in a in a responsible manner. So, it's a process, but we're working through that process and uh we're doing that collectively inclusive of the whole team, including our water director. Uh I think that's it. Uh I would stand for any questions. I know I had an extensive report last time, but I'd stand for any questions uh or feedback the council may have.

I had one thing, but I councelor Casey, you had something. Yes. I just uh Thank you, Mr. [clears throat] City Manager. at at the last meeting um of January um councelor um Aeco had requested a copy of the IG the intergovernmental agreement and you said that you would send it to the governing body and also that we would everybody would receive a digital copy plus any additional additional key agreements. Uh when will we get those? Um Mr. Mayor, Councilwoman Casey, you have the intergovernmental agreement. I have that one, but you I'm referring to the key additional key agreements and that's exactly your words that you said, but Mr. Mayor,

there are others. Are we going to get them or not? Mr. Mayor, Councilwoman Casey, I'm happy to provide whatever specific agreements you would like. We have a multitude of of agreements that come through this council for approval, but I'm happy to provide whatever specific ones you request. I believe uh Mr. PCO, we provided you the intergovernmental agreement. Okay, that Yeah, I have that, but I was just curious about the additional key agreements. I didn't know what you meant by that or if you know you were going to send out key agreements that maybe, you know, uh we need an update on or whatever. That was my the

So, absolutely. U M Mr. Mayor, Councilwoman Casey. Um, all I have not signed any agreement that's my own agreement. Every agreement that I've signed has been approved by this governing body. I know it's been practice and there are agreements that managers in the past have done with entities, but in my time in 9 months have not signed any individual agreements outside of all agreements provided. Um based on that statement what I wanted to know and Mr. Manager I think maybe uh

but I know some of these agreements we don't even have uh for instance with Plexus and uh Burns some of those that's between the state and them. So that's might be what what she's asking but maybe we could ask again. I know that we've asked for those uh and Travis is nodding his head because you know he knows that we're we've been asking for it. So it's been difficult. Uh I'll just say the intergovernmental agreement um you know based off of our legal uh the Ortiz and Zamora firm uh there were concerns on you know on the you know they wanted uh direct pay you know we've been advised you know we shouldn't be go that way we have to go through the agreement so that's kind of where we stand and that's kind of what uh our our our fight and argument has been but I think we're finally uh you know on the same page with the state and a better understanding uh but we'll continue I if you guys don't I mean if you guys don't mind that continuing to ask and then maybe if they don't respond then share that with councelor Casey

Mr. mayor. Absolutely. And thank you for that. Uh Councilwoman Casey, I think the mayor is spot on. We uh just today, as a matter of fact, in the discussion we had governor's office staff, NMED legal, DFA legal, our council, uh we raised that as we move forward with payments, as the intensity rises with the volume and and amount of payment that we absolutely need those. So I will absolutely uh we'll get those in hand and we'll forward those to the governing body so that we all including yourselves are privy to agreements that directly impact us. So thank you Mr. Mayor and thank you for that request. I will work on that.

Thank you. Thank you councelor Pacheco. Uh thank you Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to indicate that the information I requested uh and my limit to knowledge base at this point but uh I felt that I received so I re received what I requested in a timely manner and I just want that to be part of the record please questions no thank you thank you mayor thank you Mr. Mayor, moving on to our next item, approval of minutes for January 28th, 2026. Casey. Mr. Mayor, the minutes were absolutely perfect. [clears throat]

And I move approval. Motion by councelor Casey. I have a second. Second by Councilman Martinez. All in favor? I those opposed? Same sign. The eyes have it.

Thank you, [snorts] Mr. Mayor. Moving on to our presentations not to exceed 10 to 15 minutes. We have a presentation by Mr. Travis Martinez, our water director, on award presented to the city of Las Vegas system operations for 2025 most improved facility. Mayor, council, I have along with me uh the northeastern uh section president Jake Martinez. He's the one that represents us through the New Mexico Water Wastewater Association [snorts] to bring this to to presentation. I know last year we didn't get around to specify this other one that we had, but we also had the presidential award for the most upgraded water treatment facility during the 2024. And this year we got the northeastern presidential uh award for city of Las Vegas system operation. So by system operation it entails everything from water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection, wastewater and utility admin. And just to give a little bit of a shout out to me and my staff, it's been uh hard work, dedication, and sleepless nights. And I have my staff here with me if you guys want TO STAND UP.

[applause]

WE GOT TRAVIS, [applause] he's our uh distribution manager. We have Adrian Alamman, he's our project manager. We have uh Dominic Modis. He's our water treatment supervisor. George Bacter is utility technical assistant. I have sorry uh he's always so quiet. I have Robert Espinosa. He's our wastewater manager. And James, if you want to stand up, he's part of the wastewater as well. And to give it to you, the one that takes care of all of us, Miss Casey. We have Jen back there. She's the one that's the mama bear that makes sure that all the paperwork is in order and everything is done before we move through the project. So,

I learned that before the meeting. Yeah, she's she actually yells at me all the time. So, she's got the utility part when it comes to that concept before it hits finance that everything is put into place. So, I want to give my staff a big shout out because these past two years have been tiring. We've worked hard. We've done everything that we've can and I think the awards can speak for themselves. And I want to thank you guys again. We've all been through it. And I have uh Jake here. You guys can sit down if you want. And I have Jake here, the president that wants to speak a little bit on this.

So, I want to introduce myself. My name is Jake Martinez. I'm the president of the northeast section of the New Mexico water and wastewater. So, my area consists of from Santa Fe all the way to the Colorado border. So, uh to just give you a little bit of information, I made my notes, but I am so impressed with the city of Las Vegas council members, police chief. It is like it was worth the trip coming here tonight. Uh yeah, I have my notes, but you guys have impressed the heck out of me. Counselor Casey, I respect what you said. you uh stood out and said the way it should be. But anyway, um a lot of notes that I wrote this evening uh more or less out the door because you guys impressed me so much. So, what I'm going to start with is the New Mexico Water and Wastewater Association has been around for 70 years. Las Vegas happens to be uh one of our members and your employees, your staff, they've attended our schools and I was real, really real impressed. Travis attended one of our schools in Espanola and that's why I was like, "Whoa, I'm going out to Vegas, his workers, and I [clears throat] learned so much this evening. You guys have an employee by the name of Archie and Water Distribution. Me and Archie have worked together over the years. I've been retired 17 years from Los Alamos County Utilities, and tonight I made his son, Adrian, and to think knowing Archie and his son is following in his dad's footsteps, priceless." Uh the biggest thing is is the community of Las Vegas. We're not like where I retired from Los Alamos County that has so much money. I know the crisis that you went through with the water and u how it was hard and stuff trying to get water back in service and then like the fake news. I could listen to it, but I knew these guys that were taking care of it. Sometimes you look at the news and they blow it out of proportion. But knowing all the workers, I know that they were providing the best that they could at the time. So that's why I respect what they've done. So the biggest thing is I travel through several communities, not only in the northeast section. I've

traveled all over the state and like you counselors uh attended this meeting in Colorado at the water plant. Um [clears throat] a lot of municipalities have the money to do it. Assuming that this isn't all the municipalities money, but you have to think we got to do with what we have. So that's why I traveled all the way from Espanola this evening. Like I had told Travis, I presented this award in Lasuses. I could have ended it there, but I'm so impressed with the water wastewater department. But not only them, you guys tonight meeting the police chief. So professional you council members, I am so impressed. So it's like these notes I made out the door. I just have to say that it's just really good to see how you guys work together as councilmen, employees, and stuff like that. But the biggest thing is these [clears throat] workers are the ones that provide the safe drinking water for you. And to give you an example, tonight when you leave this meeting, you get back to your residence, when you turn on that kitchen faucet and get that drink of water, just know that water started up at the [clears throat] springs on the Genas River, traveled through the river, to the treatment plant, to the reservoirs, through the 127 miles of water line that they're responsible to your tap, knowing when you take that drink, it's safe because they know what they're doing. Then when you guys finish the evening, you happen to go to the restroom and you flush that toilet, knowing that that water is going to travel 2 ft per second through the collection system of Las Vegas to your wastewater plant, knowing that it's going to be treated and discharged into the Gynas River River and that they've done a good job and it's health [cough] healthy [clears throat] and safe for the people downstream. So, I know I'm pressed for time, but let me put it this way. my hearts in the city of Las Vegas, the employees, the whole northeast section. As I was coming into Las Vegas,

what I did, because your workers are so good, I stopped at the wastewater plant. It was already after 4. They were more or less gone, but I saw the flushing unit leaving because my heart's in it. So, what did I do? I followed the flushing unit and it was like going through all these streets and I found them. So, I felt like I was a boss in Las Vegas and I was proud. I'm on a call out with them. So, meeting the wastewater foreman, seeing his employee, and seeing what they were doing after hours. So, all I can say is this award. Yes, it goes to Travis department, but tonight I think to me it goes to the whole city of Las Vegas cuz that's how impressed I am with your presentations and how good you guys conduct yourself. Cuz I go to a lot of meetings and one council member is badmouthing the manager. They're all fighting everybody. And tonight, I look like you guys are a perfect family. And so when I walk out the door, you guys can do what you do, but [laughter] you impress the heck out of me. So that's all I really have to say cuz I had all these notes, but to me out the door, I am so impressed with the city of Las Vegas and his department, your presentation, how professional you guys are communicating. So uh it's just been worth my trip to travel from Espanola and just back your employees. I could have given that award to the city of Santa Fe, Los Alamos that has all these millions, but I see how these guys have worked. And just remember this, you can lose your workers to other municipalities that pay better. These ones that stay behind because they're proud of their community and that's why they stay behind. So just remember tonight when you use your facilities, it's these workers that are giving you those facilities to enjoy. And that's all I have to say because you guys, these notes out the door. So, it's just the whole uh office or meeting room tonight impressed me and I just want to say thank you for allowing me to speak on the behalf of the New Mexico Water and Wastewater Association.

Thank you, Mr. Martinez. Uh I just want to say a few things. You know, I know, you know, first off, thank you to the staff and I I think we say that all the time here. You know, everything that we've been through, the work that they put in, the sleepless nights, I think we all recognize that, right? But we understand that because we're here with them day and night, you know, when those things are happening. But I think it means something more special when an outside organization recognizes that, right?

Because you know, word of mouth and and gossip and we're not as bad as Espanola gossip, but you know, uh you know, but but I'm I'm just saying that, you know, it gets bad, right? And word of mouth gets spread around that we have dirty water and it go you know, goes to a higher level. So, we're always I mean in Santa Fe, we're on a constant basis trying to defend the work that these guys are doing, right? We know that what we're producing is safe, but that's just a challenge that we've had to encounter and deal with as as we lobby for money and we go through water trust boards and everything that we're doing, right? We know the hard work that these men and women are are are are doing, you know, to make sure that we have reliable water. So these awards, you know, mean something very special because it's not just our family. I mean, and and we have our disagreements. There's times that we don't agree, you know, up here at all. Uh so you came on a on a good night, but but you know, we don't always get along, but you know, we respect each other and we have our differences, but I mean, these awards just mean so much to this community. I know we have the president of Highlands, you know, I mean, we had a a big town hall there May of last year, you know, where we were criticized, right? And he knew what we were doing here at the city because, you know, we had a, you know, good communication uh with them, but the rest of the community didn't and that's our fault for not uh, you know, uh, putting out enough information on the good things we're doing. So having your organization come in and recognize and sadly that when we were in the middle of one of the crisises we got last year's award, but here we are and another one this year. You know, kudos kudos to the staff because I mean I I think I tell you guys all the time, you know, how hard you work and how appreciative we are for what you do. And not only that, that you guys have stuck around because we've had some that have bailed, you know, when the when it got tough. So these guys that have stuck around with us and and continue to work hard

despite, you know, maybe them not trusting executive or what what it might be, but at the end of the day, we're here for the community. And I'll leave it at that. So counselors, if you guys want to say anything to that or councilman. Thank you, Mr. Manager, Mr. Mayor, Council. [clears throat] You know, I've been here for a long time and we've got a lot of awards from water. I'm sorry. I know what I don't see. I don't see the bars and people come in the residents come in and they we they set them up somewhere that we can see what this console and this family or these people from Las Vegas are doing with water. Gas anything we do and I don't see a flag going up.

We have a room that they just built there. It's a beautiful room and I encourage you that sometimes we get people from the committee that goes in there and they like to see stuff like that because it makes you proud. It makes you strong that we're working we're working for water. We're working for gas. Anything that got to do with the city, we're working for [clears throat] it. And the things that Mr. manager and council. We need to show our residents what we do, what kind of work we do, and the work we [clears throat] we're proud of. I want to thank you guys for all the work you guys do. You understand your staff. Thank you, Martinez.

Mr. Mayor, thank you. Um Travis, Mr. Martinez, I do want to thank you for coming down to Vegas and recognizing number one, our staff. you know, our staff is the one that creates the water for our community. We we we are happy to have them employed for us and we applaud the efforts that they do on a daily basis because water and water treatment. I am more than sure it's it's a science, but it's something that cannot be for everybody. But I appreciate you coming down and recognizing. And again, uh, you know, I learned about the award that, uh, Travis Scott on the road to Castle Rock, and he mentioned that he had gotten that, uh, that award in Los Cruus. So, he traveled from Los Cruus the following day. He was basically in Denver with a couple of us here, you know, council members and city manager and so forth. And I can't appreciate that enough that you came down to our community to let our staff feel good about the things that they do every single day. So, I appreciate that a whole lot. And it's it's it's a good thing. Makes all of us feel real good. Travis, you've done an excellent job. He's taken the reigns, you know, about two and a half years ago, and he's proven to be a good leader. So I appreciate everything he does and his staff both at water and wastewater treatment. So again, I applaud, you know, the efforts of the you guys providing that uh that plaque and we didn't get to see much of it last year, but congratulations to you, Travis. [clears throat]

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh Mr. Martinez, thank you for coming from Espanola. We appreciate that very much and I really appreciate your comments and what you said is something that I have known for a long time and I honor our employees. I I think the what makes me really happy is that they know what they're doing and they do it extremely well and I trust them. Trust is so important to me and I trust everything that they do. I know that they're not going to lie to me. I know that they're always going to tell me the truth. I know that they are always working very hard to do the very best to provide the best water and the best services for the city of Las Vegas and the people who live here. And I honor that ethic that they have and I thank them for it. and I thank you for recognizing it also and for bringing it to our attention and to speaking about it this evening. Thank you so very much. And thank you employees. I think you're you're awesome. I just I don't even know how to words cannot express how much I truly appreciate you all. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Councilman Pek. Yes, sir.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh Mr. Martinez, thank you for your time. appreciate your perspective and your uh input on this award. Travis, uh you know, it's been a short time that we've been working together. I've been very impressed by your expertise. Sometimes I feel like uh you're speaking Chinese to me, but I trust in what you're saying. So, hey, thank you, young man. You've done a great job. Uh uh everyone with the water department, thank you so much. Travis, I just have one request. I see Mr. Espinosa back there. Please make sure he gets out of work on time for golf league when we start [laughter] up this year. Uh, so fellow [clears throat] fellow golf enthusiasts, I see another uh well another thing while while I'm here speaking, Mr. Spinosa, make sure you get your uh uh legal uh firearm purchases before we get further on down the line. You too, Mr. Lopez. Looks like that we're heading the way of California, which is sad for New Mexico. But that's a whole another matter. But again, uh water department, thank you so much. Travis, thank you so much and and uh it's it's great working with you. I look forward to uh learning more, getting out to the water plant and learning from your expertise, sir.

I just wanted to add one last thing. Um the association's been around for 70 [clears throat] years. I started in this field in 1985, so I've been around a long time. And um when Travis attended our school, I was the instructor. He had some of the best answers. and how you guys have respected him this evening. Trust me, I go against a lot of the best operators. He's a newcomer and he's going to be a future star. So, I just have to mention that because it's not like we just started, but we've been around 70 years and u it's a business that I'm proud to be in and thank you once again.

Thank you, Mr. Martinez. And as you go to Espanola, say hello to my friend uh Mayor Vill. and I don't have a a counselor as bad as he has, but I wish him well. [laughter] Mr. Mayor, honest with you guys, I feel like moving to Vegas. You guys have been so welcome. In fact, all sad. We're traveling back to my Come on over. We're always We're always looking for good community members here. Mr. Manager,

Mr. Mayor, Councelor Pacheco took the words out of my mouth. we're hiring and so uh we'd love to have you. But I just wanted to say that uh working with and learning uh from the employees doesn't come from sitting behind this desk or the desk in the office. It comes from getting out into their work areas and where they are. And uh we've had a lot with the water plant and and legal matters back and forth. But I could tell you my experience working not only in learning from uh the water and wastewater staff by seeing them do their work is is citywide. And so thank you, Mr. Martinez. Uh I'll get you the application on the way out. [laughter]

No comment. Thank you, Miss Cassandra. Miss Cassandra. All right. Thank you, guys. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you, guys. So, you know what? Uh let's get a picture with our guys since they're here. It's not often. And let's get those Thank you. works. Yeah, we don't mind to do a see us right here.

These guys aren't as big as the football team. [laughter] It's cuz we haven't hit our GP yet. Oh, thank you. You're gross. so they can see everybody in the back. Okay, now you have to go down again. So I like the same height as everybody on. [laughter]

One, two, three. All right. Thank you. [applause] [applause]

It's nice meeting you.

Back to you. Cassandra. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Moving on to our next item is our consent agenda. If I um if I may read those into the record.

Yes, please. Our first consent agenda item, request approval to accept funding from the joint law enforcement operation program with the US Marshalss for the fiscal year 2026 in the amount of $3,000. And our second item is request approval of addendum number three to contract 395123 with Solder Miller and Associates for Engineering Services for Water Distribution System. Pleasure of the council. Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve the consent agenda as it was read into the record. Motion by councelor Casey. Second by councilman Olivari. Roll call. Councelor Pacheco. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. Councelor Levari. Yes. Councelor Martinez.

Yes. I have a motion by Councelor Casey, a second by Councelor Lee. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Moving on to our next item. We have our business items. Our first item is to conduct a public hearing in approval of an application for a transfer of ownership and location of dispenser liquor license with an on-remise consumption with patio service for the Casin Hotel. This time I'll entertain a motion to enter a public hearing. Mr. Mayor, I move that we enter into public hearing. Have a motion by councelor Casey. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Councilman Pacheco. Roll call. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor Pacheco. Yes. Councelor Casey, yes. Councelor Leari, yes.

I have a motion by councelor Casey, a second by councelor PCO. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Does anybody wish to testify on the public hearing? If you could please stand and raise your right hand. And do we have anybody here virtually? I know we had uh one of your associates um Kyla Stoke that was going to join us. She's our [clears throat] broker. Yeah, I'm here. Do you swear and affirm that the testimony given this public hearing is truthful and accurate? I do. I do. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. As I mentioned, we are here today to ask for approval of that application for the Casanetta Hotel. It is a transfer of ownership and location and I believe the location is from Los Cusus. Um all publication uh requirements have been met as well as zoning requirements and alcohol and beverage control has given preliminary uh granted preliminary approval. So uh at this time we look to you for your consideration and at this at this time I'll stand for any questions. So uh are there any comments from those uh wishing to testify?

Uh this is Kyla Stoker. I'm virtually. This is New Mexico Liquor Licenses LLC on behalf of the applicant. Um, I don't have any comments, but I'm here to answer any questions that uh you, Mr. Mayor, or counselors may have with regards to the transfer. Um, I'll just ask I guess I'll just get to it. Uh, council, do you guys have any questions specific to this item? I don't. No, I do not. Thank you. Councilman Martinez.

Yeah, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. I The only question I have, I know that the liquor license is being transferred from a different community to the city of Las Vegas. And is this considered a full dispenser's license? It's considered a dispenser license because there is no interlocal dispenser, which is what it's been referenced over the years, but per statute, it's a dispenser license. However, this license does not allow for package sales for off- premises consumption. It allows only for on premises consumption.

Okay. Yeah, that would have been my next question. If it had other parts of the of the licensing ability to to be available to the uh you know to the Casanetta Hotel, I guess I would was trying to figure out if it if it lost any parts of the the license being able to to be transferred. I guess that's what I was trying to find out. Unfortunately, uh my name [clears throat] is Cardinal Lopez, by the way, one of the owners of the Casca Hotel. Welcome, Carlo. Thank you for for allowing me to be here tonight.

Um when we purchased the hotel, unfortunately, the previous owners sold the license. So, one of the first things we did was get with Kyla, um our broker, to uh identify another license. Uh you know, we're opening up a restaurant bar. It's essential to the business. Um so, we started that process. Here we are. So, it's taken a little bit of time, but she identified this license and we went ahead and got it under contract. Here we are at the final stages. It still goes to the state of New Mexico and uh we don't foresee any issues at that point and we'll move forward to opening up the restaurant and bar without the package previously. [snorts] Yes.

Yeah. And I guess kind of one of my questions would have been uh cuz there's am I am I correct in saying this that there's two types of liquor licenses available to I guess restaurants and so forth. Uh or am I I'm not even on the ballpark. I'm not even sure to be honest with you. But I I kind of remember a little bit about that. My sister had a license at one time and and so forth, but I know that if you transfer license, you lose part of that, you know, part of it as you continue to transfer it to I'll tell you what I know and then I'll defer to Kyla. Okay.

The professional. So, um there's a dispenser license, there's the package license, and then there's the state license. You can get a state liquor license. um that functions very well with restaurants that uh close uh and they they they stop liquor sales at the point where they close selling uh you know they stop selling food. Um so again I'll do highlight because she'll she'll explain a lot better than me.

Yes. So there are quite a few liquor licenses that are available under the statute, but um the ones that are transferable from entity to entity as opposed to what he's calling the state licenses which are issued by the state, the only two um they're all actually one license and they're all called dispenser licenses and a retailer is the other option. Um, all dispenser licenses at one time had package associated with them. And then there was a legislative session during, you know, the the the decades that allowed for people who needed licenses in different areas to transfer that license. And when that happened, the legislature made it so much that the liquor license once it once it moved, for instance, from Las Vegas to Los Cusus, it no longer had the ability to sell package liquor. So, the only ones that are in your community now that have package liquor have been in your community since they were issued uh or they're a retailer license, which is a really, you know, very small number of total licenses in New Mexico.

Okay. Thank you. Yeah, I I do appreciate the uh the information just, you know, for my own personal knowledge as as a councilman. Uh I I really don't have any other questions, mayor. I just wanted to kind of clear that up and at least get perspective on it. Any other questions, counselors? Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion to return to regular session. Mr. Mayor, I move that we return to regular session. Motion by councelor Casey. Have a second. Second by Councilman Levari. Roll call. Councelor Casey? Yes. Councelor Martinez? Yes. Councelor Bacho? Yes. Councelor Levari? Yes.

Have a motion by councelor Casey, a second by councelor Levari. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. I entertain a motion on the agenda item. Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve the um the change uh for the U business license. Yes. Motion by councelor Casey. Second. Second by Councilman Martinez. Roll call. Councelor Levi. Yes. Councelor Martinez. [clears throat] Yes. Councelor Pacheco. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. Have a motion by councelor Casey. Second by councelor Martinez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Congratulations, Mr. Lopez, to you and your partners. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, Mr. Lopez. We we appreciate you as a businessman here in the community and and what you contribute. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Thank you, Mayor and Council. Moving on to our business item number two, request approval of amendment number one for memorandum agreement between the city of Las Vegas, County of San Miguel, and New Mexico Highlands University. We have our city manager, Mr. Naya.

Um, Mr. Mayor, counselors, uh, before you is a agreement with, uh, San Miguel County, Highlands University, and the city of Las Vegas. Um, I want to note on the record. I'm going to give the president and their team an opportunity to comment. U, we did have some questions that came up. Uh, the agreement that we previously brought to the council that was approved was for $60,000. uh we we were waiting on that particular agreement. The agreement went to San Miguel County and at the meeting at San Miguel County um I believe it was Commissioner U Garcia uh made an amendment on the floor to go ahead and amend and increase the agreement from 60,000 to $70,000. So I had uh some discussions with uh Highlands University. I also reached out to to uh President Wolf and and uh Chairman Sanchez and and stated that uh it would be up to the the the mayor and council if they choose to add the additional 10,000, but the intent at the beginning was $60,000. Um the other conversation that was had I also uh touched base with Mr. Badrid to see if we have the available resources. He said, "We do, but that decision is fully up to mayor and counsel." Uh, the other thing that we talked about, we had a committee meeting um that included Mr. Flurry that I sit on tied to the golf course budget. And um that particular budget uh we're going to work to include inind work, which the city has done a fair amount of inkind work with Mr. Lopez uh in particular, but some of his team members, not only his own individual

work and in his um labor time, but equipment time that we've been open and working in concert with um Highlands University and the golf course to to help facilitate. In fact, Mr. Lopez has been there what three three days have you three days this week, Mr. Lopez? Yes, sir. Only three days.

We're working on on that ditch and drainage with with u equipment. And so I uh I say that transparently to the mayor and council as to the process. I don't there was no mal intent I would put forward from uh President Wolf or anybody from Highlands University. Uh the other important piece of that was that the agreement I've confirmed was 70,000 originally and then it was uh reduced to 60. And then keeping in mind and I think Mr. Flurry and the president and Mr. Kempner can comment on it. You know, COVID and other challenges uh of not being able to have a full season uh had a direct for sure impact on on operations and budget. So, I put forward for consideration and discussion that we're going to continue to work with the team uh take the direction from mayor and council on how you feel about the increment and the increase, but that we're fully committed to help and have done in kind work. And so, President Wolf, um, I' I'd defer to you for comments and then, uh, whatever the will of the mayor and council is, we'll move forward.

President, Mr. Beer, Mr. Gibner, welcome. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Robert, Mr. Manager. I am for the record, Neil Wolf, head cheerleader at New Mexico Highlands University. Um, [clears throat] grateful to be here today and grateful for the support. Uh as uh Robert mentioned when we went to the city council meeting um it was a pleasant surprise that they u decided to go back to the 70 uh but uh it is your will and we will take whatever partnership we can take uh as we grow the golf course. I think part of that u has to do with some of the goodwill that's been garnered over the past uh maybe couple years uh as we've had better management on our side uh and had better uh partners running the golf course. if you would. I got a couple stats here from Aaron. Uh I just want to give you a couple highlights. Uh total activity from 2024 was 6,633. And that's so rounds or um golf uh driving range activity. This past year that we've recently completed. Any any guesses? I'm

just curious how many uh this guy has played.

Yeah. Right. So half of them were him. Uh 10,986. So that was a 66% increase of activity at the golf course over this past year. Uh in terms of individual people, only one of them was Bonito, but uh or councelor Pacheco. Um but we had a in terms of ninehole um players. Uh we had an 18% increase bringing uh over 3,200 people to the golf course and and that's unique people. Uh 500 or so additional folks played 18 holes and those are unique individuals. So it was a big increase. We had an increase in membership play junior junior customers increased increased by 81%. So we're pretty uh happy about the youth being out there a little bit as well. Uh but we just uh Highlands invested as well uh in new greens mowers to fairway mowers cuz um the equipment that the university had uh supplied for that project was inadequate and so we uh we made an investment in there. So I think in terms of budget we are uh we saw some of the uh increases in expenses but also increases in revenues because the people uh increased play and so we're managing a good operation where we are uh within budget. So we appreciate your support and we appreciate what this allows us to do. We have agreed in principle verbal verbal uh with the land development entity to then break ground. The goal is to break ground this summer. um and we'll see what we need to do to do all that. But we have a grading principle for a um a land developer to work on the project there. So, we're pretty excited about that. As the golf course improves, um the project for the houses on the golf course will also improve. So, we appreciate where we are headed with that. Anything that you would add, Aaron, or or Brandon?

I will say since we haven't been here for a while, we did finish um creating the research park. So, we've been talking about that with you over the past year. So that was a big push forward formally recognized by the state and got our IRS tax number so ready to move forward with that. We've been very aggressive. We have a private donor who I think is going to help us redo the driving range and [snorts] sort of get some increased amenities there. And any extra money helps us have a little bit of cushion and improve the golf course because that's what we hear from a lot of the people who use the course is it's great, it's up and running, it's great, it's stable. What are our ideas to sort of help move that forward with a little bit of extra money? So, part of the golf course, the the the driving range improvements will we're working on lights, uh, so people can use it in into the evening. Uh, so excited about that. And we have a new deck on the east side of the the the clubhouse. Um, anything I can talk about equipment and how great it is. Um, because the new mower, it's going to the the play is going to increase. And so this I I'll just repeat what they would say, but with the equipment, the greens mower that we got out there, it actually it's like a haircut. It pulls it up and cuts it and trims it. So the play is going to be a lot better than what we've had before. Um, but this is just the improvements in the vendor that we have out there right now. I think it's all melding together to uh to have a very good experience for the community.

An opportunity for excuses for Miss Putts from Mr. Well, Mr. Flurry and Mr. President. So with that mower, are you anticipating an increase in in birdies on the course? [laughter] Yes. Okay. Uh so if one other quick Oh, go ahead. Are you good? Hold on. Ty, were you done? Thank you, Mr. Mr. Manager.

I I just wanted to add um two two pieces that I think are important for the uh to put on the record. Um, mayor uh the the governing body already provided uh support of the agreement that gives capacity to Highlands to work with NMD dot to access additional funds that are going to be a lot more resources than they've been able to access. They had a meeting last week. Uh so we're in communication. We'll make sure that that works hap happens in concert with our finance department. But I just wanted to note that on the record. The other thing in concept, I think that's a that's a good term. Uh in concept, uh Highlands University and the golf golf course agreed to work on an access point uh between the rec center and the golf course trail. And uh that's a mechanism that we can use to have our uh people that go to the rec center to to be able to access the trail to be able to access other potential exercise equipment similar to what the city has done. uh along gyas. But so those are those are two points I wanted to put on the record that that um in my conversations with President Wolf as well as Chairman Sanchez and Aaron that that there and Brandon we haven't talked directly on that but I think they're locked step with considering that as uh potential improvements and and and more coordination as we advance.

Thank you. And I just wanted to make just make one comment and thank you for addressing the ink kind. I know that was something that uh you know I know that we have uh afforded you know Arnold's team has gone out there and done some work previously and then this year even more with the uh the new uh equipment that we purchased uh which I mean it looks looks awesome and at the end whatever we do to help improve the golf course at the end is going to beautify our whole community. So I just wanted uh I know at the end of the day you know I just want the community to know that it's not just the the monetarily uh you know commitment that we have but also the inind and I think it's important that as we move forward that in kind is also counted because it's going to provide you know uh the amount of hours u you know equipment time. So, I just wanted to make sure as we move forward that we keep track of that and it's documented some way and I know I was participated the end part of your uh meeting with the golf course and uh you know you guys were understanding to that. So, I thank you guys for for being considerate of that. Councelor Casey and then Councilman Montoy uh Martinez. [laughter]

Okay. Go ahead. No, go ahead. No. Okay. [laughter] I just have a quick question and maybe it's not even relevant but I to me it is because I read everything and reread it again.

Uh on the amendment under the very last part number two no other changes. In the bold print it says all other terms conditions [snorts] obligations and provisions of the MOA remain unchanged and in full force in effect. But if you look at the original one on uh let me see what I have too many papers here. Um it says that [clears throat] I marked it now I can't find it. Under number seven of page three, it says NMHU will make the golf course available for the 2024 New Mexico County's annual conference and golf tournament and rodeo in June 2024 absent unforeseen circumstances that prevent such availability. Do we just leave that language there even though it's not relevant anymore or

that's our [clears throat] understanding because um we're keeping it together. that event had already played out. Um, and so in that language, if you look at it, it shows for three seasons. So, we have one more season coming up. And so, yeah, we're fine keeping everything the same. Okay, that's that was my question. Thank you so much, Martinez. M A R T I N E. [laughter]

Mr. Mayor, thank you. I I just I wanted to bring a couple of things to light. I know when we first agreed on this uh it's been what we're already on year three am I correct last year I I wanted to make sure that we had you know our our two high schools you know and they're still involved because they're it's here you know in print that they get to participate and use have use of the golf course free so I appreciate that a [snorts] whole lot because how else can you build, you know, a golf team and so forth if you don't have that starting from the two districts that we have. The other thing is I guess has Highlands put together a golf team already or I I I know that there was a little hold back on that for for some time, but I don't know if they did or not. Bonnie,

it's a good question. Um, counselor. Um, so in our we have a our athletic director and our committee of the border regions for athletics is developed a long-term plan for the adding of new sports. Uh the first thing that we want to do is make sure our current sports are fully funded. And so there's uh probably a couple years before we meet that goal. Uh next uh the slate of new sports that Highlands is looking to uh add uh the current will of the of the border regions and and this administration would be uh women's wrestling um men's track uh and men's and women's golf. So it's in our it's in our plan uh but it'll take us a little bit to get there in order to do that.

Okay. Yeah, I know that classroom environment for you guys that would be beneficial financially. Yes. Support that. Correct. So, I that's why I bring it to light because I know it was correct. Communicated before and I I wanted to just share that with the community. But, um and thank you for bringing that up. Just a quick hat. We are teaching courses now that that people can take golf course courses on the golf course. Um so, that's available for people to take and that's something that we didn't do in the first couple years of the agreement. We're not

and I do appreciate the uh you know theou with the city of Las Vegas. I think it's a good thing. It benefits the entire community. It brings in people from the outside as well and it brings in you know our GRT and all, you know, everything just starts to to move up and I appreciate that very much. One other question I do have and and it's it the city of Las Vegas has funded, you know, the golf course for several years and and I think we we should always have a partnership moving forward definitely, but I also know that the golf course has had its trials in holding its finances, you know, for the past few years. I guess maybe in the back of my mind maybe some kind of a long-term plan that would be initiated to, you know, to to our city manager so that we can kind of get a feel not necessarily to stop the the you know the help. I think it's always good to have that partnership but just something that we could say you know what you know in in 10 years that thing will be self-supportive of its uh you know of its own finances. I think it's a good MOU moving forward and I think especially with the the housing development project that you guys are looking into. [clears throat] It's a win for our entire community. So, I don't I'm not saying I'd ever stop anything, but I think it would be nice to just kind of get a feel for future plans for for that for the the feel of that.

Yeah. Thank Thank you, uh, counselor. And one of the commitments that we'll always make is to live within their budgeted means. Uh, golf courses typically aren't money makers unless they're private and you charge $400 or $500. I think this is a good opportunity, a good example of where Highlands, the county, and the city work together to make it a community asset. And so, uh, I think that what we're comfortable doing is being committed to the the budget that we agreed to and that's why we have this shared committee that kind of talks about it between the three entities. So, your point is well taken. Uh, and this is not something that we um uh certainly pocket away money for and uh use for other purposes, but the money like the items that we used uh to purchase the the we even use dollars that we get for equipment and renewal to help provide assets to the to the course. So, your point's well taken. It's always going to be a struggle for us to to do that, but we'll always stay within.

No, thank you for being upfront and and we know uh I think all city councilmen and women here know that golf courses really are not big generators of dollars, but they do support communities in so many different ways. So, you know, you got a little restaurant out there, it it provides, you know, you know, for that as well. It all of them are good moving parts moving forward. So, I appreciate uh that transparency and let's let's let's move forward, you know. I think that's uh good direction. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Pacheco.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh I just have some comments uh in terms of the the golf course. Uh Mr. Martinez, I share your uh perspective in terms of the youth use

and as has been noted through my comments, I I'm a uh golfer at the golf course or sometimes I try to be a golfer. Depends which day it is. So, uh but it's great to see uh specifically the the the the team that I see out there when I'm out when I'm out there the most is uh both Robertson and West, but coach Olivaria at West Las Vegas. So, I have to give him a shout out. He has so many uh young men and women out there that they interrupt my tea time, which is a great thing, right? Uh it's probably one of the largest golf teams in the state of New Mexico, actually. It's it's quite large, I I I would say. Uh so, we're doing a great job of providing youth an opportunity to participate in a lifelong sport because that's what golf is. And it's not just a sport. It's it's a it's a uh opportunity to network and expand your perspective with other individuals out there. You you meet people from all walks of life on the golf course. Uh in terms of being ecologically sound, the gray water that we use on that course is best used on that course. Uh you know, it it it is an environmentally friendly way to use our water. It it um it doesn't do it do us much use if we don't use it, but it it provides uh of course the reduction on our on our potable water, but it provides minerals and other things that we wouldn't get through potable water into that uh facility and it actually there's some scientific evidence that it provides a cooling effect for the community. Right. Uh the other theme that I talk about and and you've heard many times for me is perception is greater than reality. And when we have travelers coming through town uh and for those years that we had that golf course out there as a brown dying

patch of land, it's not a good perception. It it just leads to the increased perception of Las Vegas as a dying town. So, it's nice to see something green in the middle of town that maybe someone isn't going to be a tourist here. They're staying at one of the local motel, but they see that golf course and they take an opportunity to play around of golf and have a lunch at a at a restaurant here in Las Vegas, and that may bring them back. Uh, in terms of the finances, I look at the golf course much like I do the rec center. It's never likely going to turn a profit. That's just the nature of things that are for the betterment of society. It's it's

up to the our taxes and and other resources to make sure we sustain those. But I look at it as a uh uh quality of life area here in Las Vegas. Uh it's one of those things where it it's it's an opportunity for us to get out, enjoy ourselves, and use uh get some of that sunshine and fresh air that is so abundant here in New Mexico. So, um I just want to put those points out there before we consider the vote and moving forward on this action item.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Mr. President. you guys. Uh, the golf course has been there for years and years and years. It's a beautiful place, but we have I don't know if there's problems out there or, you know, we're not getting the right golfers out there and we're not advertising for for a tournament or something and I think we you guys have to take a look at that [clears throat] because we're we just look at the different parts of it. But it it it is something for our community and for the outsiders and and and if we don't put it out there, we're not we're not going to get the right people in there. But it's it's really a beautiful place and you know, I've seen it all my life. And

you guys are there and you guys are the thinkers. So, we got to take care of it as much as I can. Thank you for everything. Thank you, Mr. Manager. Um Mayor Council, two points. uh that came to mind based on comments that I heard. So, uh the other thing that the committee and Highlands has done is they're committed to looking at alternative uses for the golf course that complement the work of the city. And so, we're looking at options for the Fourth of July [clears throat]

uh parade. That's I know that's something that that the mayor uh brought up. And so, those are things that we're going to continue to discuss. Uh but to your point, Council Ulari, in the committee meeting uh just the other day, we discussed the reality that you're pursuing uh tournaments. You're bringing in people um beds and heads. Is that right, Lucas? Is that the right term? Yes, sir. And so there's also uh the potential heads and beds,

something like that. There's also the potential to uh put presentations together to access other city uh resources for that advertising that you just brought up, counselor. So that actual discussion did take place with the committee. So I would just add those two other points on the record. Thank you, M. [clears throat] Thank you. Uh Councilman Martinez,

I'd like to cut through the chase, I guess. I'd like to move to approve uh amendment number one memorandum of agreement with the city of Las Vegas, Samiguel County, and Highlands University to include the um [clears throat] the the amended increase for funding in the amount of from 60 to 70,000. Second motion by Councilman Martinez, second by councelor Casey. Roll call. Councelor Pacheco, I'd like to uh make comment before I vote, please. Councilman,

so for the sake of transparency. Uh I do work at Highlands University, but for the record, I'd like it to be clear that operations of the golf course uh are not under my purview and I have uh no authority over any of the golf course operations. So, it's completely separate from my duties at Highlands University. Uh with that on the record, my vote is yes. So Mr. Attorney, that's a suffice uh disclosure statement. I think it's very sufficient. Thank you. Thank you, Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor Levi. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. I have a motion by councelor Martinez, a second by councelor Casey. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries.

Thank you. [clears throat] Congratulations. Thank you very much. Isn't it wonderful? I remember my first time here it was, "What are you going to do about the golf course?" and here we're having a very different conversation about how we can make this an even better asset for the community. So, thank you for your partnership. Thank you for your suggestions and guidance and uh the the sky's the limit. So, thank you very much. Thank you, mayor. Moving on to our next item, request approval of resolution number 2606 to apply for and assuring of matching funds for the cooperative agreement program for a total project amount of 141,15373. We have our public works director, Mr. Arnold Lopez.

Council, before we get to this, I just want to ask, I know some of these u these agreements are uh that come up. I mean, usually they're typically yeses. I don't think we'd ever pull them out, but just moving forward, you know, for the sake of speeding things up. Are you guys okay if I put these on consent and if you guys ever want to question them more detail, we could pull them out. Is that fair? Yeah, I'm I'm all right with that, Mr. Mayor. Okay. So, thank you. So, uh, with that, uh, I'll just ask council what's the pleasure. I I don't think we're going to have too many questions for Mr. Lopez.

I move that we approve resolution 2606 to apply for and assure that we have the matching funds for the uh, cooperative agreement program for a total project amount of $141,153.73. Second, by councel, second by councilman. I don't know if there was discussion or seeing none. Roll call. Sure, Mr. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor Levari. Yes. Councelor BCO.

Just a quick comment before I vote. Uh it's a little outside of this uh uh particular item. However, uh I just wanted on the record again and Mr. Costiano, you know, we we'd appreciate your guidance. I know this isn't a uh contract per se. We did vote on a contract a little earlier that had a one-year term. And uh when we're considering these things, if even if they're in the consent agenda, I would recommend that we consider either a dollar amount or a time a term limit on our contracts be uh where we require review at a certain point. So, uh directors considering that moving forward just Mr. Manager. But with that, I do vote yes.

Councelor Casey. Yes. I have a motion by councelor Casey, a second by councelor Uli. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Thank you. Moving on to item four, request approval of resolution number 2607 to apply for and assuring a matching funds for the municipal arterial program grant for a total project amount of 280,24921. It's the pleasure of the council. I uh move to uh approve resolution 26-07. Motion by councilman PCO. I have a second. Second. Second by Councilman Martinez. Roll call. Councelor Casey? Yes. Councelor Martinez? Yes. Councelor Pacheco? Yes. Councelor Levari? Yes.

I have a motion by councelor PCO. Second by councelor Martinez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Moving on to item five, request approval to enter into a 5 1/2 year lease agreement with 411 [clears throat] Equipment and Tax Exempt Leasing Corp. Mr. Lopez.

Thank you, Mayor and Council. Um, I come for approval of this lease agreement um to uh enter into for a sweeper. Um, our current sweeper is has been repaired and will be returned uh hopefully to on Friday. We we can transfer it back to to Las Vegas and put in operation again. But the demand of debrisze and and and just total demand throughout the city requires an additional sweeper and able to provide a better service. So, um, plans are to to have two sweepers, you know, available to us. And again, if one goes down or something, we're still able to to continue providing that service. So, um, we went out and and suck um, uh, quotes on this. Um, we only had two two um, um, contractors that actually put in a bid for this. And this is the best price that we got on on a exact u type of sweeper that we're looking for. Stand for questions. Pleasure of the council.

Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve the 5.5year lease [snorts] agreement with 411 Equipment and Tax Exempt Leasing Corporation. Motion by council Casey. Do we have a second? Second. Second by Councilman Martinez. Discussion. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Lopez. I don't know. There we go. I think you can hear me now. I just have a question because I see it's a lease for a piece of equipment, correct? Yes, sir. Is it uh standard procedure that we would lease that type of equipment rather than buy?

Um I would prefer if we could purchase if somebody's willing to well give me that money I'd rather purchase it but but it's just an alternative way of of you know purchasing and providing um you know equipment to our department. It's an an option. Okay. So, what would be the uh difference the cost difference I guess? Cuz I see it's an annual payment of 60,500 or 6. Let's round it up 61,000, right? Yes. As opposed to what's the total price of buying as compared to the total cost of the lease?

Obviously, it's a little cheaper because there is some some finance uh and I don't have that uh and sorry for not being prepared with that amount. I don't have it in front of me. So if I tried to answer that, I'd probably be lying. Councelor Mayor, uh if you look at the sheet on the letter that was written to Mr. Goodle by the company, they provide an estimated total equip equipment cost of 292,000. That doesn't reflect the equipment. That's only the total of the lease agreement, Mr. Lopez. Correct. Yes. That's for the total lease.

We can get that. I I'm just curious what the because the lease is 292 and I'm curious what the cost of buying that equipment would be. I I I trust that it's substantially more just for my information. Thank you, Mr. Lopez. And and actually we do have if you look on the last page, there is actually a a an amount in there. Um and it looks like Well, but that's that's the amount of 2 86. So, but no. Yeah, there there's some other stuff that was added to it, but yeah, we we can provide that though. Thank you. Thank you about that. Yes, sir. Roll call. Roll call. Councelor, anybody? Yes.

Councelor Casey? Yes. Councelor Pacheco? Yes. Councelor Martinez? Yes. Have a motion by councelor Casey, a second by councelor Martinez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. I just wanted to make one final comment. We always do have an option to outright purchase and and and you know and get out of that lean at any point or not lean but but lease. So it comes with an option to purchase at any time. Thank you sir. Yes sir. Thank you all.

Moving on to our next item number six. Requests approval of resolution number 2605 to apply for funding to the New Mexico Finance Authority for the lead line copper rule project. We have our water director, Mr. Travis Martinez. [cough] [clears throat]

Uh, mayor, council, as you guys know, this project is one that's been very, very hectic, and this one is brought to you through EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency. This is nationwide. So, as it stands right now, utilities department has submitted all documents. We are working with all the schooling right now to get all of their documents in order. The next step for us to go out is going to be [snorts] construction. The city of Las Vegas does not have the manpower to do this. It's going to have to be a third party as I explained before which I'm going to be coming with another presentation shortly once we move to the next process. But that construction is going to be where we bring in a third party and they're going to have to check the inlet and downstream side of each individual meters. Depending on AI is the next thing. We're still waiting for EPA to determine that. So with that in mind, we did get a cost estimate of what it's going to cost the city. It's going to cost city around 800,000. 750 800,000 depending. So during that during this time before we get to that we would like to go out and we'd like to apply for funding and in order for us to apply for funding through this process we have to get this resolution in.

It's the pleasure of the council. Mr. Mayor, I know that uh it's been really difficult uh dealing with this particular mandate and um I move that we approve resolution number 2605 to apply for funding to the New Mexico finance authority for the lead line copper rule project [clears throat] by councelor Casey. Do you have a second? Second by councilman Martinez. Discussion seeing none. Councelor Peko. Yes. Councelor Martinez, yes. Councelor Casey, yes. Councelor Levari, yes.

I have a motion by Councelor Casey, a second by Councelor Martinez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. [clears throat] Moving on to item number seven, request to award request for proposal 202608 for on call extermination services to Elite Pest and Weed Solutions and enter into contract. Mr. Martinez,

question. So, with this uh RFP, we went out because uh we've been have this is a citywide contract, just to let everybody know. Uh any department can use it, but they're at the wastewater. We've been having a rodent issue this past year, and we've been having exterminators there, and it's been quite difficult to get it scheduled out based [clears throat] on the state contract, as well as we've been having issues at the water treatment plant with insects, wasps, everything. in. So we went out, we got everything for our services which have to be NSA NSFA certified for the water treatment wastewater and we only had one bidder. [laughter]

Thank you. Uh what's the pleasure of the council? I uh council have a question.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. So uh thank you Mr. Martinez. Uh I reviewed the uh proposal and I do have um some concerns. Uh one is one one bid. I'm I'm never comfortable typically moving forward with one bid even if we went through the process. Uh the other the other uh question I have is I don't see a dollar amount within the contract. We have per visit per So, is the pricing per visit per facility? Is it hourly? Is it I don't see that spelled out within the proposal. Uh I don't see a rate schedule and I don't see a cap uh on the number of visits or hours. Uh you are are those things that I missed within the packet or uh are those missing from the packet? Sir,

hold on real quick. Let me pull it up real fast. [snorts]

So if you look back here um I guess at the end of their proposal it says attachment um on call extermination services all the prices that they have over here are there in the back. So they have it based on ants spiders cockroaches files $135 per treatment. They have their bed bug inspection $100. They have routine pest control services, interior and exterior, $135 per visit. They have monthly preventative services, which is $135 per building. They have quarterly preventative service, 200. Now, these are just rates. That's not like we're going to utilize them quarterly, monthly, whatever. Basically, what we're planning to do and use is emergency response, which is normal hours or emergency after hours. And [snorts] that's based on what type of infestation we have at that time. So if you really look at it, it's $125 per response or 150. And then hazardous infection response, those are with rattlesnakes, anything like that. We do come across them sometimes. Not at the water treatment facility, but you know, wastewater and stuff like that. So basically right here, it's not a bid per se as to what it is, but it's a proposal. So each proposal stands for standard rates.

Okay.

And we've reach we did reach out to other uh companies to propose but when it comes down to proposals I understand sir. So I thank you for your for your for your insight. Uh do we is this a vendor that we have used in the past and if so what was the amount of the last annual contract that we had with this vendor? This [clears throat] is the first time we've ever had a contract with this vendor. We've called them out on quotes when that's based on three quotes. We've [snorts] utilized them. I don't know if any of the other departments have utilized this company, but we've used them based on a three quote standard for procurement. Mr. Madrid, would you have an anticipated uh cost or estimate of what this service would cost on an annual basis? uh on an annual basis. No, but I did review the schedule and they are comparable to the other service to services that other department use for extermination and regular treatment. They're comparable

and and I might add that this is an on call contract. As Mr. Martinez said, they'll only be used as needed and uh there's not a minimum service or minimum charge. [clears throat] So, I I I'm just going to, you know, my my thoughts at this point is uh I know we're not voting yet, but I'm not going to be comfortable moving forward. I'd like to see more than one vendor. Uh, however, I I know we went through the process, so it's not a criticism of uh what we've done, but I would just like to put it back out to RFP, RFP, and see if we could solicit some uh additional vendors uh to maximize our competitive price on the matter. And that's where I stand on this, Mr. Mayor.

Thank you, counselors. Any other mayor? I I guess I wanted to ask a question in reference to maybe the senior center. Do you do you s do you use similar services like that? Uh at the senior center? I'm not even sure if you do or not. I we do. We have pest control services. It's um on a three uh quote process because there's we don't use anyone that or we can't find anyone with the state contract. So, we do it with um three quote service um quarterly and as needed also for and we quote the whole year the for a 12-month period.

Well, and I and I kind of like some of the information that councelor Poacheo mentioned which which refers to a cap, you know, that that kind of is important on call services as needed. I can understand that as well, but you know, where do we draw the line and say, you know, that's enough or you know what I think I'm getting at. But but uh anyway, thank you, June, for that information as well. Yes, sir.

If I may re reiterate the proposal on the contracts, everything's based off of a task order. So on that task order, you have a set price of what your what your scope of work is. That's basically what this contract would represent on call services. So for instance, like we used him last time at wastewater. We had a rodent issue. We tried to get somebody like the way that June said that she utilizes him. They told us they can't do it. They didn't have time. We called somebody that did have a state contract. They told us that there was no way that they could do it. They didn't have the time either. So he went out. We got the three quotes. They were the ones that came in the cheapest. We utilized them. If I would have had the contract, I would have had the rodent issue taken care of a lot sooner. But due to the fact of the three quote process, you got to wait your two weeks. You got to wait to get your PO. It was almost an entire month before I got the rodent issue taken under control. If by then if I had a walk through at with NED or anything like that, I would have got a violation based off of what we had found at the time. So moving forward, it was just our process to do something to get to move something forward as quick as possible for on call basis as needed, specialized services for specialized work. And like we said, when we did go out to proposal, we did reach out to multiple people that we knew that did this stuff. And I mean, we we just we just nobody responded other than who we've already utilized before. And [snorts] the only reason that for one we've utilized them a few times like I said we utilize them at [clears throat] the water treatment and we utilize them at the wastewater facility and they've done good for us. So like I said moving forward there can always be a cap based on operations. That's your budget that we have as directors. Am I right Morris?

Right. So the way that you can track this just because they have the contract you have to get your task order. your task orders based off the contract and they give you it's a quote. Same thing. It's a quote. They give you it's going to cost you $500 to do the entire water treatment facility to get rid of your wasps. Well, that task order is based off of that of your quote submit it to finance and that goes against your budget for operations. And like I said there, when you have a set cap, it's based off of your budget. Casey, do you have anything?

I just want to say that um on call services are very hard to come by.

U speaking from personal experience from having been superintendent in several school districts. Uh I had one that was very rural and I could not get anybody to come out to get rid of rattlesnakes and all kinds of vermin. And um by the time I found somebody, I was so desperate that actually I went to Walmart and bought a bunch of mothballs and put them everywhere to keep [laughter] whatever away from the children. And so um when I finally did get somebody, I was so happy and it was on an asneeded basis with a task order and that worked perfectly and we were able to control how much money we were spending out of the budget that we had uh that line of line item for. So I think uh you did the right thing

and if anything you guys know me specialized contract for specialized work cuz I utilize that all the time with water wastewater. There are certain things that my techs can't do that professionals do and as we get them on on call we utilize that. So this will be treated the same way. Mr. May, so I had just one one comment, Mr. Manager. Uh, just for the record, we've tried the quote system, and I'm kind of looking at all the directors here. We've tried the quote system. It doesn't work. The reason why you went to RFP was to get that specialty work. Uh, it was advertised on the optic, the journal, and the city website, and we still only got one. And plus, you made calls to for others to bid. Is that

Yes, sir. So the people that we've asked to quote that have quoted us before we've told them that there is a proposal coming out and we told them please propose you know we we'd like competition but as they came there's only one proposer I mean

okay so so with that being said I I think we've done everything on that part but I I one part that I am going to agree with counselor PCO here and this goes beyond other contracts and I think uh this might be where what he's getting to uh and me I've had personally with uh our water operators, you know, and and and I think I've had the opportunity to talk to you, Mr. Attorney, is that I think from us, yes, we don't see the task. I mean, from our perspective, we don't see the task orders, right? We don't see the scopes or how much uh money is getting spent. I mean, unless we really really, you know, uh that's why we have uh people in the finance committee that that do that. But I think from our perspective is we'd like to see when we approve some of these contracts that there is a cap right whether it's 60,000 or 80,000 and then if it gets to that point I mean there's enough time I mean you know what I mean you're not going to spend 80,000 in one month to where but some caps to where we see that you know if if the need is it hits that certain level that it's come before us and say hey you know what we hit because A B and C came up you know that were beyond our control. Well, there's that opportunity where we say, "Okay, well, that's understandable." And and I don't think I mean, I could honestly say we don't have that kind of thing happening the way I used to question it more in the past, but I think that's probably what Councilman, you know, him being the new guy, seeing that, hey, well, we should have caps and I I know I had really really fought for that in the past. I'm more comfortable with our directors now to, you know, there they're finance that, you know, we're we're watching those things. But if we could move forward in contracts where Mr. Attorney and you know finance and procurement that let's it's not going to hurt if we do put some caps on these contracts when they pres when they're presented to us. If that's fair is that Mr. And to an extent we do have control

[clears throat] because in our uh procurement system we recognize that under the state purchasing act a small purchase is anything up to $19,999. So if we see a requisition for a purchase order at that level or above, we question and say show us the procurement. Up to that level, it's okay. But to go beyond that level requires a whole different process. So there is a certain extent of control for that. But even on an RFP level, the RFP level goes beyond the 60,000. Yes.

I mean that's that's I mean even on the RFP where I mean still [clears throat] let's say do a 60,000 just so I guess so the oversight uh you know I know Mr. witters will catch it out there. But but you know, just so that we have some type of [cough] oversight at this level when it gets that high if that's fair. That's okay. I don't know what's going on my camera. Okay.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, Mr. Madrid, I I do agree with you there. There's a level of control. However, for RFP, and that that's one level of control, as Mr. Martinez has indicated, and you've agreed, the budget's one level of control, right? However, it's still I think the purview of the governing body. We cannot approve a a contract uh not and not have [clears throat] an idea of how much of that particular line item in the budget it's going to use. So, let's just say for example that water treatment is allotted and I'm just making an up a number here 100,000 and we're spending 60% of that budget on a particular contract. That's something that we need to be aware of. And I'm not saying that's the case here, but that's what I bring forward as I'm analyzing some of these financial matters. So if if I can speak to that,

the RFP is for specialized services. That's what the RFP is. So based on that, and Morris can stop me if he can. The RFP is based on a strictly standard service that's being provided.

I realize, sir, I'm familiar with RFPs. If you want, we could go out to bid for a year and we could get the total amount for a bid for all my departments and that'll put the level of the cap on what you're asking for. That we can do. What I would prefer to see is an outright contract for the entire city, right? Rather than one area because that's going to maximize our dollar. We we Mr. manager, we have more leverage and bargaining power if we're going to seek a larger contract for all services. And then that doesn't cover just one department. So if Lucas has a problem at the rec center, we use the same vendor. If we have a problem at the senior center, we use the same vendor. We already have someone in place. So it's a one stop for all matter. No one has to go out on their own at their own purview to make a separate contract. Let's cover the city with one contract and use our bargaining power. And maybe we use that bargaining power for a larger contract with other larger entities. And we pull our resources and we say, "Okay, we want to enter a contract for services with Las Vegas, the city of Las Vegas and Luna and I don't know the state hospital." And we use that bargaining power. I

think uh hold on. city I had the city manager couple things um I I would just uh note that that uh as you were talking counselor um one of the things that's I think that I'm hearing that would be beneficial to everyone mayor and council is that we do an FIR type summary that is in front of the contracts that we have with a summary of what the contents is behind. So, the legislature does it constantly with bills and I think we can implement some additional uh pieces of information that provide more detail as to financially uh what's the fiscal impact of of the the contract at hand. So, I'm going to just say that up front. We're we're going to make some modifications that to our packets uh and I'm going to work closely with the department heads but in particular the finance director to make sure we have those summaries. The last item we had the discussion that came up relative to additional options on cost of equipment and so those are the types of things that we can offer within uh that type of document and summary. So we'll provide that and we'll begin to build that into our overall structure. What I'll say uh in with respect to your question and in defense of the team is this actual conversation that you're bringing up about the use of this contract happened in the director's meeting and happens on a regular basis. I concur with you uh that the more we can leverage collective contracts around common services across the city that we do that. uh in this particular uh situation, we couldn't get

uh an individual off the state price agreement, which is one of the go-tos that we utilize. And so, uh I'm also in agreement that the more quotes we can get, the better. Couple that with a rodent issue or a challenge with with insects, I I supported it coming forward so that we can get that uh mitigated. But I hear you and I and I and and I think to the full council's concern, it's, you know, transparency, information, not just for you, but for the public and and and maximizing our dollars that we have and our dollars spent. And so I I I don't think that answers every question, but I I I hear what you're saying, and we can build in practices going forward on this one. It's a tough one. We want to try to get the service in. But I I hear you loud and clear. I hear the council loud and clear.

Do you want to I know I had I just want to note that it's not a criticism of of of the the team, our management team at all. It's just a perspective. It's just uh uh so it's it's it's it's uh it's healthy discussion. So it's it's respect to to every director and every thought that's gone into this and just continuing discussion as as we consider the matter. So I just want that to be clear, Mr. Manager, and thank you for your for your input. Thank you, Miss Jun. I don't know if you want to add to that. Nice. [clears throat]

Yes, sir. I would like to. Um I I understand why Travis did the RFP. Um sometimes we have special specialized issues or we need immediate service and another vendor which we've gone out for um quotes on or something is not available at the time and immediately as you need it and so um I think he's trying to he was trying sir to to um go that process and and get one vendor for all city departments and I think that's where he was headed with is and I understand it. But if if not all of them um quote on his or or propose on his RFP, then you still you have one vendor. We have different issues. We have different issues at the senior center, library, and museum, which I have the same vendor for all three facilities. So I I understand his side too, though.

I appreciate your perspective, Ben. And the only reason we did this is because when it comes to the water wastewater, it's something that I need then and there. And like I said, when we did have that rod in problem there, it took us almost an entire month to get somebody out there to clean it up. If NMED or anybody had came in at that time, I would have had a serious violation. So that's the point of this contract. And if I could just say Trav, I don't I know there's other discussion about contracts in general and that's some kind of some of the discussion happening here with this one item like not to you know to to be personal. It's just the discussion overall on all contracts. It's just this was a topic where I think it opened up that can a little bit.

So I mean I I think I mean you did you did your best. is just I know in in you know in talking with him that's the overall concern with all contracts and I think we've had the opportunity to speak with with legal on that too. So it just the the can open on that one and you just ended up with the Yeah. Right there. I'm I'm used to that [laughter] one. I mean a lot you'll you'll see a lot of my contracts there's always just one vendor and that's because they specialize in that type of work and it's hard to get other vendors. So So with that, Mr. Premier, I'd make a motion to uh table RFP uh 2026. That's 08.

I have a motion to table. Do I have a second? I'll second it. I have a motion to table by Councilman Pacheco. A second by Councilman Martinez. Yeah, we need to get this past. So, yeah. To table it. To table it. I will I will go with it. Yeah. Okay. So, a table uh just for the record, we'll just move it to another meeting. No changes can be made. So, okay. I want to I I would there's no discussion on a tableling motion. I'm sorry. Okay. Robert's rule.

I withdraw the I withdraw the motion. My motion would be to reject and open for additional RFP and consideration for services to the entire city. And I was just I was just clarifying what happens on the table. Councelor Casey. Thank you, Miss Casey. So have a motion to reject and rebid basically. Mr. Mayor, if table it to what date? What meeting? He's So he's removing his rescending that and he's making a motion to reject. Have a motion by Councilman Pacheco. Um, it was for the whole city.

Is that what it was? It's for the contract for that item for the whole city. I would like to look My recommendation is that we look for a contract that covers the entire city. Uh, well, that's what this RFP is for. It's citywide. It's citywide.

Yeah. This contract would like to see more than one vendor. My motion stands is to reject the contract back to RFP. Motion to reject and go back for RFP by Councilman Pacheco. Do I have a second? Again, I have a motion to reject and rebid. Do I have a second? [clears throat] Last call. Mot have a motion to reject and rebid. Motion fails. I'll entertain another motion.

Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve uh RFP 202608 for on call extermination services to elite pest and lead solutions and enter into contract. Have a motion by councelor Casey. I have a second. I'll second it. A second by Councilman Martinez. Roll call. Councelor Lei. Yes. as long as they go with the contract. Yes. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. Councelor Pacheco. No. I have a motion by Councelor Casey, a second by Councelor Martinez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Thank you,

Mr. Mayor. I just would like to one small comment. I I think we've whipped this enough to keep an eye on it. So, I think that we're we're okay moving forward, but I think it's the pleasure of the council to set it up different and to look for alternative vendors. I know we're in an area where Las Vegas does not sit in an area where those services can be accessible,

right? They're not easily accessible. So, we we have to sometimes, you know, go with that. Uh, so that's that's all I could say is, you know, I think it's we need to just move forward.

And like I've said before, this is a citywide contract. Any one of the departments can utilize it. And then number two, like I've always said, just because we have the contract doesn't mean we have to use it. The contract is there for an as needed basis. If there's other scope of work or anything like that that we can get at a better price, we go out for quote or we go out for bid. Like I said, there's contracts that we do have in place that I don't utilize because there's other ways that we can get it. But as far as on call services, that's the reason for it. Thank you. And and I think the city manager and finance director saw the yellow flag come up, so caution. Thank you. Red. Red. Sounds good.

Mr. Mayor, moving on to our next item. request approval of resolution number 2604 to approve the sale of obsolete city assets at an online auction. We have our finance director, Mr. Morris Madrid. Good evening.

Evening, mayor and council. Uh what you got in your packet seems like a lot. It's a start. I'll give you just a little bit of background. the items that you see uh that we're proposing for auction. First of all, your approval is required to surplus these items. We can't do anything uh to dispose of them, sell them or anything without your approval. That's why it's on the agenda. Um, a little background is the uh items that you see here were deemed to be uh by department directors uh obsolete, unusable, uh not not worthy of keeping any longer. That's why they're here. Uh we do have an auctioneer lined up. Uh there is the fee is 10% of whatever they generate. This is the only time that the state purchasing act allows for commission. Otherwise, we cannot pay commission. In this case, we can. It'll be 10% of whatever is generated. It'll be online for 2 weeks. Uh the reason that you have all this information in there is we need all this types of information to provide to the auctioneer uh so that they can conduct the auction. This is the first option for a lot of the vehicles and equipment. Most of the vehicles are in running condition. Some of them are not. Uh the pieces of equipment are in different stages of uh repair. Most everything is operable. It's either been replaced or it's obsolete for us anyway. So the sale will be the first option. By surplusing, you also give uh the city

administration an option if it's not sold to donate it to uh recycle it. For example, if we have cars that don't run and are not bought, we can take them and sell them for scrap metal and get something for them. Uh we can recycle them. for example, some of the computers, some of those components are recyclable and and uh we don't want to put them in the landfill. The last option is to throw the things away. So, that's how it would work. There's uh over 60 items in this list. This is a process that's been long overdue. It is not uh final by any means. There are some vehicles that uh took longer to get paperwork for titles to that are not included here. We will bring back more items and and uh I'll say by the end of the calendar year for another auction, but uh I ask your approval for this particular batch.

It's a pleasure council. Council, Mr. [snorts] Sir, the only thing I will see here is how many items are you going to put on this on this resolution or there's 61 items? 61 items. Yes. And some of these items are you're talking about cars and equipment that you have that's been absolute or no good or some of it is obsolete. Some of it has just been replaced. For example, there's a couple of vehicles that are usable, but they're high mileage and we purchased some new ones last year to replace them. So they would just stay parked there.

Have you checked with any of the vendors on the product that you're selling and see they give you a total amount of everything that you're going to sell? Well, by uh by statute, we have to make it available to everyone. We can't talk to a particular vendor. Once once they're surplus, they have to be made available to the public. So, Mr. your attorney. What's your legal opinion on that?

Yeah, that's 100% correct and consistent with what the statute reads. It would come to the governing body to declare it obsolete at that point. Um, any any property that's declared obsolete by the governing body is required to go out to the public. Then from the public, there's steps if they're not sold. Um, I think at that point then you can uh receive a quote for it. And then if there are no quotes are received, then ultimately you can gift it. And then after nobody accepts the gift, ultimately the governing body can decide to just trash it. Trash it, I guess, is the best way to put it. But um everything that Mr. Madrid said is consistent with what the statute reads. Thank you,

Mr. Mayor. Councelor Casey, and then I'll go back to you, Councelor Casey. Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to know uh when was the last time that we had an auction online auction? I can't answer that councelor Casey. It was before I got here. So, it's at least a year and a half. Okay. And so, you wouldn't have any documentation as to how much money was made out of that last auction? No, but I could get it for you. I can get it for you. We did budget some money. I think it was 20 or 30,000 in anticipation of this. Okay. I don't know that we'll generate that, but we did put in a budget estimate for it. I was just curious as to what what kind of money came in from the last auction sale,

right? Yeah. Okay. Thank you very much. You're welcome. So, if I could add to that, that was uh I was around when that kind of not in mayor, but just my knowledge to that is previously they were just going out and having an auction, but when they did the online auction, we did uh generate more funds. And I I know our directors are here could probably they're nodding their head which we did generate more money through the online versus we did just a public auction just so it did it did do better. Mr. Councilman

Mr. Mr. Mr. Madrid I know that scrap metal prices change every month. So, if if you really going to put all these items on the on the whatever you're going to sell, you go the online auction, you know, you're going to have to check and see if these people are giving you the right amount of money because they change. Prices change and when you change, you lose and you win. So, you know, it's something that you got to take a look at before you put everything on the outline auction. Go from there. Well taken counselor. Mr. Mayor Martinez.

Yeah. Thank you. Hi. The proceeds of this auction online auction would be if they are general fund departments, they go into the general fund pool. Okay. under that budgeted revenue line item. If they're an enterprise fund like water, wastewater, solid waste, they go back into that original fund where they were purchased. Thank you. That's good. It's the pleasure of the council. I move to approve resol resolution 26-04. Motion by council. [clears throat] Second by councilman. Roll call. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. Councelor Bacho. Yes, councelor Dvati. Yes.

I have a motion by councelor PCO, a second by councelor Levi. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Mr. Madrid, if you don't mind, Mr. Manager, maybe work with the PIO to put I know I mean our PIO has done a good job and I think we have a big network online, so maybe if we could put something out uh social media or what it may be to let him know, maybe that'll help generate. Thank you. Absolutely, Mr. Mayor. Dominic and I were discussing that this afternoon and we want to cast a wide net. So you're absolutely right,

mayor. Moving on to our next item. Request approval to publish ordinance number 2601 amending Las Vegas Municipal Code Chapter 409 trees section 409-1 through 409-11. We have our community development parks erect director, Mr. Lucas Marcus. And also I know we have in the audience Mr. John Spencer, if you don't mind coming up. I know this something you've been wanting to see happen for quite a few years. Hopefully, now that we pass it, you don't retire on us. And welcome, Mr. Mr. Spencer.

Mr. Marcus, mayor, council, uh, present to you, um, request approval to publish um, ordinance 2601. I didn't bring my glasses with me. I apologize. Um, that's right. [laughter] Let me grab it real quick. You can come borrow the beers. [laughter] One month. Oh, really? I'm still Hey, I'm still not there.

Um, so a man in Las Vegas, Municipal Code, chapter 409, tree section. Um, I want to first off start off by apologizing to the council first off. Uh, I've noticed that uh in the packet we we sent over the actual finalized uh ordinance and we didn't send the original so that you could go ahead and distinguish what the change was between the original and and the finalized one. But I do want to note that it um the part that is changed it's a it's a whole different section. It's 409-11.2 2. And that section is called um uh city of Las Vegas green storm water infrastructure ordinance for new construction. And it deal it deals with a lot of different u uh things. They they felt the benefits of trying to catch storm drain water and using it to the its fullest potential which is watering shrubs or whatever they can call. But they did put a certain set of rules on there. Uh for one for example is the the letter E an active or historic ACA will not be disturbed by construction or building which I find very beneficial to to our community uh with the ASCAS that we do have running through our community. Uh that's one thing I just want to make sure I apologize to the to the council about. Uh that's the biggest change. The other small change that was on there was um the verbiage of parks division director was changed over to community development director and that was um recommended to us by our city our city councelor uh um Mr. Ambrosio Castayaniano because he did go through this whole ordinance with us had some good changes that we had to put together. We worked with Mr. Spencer back and forth. I've had a privilege of working with Mr. Spencer through this one and not that not only that but I do have a history with him going back from when I first started. a very um knowledgeable board. Uh they very they're very dedicated uh to the to the trees and and they do want to implement a couple more ordinances that I'm going to work with them on uh to go ahead and go through the code enforcement side with them. So um we'll stand for any questions or I don't know if Mr. Spencer would like to speak at all.

Can I say a few words? But I I would just mention that uh [clears throat] we've this has been a fairly long process and um the heard the uh um idea of looking at city ordinances. And one of the things uh that that we uh took a look at for just as just an example of of a change that we made is that if you're going to do do work on city trees, you're going to have to show us that you know what you're doing. And that requires then the a a work permit from the from the city. uh I think you can look around and and see how occasionally that uh has been a very big problem for us. But the thing I would really put in front of you is that this has has has [clears throat] been back and forth between the city and the attorney and ourselves and uh oh I don't know two or three cycles

and we believe we've got a a a good usable enforcable uh new ordinance. It's longer uh but we believe it really helps to ensure the future of the of the urban forest in particular in this town. Thank you councelor Casey. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Just a a quick comment. Um, I just the my favorite part of this whole packet was reading about the green storm water infra infrastructure because I think that is really a wonderful idea and something that is very needed and I just uh whoever uh you know

brought it up if it should be added to the ordinance. I want to thank whoever did that and um I'm I'm very pleased to see this. I I really um I read it with a fine tooth tooth comb, let me say and so I'm very pleased with the ordinance as it's presented. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Councilman Libani.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Marquez. So we did we do need these ornaments because we have trees all over town and we have problems with residents that are doing sewer lines, water lines, gas lines and the trees are there and they have a hard times just to get service from the city. But the ornates is going to take care of these. If people don't take care of the trees or triming down or what have to do, you know, they're going to have a hard time. Thank you for putting this up. Thank you.

I just want to make a comment. Uh I know this has been something uh that's been difficult in our community. You know, individuals cutting trees or cutting them wrong, cutting them down, but I do want to state the other part that within this new ordinance, there's going to be uh consequences, right? And for those that are really, you know, have been pushing for this, it's going to take us some time to, uh, you know, if we get somebody that's, you know, violating the ordinance and cutting a tree down. I know our our police department ain't going to be able to like prioritize uh, or code enforcement, prioritize that call, right? So, there's going to be a balance and growing pains as we're going through this ordinances with enforcement, right? Any new ordinance that you do and there's enforcement, there's always those growing pains that we're going to have to go through. So be patient with us as we, you know, especially code enforcement and police. I we don't want uh Mr. Chief Marquez getting calls and saying, "Hey, you know, go go go go go arrest these individuals." So there's there's going to be some growing pains, right, as we go through this. But we'll work with the tree board. I'm sure, you know, community development will work with that. But I think there has to be that that growth that we're going to have to uh go through this as as it's getting enforced. And it it also might be worth noting that this the ordinance uh is uh limited [clears throat] to city trees. If public

if you got a tree in your yard and it's not a city tree, you we this you you can do whatever butchery you want to. One of one of the one of the major um uh bad words that I heard at the tree board is you can't use the word topping of trees. So we we stay away from that word as much as we can. very informative bunch and and I've appreciated the meetings I've I've been able to have with them. Thank you, Councilman Pekco. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, I I just Mr. Castiano, uh you've gone through the ordinance. You feel it's ready or the changes are within uh statute.

Yeah, Mr. Mayor, uh Councelor Pacheco, we we it was a pretty robust conversation. Um quite quite a bit of editing. Um I think it's the initial draft that we got was um very aggressive. I understood why. Um but we kind of had to pull back and understand where how far we could go in terms of uh what what the city's power is. And so I think it it encompasses what um the tree board wants to do in terms of the city trees. I think what we've done is clawed back on some of the private property um requirements, some of the uh requirements for incoming industries or incoming buildings. Um there was some addition some language in the prior versions that were requiring certain amount of trees, certain types of and we want to be very careful not to um to impose certain restrictions on private private developers, things of those sorts. And so I think it it it complies with everything in terms of the of any type of statute that we could find. Um and I I I think it's prepared at least for now for publishing and then the process can take its course from there.

Thank you, Mr. Costiano. I I am uh I as I read it, I I I saw it pertains to to public land and public trees. Even though I don't agree with tree topping, I agree with private property rights. And if somebody wants to do that on their own property, well, I I want their right to be protected as well. So, it's a good balance. I appreciate the the work. Uh, thank you. Thank you. And Martinez,

Mr. Mayor, I I just had a question in reference to some of the work that you, city manager, has had our staff doing on rideways, alleys, city parks, any of that work that it's in collaboration with this ordinance as well. Um, Mayor, Councilman Martinez, as we advance projects, we'll maintain coordination and communication for compliance with the ordinance, but also communication with the tree board. We did um through Mr. Marcus, Mr. Rudolph, uh, we did go to the tree board uh, and have a discussion with the tree board specifically about the alley cleanup uh, work that we did. uh we'll continue that practice but also assure we uh maintain compliance. One other point uh tied to city trees uh we've already started more and more communication with our utility companies. So they operate under the opices of public safety oriented around those lines but I know there's frustration with some of the manner in which uh some of that um health and safety issues are taken for the trees. So, we're going to continue to coordinate with our utility companies, P&M in particular, to uh hopefully work better in coordination to follow the ordinance and and also maintain health and safety, which is what they do when they do their trimming. Is that accurate, Mr. Marcus?

It is, sir. And and also to add another level of comfort to the council and to the mayor, uh we do have Jeff Rudolph, who is an actual certified arborist. Uh so he does know uh which branches should be pruned and and which uh uh how how to actually uh take care of trees that are might might be of age uh or any of that's a type of use nuisance that might come across our way. Um also um we're sending more of our staff to become arborists. So they're getting training right now actually in Albuquerque. They just came back. So I'll find out what kind of training they've got uh yesterday and we'll start moving forward with that. We're just trying to make sure that the city stays in compliance with our own own ordinance that we're going to be putting forward. Everything in public throwers will be looked at closely and we'll we'll move accordingly. Sir,

thank you very much. Yeah, if I might. Thank you, Mr. Uh there is specific language in the proposed ordinance uh with relationship to to uh utilities and they have the right to to make sure that that that it's safe, you know, and and uh they can take a pretty good chunk of trees, but but they they get to decide that that then that is in the in the proposed ordinance. Yes, it it is in there. Thank you, Mr. Councilman. Councilman Pacheco and then Councilman.

No. So just to piggy back after off of Councilman Martinez that that idea of the alley way. Uh that is technically part of it could be public land, right? Uh so I just want to make sure that we're all right to still remove trees that shouldn't be there under the ordinance. Oh, under our public landed, you know, under our ordinance in particular, uh, and alleyways, uh, the the property owner is actually responsible for half the alleyway. What

if it's in the middle of the Yeah. The reason why we took care of the the issues that were in those alleyways were for health and safety and for access for our local fire department and also our ambulances, just in case we may have had a situation. As you see right now, we're under high fire watches right now already and we haven't even hit spring yet. So, uh, you know, I I concur. The city manager had a a a concern and we moved forward with it and and, [snorts] uh, you know, I think I think we did a good thing in in in that sense. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Marquez. Councilman

make a motion to request to approve public ordinance 2601 amendment for three from Las Vegas municipal code chapter 493 and section 409-1 through 409-7 second motion by councilman Levi second by councelor Casey roll call councelor [snorts] Martinez yes councelor PCO yes councelor Casey yes councelor Levari Yes. Have a motion by councelor Leadi, a second by councelor Casey. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Manager.

Um, Mr. Mayor, council, just a comment. Uh, several decades ago, I was uh had the privilege of being a student um under um the careful watchful eye of Dr. Spencer, immunology and pathogenic microbiology. I was on a different uh track. Uh but um I just wanted to say on the record that uh you your service on the tree board is not surprising. Um but you had an impact on on my own trajectory and I very much appreciated your uh wisdom and guidance and what you did for many many students uh while teaching at Highlands University and that you've continued that spirit of service through yourself and the whole tree board. So, I just wanted to say thank you and say that on the record respectfully.

I just would like to say I'm glad you survived and I hope you will provide uh informed counsel on immunology and pathogenic bacteriology to [laughter] the to the outfit here. But thank you. It's a pleasure to to to have have seen you do so well. And uh so I guess I must take credit for all of his achievements. [laughter] Thank you, Mr. Spencer. And three days, April 22nd was Arbor Day. Uh yeah, there's a there's a couple of choices. Uh New Mexico's uh Arbor Day is is basically in the middle of winter. I if we had one

and and uh so we observed National Arbor Day and it is the last Friday in April. Thank you, Mayor and Council. Appreciate you guys. And thank you, Mr. Spencer, for for doing this. All right, Mr. Marcus, if you don't mind staying on the for this next item. Sure. Yeah, Mr. Mayor, moving on to business item number 10, request approval of resolution number 2608, establishing a city events committee and defining its advisory role. Mr. Mayor.

Uh yes. Uh counselors, I know uh according to our new charter, we pretty much have to do a resolution and I know uh Miss Cassandra and I have been working with our legal to try to get the whole encompass of all the committees. Uh so we're working with Gino on that hopefully. Uh I was hoping to get it for next week. I don't know if we're going to be able to, but uh we're working on that. But this one specifically, I wanted to uh single this one out to get it done because I know that we're coming up upon the Fourth of July fiestas and a lot of work needs to be done. Uh so I know in in [snorts] I I gave you guys a draft last uh meeting. Uh I know a recommendation was made by councelor Martinez. Uh in speaking with the team, I know you had mentioned about uh the committee getting involved with road closures and that was advised. Uh not really because that's usually a decision with public safety. So, we left that out. Just in case you're wondering, it wasn't there. I'd be transparent with you. Other than that, nothing really changed. I did want Mr. Marquez, they had their first meeting. If you don't mind, you know, just a couple minutes on to, you know, I I know this this is big that we adopt this so they kind of know their roles and their scope, but if you don't mind kind of how that meeting went.

Sure. It was a really productive meeting. First off, it was it was kind of like a introduction. Uh, I pretty much knew all of the people on the board. they kind of knew each other, but now we're working in a capacity where we're all going to be making some pretty uh you know, tough decisions coming up to our fiestas. Uh we all know we're pressed for time. Uh so they're looking at having at least weekly meetings. Uh sometimes two times a week. Uh we definitely have to follow the new structure that our charter has for us where we'll have to go ahead and post these meetings. Um we'll be recording him and making sure we're taking our minutes and doing everything properly. We discussed uh um certain areas of of pricing for for bands coming in. We've discussed uh uh how we're going to go ahead and compile a list of bands. Uh and then we'll go ahead and start seeing where we we where we place them re where they recommend place uh placement of the bands. After all that's said and done, I will then sit myself and my city manager and we'll discuss it and and see if that's um what we're looking for. Uh we did mention a couple of ideas and it's just ideas that we gave them about a lottery. Maybe their the band's drawing times. They didn't feel that was the the proper fit for for the decision-m because uh uh certain bands have um obligations I guess at other areas at certain times and they might that might throw them off. Uh so they didn't want to do it that way. They they it seems like they're going to go ahead and follow through with those ones. There was a lot of discussion about uh uh you know the stage and the gazebo. They felt that the gazebo right now as it sits is still an ADA compliance issue. Uh so they did um we went we're going to move forward with the stage. That's something that we are going to do. Um we've already secured that. Uh they talked about the setup of the of the the plaza, how it's set up kind of like an amphitheater setup cuz for the gazebo is compared to where the stage is at. kind of draws a little bit of a of a downward uh trend uh which so that acts like an actual natural amphitheater. And if

we're up on top of the gazebo, we're we're spinning the music to the other side. Um I know that we Mr. Lopez has some good ideas coming up now with that uh grant that he secured for us at Plaza Plaza Park and we're excited for it as well. Once we get that gazebo worked on again and we get it to the point where we want it, I think that's the best option for the city of Las Vegas to move it back traditionally to where it belongs inside the gazebo. And that's pretty much where we stood at. Thank Thank you, Mr. Marquez. So, you know, I mean, pretty much within this resolution, you'll see the basic, you know, scopes and uh tasks of what the the committee shall do. If there's any questions, uh Mr. manager did you

um mayor and council because this is something that came up from um concerns raised by uh the previous council so I just want to be fully transparent uh Mr. Marcus is the director of community development and parks and recreation. Under those opaces is uh events. Uh no decisions will be made in a unilateral way by any one individual. We're going to utilize the events committee. We're going to utilize uh staff in the community development department and our leadership and team across all departments, public safety, fire, and all relevant uh departments as decisions are made in a collective and transparent manner brought back to the mayor and council for your review, for your input as we're moving forward to u the ultimate events. And so I just wanted to say that on the record. uh heard that loud and clear from some of the concerns raised before and we are going to work together as a team to mitigate those challenges and I think you know as we all as I said for councilman as we all went through the election cycle you know that this was a big topic right is one one person making all the decision uh so you know this events committee fits within that and it's going to help at the end of the day uh the only the only thing that we did have is you know we did offer one spot to KN&NX, one to KFUN. KFUN decided to not uh put an individual on there, but you know, he was afforded the opportunity. So, there's a way we're trying to that they're discussing about filling that that uh fifth spot. So, I mean, we're being as transparent as and and open. Every uh you know, the two radio entities were both afforded the same opportunity, so there's no bias one way or another. So, I think we've done it as fair as we can. this resolution just kind of solidifies what that uh committee will be doing. So with that uh

also fair to say mayor that that we got individuals from different sections of of the community. They're not just from based out of one spot in town. That's the west side, the east side and the business districts as well. And I did make my commitment to the district committee when I know myself and Councilman Martinez uh went to a meeting. I think you were there Mr. Marcus. We said we would have two individuals from the plaza area and two individuals from that represent the plaza area on that committee. So there is I think we we we did what we could to the committee. Thank you, Councilman Martinez.

Go ahead. Okay, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I do approve I do move to approve resolution number 2608 establishing the city events committee and defying [snorts] its advisory role. Motion by Councilman Martinez, second by councelor Casey. Roll call. Councelor Pacheco. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. Councelor Lee Buddy. Yes. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Have a motion by councelor Martinez. A second by councelor Casey. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Thank you. And Mr. manager, if we could work with uh Miss Amanda to I I think this is important that the community knows, you know, that we put this committee together and and uh they know their roles, so we could get something out there. Yes, sir. Mayor, thank you. Thank you,

Mayor Council. Thank you guys very much. I appreciate you guys. Thank you, Mr. Marcus. Mr. Mayor, moving on to our last item in item 11, request approval of PEP point application service provider agreement. We have our police chief, Mr. Caleb Marcus.

Good evening, mayor, council, Mr. manager. Uh, thank you. So, this is a contract that we're looking for a renewal. Um, there was a a slight change to it. Um, this is for the microchipping that we utilize uh around our city, especially with our new ordinance. It's a it's a new requirement. So, we do do a lot of microchipping uh for animals that are adopted out of uh the animal care center. Prior to this new agreement, we were actually paying a monthly subscription whether we had any adoptions or not. With this new agreement, it's just a set price per microchip. And basically we're averaging out about $6 a microchip under the last agreement. Now we're at about $5 a microchip for this agreement. Plus it's only as on a as used basis um opposed to a monthly subscription basis.

The council. Mr. Mayor, I move approval of the Fetch Point application service provider. Motion second by councilman Levi. Roll call. Councilor Martinez. Yes. Council Lee Buddy. Yes. Councelor Bacho. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. I have a motion by councelor Casey, a second by councelor Lei. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Chief, Mr. Mayor, I move we adjourn. Motion by councelor Casey. Second by Councilman Pacheco.