Council - Regular Meeting

Call to order the May 13th, 2026 city council meeting to order. Miss Cassandra, Mayor David Romero, here. Councelor Marvin Martinez, present. Councelor Barbara Casey here. Councelor Bonito Poeco present. Councelor David Ulivari here. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. We do have a quorum. Miss Cassendro will lead us to the pledge. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Moment of silence. Let us have a moment of silence for citizens who have passed away this last month. And also for let us ask our creator to give the people of the community a better understanding of what the council does and works for on their behalf. so that um they have a a better idea as to how money is being spent and what we are doing to make hopefully everyone's life in Las Vegas and surrounding areas better. Thank you.

Any other Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Moving on. and approval of the agenda. Uh what's the pleasure of the council? Mr. Mayor, I move approval of the agenda as presented. Motion by councelor Casey. Do I have a second? Second by Councilman Martinez. All in favor say I. I. Those opposed, same sign. The eyes have it. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Next on the agenda is public input. We have no public input this evening. Moving on to mayor's appointments, reports, recognitions, and proclamations.

Okay. just kind of an uh an update on on appointments. Uh next week we'll have probably four or five committees being uh recommended that I have names that uh were submitted uh to our PIO into my office. So I'll have I have a list of those. I'm working with Miss uh Frescus and that'll be on the agenda next week. There's a couple that I think we're going to continue to uh request uh volunteers, which is the veterans committee and also uh the museum and library. We're still short there. So, uh and also the ethics commission, that one we still haven't. So, if you guys, you know, if you guys have somebody that you might be interested in those committees, just let me know. Uh as far as reports, uh first off, I want to give kudos to community development, Mr. Chuck Grego. uh first Friday's Alfresco uh went off. Uh excellent turnout, I think, for our first event. So, kudos to you guys. Uh everybody's excited to start spending Fridays in the the warm weather and enjoying the music. So, kudos to you guys and public works for getting that ready. I know. Um another thing, uh you know, public works, good job on the on the roads. I know I passed by Crystal. Uh we got the from New Mexico up to the Creston Circle. uh getting work done. So, a lot of progress there. Um thank you councelor Poacheo for joining me on National Day of Prayer. Uh that was also a great event. Uh also had an opportunity to the uh the homemakers uh local homemakers. They had a regional meeting here. uh was able to do a welcoming and then today we had NERPTO uh northeastern regional uh transportation uh you know so we we did a presentation for the second phase of Commerce Street and also DBIB uh great

presentation Arnold and your team so lot of progress uh they're moving forward momentum continued to seek out uh funding so uh that's kind of my update on that for the past month thank you thank you Mr. Mayor, next on the agenda, counselor's reports. Uh, counselors. Mr. May, thank you, Mr. Manager. Thank you, staff. Let's just finish just

King Street. And we just finished. We're working on the Riverwalk and it's looking really, really nice. Uh, a lot of people that are walking through there and took us a while to get there, but we're they're working on it. They're cleaning it up and then people are very happy about that. They they're a little more safe now. I just want to tell our staff, involved, thank you for everything you guys are doing. Thank you, Councelor Pacheco.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh not much of a update. I just want to send out a uh reminder to to uh all citizens. uh you know, animal control is always a hot topic issue and and that starts with responsible uh animal owners. So, if uh just, you know, if we could all do our part and keep our animals in our yard, that goes a long way. Public safety, that's that's everybody's business. We're we're doing some of that along the Riverwalk and and cleaning up and uh minimizing areas where where potential crime could occur. But again, uh I said this during my campaign, Las Vegas has a crime rate higher than the national average. that does not go away with just uh uh policing. It takes a community to be behind it. So, let's do our part. Uh if we want Las Vegas to be a better place for for all of us, uh we all need to do our part. So, I just want to put that out there for for all the committee members uh listening today. Thank you.

Thank you, Councelor Casey.

Thank you. I'm going to um start with uh the negative stuff first and then end with the happy things. Okay. Um, I've received uh phone calls uh really uh kind of ugly emails and um text messages from people who are upset about the work that's being done along the riverwalk. And um some comments were like, "You're killing the baby ducks. Uh we're going to get flooded. Uh all these terrible things are going to happen. you're wasting money, you're destroying the river. Um, just all kinds of extremely negative, ugly comments. And so, uh, perhaps, uh, next week the city manager might be able to, uh, do just a brief, very brief because, uh, the more you say, the worse people interpret and get wrong. So, uh, maybe something about what has been done there. And I did send a couple of them copies of the emails that city manager had sent to um the council and uh the mayor,

but that didn't seem to even phase in.

They're still complaining. So, that is a a big concern and um I I really do wish that people would understand how things work um a little bit better. Now for the good stuff. I want to thank the U fire department uh the I don't know if it's called fire station one or whatever. I don't know the numbers and all of that but anyway for the successful delivery of a baby and apparently they got a phone call saying you know the water broke and they took it to mean that a a water pipe under the street had broken or something. When they got there, it was the mother whose water had broken and so they got to deliver a baby. And so I think that was wonderful. So so thank you for the u fire department and how well they are trained. They can handle pretty much anything that comes at them and that was proof of that. Um, I also want to again thank uh the parks department uh Jeff Rudolph and his crew and Mr. Lopez for overseeing this project with the playground equipment at Maduo Park. I've had people actually call me as as late as last night to tell me that they were very pleased with the new playground equipment and that there are every single swing, every slide, every table, every bench is filled with children after school every single day. And so I'm very happy about that.

Um let me see. And congratulations to Captain Daniel Latencio who was one of um our fire people who retired. Unfortunately, we didn't there was a mixup on the time and date of his last uh call. And so the mayor was able to get there just barely in time and the rest of us, you know, weren't. But I want to congratulate him and he is going to be missed because he has a wonderful personality and does wonderful work with people in the community.

And last but not least, a constituent of mine um Mr. Jim Tur wrote the original jingle for the commercial on toss nomas and so he has improved on the jingle and he would like to sometime maybe make a presentation to the council and uh see what we can do to maybe get to upgrade uh you know the the the work that's being done uh by the governor's office with the guys from Breaking Bad or whatever that program was that it's always the same. And so um it would be nice to have something a little bit different that uh people would enjoy listening to the message about um tossing trash everywhere. So um for all of that work that we do here at the city, appreciate everyone very much and

thank you for all the good work you do. Oh, and I'm sorry. I forgot to mention. I want to thank Adele and Leon Trillo for their help when my email was hacked. Leon took care of it like in about five minutes. It was wonderful. So, thank you for that. Appreciate it. Councilman Martinez.

Mr. Mayor, thank you. Uh I just wanted to make uh mention that uh a few of us counselors, city manager, the mayor and a few of us went to Arnold of course in his department. We went to the aviation conference in Rioso the other day. And the nice part about it is um of course the uh the manager for the for the airport that we have here in our community, he also attended John Aragon. And it was nice to attend a conference that he was able to be recognized by by them for 25 years of service as a manager for airport management. So that was kind of nice and we did get to enjoy uh watching that and understanding a bit more about airports that we didn't have a clue on. So that was a a pretty interesting uh conference and and it was was very well uh set up. It was it was a nice conference to go to. Um, one of the other things I wanted to mention was, you know, a big shout out to, you know, to Jeff Rudolph, too. I did call him the other day and I told him all the parks still need a lot of work, but Lincoln Park looks great and that falls in my ward and it's nice and green and it's really nice and I just wanted to give him a big shout out that it was great. I mean, there's still a lot of work to be done within our community and and we're working on that. So, and then of course the work session that we had, you know, there was a a full day work session that we had. Uh I know that you also, you know, sent your comments in and and you were part of it by Zoom or so forth by phone. It was good and beneficial for our community to understand the things that

we need to do moving forward as a as a governing body. So, I I just wanted to to bring those to light so that uh the community like some of the others mentioned earlier, the other counselors that sometimes the community doesn't really understand what we do. But it's it's good to know that progress is being made every single day. So, that's all I have. Mayor, thank you. Thank you, councelor C. Thank you, Councilman Pac was one last comment.

Yes, I have one last comment. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, I just wanted to uh recognize June. I have uh My dad goes to the senior citizen center and he loves it. He was telling me, "Oh, yeah. It's so nice. The people are so nice." So, he's very uh he's a he's a secret shopper there. So, I get his honest truth. So, he he really enjoys it and uh he he says that there's a lot of good things happening there. So, I just wanted to recognize you for the organization and the hard work you're putting in over there. Thank you, Council. Just quick question. Can you ask him about the menu and get his opinion since he's a secret shopper?

Oh, the menu is all right. I think uh occasionally he occasionally he'll uh give me one of the delivered meals. So, they're not too bad. I'll say so myself. Thank you, counselor. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Moving on to our finance report, we have our finance director, Mr. Morris Madrid.

Mr. Madrid, and first off, I want to thank you. I know uh I haven't seen you much, but you're spending a lot of times with the directors and and other staff uh working on the budget. So, thank you. I know it's time consuming and probably the hardest part of the year for you or the, you know, most timely and consuming time consuming uh time. So, thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor, mayor and councel. Uh yes, and I'll actually start off with that topic. Our uh draft of the budget request for next year is almost complete. We've had multiple meetings with uh almost all the department heads. We uh put it all on the table, take a look at it, shave a little bit here, add a little bit there, and we try and concentrate on what will work. In some cases, our cash balances determine how much we can spend. In other cases, it's uh new or continuing programs. But uh in all cases, we try and include common sense. And it's been it's been a really good process. uh by the time we get to the end of the process, I'll understand better why all the departments operate the way they do and they'll understand better the requirements of the finance department. You'll see that a little bit later on the agenda when the audit report is presented. Um the we have some tenative dates to take this to the finance committee uh which will incorporate a couple of new members of the governing body which is good and then a special meeting for the u approval of the interim budget and we'll be ready to discuss that in detail. So that process is moving along. uh we try and uh incorporate everything that we can. Uh one thing that I did do at the retreat was take notes. We will incorporate the governing body's priorities and input also. And uh that will include current and long-term planning. So that's I think the beginning of a very very good process. Um, I do appreciate all the cooperation

from the department heads and the manager and you'll see in when it's presented to the governing body. It'll it will make sense. Uh, what I want to talk about right now in our budget report, I'll just go over the good news and and some concerns that I do have, but are not uh serious concerns. I think in the general fund, our gross receipts continue to rise. you'll see that trend continuing. Overall, our uh expenditures are still below uh regular spending rate, which is good. We have savings there. There's nothing really to report there in the general fund. Going on to the enterprise funds, I do have uh one concern that I've looked into and uh it it's uh partially self-explanatory, let me put it that way. In our water and wastewater, we've been tracking a reduction in revenues. Uh as you know, wastewater is directly correlated to water in the billing. And uh what I've discovered is we've had a constant reduction in consumption and uh that goes along with the preliminary restrictions that we're going to be under. These restrictions were in place, but encouraging uh water conservation is great for the community, but it impacts our revenues. So it it's a very delicate balance. uh we will balance it. We do have some reserves and we are uh working with the department heads to make sure that not only this year but next year we're in good financial position. Just as a reminder when we formulate next year's

budget, we have to have a certain amount of reserves uh to start with and we cannot end with a negative balance. So we're concentrating on two things. finishing this year in a good position so we can start next year in a good position. We have to have both. And I think with the exception of one fund, we have it all figured out so far. But that anomaly is there. And one of the things that I did find was a reduction of consumption for the same period last year and this year of 6 million gallons in water. that affects both funds, but we'll continue to monitor that and and formulate our budget around it.

On the expenditure side, go ahead. Going going to that topic, could it be because I know in in discussion with a lot of constituents, there's still a fear of drinking our water, right? Even though we know uh through the uh drinking water bureau, our water safe, but is could that be kind of correlated?

That could contribute to it. And and uh you know, there could be several factors like that. I know in personally at one point I had 14 cases of water at home that lasted me a real long time and things like that the the water itself. Uh another thing that we'll be undertaking this coming year uh that you'll be hearing about is a water meter replacement program and gas meters. Slow and no running meters uh contribute to this are under billing. That may not be a major factor, but all of these factors together could combine to cause this issue and we'll figure it out. Uh on the expenditure side, which uh is really the the main side, we're not going to overexpend our budgets. We are well within our uh budgeted amounts there. in the uh recreation department. Uh we're still seeing a very slight increase in some of our revenues. Um we are seeing a larger increase in our expenditures mainly for staffing. We have expanded hours and uh expanded days. That's going to be a factor which we're considering for next year's budget. Uh but you know this is the financial side. I know that uh within our office I I hear nothing but good things about that. We have several people that go to the recreation center and love the expanded times. But that is one uh one number that that sticks out here on this report. in the largest tax fund. Uh for the last couple of years, we've undertaken the initiative of trying to spend down our cash balances because of the state statute that says if you're hel if you

hold them for more than two years, you have to turn them into the state. We are at the uh optimum level now where it looks like we're going to start the year in in the largest tax fund with one year of reserves and operate within a reasonable range of the current year revenues. So that's going to be our target from now on is to have about a year in reserve to start and finish the year and and we will meet that goal this year in the uh cannabis fund. We haven't had much activity there. The activity comes from earlier in the year when the governing body authorized uh some equipment for the parks department. Since then, we haven't spent u much funding there at all. We did receive uh an influx of money there that had not been anticipated that will remain in our cash balance uh for future initiatives. We don't have any plans on spending that this year. And the opioid fund much the same. our uh our actuals are higher than anticipated and these types of funds will be the kind of funds that will be in our overall consideration for long-term planning and uh there's there's no uh plan for these funds yet. that may be something for the uh overall plan whether it includes financing, loans, sale of bonds, anything like that. Um we can use this money in in just about any way. I think it is it has been with the intent of the legislation, especially in law enforcement.

In our FEMA fund, uh we haven't seen any more expenditures. Uh there there's been some small ones, nothing to be uh really concerned about. And in the in the very last page, we have moved some money to reimburse the state for the construction of the water treatment plant. That's going to continue as they continue. You'll hear more about that later on in the agenda, but those are the highlights and small concerns that we will be addressing and are not definitely not major concerns, but I wanted to explain those as you see them as raw numbers. They would be concerning. That concludes the finance report. Mr. Mayor,

uh, Mr. Mr. Madrid, just one question on the overall uh and I know things have fluctuated a bit from when we first started, but uh investments in general. Uh I know you and I had had some conversations about other uh methods or just depending on on rates. Uh where are we on that or

well we haven't uh we updated our policy somewhat last year and right now we haven't made any changes because the banks local rates are within onetenth of 1% of the uh overnight investment fund with the state treasurer. So that's something that I'll be taking to the finance committee as uh as we have new appointees for their consideration and it would be good to develop a policy and and balance between the two. We won't have 98 million forever but we do need to direct our resources to maximize our our money. Absolutely.

Thank you councilors questions. Mayor Councilman Martinez. Yes. No, I just wanted to kind of get an an idea when we're going to have uh the very next uh finance committee. Our projected day is a week from tomorrow. Week from tomorrow. Okay. Yeah. So, I'm I'm hoping we can arrange to have everyone there that day and we plan on providing a lot of information and it may be a long meeting, but it'll be very informative. I have four more members for you for next week to get approved. So, good. We'll make more copies. All right. councils. Thank you, Mr. Madrid. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mad.

Mayor, moving on to our next item, approval of minutes for April 15, 2026. Measure of the council. Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve the minutes for April 15th. Motion by councelor Casey. Do I have a second? Second by councelor Pacheco. All in favor? I. Those opposed, same sign. The eyes have it. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Moving on to our presentations. not to exceed 10 to 15 minutes. We have a presentation by Plexos giving an update on the water treatment plant.

Mr. Manager, if you want to, you know, I know this is all uh great news for the community. I great news that we'll all be hearing here today. I had an opportunity to get a little bit of uh update on this uh last week, but Mr. Manager, go ahead.

Um Mayor and Council, there's a very succinct presentation in front of you. Uh we're excited to have our our guests here from uh the state of New Mexico uh as well as Buris McDonald. And I'm going to let uh Mr. Freeman do the honors, but it's good to see uh Andreas, um Casey, and Nicole here with us. We've had the opportunity as well as have uh some of the council to meet these individuals that have been working on the project. So, I'm excited about hearing the presentation and I'll defer to the presentation, the mayor and council and may have some comments at the end. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And, uh, you know, to the council, I know, you know, we have a 10-minute time limit, but I think this is something important. If we go beyond that, then so be it. So,

right. Thank you. Okay. Mr. Freeman, if you would introduce those our guests for us and then move into the presentation, I'd appreciate it. How are y'all doing? I'm Chad Freeman, project director with Plexos. And we have some very smart engineers here with us today. Um, go ahead, Nicole. Hi everyone. Um, my name is Nicole Rachelson. I'm with Burns McDonald and I am the design manager for the new water treatment plant project. And I am Casey Campo. I am the process engineer on the water treatment plant project. And Elgado with the environment department.

All right. Thank you for having us here. Thank you um Robert for setting this up. So what we want to do tonight is we're going to go I think everybody has a copy of the presentation, right? So I think the most important part of this is probably going to be the Q&A section. So, briefly, we'll go over where we are with the project and at the end, if everybody kind of hold their questions for the engineers here, uh, we'll try to answer those to the best of our ability. Um, so the purpose and the big picture, we're here today because of the catastrophic events that that happened which has caused a need for a new water treatment plant. Um, we have looked at a interim solution which is a temporary gak system that we're currently working and putting out and we also have the new water treatment plant that is currently in the process of being engineered. Um, what's that do for us? It's the temporary gak system is essentially um going to provide a finishing touch for your current water quality, but it also has a dual purpose in that once the treatment plant is completed, we will be able to take that system that you're going to use for the next year and a half and put it in the new water treatment plant, which will then double your capacity for future growth. growth. So, this right here on the screen, if you take a look, this is a kind of an overview of the temporary gak system that we're working on. Um, as you can see, we have the location laid out here. It is a pretty sizable building. It's a 50x 55 building. It's going to have four large tanks inside of the building that is basically like a huge filter system,

filtration system. Um, we are currently at the 50% design phase. We've moved on to 60%. We should have that done within the next few weeks. We've gone through some early procurements. We've already procured the vessels. The vessels are being fabricated right now in Indiana. Um, we also have a local general contractor that we're working with to do the installation and all the earth work at the site. We currently anticipate that we should be breaking ground sometime late in July or early August and the vessels themselves should arrive on site around August 15th of this year. If you look at these slides here, this gives you a better visual of what your temporary gak system in the building is going to look like. Uh we chose this system one because it does pair great with what Burns and Mack has been doing. It's a part of their process train. Also, it it's a proven technology. It's not something new. It's been around for years and it's been um proven over time. Uh it's a fairly simple system to operate and once again we can take this system once the new plant has been built and integrate it with the new plant whenever you need to double your capacity.

Now we're going to talk about the thing that everybody wants to talk about which is the new water treatment plan itself. So Nicole. All right. Thanks Tad and thank you to everyone here again for having us. um to speak with you today. So, we're here today to give you just a high level overview of where we're at with the new Las Vegas water treatment plant. So, the location for the new Go back. You want to go back?

That's okay. So, the location of the new water treatment plant is adjacent to where your existing water treatment facility is. So in the figure here on the right, you can see in the lower lefthand corner the existing pre-treatment facility and then the city's remaining water infrastructure is to the upper left of this figure. Um this is generally what we think the overall new site is going to look like moving forward. We're currently moving toward 60% design. So at this phase of the project, our treatment approach has been established and we have conceptually designed both the interior layout and the overall site layout um for the new water treatment plant. As we move closer to 60% design, really what we're focusing on now is refining the process details so that we can finalize our building in sights. So, the new water treatment plant is going to be a surface water treatment plant designed to treat 3.6 million gallons per day of water or NG. As you know, um, one of the major drivers for this new treatment facility is to address the post-w wildfire impacts to water quality, which can include increases in things in the raw water like sediments and organics and even the variability of the water quality itself on a dayto-day basis or a month-to-month basis. So when we were selecting a treatment process, what we really focused on were one, we wanted to have a treatment process that addresses these water quality challenges and we also wanted to select something that may be somewhat familiar and also simple to operate and maintain for city staff. So the treatment process that's in front

of you uh begins with raw water intake and rapid mix followed by a process called fauculation and sedimentation. And this is where we're removing some of those suspended particles in the water. That's followed by filtration where we're filtering the water to remove smaller particles and microorganisms. Now, the addition of GAC or granular activated carbon, as Chad mentioned before, is notable here. And the reason for that is because the granular activated carbon allows us to remove additional organics from the water. And this is important because the the organics can lead to formation of disinfection byproducts. So, when we're removing additional organics, we're reducing that formation potential. Once we get through GAC, we're on to the clear well for final disinfection. um and then distribution to the community. So what's happening now? We are as I mentioned moving toward design. So our team right now is really focusing on refining those conceptual designs that were developed for 30%. We're also beginning work on early procurement packages for the additional granular activated carbon systems that we're going to be installing in the new treatment plant. We're continuing geotechnical site investigations to help us refine our building foundation designs and we're continuing regulatory coordination as well. We're also refining our cost estimating by going through some value engineering exercises and that is the extent of our activities. So this phase is important because the all of the work happening now allows us to increase the accuracy of our cost estimating. We're reducing overall project risk and we're also supporting the permitting process so that we can make the review and approval process um streamline.

So budget and cost control, that's what Nicole was just discussing here is the work that we're doing now with the val value engineering is going to help us develop a a better budget for the city and the state. So right now we're currently in that phase and I think the 60% is going to be out in August August 4th.

August 4th. So once we get the 60% we're going to have a good number, a much better number to present to Robert and the team here so that they know what the plant is going to look like. Um right now what we see driving the cost is mainly materials, site conditions, and some of the complexity that has to do with the site that we're working with. Um we are taking measures right now. We're looking at the possibility for early procurements to see if we can get better pricing if we purchase early and have manufacturers hold the material till we need it. So, we are going through all of those exercises. I'm thinking that if if we stay on schedule about the fourth quarter of this year, we should have some really good numbers on what the equipment that goes inside the building cost. Um the cost is being managed right now. We are following the state's procurement process for all work that's being done. Um we are looking at contractors that are already pre-approved on either your list, your procurement list or the state's list like using the GSD. Um when it comes to the construction and and the procurement for the equipment, we're going to follow the state's procurement process, right? We're in the process now. I think you're assembling four or five packages and we're using the states div packages to put together for those procurements. So every part of this process going forward is going to be competitively bid so that we get the best price and the best value for the community.

So just quick question on that uh on procurements. Are you guys using GSD through the state general services department?

Yes, we have for one contract. Okay. And so any any work that we've done, even going back to like med last year, we would look at the GSD list and we did send out, I believe your team sent out a lot of um letters of interest to see if there were local contractors that want to bid and participate. We invite people to participate and bid on these projects. And as we get closer to releasing these packages, Robert, you're going to be your team will be the first ones to know. So if there's any kind of public announcements or anything we want to do in advance to alert the public and local businesses that we're about to release packages, we're more than happy to help you do that. Um

I I want to step in real quick. I just want to clarify. Um when he says GST, we're talking about the statewide price agreement. Um, so as you all know, there's vendors that are selected and are on this pre-approved list that we're able to use. Um, and to clarify, we're only using that for the components of GAK. Um, moving forward in the new water treatment plant and the actual construction of the new water treatment plant will be through an RFP process. So the next steps that we have right now is to get to the 60% right and that will be done and hopefully around August 4th. We maybe a little bit early I don't know I keep putting pressure but um that is our our current target and that is a pivotal point in in this program because we will have enough information and enough details to really kind of hone in on the schedule and the cost for the rest of the program. So, with that being said, um does anyone have any questions?

Couple things before, uh we go to questions I wanted to uh do is um uh I'd like to give Miss Casey Compost a chance to to make some comments about some of the work that she's been involved in. And then I also want to give um Mr. Martinez the opportunity to make some additional comments as well as uh Andres um intentional and on purpose. Uh we've come to the meet with these folks in front of me, these professional people on a regular weekly basis. And I just want to state on the record that uh just about every single director, not everyone, but almost every director has had some role and input in this process. um specifically Chief Caleb, uh specifically Mr. Lucas Marcus, and obviously Travis Martinez, um uh Jimmy C, the finance director, and others. Um, so I wanted to note that on the record and give uh each of them an opportunity if they'd like to make some brief comments that we've truly had a process that's been engaged as the mayor and council desired with uh input and um discussion and feedback uh that's been back and forth on a continuous basis. Um, so if you would, and I know I'm putting you on the spot a little, but I I uh I think you you've added a lot of value along with Nicole, your work and your team, but uh I'd like to give you an opportunity to say a few remarks and then Travis and a couple of the other leadership from from the team that have been involved in this process and you as well, Andress.

Thank you. Um so my involvement as the process engineer has mainly been tailored specifically to the type of treatment that will be implemented at the new facility. Um as part of that one of the first processes we did when we were brought on board was to get with the city staff understand what they like about their current processes what opportunities where they could see improvement. We evaluated different treatment technologies that we think could work for your water. But then we really sat down with the operations staff, understood their day-to-day and um kind of how they would like to operate the new facility and in that collaborative process was part of how we landed on the GAC particularly with its similar operation to their current filters and just making sure that that facility is something that they like operating are proud to be involved in in the future. Um, I've had a lot of involvement with the city, understanding raw water quality, what it was like pre-fire, how the fire has impacted it, how that's going to implement treatment. Um, I've had the pleasure of being on site at the recent at the current water treatment plant a few times to do some water quality testing. Um, the city has been so hospitable for me and my team when we come down here to do that. Um, so coordinating with the city, understanding how their preferences are going to impact the treatment of this new plant has been essential and it's just been a a wonderful experience so far.

Mr. Doro,

thank you, Mr. Manager. Um, I I just wanted to kind of pay it back off, Casey. I think it's been a really great relationship that um, the city and the state has formed over the past couple months and all of the stakeholders involved. um Plexos, Burns, and McDonald's. I think it's been really productive and I think we're on the right path uh going forward. Um and I'm just really excited for the future engagement. Um you know, at the beginning of the meeting hearing the finance director talk, I think it's important that we need to continue to educate um the the city and uh all of the residents and and just ensure that you know the water we've done great work to the water already. I think that's very important to to touch on and then uh it's only going to continue to get better in the new water treatment plant. But uh just very uh excited about the relationship that we have formed and I think we're off to a great start. If

somebody could hand Mr. Martinez uh one of those microphones. Uh Mr. Martinez, if you would speak to the the constant engagement that's happened through meetings uh not only structured with uh staff from myself and others, but but just the direct staff that that you've had engagement with. And again, I know you've spoken to it before. if you could also speak to the visit uh that uh you and your team have taken uh you on a couple occasions your team in particular most recently and about um how that new facility is going to function and improve uh water quality and delivery in the city of Las Vegas. Mayor Council, um, to speak to that, it's been it's been an awesome thing and to see the the plant and the meetings and all the chemistry and everything that's coming together with the new facility. Um, being able to go to Colorado twice, especially with staff and actually kind of them get the way that the operation is going to be has opened the staff size more. And to throw in a little thing there, uh, one of my staff members made a comment when we got back. He said that he was going to be able to run the plant by himself once ours is done. So, that's the confidence that these guys have now. And working with uh Burns McDonald and everything. And to where we're at now on the design is it's it's very uh complex in the way it is, but it's also complex in how it's affects our other departments. Like I've said before, it's a it's a big revolving uh circle of life at utilities. So working with them and getting to understand the distribution even more and the impacts it's going to take on wastewater and the time and effort that these guys are putting into it, I believe that we're going to it's going to come to fruition on the complexity and everything that we have for our water chemistry.

If we go to Mr. Madrid, then uh Mr. Marquez squared over there. Mr. Marquez and Mr. Marquez, and then we'll stand for questions. Mayor and councelor,

excuse me, mayor and councel, our uh involvement in the project has been more external. We are uh our concerns are mainly compliance and cash management and uh all the interaction that we've had with both Plexus and uh the environment department have been open, collaborative, cooperative and uh I I can't compliment the group any more than that. uh we we use criteria in our department reasonable and necessary and that's what we've tried to keep in in this project and that's the way it's been and we appreciate that.

Chief Caleb,

thank you. Yeah. No, it's just been a it's been a great experience working with the team and I know at first when I heard we're meeting weekly and it's like that's kind of excessive, but no, there's a lot of information that that is moving on a weekly basis and decisions that are made in that room and you know, working with the team has been an awesome experience, especially on a project this big and what it's bringing to this community and what it's going to do for the future of Las Vegas. It's been a a good uh experience to be a part of for sure. Uh, mayor, councel, um, I I what I appreciate out of all the meetings we've been having every week is is the transparency and also all the expertise in the room. Even though that I mean they they know their jobs very well, they haven't been uh overbearing on us. They take they listen to our ideas. Uh, they they take that into consideration. They know that we're a unique uh uh community. Um, and just seeing it come to life is just it's just that's impressive. And I really appreciate their their their assistance and trying to get us to the point where we're going to be um pretty much water uh in depend independent um we're lucky. We're very lucky. So I appreciate Plexos and thank you city manager. U Mr. Mayor, everything that needs to be said thus far has been said. I'm going to exercise a little bit of personal privilege and bias and say one of the things that council uh woman Casey says on a constant basis to us on a uh is about engagement of professional women in a process. And if you look at the back page of the document in front of you, you'll find uh nothing less than the most professional proficient women and men in a process and function. But it driven primarily by professional women. And I say that as a girl dad. So, mayor and council, we stand for uh questions.

Second that, Robert. Okay. Councilors, any questions?

Mr. Mayor, I I guess I'll start. I You know, it's it's so nice to see this design come this far. Number one, and the general public of our community is they want to see some action. They want to see some groundbreaking. They want to see, you know, for the longest time, even after the fire, this has just been almost a thought of thing. Now it's can be and will be reality. But, uh, our community just waiting to see that first step take take place and and and know that the water quality that we have coming down to our faucet every single day is good, clean, pure, exactly what we need to make sure that we have healthy, you know, a healthy community, of course. But uh I'm I'm happy and impressed and I you know I got the opportunity to meet you guys out there at Castle Rock in Denver and you know I I'm not very familiar with with uh this gentleman here but I also know that you're part of getting this taken care of. all these facets and all these uh components make the team stronger and we're we're just doing the right things at the right time. But we're waiting, you know, the the the public's waiting. They're waiting so that they can see something rather than have to ask us when. You know, here we are today. Yesterday we went into a stage one water conservation uh uh situation where we want to make sure that we have continued water. You know, what come what comes down the river is important for us. But of course, we need monsoon rains and all the other stuff that uh that come come along with it. But I'm impressed. I'm happy that uh all this team is working together and I appreciate all of your hard work. Thank

you.

Thank you, Councelor Casey. I'm I'm very happy with the progress that we have made and I want to thank you all who have been working so diligently in moving things forward. Um it to those of us who live here and hear people and see people every single day all day long um I'm very happy that I can say this is how far we've come. this is what we plan, you know, by August 4th. This is what's going to be happening and be able to say, you know, that you have been here to talk to us in person. We're not u making things up. And so, uh, I'm I'm very very pleased with the progress that we have made and, um, I'm just, um, excited and happy for our community because I think it will make a huge difference in all aspects of everything that we do in Las Vegas. So, thank you so much all of you, uh, fromos and the state and our own employees. Um, kudos to all of you for the work that you have done this far. Looking forward to the end. I can hardly wait.

Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Pacheco. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you all for the uh presentation. I'll just echo what uh our city manager said. I'm a girl that as well. So, nice to see uh a lot of professional women on this on this team. Um, one question I do have or I have a few. So, um, but, uh, what is our our timeline to a a uh permanent solution and are we on schedule uh, in terms of where we're at right now?

Yes, we're on schedule. So, um, we have a schedule. I don't know if it's been published. We can publish it, but as as far as the solution, we have it right. So, we we have the solution. That was a part of getting to the 30%. And this was a critical stage, right? So at this point, we have the concept. We actually have the buildings on paper. We're doing some value engineering right now, but we we have that solution. We don't see anything changing in the process. Um so we are on track right now. Okay. So the the permanent solution, our permanent water plant, the construction.

Yeah. What is our and and forgive me if this has been uh provided or discussed before, but I'm newer to the council. I just started in January. Okay. Uh how far is that five years away? Is it three years away? What's our estimation? Well, you put me on the spot. That's what I do.

So, all right. It our our current plan, we're we're on schedule with the engineering. We're going to go out for an RFP. I think that's going to happen probably at the end of first quarter 2027 or the second quarter. By mid by mid- quarter 2027, we should be on the streets with an RFP. We'll go through the RFP process. You're probably looking at sometime commissioning turned over, the old plant turned off around 2030. 2030.

Yeah. But the the the important thing to keep in mind while we're while we're building the plant, you're going to have that secondary gak with your existing plant. So your water quality is going to be great, right? And on the on the gak system, because I realize that's the temporary solution and that we do need it obviously with with the flooding and the fires. Uh what is the cost of that temporary system? So the temporary system we're still pulling all that together. Remember we're still at the 50% with with the design. So well estimated cost I guess I should say

with equipment and construction you're probably 3 to four million is what we're looking at.

And and is uh that cost would that be uh female female reimburseable funds primarily or would that be local or other revenue? Um, Mayor, Councilman Pacheco, um, based on work from the mayor and governing board and and, uh, Senator Luhan and others, we were able to garner uh 140 million of which 98 million has been provided from uh, the federal government. That's the primary source of re uh funding for the project and we've requested the balance of the 40 million uh from FEMA and we're awaiting that dispersement. Uh so those are the primary resources utilized for the uh permanent solution. Uh what I will what I will say is uh we also were successful and the mayor and council approved the agreement uh between the state of New Mexico uh and and the city uh for a $3.5 million al allocation of money. So, we're uh looking at that as as a potential resource for the temporary uh facility to augment that so that we leave as whole uh as much as possible that $140 million allocation of which we we have 98 million in the bank. Uh did I articulate that correct, Mr. Madrid?

Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you. That that uh clarifies a lot for me. So, uh, one other since we did touch on it a bit there, uh, Mr. Madrid, uh, and it and it kind of had my wheels turning. This new plant with an operation, would there be, uh, what's the the projection for rateayer cost? Does that cost our citizens any more or any less uh, for our water service as a city? Do we do do we have an idea at this point?

No, we won't. uh we won't have an an accurate way to determine that until we get uh into the projected staffing and maintenance and you know we anticipate and we hope that it'll be less but at this point we just don't know. And if I could uh mayor uh councilman uh it's an excellent question and one of the things the mayor and the council did with caution was with that inter uh governmental agreement that we put in place with the state of New Mexico and with all our discussions and deliberations uh we've always had in mind and the team has had in mind that uh assuring that we don't overbuild the facility beyond our capacities or or or overbuild it in a way where we have to have uh too many uh employees to run it and we can't manage it and and nobody knows more about that particular piece than you, mayor. if you wanted to chime in on that one piece uh with the caution

I think and I know you know I've asked this you know as we've had the many discussions is that you know the pri the prior uh uh design for the treatment plant prior to you know the June 2024 event you know was something that was outrageous that I mean we already you know spend quite a bit on a contractor uh for basically operating our a level four operator at the plant so I mean we didn't want to make you know we didn't want as you know, as it's built, you know, is have that additional cost or even uh additional cost beyond what we have now. So, I know uh I know that's one of the questions that I've been asking along the way, and it's been on their uh on their radar, and they're aware of our concerns because we can't even hire a local level four, much less if we need three or four of them. So, that's been something that's uh on their radar. And I don't know, Travis, you want to kind of touch up on that? Um, mayor, uh, Councilman Benito, to your, uh, point, uh, working with, uh, Burns and McDonald, when we first sat down and I talked with Robert on the water treatment facility, we asked that we make this plant more efficient. So, just to put it, uh, some food in food for thought, the way we have our clarifier system now, we have 12 motors that that run the first step. With this new facility, there's only going to be three. moving to the next train. The the filter beds, they're going to make it more efficient than what they are now. The only added thing that they are putting to our facility basically right now is the Gak system and the gak is due to TOC and stuff like that. So, as far as operation goes, they have made the the process train more efficient, less moving parts. So, you know, we won't get there, like Morris said, till we actually get the plant and stuff, but as I foresee it, it'll be more efficient than what we have right now. Thank you. Thank you all for the information. I'm just going to I'm just going to put this out there on the record. I know this isn't usually what you hear from government, but uh it would be sure great if we could make it

a goal to actually reduce water rates in the city of Las Vegas with improved service. So, that might be wishful thinking, but I I'd love to see that. That's all I have. Thank you all for your time. I appreciate it. Thank you, Councilman Liari.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I did tour through your plant some months ago. I really liked it. It's something really special to our community. We've been talking about water for the past 70 years, 60 years, and we finally got through. We're working on it. It's a nice plant and people in town are going to be so happy about this because we're talking about wall water quality. The support that we have and the thing is that people always asking that how about our water? Can we drink it? Say that I drink I've been drinking this water for the past 70 years and you guys came along. Our staff's done a great job. want to thank the staff and you guys for jumping in and helping us do what we have to do and it's going to be a real big benefit for our community. Thank you guys.

And I just want to make a comment first off. Thank you guys for all your work, but I do want to clarify, you know, uh to make sure that there's an understanding for those that are viewing out in the community. Uh, Councilman Martinez brought up uh, uh, level one water uh, uh, restrictions and I want to, you know, clarify again, and I know we haven't talked about it in quite a few years. Uh, I know people could see Story Lake Fool. Uh, they see Mallister Lake Fool. Uh, but the reality is is that we have no more uh, shade cover in the mountains. We didn't get no snowfall. So, we're being very restrictive on our on our water uh, use because we still have our 800 acre feet of water at Story Lake. Am I correct? Our reservoirs are almost at capacity. Uh we're just being cautious because if we don't get no rain through the summer, uh that's the reason for that. It has nothing to do with our water quality. It has nothing to do with the water uh treatment plant. So, I just wanted to clear that up so there's no confusion because I have had those comments. Well, why are we I thought, you know, the the water treatment plants coming along. Two separate issues. And this is my biggest fight with FEMA and I know we continue to fight with them is that we have no more shade cover. even if we had snowpack, the snowpack is not lasting as long as it would have uh previously. So that's one of our biggest fights and uh you know now we have to be more reliant on just runoff uh unfortunately uh because the snowpack isn't up there. To me this the snow pack in the in the you know up in the wershed has always been an additional reservoir to us that sometimes uh would last us till August. Am I correct Travis? And now you know we're we're in May, April, May and sometimes that snowpack is already melting. So, I just wanted to bring that to the attention of the community and any of those people watching that we're taking precautionary measures. All the water in Mallister does not belong to the city of Las Vegas. All the water at Story Lake does not belong to the city of Las Vegas. So, we're just being cautious with the uh with with the amount of water we have uh because if it continues to, you know, have uh continue

to have drought uh uh drought the way we have and no moisture, you know, we've got we got to be cautious that it'll last us till hopefully the winter. So, I just wanted to make those comments. Mr. Manager. Um Mr. Mayor, I I think I I want to ask one question uh of Nicole and and Casey. where however you pre prefer to answer it,

but there was a lot of uh a lot of scrutiny that happened uh a year ago uh here in the community and I think probably there'll be questions immediately if not tomorrow about 2030 2029 uh you know wow why uh could you speak on the record to the magnitude of this type of pro project and the experience and that you have both of you in um conveying this type of project and getting it built to completion and maybe provide a little more information so that the public can um understand more of the complexity and then just the time it takes to get it done and maybe even Chad if you want to add a few comments about that we haven't had any gaps in work at all associated with this process. Uh so if you would Nicole it would I think it would be helpful for the for the community to hear more about that part of the equation.

Yeah absolutely. So, I think it's helpful to understand in the grand scheme of things that a typical water treatment facility from day one when a community decides, okay, we're going to hire an engine, we're going to figure out what treatment process we need and we're going to start designing to when the keys are turned over and you have an a fully operational treatment plant. Typical timeline is about five to six years.

And the reason for that is often times an engineer will have to come in study the water quality. It take it can take six to 12 months to have a have a good enough understanding of the existing conditions to get to a well selected treatment process. And that early study time is so important because um as we mentioned before, as Casey mentioned before, it's not just understanding the water quality, but it's also understanding the community, the resources available, the operators that are there, um kind of what their pain points are, what they want. Um and all of that information goes into selecting the treatment process and that's a big undertaking but once we have the treatment process selected we have to design an entire facility and it's really complex facility. So it's not just us designing the treatment processes even. It's the structural design of the buildings. It's the electrical design of all the power that will power the equipment. It's the HVAC. It's the plumbing. It's the admin facilities. Um it's the civil design of the site. And typical design time for a water treatment facility is about two years. Um we're doing it in less than that uh because we know it's very important to you guys. and we're we have an amazing team that's all working together to do a faster design than we would normally do. Um once you have a design, you have to bring on a contractor. Um which takes a little bit of time as well to put out to RFP. There's some months there to make a selection, get under contract with the the newly selected contractor and for them to mobilize. Typical construction time for a water treatment facility of this size is about 2 years. And then typical startup commissioning um training time for the current operators is typically another six months. So um all of those

phases are complex and take time and take a big team um all working together. So that's kind of why you're seeing we we got involved at the end of 2025. SR team was brought on board in October of 2025 and we're looking at early 2030 to hopefully hand over the keys. So just under five years, which hopefully you guys are very excited about. I know we are. So does that help?

And there haven't been any gaps whatsoever. And and to go along with what you're saying, they have to have time to design it, which once it's designed, then you know the equipment that you have to buy. And the biggest thing I would say is probably the electrical like the switch gear that's typically a year lead time right there. So you have to have the design before you can even order some of the equipment. So there's a lot of factors that kind of stretch this out. But we I feel we've done a great job. And when I say we, I include everybody in this room, the entire city. Um the staff here is wonderful. The collaboration is the biggest part of how and why we're going to have this done in not six years but sooner.

Thank you, Mayor.

Mr. Manager, you kind of took uh one of my question my not my question but kind of a comment. Uh May 29th, 2025 was the uh a very uh day that I I know I'll always remember uh cuz I was the one that was probably put on on blast there a little bit. But I I do want to say that I had an opportunity Saturday to meet uh to talk to the governor and ask her how she was. I know she's gave a deadline uh basically probably to you guys of uh December 31st, 2026. But I will say, you know, in in conversation with her on Saturday is that uh we're all uh she's happy with the progress that has been made. Of course, us as elected officials were we always want things done tomorrow, right? But I think she understands that uh the complexity now uh you know what uh has uh you know what hurdles we've had to overcome uh the complexity from the fires. But I will say you know in conversation with her Saturday, she's we're on uh on good pages with the governor. I I'll say that on the record. Thank you.

I'm sorry. I I think she did a terrible disservice to Las Vegas by telling people at a public meeting that the water treatment facility could be done in 6 months to a year because that was totally unrealistic. And uh I think we all understood that it wasn't going to happen that fast, but people heard her say that. And when the governor speaks, she's the leader in the state, you know, then why is Las Vegas dragging their feet? We're not dragging our feet. We're doing what we're supposed to be doing, doing it right to make sure that the power uh that the uh water plant that we have is top quality. They'll provide service to the people for many, many years. So that said, uh I think we're I'm I'm happy with the dates. I think those are realistic and I know that you will all work together to get us there um in time. Thank you so much.

So I guess with that uh the mayor's happy, the council's happy, and the governor's happy, and we're all on the same page with the state. So I'll end it at that. Thank you. Thank you so much. That's a win. Yes. Thank you. Great information. Thank you guys. Nice meeting you ladies. Absolutely. Thank you.

Yeah. No kidding. Smart. Mayor, moving on to our next item, our consent agenda. If you'd like, I can read those into the record. Yes, please.

Consent agenda item one. request approval of addendum number one to contract 421725 with JJ and Sun Excavation to provide professional concrete services for the city of Las Vegas. Item two, request approval of addendum number two to contract 409324 with Parson's Lawn and Landscaping Incorporated for lawn and ground maintenance. Item three, request approval of addendum number three to contract 397223 with Arthur Regional Landfill Incorporated for solid waste tipping fees. And item number four, request approval of resolution number 2612, a resolution creating the utilities and public works advisory committee. Mr. Mayor, Mr. Casey,

Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve the consent agenda as it was read into the record. Have a motion by councelor Casey, second by Councilman Levari. Roll call. Councelor Pacheco. Yes. Councelor Levi. Yes. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. I have a motion by councelor Casey, a second by councelor Lei. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Moving on to our business items. Request approval of resolution 2618 related to acceptance of fiscal year 2025 audit report by the firm of Patio Brown and Hill LLP certified public accountants. We have our finance director, Mr. Morris Madrid.

Good news, Mr. Madrid. Mayor and councel, uh, at this time I would like to, uh, turn it over to Fernando, who will be presenting on behalf of Patilla, Brown, and Hill, if he is connected. Are you hearing everybody? Can you guys hear me? Uh, go ahead. Do you guys hear me? I can't hear you just barely. Hold on. Let me see if I can Okay. Does it sound better? Let me turn it up.

Yes. Just speak louder. Ronaldo, do you mind speaking louder or maybe getting closer to the mic? I'm pretty close at the moment. I'm not sure if you guys can turn it up on your side.

What was that? Is there a mic? Is it Mr. Adele? Is there a computer that it's connected to that maybe we could put the speaker the mic on the speaker? Maybe.

Okay. Uh Fernando, do you have a laptop that maybe you have it closed that have it open at the moment. Should I try Do you guys want me to try leaving the meeting and joining back in? See if that helps. Just up the volume on his mic.

Give us a few minutes. Okay. Not getting one. Yeah,

that's what bothers me because it depends how you read them, you know. condition. Then it says the city has not made personal control. I think this one right.

Is that special training? Can we can we try it again or Muhammad sent an email to him on instructions on how to call in and do his audio through the phone.

Okay. Through here. Uh, no. Through through Zoom, he can call into Zoom.

Okay. All right. You know doesn't save you twice. Never know. Yeah. Thank you. line that we table this and we go through the rest of the agenda. Would that be fair?

Sure. That's your discretion, Mr. Mayor. Okay. Are you guys okay with that? So, I'm fine with that. Okay. So, uh I get a motion to table uh until temporarily temporarily until the audio situation is resolved. Motion to table by Councilman PCO, second by councelor Martinez. Uh roll call. Councelor Casey. Yes. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor Bacho? Yes. Councelor Lei? Yes. Have a motion by councelor Pacheco, a second by councelor Martinez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Moving on to our second item. We'll probably go through the same thing on that. Can I get a motion to table? Yeah.

Motion to table. Next agenda item until audio. Uh audio by council. Do I have a second? Second by council Martinez. Roll call. Councelor Lee. Yes. Councelor Pekco. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Have a motion by councelor PCO, a second by councelor Martinez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Miss Adele, as soon as we get him online, just uh we'll go through the agenda and then as soon as we get him up there. All right. Uh

moving on to item number three, request approval of the city of Las Vegas Lodgers Tax Board's recommendation for funding the 2026 Father's Day concert in the amount of 26,46729. We have our community development director, Mr. Lucas Marcus. So, uh, counselors, I know we get memos with more detail and I know there's additional, uh, packet information. Uh, and I know, uh, typically we would just have the the directors just give, uh, you know, an update on, you know, what the request is for, but I don't know if we need to do that or we could just if you guys have questions based off of that, we just go get to the questions right away if that's fair. So, I think there's enough. Sounds good to me. Okay. So, are there any questions pertaining to this item? Mr. Mayor,

Councilman Martinez, as a member of the governing body, I am disclosing that some of the items discussed by the lodgers tax committee may or not may or may not reflect on my brother's radio station. I just wanted to disclose that first. Okay. So, as we go through the process, so I just wanted to make sure that uh the public knew. Thank you. Thank you. Any questions? What's the pleasure of the council? I I just have one question. Do we know uh what the average attendance is uh at past events in between 700 and a,000 right

for Mother's Day, Father's Day. That's correct. This last Friday for the Friday al Fresco, we had 300. But this one is specific to the Father's Day. Father's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day plus 700 to a,000. Correct. Pleasure of the council. Mr. Mayor, I move approval of the funding for the 2026 Father's Day concert in the amount of 26,467 29. By councelor Casey, do I have a second? Second. Second by Councilman Pacheco. Uh, roll call. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor Pacheco. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. Councelor Levari. Yes.

Have a motion by Councelor Casey, a second by Councelor Pacheco. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Moving on to our next item. Request approval of the city of Las Vegas Lodgers Tax Board's recommendation for funding the New Mexico District 4 Little League tournament hosted by La Plaza Little League in the amount of $8,000. Um, okay. Council, uh, any questions this item? Mayor, Councilman Martinez, I'll go ahead and move to approve the uh city of Las Vegas lodgers tax recommendation for funding the New Mexico District 4 little league tournament hosted by La Plaza League Little League in the amount of 8,000. Have a motion by Council Martinez. Second by Councilman Levari. Roll call. Councelor Casey. Yes. Councelor Levari. Yes. Councelor Martinez. Yes.

Councelor Bacho. Yes. Have a motion by councelor Martinez. A second by councelor Levari. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. And I'll go ahead and uh Mr. Aita, welcome. Mr. Grigo, welcome. I don't know if you want to say a few comments. My my only stipulation on the funds is that La Plaza better with the tournament.

We can't really promise that. We can promise a fair honest tournament. Uh we're I know the uh question brought up before was attendance and for this particular event, we're estimating about 2,500 people to come to this event. It's nine leagues throughout all northeastern New Mexico. Uh each representing about 11 leagues or 11 teams a piece. So a lot of people coming into town, a lot of heads and beds and perfect for this uh type of funding. But beyond that, I'll go and hand it to the actual president of the plaza.

Um I don't really have much. I mean, thank you guys. I think it's an honor to bring the tournament back to Las Vegas. It's been several years since it's been here. Um, so to have it coming back, I think that's a good accomplishment. And, um, bring a lot of value to the city as a whole. Um, just the KOAs, the hotel rooms, the restaurants, kind of all that. And just to have something for our kids to honor and be like, hey, represent that they get to be home homefield advantage. So, that's one thing we can guarantee is that they'll have homefield advantage here in Las Vegas. So, thank you guys. Thank you. Cassandra,

moving on to our next item. Request approval of the city of Las Vegas Lodgers Tax Board's recommendation for funding the Emmy Arte Flamnco hosted by Meadow City Academy of Music in the amount of $5,500. Counselors, uh, any questions on this item?

Mr. Mayor, council members, I appreciate the opportunity to be here once again. I uh just to give you a little background, I I had applied to do this Flamingco show last fall and the funds were approved and shortly after that we found out that Ilfeld Auditorium was closing for renovations. So, we tried to reschedule the show for last October at the Plaza Hotel and you know this show involves about 12 people altogether per you musicians, dancers, um myself and a few other people that need to be there to um oversee all the arrangements. So the um the good news is that we are everybody is available. Our new date is Tuesday evening, June 16th at the Plaza Hotel. Um, we have the venue, we have the um the Flamco troop, and I I I want to point out that since I'm a personal friend of the the head of the Flamco company, they're going out of their way to give us a great show. And probably, you know, anywhere else people would probably pay $10,000 for a show like this. So they're, you know, they're they're giving us a great deal and they're very excited to come back to Vegas. We've had them here twice before. Um, so unless anybody has any questions, I think I submitted a pretty detailed

document with, you know, all the expenses and um, the Plaza Hotel is thrilled to have this event and they always go out of their way to um, help us with hotel rooms. It's good for um bringing people into Vegas. This show usually attracts I'm expecting it could be two to 300 people and it's good for the restaurant and uh there's already hotel rooms being booked so I'm hoping that we can go forward with it. Any other questions for me? Counselors? It's the pleasure of the council. Mr. Mayor,

councelor Casey, Mr. Maltes, uh, thank you so much for doing this. Again, um, I appreciate your dedication to music and the arts, and I think you do a wonderful job. Thank you. Uh, with that, I move that we approve the city of Las Vegas Largest Tax Board recommendation for funding the Emmy Armenco hosted by the Meadow City Academy of Music in the amount of $5,500. Mr. Casey, second by Councilman Libari Loco. Councelor Pacheco, yes. Councelor Martinez, yes. Councelor Casey, yes. Councelor Levari, yes. Have a motion by councelor Casey, a second by councelor Levi. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Maltese.

Thank you. By the way, this is our 10th season, so this show is going to be partly to celebrate 10 years. Great. Thank you. Thank you very much. Appreciate your time, Mr. Mayor. Moving on to our next item. request approval of the city of Las Vegas lodgers tax board's recommendation for funding the annual July 4th fiestas in the amount of 244,73520. I know there'll be questions here. So, counselors.

Who said we don't know how to throw a party? No.

No. No questions for me. I You guys go ahead and present. Mayor Council. So, uh we did we did come through the um uh lodger tax board. Uh that was I believe uh uh we don't have the date up here. Anyways, the last council the last tax session that we did have we went through it. There was a little bit of a of uh some money that had to be expended with the the overtime budget is what got us up where we're at. Uh last year we had an overtime budget of of a little over $75,000 and we missed the the mark by about 12. So we went ahead and and made up for that with 5% added on top of it. Uh we we have some some staffing that's definitely needed. Um we it's a all hands on deck event when it comes to public safety. Uh so we got to make sure that we we're protecting our our uh public and that's where we're at right where we're at where we're at. and uh um the rest of it of course comes down to entertainment um and uh stage presentations and stuff like that. So we we you know we're we're confident that this is going to be a good event. So um I'll stand for any more questions though.

And I just want to make this comment because I know we could probably go back about 5 years and I uh one of the reasons for the increase has been is public safety, fire and PD was coming out of your own budgets. Is that correct and fair and sane? And now uh because of the allowance through lodgers tax specifically these overtimes are coming out through lodgers tax. Is that a fair question to ask? Is that a fair statement to make Mr. Madrid? That is Mr. Mayor. And the the lodgers tax act specifically allows uh police, fire, and sanitation.

Thank you. And I just want to note that because you'll if people were to do a public request from 5 years ago till today, that's what was happening. our our public safety was being affected because the Fourth of July costs were being taken out of their direct budget. So, I wanted to make that statement. So, with that, any other questions? What is the uh the Thank you, Mr. Mayor. What is a dollar amount uh we're we're planning to spend compared to last year? We're we're about $100,000 more. A little bit more. That's about That's not bad considering the entire budget. Yeah. Thank you. Yes, sir.

I make a motion to approve the uh request. Second. Councilman Pacheco, second by councelor Casey. Roll call. Leivani? Yes. Councelor Martinez? Yes. Councelor Casey? Yes. Councelor Pacheco? Yes. Have a motion by councelor Pacheco. A second by councelor Casey. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Moving on to our next item. request approval of the city of Las Vegas Lodgers Tax Board's recommendation for funding the 2026 Friday Alfresco Concert Series in the amount of $12,650. Okay. If we can, can I get a motion to uh go back to item number one? It seems like we got uh Yeah, Fernando back online. Have a motion to do I need a motion to go back to one? Yeah. Yes.

Motion. Well, yeah. Basically to take it off the table to remove. Yes. So, do we have a motion? Motion to return to uh to on table the audit uh report one and two. One and two. Motion by Councilman Pacheco. Second by Councilman Ulivari. Uh roll call. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. Councelor PCO. Yes. Councelor Levari. Have a motion by Council Po, a second by Council Lari. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Madrid. You're back on.

Mr. Mayor, I' uh I'd like to just call on Fernando to go ahead and proceed with his presentation. He's got a PowerPoint prepared. Pass test. Just making sure you guys can hear me. Yes, sir. Okay. Is that better than before? Yes. Okay. So, I'll go ahead and share my screen to show the presentation. And then please let me know when you guys can see that. It's on. It's on.

Okay. So, good evening everybody. Good evening, mayor. Good evening, council. My name is Fernando Medina and I'm an audit supervisor that was working on the city of Las Vegas's FY25 audit. Today, I will be presenting the audit results for the FY25 audit. If at any point there are any questions, please feel free to introd. So in this slide we'll go over our responsibilities applicable under government auditing standards. We have four boxes here and in the first box at the top left, this box talks about our responsibilities as auditors. So our responsibility is to form an expressing opinion over the financial statements and whether they are in conformity with US GAP. And the second box at the top right, this box talks about how our audit is performed to performed and designed to obtain what we like to call reasonable assurance rather than absolute assurance. With reasonable assurance, we don't look at every single transaction as not only would this be too time consuming, but it wouldn't be cost-effective for the city. We do however look at enough transactions to provide assurance that the financial statements are free from any material misstatements. The third box at the bottom left, this box talks about the consideration of internal controls. We have audit procedures in place that take into consideration the internal controls. However, our procedures are not substantive enough to express an opinion over the internal controls. And then the fourth box at the bottom right, this box talks about our responsibility to communicate any significant matters over the audit with management that we may come across as performing our audit.

So, in this slide, we'll go over the opinion of the financial statements. And as you can see, we're happy to let you know that the city has received an unmodified opinion, or in other words, what we like to call a clean opinion. This is the best kind of opinion that the city could have received and indicates that the city's financial statements were presented fairly in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. So this slide goes over additional reports we have in the financial statements. In the case of the city, there are two additional reports. The first one is the report on internal controls over financial reporting and on compliance and other matters. And then the second report because the city did have a federal thing audited is a report on compliance for each major federal program and internal control over compliance required by the uniform guidance. So the first report talks about the internal controls. And as you can see there were a couple findings in this year's audit that we'll discuss later on. This is a report mentioned earlier where we do test work because we take into consideration the internal controls. However, they're not in depth to issue an opinion over it. The second report covers the single audit. And since the city did spend more than $750,000, we had to perform additional test work known as a single audit. And even with the expanded test work as a result of the single audit, as you can see from the unmodified, there were no findings associated with the single audits and the city received a clean opinion on their federal single audit opinion. So this slide goes over any difficulties encountered in performing the audits. And we're happy to let you know there were no difficulties encountered during our audit procedures and that the audit went smoothly. This slide goes over any significant audit adjustments that have to be posted

on our side. And other than your typical cash to acrruel statement, there were no significant audit adjustments made on our side and no material misstatements were noted during our test work that had to be corrected on our behalf. This slide goes over any disagreements with management and we're happy to let you know that there were no disagreements with management as part of performing the audit. And then this slide goes over management's consultation with other accountants. If management went out and consulted with other CPAs, we'd be required to let the council know. To our knowledge, we are not aware of any significant accounting or auditing manners in which management bank consulted with other accountants or CPAs. And then as mentioned earlier, the city did have a couple of findings in the FY25 audit. And these are the findings we had. So you'll see that the first finding related to cash dispersements. More specifically, there were two out of 25 transactions tested in which invoices were dated prior to the purchase order. There was one out of 25 transactions tested in which the purchase order and invoices could not be located. The second finding was over cash receipts and there were 16 out of 25 transactions tested in which no supporting documentation could be located. And then the final finding was related to budgets and as you can see there were two budgets in the FY25 audit which had actual expenditures exceed the approved budgetary expenditures. These were fund 276 which exceeded the approved budget by $490,000 and then fund 286 which exceeded the approved budgets by just under $19,000. And then in this side we kind of go over the prior year findings that the city had. So in the case of the city there

were issues and findings with travel and pertium there were anti-donation issues para pickup use of contractors and delay audit which we're happy to let you know that were resolved in the FY25 audit and were not repeated in the current year. And with that I open it to any questions. Mr. Madrid did you want to

Yes, Mayor. Uh thank you Fernando. One thing that as as a former auditor I'd like to convey to the governing body is the the main points for any audit I believe are number one the opinion letter which we have as unmodified uh that is the highest that we can get any uh material weaknesses that had had been identified we didn't have any we did have a couple of regular findings which uh we I can discuss Now in uh the large overex expenditures that was in regard to some expenditures that were authorized to be made from cannabis and opioid funding that were authorized by the governing body. While we placed them into the following year budget, the orders were placed and the payments were made just before the end of the fiscal year and we didn't have time to do a budget adjustment prior to that. So that is an anomaly that uh should not happen again. Uh it it wasn't any lack of funding or anything like that. We just took the initiative and and made those uh payments earlier than we had anticipated in the area of cash dispersements. Uh you'll see in our response that the city's been proactive in that area and has undertaken citywide training for all employees. As a matter of fact, we have a large number of certified procurement officers. Uh at this point last year, I think we only had one and now we have six or seven at least. We have four in the finance department alone. So that has been uh one of the reasons that we

have gone from uh seven findings down to two. The cash receipt uh finding the customer service area has now joined the finance department and we're working a lot more closely with them. that finding is a compliance finding and uh regardless of the dollar amount would have to be reported. Uh so while they're not major findings, they are some that were repeated and need to be addressed. But the overall reduction in findings, the opinion letter, uh our solid internal controls and our unmodified opinions in in all areas is a good indicator that the city is on the right track.

Uh I don't think that we have anything to add. Our financial statements look good. And basically that's the report card for the whole city. Uh you know before I turn it over to Fernando for any further questions, I really do want to compliment the the management team that you have here because everything starts within the departments. uh procurement issues, cash deposits, all these things start within the departments and if it's not taken seriously then it results in uh not a clean audit. This management team has been in place. They do take it seriously and before things get to the finance department, they are they have been improving uh within the finance department. Uh I'm going to carry uh praise and compliments to the team in the finance department. I will only be the messenger because the uh as Fernando would tell you, they look at audits with uh a term called professional skepticism and will it meet the audit test and and uh the finance team does that every day. We balance compliance and controls with customer service and we've tried to move to an environment of you cannot do this but you can do this or this or this. So it it is a balance and uh basically I I want to compliment the management team and especially uh the finance team that uh works together to accomplish this. That's really all I have. Mr. Mayor,

mayor, Mr. Manager, Mr. Mayor, I just want to, you can't overstate what he just stated, but I would just emphasize that it's a collaborative effort across the finance department and every single department and work all the way in the trenches uh at every level. And so, credit to that work, 7 to five, uh the goal is zero, but um credit to a clean opinion. Those don't happen in a vacuum. Thank you, Mr. Mayor Council,

thank you Mr. Mener and Mr. from Madrid and uh you know thank you to your finance team uh but I do want to state and I think it's important because I know uh you know the specific training that happened in December uh where everybody we brought in even the state auditor to basically talk about how important audits are procurement are and not only did we have u you know management and supervisors and managers we also had uh men and women that are actually in the field in the trenches that I think prior prior to that and in speaking with them that day uh you know it was like well why do I have to get three quotes why do I have to do this and after that training they were more aware of now why it's important why every single dollar is tracked so kudos you know again for the training that I think was important it also gave you an opportunity to train on some specifics on these because I know I know councelor Casey uh mentioned it here is that some of these are reoccurring right but departments can keep continue to tell staff and like I said staff oh well I don't see why it's important why should I do it but I think that training helped and hopefully we get rid of this uh reoccurring one but councelor Casey I don't know if you want to add to that

um I just wanted to I used to have all of the department funds numbers memorized when I was in the schools because I worked with that those budgets every day I don't work with these every day so I would like to know what fund 27 76 is and I would like to know what fund 286 is cannabis and opioid I believe. Okay. Both of them. Okay. So the 490 would be the cannabis and that cannabis would be the opioid. Yes.

Okay. Thank you. Um yeah I I was just um kind of surprised that we had uh repeat um you know findings from last year. But um as the mayor explained, maybe that is the reason why. So we need to work on getting those uh ameliorated. Thank you for

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Madrid, uh I just want to say congratulations to you and your team. I think uh it shows uh that we're doing a a good job. And as as just to as city manager uh uh Robert said, I'm losing the last name here. Uh uh that uh we went from 7 to five 7 to two or two, sorry.

Uh and I think that uh uh oh yeah, the result uh I think that let's just keep that in mind. How do we improve for next year? And you know, I do see that there was a couple of repeat, but the dollar amount on those repeat, if you look at the report, is is very minimal. It's a very I mean, very very small uh amount of uh funds that we're talking about, I think, under less than $4,000. So, in total, correct. Yeah. So, uh I think we're doing a a great job. You're leading a great team. I know you do a good job. Our years go back to when we were both at Highlands and uh uh so I' I've seen your expertise firsthand. So, good job. Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Council. Mr. Mayor, Council Member Martinez.

Yes. Thank you, M. Mr. Mayor. U I just wanted to point out on page uh 123 uh just a couple of well, one thing that's that stands out there is the city has not made progress. And that's on the uh that uh section of findings there at that. Is there is there a um a purpose or or a or discussion on how to fix those things? I mean that's that directly relates to the the training uh that has been provided and and to the mayor's point these are are mainly after the fact purchases where uh a staff member may may go to a store and and uh say I need this part and the city will pay for it not knowing that there's a procedure to get quotes and a purchase order and all that but creates an obligation to the city that we have to pay and we have to pay it because the obligation is there. This kind of training uh hopefully eliminates that. It may never eliminate it completely but at least it informs everyone that there is compliance that's required there. These these findings are fairly common especially after the fact purchases but they need to be uh included in the report regardless of the amount. Okay. All right. Thank you.

So, going back to item number one. Uh, any other questions? Uh, I know we've already touched up with the finance director, but with Fernando. If not, uh, what's the pleasure of the council? Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve the resolution 2618 related to acceptance of the fiscal year 2025 audit report by Fatio B. Uh, Brown and LLP. Motion by Casey. Second by Councilman Levari. Roll call. Councelor Pacheco. Yes. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. Councelor Levi. Yes.

Have a motion by councelor Casey, a second by councelor Levi. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries.

Moving on to item number two. Request approval to renew audit contract for fiscal year 2026 financial audit for the city of Las Vegas. Mayor and Council, uh before I make my recommendation, I'd like to give you a little bit of background as to uh why uh entities enter into multi-year contracts with with auditors. As a former auditor, I can tell you that before you begin an audit, you have to learn everything that you can about an entity, especially internal controls, operations, budgetary requirements, compliance requirements, all of those go into planning the audit to make sure that you examine things in the right way to make sure that for in our examples, we have a procurement code, we have management pdm act, we have budgetary deadlines and requirements. We have the classification of funds, special revenue funds, general fund, uh capital funds, enterprise funds, those all have uh different and in in most cases particular requirements. So when an audit firm bids on that and when they accept a job in the first year, they have to study and establish the the quality of those internal controls and the extent of compliance that they have to test. It comes down to uh all the things that I just mentioned plus the volume of transactions, the number of dollars, the number of employees. uh to have to do that every single year would be very expensive and would be very uh complicated. So the ideology behind the state audit act and the state

auditors awarding uh multi-year contracts is that the auditor can establish uh an internal control system and a methodology particular to the entity like the city of Las Vegas. We are different from for example the city of truth of consequences and that uh we're on a uh we have different utilities in place. We have different utility rates. We have uh different funding mechanisms. Uh we have a mayor council form of government instead of commission manager form of government. All those are variables that they have to uh consider and not have to redo the second, third or even fourth year. They just have to update them. So we establish that uh not necessarily relationship but communication and and uh evaluation of our systems. In in this particular case, uh we did go out for RFP a couple of years ago. This firm had done the city's audit before. They were ranked again as the highest. They were approved by the state auditor. The contract, the proposal that you've seen in your packet provides that the fee will not increase for the three years. So, uh, with that and that short explanation, uh, I recommend that we approve this firm of Patillo, Brown, and Hill for the third year.

With that recommendation, uh, what's the pleasure of the council? Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve uh the renewal of the audit contract for fiscal year 2026 uh for the financial audit for the city of Las Vegas with Patio Brown and Hill. A motion by councelor Casey. Do I have a second? Second by Councilman Martinez. Roll call. Councelor Lee. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. Councelor Pacheco. Yes. Councelor Martinez. Yes. I have a motion by councelor Casey. A second by councelor Martinez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Mr. Mayor,

I I just wanted to say thank you uh Mr. Madrid and your team. There's always small loose ends and you're always willing to take care of them and I appreciate that and you take the time to meet with all your directors and I hope you have. I'm sure you have. So, what I'm trying to say is, you know, I thank you for the good work that you do. Thank you.

I'll carry that message to the team counselor. Thank you. Mr. Mayor, moving on to our next business item, which we left off on. Business item number seven, request approval of the city of Las Vegas Lodgers Tax Board's recommendation for funding the 2026 Friday Alfresco concert series in the amount of $12,650. We have our community development director, Mr. Lucas Marcus. Information in your memos, uh, it's the pleasure of the council. Are any questions? Motion to approve Freddy of Fresco funding. A motion by Councilman Pacheco, second by Councilman Ulivari. Roll call. Councelor Casey, yes. Councelor Martinez, yes. Councelor Levari, yes. Councelor Pacheco, yes.

I have a motion by councelor PCO, a second by councelor Levari. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Moving on to item eight, request approval of the city of Las Vegas Lodgers Tax Board's recommendation for funding the places with a pass hosted by Las Vegas Citizens Committee for Historic Preservation in the amount of 10,49970. for Mr. Kintana. Uh again, any questions?

I do have a comment, Mr. Mayor. Uh Councilman Pacho. Uh uh Mr. Kintana, I've I've done that tour at the Stronger Gene of my wife in the past and uh uh I I did enjoy it. So, I think it's a great service to our community. I think it brings a lot of people into town and a diverse array of of uh individuals. So, uh great event. Thank you. Ditto. Thank you so much. If you want to say a few words.

Yes. Uh uh we just celebrated our 50th year as a nonforprofit in Las Vegas and we just finished working on an event with uh the UNM architecture school of architecture. They did a presentation on schematics on railroad avenue and also uh the district of de la squas just trying to show what we could do with those communities putting infill housing that type of thing. So there's a lot of things we do but we're going to use that to promote this uh next uh places with the pass tour and we will have the college uh the uh United World College on the tour also. So, we look to a good event.

Thank you. Thank you for all your work, Commissioner. Thank you. Pleasure of the council. Mr. Mayor, I move approval of um funding for places of the past by Las Vegas CCHP in the amount of 10,49970. Second, Melor Casey, second by Councilman Levari. Roll call. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Council Levari. Yes. Councelor Pacheco. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. I have a motion by councelor Casey, a second by councelor Nari. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.

Moving on to item number nine. Request approval of the city of Las Vegas Lodgers Tax Board's recommendation for funding the 41st IRF World Senior Raetball Championship hosted by New Mexico Raetball Association in the amount of $15,000. What's the pleasure of the council or any questions? Mayor Councilman Martinez. I'll go ahead and approve I move to approve the city of Las Vegas lodgers tax board recommendation for funding for the 41st IRF world senior raetball championship hosted by New Mexico Raet Ball Association in the amount of 15,000. Motion by Councilman Martinez. Do I have a second? Second, Mr.

Second by Councilman Levari. Roll call. Councelor Casey. Yes. Councelor Pekco. Yes. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor Leari. Yes. I have a motion by councelor Martinez, a second by councelor Lebody. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Welcome, Mr. Mazerof. Did I say right? Mayor. Yeah. Members of the council, thank you for allowing us to continue with this venture. Uh this is year 50 of our association New Mexico Raet Ball

and it's the 41st edition of the World Senior Raetball Championships. Third time it'll be in Las Vegas, New Mexico. So uh we hope to continue after this year. We're building incrementally. We're actually going to excuse me have the event on TV this year. surprise. We're uh coordinating our efforts with uh ProView uh sports uh in in Albuquerque channel 26 on Comcast and they have a uh history with events here in the Meadow City. They do 700 events annually, high school and college. So uh we look forward to that. Thank you so much for allowing us to continue.

Thank you. Thank you, sir. Moving on to item number 10. Request approval of the city of Las Vegas Lodgers Tax Board's recommendation for funding the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in the amount of $82,699. What's the pleasure of the council? Are any questions to Mr. Marcus? I just have a recommendation, Mr. Mayor. Uh, potential with recommendation. Well, I guess we should vote and have the recommendation after. Motion to approve.

A motion to approve. Uh, Councilman Pacheco, second by Councelor Casey. Roll call. Councelor Leari. Yes. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor PCO. Yes. Councelor Casey. Yes. I have a motion by councelor BCO. A second by Councelor Casey. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. I think the recommendation was going to be he's going to volunteer Chuck. So like like with the isotopes event, I think it might be a good idea if we create uh specific marketing with a QR code for that event and we see what traffic that brings to our website or uh just give us a gauge so we know what we're what we're looking at next year, so to say.

That's already Thank you. Thank you. Yes, councelor Casey. Okay. U this is not on on the Olympia. So I think that's wonderful. I remember the first time that we went I almost fainted as to how much it was going to cost, but I've I've overcome that. No, just I just wanted to mention that for the last two items, I will be abstaining from voting on those last two items because my niece's son is the current president of the Chamber of Commerce and I do not want anyone to think that I am voting on for that or anything else um at this time.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Moving on to our next item. Request approval of the Las Vegas San Miguel Chamber of Commerce service contract from May 26, 2026 through June 30th, 2026. Mr. Marcus,

before we start, uh congratulations uh Angie on uh coming back to the chamber. Uh I want to just thank YOU and uh I we'll be working more closely. welcome to I mean I know you were still with the count you know helping the county through their uh through their funding but uh you're you're back as part of the team I guess here at the city. So welcome. Thank you. I did not expect Mr. Mayor. So with that any questions uh or comment or uh what's the pleasure to approve item 11? Have a motion by Councilman Levari. I have a second. Second. Second by Councilman Martinez. Roll call. El Pacheco.

Yes. Council Levari. Yes. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Have a motion by councelor Levarez. Second by councelor Martinez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Moving on to item 12. Request approval of the Las Vegas San Miguel Chamber of Commerce service contract from July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027. Pleasure. The council. Mr. Mayor, council Martinez. I move to approve the uh Las Vegas San Miguel Chamber of Commerce Service contract from July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027. Motion by Councilman Martinez, second by Councilman Levari. Roll call. Councelor Martinez. Yes. Councelor Pacheco. Yes. Councelor Lee. Yes.

I have a motion by councelor Martinez, a second by councelor Levi. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion carries. Uh, and I want to kind of uh, and I don't know, maybe this is sometimes me and the manager kind of thinking the same, but uh, Miss Listister, I know myself, uh, Mr. Marcus, Mr. Scott Zoner, uh, and also the city manager have had an opportunity to meet with the Santa Fe Chamber and the New Mexico chamber. Uh, trying to, you know, uh, in your absence trying to help rebuild the chamber. I know you're going, you know, do that while you're gone. It kind of, uh, you lost a little bit of footing there. We've also had an opportunity to meet with uh Los Alamos and uh they're willing to help out. So I just I don't know if that's been uh told to you yet, but you know, anything that we're uh you know, we can get involved in and help additional support there. I know Los Alamos, I think they were saying they're only paying the membership and not maybe not that. Uh so they're willing to help out there. Uh uh just just, you know, for information that we're we're here to support and continue the chamber. We know it's the chamber is an important uh asset to this community and we're glad that uh your leadership is going to be back there and you you'll add to that. Mr. Manager, I don't know if that's what you're going to say.

Ditto, mayor. I just wanted to add that the mayor and council provided the support to sustain the chamber through some tough times. So, um welcome back. Thank you, Mayor Council. Thank you. So with that, thank you mayor councel. Thank you to Mr. Mayor. Motion by councelor Casey. I have a second by council. Meeting adjourned.