Cub Scout Pack 270 kicked off the January 25th City Council Meeting by leading all in attendance in the pledge of allegiance with their Cub Scout salute. Pack 270 ranges in ages from 5 year old Lions to 10 year old Webelos. The council thanked the scouts for their service to the community with goodie bags and stood for pictures. 

After pictures, the council discussed the previous request from the Outkast Youth Softball League to use the Softball Complex to host their Outkast Winter Classic Camp. After the request was returned to the Recreation Committee, the committee created a packet for the use and care of city property to be used for this type of activity. With the recommendation of the Recreation Committee, the City Council approved the use of the organization to use the Softball Complex January I5, 22, and 29 and February 15, 12, 19, 26 2022 pending their proof of insurance. 

Artesia Car Enthusiasts & Artesia Chamber of Commerce had their requests approved to use Mainstreet and Heritage Walkway to hold a car parade on April 1, 2022 to kick off the 2022 car show. Dorothy of the Artesia Car Club, Coxy Maupin and Jessica Bollema representing the Chamber of Commerce, and Elizabeth Jackson of Artesia Mainstreet were in attendance to answer questions about their partnership event which the council approved their request unanimously. 

Next, the council approved the consent agenda with pay for new city employees: David Sams at the airport, Servando Bustillos with the streets, and Ernest Alford with Community Development.

Police Chief, Kirk Roberts, reported that Artesia received 6,000 COVID-19 tests from the state of New Mexico. 2,000 of those tests will be given away to residents of Artesia. These tests are part of a 1-million-unit purchase by the state. Chief Roberts would like to use Jaycee Park as the distribution site on Feb. 9th at 1-3 pm. Council chose to direct staff to the park for the distribution with a motion to approve. Each car that arrives at the site will receive 2 tests.

Chief Roberts also spoke of the many law enforcement agencies of Eddy County who will band together on an operation to reduce crime in the area. The Artesia PD wants to put notice out to the community that they’re collaborating with other departments to make the town safer for residents.

Roberts reported that the new vehicles are at the up fitters currently and will be back in Artesia in use in six weeks’ time.

Then, Fire Chief, Kevin Hope, stood for questions. Councilman Hill asked about the status of the fire on Sandia Street. Hope replied that the investigation is closed on that location and the owners have possession. 

 

Byron Landfair of infrastructure requested to change the rates of the Woodbine Columbarium operations and services. The request unanimously passed. He also mentioned that 20th street will undergo a 20-month project to be completed in 4 phases. 

Aubrey Hobson, outgoing City Clerk Treasurer, completed his final city council meeting. Happy Retirement, Aubrey!

Lastly Mayor, Raye Miller, spoke of the capital outlay projects on the horizon for the city of Artesia, including the water well West of the city and the major reconstruction of 26th street from the city. These projects are in the engineering process at present and due to have the engineering complete by August and December respectively. The city is in contact with Governor Lujan-Grisham to receive funding that is available for these types of projects. Using state funding will reduce the amount of revenues the city must spend to complete these works.