The April 26th City Council Meeting began with a request by the Pecos Running Club to use Jaycee Park for the HollyFrontier Sinclair Memorial Day 5K Fun Run and Walk Monday May 30th. The request received approval and the meeting launched into approval of the consent agenda.
Of note on the consent agenda, included the 2023 Lodger’s Tax Funding Requests and a campaign to advertise Artesia across New Mexico and Texas. The Lodger’s Tax will fund local events and tourism activity. A few of the organizations and events set to receive funds include the Artesia Arts Council, Artesia Mainstreet, the Historical Museum, the Independence Day Extravaganza, Red Dirt Black Gold Festival, and several AHS varsity sports tournaments to name a few. For the advertising campaign, Artesia will feature in social media, vacation guides, billboards, magazines, visitor’s guides, and more.
After the consent agenda, the council moved onto committee reports. First up, Budget and Finance. Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, Jarrod Moreau, reported that the committee commenced pre-budget work. For the next meeting, Budget and Finance hopes to present their work on the budget. Next, George Mullen of the Personnel Committee reported that they would meet following tonight’s council meeting. A Personnel Committee update will follow in the next meeting. Wade Nelson of the Police and Fire Committee reported that they went over proposals from both Chief Hope and Chief Roberts. Nelson referenced the committee report that was submitted to Mayor Henry. The Planning and Recreation Committees both had no updates to report. Jeff Youtsey of the Infrastructure Committee reported that they met last week, paid utilities, and discussed the parks.
Human Resources’ new director, Jerry, sat for his first city council meeting. Welcome Jerry! Human Resources received permission to advertise a full-time IT position. The resignation of Connor Barry of the Recreation Department, and Police Sergeant, Beth Hahn, received acceptance. Human Resources announced that Ricardo Huerta will rejoin the Artesia Police Department. Welcome back!
Next, Chief Roberts reported to the council. Police Chief Roberts discussed how the department continues to improve transparency. After reporting on the audit, Roberts stood for questions. Councilman Hagelstein asked why the department didn’t have many sedan types of vehicles after noticing that the surrounding communities did. Roberts answered that the SUV units work more efficiently for Artesia. SUV’s have a larger platform and cargo area. The APD has a lot of gear. The gear fits better in a larger vehicle. The department has fewer reported back injuries from officers using the SUVs rather than sedans.
Next, Fire Chief Kevin Hope reported on the fire department. The advanced cardiac monitor and defibrillator units that the department ordered arrived. The new devices were funded by capital from the city. AFD will begin training with the new devices directly.
Next, Community Development Director Jim McGuire described Case No. 22-06 which is a Preliminary Meadowview Estates Subdivision. The location of the subdivision rests south and west of 3004 S. 13th Street and is owned by DPR Land, LLC. Councilman Roderiguez motioned to approve the subdivision and the council unanimously approved the motion in favor of the case.
Then, Juan Garcia, CPA, of Beasley, Mitchell & Co. presented his report on the city’s finances following his audit. Artesia received an unmodified opinion which is the highest distinction that can be received. The councilmen voted to accept the audit report unanimously.
Lastly, Mayor Jon Henry brought forth the U.S. Energy Independence Resolution for consideration and approval of council. After reading the resolution in its entirety, the councilmen approved its passage. The resolution seeks to make the U.S. an energy exporter by increasing production and exploration because of the current geopolitical situation.
