The May 10th regularly scheduled city council meeting began promptly at 5 pm. After determining quorum, an invocation, and pledge of allegiance, Debbie Brazas of the Artesia 9/11 Memorial, Inc. promoted the May 28th Guns N’ Hoses Old Fashioned Baseball Game between the Artesia Police Department and the Artesia Fire Department. Mayor Henry and Chief Hope will participate in the dunk tank at the game.
Next, the consent agenda was approved. Of note on the consent agenda was the approval of a memorandum of agreement with Eddy County DWI regarding the FY23 CDWI funds and appointments and reappointments for the Commission on Aging Advisory Council and the Library Board of Trustees. On the Commission on Aging Allen Smith, Dorothy Crouch, Ronnie Null, and Joe Schiel were appointed with terms to expire in June 2024, and on the Library Board: Andrew Davidson, Kaitlynn Hirst, and Susan Dade with terms to expire in 2025. A Community Service Officer position received approval to hire at $2,058 per month. The Wastewater Department accepted the resignation of two assistants. The city prosecutor resigned as did a police corporal.
Committee reports began after the approval of the consent agenda. Budget and finance committee chair, Jarrod Moreau, reported that the committee continues to meet regarding payscale. The committee believes that a temporary solution has been reached while they continue to work on a permanent solution. Wade Nelson submitted a report for the personnel committee regarding pay scale as well. Jeff Youtsey reported that the Infrastructure Committee looks to have more engagement with the public.
Jerry Conde, Human Resource Director, asked for the reclassification of John Anguiano to Assistant Director of Infrastructure. Councilman Hagelstein made the motion to approve, and the request was approved unanimously. Mr. Conde also went over safety statistics for the previous month. In April, one workman’s compensation report was filed. There were no vehicular accidents in the month of April.
Next, city department heads stood up to speak. Police Chief Roberts presented statistics for APD. There was a slight uptick in stolen vehicles, many of those vehicles were recovered. The department increased the amount of social media activity. APD used leads from their social media to assist in their work. They’re looking for new ways to expand on social media platforms. Chief Roberts described the honor of helping pass the Special Olympics torch. Roberts also touched on the challenges that have been faced in the community regarding the legalization of cannabis. Packaging of some cannabis products looks very similar to regular snacks and candy. The description of the THC containing products spawned a discussion between councilors, Mayor Henry, and the city attorney about packaging laws for cannabis products.
Fire Chief Hope discussed the end of school water celebration for Artesia Public School students. As the fire trucks do not contain more that 2,000 gallons of water, the other department heads and city council agreed that the water usage for the event benefits the community. Mayor Henry asked about any possible fire restriction for the Fourth of July. Chief Hope said that he will meet with the Eddy County Fire Chief and then present at the next council meeting with details regarding fire restrictions for the Fourth of July across the state, county, and the city.
Jim McGuire of Community Development reported that the new Navajo building valuation yielded a $6,800 fee paid to the city. Details of the valuation and fee can be found in the Building Inspection Monthly Revenue Report.
Byron Landfair reported that the 20th Street repairs are set to begin. The water tank on 7th and 8th street will receive a recoating process. He’s looking forward to the city budget completion, so the Infrastructure Department can finish their transition into their new location.
In business from Mayor Henry, consideration and approval of Agreement for Modification of JPA A-11-02 between the City of Artesia and Eddy County Joint Powers Agreement Governing the Regional Emergency Dispatch Authority (REDA). Council approved unanimously. No action was taken during the executive session. Mayor Henry spoke on the possibility of investing in a frisbee golf course for the city. The revenues that could be gained versus the cost of a course are appealing for the city.
Jeff Youtsey offered a new business item regarding the Municipal League. Artesia used to participate in the Municipal League; he would like to see the city participate once again to hear fresh ideas from other communities about the size of Artesia.
Jarrod Moreau requested a vote at the next meeting to begin overtime pay for first responders at the 81st hour rather than the 86th hour of overtime. The 81st hour overtime would be a boost for morale for both police and fire departments. George Mullen observed that in the past few years that both departments had come in under budget.
