The July 12th City Council meeting commenced with determination of quorum, an invocation, and the pledge of allegiance. The first piece of business attended to was the approval of the consent agenda. On the consent agenda, 3 positions in the city were offered for hire or ratification for hire. The positions include a police corporal with certification by waiver at $5,321 per month, an equipment operator at $2,507 per month in the streets department, and a water technician in the water department at $2,507 per month. In resignations, the Senior Center lost a van driver and the infrastructure department will lose an administrative assistant effective August 31st. 

 

The police and fire departments received approval to send employees to training around the state and the region. Training includes the 2022 NMML Resolutions Committee, GFOA Annual Conference, autopsy and interview, First Line Supervisor and Management, Foundations for Forensic Photography class, and Forensic Technician training.

 

The Eddy County Fair requested approval for standby fire and ambulance services for the Eddy County Rodeo and Concert, July 29, 2022 from 7pm to 12 am. The request included a waiver of fees. 

 

Following the consent agenda, Caryle Goss of the Artesia Senior Center stood before the council during the three minute period for hearing visitors. Mrs. Goss invited all of the councilors to attend the Senior Center Craft Fair in progress after the adjournment of the city council meeting. The councilors accepted her offer to attend the craft fair after the meeting. 

 

Next on the agenda came committee reports. The Budget and Finance, Personnel, Police and Fire, Planning, Recreation, and Government Committees will all meet next week. Councilor Jeff Youtsey reported the Infrastructure Committee discussed the progress on the renovation of the pickleball courts. The committee looks forward to hearing reports on how the courts will be used for tournament play. Mr. Youtsey noted the determination and hard work of the Infrastructure Department to meet the public’s expectations of the city’s spaces. 

 

Then, for Personnel, HR Director Jerry Conde introduced the new IT technician, Josh, and the new Deputy Clerk, Fatima. Josh and Fatima were warmly welcomed by those attending the city council meeting. 

 

Next, Police Chief Kirk Roberts reported on the Artesia Police Department. He reported upticks in criminal activity as well as intakes in Animal Control. Please read more about his report in the upcoming article Chief of Police and Fire Reports July 12 to follow. 

 

Fire Chief Kevin Hope reported on the new fire cadets and recruitment of additional cadets. Read more about his report to the city council in Chief of Police and Fire Reports July 12 to follow.

 

Director of Community Development, Jim McGuire, stood to give his report next. His department is following up on complaints to attend to tall growing alley weeds in the following days as well as to maintenance on Abo Apartments. The department will be looking into the possibility of having citizen complaints entered via the City of Artesia website to assist in directing them to the proper place. 

 

Next, Director of Infrastructure Byron Landfair gave updates on the 20th Street project. The sewer line, he reported, is going in. At the city’s industrial park, they’re waiting on pre-communication for the next step. The Desert Willow Subdivision has water lines being placed. And the city’s street sweeper has been out of commission since May because of difficulties sourcing parts for the older piece of equipment.  

 

The city welcomed new city attorney Cass Taylor. Mr. Taylor introduced himself to those attending the city council meeting and expressed his love for Artesia and for the way that folks treat each other so well in the community. Welcome Mr. Taylor!

 

Next, City Clerk, Summer Valverde, discussed the special meeting to establish ICIP items which will take place July 21st at 3 pm at the Artesia City Council Chambers.

 

After Mayor Henry and the councilors presented new or other business, read more about their new business in the article to follow From the Desk of Mayor Henry July 12, the city council meeting was adjourned.