The October 25th Artesia City Council meeting commenced with determination of quorum, an invocation, and the pledge of allegiance. 

 

The first piece of business was the approval of the consent agenda, which included approval of the following: appointment of Kimberly Medley to the Artesia Historical Museum Commission; hiring of a certified firefighter/EMTB at $4,705.87 per month, a solid waste equipment operator at $2,507.00 per month, a human resources safety coordinator at $4,166.67 per month, a police officer at $4,328.13 per month, a certified firefighter/paramedic at $5,165.20 per month, a certified firefighter/EMTB at $4,705.87 per month, a certified firefighter/AEMT at $4,935.54 per month, and a promotion to police commander at $7,624.93 per month; acceptance of the resignation of an equipment operator I in the Solid Waste department, a commander in the Police Department, and a firefighter; approval to set a public hearing on November 22, 2022 for case no. 22-09 which is a zone change from general residential district (R-2) to business district (C), changing the zoning district of twelve (12) lots from R-2 to C at 507 South 2nd Street with the following legal description of Lots 5-16, Block 8, Blair Addition, in the NE/4 of Section 17, Township 17 South, Range 26 East, N.M.P.M.; Approval to set a public hearing on November 22, 2022 for case no. 22-10 which is a variance of the rear yard setback (requesting a rear yard setback of 13’ instead of the required 20’ setback) at 506 South 11th Street, with the legal description of Lot 2, Block 14, Forest Hill Subdivision, in the NW/4 of Section 17, Township 17 South, Range 26 East, N.M.P.M. 

 

Next was the approval to set a public hearing for case no. 22-08: Collins North Park Lot 133 Subdivision, a final plat subdividing Lot 133 of the Collins North Park vacation #2 subdivision into nine lots at R-276-133 North 13th Street. The legal description is Lot 133, Collins North Park Vacation #2, in Section 32, Township 16 South, Range 26 East, N.M.P.M., New Mexico. There was no public comment. Ordinance 1105 was then approved. 

 

Next was the period for hearing visitors. A former resident of Artesia, a retired geologist, and resident of Carlsbad, NM, reported the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had published a new rule that makes abortions available at VA clinics across the United States. There is a VA clinic in Artesia, Hobbs, and Clovis. He also reported that several communities along New Mexico/Texas border have passed ordinances banning abortions, including the City of Clovis and the City of Hobbs. Lea County and the City of Lovington are also discussing an ordinance. This citizen asked the City of Artesia to pass a similar ordinance.

 

There were no committee reports, but Chief of Police Kirk Roberts fielded questions on the October 19th incident at Artesia Public School where a student “air dropped” a threatening message to fellow students. Roberts reported that an investigation is ongoing, and the outcome will be up to Eddy County Children Youth and Family Department and perhaps the court system. Roberts explained that in the state of New Mexico a minor can not be charged with a crime but can be charged with a delinquent act. Roberts explained that law creation can’t keep up new issues created by rapidly advancing technology and is always a bit behind the activity. Roberts explained that in juvenile cases the court could order different things for the family and create agreements with the offender and the offender’s parents. It is becoming more and more common there is more accommodation than just the punitive action, including mental health treatment. Roberts acknowledged frustration from the community on the lack of available information on punishment for such crimes, but it can’t be released in the State of New Mexico. 

 

Chief of Fire Department Kevin Hope thanked the Mayor and the City Council for their help in recently hiring four staff. There are still three open positions.

 

Director of Community Development Jim McGuire reports the City is getting an estimate on demolishing a few burned homes in town. Mayor Jon Henry asked if the City could look for grants to help tackle this issue.

 

Director of Infrastructure Byron Landfair reported tree trimming is done in Central Park, poles have been placed for the fence at the dog park, another proposal has been sought for the disc golf course, work on 20th street continues, and work on the retaining pond in the industrial park is complete. 

 

Next, City Clerk Summer Valverde lead discussion and the Council approved Resolution 1809, Budget Adjustment Resolution for recreation center equipment, including two unbreakable short glass backboards, a new air hockey table, and a 9 Square in the Air game set. Valverde also led the discussion on the collection of the cannabis funds, which must be held in a separate fund until decisions on the allocation of the funds are made later. 

 

During his report the Mayor asked if the Council remembered if Eddy County passed a resolution regarding abortion in 2018. He shared there is a current request to come before Eddy County, which is a sanctuary county for quite a few things and that may be a factor. Henry said the Council will divert to the Artesia City attorney to see what the City Council can and can’t do regarding an ordinance. Henry reported he attended a meeting today with Police Chief Roberts and concerned Artesia parents who wanted to learn more about the legal process for minors and the City response to threats. Henry reiterated that kid’s safety is number one in this town and there have been many meetings, plan creation, and the response plans are in place. The City was happy to meet with the concerned parents to share information and alleviate concerns. 

 

Council members concluded the meeting by commenting on the fantastic job KSVP is doing for the City of Artesia, and the loss of Bill Gray to the community. The Mayor congratulated the City Council on making some tough decision in the past few years so departments can perform their jobs well now.