The January 24 Artesia City Council meeting commenced with determination of quorum, an invocation, and the pledge of allegiance. Councilman Jeff Youtsey led the meeting in the absence of Mayor Jon Henry.

 

There were no reports from City departments and employees and no special reports.

 

The first piece of business was the approval of the consent agenda, which included the January 10 meeting minutes; award of bid for the City of Artesia storage pond lining and sludge disposal to J&H Services, Inc.; and the approval to hire five uncertified step 1 fire fighters at $4264.91 per month. 

 

There were no public hearings, no visitor comments and no comments from public officials or contracted services.

 

Next was the committee reports.

·      The budget and finance committee has a meeting on February 9. 

·      No personnel committee report.

·      The police and fire committee report met on January 17.

·      No planning committee report.

·      The recreation committee met January 23rd and discussed the City leagues starting soon, and changes at the aquatic center. The next meeting is April 17. 

·      Infrastructure committee met on January 19. They reviewed work done by the Parks Department in the last year; discussed items for the City Council retreat; splash pad options; and utility bill disputes. 

·      Government committee has not met this month. 

 

Personnel Director Jerry Conde had no report.

 

Police Chief Kirk Roberts had no report and stood for questions. 

 

Fire Chief Kevin Hope had no report and stood for questions.  

 

Director of Community Development Jim McGuire had no report and stood for questions. 

 

Director of Infrastructure Byron Landfair gave updates on recent projects: Work is commencing on the sewer system in the Industrial Park which will be followed by work on water lines; the 20th street project was slowed by recent rain but they still expect the next phase to commence in mid-February and crews are currently concrete paving; work will be commencing on the lining of the pond at the wastewater treatment plant, which is based on a permit cycle.

 

City Attorney Cass Taylor had no report.

 

Next, City Clerk Summer Valverde received Council approve for setting the next City Council meeting on February 14 and setting the City Council Retreat on February 24-26 in Cloudcroft at the Lodge. When questioned Valverde said the retreat agenda will be coming out soon. 

 

Mayor Proterm Jeff Youtsey adjourned the meeting at 5:16 pm.