The February 14, 2023, Artesia City Council meeting commenced with determination of quorum, an invocation, and the pledge of allegiance. 

 

The first piece of business was the Council approving a request for City facilities from Susan Molina to use Jaycee Park, restrooms, and electricity for a family reunion on Saturday, June 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

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

 

The next item of business was the approval of the consent agenda, which included the January 24, 2023 meeting minutes; approval of contract between PCT and the City of Artesia for a three-year internet service contract; approval of Patricia Perez and the reappointment of Jimmy Bustamante to the Woodbine Cemetery board; ratification to hire one uncertified firefighter for $4,264.91 per month, and a wastewater assistant for $2,507 per month; the resignations of Jose Munoz, Firefighter/EMT, Gregory Bronson, uncertified firefighter, and Ryan Rodriguez, police officer; approval of the training and travel including one employee to Background Investigations in Law Enforcement in Albuquerque, two employees to CORE Pipeline Emergency Response in Carlsbad, one employee to Basic Tactical Medical Instructor in Lovington, one employee to the NM Association of Chief of Police meetings in Santa Fe, one employee to the 2023 NMPPA Spring Conference in Ruidoso, three employees to the 34th Annual Municipal Day in Santa Fe, one employee to the NMRPA Strategic Planning Retreat in Albuquerque; approval of a request for City facilities by the Artesia Area Car Enthusiasts & Artesia MainStreet to use the Heritage Plaza on Friday, March 31-April 1, 2023, for the 24th Annual Main Event Car Show.  

 

Next was a public hearing to hear the question of whether the Alcohol Beverage Control Division of the NM Regulations and Licensing Department should approve the application for a Restaurant A – Beer and Wine Liquor License with on-premises consumption for Touch Down Barbeque, LLC, at 811 W Main Street, Artesia. There were no City staff comments, no public comments, no City attorney comments, the Council comments included a question on the school boundary cited, and the Council approved the question.

 

No visitors spoke during the period for hearing visitors. There were no comments from public officials or contracted services.

 

Next was the committee reports.

·      The budget and finance committee met last week and made suggestions for the remainder budget for the year. 

·      No personnel committee report.

·      No police and fire committee report.

·      No planning committee report.

·      No recreation committee report. 

·      No infrastructure committee report. 

·      No government committee report. 

 

Personnel Director Jerry Conde shared there was no reportable work comp or reportable accidents involving city vehicles in January 2023.

 

Police Chief Kirk Roberts reported stats were down from last month. Crime is still an issue. Stats for the animal shelter included 25 canine euthanizations, which Roberts said was in line with what’s been happening in the last six months. Discussion on how to decrease the number of euthanizations followed. Roberts said part of the issue is that dog rescues are full and can’t take any more but noted cats are still getting rescued routinely.

 

Fire Chief Kevin Hope shared an update that they have five in the academy and are interviewing an additional candidate on February 21. Mayor Henry commented that there has been a lot of work on upcoming fire/EMS presentations.

 

Director of Community Development Jim McGuire shared the monthly violations report and the building permit revenue report. He also reported a staff member has to report for jury duty tomorrow.

 

Director of Infrastructure Byron Landfair gave updates on recent projects: 20th Street has 17 days left on the contract so this phase of the project will conclude at the beginning of next month; industrial park contractors are almost finished on the sewer lines and will be starting water lines. 

 

City Attorney Cass Taylor had no report.

 

Next, City Clerk Summer Valverde received Council approval of the mid-year capital and budget requests and resolution 1818 budget adjustments for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. Councilors asked the budget committee on where we stand on the budget and the request to obtain new police units since there is a scarcity of vehicles. Mayor Henry noted that the City has been exceeding their budget expectation this year. 

 

Major Henry called for an executive session in accordance with the State of New Mexico Open Meetings Act, Section 10-15-1-(H)2((7): threatened or pending litigation. Motion passed to go into an executive session.

 

The council adjourned for an executive session. 

 

The Council reconvened shortly and reported no action was taken regarding threatening and pending litigation was discussed. There was a comment from the Councilors about kids ringing doorbells and running away.

 

Mayor Henry then adjourned the meeting.