Camino Real Regional Utility Authority

The meeting addressed several key issues, including the election of a new chair and vice-chair, discussions on improving public engagement through Spanish translations of the agenda, and updates on a new text message service for customers. The board also discussed water leak detection methods, approved an open meetings policy and a holiday schedule, and considered an RFP award for wastewater system maintenance. Additionally, there were discussions on a zone change request, a standard operating procedure for property leaks, and updates on a rate study, focusing on rate structures, revenue impacts, and assistance for low-income customers.

The meeting included presentations from online and credit card payment companies. The board discussed the numbering of pages in the CRRUA meeting packets, comments made in the last Solid Waste Authority meeting, options for small businesses in Sunland Park, and a water line break. The June 2019 operations monthly reports of the CRRUA water and wastewater system were presented. The board agreed on a ballot and approved Mr. Joshua Orozco as the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority board member at large. The FY20 CRRUA budget was approved. Projects to be listed on the 2021-2025 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) were discussed and ranked, and the 2021-2025 ICIP resolution was adopted. The board approved a resolution to enter into a grant agreement with the Department of Finance and Administration, State of New Mexico, Local Government Division, Fund 931000 Capital Appropriation Project and delegate signature and administrative authority to the executive director. The CRRUA 2019 unrepresented pay scale/ranges proposal was approved. The 2019 final quarter financial report and resolution were approved. The board convened in closed session to discuss a personnel matter regarding the executive director.

The meeting addressed a customer's high water bill complaint, the status of other customer complaints, and the need to review the leak policy. The board discussed and approved a waiver for late fees charged during the COVID-19 pandemic for April, May, and June 2020. The budget for the fiscal year 2020-2021 was presented, discussed, and approved, including a review of revenues, expenses, and potential impacts of the pandemic. A review of a rate increase was presented, comparing water and wastewater revenues before and after the rate increase, with a recommendation to monitor changes over a one-year period due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agenda included monthly reports for the Bridel Facility for July and August 2020, and an accounts receivable report as of August 31, 2020. The board was expected to discuss and act on a resolution authorizing the submission of a joint application with the City of Sunland Park for financial assistance to the New Mexico Finance Authority for the Colonias Infrastructure Fund. Also, the board was to consider approving an award request for legal services to Utton and Kery, as well as a resolution authorizing submission of an application for financial assistance to the New Mexico Finance Authority for the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. Additionally, the agenda included the approval of a waiver for late fees charged during the COVID-19 pandemic for August 2020.

The meeting included discussion and action on Case No. CRSD22-002, a request for a Type II Subdivision known as Las Brisas Subdivision, proposing 61 lots on one parcel totaling 16.21 acres. The meeting was then adjourned.