Bonnie Hidalgo

The Board of Trustees meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. These included amending the agenda order, updates on city projects and lighting, and setting a special meeting to discuss a resolution regarding a family entertainment project. The board also considered and acted on a vehicle maintenance service agreement, ultimately choosing CNR Automotive. Additionally, they discussed proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, approving a sponsorship to the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, purchasing hot melt asphalt for road maintenance, and amending the Library's Membership Fees, Fines and Loan Time Policy. The board also addressed an amendment to the Command Protocol regarding law enforcement interactions with city employees, explored potential partnership opportunities with American Family Entertainment Centers, LLC, and discussed rescheduling a regular meeting. They also approved the purchase of a pallet of copy paper and met in a closed session to discuss personnel matters before approving a candidate for the Community Development Coordinator position.

The Board of Trustees held a budget workshop where the Finance Director presented the financial reports for August 2025, noting revenues of $699,324.48 and expenditures of $1,015,807.67, with all departments remaining within their projected budgets. Questions were raised regarding firework fees and the availability of funds for lighting. A special meeting was convened to discuss a resolution authorizing the City Attorney to serve as a bridge between the City of Anthony and American Family Entertainment Centers, LLC, and to establish a Family Entertainment Project Advisory Committee to support negotiations. Concerns were raised about the size and composition of the proposed committee, leading to a decision to postpone the item for revision. A resolution was also passed to authorize two board members and the City Attorney to explore potential partnership opportunities with American Family Entertainment Centers, LLC, with the City Attorney providing monthly briefings.

The board discussed and took action on several items, including a utility easement agreement and franchise fee waiver with Mescalero Apache Telecom, which was ultimately postponed. They approved construction on Grant Street and related administration services, as well as a capital appropriation project for the Multigenerational Building Phase II. An Evidence Technician job description was approved, and the board agreed to proceed with a quote for the CivicPlus SeeClickFix 311 module for the new city website. Internet service to Adams Ballpark was approved, while action on email protection services was postponed. The board also entered a closed session to discuss personnel matters related to Community Development Coordinator applications, and later amended the Community Development Coordinator job description. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding a proposed development within the City of Anthony by American Family Entertainment Centers, LLC, and a special meeting was requested to discuss fees for the municipal soccer field. A Vehicle Maintenance Service Agreement with Franklinn Tire Shop and a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Sunland Park Animal Control Department were also signed.

The meeting addressed the approval of a resolution to defer staff salary adjustments post-budget approval pending evaluation outcomes. Concerns were raised regarding the Governing Body's authority to review staff performance evaluations, with legal counsel advising against direct review to avoid potential liability issues. Amendments were proposed to clarify the distinction between receiving evaluation outcomes and directly reviewing individual evaluations. The discussion also covered evaluations for appointed positions and the possibility of retroactive salary increases.

The Board of Trustees held a budget workshop. The Finance Director presented the financial reports for June 2025, noting that expenditures were generally in line with projections, with minor adjustments. Total expenses were $3,920,479.69, resulting in a surplus of $537,478.50. A trustee requested a detailed breakdown of revenues from rental properties and city facilities.