David Griego

The council received presentations on Department of Energy environmental management and a strategic economic development update. Consent items included contract approvals for software licenses, appointments to the Health Council and Historic Preservation Advisory Board, and submission of a recreation trails grant. Ordinances were introduced regarding development code amendments, and public hearings were held to authorize gross receipts tax improvement revenue bonds, propose charter amendments related to boards and committees, and modify expenditure priorities. Additionally, resolutions were approved for transit program funding and regional transit planning. The council discussed potential statutory amendments and considered a directive for the Environmental Sustainability Board to expand recycling services, which failed to pass.

The board addressed public concerns regarding the residential demand pricing proposal and discussed the removal of an item related to rate comparisons from the agenda. A statement regarding a prior closed session was approved, and various consent agenda items were addressed. The board held a detailed discussion regarding a potential one-year rate increase for gas services, evaluating financial projections and operational requirements, including staffing and infrastructure maintenance costs. Additionally, the board received an overview of the benefits and challenges associated with undergrounding electric distribution infrastructure.

The meeting included a presentation on teen and parent coaching, updates on council member activities and projects such as planning a field trip and attending local events, and reports from the Chair, staff, and the County Council Liaison. Key discussion topics in the reports included HVAC upgrades at public utilities, the new ShareNM.org website, local Pride Fest events, an emergency food drive, county housing development projects, traffic and safety ADA improvements, and the formation of an inclusivity board.

The council received proclamations for National Public Works Week and Mental Health Awareness Month, recognized the Atomic City Transit for several awards, and honored the winners of the 2026 I Voted sticker contest. The council provided direction for the development of an ordinance to form an Inclusivity Board. Actions taken included budget revisions for a vacuum excavator truck and water transmission line repairs, the reinstatement of a booster station rehabilitation contract, the removal of uncollectible ambulance billing accounts, and the approval of demolition and fire protection projects. The council also awarded a contract for roadway and utility improvements and appointed a new member to the Board of Public Utilities.

The council held a series of presentations and proclamations, including the designation of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month, Bike Month, and Emergency Medical Services Week. Informational briefings were provided by the Transportation Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding their respective activities. Additionally, an update and discussion on traffic safety were conducted, and a report was provided by a representative on the Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico, along with a notice regarding an upcoming Department of Transportation meeting.