Dominic Chavez

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and was called to order by the Chairman. The agenda was approved after a modification removing a discussion section. The primary focus was a public hearing regarding an application by Vernell Sena for a Special Use / Conditional Use Permit to place a modular home at 1101 Grand Avenue, necessitated by the high cost estimates for remodeling the existing structure. The property is not located in a historic district. Following the hearing, the Board unanimously approved the application.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and call to order. The agenda and the minutes from the July 28th meeting were approved. During Public Comment, a resident spoke on behalf of a neighbor regarding disability and fixed income status. The Public Hearing section included the approval of an encroachment application at 1210 San Francisco Ave, which was required for a pending house sale. Additionally, a zone change request from C-3 to R-3 for a residential renovation project at 12 Grand Avenue, submitted by a board member, was approved. Another zone change request from C-3 to R-3 for 907 East Prince Street was also approved. For a variance application at 400 Socorro Street concerning a structure built three feet from the back line instead of the required four feet, the board ultimately voted to table the matter pending the applicant providing an Improvement Location Report (ILR) within 60 days for further clarification on property lines and setbacks.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and call to order. The agenda was approved. Key business involved a public hearing regarding an application submitted by Jessie Nitcznski requesting a 5-foot variance on the side of the property at 1103 6th Street for a proposed carport intended to protect vehicles from hail damage. The Design and Review Board had previously approved the project as it would not obstruct the façade in the national cultural historic district. Following the hearing, the application for the variance was approved. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

The agenda for this meeting included the Mayor's appointment of five individuals to the Events Committee. Discussions covered reports from Councilors and the City Manager, as well as Finance and Police Chief reports. The Consent Agenda involved seeking approval for Addendum #1 on four existing contracts related to diesel/gasoline maintenance and repair, and standard liquid aluminum sulfate procurement. Business items focused on conducting a Public Hearing and potentially adopting an ordinance to amend the Municipal Code regarding Treatment Facilities and Halfway Houses. Further business included approving the Fiscal Year 2026 Memorandum of Agreement for Section 5311 Grant Funding with the New Mexico Department of Transportation, recommending Lodgers' Tax Board funding for the San Miguel-Mora County Fair Association and an event related to the History of the Plaza Vieja, accepting a significant Transportation Alternative Program grant, awarding contracts for Natural Gas System Engineering Services and Gas Maintenance Shop Materials, approving a Professional Services Agreement for Drug and Alcohol Program Management System services, and considering a lease agreement for American Medical Response (AMR) property, alongside a consideration to amend the organizational chart by changing the Human Resource Manager position to Director.

The meeting addressed the Urban Forest Management Plan, which was accepted and submitted to the City for presentation to the City Council, noting that the City decided to present the proposed tree ordinance first. The proposed Tree Ordinance was sent to the attorney for analysis and editing, and upon return with incorporated comments, the ordinance was reviewed and approved with minor amendments, resulting in one dissenting vote. The board also received an update on park maintenance, which included tree trimming, slash removal at several parks (Carnegie, Plaza, Welcome Center, South Pacific, and the area near Mills Ave. Bridge and the State Employees Credit Union), and the removal of five dead trees. An announcement was made regarding the need for a Letter of Interest to continue membership on the board.