Dorothy Flores

The Council discussed and acted upon several items, including a presentation on the Belen Harvey House and final pricing for the City of Belen Gross Receipts Tax Improvement Revenue Bonds. The Council approved amendments to the ordinance regarding Liquor Licenses to clarify procedures, as well as an ordinance establishing a Planned Area District (PAD) and site plan for the Jardin South development. Additionally, the Council approved the replacement of subdivision water rights regulations with new water conservation consumption standards, updated historic district building and construction requirements, and adopted resolutions regarding the Open Meetings Act and Inspection of Public Records Act compliance for the upcoming year. The meeting concluded with reports from the City Manager and council communications, followed by an executive session regarding personnel matters with no action taken.

The Council conducted several public hearings, approving a beer and wine liquor license for Alejandro's Café LLC, an annexation and rezoning ordinance for 45 Orchard Road, and the preliminary plat for LGI Homes-Jardin South. A preliminary plat for Sunrise Meadows was tabled pending legal clarification. The Council also approved an appointment to the Technology Infrastructure Fee Committee. Administrative reports provided updates on the city's solid waste contract negotiations, wastewater treatment plant funding, ongoing economic development initiatives, and the successful groundbreaking of the Veterans Memorial.

The council received updates regarding the National Safe Council Safety Summit and the FDIC International Conference. Action items included postponing the evaluation committee's recommendation for the residential and commercial solid waste collection and disposal contract and approving amendments to the fees for bulk fire hydrant users, including updating deposit requirements. The City Manager provided project updates involving street improvements, engineering plans for the Great Blocks project, and pending funding for well infrastructure. Additionally, the council held an executive session to discuss an amendment to the City Manager's contract.

The council received public comments regarding community support, liquor licensing, and local initiatives. A proclamation was issued for a local resident. The council received an update from the Mid-Rio Grande Senior Volunteer Network. Approval was granted for Fire Department personnel to attend an out-of-state training conference, and the council discussed emergency operations center protocols. The city manager provided updates on various infrastructure projects and city department activities. Following an executive session regarding personnel matters, the council approved employment contracts for the city manager, fire chief, and city clerk/treasurer.

The council meeting addressed public concerns regarding ADA access, community gardens, and development infrastructure. Presentations were delivered concerning the Senior Olympic Board and plans for a new gazebo at Anna Becker Park. The council approved an ordinance amendment for the City's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Agreement, authorized attendance at the NSC Safety Summit for city employees, entered into an MOU with Anthony's Art in the Park, and passed contract resolutions for roadway improvements funded by the Municipal Arterial Program and the Local Government Road Fund. The City Manager provided updates on current projects, municipal communication systems, and legislative funding results.