James Colvert

The meeting addressed several action items, including the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting of December 16, 2025. The Board approved the preliminary subdivision plat for Sunset Estates, including a variance on the projection of Berry Street, contingent upon maintaining a southern connection for future development. A setback variance for a porch extension at 308 E. Glorietta Dr. was approved pending verification that the structure does not encroach upon the Xcel Energy easement. A request for a carport variance at 2525 N. Charlcia Blvd., which involved encroachment into the public right-of-way, was denied due to neighborhood opposition and consistency concerns regarding previously red-tagged structures. A sign variance for an existing sign structure at 1320 E. Broadway St., allowing a sign face size of 200 square feet, was approved with the condition that no additional banners be attached. The Board also reviewed and approved the New Mexico Open Meetings Act Notice for 2026. A discussion was held regarding proposed revisions to the City of Hobbs noise ordinance to introduce objective, decibel-based standards to replace subjective enforcement criteria, but no formal action was taken. Finally, the Board considered a request to subdivide Tract 5, Section 4, Township 18, Range 38 East into four lots, requiring a variance to avoid developing public roads adjacent to three surrounding streets.

The meeting agenda included the approval of the minutes from the January 20, 2026, Regular Meeting. A proclamation designating February 2, 2026, as "2-1-1 DAY" was scheduled. Key action items involved approving a resolution authorizing the Mayor to make appointments to the Public Library Board, approving a related party contract with Watson Truck and Supply, Inc., reviewing the FY 2026 2nd Quarter (December 2025) DFA Financial Report, and authorizing a Memorandum of Agreement to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Hobbs and the Fraternal Order of Police, Lea County Lodge No. 9.

The meeting agenda included the approval of the minutes from the January 5, 2026, Regular Commission Meeting. Proclamations involved recognizing City Employees for milestone service awards in January 2026. The Consent Agenda featured consideration for purchasing a CentraAlert Controller for the Whelan Outdoor Warning System to enable mobile app notifications, and a resolution approving appointments for the City's Directors for Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance, LLC (ELEA). Action items included a Public Hearing regarding a Spirits, Beer and Wine Wholesaler Liquor License application from Black Gold Distilling, LLC; adopting Budgetary Adjustment #3 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026; authorizing an allocation of Lodgers' Tax for FY 2026 events; and approving a contract for signal equipment installation at Dal Paso & Clinton intersections.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various city matters, such as plumbing repairs and replacements, financial reports, grant applications for EMS, water supply well bids, and a summer youth program agreement. Additionally, the commission addressed fire tower installation, an agreement for expanded air service at Lea Regional Airport, an agreement with the Economic Development Corporation of Lea County, and the annexation of territory into the City of Hobbs. Collective bargaining agreements with the Hobbs Professional Firefighters Association and the Hobbs Police Officers Association were also on the agenda, along with a budgetary adjustment for the fiscal year 2025-2026.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items such as the emergency trunk line F sewer line replacement, the final plat for the Ozro Subdivision, a development agreement with Hasbrook-Fetter Farms, amendments to the Uniform Traffic Ordinance and the Hobbs Municipal Code, renewal of 2026 benefit plan offerings, and the purchase of a heavy rescue/hazardous material vehicle. Additionally, the commission addressed a memorandum of agreement with the New Mexico Department of Transportation for Hobbs Express, a professional services agreement with Parkhill for construction phase services, and the HIAP Summary Subdivision Replat.