Kimberly Silva

The meeting focused on the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget hearings for various departments, including Human Resources, Municipal Court, and City Council. Key discussions included Human Resources' goal to increase efficiency by reducing reliance on outside contractors through a new internal position, updates on employee benefit plan designs, and potential strategies for staff career development and mentorship programs. The Municipal Court highlighted its budget priorities, focusing on staff salaries, language access, and public safety programs such as drug court and electronic monitoring. The City Council discussed its budget, noting placeholders for potential staffing assessments and exploring the use of individual council member allocations for district priorities.

The meeting included fiscal year 2027 operating budget hearings, beginning with a presentation by the tourism department. Topics covered the tourism marketing strategy, the Route 66 Centennial promotional efforts, funding for a drone show as part of a 250th celebration, proposed renovations to the convention center's second-floor terrace, and security measures for the downtown area. Additionally, the department detailed software investments for managing short-term rentals and enhancing data collection for event and tourism analytics.

The meeting included the introduction of a new city project, remembrance of community members, and an update on the agenda items. Presentations were given by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) local 39.99 regarding budget expectations, hiring freezes, and salary adjustments. Additionally, the Santa Fe Firefighters Association Local 2059 presented on their operational demands, the need for increased resources for emergency medical services, and discussed the placement of the Alternative Response Unit (ARU) program.

The board discussed agenda changes, including postponed items and a change in meeting location. Staff provided updates on the Santa Fe Heritage Preservation Awards, noting property winners and a service award, and confirmed the date for the awards ceremony. The primary case reviewed was a status review for a residential property, where the board discussed the historic status of the home and adjacent rock retaining walls, ultimately agreeing on the primary facade designations and the status of the site elements.

The board addressed multiple ethics complaints, including the dismissal of one complaint due to legal insufficiency. The meeting also involved a status report regarding pending complaints from 2025, with a focus on discovery requirements, witness identification, and the need to establish a firm hearing schedule through a written prehearing order.