Max Khudiakov

The council meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the regular meeting held on October 24th. Key discussions included the financial report, noting a decrease in GRT collections for the current month but an overall year-to-date increase, largely supported by construction sector growth while retail trade, real estate, and accommodations sectors saw declines. Committee reports covered Public Works, detailing ongoing road repairs, water pressure issues due to leaks, a sewer backup resolution, and the operational status of new and old trash trucks. Public safety and parks/trails committees did not meet due to a lack of quorum. The Mayor's report highlighted receiving an inaugural award from the National League of Cities. The Comprehensive Plan update included scheduling a community input meeting for December 17th. Legislative planning involved finalizing priorities for the upcoming session, seeking approximately $5 million for housing initiatives, $300,000 for a frontian loader, $3.1 million for the wastewater collection system, and funding for a bridge project. The council rescheduled the meeting originally set for Christmas Eve to December 23rd at 5:00 PM. The Planning and Zoning agenda focused on the recommendation to change the zoning for the Moose property, owned by the Red River Nation, from PUB to General Business (Zone C), which was approved by the council after considering adjacent resident feedback and clarifying zoning implications regarding future residential use and the commercial overlay zone.

The council meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an opening prayer. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and minutes from the September 23rd, 2025 meeting. The financial report indicated decreases in GRT collections from construction, retail trade, and real estate, though accommodation and food service showed an increase. The council approved expenditures. Committee reports covered ongoing public works projects, including High Street (Phase One and Two) and the Sidewalk Project, noting delays due to weather and utility issues. Updates were provided on the Tenderfoot Project and the progress of the new Public Works building. Visitors raised concerns regarding the completion of the High Street project, road conditions, and beaver activity in the Tenderfoot area. The committee also discussed the status of pump track funding and disc golf course signage. In the Mayor's report, scheduling for the November committee meeting was adjusted due to Veterans Day. Discussions also focused on housing initiatives involving modular facilities, with an RFP submitted for over $3 million, and efforts to secure funding for water main replacements. Tourism updates included receiving five award nominations. New business involved the ratification of James Hall as the new Transit Supervisor and the approval of Resolution 2025-29 to accept $3 million from the New Mexico Department of Transportation for High Street painting, requiring a 5% local match.

The meeting commenced with roll call and invocation, followed by a moment of silence to honor Mr. George Pixie, which included the reading of a proclamation. Key agenda items included the approval of previous minutes from April 22nd and May 19th meetings. The town received an unmodified (clean) opinion on its financial statements from the auditors, with no current-year findings reported; previous findings regarding cash and payroll disbursements were resolved. Financial reports indicated mixed results for May collections, with GRTs up but Real Estate down for the month, though year-to-date collections were up overall. Committee reports covered Public Safety preparations for Memorial Day weekend, including street striping and clearing dead trees, noting delays in restroom opening and status updates on various public works projects like street repairs and water treatment plant sign permits. The Parks and Trails committee discussed town cleanup efforts, a proclamation for Community House, and plans to advertise bids for welcome signs and astroturf for the pump track, as well as addressing rotted logs at the cemetery entrance and installing new trail markers. Concerns were also raised regarding water table issues in a subdivision and parking enforcement on River Street.

The meeting commenced with roll call and an invocation, noting the start of the first official meeting under the new open meetings act timing. Public comment focused on offering suggestions for summer marketing efforts to counteract anticipated low visitor traffic due to dry conditions, including hosting local musicians, and addressing concerns about construction at Brandonburg Park possibly limiting summer access. A marketing update for the 'Mayfest in the Mountains' event was presented, detailing digital advertising strategies across multiple flights targeting Texas and Oklahoma markets, emphasizing 'fun over fear' marketing, and noting strong early engagement metrics. Additional marketing efforts were announced, including a print campaign in the Dallas Morning News and Wall Street Journal leading up to Memorial Day, and a small billboard campaign in the Albuquerque area. A council member requested a simplified 'Summer Campaign Cool in Red River' slogan to capture immediate attention based on high regional temperatures.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which involved removing item three pending feedback from the Dhouse County manager regarding fire inspections. The minutes from the November 27th meeting were approved. Financial reports for November 2024 indicated positive growth in several sectors, notably construction and accommodation/food service, although property management companies showed a slight decrease. Gross receipts tax collections were up month-over-month and year-to-date. The Council approved Resolution 2024-32, detailing legislative priorities, including $3.1 million for wastewater system improvements and $5 million for workforce housing, and Resolution 2024-33 related to the 'Keep America Beautiful' program commitments. New business included ratifying the appointment of Alec Baron as a new dispatcher. During public comment, several concerns were raised, including the need to support the local doctor, Jessica Cross, by finding larger suitable premises, the location of infrastructure costs for new developments, the potential negotiation for a sheriff substation within a new county fire station, and general commentary on incorporating public input earlier in the meeting process.