Suzanne Begay

The meeting included presentations and awards for All-State honors in volleyball, soccer, and football, recognizing exceptional student-athletes from local high schools. The council also heard a year-end summary update from Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital regarding financial performance for 2025, noting significant progress in expense control, aiming for profitability in 2026, and discussing future growth philosophy focused on clinical care improvement and provider recruitment. The hospital representative noted challenges related to malpractice constraints affecting statewide provider recruitment.

The primary discussion and action item involved a funding request for a replacement fire engine, specifically Engine 4, a 2013 E1 Cyclone 2 pumper, which has experienced numerous mechanical failures since 2018, including engine issues, overheating, and damage from an accident. Officials recommended purchasing an available stock truck to avoid a multi-year wait for a custom build and to mitigate safety risks associated with the unreliable current vehicle, proposing funding through $600,000 from the vehicle replacement fund (Fund 375) and $200,000 from fire funds (Fund 209). A subsequent agenda item involved accepting a $3 million New Mexico Special Appropriations Grant Agreement (No. 25-ZJ5039) for planning, design, construction, and equipping improvements to the wastewater treatment plant.

The meeting featured a presentation on the proposed North Hogback Trails expansion project by representatives from Gallup Trails and Venture Gallup and Beyond. The project aims to expand access to existing trails, which span approximately two and a half miles, and create a new destination-worthy adventure route along the ridge, potentially totaling eight miles of new routes. Key discussion points included creating trails accessible to a wider variety of users, supporting Gallup's outdoor recreation economy, and the proposed phased construction approach. Public comment addressed support for the opioid settlement housing trust fund for Nova 3 residents and opposition to deploying the National Guard to Gallup. There was also a discussion regarding a potential connection trail in the Menmore area, involving a bridge over the Rio Quo and securing parking near the old soccer fields, where a fitness course is planned.

The special meeting addressed a single action item regarding the delegation of authority for out-of-state travel. The Director requested authorization for the board chair to unilaterally approve travel for animal control transports, as this type of travel is unpredictable and frequent, making scheduling special meetings for sole approval unfeasible. It was specified that all training travel approvals would continue to be brought before the full board.

The meeting agenda included several reports: Financial Reports, Deputy Director's Report on Operations, Maintenance Management Report, Housing Management Report (covering Public Housing and HCV), and Homeownership project status. New business items involved passing a resolution to approve the write-off of delinquent tenant accounts for Mesa Apartments and approving the sale of 804 Houston Street for $210,000, more or less. An open floor segment was provided for citizens to make public comments regarding Gallup Housing Authority operations, allowing 2 to 3 minutes per speaker.