Traci Alvarez

The meeting agenda covered initial formalities including roll call, silent meditation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Consent Calendar included reviewing 2nd Quarter Subrecipient Reports and a purchase report for requisitions between $20,000 and $59,999.99. Discussions and actions under Ordinances/Resolutions/Zoning addressed the execution of various agreements (contracts, grants, MOUs, joint powers, settlements), authorizing ongoing use of the Adobe Hills Shooting Range by Rio Vaqueros Inc., and establishing a cash-transaction rounding policy in response to the cessation of penny production. New Business items involved discussion and action on the MainStreet Truth or Consequences Wayfinding Plan, an agreement letter for an Animal Shelter event, a contract amendment proposal for a Shovel Ready Project, a NM Capital Outlay Grant Agreement, several Conditional Use Permits, and the appointment of a City Representative to the Sierra Vista Hospital Governing Board, along with scheduling future regular meetings. The Executive Session addressed threatened and pending litigation matters involving Sean Barnes, Rachel Higgins, and Tony Harper.

The meeting agenda for the Planning & Zoning Commission included approval of the agenda and minutes from the January 12, 2026 meeting. Key discussion items scheduled for the meeting involved a review of the Zoning Map and Districts. A workshop session was planned to address Special Use Permits, Variance Requests, and Conditional Use Permits. Reports from the Board and Staff were also anticipated.

The agenda for the regular meeting included the approval of the agenda itself, approval of the minutes from the December 8, 2025 meeting, and public comments. Key public hearings scheduled involved discussions and potential actions on Conditional Use Permits for properties at 1101 Marshall St., 1306 Nickle St., and 1301 Platinum St. New business was slated to cover discussion and action regarding planning items for a future workshop.

Key discussions included an update on the Copper Flats Mine, noting optimistic projections for construction starting mid-next year, despite ongoing opposition from EBID. Staff comments addressed continuous challenges with water leaks and positive outcomes from addressing citizen concerns regarding road repairs and mowing weeds at the golf course. The Commission approved the consent calendar items, including Q1 Subrecipient Reports and a purchase report for items between $20,000 and $60,000. A public hearing for Ordinance No. 772 G.0. Bond was tabled. Actions taken included approving a Budget Adjustment Request Resolution ($26,000 in capital outlay funds for SJOA refrigeration system renovation) and a Resolution for the Sale of Surplus Property, including vehicles and fire trucks, to be sold at the November 22, 2025, auction. The Commission adopted a four-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Village of Williamsburg for road maintenance, clarifying billing procedures based on time and materials, with an amendment to remove specific staff names. Approval was also granted for the NM Capital Outlay Grant Agreement 425-J2035 for the Ken James Senior Center, funding walk-in freezers. Finally, the Commission awarded a contract of $5,765,435.12 to J&H Services Inc. for the Shovel Ready Project I water infrastructure improvements, despite concerns regarding the 370-day completion timeline, after vetting references.

The City Commission meeting included several presentations and action items. Key discussions involved a presentation on the Water & Wastewater Cost of Service & Rate design study, with extensive commission deliberation regarding potential rate increases necessary to cover debt service and fund future wastewater treatment plant renovations. The Commission approved proclamations for Epilepsy Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Several resolutions were approved: one for a Budget Adjustment Request related to water system improvements and a wastewater treatment plant grant funding; a second resolution supporting the submission and acceptance of an NMDOT FY25 EV Infrastructure Grant for constructing a charging station designed to match local aesthetics; and a third resolution authorizing the submission of an application for FY26 EV Infrastructure Grant Funds to potentially expand charging capacity. Reports covered ongoing water service line leak remediation, efforts to secure a street sweeper, updates on the city's favorable comparison to other New Mexico utility rates, community events, and progress on the installation of a helicopter display.