Torrance County

The agenda for the administrative meeting included the Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, and Changes to the Agenda. Key items involve the presentation of a Retirement Plaque and recognition for Larry Halliday, Treasurer. There is a discussion and possible appointment of Manny Encinias to the Estancia Basin Water Planning Committee. Approvals requested include payables, invoices dating back to 2022 for Ambitions Technology Group, invoices for blood draw services from Ronald Sturchio in 2023, a T-Mobile invoice from February 2024, and conference registration costs for the DWI Program Coordinator. Further approvals concern contracts for professional veterinary services with Western Trails Animal Hospital and Dr. Krystle Hutsel, an MOU with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety for DWI law enforcement activities, and grant-related contracts with Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) for primary health care and senior services in several locations, as well as an MOA with Valencia Shelter Services (VSS) for domestic violence services. Discussion topics include projects for the 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) which will include a Public Hearing, an update on the FY25 Interim Budget, and reports from the County Manager and Commissioners. The session also includes an Executive Session to discuss real property transactions and a Fire Chief probation performance evaluation.

Key discussions during the meeting included the proclamation presenting the East Mountain CERT with a community preparedness award from FEMA Region 6. The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DEA/HIDTA and the Torrance County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) concerning drug trafficking initiatives. Appointments to the Torrance County Land Grant Advisory Board were approved, contingent upon receiving documentation for representation from Abo. Public comments focused heavily on water scarcity concerns related to agricultural operations and the allocation of La Joya Wind Project tax revenues to school districts. The Commission also addressed the authorization for the issuance and sale of Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for the La Joya Wind, LLC Project II, amounting to $385,000,000. Resolutions were adopted concerning the New Mexico Counties 2020 Legislative Priorities and the intent to issue taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for wind energy projects up to $1,820,000,000 across three counties, along with the ratification of the Amended Torrance County Land Grant Advisory Board Resolution. The creation of the Heritage Center Advisory Board was approved. Meeting schedules for November and December 2019 were adjusted, and the 2020 Commission meeting schedule was approved in principle. The Board reviewed and approved the Canvass of the 2019 Local Election, acknowledging an upcoming automatic recount for two contests. A controversial decision was made to approve the partial vacation of the Antelope Springs Subdivision and rights-of-way for Bart Lane, despite concerns regarding zoning violations and water rights. Discussions were held regarding the 2020 Census progress and the location of the Wells Fargo building purchase. Directives were issued to investigate a publicized incident where no volunteer fire department response occurred for a house fire. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation, real property acquisition, and personnel matters.

The agenda for the meeting included administrative actions such as the announcement of an Employee Service Year Pin for Carl Austin, Board and Committee Appointments, and Public Comment. Key agenda items involved the adoption of resolutions, including budget adjustments for FY2021-2022 and a resolution to proclaim extreme or severe drought conditions and ban certain fireworks. Approvals included the renewal of a Special Use Permit for Special Waste Disposal, LLC (following a Public Hearing conducted on May 4, 2022), ratification of grant submissions (Juvenile Justice Grant, DWI Grant Agreement), ratification of the Law Enforcement Retention Fund application, personnel actions such as position reclassification and cost-of-living increases for a Dispatch Center position, and ratification of the advertisement/hiring for the Finance Director and HR Director positions. Discussions covered the scope of work for Fairgrounds improvements.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the invocation. Key agenda items included the presentation and approval of proclamations naming October 2021 as 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month' and 'Domestic Violence Awareness Month.' The Employee of the Quarter, Amber Pava, was announced and recognized. Updates were provided on upcoming elections and a question was raised regarding the Planning and Zoning Ordinance Amendment, 94-12. The Fire Chief reported approval of seven grants. The Commission voted to approve the replacement of Solid Waste Management Ordinance 94-12, incorporating requested changes from the previous public hearing, including restoring certain 'where-as' statements. A resolution (Resolution No. 2021-47) regarding the Fire Protection Personnel Overtime Exemption, defining overtime after 106 hours in a 14-day workweek, was approved. A motion to hire a Facilities Maintenance Position was discussed extensively, focusing on the need for electrical/plumbing expertise versus current contractor reliance (TLC), and was ultimately deferred for further cost comparison and understanding of department duties. Payments for prior Fire Department services were approved. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a 6-year service agreement with Motorola for the enhanced radio system, which includes necessary upgrades; the item was deferred pending further review, including clarification on contract terms and pricing structure. The Commission approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Mountainair for Dangerous Animal Services transport only. Contracts for three Grievance Hearing Officers (Brennan & Sullivan, P.A., Garcia Law Group, LLC, and Robert F. Curtis) were approved, with the contract for Robert F. Curtis deferred temporarily for clarification on travel expenses. A motion to submit a Hazard Mitigation Grant Application, requiring a $18,750 match, was approved. A three-month lease extension through January 31, 2022, for the Transfer Station with Tajique Land Grant was approved. During discussion, the Juvenile Justice Continuum Coordinator provided an update on Fiscal Year 2021 activities, including Boys Council & Girls Circle programs, expansion to EVCA, and the initiation of a Restorative Justice Program. Reports were also given by Planning and Zoning regarding a denied Conditional Use Permit appeal scheduled for the next meeting, and Commissioner reports on road improvements.

The meeting included public comments regarding an upcoming local election, where the County Clerk provided details on voter convenience centers, polling places, and candidate filing deadlines. Another public comment involved thanking staff for support during the recent fair, and a resident raised concerns about ongoing harassment and speeding near their property, noting a citizen's complaint was filed with the Attorney General's office. Major agenda items focused on the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP), where discussions covered project deletions and proposed additions, notably concerning water systems for Duran Village, the Estancia Valley Regional Water System (EMWT), and the mitigation of the Mescalero Dam to address compliance and safety hazards. The Commission also addressed several road improvement projects, including McNabb Road and the Estancia Loop/By-Pass, which may involve partnership with the Town of Estancia. Further ICIP discussions involved the potential purchase of land for a new Road Department yard/shop, which could also house a future Fire & EMS station and the relocation of the Tajique Transfer Station. The Sheriff's Department requested funding for new 4x4 patrol vehicles, and the Fire Department requested funds for equipment replacement, including AEDs and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses, and facility planning. Finally, the Commission approved several resolutions related to updated road contracts and the revised Torrance County Investment Policy, and authorized the County Manager to execute a standard annual contract with Presbyterian Medical Services (RPHCA) for healthcare services.