[0:09] All right. It is Oh. [0:12] » We're on. This is the roll call order of the regular meeting of the Rio Oso Town [0:15] City Council. Today is Monday, August the 10th. The [0:19] time is 5:30. Uh Mr. Hannah, would you lead us in the [0:23] Pledge of Allegiance? [0:27] » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the [0:32] republic for which it stands, one nation under God, [0:37] indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [0:47] » Councilor Smith. >> Councilor Leatherman. [0:51] » Here. >> Councilor Taylor. [0:53] » Here. >> Councilor Giddens. [0:54] » Here. >> Councilor Proctor. [0:56] » Here. >> And you have a quorum. [0:59] » I will entertain a motion for the approval of the agenda. [1:03] I'd like that motion for approval of the agenda. [1:06] I'll second that. >> I'll second. [1:11] » Councilor Leatherman. >> Aye. [1:13] » Councilor Giddens. >> Aye. [1:15] » Councilor Proctor. >> Aye. [1:16] » Councilor Taylor. >> Aye. [1:20] » We will entertain a motion for the approval of this consent agenda. [1:25] » Mayor, I would uh like a motion to approve consent agenda [1:31] with the modification to minutes. [1:43] There's a clerical stuff needs to be [1:46] Okay, commended on minutes. >> Do we need to elaborate for the record [1:50] or >> Uh if you'd like me to stumble through [1:52] it. >> Um [1:54] » I'll second that. >> Councilor [1:55] Councilor Taylor, you're able to uh read through the amendments or you we can add [2:00] the amendments as an exhibit to the >> Okay. [2:04] » tonight's minutes. >> Briefly under and minutes under [2:08] unfinished business. [2:12] The second The second paragraph there says counselor with no name moved to [2:17] approve kennel facilities and so forth. [2:21] The clerk has recommended that be struck out in the lower [2:25] uh paragraph be placed in that line. And I [2:30] like I said, the clerk will verify she modified it on [2:34] my copy here, so we can use that as one >> Or we can reserve it for the next [2:38] meeting. >> I'll wait. [2:43] » And then I don't believe second is one of all of that. [2:46] » Councilor Bibbens? >> Aye. [2:48] » Councilor Taylor? >> Aye. [2:50] » Councilor Eastham? >> Aye. [2:52] » Councilor Proctor? >> Aye. [2:55] » Okay. Next item would be public comments. Is [2:58] there any one in the audience that would like to speak? [3:04] I see none. Next item would be councilors' comments. [3:08] Councilors? [3:11] Mr. Harris? No, okay. >> Uh I [3:14] I have heard great things about the the event this weekend. [3:19] All positive. Um everybody came out and showed. [3:23] And um as well as uh we have the Fresh Stop food runner [3:30] uh the food bank has been here today and [3:32] it's been here for the past few months. They are wishing to continue putting in [3:37] their happy to provide for the families that need. So. [3:40] » So, you want to get times and >> Uh we don't currently have a time yet, [3:44] but as soon as I get it, we'll have it posted and [3:47] um everybody is welcome to participate. >> Excellent. Thank you. [3:52] I got one. brief update on the clinic. [3:58] Um there's Mary Douglas. She sent me an email. The clinic's [4:02] pretty much ready to go. Furniture is in. [4:05] Exam rooms are complete. We have a small lab. [4:09] Yard is striped for parking. Electricity and water are connected. [4:13] We're interviewing the nurse practitioner next week and medical [4:16] assistant next week. And then we're pretty much ready to go. [4:20] We still do not have the license from the state. [4:23] They've been reviewing the application, but nothing has approved yet. [4:34] They want first to give them life safety code reports to them. [4:38] We've done that. We have sent that in. [4:42] Waiting to have that approved. [4:48] It's not in They're just They're waiting on the state to approve it. They'll give [4:51] final approval. Uh [4:56] Do you all have anything to add to that? >> No, I think all we're just waiting on is [4:59] the state clinic. >> Perfect. [5:03] Thanks for the update. [5:05] I just want to say thank you. Thank you, sir. Dr. Harrison and [5:09] Counselor Taylor for the update. [5:13] Inside on the boot camp stuff going on. I never been in within the medical [5:20] center living. They get to [5:22] That's a good thing to the public if they know about. Put information. Thank [5:26] you. Councilor Laswell, do you have anything? [5:29] » No, thank you, sir. >> Okay. [5:32] Moving on to Mayor's comments. Well, Ms. Gutierrez stole my thunder, so I won't [5:35] say [5:39] » We had our our first annual party in the park this weekend. It was a huge [5:42] success. Um Lots of sun. Some of us are showing [5:46] signs of that today, I'm sure, but um um overall, it was a a fantastic event and [5:51] and I'm hoping that we can uh [5:54] attract it back and and more uh to come. More we [5:59] utilize the park, the better it's uh known within the [6:03] community. I [6:04] uh would like to extend a thank you to uh [6:08] all of the personnel that assisted, came out and helped, and and worked to make [6:11] it that success. So, you guys did a phenomenal job. Thank you. [6:17] » All right, moving on to new business. Each item listed will be for discussion [6:22] and possible action. A would be [6:25] uh approval of the interdepartmental transfer of unused funds from streets [6:30] cap out vehicle to streets cap out equipment for the purchase of equipment [6:34] in the amount of $285,000. >> I'll make a motion. All in I. [6:40] » At stake, water mayor. >> I'll let them in. [6:43] » Can I have a second? >> Billy Brooks, sir. [6:47] » Can I address the council? >> Um with the grapple truck, it was picked [6:50] up by the state. So, the state covered those expenses. [6:53] So, that would leave that 285 in our budget streets. And I would like to use [6:57] that money to purchase another piece of equipment, a road widener, which helps [7:01] us backfill curbs and and patch potholes and different things. [7:05] Along with that, um we have a lowboy trailer that was given [7:09] to us by the county for free. It needs tires and decking, [7:13] which is going to run probably close to 20,000 to find to get fixed. So, I'd [7:17] like to use some money for that. And lastly, if there's enough money left [7:21] over, I would like to replace the bathrooms on Mary Park. [7:25] That this weekend, my guys were there for 14 hours [7:29] pumping manholes and whatnot because that bathroom was never built correctly. [7:33] There's a belly in the sewer line, so it constantly clogs. [7:36] Just not a good thing. So, if we could get a new bathroom put in there, [7:40] then I time lock some stuff for night time to lock it up, try to keep people [7:43] out of there sleeping in it and that could be good for the park. [7:49] » You have the time clocks or time locks and then you're able to [7:53] deny access after hours using [7:57] » I have a question about that. Um Mr. Jarvis, [8:01] um do you currently have a park ranger? [8:04] » No. >> We have We don't have one. [8:05] » Nothing. We tried to get one [8:08] uh three or four years ago. Since then at the time we needed another piece of [8:12] equipment and that size would have been perfect. [8:14] » What happens when you need one, Dr. Jarvis? [8:16] » Well, you right now it's taking four or five guys about two weeks to shovel the [8:19] dirt. >> Oh, and is it something that can be done [8:21] in a day or two with a piece of equipment? [8:24] » Done. >> Very good. Thank you. Thank you. [8:25] » Yes. >> And as far as bathrooms, um would it be [8:28] the same size spot? >> It's probably the same spot. We'll [8:32] probably build it up a little higher in elevation because it's central to the [8:36] park. You know, the bathroom get very [8:38] expensive. We did this a couple of years ago. In '19 we went out to bid and the [8:42] folks were at $600 a square foot. These are pre-fab concrete. We literally [8:47] do the dirt work, set the utilities and crane sets the building down just like [8:50] Riverside. >> Okay. [8:52] » Um the one at Riverside was about 90,000 for a single occupancy [8:57] and one that has double on both sides we're looking at about 180,000. [9:02] » And is that what you're looking at a double occupancy? [9:04] » Yes. I think we need more restrooms there. [9:06] » Right. Thank you. [9:07] » Thank you. >> Right. [9:14] » Any other questions? [9:23] » Councilor Les Schwab? I. Councilor Proctor? [9:27] » I. >> Councilor Gibbes? [9:28] » I. >> Councilor Gibbes? [9:30] » I. >> Thank you very much, Dr. [9:33] Thank you, Dr. All All folks, bear with me. This one's [9:36] a long. [9:40] Item B would be approval of resolution number 2026-18, [9:45] a resolution calling for the submission of general obligation bond questions to [9:49] all qualified voters at the general election to be held on November 3rd, [9:53] 2026 for the purpose of voting on the [9:56] issuance of general obligation bonds in aggregate principal amounts of [10:01] $2,500,000 describing the purpose for which the [10:06] bond proceeds would be expended, providing for the filing of the election [10:10] resolution with the Lincoln County Clerk [10:14] authorizing and directing the the officers and employees of the city to [10:17] coordinate with the with the assist [10:20] with and assist the Lincoln County Clerk with respect to the election [10:26] prescribing other details with details in connection with such [10:32] election and bonds and ratifying action previously taken in [10:37] connection therewith. >> Mayor [10:41] I make a motion on item B as stated by [clears throat] the mayor. [10:45] » [laughter] >> Come on. You want to read that again? [10:47] » No. [10:49] » Do I have a second? >> I'll second. [10:52] » Okay. Go ahead, sir. [10:55] » Mayor and council, my name is Mark Will. I'm managing principal of Boskey [10:59] Advisors. We're serving as your bond advisor [11:02] for the general obligation bonds if they're passed by voters. As as my [11:07] colleagues talked about last time they were here [11:10] this election would not increase taxes. So, the opportunity for the for the city [11:17] is to take this voters get approval with their support to apply to any [11:23] infrastructure projects you would have in the community. [11:26] Chris Nearhead, who's your bond attorney, is online. You know, I'll turn [11:29] it over to him on the on the legal side of this, [11:32] and and what they have crafted your bond attorney says been brought up for you [11:36] for the city to use these funds if voters approve them for general core [11:42] infrastructure. So, I'll stop there. I'm happy to answer questions about the [11:46] election, the process, or or tax implications. Like I said, it's not a [11:51] tax increase, but I'll turn it over to Mr. Muirhead [11:55] to talk about the resolution that's in front of you this evening. Thank you. [11:58] Thank you, sir. >> Uh good evening, Mayor and Councilors. [12:02] Chris Muirhead with the law firm where we're bond counsel and have been working [12:05] with Mark on this, Ms. Chavez. Uh the resolution is a standard form [12:11] that we use around the state. What it does is directs the Lincoln County Clerk [12:16] to put this on the the ballot come November. [12:19] It does need to be filed, the signed resolution with the the County Clerk by [12:24] August 28th. So, if it passes tonight, get it signed and get it sent over [12:28] there. Drafted the question as Mark indicated to be as broad as possible [12:32] with still providing enough specificity to voters so that they know what they're [12:36] potentially approving, but it is very broad infrastructure, [12:40] buildings, water, wastewater improvements. [12:44] And it is the the step that once you do this, you can give it to the Lincoln [12:47] County Clerk and they'll take it from there. They manage and operate the [12:51] elections. And then on November 3rd, it would go to [12:54] the voters. If it passes, you'd have 4 years to expend the two and a half [12:59] million dollars issue bonds or to issue bonds totaling two and a [13:04] half million dollars for the projects. As Mark said, happy to answer any [13:08] questions about it. Uh this is the opportunity [13:12] to get it on the ballot come November. [13:16] » Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir. >> Yes, thank you, Mayor. [13:19] » Any questions? >> I just think there's there. Yes. [13:24] » I would we need to follow the plan every week we're going to do [13:28] to get it to the citizens of the community. [13:30] It It's not going to cost you anything. I mean, you can put them on the [13:33] brochure. We need to promote that, whether it's radio, newspaper, or [13:38] mail. So, nobody knows about our meeting, so [13:40] we can't tell them here. So, put it on the social media platforms [13:44] that we have and we'll get it pushed out. [13:48] I rest you. So, this is what he was [13:51] » Have you guys had any experience in getting this out to the community [13:55] for the purposes of them understanding what it is and not um [14:01] a tax on them? >> Um Mayor and Counselor, uh yes, we have. [14:05] In fact, the last election cycle, we worked with 10 cities or school [14:09] districts who were pursuing uh the same type of [14:14] uh election. Some of them were actually tax increases in those communities. [14:18] Um out of the 10 that we supported and helped, eight of them won. [14:23] Um and so, the the path we would recommend is to at least hold a couple [14:28] different town halls. Uh let the public know that the [14:32] everybody's here to answer questions. We'll attend and be there and and and be [14:36] available to answer factual information. Um I will say that the state law here, [14:41] and Chris um Mearshead can can uh chime in here, state law says that the [14:47] the the city of Ruidoso Downs can put out information as long as it's factual. [14:53] Um and so, you can print information and and make sure as long as it's factual, [14:57] but you cannot uh use state uh city funds to say vote for. You can just [15:03] simply say that these bonds would do this, and here's what the tax impact [15:06] would be, which is a zero impact from what you're currently paying [15:10] uh to voters. So, yes, we do have that experience. We're happy to prepare uh [15:14] brochures for the community that you can distribute. We're happy to be here for a [15:19] couple town halls um and participate in any of that communication. [15:24] And I would also suggest that I think early voting starts October 6th, [15:28] somewhere around there, to have at least one town hall right [15:31] before early voting starts, and then maybe another couple weeks before the [15:35] election. Just to hear making sure you're being heard clearly. [15:40] » I think we're all in agreement that all of those things need to happen [15:44] forward. I'm a benefit of the community. [15:48] So, I we're [15:51] going to recommend that we do that. [15:55] » Further discussion or questions? >> [clears throat] [16:07] » Councilor Broaddus? >> I. [16:08] » Councilor Taylor? >> I. [16:10] » Councilor Gudenas? >> I. Councilor LeSueur? [16:13] » I. >> I. [16:16] We're going to move on to item C. >> Thank you, Chris. [16:19] » Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, guys. Thank [16:21] you, Mayor. Thank you, councilors. [16:28] » Item C, approval of Resolution number 2026-19, [16:33] resolution determining reasonable notice for public meetings of the city of Rio [16:36] Rancho governing body, boards, commissions, and committees, and [16:41] declaring its 2026 annual schedule of the governing body meetings. [16:46] » I'll make a motion to discuss and approve [16:49] item C, as stated by the Mayor. >> I'll second. [16:53] » I'll second. >> Okay. [16:57] » Well, so um I >> Just make a motion. You have the floor. [17:01] » Thank you. So, this is a resolution I'm um [17:05] recommending that we move our city council meetings to 2:00. [17:10] Um I think [17:13] most of the community has understood [17:17] um where this group is standing and I would like to [17:23] also address that uh for financial recent reasons um it would [17:28] probably help with uh overtime costs and comp time for some of the employees that [17:35] are required to be here as well. Uh [17:38] and uh I'd like to have that in writing. [17:43] With my family, but that's a side note. But um I'm open to the discussion [17:51] about it. [17:53] » Dr. Broke, uh and on top of what the Councilwoman [17:57] Harris just she mentioned, uh I brought this up [18:01] two or three meetings three weeks ago and he backed [18:04] and [clears throat] uh Maria confirmed with me and talked with [18:08] me about it. Uh she went ahead and put it in forward. That's fine. It don't [18:12] make any difference who puts it in as long as we get it done. Uh [18:16] we have to think about the people that they come to these [18:20] meetings at 5:30 in the winter time when we have equal weather. [18:24] And driving home on some of these roads and stuff can get pretty dangerous. So, [18:29] uh like it occurred with the 2:00 p.m. uh [18:32] change and go back to what it was because [18:36] we changed it back when we last year like in 2024 [18:42] uh to 5:30 because that's what the citizens [18:45] asked for because they said they couldn't make the meetings and stuff [18:47] like that. They did come for a while. Uh we got a new position. We got new two [18:53] new councilors. Uh and a mayor. And that being said [18:59] then we've got the same people who come to [19:01] the meetings. Uh we might have a one or two or two new faces. Uh [19:06] and I think it'd be a benefit to the citizens to go back and truly [19:13] employees of the community to go back to 2:00 p.m. stable Southern Institute. [19:21] » Any further discussion or questions? >> Yes, sir. [19:24] » Yes, sir. Go ahead. >> [clears throat] [19:27] » Uh in general, I'm not for this. [19:31] And there are a couple of reasons. Uh [19:35] right off top is the personal conflict for me. I still work full-time. [19:40] Uh middle of the afternoon on Mondays [19:44] not be a good time for me. Uh [19:48] also, I don't know if it's come up, uh with Ms. Ware, how that would affect her [19:54] timing. And [19:56] uh if that's been considered. [19:59] Uh as far as people showing up to these [20:03] meetings, [20:07] it's been my impression that people show up when they're they're wanting to [20:10] complain about something. [20:13] Things are going along pretty smooth. People are happy and they did not feel a [20:18] need to complain, but and I think that's [20:22] that's my assumption why people aren't here. That's [20:26] a positive reflection on this government by people that are that [20:31] are that are doing the work here. Uh [20:36] but that being said, moving the time would uh [20:43] my my opinion uh create a conflict for people who would like to be here [20:49] and particularly [clears throat] working-class people [20:52] who you know, that we represent a large [20:55] portion in this community. Uh an outsized proportion for the amount [21:00] of people that actually live here. Uh you know, that which we're it's [21:04] working-class community. Uh [21:09] When I think moved this office, if I'd known I had to show up at 2:00 on [21:13] Mondays, I probably wouldn't have done it. [21:15] Uh [21:18] So, that's kind of my take on it. One other thing, and I don't know [21:23] the validity of it, but I was informed a few years back when it went from 5:00 to [21:28] 2:00, that was done [21:31] to push one of the councilors out who worked full-time at the Captain. [21:37] And of course, there's all kinds of rumors going around that it, you know, [21:40] the past administration and people that were on it, but [21:44] that rumor that that was used as a uh [21:49] Jeremy, but it was >> What language was used? [21:52] » Language was used against used this language against the councilor that was [21:55] butt heads. Uh [21:59] And the last thing that would worry me about this is because [22:04] things are running so smooth, people seem happy with it. I think we're still [22:09] under a microscope. And [22:13] I sure hate to mess with things that are going so [22:17] smooth. Uh You know, this this my [22:22] might come up at a later date right now. I think personally, I think we need to [22:27] just let things roll along as they are, and [22:30] uh that you know, [22:33] maintaining the [22:36] direction we've got and the goodwill of the people. [22:39] Start changing things like that, people will start asking questions, and [22:46] they think that's not going to put in an agenda. [22:52] That's my two cents. Mr. Churchill. [22:55] » That's my take. >> Mr. Lasswell. [22:58] » Well, I don't want to ruin it for the new council because [23:01] we don't have to see our times with the employees, but I respect Councillor [23:06] Taylor. She knows what she's doing. She's at home. [23:09] I don't think we should be changing the times. [23:13] » I I would like to change it regardless. [23:21] » What hardship would it be, Councillor Taylor? [23:23] » Well, it it varies day to day. That uh [23:28] that's my only consideration from my point of view. I I don't put a lot more [23:32] weight to the just the [23:37] visual impact of it to the community. I think when a governing body does [23:42] something like this, the first thing that crosses their mind is [23:46] are they good at this? What are they good for? [23:49] Why is it How is it to my benefit? And uh [23:53] » Well, I think that would be an easy answer to the question. It's a pretty [23:56] pretty easy to be easy to answer. We're doing it to save the city money. [24:01] And that saves the citizens money too. If we're not paying our directors [24:06] Well, the line directors are on salary, so they don't get paid overtime anyway, [24:10] but there's comp time and another thing to consider is when [24:17] » Uh once again, I I think it looks bad. [24:22] Uh if we had, you know, county meetings run 4 or 5 6 hours, village or Dawson [24:27] meetings run 3 or 4 hours, ours run 45 minutes, maybe an hour and a [24:33] half. Uh [24:36] you know, if we were running meetings that long, I I could see how that would [24:39] be a difference in uh in this case, [24:43] uh once again, I I think it would be better [24:47] to just let things run. [24:52] » But Councillor Taylor, would it would it benefit you any at all? [24:57] Um People get off work at 3:00. [25:00] » No, but like I said, that that's that's my consideration. I just threw that one [25:04] out there initially because uh [25:07] that I I work full-time, but I am [25:10] self-employed, so I get to >> I understand. [25:14] » I have my my own schedule. My my biggest concern is uh [25:19] you know, down the line cutting people out of the loop. [25:22] Things are running smooth right now, but they may not stay that way. [25:27] And uh I kind of get it's uh [25:33] more accommodating if we have these later meetings than doing it in the [25:36] middle of the day. Uh [25:41] And that's just how I see it. >> Okay. [25:45] » Any further discussion? >> Um I'll go on the record and say I don't [25:50] care when you have your meetings. I'll be here for any of them. [25:54] Um I don't really have a preference, but um [25:58] you guys decide what it is that you want, we'll make it out. [26:03] » Any further discussion? [26:08] » Councilwoman Taylor? >> No. [26:10] » Councilwoman Lesko? [26:15] Councilwoman DeDennis? >> Aye. [26:17] » Councilwoman Hawkins? >> Aye. [26:19] » Councilwoman K? [26:26] » And >> Aye. [26:28] » That approval of resolution number 2026-20, [26:31] the resolution approving the budget adjustment request for the fourth [26:35] quarter of fiscal year 2026. [26:40] » Mayor and council, we had uh grants that came in after we [26:45] had done the final budget. So, the fourth quarter I had to adjust [26:49] the uh grant money into the lines in if you don't mind I'll go ahead and do [26:53] and then I worked 3 days trying to figure out where my [26:58] predecessor was putting all the interest that the town was making in the [27:04] different lines. I finally got all those lines balanced [27:08] and everything all the interest is in one GL line where the interest that had [27:14] been accrued for this year and [27:17] part of last last fiscal year. And those are the budget adjustments [27:23] need approval for so I can submit that to DFA [27:27] for the final budget for the fourth quarter. [27:33] » Mayor >> This man. [27:35] » I move that we approve the resolution for the budget adjustments request for [27:40] the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. >> I have a second. [27:45] I'll make second. Thanks. [27:52] Any discussion? >> Any more discussion? [27:55] » Or the great roll call >> I don't think we're in two spots. [27:58] » I guess we do. >> Sorry. [28:00] » Fine. >> Um do you have a total [28:03] for all the funds that were moved from So they were in separate accounts [28:08] and >> For the [28:09] » Right. >> For the interest versus 288,000 is all [28:13] we got account though. >> Okay. [28:17] » Any further questions or discussion? [28:23] » Councilor Latour? I [28:25] » Councilor Proctor? >> I [28:27] » Councilor Turenne? >> I [28:29] » Councilor Dudas? >> I [28:32] » All right. What we're looking for we are adjourned. [28:38] » Thank you everyone. >> Thanks everybody. [28:39] » Thank you. Have a good