[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

August 10, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting

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