Public Meetings - Alamogordo, New Mexico

The Alamogordo City Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Donald E. Carroll City Commission Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Sharon McDonald called the meeting to order with a quorum present. Commissioner Warren Robinson offered the invocation and Commissioner Baxter Pattillo led the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was approved by a 7-0 vote. Presentations - The BASE Otero Community Youth Center (formerly the Boys and Girls Club of Otero County): CEO Angel Chapman-McDavid presented an update. The organization withdrew from Boys and Girls Club of America in November 2025 to become a freestanding community youth center, focusing on local needs. They serve children ages 5–17 (most ages 5–13) with before/after school care, summer programming, field trips, and transportation. Their annual budget is approximately $900,000. Recent accomplishments include a new website, 501(c)(3) status, two new vans, building repairs, and successful fundraisers. A major fundraiser, Winter Wonderland (Christmas tree auction in partnership with First American Bank), will be held December 3 at 5:30 PM at First American Bank. Future plans include the Base Scholars reading/math enrichment program and a renovation of back offices to add a multi-purpose room and staff training area, expected by end of year. Public Comments & Testimony - Alexander H. Wilson (retired veteran, resident of the 800 block) requested installation of a speed bump on his street. He reported that children in the neighborhood are now older (ages 11–12) and more active, jumping behind cars, and a near-accident has occurred. He acknowledged previous city assistance with signs and lights but stated a speed bump is urgently needed due to speeding cars and the presence of a daycare center on the same street. He provided his contact information. City Manager’s Report - City Manager Robert Stockwell reported: - On North Scenic, the Utilities Department completed a loop system installing 750 feet of six-inch water pipe to improve circulation and eliminate dead-end lines. The department now completes full asphalt and concrete restoration on site, reducing the street department’s backlog. - The aquatic center project: Five general contractors are reviewing the bid; 79 questions have been submitted by contractors. Bid opening remains scheduled for December 15. - Proposed adjusting the December commission meeting schedule to a single meeting on the second Tuesday, with special meetings if needed. This change will be brought to the commission for adoption at the November 17 meeting. Remarks & Inquiries by the City Commission - An unnamed commissioner recognized November as Epilepsy Awareness Month and noted a foundation taking a family from Texas to California for an epilepsy convention at Disney. - Commissioner Baxter Pattillo: - Complimented the golf course condition and incoming contractor change. - Asked about lodgers tax implementation: City Manager replied the golf course contract is being finalized for either December 1 or January 1; the lodgers tax financial analysis is underway and a complete package is expected by the December meeting. - Asked about the We Grow Alamo survey: Staff reported the survey is still open with about 250 responses so far; Bohan (consultant) presented housing survey data; another meeting is scheduled for late November. - An unnamed commissioner clarified that a recent water leak at public housing on First Street is not a city issue as that property is now privately owned. New Business - Resolution 2026-36 – Emergency Declaration for Bonito Lake Watershed: Utilities Director David Nunnelley presented the resolution declaring an emergency due to continued flooding, runoff, sedimentation, debris, and erosion in the Bonito Lake watershed and at Bonito Lake Reservoir. He explained that five rain events this year have repeatedly filled sedimentation ponds in Rottermaker Canyon, requiring ongoing excavation by a contractor. Local funds are being exhausted. Lincoln County has already made a similar declaration. The declaration opens eligibility for federal funding (e.g., Department of Homeland Security) and allows pursuit of permanent restoration solutions instead of reactive local spending. Commissioner questions focused on necessity and future activities. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda (7-0). - Adopted Resolution 2026-36 declaring an emergency at Bonito Lake Reservoir (7-0). - Adjourned the meeting (7-0). Note: No items were on the consent agenda.

The Alamogordo City Commission held a regular meeting on October 27, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Donald E. Carroll City Commission Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation, public comments, consent agenda items, discussion on a contract change order for Fire Station 2, an executive session, and subsequent action. All votes were unanimous except where noted. Mayor Sharon McDonald presided, with six commissioners present (Commissioner Baxter Pattillo joined later via remote). Presentations - Extra Mile Day Proclamation: Mayor McDonald proclaimed November 1, 2026, as Extra Mile Day in Alamogordo, encouraging volunteerism and recognition of those who go the extra mile. Public Comments & Testimony - Justin Boyle: Former Senior Project Manager and ADA coordinator. He stated his termination was retaliation for raising ADA compliance and city ordinance concerns. He described his grievance process and alleged policy violations, including being sent home without pay for three weeks. - Kim Great White Owl Marillo: Citizen. She criticized the commission and Mayor Pro Tem Rardin, alleging harassment, failure to address neighborhood safety issues (standoffs, sinkholes), and financial improprieties such as writing off debts and expired vehicle tags. Her comments were interrupted by the mayor for decorum. - Ryan Flyers: Resident. He supported the city's beautification and vacant property enforcement plans but urged a comprehensive, equitable strategy that includes neighborhoods beyond White Sands Boulevard, combining enforcement with voluntary assistance. - Beth Crab: Former resident. She accused City Manager Stockwell and Mayor Pro Tem Rardin of providing inaccurate information about LEDA fund projects at a prior meeting, and criticized the process that led to Stephanie Hernandez's removal as city manager. City Manager's Report - City Manager Stockwell reported nothing. Remarks and Inquiries by the City Commission - Mayor Pro Tem Joshua Rardin: He disclosed that on two LEDA projects on New York Avenue, the city issued $1 million checks to each business with no clear accounting of how funds were spent. He requested that the upcoming audit for fiscal year 2025-2026 closely examine that spending. Consent Calendar - Items 2 (approve minutes from October 13, 2026) and 4 (Resolution 2026-37 for revised budget numbers) were approved 6-0. - Item 3 (approve minutes from a special meeting on May 5, 2026, inadvertently omitted) was removed from consent for separate discussion. Unfinished Business - Contract Change Order No. 4 – Fire Station 2 Pavement Improvements: Director Shelley Dowhanik-Baron presented two options: Option A ($173,159.84) with concrete apparatus pad and asphalt driveways and parking, and Option B ($254,816.81) with full concrete. Staff recommended Option A, noting that asphalt meets design requirements and is less expensive. Discussion included pavement longevity, maintenance costs, utility access (gas line), and experience with other fire stations. Fire Chief confirmed that other stations use concrete only at the apparatus pad with asphalt driveways. The motion to approve Option A passed 7-0 (including Commissioner Pattillo who joined during this item). Executive Session - The commission voted 7-0 to recess into closed session pursuant to NMSA 1978 § 10-15-1(H)(7) for pending litigation (eight cases) and § 10-15-1(H)(2) for limited personnel matters regarding the Senior Project Manager. Clinton Nicely (Risk Services Director) and Michelle Osborne (HR Director) participated. Reconvene into Open Session - The commission reconvened and stated the closed session was limited to the listed litigation and personnel matters. - Action: The commission directed HR Director Michelle Osborne to hire an independent reviewer for the personnel matter concerning the Senior Project Manager, with a deadline of November 17, 2026 (the second meeting in November). The directive passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items 2 and 4 approved unanimously. - Item 3 (May 5, 2026 minutes) approved unanimously after staff clarification. - Contract Change Order No. 4 for Fire Station 2 approved at $173,159.84 (asphalt option), 7-0. - Executive session held; commission authorized hiring an independent reviewer for the Senior Project Manager grievance by November 17, 2026. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.

The Alamogordo City Commission held its regular meeting on October 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Donald E. Carroll City Commission Chambers. All seven commissioners were present, establishing a quorum. The meeting featured the inaugural swearing-in of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission, an extensive City Manager's Report addressing capital project pacing and infrastructure, and a key decision on the allocation of the remaining LEDA funds. The planned Executive Session for litigation discussion was removed from the agenda and approved separately at the start of the meeting. Presentations - Pledges to the Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission (MYAC): Community Development Director Shelley Dowhanik-Baron and Municipal Judge David Overstreet administered the oath to the 16 inaugural members of the MYAC. Mayor McDonald recognized the volunteer mentors and acknowledged the contributions of a staff member undergoing cancer treatment. The youth commissioners pledged to serve the common good, provide a strong youth voice, participate in community service, and build unity, civic pride, and leadership among Alamogordo's youth. Public Comments & Testimony - Katie Owens: Speaking as a regular community advocate, Ms. Owens first promoted the "No Kings" Vote Early protest event for the upcoming weekend. She then strongly advocated for traffic safety improvements on First Street. She described two recent incidents where a paraplegic in a wheelchair and a blind man were nearly hit by vehicles while crossing. Ms. Owens argued the current crosswalks and medians are inaccessible for wheelchairs and dangerous for the blind, calling for the installation of a HAWK (High-Intensity Activated CrossWalk) light system or the relocation of the bus stop to ensure safe crossing. City Manager's Report City Manager Robert Stockwell provided a comprehensive update on several key city operations: - Bonito Lake & Debris Flow: Stockwell announced productive joint meetings with Lincoln County to assess long-term hydrology and debris flow issues from recent fires. He stated that even minor rainfall recently overwhelmed debris basins, sending silty water into the lake, though it settled without significant damage. He emphasized that while the lake will remain open for fishing, reconstructing campsites is premature due to a predicted seven years or more of continued debris flow. - Tourism & Lodger's Tax: The city is reexamining the canceled lodger's tax as a way to generate revenue for tourism marketing, potentially through a joint venture with the Chamber of Commerce. - Toy Train Depot: The Sheldon Trust is interested in funding a major reconstruction of the tracks and buildings. A long-term lease is being negotiated with provisions for park restoration if the depot ceases operation. - Solid Waste Collection: The franchise agreement with Southwest Disposal expires early next year. The city is exploring alternatives, including operating its own residential collection system to provide a more responsive service. - Capital Projects Pacing: Stockwell directly addressed criticism on social media regarding the pace of capital projects. He defended a deliberate, slower approach, contrasting it with rushed past projects (Oregon Avenue, 10th Street Bridge, the intersection of Ninth and New York, and Fire Station 2) which resulted in extensive delays, multiple change orders, and community disruption. He stated that under his leadership, projects will not be brought to bid until they are fully designed and comprehensively understood to ensure they are done correctly and on time. Remarks & Inquiries by the City Commission - Commissioner Rardin: Raised a constituent concern about an RV parked on Doner Ridge that is moved every 72 hours to comply with the current ordinance. Chief Kunihiro agreed to investigate the specific address and review the ordinance for potential improvements to prevent traffic obstructions. - Commissioner Burnett: Inquired about the bid status of the Notatorium pool. Stockwell confirmed the project was methodically designed and a pre-bid conference drew 35 contractors, signaling strong interest. Burnett also thanked city crews for golf course improvements and confirmed the delivery of new golf carts is expected by the end of November. - Commissioner Hernandez: Commended Stockwell's leadership on project oversight, specifically citing the importance of proper design and realistic financing for large capital projects to ensure their long-term lifespan. Discussion Items - Allocation of Remaining LEDA Funds (Item 3): City Manager Stockwell presented the history of the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) fund. Since 2001, the city has funded 22 projects totaling roughly $14 million. Stockwell noted that only three private-sector LEDA projects continue to actively operate in Alamogordo; the majority defaulted, went out of business, or left the community. - Recommendation: Rather than funding another specific business, Stockwell proposed using the remaining $1 million as seed money for a public-private beautification and cleanup effort along major thoroughfares (White Sands Boulevard, 10th Street, and First Street). This would be done in concert with the Sacramento Mountains Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce, focusing on demolishing derelict buildings (such as the Holiday Inn site), clearing blighted properties, and leveraging private investment. - Commission Discussion: Commissioner Hernandez expressed support but raised concerns about using taxpayer money to simply gift value to property owners without recouping costs, suggesting loan structures or property acquisition for resale. Mayor Pro-Tem Rardin strongly emphasized the need for a consistent, city-wide enforcement plan rather than selectively targeting properties. Mayor McDonald noted the persistent challenge of land ownership unwillingness to sell in the 1st to 10th Street corridor. Stockwell committed to presenting a transparent, systematic plan and bringing forward stronger code enforcement tools (vacant building registration, limits on inoperable vehicles and RV parking, and stricter commercial maintenance rules). Key Outcomes - Agenda Approved (7-0): The commission voted to remove Item 4 (Executive Session) from the agenda and approved the modified agenda. - Consent Agenda Approved (7-0): The minutes from the September 22, 2026, regular meeting were approved without discussion. - LEDA Funds Direction Approved (6-0): The commission voted to accept the City Manager's primary recommendation. The City Manager was directed to work with the Chamber of Commerce and the Sacramento Mountains Foundation to use the remaining LEDA funds for the aggressive cleanup and redevelopment of derelict properties along major corridors, leveraging private investment and recovering costs where possible. City Manager Stockwell abstained and exited the meeting prior to the discussion and vote on this item. - Upcoming Actions: The City Manager confirmed the commission will soon receive ordinance amendments regarding vacant building registration, property maintenance standards, and RV parking regulations. A more detailed implementation plan for the LEDA-funded beautification campaign is expected in the coming months.

The City Commission met in regular session on September 22, 2026 at 6:30 PM. All seven commissioners were present. The meeting featured a proclamation, public comments, a consent agenda, a public hearing on a liquor license transfer, discussion on Bonito Lake access and operations, approval of a golf course management contract, and a vote on a code of conduct complaint against Commissioner Al Hernandez. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the September 8, 2026 regular meeting and related executive session statements. (7-0) - Approved Resolution No. 2026-33 accepting a $950,000 NMDOT grant for South Florida Avenue pavement rehabilitation. (7-0) - Authorized submission of a $99,000 grant application (with $69,200 match) to the NM Outdoor Recreation Division for Indian Wells Trail improvements. (7-0) - Approved Resolution 2026-35 requesting DFA approval for revised budget numbers as of September 22, 2026. (7-0) Public Comments & Testimony Eight members of the public spoke: - Tamara Hansen (AFSCME Local 3818 president) reported filing a step two grievance regarding the golf course RFP and noted damage caused by contractors. She stated the city manager had been notified. - Patricia McFarland described severe damage to her home at 802 Juniper Drive due to land movement on the alluvial plain, attributing the problem to city developments (Sun Addition, Granada Hills) and stating that repair costs to reach bedrock (35–50 feet) were prohibitive. - Lori Armstrong (chair, Parks and Recreation Board) urged keeping Bonito Lake fully open for recreation and requested earlier consultation of the Parks and Recreation Board on items such as 5 and 9. - Chuck Andreas opposed Flock safety cameras, citing Fourth Amendment concerns and examples of jurisdictions removing them; he questioned data retention, encryption, and access policies. - Enrique Tells opposed closing Bonito Lake, arguing it is an affordable fishing retreat, and suggested funds for fencing be used for street repairs. - Rebecca Stewart Thorpe (PNM Customers United) shared stories of high bills and disconnection threats by PNM, asking the commission to support customers as the PRC meets in Alamogordo the following Tuesday. - Jeannie Nichols described a quadrupled PNM bill and flashing meter readings; she encouraged the public to contact the PRC at 888-427-5772 and attend the upcoming meeting. - Kim Great White Owl Morillo (Alamogordo Voters for Accountability) called for accountability regarding Bonito Lake and the code of conduct complaint, criticizing the commission for silencing dissent and urging fairness and transparency. City Manager’s Report - Announced the appointment of Heather Casebolt as permanent Parks and Recreation Director. - Provided a timeline for the natatorium/aquatic center: bidding advertisement September 24, pre-bid meeting October 13, bid opening December 15, commission presentation January 12, award recommendation January 15. - Reported that change orders for Fire Station 2 are still being refined. - Noted that Mayor McDonald worked with the Public Regulation Commission to schedule a meeting at the Estrada Center for utility bill concerns, to be held the following Tuesday. Discussion Items Bonito Lake Access and Operations (Unfinished Business, Item 8) City Manager Robert Stockwell outlined a three-part strategy: (1) affirm the lake’s primary purpose as a water source for the city and Holloman AFB; (2) continue opening the lake for fishing with immediate safety improvements; (3) explore long-term options with Lincoln County, Ruidoso, and other stakeholders, reporting back within six months. Commissioners provided direction to staff; no formal vote was taken. Award of Golf Course Management Contract (New Business, Item 9) Interim Parks and Recreation Director Heather Casebolt presented the evaluation committee’s recommendation to award the contract to Maxim Golf Solutions, LLC (score 81.6 out of two proposals). The contract covers golf course operations, maintenance, pro shop, clubhouse, and restaurant. The historical annual subsidy averaged $260,000; a recent fee increase is expected to generate $60,000 per year. The city will provide equipment including 45 new golf carts (delivery by mid-November). The commission voted 6‑1 to authorize the city manager to finalize and execute the agreement (one abstention). Code of Conduct Complaint Against Commissioner Al Hernandez (New Business, Item 10) City Manager Stockwell reported that a complaint was filed under Municipal Code §2-03-570. A preliminary review by three senior commissioners resulted in a split finding (two unfounded, one founded). The commission was asked to consider further action. Commissioner Pattillo moved to take further action; the motion failed 2–4. Commissioner Hernandez had left the chambers prior to this item. Following the vote, the meeting adjourned on a 6–0 motion. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (Items 2–6): Approved 7–0. - Public Hearing (Item 7, Walgreens liquor license transfer): Approved 7–0. - Bonito Lake (Item 8): Commission provided direction to staff; no formal vote. - Golf Course Management (Item 9): Motion to award contract to Maxim Golf Solutions passed 6–1 (one abstention). - Code of Conduct Complaint (Item 10): Motion to take further action failed 2–4; meeting adjourned 6–0.