Alamogordo City Commission Regular Meeting Summary – September 22, 2026

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.