Alamogordo City Commission Regular Meeting Summary - October 13, 2026

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.