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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - August 7, 2023

City Council — Monday, August 7, 2023

BodyAlbuquerque, New Mexico

SessionCity Council

DateMonday, August 7, 2023

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:01:55

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:04

Okay, folks, this is your one minute warning.

0:06

Uh, we'll get ready to get started and see what we can do.

0:09

Welcome to the August 7th edition of the Albuquerque City Council.

0:14

Uh, a few housekeeping matters.

0:15

Councillor Jones will be excused this evening.

0:17

Uh, all other counselors are present with Councilor Benton attending via Zoom shortly.

0:23

Uh, as we do always, uh, we have a few housekeeping rules.

0:27

Um, but first, we will begin with a moment of silence and a pledge of allegiance uh to be uh led by counselors uh designated by vice president.

0:36

I would ask folks in your moment of silence this evening uh to think about and remember uh our former colleague in city councilor Ruth Adams, uh, who passed away this past uh week.

0:45

She served in this council for eight years, two terms, I think, back in the late 90s and did a great job in this seat in District 6 and for our city.

0:52

She passed away, and we want to remember.

0:54

Thank you, Mr.

0:55

President.

0:56

Uh Councilor Lewis, would you lead us um in English and Councillor Pena in Spanish, please?

1:18

And two public for which it's the one nation on the visible.

1:26

We opened the back of you.

1:44

Thank you.

1:47

Civic part uh civic plaza parking passes are provided for members of the public.

1:53

You can obtain a parking pass from council staff at the near table of the champ chamber entrance.

1:59

Members of the public, city staff, and the media have the ability to view these this meeting in person and on live streams through four different platforms.

2:09

Gov TV on Comcast Channel 16, the Gov TV website, YouTube and Zoom webinar.

2:16

The live streams can be accessed from most smartphones, tablets, or computers.

2:21

Also, this meeting is closed captioned, and you may enable the closed captioning services on your television or device at this time.

2:29

The video recording of this and all past council meetings will remain available for viewing at any time on the city council's website.

2:38

Council staff is available via telephone.

2:40

If members of the public need assistance finding the videos online, please call 505 768-3100 for assistance during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.

2:53

The council will take a break at approximately 7 p.m.

2:57

this evening if needed.

2:58

With regard to decorum in the chambers, we want tonight's proceedings to be as civil and respectful as possible.

3:04

Please do not uh make any personal attacks, and please no applause or outbursts during the meeting.

3:10

The meeting will go a lot smoother if we are respectful of one another.

3:16

Okay, we're gonna move on to proclamations and presentations.

3:20

Counselor Pena.

3:35

Okay.

3:36

Counselor.

3:40

Did you find it?

3:41

Okay.

3:45

So we have a presentation from Artemis Productions regarding the Low Rider Super Show, Mr.

3:51

Joe Romero Romero and Lorenzo Otero and Julia Pumler will be presenting an award to council.

4:02

And as you're coming up to the podium, I just really want to thank you guys for all the work that you're doing with the Low Rider Conference.

4:09

You know, I I don't think we did it this year, but Jeff has always done a phenomenal job of working with you guys to identify you know how many uh attendees you had.

4:18

And I think last year, um, the one day event that you guys host.

4:22

If Rachel can help me if I mess this up, but that I think it's like a 6.3 million dollars for one day, you know, in terms of the tourists and people staying at our hotels and eating at our restaurants.

4:33

So thanks for for bringing all that to Albuquerque.

4:37

So with that, I'm gonna um go ahead and let you guys.

4:40

I don't think I have a I don't have a but I know you guys are gonna do a presentation.

4:46

My name is Loran Solitarous promotions, my brother Joel Romero.

4:50

And what we want to do is present the city council, President Davis and the City Council, all of you uh Chris Pena, thank you all very much for our continued relationship, the support that we have from all of you with you.

5:06

It makes things a lot easier on us.

5:08

We appreciate this continued relationship.

5:10

We do we throw this show to show the positivity.

5:15

We we throw the show to show the culture that we have here in Albuquerque and in New Mexico as a whole.

5:21

So we wanted to present this to you guys and say thank you very much for the continued relationship and everything that you guys do.

5:28

And if there's anything that we can ever do, we will continue to do our part to make sure that we can um show this this positive impact, our culture, who we are, and why we are the way we are, and uh bringing such a show of this magnitude to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and with your help, it's a blessing.

5:49

So thank you very much.

5:52

Thank you.

5:58

We go and just share that with the council.

6:00

Do you guys have any questions?

6:05

Um I just want to say again, thank you guys for everything.

6:10

I know with um, you know, the low rider culture here in Albuquerque, it's been something that we've been working together to really dispel some of the perception that people may or may not have about the low rider community.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Engagement██████████████████████22%

Public Safety██████████10%

Land Use Planning█████████9%

Animal Welfare███████7%

Procedural██████6%

Affordable Housing██████6%

Sports Stadium Development██████6%

Youth Programs█████5%

Public Health Awareness████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - August 7, 2023

The Albuquerque City Council convened on August 7, 2023, at 12:00 PM MT. The meeting began with a moment of silence for former Councilor Ruth Adams, who passed away, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Councillor Jones was excused. The council addressed proclamations, administration questions, public comments, an appeal, and a resolution.

Proclamations & Presentations

Low Rider Super Show: Representatives from Artemis Productions presented an award to the council for continued support. The event, a one-day show, generates an estimated $6.3 million in tourism revenue annually. Council members praised efforts to highlight positive lowrider culture.

Administration Question & Answer Period

North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center: Councilor Bassan inquired about delays. The project is in phase zero (infrastructure and grading). Soil tests returned positive. The city is issuing a change order to the splash pad contractor for infrastructure work; pricing expected by end of this week, with completion by September 30. Design completion by August 31, then permitting. Total project cost estimated at $56-58 million, with $46 million on hand and a $6 million bond question on November ballot. Councilor Bassan clarified the project includes more than a three-lane lap pool and splash pad; a community website has details.
United Stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park: CAO Rael outlined the process. A private-public partnership for a privately financed soccer stadium is proposed. The Balloon Fiesta master plan must be amended, requiring public meetings via the IDO process. Notifications to neighborhoods will occur in 7-8 days, with multiple meetings likely. Stadium would be privately built on leased city land; public infrastructure funds (state dollars) would benefit the entire park, including bathrooms and utilities. Councilor Sanchez asked about Balloon Fiesta’s response; Rael stated they have been consulted and assured no relocation. Councilor Pena emphasized the importance of public transparency.
Animal Welfare: Director Ortega reported on a successful high-volume spay/neuter clinic on July 7-9, where 169 pets were treated out of a 200 goal. The department plans to hold such clinics at least three times per year. Ongoing veterinarian shortage due to noncompetitive pay; only 2.5 vets for over 1,000 animals. Director Ortega earned an animal welfare executive leadership certification through Southern Utah University.
Fire Department Response: Council President commended AFR for their response to a plastics recycling facility fire at Mesa del Sol on August 6. Chief reported that a third of the department worked the incident, which required wildland task force activation. Staffing levels were adequate; the department uses overtime to maintain minimum staffing (four personnel per engine). Councilor Pena raised concerns about afterschool programming and facility access with APS.
APD Real-Time Crime Center: APD representative stated approximately 9,000 cameras are connected, including city, DOT, APS, and private business cameras (via pan-tilt-zoom). Private property owners can connect through the Community Connect program (camera registry or live stream). Councilor Grout asked about the process.
Quarter-Cent Public Safety Tax: Councilor Grout requested a breakdown of the $1.8 million in administrative operating costs from the FY23 budget. CAO Rael explained the tax generates ~$55-56 million annually, split (34% police, 34% fire, 6% corrections, 26% crime prevention/intervention). The $1.8 million covers program administrators, procurement, and accounting. A detailed breakdown will be provided.

Public Comments & Testimony

Francesco Artist: Expressed gratitude for City Council support of Street Cat Hub (TNR program) and noted the hub is currently closed due to funding gap. Praised the service and urged bridging funding. Councilor Bassan noted $350,000 was allocated in the new fiscal year; CAO Rael to investigate.
Susan Johnston (District 7): Opposed a proposed dog park at a vacant city lot near North Park due to safety concerns (homeless encampments, crime). 43 of 50 homeowners signed a petition against it. Stated meeting with Deputy Director Flores resulted in no alternative solutions.
Julie Drykey: Shared photos from National Night Out success, highlighting neighborhood association volunteerism and partnerships with library and charities.
Simon Polakowski: Referenced the unsolved murder of Roy Caton Jr. (three years ago) and urged public to come forward. Also critiqued the disparity between 9,000 police cameras and lack of live public access TV.
Tad Naminsky: Complained about seniors being made to wait outside Manzano Mesa Community Center while children entered early. Also alleged agenda items moved to consent to avoid public scrutiny; Councilor Bentancourt clarified one item was withdrawn.
Andrea Calderon (via written?): Addressed displacement risk index; argued city lacks data to measure development pressures and gentrification. Praised improvements at Rio Grande Triangle Dog Park.
Scott White: Urged development of a displacement risk index to guide interventions and prevent displacement from new projects like the Rail Trail.
Tim Woodhall: Praised four transit employees (Thomas Martinez, Leo Santalens, Annette Montoya, Jarvis Sanchez) for going above and beyond during COVID-19 by sanitizing vans daily, sometimes using personal funds. Called for formal recognition.

Discussion Items

Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (8-0). Councilor Pena pulled item EC23-316 (appointment of Lindsay Fromm to Museum Board) for discussion on board diversity; noted only 2-3 people of color on boards/commissions. Appointment approved unanimously.
Appeal AC2310: Diana Dorn Jones appealed EPC approval of zone change from R1A to RML at 1102 Edith Blvd SE to legalize a 56-year-old triplex. Land Use Hearing Officer recommended denial of appeal. Council debated; Councilor Benton moved to accept LUHO recommendation (uphold zone change). Passed 6-2 (Councilors Grout and Pena dissenting). The triplex had been a non-conforming use post-IDO; owners were unable to obtain historic zoning certification.
Resolution R148 (Councilor Pena): Declared city’s intent to collaborate with Bernalillo County to revitalize Sunset Road and Isleta Boulevard from Central to Isleta Pueblo, in preparation for the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. Unanimously approved.

Key Outcomes

Votes:
- Consent Agenda: Approved 8-0.
- Appeal AC2310: Accepted LUHO recommendation (6-2); zone change upheld.
- Resolution R148: Approved 8-0.
Directives: CAO Rael to provide breakdown of quarter-cent public safety tax administrative costs to Councilor Grout. Rael to look into funding gap for Street Cat Hub. APD provided details on camera connectivity program. Council to receive briefing on emergency response procedures for constituent inquiries.
Next Steps: North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center phase zero work to begin soon; designs by August 31. United stadium public meetings to be scheduled within weeks. Animal welfare department to hold more spay/neuter clinics (3x/year). Council committees to meet on August 14 and 16.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, folks, this is your one minute warning. Uh, we'll get ready to get started and see what we can do. Welcome to the August 7th edition of the Albuquerque City Council. Uh, a few housekeeping matters. Councillor Jones will be excused this evening. Uh, all other counselors are present with Councilor Benton attending via Zoom shortly. Uh, as we do always, uh, we have a few housekeeping rules. Um, but first, we will begin with a moment of silence and a pledge of allegiance uh to be uh led by counselors uh designated by vice president. I would ask folks in your moment of silence this evening uh to think about and remember uh our former colleague in city councilor Ruth Adams, uh, who passed away this past uh week. She served in this council for eight years, two terms, I think, back in the late 90s and did a great job in this seat in District 6 and for our city. She passed away, and we want to remember. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh Councilor Lewis, would you lead us um in English and Councillor Pena in Spanish, please? And two public for which it's the one nation on the visible. We opened the back of you. Thank you. Civic part uh civic plaza parking passes are provided for members of the public. You can obtain a parking pass from council staff at the near table of the champ chamber entrance. Members of the public, city staff, and the media have the ability to view these this meeting in person and on live streams through four different platforms. Gov TV on Comcast Channel 16, the Gov TV website, YouTube and Zoom webinar. The live streams can be accessed from most smartphones, tablets, or computers. Also, this meeting is closed captioned, and you may enable the closed captioning services on your television or device at this time. The video recording of this and all past council meetings will remain available for viewing at any time on the city council's website. Council staff is available via telephone. If members of the public need assistance finding the videos online, please call 505 768-3100 for assistance during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 to 5. The council will take a break at approximately 7 p.m. this evening if needed. With regard to decorum in the chambers, we want tonight's proceedings to be as civil and respectful as possible. Please do not uh make any personal attacks, and please no applause or outbursts during the meeting. The meeting will go a lot smoother if we are respectful of one another. Okay, we're gonna move on to proclamations and presentations. Counselor Pena. Okay. Counselor. Did you find it? Okay. So we have a presentation from Artemis Productions regarding the Low Rider Super Show, Mr. Joe Romero Romero and Lorenzo Otero and Julia Pumler will be presenting an award to council. And as you're coming up to the podium, I just really want to thank you guys for all the work that you're doing with the Low Rider Conference. You know, I I don't think we did it this year, but Jeff has always done a phenomenal job of working with you guys to identify you know how many uh attendees you had. And I think last year, um, the one day event that you guys host. If Rachel can help me if I mess this up, but that I think it's like a 6.3 million dollars for one day, you know, in terms of the tourists and people staying at our hotels and eating at our restaurants. So thanks for for bringing all that to Albuquerque. So with that, I'm gonna um go ahead and let you guys. I don't think I have a I don't have a but I know you guys are gonna do a presentation. My name is Loran Solitarous promotions, my brother Joel Romero. And what we want to do is present the city council, President Davis and the City Council, all of you uh Chris Pena, thank you all very much for our continued relationship, the support that we have from all of you with you. It makes things a lot easier on us. We appreciate this continued relationship.

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