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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - September 6, 2023

City Council — Wednesday, September 6, 2023

BodyAlbuquerque, New Mexico

SessionCity Council

DateWednesday, September 6, 2023

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:07:08

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

0:30

Thanks for the special midweek edition of the city council meeting.

0:34

All of our counselors are present this evening.

0:37

Madam Vice President.

0:38

Thank you, Mr.

0:39

President.

0:40

At this time, we're going to have our moment of silence, then we'll have the Pledge of Allegiance in English.

0:46

Counselor Bassan will lead us in that.

0:48

And then the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish, Councillor Pena will lead us in that.

0:52

Will you all stand with me?

1:08

Goodbye.

1:12

For which it stands.

1:33

Thank you.

1:36

Civic Plaza parking passes are provided for members of the public.

1:40

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

1:46

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

2:09

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

2:17

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

2:26

Council staff is available via telephone.

2:29

If members of the public need assistance finding the videos online, please call 5057 3100 for assistance during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 to 5 p.m.

2:41

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

2:44

this evening if needed.

2:47

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

2:53

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

3:04

At this time, we're going to have our proclamations and presentations.

3:08

Counselor Jones.

3:49

Dr.

3:49

Shirley Abraham, Director of UNM Department of Pediatric Oncology.

4:02

And here is the proclamation.

4:22

And whereas 46 children per day or 16,790 children per year are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S.

4:32

And whereas at least one child from New Mexico is diagnosed with cancer each week.

4:39

And whereas the average age of diagnosis is six years old, and whereas 80% of childhood cancer patients are diagnosed late and with metastatic disease.

5:24

And whereas in the last 30 years, only six new drugs have been approved by the FDA to specifically treat childhood cancer, and whereas researchers and healthcare professionals work diligently dedicating their expertise to treat and cure children with cancer, and whereas too many children are affected by this deadly disease, and more must be done to raise awareness and to find a cure.

5:54

Therefore, be it proclaimed that the council, the governing body of the city of Albuquerque, hereby proclaims the month of September as childhood cancer and awareness month.

6:06

Thank you for being here.

6:08

And if you would like to step up and say something, or if and then come up for front, we have a proclamation to hand to you.

6:16

Would any of you like to speak?

6:18

Thank you, Doctor.

6:20

Um thank you all of you for having us here.

6:24

It is a great action to increase awareness for childhood cancer.

6:29

And as our counselor said, there is a lot to be done in the area of pediatric cancer.

6:36

And there is still a lot of uh studies being done to improve the survival, and we want all our patients to be able to have to get into adulthood and have a healthy and normal life.

6:49

So thank you, and it's my honor to be here and to receive this proclamation on behalf of our patients.

6:56

Thank you.

6:59

Thank you.

7:00

Would you like to say something?

7:02

All right.

7:02

Come on around here, and we'd love to shake your hands.

7:34

It happens everywhere.

7:47

Thank you.

7:48

Thank you, Councilor Jones.

7:50

Um Councillor Pena.

7:52

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

7:53

So this proclamation is um for Hispanic Heritage Month.

7:58

So if we can have the speakers come up, I think we have with us today Orlando Marquez, Dominique Passio, Beatriz Valencia from the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

8:10

And I don't see Director Santis in I didn't ask her to be here.

8:15

But um just in relation, I know I'm going to read this proclamation we do it with you guys every year of volunteers, um, you know, just doing good in the community every month to every year to highlight Hispanic Heritage Month.

8:27

But I know the city is launching um something internally as well, so we're real happy about that.

8:33

But with that, um, I think we're gonna start by reading the proclamation, and we'll start with Councillor Cluis.

8:39

Right.

8:40

Whereas National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latin Americans and whereas the country countrywide observation of Hispanic Heritage started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Homelessness████████████12%

Procedural█████████9%

Public Safety█████████9%

Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%

Community Engagement██████6%

Personnel Matters██████6%

Parks and Recreation█████5%

Disability Rights█████5%

Land Use Planning████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - September 6, 2023

The Albuquerque City Council held a special midweek meeting on September 6, 2023, beginning in the evening. The meeting included proclamations, administrative question-and-answer sessions, public comment, approval of consent items, and confirmation of a new Council Services Director.

Proclamations

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September): Councilor Jones presented a proclamation to Dr. Shirley Abraham, Director of UNM Department of Pediatric Oncology. Dr. Abraham thanked the council and highlighted the need for awareness and research.
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15): Councilor Peña presented the proclamation. Orlando Marquez from the Office of Equity and Inclusion spoke, emphasizing unity and inviting the public to a kickoff event in Old Town Plaza on September 7.

Administrative Question and Answer Period

ACS (Alternative Crisis Response) Call Routing: Councilor Davis raised concerns about 311 calls for ACS being misrouted to other departments (e.g., Parks, Transit). Chief Administrative Officer O'Reill and ACS Director Ruiz acknowledged issues with triage and response times. Director Ruiz reported that 311 calls can have a 48–72 hour response time and that the department is working to improve prioritization. Councilor Sanchez expressed frustration that prioritization had not been established in two years. Councilor Lewis asked for data on call resolution. The council requested a follow-up briefing with data.
North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center: Councilor Bassan asked about phase zero work (retaining wall, infrastructure). Director Montoya confirmed a $4.7 million estimate plus $200,000 for soil testing, with a 20-week construction timeline starting early October and completion by February 1. Permits are expected next week. Councilor Bassan also clarified the legality of council involvement in project meetings; City Attorney Keefe stated it is permissible as long as the council does not direct decisions. Keefe will research whether council staff can serve on RFP ad hoc committees.
Gateway Center Asbestos Fine: Councilor Grout asked about the $761,000 fine from the New Mexico Environment Department for asbestos exposure during renovations. CAO O'Reill said mistakes were made, the city is appealing, and the fine may be paid from risk management funds. No employees have filed claims, and health monitoring was offered. The building was purchased in spring 2021 as an emergency COVID shelter, but a conditional use process delayed opening until weeks ago. Director Pierce clarified that families are served at the wellness hotel, not the Gateway Center.
Landscaping Maintenance: Councilor Peña asked about enforcing landscaping requirements after businesses leave. Director Varela will research enforcement options under the IDO; councilor noted it runs with the property.

Consent Calendar

The August 21 meeting journal was approved unanimously.
Consent agenda items were approved, with Councilor Grout pulling R151 (capital improvements) and recusing from R155. R151 was deferred to a later meeting after discussion on impact fee reporting.

Public Comments & Testimony

Francesco Artis: Thanked council for securing funding for Street Cat Hub’s trap-neuter-release program, which had paused for two months. Praised council responsiveness.
Quint Seckler (swim coach, educator): Urged completion of the North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center, citing inadequate pool space for competitive swimmers. Noted that Albuquerque has only one 50-meter pool for 573,000 residents, while smaller cities have such facilities.
James Freeman: Commented on short-term rental enforcement, arguing that illegal STRs represent 2.5% of subletable housing. Criticized city’s permitting and data collection.
Tad Neminski: Reported three fires in his neighborhood in two months, one destroying a house. Requested investigation by fire department and arson unit.
Christopher Love (employment services for disabled adults): Thanked council and city staff for inclusive hiring efforts, and urged continued partnership. Councilor Peña asked administration to collaborate on inclusive hiring.
Syra Dotti: Advocated for the aquatic center, comparing to Fairfax County, VA’s 12 facilities. Said her children must drive 30 minutes for swim practice. Supported funding completion.
Neil Gatherham (via Zoom): Representing Lamar Advertising, opposed proposed bill R-23-152 eliminating bus exterior advertising, which would cost the city nearly $500,000 annually in revenue. Offered alternative solutions.
Kelly Harrell and Dr. Jay Modi: Both advocated for the aquatic center, citing economic benefits and athletic opportunities.
Tara (last name not given): Spoke on IDO annual update process, urging council to align IDO changes with the comprehensive plan.

Key Outcomes

EC337 (APOA Labor Agreement): Approved unanimously. Three-year contract with 5% raise in FY23, 4% in FY24, and FY25 determined by council appropriation.
EC338 (Prisoner Transport Officers CBA): Approved unanimously. Three-year contract with 3.5% in FY23, 3% in FY24, and FY25 determined by council.
R164 (Street Trees at Albuquerque Biopark): Approved unanimously. Directs administration to install street trees at the Biopark.
R084 (Cannabis Plants Ordinance): Withdrawn by sponsor Councilor Bassan after public opposition and threats. Motion to withdraw passed unanimously.
EC345 (Land Parcel Declaration): Withdrawn at administration’s request.
OC38 (Confirmation of Director of Council Services): Isaac Padilla confirmed by an 8–1 vote. He pledged to support council and staff.
Most bills and resolutions were approved or withdrawn as noted.

Meeting Transcript

Thanks for the special midweek edition of the city council meeting. All of our counselors are present this evening. Madam Vice President. Thank you, Mr. President. At this time, we're going to have our moment of silence, then we'll have the Pledge of Allegiance in English. Counselor Bassan will lead us in that. And then the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish, Councillor Pena will lead us in that. Will you all stand with me? Goodbye. For which it stands. Thank you. Civic Plaza parking passes are provided for members of the public. You can obtain a parking pass from council staff at the table near the chamber's entrance. Members of the public, city staff, and the media have the ability to view this meeting in person and on live streams through four different platforms. 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 Council City Council's website. Council staff is available via telephone. If members of the public need assistance finding the videos online, please call 5057 3100 for assistance during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 to 5 p.m. The council will take a break at approximately 7 p.m. this evening if needed. With regard to the quorum in the chambers, we want tonight's proceedings to be as civil and respectful as possible. Please do not make any personal attacks, and please no applause or outbursts during the meeting. At this time, we're going to have our proclamations and presentations. Counselor Jones. Dr. Shirley Abraham, Director of UNM Department of Pediatric Oncology. And here is the proclamation. And whereas 46 children per day or 16,790 children per year are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. And whereas at least one child from New Mexico is diagnosed with cancer each week. And whereas the average age of diagnosis is six years old, and whereas 80% of childhood cancer patients are diagnosed late and with metastatic disease. And whereas in the last 30 years, only six new drugs have been approved by the FDA to specifically treat childhood cancer, and whereas researchers and healthcare professionals work diligently dedicating their expertise to treat and cure children with cancer, and whereas too many children are affected by this deadly disease, and more must be done to raise awareness and to find a cure. Therefore, be it proclaimed that the council, the governing body of the city of Albuquerque, hereby proclaims the month of September as childhood cancer and awareness month. Thank you for being here. And if you would like to step up and say something, or if and then come up for front, we have a proclamation to hand to you. Would any of you like to speak? Thank you, Doctor. Um thank you all of you for having us here. It is a great action to increase awareness for childhood cancer. And as our counselor said, there is a lot to be done in the area of pediatric cancer. And there is still a lot of uh studies being done to improve the survival, and we want all our patients to be able to have to get into adulthood and have a healthy and normal life. So thank you, and it's my honor to be here and to receive this proclamation on behalf of our patients. Thank you. Thank you. Would you like to say something? All right. Come on around here, and we'd love to shake your hands. It happens everywhere. Thank you. Thank you, Councilor Jones.

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