Albuquerque City Council Meeting - October 2, 2023

The Albuquerque City Council held its 38th meeting of the 25th Council on October 2, 2023, from approximately 5:00 PM to 11:44 PM. The meeting included a presentation on the Open Space Trust Fund, a discussion of the city's risk fund, public comments on housing and development, and final votes on several resolutions including a permanent 3% set-aside for open space, a study on consolidating ABQ Ride and Rio Metro, a public safety legislative agenda, and a resolution affirming Second Amendment rights. Notable split votes occurred on contracts with Visit Albuquerque and the Hispano Chamber, the open space funding ordinance, and the public safety resolution.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimous approvals (9-0): Confirmation of appointments to various boards and commissions (EC-23-348 through EC-23-356), postponement of OC-23-42 to October 16, approval of capital program amendments (R-23-151 postponed), grant applications for transit buses (R-23-160), library GO bonds (R-23-161), carbon pollution reduction grant (R-23-162), stormwater pond construction (R-23-168), and reasonable notice of public meetings (R-23-166).
• Receipt noted (9-0): Workforce Housing Trust Fund Report (EC-23-360), Open Space Report (EC-23-359), and Legal Department Quarterly Litigation Report (EC-23-357).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Disability Employment: Multiple speakers, including Christopher Love of Pomegranate Orchards and Adina Martinez, spoke in support of National Disability Employment Awareness Month and urged continued efforts to hire people with disabilities. Councilor Jones requested an update on Resolution R-20-84.
• Open Space Support: Barbara Taylor, Don Metters (Chair of Open Space Advisory Board), and others spoke in favor of increasing the GO bond set-aside for open space to 3%, citing the need for stable funding and the benefits of open space.
• Housing and Gentrification: Several speakers, including representatives from the People's Housing Project and residents, criticized developers like Chad Renneker for building undignified housing and called for rent control, public housing, and protections against gentrification. They opposed giving tax breaks to out-of-state developers.
• Other: Francesco Artis invited counselors to visit Route 66; speakers urged faster buildout of the North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center; opposition to the Air Quality Board's proposed EV mandate; support for a long-term contract with Visit Albuquerque; and support for consolidating ABQ Ride and Rio Metro.

Discussion Items

• Open Space Trust Fund and R22-8 Report: Parks and Recreation Director Dave Simon and staff presented findings from the task force. Four strategies were recommended: enhanced investment, permanent 3% GO bond set-aside, GRT recapitalization, and annual surplus augmentation. They also reported on equitable access, noting 91% of residents within a 10-minute walk of green space, and outlined needs for additional staff and infrastructure.
• Risk Fund Presentation: Acting Risk Manager Larry Williams and CAO Lawrence Rael discussed the self-insured risk fund ($118 million as of budget). Councilor Bassan raised concerns about the fund's health, potential claims from the Gateway Center and Rail Yards, and the lack of a public presentation despite prior notice. The city attorney cautioned against discussing specific liabilities in public.
• Administration Q&A: Councilor Fiebelkorn questioned the low adoption of zero-emission vehicles (only 2 of 193 purchased under the replacement policy). Councilor Lewis asked about the Air Quality Board's proposed rule and the city's limited ability to direct the independent board. Discussion on IPRA settlement costs (approx. $250,000 per quarter) and staff capacity.
• Contracts with Visit Albuquerque and Hispano Chamber: Both seven-year contracts with potential two-year extensions were approved 8-1. Council President Davis voted no, objecting to new clauses allowing travel accommodations for city officials and approval of CEO by administration without council confirmation.
• Appointment of Dr. Samantha Sengel as CAO: Confirmed unanimously. Dr. Sengel addressed the council, emphasizing collaboration and public service.

Key Outcomes

• O-23-83 (Open Space GO Bond Set-Aside): Passed 8-1 (Bassan opposed). Permanently sets aside 3% of GO bond capacity for open space land acquisition and capital improvements.
• R-23-121 (Opioid Treatment at MDC): Passed as amended 9-0. Allocates $1.5 million from Fund 201 for a one-year pilot, with a report on outcomes before future allocations.
• R-23-163 (Transit Consolidation Study): Passed as amended 7-2 (Bassan, Peña opposed). Directs a $300,000 study (split 50/50 with Rio Metro) to explore consolidating ABQ Ride and Rio Metro. Includes a floor amendment protecting union representation.
• R-23-167 (2024 Meeting Schedule): Passed as amended 8-1 (Fiebelkorn opposed). Adjusted January meeting dates to accommodate new council orientation.
• R-23-169 (Renaming Health Center): Passed 9-0. Renames the East Central Health & Social Service Center in honor of former Councilor Ruth Adams.
• R-23-170 (Public Safety Legislative Action): Passed as amended 6-3 (Davis, Fiebelkorn, Jones opposed). Urges the governor to consider calling a special session and prioritizes reform of pretrial detention, warrant enforcement, and behavioral health funding.
• R-23-171 (Second Amendment Support): Passed as introduced 5-4 (Benton, Davis, Fiebelkorn, Peña opposed). Affirms support for the right to bear arms and opposes governor's September 7-8 orders related to gun prohibitions.
• M-23-10 (Comprehensive Plan): Passed 8-1 (Peña opposed). Urges Bernalillo County to adopt the 2017 Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Comprehensive Plan jointly.
• R-23-172 and R-23-173: Passed 9-0. Approve grant application for Uptown Transit Center planning and lease agreement with Hispano Chamber for city office space.
• Appeal AC-23-12: Upholding EPC's zoning map amendment in Barelas neighborhood, denied 9-0.