Albuquerque City Council Meeting - October 16, 2023

The City Council held its 39th meeting of the 25th Council on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 5:00 PM in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, an administration Q&A, public comments, and actions on several items, including a contentious lease agreement for a New Mexico United stadium, a cannabis retail appeal, and resolutions on opioid settlement funds and affordable housing. The meeting was extended past 11:00 PM to address the agenda.

Consent Calendar

• EC-23-361: Approved sole source purchase of heavy-duty bed bug resistant beds for the Westside Emergency Housing Center (unanimous, 9-0).
• EC-23-362: Approved Mayor's recommendation of award to Clean Harbors for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program (unanimous, 9-0).
• EC-23-364 through EC-23-373: Confirmed Mayoral appointments to various commissions and boards (all unanimous, 9-0).
• EC-23-374: Withdrawn by Administration (unanimous, 9-0).
• OC-23-41: Receipt of Office of Internal Audit's Annual Report for FY 2023 noted (unanimous, 9-0).
• OC-23-42: Confirmed Ms. Diane Souder to the Open Space Advisory Board (unanimous, 9-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

Numerous members of the public spoke on a variety of topics:

• Fentanyl Awareness: Commissioner Adrienne Barboa and others shared personal stories of loss to fentanyl, urging support for harm reduction and treatment services. Jennifer Burke from Serenity Mesa highlighted the need for prevention and education.
• Domestic Violence: Teresa Garcia, chair of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission, spoke about the importance of supporting survivors and the need for a coordinated community response.
• Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS): Several ACS responders and union representatives expressed concerns about morale, staffing shortages (18 responders lost since start), and the need for better case management and data tracking. They emphasized the department's mission to provide holistic, empathetic response to behavioral health calls.
• Transit: Director Keener reported on service reductions effective October 14 due to driver and mechanic shortages, noting 20 new MCOs and 20 new Sunvan chauffeurs in the hiring pipeline.
• New Mexico United Stadium Lease: A large number of speakers supported the lease agreement, citing community benefits, economic impact, and the team's positive influence on youth. Opponents raised concerns about parking, neighborhood notification, potential anti-donation clause violations, and the financial terms of the lease.
• Air Quality Board (O-2388 and R-176): Multiple speakers opposed the proposed ordinance and resolution, arguing they would undermine the board's independence and ability to address cumulative impacts. Some industry representatives supported the changes, saying they would provide clearer guidelines and accountability.

Discussion Items

• Administration Q&A: Councilors questioned ACS Deputy Director Jasmine Desiderio and other staff about response times, data tracking, safety protocols, and staffing. The average time to close a 311 case was 42 hours. Councilor Sanchez raised concerns about responder safety and the need for access to police CAD data. Transit Director Keener reported on hiring and service reductions.
• EC-23-375 – Lease Agreement with New Mexico United: The council debated a 30-year lease for a privately financed stadium on seven acres at Balloon Fiesta Park. Key terms included $35,000 annual rent plus 10% of parking revenue, $30 million minimum private investment, and $13.5 million in state infrastructure funds for the park. Following a motion for a 90-day deferral (passed 5-4), a motion to reconsider passed (5-4), then a 30-day deferral was approved unanimously (9-0). The lease will return on November 20, 2023.
• AC-23-13 – Cannabis Retail Appeal: The council accepted the Land Use Hearing Officer's recommendation to uphold the Zoning Hearing Examiner's approval of a conditional use permit for a cannabis retail at 5704 Lomas Blvd NE, despite being within 600 feet of an existing establishment. The motion carried 7-0 (with one excused, one recused).

Key Outcomes

• R-23-151 (CIP Amendment): Passed as amended (8-0, one excused). The amendment redirected $1.085 million from a completed splash pad to the North Domingo Baca Park Aquatic Center.
• R-23-174 (Opioid Settlement Policy): Passed 7-1 (one excused, Councilor Peña opposed). The resolution establishes a policy for expenditure of opioid settlement monies, requiring a community-wide plan with the county and reports every two months. Councilor Peña expressed concern about delays in getting funds to providers.
• R-23-175 (Central Avenue Route 66 Maintenance): Passed as amended (8-0, one excused). The amendment encourages Bernalillo County to maintain sections of Route 66 outside city limits. The resolution directs the city to maintain landscaping, streetscaping, signage, and transit facilities along Central Avenue.
• R-23-177 (Affordable Housing Funding Oversight): Deferred to November 20, 2023, for further discussion between the council and the administration. Councilor Benton sought to ensure council oversight of affordable housing fund expenditures.
• EC-23-375 (Stadium Lease): Deferred 30 days to November 20, 2023, after a series of votes. The council will continue to review the lease terms and neighborhood concerns.