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Record of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - March 4, 2024

City Council — Monday, March 4, 2024
BodyAlbuquerque, New Mexico
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, March 4, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:54:29

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:08

All right, here we go.

0:11

The fifth meeting of the 26th Council will come to order.

0:14

All councils are present this evening.

0:16

I will start with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councillor Grout and the uh Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish by led by Councillor Pinya.

0:23

A moment of silence first, and then the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:19

Members of the public city staff, the media have the ability to view this meeting in person, live live streams through four different platforms on Gov TV on Comcast 16, uh, the Gov TV website, YouTube, uh Zoop Zoom webinar.

1:30

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

1:34

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

1:40

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

1:45

Uh council staff is available via telephone if members of the public need assistance finding the videos online.

1:50

Please call 505-768-3100 for assistance during business hours morning through Friday, 8 to 5.

1:56

Council will take a break at approximately 7 p.m.

1:58

this evening if needed.

2:00

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

2:05

Please do not make any personal attacks.

2:07

Uh please no applause or outbursts during the meeting.

2:09

This meeting will go a lot further if we're respectful of uh of one another.

2:14

And uh we have some other just instructions on decorum and uh and that's available in the back.

2:20

You're welcome to uh to read those.

2:22

Uh, we're gonna start with proclamations and presentations.

2:25

We have three presentations tonight.

2:27

The first is um a presentation of Dr.

2:30

Shelle Sanchez, director of arts and culture, to provide an update regarding Route 66 revitalizations.

2:35

Councilor Pinya, sorry, sorry, Council Penya, I read that.

2:38

We'll let you introduce them.

2:41

Thank you, Mr.

2:42

President.

2:43

Um Mr.

2:43

President, that's fine.

2:44

Um, Dr.

2:45

Sanchez, I think she's here somewhere.

2:50

It doesn't look like maybe she's arrived yet.

2:54

Yeah, so why don't we move on to Councilor Hassan if you'd like, and we'll defer.

3:00

She's not here.

3:00

Okay.

3:01

Well, let's go on to uh Councilor Bassan's presentation of um uh National Institute of Flamenco.

3:07

Mr.

3:07

President, uh, thank you.

3:09

It's my honor to uh have requested the presentation for uh the National Institute of Flamenco.

3:16

Tonight we have Miss Marisol Encinas.

3:19

I believe we also have an Eva Encinas, Iloy Gonzalez, and the Ninios It Flamencos.

3:28

So Marisol, I went and toured the facility.

3:31

I think that you know we've worked well, I think as a city and as the council to make sure that we are collaborating and doing what we can to support many different programs.

3:41

But this is the one that I think was very beneficial, and I I thought it could be fun and festive for us to see a little bit of what they do and also hear what the National Institute of Flamingo does beyond just teaching flamenco.

3:54

So Marisol, welcome.

3:58

Thank you all.

3:59

Thank you, President Lewis and members of the city council.

4:02

We appreciate being invited to be here today.

4:05

She said my as Councilor Bazan said, my name is Marisol Encinias.

4:08

I'm the executive director of the National Institute of Flamenco.

4:11

For nearly a century, my family has practiced and shared flamenco with our community.

4:16

My mother, Evan Sinias, founded the National Institute of Flamenco in 1982, where we have seen decades of flamenco's power to improve the lives of children and families in Albuquerque.

4:27

We serve all districts of Albuquerque with excellent flamenco performances and classes.

4:32

We have expanded outreach offerings across the city.

4:40

Continue to produce the largest most important flamenco festival outside of Spain each year.

4:46

And last year, this festival alone generated over 12 million economic impact dollars for the city of Albuquerque.

4:52

Arts and culture industries account for one in 18 jobs in New Mexico, and we at the National Institute of Flamenco are a major employer in the industry.

5:00

We believe that our neighbors in Albuquerque deserve to express themselves, thrive, and enjoy vibrant arts that speak to our culture.

5:09

We respectfully ask for your consideration for funding for the fiscal year 2025 budget.

5:16

We also hope that we can count on your support.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety██████████████████████████████30%
Land Use Planning██████████10%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Tourism Promotion██████6%
Public Financing█████5%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Arts And Culture███3%
Historic Preservation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Albuquerque City Council Meeting - March 4, 2024

The Albuquerque City Council held its fifth meeting of the 26th Council on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. The meeting included presentations, public comments, and votes on several ordinances and resolutions. The meeting adjourned at 9:33 PM.

Consent Calendar

  • EC-24-8 (Lodgers’ Tax Advisory Board appointment) – Withdrawn by Administration.
  • EC-24-19 (Engineering Consultants for Geotechnical Services) – Approved 9-0.
  • EC-24-45 (Lease Agreement at 707 Broadway NE) – Approved 9-0.
  • EC-24-47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 62, 63, 64, 65, 71 (Various board and commission appointments) – All confirmed or approved 9-0.
  • EC-24-66 (Risk Second Supplemental Agreement for Legal Services) – Approved 9-0.
  • O-24-7 (Time Computation and Transmittal Procedures) – Passed 9-0.
  • R-24-7 (Grant Application for State Cultural Properties Restoration Fund) – Passed 9-0.
  • R-24-9 (Community Energy Efficiency Development Block Grant) – Passed 9-0.
  • R-24-12 (Pollution Abatement in Mountain View Neighborhood) – Postponed to March 18, 2024, 9-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Francesco Artist (public speaker) – Thanked the council for Black History Month and the Flamenco presentation, urged recognition of city employees.
  • Tyler Richter (President, Pueblo Alto Neighborhood Association) – Spoke in favor of Bill O-24-1 (administrative demolition), citing a nuisance property across the street that has been uninhabited for 20 years.
  • Antoinette Suena – Shared a personal story of a 2017 crash caused by an APD officer traveling 80 mph in a 40 mph zone, killing her six-year-old son and critically injuring her daughter. Questioned use of a driving simulator donated to the city.
  • Ariana Suena (16 years old) – Expressed concerns about police accountability and the need for change to prevent similar tragedies.
  • Sue Flint (Sun North Estates) – Objected to the city’s zoning classification of her manufactured home community, stating it was improperly designated as a mobile home park.
  • Janice Herrera (Health Promotion Specialist, Health Equity Council) – Presented policy one-pagers on public restrooms, water quality, syphilis, and pharmacy deserts; praised city staff.
  • Anami Das (Chair, Human Rights Board) – Presented R-24-1 homeless rights resolution for council consideration.
  • John Major – Expressed concern over the investigation into Chief Medina’s February 17 crash, calling for independent oversight.
  • Rudolph Serrano – Raised concerns about border security and LGBTQ+ community, citing statistics on STIs.
  • Andrea Calderon – Encouraged a budget transparency night for public input.
  • Rick Letch (neighbor of 5005 Mountain Road NE) – Spoke in favor of O-24-1, detailing a dangerous property with 18 police calls in January, a fire, and copper theft.
  • Rowan Gallagher (17 years old) – Supported O-24-1, describing the same property’s impact on his neighborhood.
  • Jeff and Sarah Shinowith (Pueblo Alto neighbors) – Supported O-24-1, citing years of disturbances and safety concerns.
  • David Gargoni – Supported O-24-1, noting boarded-up structures across the city.

Discussion Items

  • Presentation: National Institute of Flamenco – Marisol Encinias, Executive Director, highlighted the institute’s programs, economic impact ($12 million annually from the festival), and requested FY2025 budget support. A student dance performance followed.
  • Presentation: Police Reform – Superintendent Eric Garcia described the organizational structure of the Office of Police Reform, including Internal Affairs divisions and the disciplinary review process. He noted 23 investigators in the Force Division and 11 in Professional Standards, with an average of 40-70 use-of-force investigations per month. He answered questions about independence from the chief, handling of Chief Medina’s crash investigation, and progress on consent decree compliance (94% compliance, expected to remain high).
  • Presentation: Route 66 Centennial Celebration – Dr. Shelle Sanchez (Arts & Culture) and Tanya (Visit Albuquerque) outlined plans for the 2025-2026 centennial, including 66 initiatives, historic sign restoration, corridor improvements, affordable housing projects, and marketing efforts. Visit Albuquerque has already launched a wrapped train in Denver promoting Route 66.
  • Bosque Wildfire Mitigation Project – Administration responded to Councilor Baca’s concerns about tree clearing near Tingley Beach. They noted 70% completion of the 470-acre project, with adjustments to preserve native species. Short-term restoration plans include plantings and volunteer opportunities.
  • Administration Q&A – Topics included: Gateway asbestos lawsuits (administration denied retaliation claims, noted cleanup protocols), vacancies (hundreds citywide, staffing agencies used), Los Altos Park reopening (spring softball season), and DWI investigation impact on consent decree (no expected extension).

Key Outcomes

  • O-24-1 (Administrative Demolition of Unsafe Buildings) – Passed as amended 7-2 (Peña and Sanchez opposed). Amendments: (1) Appeals of hearing officer decisions go to city council instead of district court; (2) Planning department must track race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status of property owners.
  • O-24-2 (Flood Hazard and Drainage Control Amendments) – Passed as amended 9-0 (amendment redirects to IDO for regulations).
  • R-24-4 (Byrne Discretionary Grant for Community Safety) – Passed as amended 9-0 (technical amendment to correct grant numbers).
  • R-24-8 (Capital Implementation Program Amendments) – Passed as amended 9-0 after five amendments, including funding for WEC outdoor recreation space, youth navigation center, and technical adjustments.
  • R-24-19 (Route 66 Centennial Celebration Project Plan) – Passed 8-0 (Lewis excused).
  • R-24-23 (Amendment to 2024 Council Meeting Schedule) – Passed 7-1 (Fiebelkorn opposed; Baca excused). Moves April 1 meeting to April 3.
  • R-24-24 (Multi-Agency Investigation into Chief Medina’s February 17 Incident) – Failed 4-5 (Champine, Grout, Lewis, Sanchez for; Baca, Bassan, Fiebelkorn, Peña, Rogers against). An amendment to clarify that the administration is only directed to request participation was adopted before the vote.
  • Appeal AC-23-20 (Zoning map amendment from R-1D to MX-T) – Council accepted the Land Use Hearing Officer’s recommendation to deny the appeal, 9-0.
  • EC-23-383 (Declaring 508 1st Street NW Non-Essential) – Approved 9-0.
  • EC-24-33 (MRA 2023 Annual Report) – Received and noted 9-0.
  • EC-24-35 (Emergency Purchase of Migrant Sheltering Services) – Postponed to March 18, 2024, 5-4 (Bassan, Champine, Grout, Lewis, Sanchez for; Baca, Fiebelkorn, Peña, Rogers against).

Meeting Transcript

All right, here we go. The fifth meeting of the 26th Council will come to order. All councils are present this evening. I will start with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councillor Grout and the uh Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish by led by Councillor Pinya. A moment of silence first, and then the Pledge of Allegiance. Members of the public city staff, the media have the ability to view this meeting in person, live live streams through four different platforms on Gov TV on Comcast 16, uh, the Gov TV website, YouTube, uh Zoop Zoom webinar. The live streams can be assessed from most smartphones, tablets, or computers. Also, this meeting is closed captioned, and you can maybe enable the closed captioning services on your television 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's website. Uh 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 morning through Friday, 8 to 5. 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 proceeding to be as civil, respectful as possible. Please do not make any personal attacks. Uh please no applause or outbursts during the meeting. This meeting will go a lot further if we're respectful of uh of one another. And uh we have some other just instructions on decorum and uh and that's available in the back. You're welcome to uh to read those. Uh, we're gonna start with proclamations and presentations. We have three presentations tonight. The first is um a presentation of Dr. Shelle Sanchez, director of arts and culture, to provide an update regarding Route 66 revitalizations. Councilor Pinya, sorry, sorry, Council Penya, I read that. We'll let you introduce them. Thank you, Mr. President. Um Mr. President, that's fine. Um, Dr. Sanchez, I think she's here somewhere. It doesn't look like maybe she's arrived yet. Yeah, so why don't we move on to Councilor Hassan if you'd like, and we'll defer. She's not here. Okay. Well, let's go on to uh Councilor Bassan's presentation of um uh National Institute of Flamenco. Mr. President, uh, thank you. It's my honor to uh have requested the presentation for uh the National Institute of Flamenco. Tonight we have Miss Marisol Encinas. I believe we also have an Eva Encinas, Iloy Gonzalez, and the Ninios It Flamencos. So Marisol, I went and toured the facility. I think that you know we've worked well, I think as a city and as the council to make sure that we are collaborating and doing what we can to support many different programs. But this is the one that I think was very beneficial, and I I thought it could be fun and festive for us to see a little bit of what they do and also hear what the National Institute of Flamingo does beyond just teaching flamenco. So Marisol, welcome. Thank you all. Thank you, President Lewis and members of the city council. We appreciate being invited to be here today. She said my as Councilor Bazan said, my name is Marisol Encinias. I'm the executive director of the National Institute of Flamenco.

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