OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

City Council Meeting March 18, 2024: Migrant Services, Appointments, Goodwill, and Public Comments

City Council — Monday, March 18, 2024
BodyAlbuquerque, New Mexico
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, March 18, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:00

Join our team and become a part of our city's newest branch of public safety.

1:18

The sixth meeting of the twenty-sixth council will come to order.

1:22

All counselors are present this evening.

1:25

We have a moment of silence and then the pledge of allegiance.

1:27

And I just want to ask us to uh keep uh um in your thoughts and prayers and uh and and dedicate this moment of silence to Justin Hare, State Police Officer Justin Hare, who was uh killed on Saturday, and and uh remember his family and uh to keep them in your your thoughts and prayers during this time.

1:46

Uh then we'll have the Pledge of Allegiance, what the counselors, whoever would like to lead in English and then also in Spanish.

2:16

One nation, under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all.

2:45

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

2:49

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

2:54

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

3:09

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

3:14

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

3:22

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

3:30

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

3:37

Please call seven five oh five seven six eight thirty-one hundred for assistance during business hours Monday through Friday, eight to five.

3:45

The council will take a break at approximately seven PM this evening if needed.

3:50

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

3:57

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

4:02

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

4:09

Thank you.

4:10

So we have several proclamations and presentations this evening.

4:13

We'll start first with Councilor Pinum.

4:22

Thank you, Mr.

4:23

President.

4:23

Um actually this evening we have um some women from the Bear Foundation, Corey Lee, who is the executive director and Holly um Durante, she's the development director.

4:33

I think they're here.

4:34

I welcome in.

4:35

If you guys can make your way to the podium, we'll get started on reading this proclamation.

4:40

Um and I think we're gonna get started with Councilor Basson.

4:45

Whereas National Women's History Month was established in 1987 as a way to esta celebrate women across the nation and their efforts to make the country and the world a better place for women of all ages and races.

5:00

And whereas women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of women.

5:09

Whereas women in the United States have been leaders not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist emancipation, industrial labor and civil rights and peace movements.

5:23

And whereas in 2018, the city of Albuquerque created the Office of Equity and Inclusion, aimed at addressing racial disparities and achieve equity in local government, including gender equality.

5:36

Whereas women play critical economic, cultural, and social roles in every sphere of life and constitute a significant portion of the labor force by working inside and outside of the home.

5:49

And whereas women from all walks of life have served as early leaders at the forefront of every major progressive social change movement, and whereas the city of Albuquerque partners with local service providers like the Barrett Foundation that have a mission to end the experience of homelessness for women and children in our community by providing shelter, housing, and supportive services.

6:11

And whereas in 2020, the Albuquerque City Council enacted an ordinance ensuring pay equity reporting requirements as a part of the city's procurement process and whereas the City of Albuquerque has not only taken on a variety of initiatives aimed at supporting women, but the community has a rich history of remarkable women leaders, entrepreneurs, business professionals, educators, and many more who have made some significant contributions to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of women residing in our community.

6:45

We have proclaimed that the council, the governing body of the city of Albuquerque, hereby declares March 24th as women's history month and proclaims March 18th, uh 2024 as International Women's Day.

6:59

So thank you, ladies, for being here.

7:00

I really appreciate it.

7:01

I don't know if you wanted to say a couple of words, but before you do, I just want to say that I think this is the most women that have served on city council in its history.

7:09

I don't know if we have that information, but some tremendous leaders.

7:19

Thank you so much for your service, and also thank you for honoring Barrett, um, the women and the children of Barrett, thank you so much.

7:26

And we look forward to continue serving women in Albuquerque for another 40 years.

7:34

That's it.

7:35

Okay, thank you so much.

7:36

Yeah, we have a proclamation for you over here.

7:42

We'll we'll we'll stand up and say once again thank you.

7:58

I think you would like to make your way.

8:00

Yeah, there you go.

8:02

Thank you.

8:03

Thank you.

8:14

No worries, that happens all the time.

8:16

We're lagging here tonight.

8:27

Thank you, Mr.

8:28

President.

8:28

I have um uh proclamation recognizing justice for New Mexico's downwinders, and I'd like to um ask the members of the Tula Rosa Basin Downwinders Consortium to come on down to the podium while I read the um proclamation, and then we'll give them a few minutes to talk.

8:47

So, umas the world's first atomic bomb was tested in New Mexico on July 16th, 1945, and the U.S.

8:55

conducted 1,038 atomic tests in the Nevada test site, 100 of which were above ground tests, and whereas in 1990, the U.S.

9:04

passed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to pay restitution and medical care to people who were exposed to radiation from these nuclear tests, and whereas the U.S.

9:14

government has been compensating these downwinders in other states, but the downwinders in New Mexico have never been included, although they were the first to be exposed to nuclear radio radioactivity via the Trinity Atomic Tests.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement███████████████15%
Public Comment██████████10%
Budget Equity Analysis████████8%
Immigrant Rights████████8%
Public Records Management███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Public Safety██████6%
Procurement Process██████6%
Workforce Development████4%
Summary of Proceedings

City Council Meeting - March 18, 2024

The Albuquerque City Council held its twenty-sixth council sixth meeting on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, presentations, administrative Q&A, consent agenda approvals, debate on emergency migrant shelter funding, appointments, and public comments. The meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM.

Proclamations & Presentations

  • National Women’s History Month & International Women’s Day: Councilor Peña and Councilor Bassan presented a proclamation declaring March 24 as Women’s History Month and March 18, 2024 as International Women’s Day, honoring the Barrett Foundation’s work with women and children experiencing homelessness.
  • Downwinders Support: Councilor Peña presented a proclamation supporting the extension and expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to include New Mexico downwinders. Tina Cordova of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium spoke, noting the U.S. Senate voted 69-30 in support of the bill.
  • Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Commission: Councilor Rogers presented a proclamation marking the one-year anniversary of the DVSA Commission, highlighting its work and statistics: New Mexico lifetime intimate partner violence rate was 37.6% among women and 33.3% among men; in 2021, 18,667 domestic violence incidents were reported statewide, with about 14,000 in Bernalillo County.
  • Goodwill Industries of New Mexico: Shauna Castle, President/CEO, presented on Goodwill’s mission. Goodwill employs over 430 people, spends ~$1.5M monthly on payroll, and has a $36M annual economic impact. Last year they kept over 9 million pounds out of landfills, served 21,000 individuals, and placed 1,556 into community employment. Programs include re-entry, veterans services, and a forthcoming Clean Tech Training Program.
  • ACE Leadership Charter Students: Students from ACE Leadership High School (Toby Parrish, Alexis Garcia, Carlos Sandoval) spoke about juvenile justice reform, recidivism reduction, mental health services, and rehabilitation funding. They advocated for better education within juvenile detention centers and redesigning prisons to mimic society.

Consent Calendar

  • Unanimously approved (9-0):
    • EC-24-69: Re-appointment of Bruce Perlman to Labor-Management Board
    • EC-24-73: Re-appointment of George A. Maestas to Affordable Housing Committee
    • EC-24-74: Appointment of Len Romano to Albuquerque Development Commission
    • EC-24-75: Appointment of Kendra Yevoli to Affordable Housing Committee
    • EC-24-76: Re-appointment of Shawn M. Maden to Affordable Housing Committee
    • EC-24-77: Appointment of David A. Sanchez to Municipal Golf Advisory Board
    • EC-24-78: Appointment of China F. Osborn to Affordable Housing Committee
    • R-24-12: Postponed to April 15, 2024 (directive on Mountain View pollution concerns)
    • R-24-15: Authorizing Certified Local Government Subgrants

EC-24-68 (appointment to Housing Authority Board) was pulled from consent by Councilor Champine; later postponed to April 3, 2024.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ellis Hill: Expressed desire to start a foundation (AJ&L) to help the community, particularly youth, noting current approaches are not working.
  • Teresa Garcia (Chair, DVSA Commission): Requested the commission be moved back under the Mayor’s office instead of the Albuquerque Police Department, arguing domestic violence is a public health crisis, not just law enforcement. She stated the commission was not consulted about the move, undermining trust.
  • Steve Morrison (volunteer with Catholic Charities and Albuquerque Asylum Seeker Welcome): Spoke in favor of EC-24-87 (migrant shelter funding), urging compassion for asylum seekers regardless of political views.
  • Mother of deceased child (name not given but referenced earlier): Called for an outside investigation of Chief Medina’s accident, criticized lack of accountability, and questioned why a driving simulator donated after her son’s death had not been used by the chief.
  • Ariana Souina: Echoed concerns about accountability, stating the driving simulator was at the reality-based training center, not the academy, and Chief Medina had not used it.
  • Justin Allen (International District resident): Alleged that APD and Solid Waste are terrorizing unhoused individuals, reported being doxxed by a Solid Waste employee, and requested oversight.
  • Anami Das: Noted the city spent nearly $250,000 on encampment clearances in the first four months after a court injunction, argued for housing and public amenities instead.
  • Marla Painter (Mountain View neighborhood): Said residents were confused about R-24-12, hoping it leads to concrete action, not just public relations.
  • James Freeman (District 4): Criticized the timing of the vote on a multi-agency investigation into the police chief, noting the live feed failed; urged Councilor Bassan to reconsider her vote.
  • Tad Numinsky: Criticized lack of accountability in city government, citing high settlement payouts.
  • Nicholas Kirsch: Requested funding for mobile bathrooms and shower units, citing a lack of public restrooms as a health and dignity crisis.
  • Eric Perkins: Noted that in the South, businesses must allow restroom access; urged council to address discriminatory policies.

Discussion Items

  • Administration Q&A: Councilor Sanchez asked about IPRA request backlogs and payouts (~$1.3M in 2023). City Clerk (via CAO) explained that the volume of requests (over 12,000) and complex records (e.g., lapel video) cause delays; hiring new staff and legislative changes are being pursued. Councilor Rogers questioned a new process by which nonprofit providers received letters about non-recurring funding, causing confusion. Administration said it was proactive communication, not a threat.
  • EC-24-35 (Emergency Purchase of Migrant Sheltering): Approved 8-1 (Councilor Champine opposed). Discussion focused on accounting: the original $100,000 contract with United Voices was paid from Fund 265 (reimbursable), but FEMA reimbursement was not possible due to procurement rules. Approximately $132,000 had been paid. Administration stated they will move expenses to OEI budget.
  • EC-24-87 (Migrant Assistance Services RFP): Approved 9-0. Multiple public speakers supported the contract, including Eleanor Milroy (St. Andrew Presbyterian), Rev. Mike Angel (St. Michael’s), and Gwen Robinson (physician volunteer). They emphasized the need for a 24/7 shelter and that the contract follows proper federal procurement.
  • EC-24-79 (Appointment of Kevin Sourisseau as CFO): Confirmed 7-0 (Councilors Baca and Rogers excused).
  • EC-24-80 (Appointment of Patrick Montoya as COO): Confirmed 9-0.
  • EC-24-90 (Uptown Transit Center Joint Development): Approved 9-0. Increased reimbursement from $100K to $575K to advance design to 30%, using allocated FTA grant funds.
  • EC-24-91 (Self-Funded Medical Insurance Administrator): Approved 9-0. HR Director explained the new contract will provide employees with a choice between United Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield, expanding network access to include UNMH. Costs will increase but less than projected; employee survey showed 45% of respondents wanted broader network.
  • OC-24-8 (Appointment of Andrea Calderon to Accountability in Government Oversight Committee): Failed 4-5. Councilor Vice-President Grout opposed citing need for diversity of thought. Councilor Fiebelkorn supported Calderon’s qualifications and help with transparency initiatives.
  • OC-24-9 (Appointment of Robert J. Aragon): Confirmed 6-3.

Key Outcomes

  • EC-24-35: Approved (8-1). Migrant sheltering emergency purchase funded at $50K supplement; expenses will be moved to OEI budget.
  • EC-24-87: Approved (9-0). Migrant assistance services RFP awarded.
  • EC-24-79: Confirmed (7-0) – Kevin Sourisseau as CFO.
  • EC-24-80: Confirmed (9-0) – Patrick Montoya as COO.
  • EC-24-90: Approved (9-0) – Uptown Transit Center agreement increase.
  • EC-24-91: Approved (9-0) – New medical insurance administrator contract.
  • OC-24-8: Failed (4-5) – Andrea Calderon not confirmed to oversight committee.
  • OC-24-9: Confirmed (6-3) – Robert Aragon appointed.
  • R-24-20: Passed (9-0) – Authorizing application for Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Phase 2.
  • Consent Agenda: Approved (9-0) with EC-24-68 postponed.
  • EC-24-68: Postponed to April 3, 2024 (9-0).
  • R-24-12: Postponed to April 15, 2024 (9-0).
  • EC-24-87: Added to agenda via rule suspension (9-0).
  • EC-24-90 and EC-24-91: Added to agenda via rule suspensions (two-thirds vote each).

Meeting Transcript

Join our team and become a part of our city's newest branch of public safety. The sixth meeting of the twenty-sixth council will come to order. All counselors are present this evening. We have a moment of silence and then the pledge of allegiance. And I just want to ask us to uh keep uh um in your thoughts and prayers and uh and and dedicate this moment of silence to Justin Hare, State Police Officer Justin Hare, who was uh killed on Saturday, and and uh remember his family and uh to keep them in your your thoughts and prayers during this time. Uh then we'll have the Pledge of Allegiance, what the counselors, whoever would like to lead in English and then also in Spanish. One nation, under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all. 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 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, 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 can 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 videos online. Please call seven five oh five seven six eight thirty-one hundred for assistance during business hours Monday through Friday, eight to five. The council will take a break at approximately seven PM this evening if needed. With regards to decorum in the chambers, we want tonight's proceedings to be as simple and respectful as possible. Please do not make any personal attacks, and please no applause or other outbursts during the meeting. The meeting will go a lot smoother if we are respectful of one another. Thank you. So we have several proclamations and presentations this evening. We'll start first with Councilor Pinum. Thank you, Mr. President. Um actually this evening we have um some women from the Bear Foundation, Corey Lee, who is the executive director and Holly um Durante, she's the development director. I think they're here. I welcome in. If you guys can make your way to the podium, we'll get started on reading this proclamation. Um and I think we're gonna get started with Councilor Basson. Whereas National Women's History Month was established in 1987 as a way to esta celebrate women across the nation and their efforts to make the country and the world a better place for women of all ages and races. And whereas women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of women. Whereas women in the United States have been leaders not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist emancipation, industrial labor and civil rights and peace movements. And whereas in 2018, the city of Albuquerque created the Office of Equity and Inclusion, aimed at addressing racial disparities and achieve equity in local government, including gender equality. Whereas women play critical economic, cultural, and social roles in every sphere of life and constitute a significant portion of the labor force by working inside and outside of the home. And whereas women from all walks of life have served as early leaders at the forefront of every major progressive social change movement, and whereas the city of Albuquerque partners with local service providers like the Barrett Foundation that have a mission to end the experience of homelessness for women and children in our community by providing shelter, housing, and supportive services. And whereas in 2020, the Albuquerque City Council enacted an ordinance ensuring pay equity reporting requirements as a part of the city's procurement process and whereas the City of Albuquerque has not only taken on a variety of initiatives aimed at supporting women, but the community has a rich history of remarkable women leaders, entrepreneurs, business professionals, educators, and many more who have made some significant contributions to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of women residing in our community. We have proclaimed that the council, the governing body of the city of Albuquerque, hereby declares March 24th as women's history month and proclaims March 18th, uh 2024 as International Women's Day. So thank you, ladies, for being here. I really appreciate it. I don't know if you wanted to say a couple of words, but before you do, I just want to say that I think this is the most women that have served on city council in its history. I don't know if we have that information, but some tremendous leaders. Thank you so much for your service, and also thank you for honoring Barrett, um, the women and the children of Barrett, thank you so much. And we look forward to continue serving women in Albuquerque for another 40 years. That's it. Okay, thank you so much. Yeah, we have a proclamation for you over here. We'll we'll we'll stand up and say once again thank you. I think you would like to make your way. Yeah, there you go. Thank you.

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