Albuquerque-Bernalillo County-APS Government Commission Meeting - July 3, 2024

The Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and APS Government Commission met on July 3, 2024, at 5:00 PM in a hybrid format. The meeting was chaired by the Chair, with Commissioners and APS members present. Notable absentees: Commissioner Benson and APS member Courtney Jackson. The meeting included approval of minutes, public comments, a discussion on Safe Haven Baby Boxes, a resolution to include APS as a full voting member, and several announcements.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the February 22, 2024 meeting minutes (initially passed 7-0, later reconsidered to correct APS member attendance, then reapproved 7-0).
• Approval of the April 25, 2024 summary of minutes (passed 7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rudolph Serrano (in-person) spoke about student homelessness (up to 5,000 homeless students) and advocated for the “BTSD Cruiser Project”—small trailers for homeless youths, suggesting cameras and federal oversight would provide safety. He invited commissioners to review the project on YouTube.
• Mia Navarro (via Zoom) expressed strong support for an amendment (likely related to affordable housing) stating it would open opportunities for affordable housing and new development while preserving the community. She noted she represents a group of supporters and wanted to be a voice for those in favor.

Discussion Items

• Safe Haven Baby Boxes (Item 4A): Councilor Grout and Councilor Kenya introduced a resolution (to be presented in August) for installing secure, climate-controlled baby boxes at fire stations to allow anonymous surrender of newborns up to 90 days old. Abby Styles (staff) provided context: New Mexico law permits anonymous surrender; existing boxes in other cities have seen surrenders (e.g., Belen had a baby surrendered in February 2024). Bernalillo County accepted a $10,000 state grant but hasn’t spent it. Discussion included concerns about CYFD investigations potentially undermining anonymity—Commissioner Barboa and Councilor Peacock raised this issue, referencing media reports. Commissioner Olivis noted prior fire department union concerns about liability. Councilor Grout confirmed they are working with Albuquerque Fire Rescue and the union. Next steps: continue collaboration with the county, potentially partner with city fire stations, and learn from Belen’s experience.
• Resolution to Include APS (Item 5A): The commission approved a resolution and intergovernmental agreement to add Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) as a full voting member, renaming the body the Local Government Coordinating Commission. Each entity (City, County, APS) had already passed the resolution. The commission voted 8-0 to approve. This will allow updating operating rules (e.g., meeting quorum vs. voting quorum) and revising procedures at the next meeting.
• Behavioral Health Initiative Updates (Item 6A): No update at this meeting; a new county lead, Dr. Wayne Lindstrom, will provide updates in August. Commissioner Barboa announced the county passed a behavioral health ordinance on June 25, 2024, which restructures committee and subcommittee structures. The county also announced an open RFP for providers to get pre-vetted for future funding from the Health GRT (over $25 million annually), especially for prevention, intervention, and treatment services.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved: February 22 and April 25, 2024 minutes approved after corrections (7-0 votes).
• Safe Haven Baby Boxes: Resolution to be introduced in August; staff to research location and partnership with county; education and public awareness emphasized.
• APS Inclusion Resolution passed 8-0: The commission will update its rules of procedure by the next meeting (August 22, 2024).
• Behavioral Health: County passed a new ordinance; open RFP announced for provider vetting; next update in August.
• Announcements: Summer of Nonviolence events ongoing (next: July 25 movie in the park); Jump Into School Bash on July 20, 12–4 PM at Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Posse (goal 3,000 backpacks); Dual Diagnosis Summit on September 11 (full-day, free CEUs, sponsored by county with $10,000).
• Next Meeting: August 22, 2024, at 5 PM (hybrid).