Albuquerque City Council Meeting - February 3, 2025
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Albuquerque City Council Meeting - February 3, 2025
The Albuquerque City Council held its 25th meeting of the 26th Council on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers. The meeting lasted until 12:15 AM on February 4, 2025, with a break from approximately 7:46 PM to 7:45 PM (recorded as 7:46 PM). All nine councilors were present. The agenda included proclamations, presentations, consent agenda, financial instruments, an appeal, public comments, approvals, and final action on several ordinances and resolutions.
Consent Calendar
- EC-24-272: Approved Route 66 Augmented Reality Experience contract with Refract AR LLC (9-0).
- EC-25-286: Approved Master Utility Service Agreement with Sustainability Partners for solar infrastructure (9-0).
- EC-25-295: Solid Waste Management Objective Seven update – receipt noted (9-0).
- EC-25-298: Confirmed appointment of Stacy S. Sacco to Small Business Regulatory Committee (9-0).
- EC-25-299: Confirmed appointment of Emanuel Green to Urban Enhancement Trust Fund (9-0).
- EC-25-300: Confirmed appointment of Gavin Mitchell to Youth Advisory Council (9-0).
- EC-25-301: Confirmed appointment of Mekhi D. Bradford to Youth Advisory Council (9-0).
- EC-25-302: Confirmed appointment of David A. Mueller to Albuquerque Energy Council (9-0).
- OC-25-29: Re-appointment of Madelynne Johnson to Library Advisory Board (9-0).
- O-24-62: Passed amendment to public purchasing ordinance for Animal Welfare Department (9-0).
- O-24-64: Passed amendment to open records ordinance for confidential safehouse interviews (9-0).
- R-24-12: Postponed to February 19, 2025, the resolution directing collaboration with Mountain View Neighborhood on pollution (9-0).
- R-25-113: Passed amendment to Aviation Department capital improvement program (9-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Several speakers opposed the proposed nuisance abatement ordinance (O-24-63), citing concerns about broad definitions, potential for abuse against small businesses and homeless individuals, and lack of due process. Speakers included Lisa Christofferson, Jeffrey Learing, Alexis Torres, Sitzka Barnes, William Aravello, Shirley Field, Lee Shepard, Sarah Peppin, Paula Bartow, Margaret Brandau, Geneva Harstein, and Sarah Azebo. Specific concerns were raised about the impact on victims of domestic violence (not fully covered) and on businesses like Quirky Books.
- Speakers also commented on the social media policy (EC-25-282), with one urging the city to adopt a posting-only policy to avoid personal attacks.
- Multiple speakers criticized the city's homeless encampment sweeps, noting they occurred during the Point-in-Time count, leading to an undercount. They urged the council to protect sanctuary status and avoid further criminalization.
- A speaker recounted a friend's difficulty in filing a sexual assault police report, citing invasive questioning and delays. Councilor Sanchez urged the administration to investigate.
- Support was expressed for the Domestic Violence Restraining Order packet and for the Rail Yards Market.
Discussion Items
- Presentation: Gross Receipts Tax Update (Christine Berner): November 2024 revenues decreased 8.8% year-over-year, but when adjusted for a one-time $5.2 million hold harmless payment, growth was approximately 2%. Year-to-date cumulative growth was 4%, exceeding the FY25 budget assumption of 2.1%. Construction and wholesale trade declined, while finance, healthcare, and information sectors grew.
- Presentation: Rail Yards Market Update (Alaska Piper): In 2024, the market had over 170,000 visitors across 29 seasonal events, generating over $3.5 million in gross receipts. A feasibility study for a year-round market concluded the organization is well-poised to manage a full-time public market. The market operates Sundays May through October, with special Valentine and Holiday markets.
- Presentation: Domestic Violence Restraining Order Packet (Theresa Garcia): The DVSA Commission developed a new packet with simplified language, QR codes for translations, and information on high-risk factors (strangulation, firearms). The packet is designed to be a living document and will be updated annually. Councilors Sanchez and Rogers shared personal experiences and praised the effort.
- Administration Q&A: Extended discussion on the new policy requiring all council inquiries to go through the Government Affairs email. Several councilors expressed frustration over delays and inefficiency, arguing it hinders constituent service. The administration defended the policy as a tracking mechanism. Other topics included the East Gateway Arch project timeline, human trafficking training module costs ($52,000/year for platform, $18,000 for licenses), status of the Gateway Receiving Center (UNM contract not renewed), and the Duke City Ambassadors program funding.
- O-24-63 (Nuisance Abatement Ordinance): Extensive debate and multiple amendments. Key amendments: Rogers Amendment No. 1 (added “imminent hazard” trigger) passed 9-0; Rogers Amendment No. 2 (tiered fines based on hardship) failed 4-5; Peña Amendment No. 3 (similar to Rogers No. 2 but with $500 flat fee) failed 4-5; Fiebelkorn Amendment No. 4 (removed weed and litter from nuisance triggers) passed 8-1; Fiebelkorn Amendment No. 5 (increased threshold from 3 to 6 instances for non-criminal violations) failed 3-6; Fiebelkorn Amendment No. 6 (exempted allowing camping on private property from nuisance) passed 7-2. The bill was then postponed to March 3, 2025, by a 9-0 vote.
- O-24-68 (Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Ordinance): Councilor Grout moved six amendments (all adopted), increasing transparency and updating criteria for Tax Increment Financing. The amendments extended the plan currency from 5 to 10 years, set a two-year deadline for action plans, and streamlined governance. The bill passed as amended 6-3 (Baca, Fiebelkorn, Rogers opposed).
- R-25-112 (Capital Implementation Program): Two amendments adopted: Sanchez Amendment No. 1 reallocated $1 million from rail trails and GRT interest to the Ken Sanchez Indoor Sports Complex (passed 8-1, with Fiebelkorn opposed); Rogers Amendment No. 2 added $20,000 for the Black Chamber of Commerce (passed 9-0). The bill then passed as amended 9-0.
- RA-25-3 and RA-25-4 (Council Rules of Procedure): RA-25-3 (Champine) streamlined committee procedures and passed 6-3 after one amendment. RA-25-4 (Lewis) established a process for performance evaluation of the City Attorney, including an anonymous survey and outside HR consultant, and passed 8-1 (Peña opposed).
Key Outcomes
- O-25-71 (United Athletic Club IRB): Passed 8-1 (Bassan opposed). Authorizes $30 million in industrial revenue bonds for a soccer stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park. No city funds are used; the team is responsible for bond purchase. The project is subject to pending land use appeal.
- AC-24-29 (Faith Lutheran Church Sign Variance): Accepted LUHO recommendation to reverse denial, approving the variance for an electronic sign subject to conditions, 8-1 (Champine opposed).
- EC-25-282 (Social Media Policy): Failed 2-7 (Fiebelkorn and Peña in favor). The existing 2022 policy was not updated as requested by R-89.
- EC-25-285 (Public Consulting Group Emergency Agreement): Approved 8-0 (Fiebelkorn excused). Allows AFR to bill Medicaid for ambulance transports.
- O-24-63 (Nuisance Abatement): Postponed to March 3, 2025, after several amendments were adopted.
- O-24-68 (MRA Ordinance): Passed as amended 6-3.
- R-25-112 (CIP): Passed as amended 9-0.
- RA-25-3 (Council Rules): Passed 6-3.
- RA-25-4 (Council Rules): Passed 8-1.
- Executive Session: Held to discuss EPA complaint numbers 04NO-24-R6 and 06RNO-24-R6 under attorney-client privilege. Meeting adjourned at 12:15 AM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. Today is February 3rd, 2025, and this is the 25th meeting of the 26th council. We will come to order. All counselors are present tonight with Councillor Champagne joining us via Zoom. That's right. We're going to start tonight's meeting with a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance in English and then in Spanish. The video recording of this and all past council meetings will remain available for viewing at any time on the City Council's website. City 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 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The council will take a break at approximately 7 p.m. this evening if needed. And with regard to decorum in the chambers, we want tonight's proceeding to be as civil and respectful as possible. Please do not make any personal attacks, and please no applauding or snapping or other outbursts during the meeting. This meeting will go a lot smoother if we all respect one another. Thank you, Madam President. This proclamation is recognizing the Albuquerque West Side Day. This to accept the presentation, I think we have Melissa. There she is. And I don't know if we have others. You can make your way to the podium. Thank you for being here. So we'll go ahead and get started, and I think Councilor Baca is going to start with the proclamation. Thank you. Whereas Albuquerque West Side Day at the New Mexico legislature was founded by Representative Antonio Mo Maestas in congunk conjunction with the West Central Community Development Group in 2007. And whereas Westside legislators unify in solidarity on this day each year to bring awareness to key issues that are important to Westside schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. And whereas West Side students and community members from the boundaries in between both southern and northern edges of Bernal County line, West of the River, gather for a rally in the Capitol Rotunda to celebrate their pride of the West Side and whereas this year's participating West Side Schools are Volcano Vista, West Mesa, Mark Armijo Academy, Patrisco Heritage Academy, South Valley Academy, Real Gran Academy of Fine Arts, La Cademia de Esperanza, Ernie Pyle, John Adams, Truman, Lolati Collegiate, Armijo, Tierra Antigua, Vallavista, Edward González, Bargarito, Lavalan, Carson, Painted Sky, Marie Hughes, Tamisa, Adobe Acres, Alamosa, Carlos Rey, Susie Reyes, Marman, Japarel, and whereas over 700 plus West Side Day participants are introduced to the legislative process, are provided with a civics class, a scavenger hunt, and a tour of the Capitol building. And whereas Westside Day participants are participants are given the opportunity to meet their respective legislators and local elected officers, officials to urge their support on issues that are significant to them. And whereas the volunteer board members of the West Central Community Development Group, Albuquerque Westside Business Association, and the Southwest Alliance of Neighborhoods should radiate with pride as they have successfully assisted Representative Antonio Maestis in organizing this event on an annual basis for the last 16 years. Whereas the 16th annual Albuquerque West Side Day will be held on Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at the State Capitol Building in Santa Fe, New Mexico, be a proclaimed by the council, the governing body of the city of Albuquerque hereby declares Thursday, February 2020, 2025, as the 16th annual Albuquerque West Side Day. So congratulations, ladies. So before we I ask um our guests to say a few words, you know, we have Twila from the West Central Group, the president of the West Central Group. Unfortunately, she couldn't be here today. She's not feeling well. But I really want to thank the Albuquerque Westside Business Association, Melissa and all her crew. I mean, this is really just a small group of people coordinating this event on a volunteer basis, just accepting donations from public entities, from individuals, from businesses, just to take kids up to Santa Fe so that they can learn the legislative process. And I think we've been doing this for 15 years, and every year it's about six, 700 kids. So for after 15 years, this small group of people, they get the buses, they pay for the buses, burritos, they do tours, they do examples of how to pass a bill. And I think it's we're over like 11,000 students after 15 years. So congratulations to you guys and all your hard work. So, Melissa, do you want to say a few words? Yes, well, Madam President and Council members, thank you so much for presenting this uh proclamation. We are very excited to be part of this um event, and we do invite you all to attend. You know, if you are able to, we are we are also having uh Westside Day Legislative Reception, which will be at the Coyote Cafe from 5 to 7 p.m. But it is again great opportunity for Westside students to um see the process of what happens up in Santa Fe during the legislative session, and every time I talk about West Side Day to anybody that you know it's at the Capitol, they they get really excited and say that's a really big day. So I also have just wanted to mention I have my uh board chair Arlene Maestas here, who is a lifetime Westsider. So, you know, we're very proud of being Westsiders, and again, thank you for for uh recognizing this day. Thank you. And if you want to come up and receive your proclamation, I think oh, they're gonna save it. Oh, I'm sorry.
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