OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings
Hobbs City Commission Regular Meeting – November 2, 2026
City Commission — Monday, November 2, 2026
BodyHobbs, New Mexico
SessionCity Commission
DateMonday, November 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Transcript — Verbatim
Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure24%
Procedural13%
Parks and Recreation13%
Animal Welfare12%
Public Safety11%
Public Health8%
Public Engagement7%
Budget Equity Analysis4%
Arts And Culture4%
Summary of Proceedings
Hobbs City Commission Regular Meeting – November 2, 2026
The Hobbs City Commission held a regular meeting on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Commission Chamber. The meeting included proclamations, awards, public comments, and unanimous approval of multiple resolutions and action items. Mayor Jonathan Sena presided, with all seven commissioners present.
Proclamations and Awards
- National Nurse Practitioner Week (November 8–14, 2026): Proclaimed by the Mayor. Shauna, a nurse practitioner representing Lee County, spoke about the 43 nurse practitioners in the county and the need for 18 more to meet national benchmarks. She highlighted the role of NPs in rural communities.
- National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (November 1–9, 2026): Proclaimed. Missy, from the Hobbs Animal Adoption Center, thanked the commission and emphasized the shift from shelters to adoption centers focused on spay/neuter and community care.
- Municipal Court Week (November 2–8, 2026): Proclaimed. Judge Arthur and Judge Balou, along with staff, were recognized. Judge Arthur thanked the commission and stressed customer service and dignity for all court users.
- New Mexico Recreation and Parks Association 2026 Awards: Recreation Director Doug McDaniel announced that the city’s Halloween events attracted 5,475 participants (2,063 at the Teen Center Boo Bash, 3,412 at the Core’s Spooktacular). The Core Blasters War event won the 2026 Youth Program of the Year award. The city’s digital recreation guide won a Kudos Award. Kevin Nagley received the Outstanding Voluntary Service Award. The commission also recognized the conference planning committee.
Public Comments
- Two members of the public registered to speak regarding condemnation properties. The commission deferred their comments to the relevant agenda item. During discussion of Resolution No. 7857, Nathaniel and Jessica De Leon (property owners at 1000 W. Princess Jeanne) addressed the commission. They expressed a desire to work with the city to avoid condemnation. The Mayor and Assistant City Attorney Amber Leija explained the process and directed them to provide contact information for follow-up.
Discussion Items
- Resolution No. 7855 – Lodgers’ Tax Allocations for FY 2027: Finance Director Deb Corral reported a fund balance of $2,314,727 as of September 30, 2026. Allocations recommended by the Lodgers’ Tax Board (totaling approximately $70,450) were approved for seven events, including the NMJC Foundation Scholarship Gala, Holly Jolly Fest, UTrip soccer tournaments, Lee County Center for the Arts Dueling Pianos, United Way’s Big Dill Pickle Fest and MLK Day of Service. The resolution passed 7–0.
- Resolution No. 7856 – Rescinding Condemnation on Four Properties: Assistant City Attorney Amber Leija presented properties at 619 W. Clinton, 2001 E. Clinton, 521 E. Marland, and 1226 S. Starlink, which were brought into compliance by property owners at no cost to the city. The resolution rescinding condemnation passed 7–0.
- Resolution No. 7857 – Condemning Three Properties: The commission condemned 615 E. Park, 1517 N. Cochran, and 1000 W. Princess Jeanne due to dilapidation, trash, and unsafe conditions. Notices were sent with no response or returned. The De Leons, owners of the Princess Jeanne property, spoke and agreed to cooperate. The resolution passed 7–0.
- Bid No. 1633-27 – Veterinary Spay/Neuter Services: The commission accepted the sole bid from Dr. Linda Westall for three days/week at $150/hour plus $50 per health certificate. The contract is for one year with three optional one-year renewals. Approved 7–0.
- Resolution No. 7858 – Ratifying Animal Welfare Fund Grant: A $220,000 grant (no match required) from the New Mexico Animal Welfare Fund for improvements at the Hobbs Animal Adoption Center (ventilation, noise control, safety). Grant period July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028. Approved 7–0.
- Task Order #2 to Square Root Services, LLC: For construction observation and inspection services on the Trunk Line F Phase 9 replacement project. Total cost $309,053.10, with a net increase of $170,850.66 after remaining funds from a previous contract. The task order runs through December 31, 2027; the project timeline extends to October 2028. Approved 7–0.
Key Outcomes
- All seven action items (minutes, proclamations, resolutions, bids, task order) passed unanimously (7–0).
- Next meeting dates: Monday, November 16, 2026; Monday, December 7, 2026; Monday, December 21, 2026, all at 6:00 PM.
- City Manager Manny Gomez reminded the public to vote on November 3 (Election Day), announced the Veterans Day ceremony on November 11 at 2 PM at Hobbs Veterans Memorial Complex, and free dumpster days on November 7 and 21 at Charlie Brown Park. He also recognized 30 graduates of the City of Hobbs/University of Georgia Leadership Academy.
- Commissioner Chris Mills thanked the wastewater treatment plant staff for a tour, praising the complexity and dedication of the team.
Meeting Transcript
Is that an AI voice? It's a great voice. You have a great voice there, Commissioner Pennick. That's like a radio voice. Oh, thank you very much. Yes, Peter. Look at the new phones. Well, again, we want to thank everybody for being here this evening. We appreciate your time and be a special night to honor some extraordinary people also. All right. Well, we'll call this meeting to order and roll call. City Clerk Fletcher. Mayor Senna. Here. Commissioner Smith. Here. Commissioner Mills. Here. Commissioner Fields. Here. Commissioner Calderon. Here. Commissioner Pinnock. Hi. Commissioner Gerth. Here. Very good. And we'll have the invocation by Commissioner Laren Fields, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Finn Smith. Oh mighty God, you said in all of our ways, acknowledge you. And you in turn would direct our path. Father, as we humble ourselves before you this evening, first and foremost, to say thank you for all that you have done and are doing in our individual lives. And we ask your blessings on uh for us tonight. We ask that you would guide our thoughts. Allow our thoughts to be pleasing in your side as well. Please and to the citizens of this great city. Thank you once again for this great city, the citizens, uh, staff and his great commission. We just ask your blessings as we carry out this business. Oh, tonight. Once again, we thank you for your son Jesus, who you allow to die on the cross for our sins. Oh Lord, we ask that you just continue to bless us, bless every home that is represented. Father, we ask these things and many more. We ask these in your son Jesus' name. Amen.
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