Las Cruces City Council Meeting – September 15, 2025

The Las Cruces City Council met on Monday, September 15, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM. The meeting opened with recognitions and proclamations, followed by public comments, discussion of a consent agenda item removed for debate, several resolutions, board appointments, and council reports.

Recognitions & Proclamations

• Mayor’s Top Teens: Mayor Eric Enriquez recognized the 2025 cohort of high school seniors who have overcome adversity, maintained a 3.0+ GPA, and excelled in school and community activities. The program, started in 2007 by then-Mayor Bill Matisse, has run for 18 years. Veronica R. Medina, program president, introduced 17 students representing local high schools.
• Marine Corps League – El Perro Diablo Detachment 478: Received a Certificate of Excellence for their honor guard service, including funerals, parades, and color guards.
• International Walk to School Days (Sept. 30 – Oct. 3): Proclamation presented to Booker T. Washington Elementary students and staff. Walk to school events began in Las Cruces in 2007.
• Constitution Week (Sept. 17–23): Proclamation observed with Deborah Hale of the Daughters of the American Revolution reciting the Preamble.
• Civic Health Month (August): Proclamation accepted by Jasper McCormick, noting that voter registration efforts continue year-round and that two-thirds of unregistered eligible voters report never having been asked to register.
• New Mexico Press Women’s Day (Sept. 20): Proclamation presented to Denise Chavez, celebrating the organization’s work in journalism and communications.
• 30th Anniversary of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation: Established in 1995 with $130 million from the sale of Providence Memorial Hospital, the foundation has invested over $266 million in grants and programs, supporting initiatives in Las Cruces such as walking trails, school gardens, mental health services, and diabetes management.
• National Good Neighbor Day (Sept. 28): Proclamation recognizing city departments’ roles in fostering community connections, presented by Community Engagement Manager Katrina Godinez.

Pets of the Week

• Carol from the Animal Services Center introduced Cosette (252 days at shelter), Cookies and Cream (242 days), Coral (239 days), and Adventureful (227 days) as long-term residents needing adoption. The Cat of the Week, Angel, was adopted. A shelter sweethearts event will be held at PETCO on Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lynn Moore: Criticized the Las Cruces Utilities Department for alleged non‑compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule, stating that the city’s pipe material inventory contains inaccuracies, half of properties are missing, and requested an independent engineer review.
• Liz Rodriguez Johnson: Asserted that a city video about checking meter boxes was inadequate and that the city has failed to provide accurate, bilingual information about lead pipes, particularly for Spanish‑only speakers.
• Michael Clark (CrossTown Boxing): Expressed concern over rising youth crime and gun violence, noting the loss of community programs such as middle school football. He called for more youth activities in low‑income areas and announced a rally against violence on Saturday at Branigan Park.
• Lance Renfro: Introduced himself as the district legislative aide for Representative Jennifer Jones and invited questions. He expressed support for “Project Jupiter,” a proposed hyperscale data center in the county, while acknowledging economic risks, and condemned recent political assassinations.
• Ronnie Montgomery: Offered a prayer and voiced opinions on transgender participation in sports, government debt, education, and critical race theory.
• Lucas Herndon (District 2): Opposed Project Jupiter, citing concerns over water usage, energy costs, and lack of transparency. He praised the city’s own IRB for a manufacturing project (Endurance Technologies) as a responsible use of the tool.
• Pam Smith & another speaker: Representing senior users of the Las Cruces Aquatic Center, which has been closed for four weeks. They requested a proactive maintenance plan and parts inventory to avoid future long shutdowns, noting a six‑month closure two years ago.
• Jacob Hayner (University Addition neighborhood): Described an increase in violent crime at Solapek Park, including a shooting on September 4 that killed a young woman. He urged the council to install camera systems in parks and increase police presence.
• Unnamed speaker: Reflected on the unity after 9/11 and lamented current political division.
• Jim Hurst: Defended Project Jupiter’s economic development process, arguing that the timeline reflects market realities and urging the council not to reject the project over process concerns. He also spoke about potential benefits of AI.

Discussion Items

• Removal of Consent Agenda Item 7.4 – Saputo Cheese LEDA Closeout: Councilor Matisse moved to remove Council Bill 26‑004 (ordinance 3096) from the consent agenda for discussion. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Elizabeth Teters, Economic Development Director, presented the closeout of the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) agreement with Saputo Cheese USA (formerly FNA Dairy). The company, located in the Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park, produces approximately 4 million pounds of cheese per month. The LEDA agreement expected 150 new jobs with an average wage of $34,000 and $30 million capital investment. Actual outcomes: 216 jobs at an average wage of $44,000 and $62 million in capital investment. The company requested early closeout after maintaining 150 full‑time employees for six consecutive months. Saputo is also planning a second expansion. Council approved the closeout ordinance.
• Resolution 26‑038 – Support of Public Lands: Presented by Policy Analyst Sergio Ruiz. The resolution opposes the transfer, sale, or reduction of public lands, especially the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument, and supports full funding for public lands. Council approved unanimously.
• Resolution 26‑039 – Amendment to 2026‑2031 Capital Improvement Program: Cynthia Lamillo, CIP Manager, presented adjustments to several projects including Madrid Avenue extension, ADA compliance, Fire Station 4 remodel, Municipal Court rehabilitation, and the traffic signal at Bataan Memorial at Rinconada. Additionally, a new project for a DC fast charger at the animal shelter on Bataan Memorial, funded by a $500,000+ NMDOT grant, was added. Sustainability Officer Jenny Hernandez explained the location was chosen to be on major highways. Council approved.
• Resolution 26‑040 – HOME Agreement with Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity: Jen Larbach, Housing and Neighborhood Services, presented a $180,000 HOME fund allocation to assist in constructing two single‑family homes at 4432 Camino Dos Vidas and 4105 Calle de Luna in the Dos Sueños subdivision. Homes will be sold to households at or below 80% of area median income. Council approved.
• Resolution 26‑041 – Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) Inducement for Endurance Technologies: Elizabeth Teters explained the IRB process and introduced Endurance Technologies, a Canadian steel pipe manufacturer seeking to locate a 45,000‑square‑foot facility (on 15 acres) in the Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park. The company projects 41 new jobs at an average wage of $58,000 and $17 million capital investment. CEO Jeff Pachura stated they plan to start with 25 employees in 2026 and grow to 41 over three years, hiring locally. The inducement resolution allows the company to begin tax‑exempt purchases while the final ordinance is processed. Council approved.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Closeout of Saputo Cheese LEDA agreement (Ordinance 3096) – unanimous.
• Approved: Resolution 26‑038 in support of public lands – unanimous.
• Approved: Resolution 26‑039 amending the CIP (including DC fast charger) – unanimous.
• Approved: Resolution 26‑040 HOME agreement with Habitat for Humanity – unanimous.
• Approved: Resolution 26‑041 IRB inducement for Endurance Technologies – unanimous.
• Board Appointments:
  • Martha Guerra appointed to the Senior Programs Advisory Board.
  • John Trujillo appointed to the Senior Programs Advisory Board.
  • Adolf Zubia reappointed to the Oversight Committee.
• Consensus to Bring Forward Discussion on Welcoming City Resolution: Councilor Bencomo requested consensus to place an update to the Welcoming City Resolution on the October 6 agenda. Verbal affirmations from council members provided the necessary four votes.

Council & City Manager Reports

• Councilor McClure reported that the MPO board discussed joining Target Zero for pedestrian safety; the city will explore options.
• Councilor Matisse asked Chief Story about increased patrols or cameras at Solapek Park following public comments.
• Chief Story noted that 25 new officers will graduate this week; the real‑time crime center is being expanded to cover smaller parks.
• Councilor Graham thanked Chief Story for a demo of the real‑time crime center and Officer Udero for a ride‑along.
• Councilor Corran championed the Target Zero program and invited the public to the Griggs Walnut Superfund Site open house on Thursday.
• Councilor Bencomo requested consensus to update the Welcoming City Resolution in response to federal immigration enforcement changes and expressed support for the Boys & Girls Club capital campaign (seeking $7.5 million; $6.1 million raised).
• Mayor Enriquez announced upcoming events: a cleanup at Walmart on Walton at 8:30 AM Saturday, the Mayor’s Bike Ride starting at City Hall at 10 AM Sunday, and the Redes Unidas event on South Solano.
• City Manager Ikani Taumopea announced public meetings on the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) for capital projects (six district meetings from Sept. 30 to Oct. 9), an update on the delayed Walnut Skate Park (open issues with contractor), the Keep Las Cruces Beautiful fall cleanup on Sept. 20 with free dumpsters at five locations, and a free community movie night screening of Snow White on Sept. 20 at 7 PM at Amador Live Space. He also congratulated the Economic Development Department and MVEDA for winning the 2025 Blueprint for Growth Award.