Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Las Cruces City Council Meeting: October 6, 2025 – Proclamations, Welcoming City Resolution, and Water Infrastructure Grants

City Council Meetings & Work Session — Monday, October 6, 2025

BodyLas Cruces, New Mexico

SessionCity Council Meetings & Work Session

DateMonday, October 6, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 4:23:46

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

2:16

Good afternoon, everyone.

2:17

Welcome to the City Council meeting.

2:19

Today is Monday, October sixth, twenty twenty-five.

2:21

It's approximately one PM.

2:23

I'm Mayor Eric Enriquez.

2:24

Before we start, I want to mention that we have the ASL American Sign Language Up in the Fund Interpreters for anyone who requires interpretation services.

2:33

We'll start with a moment of silence for the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces as they protect our interests around the globe, as well as the courageous men and women of the Las Cruces Police and Las Cruces Fire Department that keep our city safe.

4:05

Every year that we hold a veterans parade.

4:15

So I'd like to call it this time chairman of the Veterans Uh Parade Committee, Bill Hawkins.

5:00

Mayor Enriquez, City Council members, Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent Ruiz, School Board Member Tenorio, LCPS Leadership Executive Director Favor, LCPS Director of Communications, Jameson.

5:15

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

5:17

I'm Bill Hawkins, the committee chair for the Veterans Day Parade, which will take place on Saturday, November 8th at 11 a.m.

5:25

Throughout the years, with the support of the City of Las Cruces, we have published a poster to announce the date, time, and location of the parade.

5:32

After years of utilizing the artwork provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs, we decided to hold a contest with the middle school students of Las Cruces to produce a more personalized announcement for our parade, as well as to encourage our local youth to learn about the role of our veterans in the history of our country.

5:50

Our first contest was 2015.

5:54

The response was so positive that we decided to make this an annual event.

5:58

This year, our theme is honoring our future leaders to recognize the positive impact that our high school J R O T C instructors have on their cadets.

6:07

Today's presentation is to announce the top six local artists and reward them for their efforts.

6:12

We judged approximately 30 submissions for Mesa, Lynn, Pikachu White Sands, and Zia Middle Schools.

6:18

After careful consideration, the top six finalists are, and it's an alphabetical order.

6:23

Please hold your applause until the last one, if you don't mind.

6:30

Sabela Berengel, Mesa Middle School, Serenity Madrid, Mesa Middle School, Isabella McCracken, Mesa Middle School, Haley Reysa, Mesa Middle School, Alyssa Sanchez, Mesa Middle School, and Kyra Sanchez from Picaccio Middle School.

6:57

Now for the awards.

7:04

The first one is Isabella McCracken from Mesa Middle School.

7:16

She's the third one.

7:23

The next honorable mention is Alyssa Sanchez from Mason Middle School.

7:36

And the final honorable mentioned artist is Kyra Sanchez from Picacho Middle School.

7:49

Third place, receiving a $30 prize is Hailey Reza from Mesa Middle School.

8:04

Second place, who's receiving a $40 prize is Mesa Middle School's Sabella Berenguel.

8:14

And the winner of the 2025 Veterans Parade Poster Contest is Serenity Madrid, who has a seventh grader in Mr.

8:24

Valdez's art class from Mesa Middle School.

8:32

She is receiving a $50 prize, a framed copy of the Veterans Parade poster, and she will also have the opportunity to be in the parade in recognition for her contribution to the parade.

8:43

One more time, let's give them a round of applause.

8:58

Superintendent Ruiz, Joseph Flores, Director of Fine Arts for the Las Cruces Public Schools, Dolores Archelleta, J.R.

9:06

Turner, Mike Conno, Tim Chapel, and Brian Morrow, who are members of the Veterans Parade Committee, and Mayor Enriquez and the Las Cruces City Council for allowing us to recognize these local students.

9:18

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your time.

9:20

And please join us on November 8th for the 2025 Veterans Day Parade.

9:25

It promises to be a great event honoring our local veterans.

9:28

Thank you.

9:31

If you guys want to come over here to get pictures, he wants to bring them over there.

9:36

So go ahead and go over there with the mayor.

10:15

You guys are good.

10:26

You know where you're going?

10:48

Hey, congratulations.

10:50

I need to talk to you.

10:52

No, thank you.

10:53

Thanks for all that you guys, Diddy.

10:57

I'm happy.

10:59

Thank you, Jerry.

11:03

Goodbye, much later.

11:06

All right.

11:07

So we'll see you next time.

11:08

We're gonna do it on the next one.

11:10

We're gonna try to ground marshals on your case again.

11:42

Next is our leadership academy recognition.

11:46

Joining us today is a developing youth leadership academy.

11:50

Throughout the week, they will be working with the city's community engagement team to learn about the inner workings of local government.

11:58

We warmly welcome them and hope they have a meaningful and engaging experience.

12:03

Can we have the group come forward?

12:34

Good afternoon, my name's Katrina Golinez, and I'm with the community engagement program with the communications department.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Immigration Policy██████████████████████████████████34%

Public Safety████████████12%

Procedural████████8%

Community Engagement██████6%

Water And Wastewater Management██████6%

Veterans Affairs███3%

Youth Programs███3%

Public Health███3%

Disability Rights██2%

Summary of Proceedings

Las Cruces City Council Meeting: October 6, 2025

On Monday, October 6, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM, the Las Cruces City Council convened under Mayor Eric Enriquez. The meeting featured numerous proclamations, public comments on a proposed welcoming city resolution, and approval of water infrastructure funding. Councilor Matisse participated via Zoom after a unanimous vote to allow remote attendance.

Proclamations and Recognitions

Veterans Day Parade Poster Contest: The 2025 theme “Honoring Our Future Leaders” recognized the top six finalists from 30 submissions by middle school students. Winner Serenity Madrid (7th grader, Mesa Middle School) received a $50 prize, a framed poster, and a parade ride. Honorable mentions and prizes ($30, $40) were awarded to other finalists.
Developing Youth Leadership Academy: The third annual fall break program for high school students aged 14–18 was introduced. Participants will learn about city government departments and receive certificates at a Friday graduation at the Utilities Department.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month: October 2025 marks the 80th anniversary. The city recognized Tresco, Inc., which provides employment for people with disabilities. Tresco supports over 70 contracts in 12 counties, including 17 within city limits.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Over 1,850 new cases are expected in New Mexico in 2025; more than 290 deaths. Mountain View Regional Medical Center offers extended screening hours and is lighting the hospital pink.
New Mexico NAACP State Conference: The 74th annual conference takes place October 10–11 in Las Cruces, with workshops on legal redress, hate speech, and domestic violence. Dr. Bobby Green emphasized the “fierce urgency of now” and noted progress but ongoing challenges.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: La Casa, Inc. will hold a candlelight vigil on October 23 at the Mesilla Community Center and a charity ball on October 31 at Hotel Encanto.
Public Arts Month: The city’s Art Board announced an open call for bus stop art (deadline November 2, $500 per artist), a scavenger hunt (“Curators of the Lost Art”), and a chat with artist Anthony Pennock on October 22.
Dyslexia Awareness Month: Dyslexia affects 1 in 5 children. The Dyslexia Institute of Southern New Mexico provides specialized therapy. The month aims to raise awareness and encourage early intervention.
Friends of the Community Candy Drop Day: Proclaimed October 26, 2025. The 20th annual event at MAG Park will feature free candy, music, and booths, with the Lions Club collecting glasses.
National 4-H Week: Proclaimed October 5–11, 2025. Over 360 youth competed in 200+ categories at the Southern New Mexico State Fair. 4-H members Lily Hadamiel, Paxton Rogers, and Kachina Parco accepted the proclamation.
National Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 – October 15, 2025. The Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber of Commerce accepted the proclamation, highlighting the community’s entrepreneurial spirit and cultural contributions.
Community Planning Month: October 2025. The city’s planners and zoning commissions were recognized for their work shaping a livable, prosperous future.

Consent Calendar

Jobs of the Week: Accountant I ($53,000), Transit Route Supervisor ($49,000), Water/Wastewater Operator ($20/hr), Direct Support Professional ($14.30/hr), Systems Analyst Associate ($43,000), and Child Care Educator ($14/hr). Upcoming job fairs include a Las Cruces event on October 15 and a Sunland Park event on October 27, plus a Veterans Stand Down on October 24.
Pet of the Week: Haiti (dog, #89868) is a red zone dog at high risk of euthanasia. Cosette (273 days), Cookies and Cream (263 days), and Dexter (258 days) are long-term residents. The shelter is hosting a vaccination clinic on October 25 at the Field of Dreams.

Public Comments & Testimony

Lead and Copper Rule Concerns: Speakers (Lizard Johnson, Diane Starbuck, and others) detailed alleged inconsistencies in the city’s lead service line inventory, including disparities in service connection counts, missing records, and inadequate customer notifications. They demanded answers to a list of questions by the next council meeting.
County Geo Bond: Adolf Zubia argued that the county’s bond would tax city residents ($6,000 estimated over 20 years for his home) with no city benefits, urging the city to educate residents.
Juvenile Crime and Policing: Juan Garcia criticized the council for not passing a resolution to address crime, alleging a “soft on crime” approach. He quoted Senator Cervantes on council composition affecting enforcement. Another speaker, Elizabeth Bennett, argued that incarceration does not improve youth outcomes and supported positive youth development investments.
Transit and Sidewalks: William Morland requested extended Saturday bus service (currently ends at 4:30 PM) and asked who is responsible for cleaning sidewalks.
Welcoming City Resolution: Dozens of speakers urged the council to pass the resolution. Supporters cited the need to protect immigrant families, due process, and public safety, referencing federal actions in Chicago and elsewhere. Opponents argued for upholding federal law and distinguishing between legal and illegal immigration. Some speakers objected to the last-minute amendments and requested a two-week delay for review.

Discussion Items

Resolution 26-049 – Welcoming City Resolution: The council debated updating the 2017 resolution. City Attorney Brad Douglas presented three staff-recommended amendments to clarify language regarding police inquiries, information sharing, and sensitive locations. Councilor Flores requested a two-week delay to review the amendments in writing, citing the need for thorough review. Mayor Pro Tem Bencomo argued the resolution was urgent due to federal actions. After public comment, the council voted on and passed two amendments: (1) restricting non-disclosure provisions to requests solely for federal immigration enforcement, and (2) deleting “law enforcement including” from the sensitive locations section. The amended resolution passed 5–2 (Councilor Matisse and Mayor Enriquez voted no).
Resolution 26-050 – Water Trust Board Grant Applications: The council approved submission of three applications totaling over $4.5 million: SCADA West Mesa upgrade ($427,420), Well 66 improvements and pipeline ($2,558,800), and Highway 292 wastewater force main replacement ($1,526,600). The city match could range from 10% to 40%. The resolution passed unanimously.
Council Bill 26-005 – NMFA Drinking Water Loan: Authorized a $15 million loan (0.25% interest) for lead service line replacement. The loan includes a potential forgivable principal of $11.25 million. The council approved the ordinance after a public speaker questioned the use of imminent domain and the accuracy of lead pipe inventory. Utilities staff clarified that the loan may be used for investigation and that the city would not spend funds unnecessarily. The ordinance passed unanimously.
Council Bill 26-006 – Water Project Fund Grant/Loan: Authorized a $300,000 zero-interest loan (with 0.25% administrative fee) for rehabilitating the 2-million-gallon Towshore tank. The ordinance passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

Resolution 26-049 (Welcoming City): Approved with amendments (5–2). The resolution reaffirms non-discrimination, limits use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement, prohibits sharing personal information for that purpose, and encourages municipal court virtual appearances. It does not restrict LCPD from investigating non-immigration crimes.
Resolution 26-050 (Water Trust Board Grants): Approved unanimously. Staff will submit three applications; final award amounts will return to council for acceptance.
Ordinance 3097 (Lead Service Line Loan): Approved unanimously. The $15 million loan from NMFA will fund inventory and replacement of lead service lines over a 10-year period.
Ordinance 3098 (Towship Tank Rehab): Approved unanimously. The $300,000 loan will fund design and construction of tank improvements.
Council Bill 26-007 (Historic Preservation Ordinance Amendment): Introduced for first reading; no action taken.
Board Appointments: None.
Council Reports: Councilor Graham reminded of early voting starting October 7. Councilor Corren announced District 5 infrastructure meeting on October 8. Councilor Bencomo noted District 4 meeting October 7 and thanked LCPD for graduation invitations. The city manager highlighted the Housing Department’s Developer of the Year award for Amador Crossing Apartments, a $1.3 million microsurfacing project on 14 streets, and a FEMA grant for paramedic training ($500,000).

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to the City Council meeting. Today is Monday, October sixth, twenty twenty-five. It's approximately one PM. I'm Mayor Eric Enriquez. Before we start, I want to mention that we have the ASL American Sign Language Up in the Fund Interpreters for anyone who requires interpretation services. We'll start with a moment of silence for the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces as they protect our interests around the globe, as well as the courageous men and women of the Las Cruces Police and Las Cruces Fire Department that keep our city safe. Every year that we hold a veterans parade. So I'd like to call it this time chairman of the Veterans Uh Parade Committee, Bill Hawkins. Mayor Enriquez, City Council members, Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent Ruiz, School Board Member Tenorio, LCPS Leadership Executive Director Favor, LCPS Director of Communications, Jameson. Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. I'm Bill Hawkins, the committee chair for the Veterans Day Parade, which will take place on Saturday, November 8th at 11 a.m. Throughout the years, with the support of the City of Las Cruces, we have published a poster to announce the date, time, and location of the parade. After years of utilizing the artwork provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs, we decided to hold a contest with the middle school students of Las Cruces to produce a more personalized announcement for our parade, as well as to encourage our local youth to learn about the role of our veterans in the history of our country. Our first contest was 2015. The response was so positive that we decided to make this an annual event. This year, our theme is honoring our future leaders to recognize the positive impact that our high school J R O T C instructors have on their cadets. Today's presentation is to announce the top six local artists and reward them for their efforts. We judged approximately 30 submissions for Mesa, Lynn, Pikachu White Sands, and Zia Middle Schools. After careful consideration, the top six finalists are, and it's an alphabetical order. Please hold your applause until the last one, if you don't mind. Sabela Berengel, Mesa Middle School, Serenity Madrid, Mesa Middle School, Isabella McCracken, Mesa Middle School, Haley Reysa, Mesa Middle School, Alyssa Sanchez, Mesa Middle School, and Kyra Sanchez from Picaccio Middle School. Now for the awards. The first one is Isabella McCracken from Mesa Middle School. She's the third one. The next honorable mention is Alyssa Sanchez from Mason Middle School. And the final honorable mentioned artist is Kyra Sanchez from Picacho Middle School. Third place, receiving a $30 prize is Hailey Reza from Mesa Middle School. Second place, who's receiving a $40 prize is Mesa Middle School's Sabella Berenguel. And the winner of the 2025 Veterans Parade Poster Contest is Serenity Madrid, who has a seventh grader in Mr. Valdez's art class from Mesa Middle School. She is receiving a $50 prize, a framed copy of the Veterans Parade poster, and she will also have the opportunity to be in the parade in recognition for her contribution to the parade. One more time, let's give them a round of applause. Superintendent Ruiz, Joseph Flores, Director of Fine Arts for the Las Cruces Public Schools, Dolores Archelleta, J.R. Turner, Mike Conno, Tim Chapel, and Brian Morrow, who are members of the Veterans Parade Committee, and Mayor Enriquez and the Las Cruces City Council for allowing us to recognize these local students. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your time. And please join us on November 8th for the 2025 Veterans Day Parade. It promises to be a great event honoring our local veterans. Thank you. If you guys want to come over here to get pictures, he wants to bring them over there. So go ahead and go over there with the mayor. You guys are good. You know where you're going? Hey, congratulations. I need to talk to you. No, thank you. Thanks for all that you guys, Diddy. I'm happy. Thank you, Jerry. Goodbye, much later.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com