The Las Cruces City Council met on Monday, November 3, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM, with Mayor Eric Enriquez presiding. The meeting opened with a moment of silence for the armed forces and local police and fire departments, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The council recognized three Centennial High School students for volunteer coaching, issued a proclamation for the Las Cruces Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (November 16, 2025), and received weekly reports from the Jobs Center and Animal Services. The council then heard public comments on water infrastructure issues, a school bond proposal, and police funding, before considering and voting on several resolutions and an ordinance.
Well, good afternoon. Welcome to City Council meeting. Today is Monday, November 3rd, 2025. It's approximately one PM. I am Mayor Eric Enriquez. Before we start, I want to mention that we have the American Sign Language up in the front. And they're available if anyone requires the 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. And also for our Las Cruces Police and Las Cruces Fire Department who protect our city twenty-four seven. If you join me in the pledge, I pledge allegiance to the fire of the United States of America and to the Republic for which one nation under God in this law with liberty and justice. And also, we'd like to have the students come up here. Braden Allison, James Rochi. Rogie. Rogie and Ty Dollar. Sorry about that, James. So these three amazing students at Centennial High School assist their coach. Since 2024, Braden, James, and Ty have been helping with the eight and under and the ten and under co-ed basketball through parks and recreation at Merck Merchite Recreation Center. Braden and James are both Centennial High School Varsity basketball players, NHS members, and student government. Ty Dollar is both a centennial varsity basketball player and Centennial Varsity Golf, as well as MESA. Even though they're very busy and challenging schedules, maintaining their GPAs, they have showed up for the kids even in the summer. They practice two days a week with games on one day of these weeks. Three gentlemen have showed up for these kids, coming from all backgrounds and challenges, showing a patience and kindness you don't always see in teenagers. They have never complained, and they have purchased equipment on their own to better our team, and oftentimes stopping at the store to bring the kids prizes for their hard work. All three of these boys have been influential in the kids, lives giving structure and teaching fundamental of the games and teamwork. But what has been the most awe and inspiring is a teaching of kindness, oftentimes giving hugs, kissing, boo-boos, tying shoelaces, and checking in their homework and teaching kindness to others. These boys often have come to our practice after their own practice or leaving our practice to go to the game. Braden James and Ty have never asked for recognition. Oftentimes they even ask their friends and teammates to come and cheer on the kids at their games. If there is anything the City Council would do to recognize these future leaders of our community, it would be greatly appreciated. So that's what we're doing today. We want to recognize these three individuals. And so the certificates read to each one to James, to Ty, and to Braden in honor of their outstanding performance and recognition for the high standards of excellence. This certificate is issued in recognition of civic interest and an expression of appreciation by the mayor on behalf of the citizens of the City of Las Cruces, dated this third day of November 2025. Huge congratulations to these three young students. Thank you very much for all that you do and the inspiration and the influence that you're carrying on for others. Let's give them a round of applause. Next is a proclamation, uh Las Cruces Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, and I believe Heaven is here to accept. So the City of Las Cruces proclamation reads, whereas the state of New Mexico consistently ranks disproportionately high for roadway fatalities, and whereas our state has led the nation in pedestrian death per capita every year since 2016, whereas 401 lives were lost on New Mexico roadways in 24, 24 of those here in Don Yana County. And whereas countless persons having survived motor vehicle crashes live with serious ongoing challenges, and whereas the CDC and other organizations have determined that deadly roadway collisions are fundamentally preventable. And whereas the traumatic aftermath of crashes which result in serious injuries or death is especially devastating for the families of victims, for survivors, and for those involved in emergency services of various kinds. And whereas everyone who uses our streets and roads, especially those who are at great risk, pedestrian cyclists, and other users of active transportation would benefit greatly from enhanced implementation and evidence-based actions to reduce and eventually eliminate further traffic deaths and injuries. And whereas Vision Zero aims to unite our community to prioritize traffic safety, contributing to the health, equity, and sustainability of our municipality, focus joint efforts towards completely eliminating traffic crashes. Now, therefore, we the mayor and city council of Las Cruces, New Mexico, join with others all around the globe on November 16, 2025, and hereby proclaim this date to be observed as Las Cruces Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Present this to Heaven. Hello, my name is Heaven Koki. Thank you all for being here today. This proclamation was presented to me because of those who have lost their lives due to road accidents. On November 16th, we will be having a remembrance day for those who have lost their lives at Albert St. Johnson Park. Please feel free to join us.