Las Cruces City Council Meeting - December 1, 2025

The Las Cruces City Council met on Monday, December 1, 2025, at approximately 1 p.m., presided over by Mayor Eric Enriquez. The meeting included routine presentations, public testimony on multiple community concerns, and votes on several major items, including a metropolitan redevelopment plan, fireworks restrictions due to drought, legislative priorities for 2026, and zoning code amendments.

Routine Presentations

• Sarah Rainey from America's Job Center presented job openings for the week, including building inspector, telecommunicator, payroll clerk, and others.
• Carol Nelson from the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley introduced two adoptable pets (Joey the dog and Dina the cat), noted that longest-resident Cosette was adopted after 317 days, and promoted upcoming events including a Santa Paws photo day on December 13.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lynn Moore criticized the Las Cruces Utilities Department's handling of lead pipe inspections under the Lead and Copper Rule, alleging falsified numbers, misuse of installation dates to avoid acknowledging lead pipes, and violations of EPA requirements. He provided handouts to support his claims.
• Lucas Hearn (District 2 resident) expressed concern over Police Chief Jeremy Story using social media to invite federal intervention (Hobbs Act) for a local arrest, arguing this undermines local oversight and the city's policy against working with federal agencies. He also criticized the expansion of Flock license plate reader cameras, citing civil liberties concerns and mixed evidence on crime reduction.
• Lindley Hornsby called attention to a recent police killing of Philip Mullen, urged collaboration with crisis professionals, and criticized Chief Story's cooperation with federal officials.
• Janet Madison, a business owner on Picacho Street, said she has not felt unsafe despite the area's reputation and praised police response.
• Gabriela Castillo (NMSU social work student) urged the city to allocate opioid settlement funds for supportive housing and create a task force coordinating housing, behavioral health, and workforce services for individuals with substance use disorders.
• A social work intern from LCPS requested a city bus stop on Sonoma Ranch Boulevard in front of Centennial High School to improve student access.
• George Pearson highlighted two recent pedestrian fatalities (one on NMSU campus, one by train) and urged adoption of Vision Zero principles; he also thanked the council for supporting the police, animal services, and pickleball courts.
• Lucas Hearn later spoke in support of the MRA plan, recalling community opposition to a proposed Walmart at the Tashiro site years ago and expressing excitement for future development.
• Jerry Silva expressed concern about safety at the Tashiro intersection, hoping for a grocery store instead of Walmart, and asked about traffic studies.
• Liz Bennett requested a pedestrian pathway connection near the Henry Benavidez Center.
• A speaker (unidentified) asked about improvements to Parker Road and bus stop shade structures.
• George Pearson (later) suggested using federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds for pedestrian safety on Picacho.

Discussion Items

8.1 & 8.2 - Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan for West Picacho and Motel Boulevard Corridor

Blair Flores (Economic Development) and Rhonda Bell (Stantec) presented updates to the MRA plan, which included a boundary extension to the Rio Grande River, three catalytic projects (Tashiro mixed-use hub, Comunos Park upgrades, Blues Apartments redevelopment), 47 identified funding sources, and revisions made after public and council feedback (e.g., moving western gateway to La Llorona Park, adding traffic impact analysis language for Tashiro). Council discussed funding for safety improvements on the federally-designated Picacho roadway; councillor Flores questioned why only city funds were proposed. Councilor Graham noted business concerns about the median. Council suspended rules to hear both items concurrently and then unanimously approved the boundary extension resolution (26-072) and the MRA plan adoption resolution (26-073).

8.3 - Fireworks Restriction Due to Drought

Division Chief Michael Londavaso presented a resolution to declare extreme drought and restrict permissible fireworks to paved, barren, or areas with accessible water for 30 days starting December 7. Council discussed the danger to natural resources and pets (councillor Corran noted the shelter receives many animals around holidays). Councilor Matisse asked about education and county coordination. The resolution (26-074) was unanimously approved.

8.4 - 2026 New Mexico Legislative Session Priorities

City Clerk Christina Rivera presented the recommended priority list, which included $6M for affordable housing, $6M for Young Park improvements, $10M for Brannigan Library renovation, $15M for Mesa Grande Drive extension (matching federal grant), and other projects for parks, fire stations, and nonprofits. Policy items included support for land bank creation, water/wastewater funding, law enforcement recruitment, and affordable spay/neuter funding. The resolution (26-075) was unanimously approved.

8.5 - Zoning Code Amendments (Realize Las Cruces)

Sarah Gonzalez (Community Development) summarized minor amendments to chapters 34-38, including clarifying definitions, streamlining historic preservation review (72-hour notice for design reviews), adjusting height requirements for accessory dwelling units, adding secondary front yard setbacks, and updating parkland dedication standards. Council discussed flood zone documentation requirements and developer coordination. The ordinance (3102) was unanimously approved.

Board Appointment

Cynthia Enriquez was appointed to the Utilities Board unanimously.

Notice of Proposed Ordinances

Three ordinances were introduced for future consideration: short-term rental regulations, plastic bag limitations, and a lease agreement with Mesilla Valley Community of Hope.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-072 (MRA boundary extension): Unanimously approved.
• Resolution 26-073 (MRA plan adoption): Unanimously approved.
• Resolution 26-074 (fireworks restriction): Unanimously approved.
• Resolution 26-075 (2026 legislative priorities): Unanimously approved.
• Ordinance 3102 (zoning code amendments): Unanimously approved.
• Board appointment: Cynthia Enriquez appointed to Utilities Board unanimously.

City Council Comments and Reports

Councilor McClure called for a more concrete Vision Zero discussion for pedestrian safety. Councilor Matisse raised a question about an overstatement in the city budget; City Manager Ikani Tamopeo confirmed a misalignment was discovered and under review, but no deficit exists. Councilor Corran thanked the search committee for the new Animal Services Center director. Councilor Flores reflected on her eight years on council and praised the community schools program. Councilor Bencomo requested a presentation from Municipal Court on the SOS program. Mayor Enriquez noted a new public health coordinator will convene a coalition on homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse starting December 11. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:56 p.m.