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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Cynthia Enriquez was appointed to the Utilities Board unanimously.
Three ordinances were introduced for future consideration: short-term rental regulations, plastic bag limitations, and a lease agreement with Mesilla Valley Community of Hope.
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.
Well, good afternoon. Welcome to City Council meeting today. Today is Monday, December 1, 2025. It's approximately 1 p.m. I'm Mayor Eric Enriquez. Before we start, I want to mention that we have the ASL, American Sign Language Interpreters up front and available to us at all times. We will serve we will start with a moment of silence. If you all please join me, stand up as we recognize our brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces as they protect our interests around the globe and our local Las Cruces Police and Fire Department as they protect our city 247 365. And if Council Graham, you can lead us in the pledge. So presentation, certificates, proclamations. We have none. Next is job of the week, Sarah Rainey. Thank you, Mayor. There we go. My name is Sarah Rainey. I'm the one-stop coordinator for the Southwest region of America's Job Center, New Mexico. For jobs of the week for the last month of this year. We have building inspector for the city of Las Cruces for 2285. Job posting closes on the 15th, so it closes very soon. We also have a telecommunicator for the city. That one starts at 2339. That one is a continuous posting at this time. We have a payroll clerk and administrative assistant for Southwest Sport and Spine that starts at 16 an hour and closes on the 14th. We also have a warehouse person, a loader for evening and seasonal work for Free Dole Lay, starting at 2025 an hour and closing on the 13th. We have an HHS division manager for court compliance and criminal justice diversion for Doniana County, starting at 70,000. That posting closes on the 5th. That's this Friday, so that one closes extreme extremely soon. Starting at 21 an hour, and that one closes on the 12th. So next week.com or any of our social medias. And that is all. Thank you. Thank you, Sarah. Next is Pets of the Week, Carol. Good afternoon. I'm Carol Nelson, Digital Content Specialist with the Animal Services Center of the Mesia Valley. Our dog of the week is Joey 69537. I'm a friendly and fairly well-mannered guy, ready to bring a little sunshine into your life. Often praised for my sweet demeanor. I love attention and affection. I'm all in for some quality time with you. I love to explore new sights and smells, turning our walks into little adventures filled with sniffing sniffing escapades. I'm the type of dog who can truly enjoy a bit of everything. You'll find me relishing playtime with a squeaky ball, eagerly anticipating those delightful bum scratches, and of course, savory treats. Let's create some fun memories together. And our cat of the week is Dina 100564. I'm a friendly gal who adores people of all ages, men, women, and kids. My previous owner says that I'm litter box trained and housebroken. I promise I'm good company and will bring joy and warmth to your home. If you think you'd like to meet me, please come meet me. And our long-term residents, uh, we wanted to highlight, we are happy to share the after 317 days at the shelter, Cosette, our longest resident was adopted.