Las Cruces City Council Meeting – December 15, 2025

The Las Cruces City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM. The meeting featured recognitions for outgoing Councilors Yvonne Flotis (District 6) and Becky Graham (District 2), public comments on water quality, police-community relations, and road safety, and votes on several ordinances including short-term rental regulations, plastic bag fee amendments, and a lease for the Community of Hope campus. The meeting concluded with board appointments and farewell remarks.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lynn Morer raised concerns about the city's compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule, alleging that the city's inspection methods (only looking at the exterior of pipes in meter boxes) are inadequate and may miss lead‑lined or galvanized piping. She requested that the city post answers to citizen questions on its website and cited consultations with six licensed plumbers.
• Dolores Lucero thanked Councilors Graham and Flotis for their service, praised Chief Story for his work in public safety, and criticized City Manager for a “math error” in the budget, calling for a vote of no confidence in the city manager.
• Leticia Sanchez Freeman criticized Mayor Pro Tem Bencomo for her comments at the December 8 meeting about Chief Story, arguing that the chief should be allowed to speak to community groups without council interference.
• Lonnie Montgomery offered a prayer and spoke about U.S. history, expressing support for the police chief's right to speak freely.
• Mark Vee supported Chief Story and criticized lack of justice and support for the police.
• Lucas (resident of District 2) accused Chief Story of engaging in partisan political activity by speaking at a Republican‐convened panel on gun violence, citing city employee rules against partisan activities while on the job.
• Lisa Perrett defended Chief Story, stating that the morning meeting he attended was not partisan because a cabinet secretary from the Governor’s office was also present.
• Craig Charnoff criticized the city’s rezoning and density increases for straining infrastructure (e.g., East Mesa, traffic), and strongly supported Chief Story, saying he is “the best thing to happen to the city in 15 years” and urging the council to give him more resources.
• Diane Starbuck thanked Councilors Graham and Flores for their work on the animal ordinance, praised the police department and Chief Story, and urged the community to reduce heated rhetoric.
• George Pearson (Alameda Depot Neighborhood Association) encouraged the city to apply for a USDOT BUILD grant (up to $25 million) for reconstruction of El Paseo Road, and later during item 7.3 urged the council to monitor short‑term rental density and distinguish between owner‑occupied and investor‑owned rentals.
• Jim Hurst spoke about use of city hall grounds for secular ceremonies and also argued that Chief Story, as a city employee, should not exercise political influence.
• Dan Romero called for Mayor Pro Tem Bencomo to be censured and to receive sensitivity training for her comments about Chief Story, stating that her remarks created a hostile work environment.
• Daniel B expressed support for Chief Story’s job performance.

Discussion Items

Recognition of Outgoing Councilors

• Mayor Eric Enriquez recognized Councilor Yvonne Flotis (District 6) for her service from November 13, 2017 to December 31, 2025. Representatives from South Central Regional Transit District presented a plaque honoring her five years of service on their board. Councilor Flotis gave emotional remarks about her love for Las Cruces and her commitment to the arts and children.
• Mayor Enriquez recognized Councilor Becky Graham (District 2) for her service from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2025, noting her work with the PAL boxing gym. Councilor Graham thanked her husband Mike for his support and reflected on what she learned: “the city is worth fighting for, but more importantly, it’s worth caring for.”

Consent Calendar / Routine Items

• Jobs of the Week (Sarah Rainey) and Pets of the Week (Carol) were presented without controversy.
• Conflict of Interest: City Clerk excused herself from item 7.5 because her daughter is employed at Amador Clinic (part of the Community of Hope campus). No other conflicts were declared.

Item 7.1 – Real Estate Purchase (Resolution 26‑078)

• Authorized sale of a 6,500 sq. ft. city‑owned lot to Little Tumbleweed Rentals LLC (adjacent daycare) for $23,000 (appraised value). Buyer to pay closing costs and replating costs. Approved unanimously (7‑0).

Item 7.2 – Affordable Housing Land Bank Transfer (Resolution 26‑079)

• Proposed dedicating a 0.75‑acre parcel at 1701 East Nevada Avenue to the Affordable Housing Land Bank for potential housing development. Councilor McClure opposed due to lack of community engagement promised in the original 2019 resolution. After debate, the council voted 5‑2 to approve, with Councilors McClure and Matisse voting no.

Item 7.3 – Short‑Term Rental Ordinance (Ordinance 3103)

• Requires short‑term rental operators (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo) to obtain a business registration, pay a $35 annual fee, post a $500–$3,000 fine schedule, and comply with fire and building codes. The ordinance includes a six‑month education period before enforcement begins. Approved 6‑0 (Councilor Matisse absent). Councilor Curran requested a check‑in in June 2026.

Item 7.4 – Plastic Bag Ordinance Amendment (Ordinance 3104)

• Expands use of the 5‑cent bag fee from solely plastic‑bag education to a broader set of climate action initiatives (e.g., energy audits, fix‑it fairs, co‑op support). The amendment also streamlines enforcement and requires council review every three years. Approved 6‑0 (Matisse absent).

Item 7.5 – Community of Hope Lease (Ordinance 3105)

• Approves a five‑year lease with four optional five‑year renewals for the 12.35‑acre city‑owned campus at 999 West Amador. The lease sets fair market rent at $690,000 annually, paid through services in kind by the five alliance agencies. The city will cover major systems and capital improvements; the agencies handle day‑to‑day maintenance. Approved 6‑0 (Matisse absent).

Board Appointments

• Denise Sanchez appointed to the CIAC (7‑0).
• Larry Goodwin appointed to the Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board (7‑0).

Key Outcomes

• Votes on ordinancess: All ordinances passed: 7.1 (unanimous), 7.2 (5‑2), 7.3 (6‑0), 7.4 (6‑0), 7.5 (6‑0). Councilor Matisse was absent for items 7.3‑7.5.
• Directives: Staff to schedule a work session in June 2026 to review short‑term rental compliance. The plastic bag ordinance amendments will take effect in January 2026 with enforcement beginning July 2026.
• Next Steps: The city will begin outreach to short‑term rental owners and continue community engagement on the Nevada Avenue parcel. The city manager reported progress on the Safe Streets for All grant and the new bike park at East Mesa Recreation Complex.
• Farewells: Both outgoing councilors received tributes from colleagues and community members. Councilor Corin remarked that Councillor Graham shepherded the Animal Services Center executive director search, and welcomed new ED Stephanie Lewis. Councilor Flotis announced she plans to move to Europe to be near her sons.