Las Cruces City Council Meeting - January 5, 2026: New Mayor Pro Tem, Police MOU, Grants, and Balloon Rally
Las Cruces City Council Meeting - January 5, 2026
The Las Cruces City Council met on Monday, January 5, 2026, at approximately 1 p.m., with Mayor Eric Enriquez presiding. The meeting included a proclamation for Youth Mentoring Month, a presentation on the upcoming Balloon Rally, multiple public comments on lead pipes, animal services, parks and recreation, public safety, and surveillance cameras. Council unanimously approved several resolutions, including a memorandum of understanding with the police union, acceptance of 22 grant awards, and a park reimbursement agreement. The organizational ceremony featured the election of Councilor John Munoz as the new Mayor Pro Tem.
Proclamation & Presentations
- Youth Mentoring Month: Mayor Pro Tem Bingoma read the proclamation. Cassandra Gandara and April Christensen (Kids Can) spoke, emphasizing the impact of mentoring relationships and challenging the community to volunteer an hour a week.
- Balloon Rally (January 16-18, 2026): Rochelle Miller Hernandez of Visit Las Cruces announced the second rally after a 14-year hiatus. The event includes RC balloon glows, full-size ascensions, and the debut of the Visit Las Cruces balloon (funded 100% by Lodgers Tax). Last year's event generated $829,000 in PR value and reached 29 million people. A 135-foot Zazobra balloon will also be featured.
- Jobs of the Week: Sarah Rainey listed positions including a wastewater collection supervisor (starting $60,000), a veterinary assistant, a dental receptionist, and more. Job seekers can visit EmployNM.com.
- Pet of the Week: Carol Nielsen highlighted dog Spike (ID 93137) and noted that cat Giorgio was adopted. Long-term residents at the Animal Services Center include Pulu (337 days), Maddie (255 days), and Lily (250 days). The center will have an adoption booth at the downtown farmers market on Saturdays.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Lead and Copper Rule Compliance: Liz Rodriguez Johnson accused Las Cruces Utilities of using six maneuvers to falsely minimize the number of lead or galvanized pipes requiring replacement, asserting these actions violate the EPA rule and harm public health. Lynn Moore presented ten specific fixes, including correcting inventory dates, replacing disclaimers, applying for more funding, and using additional inspection techniques (e.g., vacuum excavation, potholing). Both urged the city to take action.
- Spay and Neuter Program: Lavon Hart (SNAP director) reported a 50% increase in voucher requests in the first five months of fiscal year 2025-26, with 470 cats/dogs spayed/neutered, 319 rabies shots, and 241 microchips. SNAP may need to reinstitute co-pays if additional city funding is not provided.
- Parks and Recreation: A speaker asked about delays at the walnut skate park (appears 80% complete but locked) and expressed frustration. Another speaker, Nicholas Talent, noted zero ADA accessible weight rooms and zero public racquetball courts in Las Cruces. He raised concerns about the condition of the MirShat Recreation Center, the lack of a weight room at East Mesa Community Center, and the closed bathroom at Burn Lake. The city manager later responded that the walnut skate park is stalled due to high standards and potential litigation, and that MirShat's racquetball courts are closed due to renovation (expected 2-3 months).
- Animal Euthanasia: Cindy Haber expressed concern about euthanasia rates at the Mesilla Valley Animal Services Center and asked for better notification for at-risk animals. Councilor Bencomo later noted that euthanasia numbers have decreased from 9,345 in 2009 to 2,609 in 2024, and that a new executive director will start soon.
- Public Safety & Surveillance: One speaker criticized the city's police chief for attending a political rally in uniform and opposed the police union MOU, citing high police funding and New Mexico's highest police killing rate. Another speaker supported the police, recounting a personal story of a friend killed by a juvenile with a long criminal record, urging support for the chief and youth intervention. Derek Pacheco spoke against the installation of Flock cameras (license plate surveillance), citing privacy concerns and cities canceling contracts. He requested a community meeting.
- Other Comments: Speakers praised the council for the spay/neuter ordinance, plastic bag ban, Mirror Celebration, and the weed ordinance. One speaker challenged council members to hold town halls and truly listen to constituents. Juan Garcia praised the aquatic center. Another speaker highlighted that New Mexico had the highest police killing rate in 2025. A veteran supported law enforcement. A speaker prayed for the council. Jim Hurst defended separation of church and state. George Pearson (Velocrucis) reported two additional pedestrian crashes (one fatality, one severe injury) and urged adoption of Vision Zero, including asking council to direct staff to request 11-foot travel lanes on the University Avenue project from NMDOT.
Discussion Items
- Organizational Ceremony: Councilor Matisse nominated John Munoz for Mayor Pro Tem; no other nominations. A roll call vote: 4 in favor (McClure, Matisse, Munoz, Mayor), 3 opposed (Harris, Cran, Bencomo). John Munoz was elected Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor Enriquez thanked outgoing Mayor Pro Tem Bencomo for her service.
- Resolution 26-083 – Liquor License for LA Hot Pot and Barbecue: A public hearing was opened and closed with no public comment. Council unanimously approved the resolution for a beer and wine license at the former Genghis Grill location (840 South Telshor Boulevard).
- Resolution 26-084 – MOU with Las Cruces Police Officers Association: Assistant HR Director Jose Vargas presented a MOU with a 5% pay increase for commissioned staff and 3% for non-commissioned staff, effective January 11, 2026 if approved. The city is currently 15th in the state for police pay; a $1.50/hour increase would move it into the top 10. Councilor questions addressed benefits (82% employer-paid medical/dental, tuition reimbursement). One public comment supported the raise. Council unanimously approved.
- Resolution 26-085 – Acceptance of Grant Awards: Grant Manager Gavriela Pratz presented 22 grants totaling millions, including $3 million for an integrated healthcare building, $5.5 million for airport service (RASE program), $1.78 million for a real-time crime center, $970,000 for library renovation and a bookmobile, and others. Councilors discussed details on the MIH building, airport improvements, crime center infrastructure, and active transportation. Council unanimously approved.
- Resolution 26-086 – Vehicle Acquisition Program Update: Fleet Services presented updated quotes for street sweepers (from $416,331 to $421,667), a fire department vehicle (from $36,000 for a Ford Taurus to $61,460 for a Ford F-150 Lightning EV), and a new cargo van for the housing department's outreach team. Council unanimously approved.
- Resolution 26-087 – Park Reimbursement Agreement for Arroyos at Settlers Pass: Catherine presented an agreement to reimburse a developer up to $533,000 for a 2-acre neighborhood park built under the old code. The development has 205 lots; park impact fees collected range from $481,000 to $812,000. Council unanimously approved.
- Board Appointments: Councilor Harris appointed to ASCMV, MPO, Airport, and City Art Board. Councilor Munoz appointed to South Central Solid Waste Authority and South Central Regional Transit. Mayor Enriquez appointed to Oversight Committee. Councilor McClure to Community Schools. Dwight Eggers was appointed to the Utilities Board unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- John Munoz elected Mayor Pro Tem (4-3 vote).
- Unanimous approval of all four resolutions (26-083, 26-084, 26-085, 26-086, 26-087).
- Council directed staff to consider a work session on active transportation and pedestrian safety.
- City Manager announced that the walnut skate park delay is due to vendor issues and potential litigation; East Mesa Rec Complex skate park is open but not yet promoted. MirShat Recreation Center renovations (weight room and racquetball courts) will be completed in 2-3 months.
- City Manager also announced that Endurance Technology, a Canadian company, will expand to Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park, bringing 41 new jobs and $17.5 million in capital investment.
- The next ASCMV quarterly meeting is January 16, 2026. The Safe Streets for All RFP is under negotiation; award expected by end of January.
Meeting Transcript
You're live. Sorry. Good afternoon. Welcome to a city council meeting. Happy New Year to everyone. Today is Monday, January 5th, 2026. It's approximately 1 p.m. I am Mayor Eric Enriquez. Before we start, I want to mention that we have an ASL, American Sign Language Interpreters up front. And if you all stand, please and join me in a moment of silence for the brave men and women of our armed forces and also for our local Las Cruces police and fire department, the courageous men and women that protect our city 247 365. Mayor Pro Tem, if you lead us in the pledge. One nation under time. Hi everyone, good afternoon. Today's proclamation is for Youth Mentoring Month presented to Cassandra Gandara and whoever else came with you. Come on down. Hello. Hi everyone. You can sit over here. Awesome. Love it. Come on down. Okay. Whereas January is National Youth Mentoring Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness of and celebrate the powerful impact of mentoring relationships, recruit new mentors, and encouraging encourage institutions to integrate quality mentoring into their policies and practices. And whereas the City of Las Cruces, New Mexico recognizes the contributions of volunteer mentors in the following programs. Success, which can lead to outcomes such as improved attendance, academic achievement, and classroom behavior. And whereas mentors can help young people set career goals and can help connect mentees to industry professionals to train for and find jobs, and whereas effective mentoring of underserved and vulnerable populations of young people help them confront challenges and enjoy improved mental health and social emotional well-being, and whereas young people with mentors are more likely to enroll in college, to participate in sports or extracurricular activities, to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team, and to volunteer regularly and less likely to start using drugs. And whereas mentoring is an innovative evidence-based practice and uniquely is both a prevention and intervention strategy that can support young people of all demographics and backgrounds in all aspects of their lives. We have some chocolate kisses for you all. Red. Red is the identified color for youth mentoring month. So good. Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem, Bingoma and Council. On behalf of our community partners and the Doniana Youth Collective, thank you for recognizing Youth Mentoring Month and affirming your commitment to the well-being of our young people. Mentoring is just not a program. It is a relationship rooted in trust, consistency, and care. For many youth, especially those navigating adverse or adversity, a mentor can be the protective factor that changes the trajectory of their lives. Research and lived experience show us that when young people feel seen and supported and connected to a caring adult, they are more likely to stay engaged in school, develop healthy coping skills, and remain safe and drug-free. Through the Doniana Collective, mentors are helping build resilience by creating spaces where youth feel emotionally and physically safe. Using trauma-informed approaches, mentors meet young people where they are, honor their experiences, and focus on strengths rather than deficits. The approach helps restore a sense of agency, belonging, and hope. Critical foundations for healthy development. Thank you so much for lifting up our youth. We really appreciate you. We have a number of agencies here that work tirelessly on the daily with our youth and doing some really exciting things with our youth. So if you have a youth that needs a mentor, please reach out to us so we can connect them. Hello, my name is April Christensen, and I'm the founder of Kids Can. I work alongside these amazing individuals to brighten the futures of our local youth. I wanted to say a quick thank you for all that you do as a community to put your arms around our youth and to guide them and to mentor. I know that there's amazing things that are already happening in our community, but I did want to challenge each of us to, as we're looking at our new year, uh, the new year that's that's here, um, and you and you're looking at goals and trying to uh to better your lives, your families' lives, and the the lives of the community um community members just to look at um do you have a few hours? Do you have some an expertise that you can share with our rising generation?
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