Las Cruces City Council Meeting - March 2, 2026

The Las Cruces City Council met on Monday, March 2, 2026, at approximately 1:00 PM, with Mayor Eric Enriquez presiding. The meeting included departmental highlights from the airport and parks and recreation, a visit from NMSU Government students, public comments on water testing, disadvantaged property inspections, film industry development, crime, healthcare, GRT spending, pedestrian safety, and police support, followed by discussion and votes on four resolutions.

Departmental Highlights

• Airport (Director Blake): Reported on the condition of runways and taxiways. Taxiways are yellow (serviceable but not optimal) with plans for improvement. Runway 826 is red (end of useful life) and has not been reconstructed in 25 years. Core samples taken two weeks ago will guide a planned rebuild estimated at $10.5 million. The director invited the public for tours.
• Parks and Recreation (Director Stephen Bingham): Announced upcoming registrations: baseball and STEM half-day camps (March 17-19, registration opens March 3 at 9 AM), second session of swim lessons (March 23-April 2, registration March 14), and a hiking series. Dumpster Days set for March 21 (8 AM-noon) at three locations. Reported elevator repair completed and a pool pump issue likely due to wrong-sized original pump, with a new part being ordered.
• Pets of the Week (Carol): Highlighted dog Harvest (ID 82251) and cat Mia (ID 9971) available for adoption. Announced that long-term resident Hulu was euthanized due to behavioral decline, underscoring the urgency of adoption. Noted new shelter director committed to helping behavioral animals. Upcoming adoption events: March 5 at PECO (10 AM-1 PM) and March 14 at Hatch Village Hardware.

Special Guests

• Dr. Sabina Hirschauer and students from NMSU’s Department of Government Democracy Seminar observed the meeting to learn about local democracy.

Public Participation

• Lynn Morrer: Criticized Assistant Utilities Director Carl Clark for mischaracterizing lead levels, stating the city’s water is four times higher than claimed (8, 6, and 3 ppb in three homes tested August 2024). Noted no sampling in 2019 or 2022 and false information in the La Altura water system’s consumer confidence report (CCR), which repeated 2023 results without new sampling and inaccurately claimed compliance. Expressed no confidence in the city’s CCRs.
• Liz Rodriguez Johnson: Accused Las Cruces Utilities of not prioritizing disadvantaged properties for inspections despite a promise tied to $15 million in federal funding. Provided handouts showing that in the first week of November, only 24% of inspections were for disadvantaged properties; in the first week of December, only 4%. Contrasted inspections of high-value properties (e.g., $465,000) with neglected properties valued under $100,000, including mobile home communities not in the inventory. Called the situation unjust and cruel.
• Juan Garcia (member of public): Thanked Councilor Harris for a Flock update. Expressed support for law enforcement, criticized anti-police groups, and referenced the Young Park massacre. Argued that pushback against public safety is hostility toward law enforcement. Noted that a self-proclaimed anarchist leader organized groups to stack meetings.
• Yoli Diaz: Discussed Memorial Medical Center’s (MMC) indigent care policy, claiming MMC uses Doña Ana County Resolution 2023-68, which includes a “payer of last resort” clause that effectively excludes residents. Provided documentation including a flowchart that stops screening if a patient has insurance. Asked if the city was notified of policy updates and whether the city is involved with the county’s current resolution revision.
• Lucas Harnan: Advocated for GRT investment in community quality of life, referencing extensive public engagement in six district meetings last year. Questioned why that input was not reflected in the upcoming vote. Called for evidence-based prevention strategies for youth, contrasting the proposed $40-60 million police training facility with limited community investment. Invited council to a “Public Health is Public Safety” event on March 6.
• Unnamed speaker (pedestrian safety advocate): Criticized the design of the Soaring Eagle Heights subdivision’s cross-section on Elks Drive, approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Argued it prioritizes vehicle speed over pedestrian safety, despite nearby schools and a multi-use trail. Asked council to revisit the decision and extend the trail along Elks. Noted New Mexico’s #1 per capita pedestrian fatality rate.
• Jim Hurst: Defended the authenticity of community protests and public participation, rejecting claims that participants are paid or bused in. Asserted that social problems are not caused by liberals and that conservatives control wealth and media.
• Tim Jenkins: Presented statistics: 8 police officers killed in one week (two in New Mexico), 16 officers killed since January 1, 67 ambushed, 22 shot, 19 stabbed; a 65% increase in juvenile crime nationwide. Called for community support of police as a shared responsibility. Urged council to invest in officers and emphasized that officers choose compassion daily.

Consent Calendar

• No items were placed on the consent calendar; all agenda items were discussed individually.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 26-107 (Liquor License Transfer): Public hearing held; no one spoke for or against. Resolution approved the transfer of a canopy liquor license (package sales only) to an AlSup gas station at 4805 Mesa Grande Drive. Staff noted a distance requirement waiver since the property is within 300 feet of a school; council may grant the waiver. Councilor Harris inquired if a nearby Maverick has a license (it does not). Vote: 6-1 in favor (Councilor Matisse dissented).
• Resolution 26-108 (NMDOT Grant Application): Authorized submission of a grant application for a HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk) pedestrian signal at West Amador Avenue and Mixed Swain Drive. The city requests $300,000 from the Municipal Arterial Program, with a $100,000 match. Total project cost ~$1 million. Councilor Bencomo asked about timeline: design finishes late winter, construction in early calendar year. Public comment from George Pearson asked about alignment with multi-use trail and speed limit; Tim Jenkins questioned usage of existing crosswalk. Vote: unanimous.
• Resolution 26-109 (Film Las Cruces Contract Amendment): Approved an amendment adding $10,000 to the contract for film economic development services with Film Las Cruces (sole source). Funds will support marketing at the American Film Market and advertising. Andrew Hada from Film Las Cruces described recent success: production every month for the last year, three current productions, and growing crew base. Vote: unanimous.
• Resolution 26-110 (Medicaid Ambulance Reporting Services): Authorized a purchase agreement with Public Consulting Group (PCG) to help the fire department compile and submit reports for Medicaid ambulance reimbursement (up to 71.66% of eligible costs). PCG is paid 15% of collected reimbursements. Current collections ~$2.3 million annually. Transport volumes are increasing (expected 12,000 transports this year). Councilor Coran noted the contract amount may need adjustment in three years. Vote: unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: All four resolutions were approved (26-107 with one dissenting vote, the rest unanimously).
• Public Comments: Council heard extensive testimony on water quality, disadvantaged property inspections, film industry, police support, healthcare, GRT priorities, and pedestrian safety. No immediate actions were taken in response.
• Next Steps: The city manager announced that an active transportation coordinator has been assigned (Oscar Guerreto, PE) with a work session on May 11. The GRT project discussion will occur on April 6 (first resolution on March 16, final approval on April 20). Legislative session results: ~$14 million from legislators and ~$19 million including grants, pending governor’s approval within 30 days.
• Council Reports: Councilor McClure highlighted the Juvenile Justice Board needing members; Councilor Matisse inquired about Amador Hospitality lease; Councilor Harris emphasized pedestrian safety design; Councilor Bencomo requested a work session on active transportation; Councilor Coran announced a District 5 community meeting on March 10; Councilor Munoz thanked the fire department and mentioned youth advisory council plans. Mayor Enriquez read a closed meeting statement regarding pending litigation and real property discussions held earlier that day.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned following council member reports and city manager announcements.