Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Las Cruces City Council Meeting - November 2, 2026

City Council Meetings & Work Session — Monday, November 2, 2026

BodyLas Cruces, New Mexico

SessionCity Council Meetings & Work Session

DateMonday, November 2, 2026

StatusNEW · FILED

Video Record

⇩ GET FROM SOURCE

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Unassigned speaker

1:46

Okay.

Speaker 1

1:49

Well, good afternoon.

1:50

Welcome to City Council.

1:51

Today is Monday, November 2nd, 2026.

1:55

It's approximately one PM.

1:56

I'm Mayor Eric Henriquez.

1:58

We'll start with a moment of silence for the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces as they protect our interests around the globe, as well as our courageous men and women of the Las Cruces Police and Las Cruces Fire Department as they keep our city safe twenty-four seven three sixty-five.

2:28

Councilor McClure, if you'll lead us on the pledge.

Speaker 2

3:04

Hello, everyone.

3:05

Oh, it's on already, too.

3:06

Nice.

3:07

Okay.

3:08

This one is going to be for Las Cruces' Weekend of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

3:13

Is Barbara Toth here?

Unassigned speaker

3:20

Okay.

Speaker 2

3:25

All right, let's read it.

3:27

Whereas the third Sunday of November is acknowledged internationally as a day of remembrance for road traffic victims, and whereas roadway violence is rampant, killing and seriously injuring three thousand 36,640 persons in the U.S.

3:42

in 2025, 454 of them in New Mexico, and whereas 35 of those lives were lost in Donana County, and whereas our state, which consistently ranks disproportionately high in roadway fatalities, was the most deadly state in the country per vehicle miles traveled in 2025.

4:03

And whereas traffic fatalities and serious injuries result in tremendous suffering for victims, families, and emergency workers, and recognizing that our entire community bears the burden and expense of this ongoing epidemic.

4:15

And whereas we recognize the particular vulnerability of cyclists, pedestrians, and other users of active transportation of all ages.

4:30

Do so without fear of death or serious injury.

4:33

And whereas we wish to promote and support walking, cycling as viable and safe mobility options for recreation and commuting, and whereas safe streets and roads contribute to the healthy to the health, equity, and sustainability of our community, and whereas deadly collisions are preventable, therefore, any more than zero fatalities is unacceptable.

4:54

Now, therefore, we, the mayor and city council of Las Cruces, New Mexico, do hereby proclaim November 14th to 15th, 2026 as Las Cruces' weekend of remembrance for road traffic victims.

Speaker 3

5:16

Mr.

5:16

Proten, Madam Counselor, members of the council, just want to thank you all for this recognition.

5:21

As we said, here in New Mexico, we are disproportionately affected by uh road safety incidents, by uh unsafe road uh driving practices, and so the responsibil responsibilities on each and every one of us are uh a proclamation was drafted by a youth uh by our youth board members, so this is something that is being called for by our next generation, and so we are honored here to be here on their behalf.

5:43

Thank

Unassigned speaker

5:43

you.

Speaker 1

6:17

Next on the agenda, we have Las Cruces Public Schools, a presentation.

Speaker 4

6:32

It's been a while since I've been

Unassigned speaker

6:34

here.

Speaker 4

6:37

It's great to see everyone.

Unassigned speaker

6:42

Speaker 4

6:42

definitely missed y'all.

Unassigned speaker

6:46

Speaker 4

6:46

good afternoon, everyone.

6:48

Uh, mayor, members of council, city manager Tama Piao.

6:51

My name is Matthew Sines, budget director with Las Cruces Public Schools.

6:55

Thank you so much for allowing us an opportunity to promote some of our events here today.

7:01

As you know, the benefits of education on a community for a stabilized economy as well as social well-being.

7:07

So, with that being said, we'd like to invite the community out to participate in our budget and give us some feedback.

7:13

So, with our budget survey, what we'd like to do is basically determine our priorities.

7:17

So, with those priorities, it helps us determine our resource allocation.

7:21

It also gives us an opportunity to determine what our strengths and weaknesses are.

7:26

So this year we are running a promotion for students in which they can enter to win a gift card to Khalichi's if they complete the survey.

7:35

They also have another opportunity to win for their school.

7:38

So there's two ways to win for a school.

7:40

One is for the most surveys taken.

7:42

Also, the school with the highest percentage will win.

7:45

So we're pretty excited about that.

7:47

So with that, we are also extending that with the success of our budget survey competition with students, we're extending that to staff as well.

7:54

So staff has an opportunity to win

Unassigned speaker

7:57

Speaker 4

7:57

hundred dollars in budget for their school to use towards general supplies and materials.

8:02

So we're really excited about these new up and coming uh promotions for our budget survey.

8:08

We also like to invite the community out to join us for our next budget survey, our town hall on March 4th.

8:16

We also will be at the Farmers Market on November 14th.

8:19

So please stop by and visit us.

8:20

We'd love to hear from you.

8:21

Thank you very much, Mayor and Council.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Affordable Housing█████████████13%

Film Industry████████████12%

Public Engagement███████████11%

Procedural███████7%

Public Works██████6%

Public Health██████6%

Public Safety█████5%

Animal Welfare█████5%

Water And Wastewater Management████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Las Cruces City Council Meeting - November 2, 2026

The Las Cruces City Council met on Monday, November 2, 2026, at approximately 1:00 PM, with Mayor Eric Henriquez presiding. The meeting featured a proclamation, department highlights, a public hearing on a liquor license, and unanimous approval of resolutions supporting senior housing, a film studio, trail infrastructure, and EMS billing services. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments addressing water utility concerns, stormwater management, neighborhood safety, and the impacts of behavioral health facilities.

Proclamations & Presentations

Proclamation: Mayor Henriquez read a proclamation declaring November 14–15, 2026 as Las Cruces' Weekend of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The proclamation noted 36,640 roadway deaths in the U.S. in 2025, 454 in New Mexico, and that New Mexico was the most deadly state per vehicle miles traveled. A representative thanked the council and noted the proclamation was drafted by the city's youth board.
Las Cruces Public Schools: Budget Director Matthew Sines presented, inviting community feedback on a budget survey with incentives for students and staff, and announcing a town hall on March 4, 2027 and a Farmers Market booth on November 14.
Finance Department: Leslie Doyle reported receiving the GFOA Award for the annual comprehensive finance report and budget book. She provided an update on $21.8 million in legislative funding for fiscal year 2026 and noted that $2.4 million from a $22.15 million GRT appropriation had already been encumbered.
Parks and Recreation: Director Steve Bingham updated the council on flood damage at Lavrona Park and Trail, which required the removal of up to three feet of soil. He highlighted the ribbon-cutting for the renovated Meerscheidt facility on October 13 and the groundbreaking for the Apadaka aquatic playground and trail on October 27, with the playground and a quarter-mile trail loop expected to open by end of May 2027.
Pets of the Week: Amelia Epperson of ASCMV highlighted adoptable pets Slushie and Blueie, along with long-term residents, and announced upcoming adoption events.

Public Comments & Testimony

Lynn Moore: Criticized the Utilities Director over inconsistencies in lead and copper rule inspections, alleging that reports for three daycares contained errors regarding addresses, pipe materials, and inventory listings. She stated that 93% of inspected properties have brass connectors, which can leach lead, and claimed that city records hide the existence of galvanized piping. She called for a new utilities director.
Sonoma Ranch Residents (Speaker and Margaret Irish): Questioned the city's enforcement of development requirements regarding stormwater management in the Alameda Arroyo. They noted that the developer was using HOA funds to repair erosion on private property owned by Alameda Land and Development Corp, and that the city's 2014 Arroyo Management Plan had sat unimplemented. They requested clear legal documentation on maintenance responsibility.
Robert Williams (District 4): Raised a safety concern at the corner of Idaho and Chaparral, where a constituent with a bicycle and a child in a wheelchair has nearly been hit by cars due to the lack of a bike lane. He asked the city to investigate a solution.
Eddie Thomas: Commended the finance department for its GFOA award and the purchase of the Shook Tires property. He criticized the pace of blight remediation and pothole repair, questioned the timeline for the Casas Lindas project, and criticized local politicians for their stance on Project Jupiter. He read an excerpt from a local activist's public manifesto.
Lucas Hernan: Expressed support for the city's recent investments in trails and community improvements funded by GRT appropriations.
Speaker (Skate Park): Asked when the skate park at Hadley would be completed, expressing concern it would remain vacant.
Tim Jenkins: Vehemently criticized the council for approving a treatment center at 920 N Tel Shore Boulevard, stating it caused significant business disruptions at neighboring Outback Steakhouse and safety concerns for employees and customers. He also criticized a mental health facility at 2315 Twilight Ridgeway in a residential neighborhood, claiming residents no longer feel safe. He requested the city fund security at Outback Steakhouse.

Discussion Items

Liquor License for Longhorn Steakhouse (Res. 27-073): The council held a public hearing and unanimously approved a resolution for the transfer and relocation of a liquor license to 500 S Tel Shore Boulevard. Adam Oto of Community Development confirmed the applicant plans to demolish the existing Pecon Grill to construct a new Longhorn Steakhouse.
EMS Billing Services (Res. 27-074): Unanimously approved a contract with EMS Management and Consultants for billing services. The contract allows the fire department to charge for medical transport services at a rate of 4.25% on net collections, not to exceed $500,000 annually. Division Chief Daniel Eckhart confirmed the city does not send patient bills to collections.
CIP Amendment for South Main Trail (Res. 27-075): Unanimously approved an allocation of $287,000 from newly secured GRT bond funds to complete a segment of the South Main Trail between University Avenue and Boutz Road. CIP Manager Cynthia Lamillo noted the project had struggled to secure bids over several years but now has a contractor, with construction expected to start in November 2026 and conclude in June 2027.
Film Studio MOU (Res. 27-076): Unanimously approved a $1.3 million contribution from the Hold Harmless GRT fund for cinematic infrastructure to complete interior finishes for a film studio at NMSU's Arrowhead Park. State Senator Jeff Steinborn and local film industry representatives spoke in favor, highlighting the economic impact and the need for a purpose-built sound stage to attract larger productions.
Senior Affordable Housing (Res. 27-077 & 27-078): The council unanimously approved pre-commitments for two senior housing developments. The Seniors at Sonoma Ranch (96 units, up to $4 million) and Royal Crossing (81 units, $3 million plus a proposed ground lease). Jan Lauterbach highlighted a 1.25% vacancy rate in existing senior housing and a 73-household waiting list. The developers confirmed they will apply for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).
Land Donation for Affordable Housing (Ord. 3127): The council unanimously authorized the donation of two city-owned lots at 713 and 717 E May Avenue to Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation for the construction of single-family homes for income-qualified households.

Key Outcomes

Votes: All action items, including the liquor license, EMS billing contract, CIP amendment, film studio MOU, senior housing pre-commitments, and land donation, were approved by unanimous votes (7-0).
Appointments: John Darden and Daniel Romero were unanimously appointed to the Oversight Committee.
Future Work Sessions: Councilor Matisse requested a work session on tiny homes for January. Councilor Bencomo requested a work session on senior programs. Mayor Pro Tem Munoz requested a work session on the city's financial status and budget transparency.
Directives: City Manager Tama Piao stated that a finance update would be presented at the next council meeting. Staff will investigate the intersection safety concern raised by Robert Williams. The city manager noted that the behavioral health facility on Twilight Ridgeway is permitted by the state and provided a state hotline for complaints. Staff will continue negotiations on the Hadley skate park construction, with a target opening in spring 2027.

Meeting Transcript

Okay. Well, good afternoon. Welcome to City Council. Today is Monday, November 2nd, 2026. It's approximately one PM. I'm Mayor Eric Henriquez. We'll start with a moment of silence for the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces as they protect our interests around the globe, as well as our courageous men and women of the Las Cruces Police and Las Cruces Fire Department as they keep our city safe twenty-four seven three sixty-five. Councilor McClure, if you'll lead us on the pledge. Hello, everyone. Oh, it's on already, too. Nice. Okay. This one is going to be for Las Cruces' Weekend of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Is Barbara Toth here? Okay. All right, let's read it. Whereas the third Sunday of November is acknowledged internationally as a day of remembrance for road traffic victims, and whereas roadway violence is rampant, killing and seriously injuring three thousand 36,640 persons in the U.S. in 2025, 454 of them in New Mexico, and whereas 35 of those lives were lost in Donana County, and whereas our state, which consistently ranks disproportionately high in roadway fatalities, was the most deadly state in the country per vehicle miles traveled in 2025. And whereas traffic fatalities and serious injuries result in tremendous suffering for victims, families, and emergency workers, and recognizing that our entire community bears the burden and expense of this ongoing epidemic. And whereas we recognize the particular vulnerability of cyclists, pedestrians, and other users of active transportation of all ages. Do so without fear of death or serious injury. And whereas we wish to promote and support walking, cycling as viable and safe mobility options for recreation and commuting, and whereas safe streets and roads contribute to the healthy to the health, equity, and sustainability of our community, and whereas deadly collisions are preventable, therefore, any more than zero fatalities is unacceptable. Now, therefore, we, the mayor and city council of Las Cruces, New Mexico, do hereby proclaim November 14th to 15th, 2026 as Las Cruces' weekend of remembrance for road traffic victims. Mr. Proten, Madam Counselor, members of the council, just want to thank you all for this recognition. As we said, here in New Mexico, we are disproportionately affected by uh road safety incidents, by uh unsafe road uh driving practices, and so the responsibil responsibilities on each and every one of us are uh a proclamation was drafted by a youth uh by our youth board members, so this is something that is being called for by our next generation, and so we are honored here to be here on their behalf. Thank you. Next on the agenda, we have Las Cruces Public Schools, a presentation. It's been a while since I've been here. It's great to see everyone. I definitely missed y'all. So good afternoon, everyone. Uh, mayor, members of council, city manager Tama Piao. My name is Matthew Sines, budget director with Las Cruces Public Schools. Thank you so much for allowing us an opportunity to promote some of our events here today. As you know, the benefits of education on a community for a stabilized economy as well as social well-being. So, with that being said, we'd like to invite the community out to participate in our budget and give us some feedback. So, with our budget survey, what we'd like to do is basically determine our priorities. So, with those priorities, it helps us determine our resource allocation. It also gives us an opportunity to determine what our strengths and weaknesses are. So this year we are running a promotion for students in which they can enter to win a gift card to Khalichi's if they complete the survey. They also have another opportunity to win for their school. So there's two ways to win for a school. One is for the most surveys taken. Also, the school with the highest percentage will win. So we're pretty excited about that.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com

Las Cruces City Council Meeting - November 2, 2026

Proclamations & Presentations

Proclamation: Mayor Henriquez read a proclamation declaring November 14–15, 2026 as Las Cruces' Weekend of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The proclamation noted 36,640 roadway deaths in the U.S. in 2025, 454 in New Mexico, and that New Mexico was the most deadly state per vehicle miles traveled. A representative thanked the council and noted the proclamation was drafted by the city's youth board.

Las Cruces Public Schools: Budget Director Matthew Sines presented, inviting community feedback on a budget survey with incentives for students and staff, and announcing a town hall on March 4, 2027 and a Farmers Market booth on November 14.

Finance Department: Leslie Doyle reported receiving the GFOA Award for the annual comprehensive finance report and budget book. She provided an update on $21.8 million in legislative funding for fiscal year 2026 and noted that $2.4 million from a $22.15 million GRT appropriation had already been encumbered.

Parks and Recreation: Director Steve Bingham updated the council on flood damage at Lavrona Park and Trail, which required the removal of up to three feet of soil. He highlighted the ribbon-cutting for the renovated Meerscheidt facility on October 13 and the groundbreaking for the Apadaka aquatic playground and trail on October 27, with the playground and a quarter-mile trail loop expected to open by end of May 2027.

Pets of the Week: Amelia Epperson of ASCMV highlighted adoptable pets Slushie and Blueie, along with long-term residents, and announced upcoming adoption events.

Public Comments & Testimony

Lynn Moore: Criticized the Utilities Director over inconsistencies in lead and copper rule inspections, alleging that reports for three daycares contained errors regarding addresses, pipe materials, and inventory listings. She stated that 93% of inspected properties have brass connectors, which can leach lead, and claimed that city records hide the existence of galvanized piping. She called for a new utilities director.

Sonoma Ranch Residents (Speaker and Margaret Irish): Questioned the city's enforcement of development requirements regarding stormwater management in the Alameda Arroyo. They noted that the developer was using HOA funds to repair erosion on private property owned by Alameda Land and Development Corp, and that the city's 2014 Arroyo Management Plan had sat unimplemented. They requested clear legal documentation on maintenance responsibility.

Robert Williams (District 4): Raised a safety concern at the corner of Idaho and Chaparral, where a constituent with a bicycle and a child in a wheelchair has nearly been hit by cars due to the lack of a bike lane. He asked the city to investigate a solution.

Eddie Thomas: Commended the finance department for its GFOA award and the purchase of the Shook Tires property. He criticized the pace of blight remediation and pothole repair, questioned the timeline for the Casas Lindas project, and criticized local politicians for their stance on Project Jupiter. He read an excerpt from a local activist's public manifesto.

Lucas Hernan: Expressed support for the city's recent investments in trails and community improvements funded by GRT appropriations.

Speaker (Skate Park): Asked when the skate park at Hadley would be completed, expressing concern it would remain vacant.

Tim Jenkins: Vehemently criticized the council for approving a treatment center at 920 N Tel Shore Boulevard, stating it caused significant business disruptions at neighboring Outback Steakhouse and safety concerns for employees and customers. He also criticized a mental health facility at 2315 Twilight Ridgeway in a residential neighborhood, claiming residents no longer feel safe. He requested the city fund security at Outback Steakhouse.

Discussion Items

Liquor License for Longhorn Steakhouse (Res. 27-073): The council held a public hearing and unanimously approved a resolution for the transfer and relocation of a liquor license to 500 S Tel Shore Boulevard. Adam Oto of Community Development confirmed the applicant plans to demolish the existing Pecon Grill to construct a new Longhorn Steakhouse.

EMS Billing Services (Res. 27-074): Unanimously approved a contract with EMS Management and Consultants for billing services. The contract allows the fire department to charge for medical transport services at a rate of 4.25% on net collections, not to exceed $500,000 annually. Division Chief Daniel Eckhart confirmed the city does not send patient bills to collections.

CIP Amendment for South Main Trail (Res. 27-075): Unanimously approved an allocation of $287,000 from newly secured GRT bond funds to complete a segment of the South Main Trail between University Avenue and Boutz Road. CIP Manager Cynthia Lamillo noted the project had struggled to secure bids over several years but now has a contractor, with construction expected to start in November 2026 and conclude in June 2027.

Film Studio MOU (Res. 27-076): Unanimously approved a $1.3 million contribution from the Hold Harmless GRT fund for cinematic infrastructure to complete interior finishes for a film studio at NMSU's Arrowhead Park. State Senator Jeff Steinborn and local film industry representatives spoke in favor, highlighting the economic impact and the need for a purpose-built sound stage to attract larger productions.

Senior Affordable Housing (Res. 27-077 & 27-078): The council unanimously approved pre-commitments for two senior housing developments. The Seniors at Sonoma Ranch (96 units, up to $4 million) and Royal Crossing (81 units, $3 million plus a proposed ground lease). Jan Lauterbach highlighted a 1.25% vacancy rate in existing senior housing and a 73-household waiting list. The developers confirmed they will apply for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).

Land Donation for Affordable Housing (Ord. 3127): The council unanimously authorized the donation of two city-owned lots at 713 and 717 E May Avenue to Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation for the construction of single-family homes for income-qualified households.

Key Outcomes

Votes: All action items, including the liquor license, EMS billing contract, CIP amendment, film studio MOU, senior housing pre-commitments, and land donation, were approved by unanimous votes (7-0).

Appointments: John Darden and Daniel Romero were unanimously appointed to the Oversight Committee.

Future Work Sessions: Councilor Matisse requested a work session on tiny homes for January. Councilor Bencomo requested a work session on senior programs. Mayor Pro Tem Munoz requested a work session on the city's financial status and budget transparency.

Directives: City Manager Tama Piao stated that a finance update would be presented at the next council meeting. Staff will investigate the intersection safety concern raised by Robert Williams. The city manager noted that the behavioral health facility on Twilight Ridgeway is permitted by the state and provided a state hotline for complaints. Staff will continue negotiations on the Hadley skate park construction, with a target opening in spring 2027.

Meeting Transcript