Rio Rancho Governing Body Regular Meeting - April 10, 2025

The Rio Rancho Governing Body held a regular meeting on April 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting lasted until 6:43 PM. Key actions included approval of the consent calendar, withdrawal of a liquor license transfer, approval of a site plan for an extended stay hotel, and approval of an amendment to the Permanent Fund Investment Policy. Staff also presented an in-depth analysis of potential changes to municipal election dates, with several councilors expressing support for bringing a formal ordinance to the next meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of March 27, 2025 Regular Meeting – Approved.
• D18: Appointment of Tyler Dunkel to the Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board – Approved.
• D19: Appointment of Lanny Busher to the Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful Committee – Approved.
• D20: Appointment of Jonathan Romero to the Parks and Recreation Commission – Approved.

Motion to approve the consent calendar carried 6 in favor (Dapson, Lenentine, Tyler, Wymer, Culbreath, List) and 0 against.

Public Hearings

• D21: Transfer of New Mexico Dispenser License for Betty’s Revel Burger – City Clerk Noel Davis reported the applicant had withdrawn the liquor license application from NM Alcohol and Beverage Control. A motion to withdraw the item from the agenda carried 6–0.
• D22: Site Plan Approval for an Extended Stay Hotel (High Resort Market Place, Block A, Tract B1) – Director of Development Services Amy Rincon presented the staff recommendation for approval. The applicant, Yogash Kumar (a city councilor from Gallup), described the project as an extended-stay hotel with lower overhead, suited for traveling nurses, responders, and short-term housing. Councilors asked about minimum stays (no minimum), security (24/7 staff, no visitor policy), and crime control. Councilor Bob Tyler opposed, stating the location was not ideal. The motion to approve carried 5–1 (Tyler opposed).

Discussion and Deliberation

• R35: Resolution Amending the Permanent Fund Investment Policy Statement – Director of Financial Services Carole Jaramillo explained the amendment expands allowable investments into growth and income asset classes (0–20% of assets in each, target 6% growth, 0% income) to increase diversification and guard against market volatility. No changes to prohibited investments. Approved 6–0.
• Election Date Change Options – Deputy City Manager Peter Wells presented staff research and recommendations. Key statistics: municipal election costs rose from $45,000 in 2018 to a projected $450,000 in 2026 (a 895% increase); voter turnout averages 9.2% in March vs. 12.76% in November; only 9 of 106 New Mexico municipalities still hold March elections; and IPRA requests increased 678% (from 544 to 4,233) since 2018. Staff recommended opting into the November odd-year regular local election, which would eliminate local photo ID requirements, shift election costs to the statewide fund, and free up staff resources. The presentation included options to shorten or lengthen current officeholder terms; staff recommended extending terms to allow more campaign preparation time. Councilors Paul Wymer, Deb Dapson, Karissa Culbreath, and Nicole List expressed support for moving forward with an ordinance. No formal vote was taken.

City Manager

• Peter Wells noted that a decision is needed soon to allow planning for the March 2026 election or to file the opt-in ordinance by June 30, 2025. If opting in with shortened terms, the next election would be November 2025; if extended, November 2027 and 2029.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved 6–0.
• D21 withdrawn 6–0.
• D22 approved 5–1 (Bob Tyler opposed).
• R35 approved 6–0.
• Election Date Discussion – Council directed staff to bring a formal ordinance for first and second reading at the next Governing Body meeting. Staff recommended extending terms for current officeholders and opting into November odd-year elections.