Rio Rancho Governing Body Meeting – September 11, 2025

The Rio Rancho Governing Body met on September 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers for a regular meeting. The meeting began with a moment of silence in remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Major actions included approval of a new collective bargaining agreement with the Rio Rancho Police and Communications Association (RRPCA), a corresponding budget adjustment, and approval of the Chamisa Hills Master Plan and accompanying zone map amendment after extensive public testimony and discussion. The meeting adjourned at 8:09 PM.

Consent Calendar

The consent calendar was approved unanimously (6-0) and included:

• Minutes of the August 19, 2025 Work Session and August 28, 2025 Regular Meeting.
• R98: Budget adjustment for General Obligation Bond Debt Service Fund (402).
• R99: Budget adjustment for Fire Protection Fund (250).
• R100: Budget adjustment for E-911 Grant Fund (255).
• R101: Budget adjustment for State Appropriations Capital Fund (315).

Discussion Items

D51 & R102 – New Collective Bargaining Agreement with Rio Rancho Police and Communications Association Loyola Martinez, Director of Human Resources, presented both items together. The previous CBA expired June 30, 2025. Negotiations began in January 2025 with a six-member team from each side, concluding in August 2025. The union ratified the agreement by a majority vote. Key changes include: lowering overtime threshold from 43 to 40 hours per week, 4% base pay increases for most positions (5% for dispatch supervisors to address compression), increased uniform allowance, contingent annual retention incentive, and a new longevity plan for non-sworn members. The estimated total cost of enhancements is approximately $1.4 million in FY26 (recurring), with additional funding of $950,389 needed in the current fiscal year (from General Fund unreserved balance). The CBA would take effect September 22, 2025. Staff recommended approval. Kevin Buchanan (RRPCA representative) expressed gratitude and support for the agreement, emphasizing its importance for retention and recruitment. Councilor Lenentine noted the city is reaching a point of equilibrium after years of underpaying. Both D51 and R102 were approved unanimously (6-0).

Public Hearings

R47 & O14 – Chamisa Hills Master Plan and Zone Map Amendment These items concern the approximately 256-acre former Chamisa Hills golf course property (owned by RR Mesa LLC). The original hearing was on May 8, 2025, and was postponed twice to allow the applicant to address Governing Body requests for additional information. Amy Rincon (Development Services Director) and Jim Strozier (agent for applicant) presented updates since May, including: updated master plan, dewatering/NMED permit closure (over 80% complete), landscape rehabilitation and revegetation plan, pedestrian access plan, implementation/financing tools (Public Improvement District and Metropolitan Redevelopment Area tax increment financing), and community outreach. The applicant held four stakeholder meetings with adjacent neighborhoods, resulting in numerous text and exhibit changes. The zone map amendment changed from C-1 (Retail Commercial) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial) on portions of the property. Staff recommended approval with amendments.

Nine members of the public spoke:

• Jana Burdick (The Islands HOA president) – Strongly supported the plan, noting the developer's engagement and responsiveness.
• Debbie Roberts (Fairways condominiums property manager) – Full support after concerns about a 65-ft buffer were addressed in stakeholder meetings.
• Thomas Wright – Endorsed moving forward, but requested better notification processes.
• Michael Farrell – Thanked staff and developer for addressing concerns; emphasized importance of the cul-de-sac at Calle Sueños for safety; asked about revegetation of a recently disturbed area on the North Nine.
• Jason Foster (Spyglass Place) – Opposed high density because traffic would increase from 1,100 to 9,621 trips/day; urged cul-de-sac to prevent cut-through traffic.
• Wayne Pichon (North Nine resident) – Expressed past concerns about long-term ownership of open space; noted a commitment from the applicant's staff (Mr. Gonzalez) and requested that commitment directly from the developer.
• Laura Taber – Expressed concern about alcohol sales in the proposed commercial area; suggested proceeding with housing only if alcohol-serving restaurants are included.
• Jack Autry (Calle Sueños) – Stressed need for a cul-de-sac; said streets are narrow and deteriorating; risk from increased traffic; urged action tonight.
• Carol Etzler – Urged preserving the green belt for future generations; questioned the amount of open space in the plan.

After public comment, Jim Strozier responded: reiterated commitment to the cul-de-sac process (needs variance, fire department input, neighborhood consensus); said the town center is designed as a vibrant gathering place, including restaurants that may serve alcohol.

Councilors expressed appreciation for the improved dialogue and support for the plan with conditions. Councilor Weimer stated full support for the cul-de-sac but noted it must follow the process (including 50%+1 consensus of affected property owners). Councilor Tyler complimented the partnership between developer and residents. Councilor Culbreath asked about timing of revegetation; the applicant said it will happen as subdivisions come in, but also expressed hope for immediate commitment to native seeding. City Manager Geisel clarified that the TIFF (tax increment financing) would be a new process requiring several future Governing Body actions. Councilor List highlighted the change in tone from May to September, with residents feeling heard.

Key Outcomes

• The Governing Body approved R47 (resolution adopting the Chamisa Hills Master Plan) with amendments (motion to amend passed 6-0; main motion as amended passed 6-0). Amendments added:
  1. Pedestrian Access Plan as an appendix.
  2. Landscape Development, Rehabilitation and Revegetation Plan as an appendix.
  3. Special District documents as an appendix.
  4. Updated exhibits and language to reflect zoning changes per O14.
  5. All development codes must be met or variances/waivers obtained.
• The Governing Body approved O14 (zone map amendment) with amendments (motion to amend passed 6-0; main motion as amended passed 6-0). Amendments included changes from C-1 to NC on portions, date corrections, and detailed conditions for the Landscape Development, Rehabilitation and Revegetation Plan (including implementation timeline within 3 years and completion prior to the 101st dwelling unit or 1,000 sq ft non-residential occupancy, whichever comes first).
• The approved zone map amendment reclassifies the property from SU (Special Use for Planned Residential Development) to OS, PR, MU-A, C-1 (modified to NC), R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts.
• The cul-de-sac at Calle Sueños was not included in the master plan but was discussed as a future item requiring a subdivision variance and traffic calming consensus from affected property owners.
• The CBA (D51) and budget adjustment (R102) were approved, effective September 22, 2025.

City Manager's Report

City Manager Matt Geisel thanked Development Services for their work. Upcoming events: Local Market at Cabezon Park (Saturday, 10 AM), Coffee with a Cop (Tuesday, 9-11 AM at Starbucks, 1810 Southern Blvd), Food Truck Fiesta (Sept 20, 10 AM-3 PM). Lema Road Reconstruction begins soon. Aquatic Center closed Sept 15 – Oct 31 for upgrades; lap swimming available at Rainbow Pool.