Rio Rancho Governing Body Meeting Summary - September 25, 2025

The Rio Rancho Governing Body met on September 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, adjourning at 6:40 PM. The meeting included a public forum, consent calendar approval, withdrawal of one ordinance, and public hearings on a master plan amendment and zoning overlay for a solar energy project. All votes were 6-0 except for the main motions on the solar-related items, which passed 5-1.

Public Forum

• Tom Dixon (4938 Dream Dancer, Rio Rancho) spoke in support of the new East Coast Hockey League team coming to Rio Rancho. He urged the Governing Body to improve road signage on I-25, Highway 550, and Unser Boulevard to help visitors find the Rio Rancho Event Center, citing past teams' failure due to wayfinding issues. He encouraged attendance at the team's name announcement on Monday night.
• Casey Robinson expressed concerns about the City's lack of recognition of Jewish holidays, specifically noting that the Mayor's Passover message tied it to Christianity and that no acknowledgment was made for Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur (the most important week of the Jewish year). He called for better understanding of the diverse religious backgrounds of residents.

Consent Calendar

• Items Approved (6-0): The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously, including:
  • Minutes of September 11, 2025, Regular Meeting
  • R103: Resolution Authorizing the Disposal of Fire and Rescue Department Property
  • R104: Resolution Authorizing a Budget Adjustment to the General Fund (Fire and Rescue Department)
  • R105: Resolution Authorizing a Budget Adjustment to the State Appropriations Capital Fund (315)
  • R106: Resolution Authorizing a Budget Adjustment to the General Fund (Police Department)

Public Hearings

O24 – Zoning Amendment (Rio Rancho Estates Units 22)

• Withdrawn: Mayor Hull announced a request to withdraw O24, which would have rezoned two tracts from Transitional District and Unzoned District to R-3 Mixed Residential. The motion to withdraw passed 6-0, with no discussion.

R107 – Resolution Amending the Loma Barbon Master Plan for Renewable Energy Addendum

• Presentation: Amy Rincon, Director of Development Services, introduced R107 alongside O25 (see below). The applicant, Affordable Solar (represented by Laurie Moxe of Select ROW Consultants and Dylan Connelly), requested an amendment to the Loma Barbon Master Plan to allow a solar energy overlay on 80 acres of state land (owned by the New Mexico State Land Office) located off Highway 550 and Enchanted Hills. The Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) had recommended approval on August 26, 2025, with a 5-1 vote, and proposed an amendment requiring a 100-foot setback on the north and west property lines to the fence line.
• Public Comments:
  • Casey Robinson spoke in opposition, alleging that Affordable Solar engaged in "pay-to-play" politics, citing a 2018 PRC case where campaign donations followed a favorable vote. He stated the company's contributions were made through multiple small donations to obscure the connection.
  • Ilse Hernandez Allen (Glendale, AZ, property owner within 100 feet of the site) expressed concern about the project's impact on her property taxes, ability to build, and future sale of her lot. She noted her property is within 100 feet of the proposed development.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Culbreath asked about public outreach. The applicant stated they mailed notices to 163 parcels within 100 feet of the entire 600-acre master plan, and that the State Land Office required a 10-week advertising period for the lease. Councilor Tyler queried the City Manager about State Land Office open meeting requirements; the Manager noted that state land transactions typically include additional public outreach. Councilor Wymer clarified the roles: Moxe is a consultant to Select ROW, which is the agent for Affordable Solar; Connelly confirmed Affordable Solar will be the long-term developer, builder, owner, and operator of the project. Councilor Lenentine clarified that the project would not affect property values or taxes, as it is privately financed.
• Amendment and Vote: Councilor Culbreath moved to amend R107 to include the 100-foot setback on the north and west property lines, as recommended by PZB. The amendment passed 6-0. The main motion (R107 as amended) then passed 5-1, with Councilor Tyler voting against.

O25 – Ordinance Amending Zoning for Renewable Energy Overlay District (80 acres of Loma Barbon, Tract B)

• Action: The ordinance was presented alongside R107. Councilor Wymer moved to amend O25 to align with the approved R107 amendment. The motion to amend passed 5-1 (Councilor Tyler opposed). The main motion to approve O25 (as amended) then passed 5-1, with Councilor Tyler again voting no.

City Manager Report

• Matt Geisel, City Manager, announced the latest City newsletter is available in print and online. Upcoming events: Parents' Night Out on October 3, 2025, at Sabana Grande (hosted by Parks and Recreation), and Fall Festival on October 18, 2025, at Campus Park (featuring a trunk-or-treat). He also highlighted that the citizen survey results (presented at the September 19 work session) led to Rio Rancho being recognized by Polco as a top-five performer nationwide in trust in government. The survey is available on the City website.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved 6-0.
• O24 withdrawn unanimously.
• R107 (Loma Barbon Master Plan amendment) approved 5-1 after amendment to include a 100-foot setback on the north and west property lines. Councilor Tyler dissented.
• O25 (Renewable Energy Overlay District) approved 5-1 after amendment. Councilor Tyler dissented.
• Next Steps: The applicant will host another open house before submitting a site plan for future Governing Body consideration.