OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Rio Rancho Governing Body Regular Meeting - April 23, 2026

Meeting Portal — Thursday, April 23, 2026
BodyRio Rancho, New Mexico
SessionMeeting Portal
DateThursday, April 23, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:09:07

Transcript — Verbatim
0:24

Good evening.

0:25

Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:28

Councilor Lynnentine, would you lead us, please?

0:31

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

0:44

Thank you.

0:45

Please remain standing as I like to take this moment to take a moment of silence and reflection for our first responders who are out there each and every day putting their lives on the line to protect our lives and our property.

0:56

And so they deserve to be in our thoughts and prayers constantly.

1:00

So with that, we'll take a moment of silence.

1:10

Thank you very much.

1:11

You may be seated.

1:16

Okay.

1:17

For the record, I'll announce the names of the governing body members.

1:20

When I say your name, please acknowledge by your presence by saying present.

1:24

Councillor Dabson.

1:26

Present.

1:26

Thank you.

1:26

Councilor Menantine.

1:28

Present.

1:28

Thank you.

1:28

Counselor Tyler.

1:30

Thank you.

1:31

Councillor Weimer, who is attending online.

1:34

Present.

1:34

Thank you.

1:35

Councillor Cobra.

1:36

Present.

1:37

Counselor Lish.

1:38

Present.

1:38

Thank you.

1:39

We have quorum.

1:40

So we're gonna make a few uh uh agenda adjustments so that we can get through the business.

1:45

So uh we're gonna move counselor comments uh to the to the bottom of the agenda just above the city manager's report, and then we're gonna move public comment down to just before counselor comments as well, so we can get through the business of the agenda.

2:01

So thank you all for that.

2:03

Any objections from the council?

2:05

Okay.

2:06

Hearing none, thank you.

2:08

And uh no proclamations or awards of merit this evening, and moving on to the consent calendar.

2:15

I'll take a motion to approve the consent calendar, motion to approve consent calendar.

2:19

Second, I have a motion and a second.

2:20

Ms.

2:21

Davis.

2:26

Thank you, sir.

2:27

Uh councillor Calbrank.

2:29

Yes.

2:30

Counselor Weimer.

2:31

Yes.

2:32

Councillor Lynnentine?

2:33

Yes.

2:34

Counselor Dabson.

2:35

Yes.

2:35

Counselor Tyler?

2:37

Yes.

2:37

Counselor List.

2:39

Yes.

2:39

Thank you.

2:39

The consent calendar is approved.

2:41

Thank you.

2:42

Moving on to second reading of ordinances, ordinance zero five, ordinance amending chapter 36 of finance and revenue.

2:48

Uh Director Yara.

2:52

Mayor and Counselors, good evening.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████20%
Community Engagement███████████████████19%
Public Safety████████████████16%
Fiscal Sustainability███████████11%
Personnel Matters███████████11%
Public Engagement████████8%
Water And Wastewater Management████████8%
Economic Development███████7%
Summary of Proceedings

Rio Rancho Governing Body Regular Meeting - April 23, 2026

The regular meeting of the Rio Rancho Governing Body convened at 6:01 PM and adjourned at 7:12 PM. The meeting included approval of a consent calendar, second reading of an ordinance amending the procurement code, adoption of the annual meeting schedule, re-appointment of the Deputy Mayor, and a resolution to write off $650,614 in uncollectible accounts. Public forum featured several speakers, and the evening concluded with tributes to outgoing Mayor Greggory D. Hull, who served 12 years.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent calendar (Items 1-5) was approved by a vote of 6 FOR, 0 AGAINST. Items included: Minutes of April 9, 2026 meeting; R27 (budget adjustment to Federal Grants Fund); R28 (budget adjustment to General Fund); R29 (disposal of fleet vehicles and equipment); R30 (amending Resolution No. 93/Enactment No. 25-091).

Second Reading of Ordinances

  • O5 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 36 (Finance and Revenue): Director of Financial Services Stephanie Yarra presented the second reading, explaining the proposed exemption for employee benefit procurement (insurance, retirement, supplemental services) to allow greater flexibility and speed while working with the city’s benefits consultant. HR Director Loyola Martinez emphasized that the exemption does not remove oversight, accountability, or transparency. The ordinance was approved 6-0.

Discussion and Deliberation

  • R31 – Resolution Establishing Annual Schedule of Governing Body Meetings: City Clerk Noel Davis presented the annual update. Meetings will continue on the second and fourth Thursdays (exceptions: July fourth Thursday; November/December third Thursday). Work sessions will remain in June, August, October, February, and April. Changes to ADA reasonable accommodation procedures were moved from the Clerk’s office to Legal. Approved 6-0.
  • Selection of Deputy Mayor: Councilor Bob Tyler moved to postpone the selection and maintain Jeremy Lenentine as Deputy Mayor until the next meeting (May 14). The motion carried 6-0. Lenentine accepted the nomination, and City Manager Matt Geisel confirmed the item will be on the next agenda.
  • R32 – Resolution to Write-off Uncollectible Accounts: Director Yara presented the annual write-off of $650,614 in accounts receivable (ambulance, utilities, parks, recreation, alarm, and library) that are four years or older and where collection efforts have been exhausted. Councilor Tyler and Councilor Weimer expressed frustration over uncollected revenues. The resolution passed 5-1 (Tyler voting no).

Public Forum

  • Jarrod Likkar (representing Amrep Southwest): Requested reconsideration of the Orchard Park Master Plan (denied April 9). He noted prior approvals by staff and Planning & Zoning. Offered a new condition: a three-acre neighborhood park dedicated to the city with required amenities, exceeding typical requirements. Asked the governing body to approve reconsideration.
  • Arthur Martinez: Resident of Rio Rancho for 40 years, spoke about inability to connect to city water on his lots due to a 2012 ordinance, while an out-of-state company (Project Ranger) was granted water. Requested fair treatment and restoration of his water meter rights.
  • Stephen vanHorn: Questioned the $4 million expenditure on a water injection system approved at the previous meeting without discussion. Urged transparency and asked the incoming mayor to appoint a knowledgeable advisory entity for water issues.
  • Dave Heil: Thanked Mayor Hull for leadership over 12 years, citing safety awards, road improvements, economic growth, park development, and financial discipline including the creation of a permanent fund.
  • Norman Burns (President, Trinity Estates Neighborhood Watch): Thanked Mayor Hull for addressing neighborhood issues (Xfinity cable problems, roundabout communication) and for attending National Night Out events.
  • Lawrence Griego: Expressed gratitude for Mayor Hull’s accessibility and leadership, noting Rio Rancho is a top place to live, work, and retire.
  • Brent Lenentine: Praised Mayor Hull’s faith, dedication, and accessibility, contrasting with prior mayors. Highlighted the Tuesday morning Bible study and the mayor’s personal character.
  • Ben Mays (Rio Rancho High School Homecoming King 2016): Thanked Mayor Hull for supporting police, infrastructure, and children.
  • Jim Mays: Shared his government background and praised Mayor Hull’s leadership, accessibility, and support for education, public safety, and infrastructure.
  • Senator Jay Block: Thanked Mayor Hull for mentorship and advocacy in Santa Fe. Presented a legislative certificate from the New Mexico State Legislature in appreciation.
  • Joshua Hernandez: Recalled many late nights and campaigns with Mayor Hull, thanking him for 12 years of service to Rio Rancho.

Comments by Councilors and Mayor

  • Mayor Hull gave a farewell speech, thanking the community, city council, staff, public safety personnel, and his wife Carrie. He highlighted accomplishments: safest city, infrastructure investments (Broadmoor Boulevard, 50+ roads), aquifer recharge facility, parks (Broadmoor Senior Center, park above), education partnerships, and creation of the permanent fund. He welcomed Mayor-elect Paul Weimer and urged support.
  • Councilors expressed appreciation: Karissa Culbreath thanked Mayor and First Lady; Deb Dapson noted improvement over 12 years; Nicole List recognized his character and willingness to take a chance on her; Jeremy Lenentine called him the “people’s mayor” and recalled personal acts of service; Bob Tyler shared a personal story of the mayor cooking spaghetti for his family; Paul Weimer (via virtual connection) thanked him for unwavering support and friendship.

City Manager’s Report

  • Matt Geisel announced: DEA National Rx Take Back event at Police Headquarters (Saturday, 10 AM-2 PM); Star Wars Fest at Loma Colorado Library (Saturday, 10 AM-1 PM); Park in the Park at Campus Park (Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM). He also thanked Mayor Hull for convincing him to return to the city in 2019.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar approved 6-0.
  • Ordinance O5 (Finance and Revenue amendment) approved 6-0.
  • Resolution R31 (Annual Meeting Schedule) approved 6-0.
  • Deputy Mayor Jeremy Lenentine retained until next meeting (May 14), motion carried 6-0.
  • Resolution R32 (Write-off of $650,614 in uncollectible accounts) approved 5-1 (Bob Tyler opposed).
  • Meeting adjourned at 7:12 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilor Lynnentine, would you lead us, please? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Thank you. Please remain standing as I like to take this moment to take a moment of silence and reflection for our first responders who are out there each and every day putting their lives on the line to protect our lives and our property. And so they deserve to be in our thoughts and prayers constantly. So with that, we'll take a moment of silence. Thank you very much. You may be seated. Okay. For the record, I'll announce the names of the governing body members. When I say your name, please acknowledge by your presence by saying present. Councillor Dabson. Present. Thank you. Councilor Menantine. Present. Thank you. Counselor Tyler. Thank you. Councillor Weimer, who is attending online. Present. Thank you. Councillor Cobra. Present. Counselor Lish. Present. Thank you. We have quorum. So we're gonna make a few uh uh agenda adjustments so that we can get through the business. So uh we're gonna move counselor comments uh to the to the bottom of the agenda just above the city manager's report, and then we're gonna move public comment down to just before counselor comments as well, so we can get through the business of the agenda. So thank you all for that. Any objections from the council? Okay. Hearing none, thank you. And uh no proclamations or awards of merit this evening, and moving on to the consent calendar. I'll take a motion to approve the consent calendar, motion to approve consent calendar. Second, I have a motion and a second. Ms. Davis. Thank you, sir. Uh councillor Calbrank. Yes. Counselor Weimer. Yes. Councillor Lynnentine? Yes. Counselor Dabson. Yes.

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