Rio Rancho Governing Body Meeting – August 13, 2026

The Rio Rancho Governing Body met on August 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting addressed public comments, consent calendar approvals, site plans for a preschool and daycare, appeals of variance approvals for two residential lots, and a city manager report. Councilor Karissa Culbreath was excused. Councilor David Mann attended his first meeting.

Public Forum

• Debbie Bauman (District 4 resident) requested replacement of dog waste receptacles removed from the Thompson Trail, noting only three trash cans remain and are inconvenient for elderly and mobility-challenged users. She thanked Parks and Recreation Director Peterson for meeting with her.
• Grace Kearney presented a petition with approximately 130 signatures from morning walkers on the Thompson Trail, describing increasing litter and dog feces since receptacles were removed. She stated that service declined after the person servicing the area retired, and bags were then removed, leading to unsanitary conditions. She requested reinstatement of receptacles.
• Stephen Van Horn urged the city to update its 2021 Source Water Protection Plan (278-page report) given a new rocket manufacturing plant planned near Rio Rancho. He noted the plan states "one large industrial customer does not present a threat to the water supply" but argued the new plant could affect water quality via arroyos flowing toward Albuquerque. He asked the governing body to consider an update.
• Natalie Gregg (representing Explore Academy Rio Rancho) requested establishment of a school zone on NM Highway 528 at Zenith Court, citing 24 accidents and 7 deaths in the last 18 months on that stretch, including a fatal crash in April 2026. She noted school zones reduce accidents by 30–40% and urged speed reductions, traffic lights, and sidewalks as the school expands from one to three campuses.

Comments by Councilors

• Councilor List thanked Parks and Recreation and libraries for summer programming, noted work on 528/Paseo with DOT is ongoing with adjustments, and acknowledged school zone concerns on 528, stating she had already raised the issue with DOT.
• Councilor Lenentine thanked Ms. Gregg and requested student and car counts from Explore Academy to aid DOT advocacy.
• Mayor Wymer welcomed Councilor Mann and promoted the upcoming Sunday Fun Day at Haynes Park (over 150 booths, rock climbing).

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (6-0):
  • Minutes of July 23, 2026 Regular Meeting
  • R59: Fourth Quarter Report to NM DFA for FY ending June 30, 2026
  • R60: Budget adjustment to 2026 General Obligation Bond Project and Debt Service Funds
  • R61: Budget adjustment to General Fund
  • D43: Appointment of Mathew Bose to Public Infrastructure Advisory Board
  • D44: Appointment of Tom Camacho to Arts Commission
  • D45: Appointment of Kevin Kofchur to Planning and Zoning Board
  • D46: Appointment of Alena McAllister to Library Board of Trustees

Public Hearings

D47 – Site Plan Approval for Preschool (La Esperanza Preschool)

• Director of Development Services Amy Rencountre presented the site plan for a 16,000 sq ft preschool on Arena Drive (Unit 21, Block 4, Lots 17-20). The facility will serve 84 infants/toddlers and 80 preschoolers, creating 38 jobs. The applicant, Ruth Porta (owner), described her family’s veteran background and commitment to serving Rio Rancho since 2008. The owner’s representative presented a prefabricated metal building with natural light, playground, orchard, and garden plots. Councilor Lenentine noted the operator’s existing facilities are well-run. Councilor Tyler asked about infrastructure improvements on Arena Drive; the representative confirmed a traffic impact analysis and water line extension. Councilor Mann praised the orchard and raised beds. Councilor List noted the need for preschool options in the area.
• Vote: Approved unanimously (6-0).

D48 – Site Plan Approval for Daycare (Plaza Rio, Lot B)

• Director Rencountre presented a daycare site plan at Southern and Golf Course. The property owner previously sought a zone map amendment for multifamily but changed to daycare. Staff found it meets all standards. The architect was available for questions but had no presentation. Councilor List asked about age range; the architect was unsure but confirmed it is a preschool.
• Vote: Approved unanimously (6-0).

A2 & A3 – Appeals of Variance Approvals for 50‑Foot Lots (Lots 48 and 49)

• Director Rencountre presented both appeals together. The properties are on Northern Boulevard, zoned R-1 (60‑ft minimum lot width) but platted at 50 ft in 1965. An overlay ordinance (98-023) deems contiguous 50‑ft lots under common ownership as merged for zoning purposes. The lots in question were under common ownership from 1973 until December 2025, when they were sold to separate owners (CLI Properties for 704 Northern, Solano Builders for 700 Northern). The Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) approved variances for 50‑ft widths. The appellant, Rebecca Smith, argued that the overlay deems the lots merged while in common ownership, and the subsequent separate deeds should not void that; that the 50‑ft width alone does not constitute the exceptional hardship required for a variance (Section 150.06); and that the relationship between CLI Properties and Solano Builders (same builder acting as applicant on one lot and agent on the other) suggests the lots were deliberately separated to seek variances. Vera Utara, a neighbor, added that the builder had previous variance requests for 50‑ft lots and expressed concerns about property character, septic, drainage, and traffic. Diana Ramirez, representing the property owner, stated they did not know about the lot width issue at purchase and that they only had budget to buy one lot; the builder relationship was for construction convenience. The city staff noted that the overlay lacks enforcement mechanisms; lots were never formally merged, so no formal separation was needed. Since the overlay, 38% of lots in the three blocks (252 originally, now 198) have consolidated, but many single‑owner lots remain. Staff explained that denial of the variance could limit building on other single‑owner lots and potentially lead to takings claims. Council discussion centered on the hardship question and the equity for single‑owner lots if the appeals were granted.
• A2 Vote (Lot 48): Motion to approve appeal (overturn variance) failed 5-1 (Councilor Dabson voted yes; all others no). The PZB decision was upheld, allowing the variance.
• A3 Vote (Lot 49): Motion to approve appeal failed 4-2 (Councilor Dabson and Councilor List voted yes; all others no). The PZB decision was upheld.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved unanimously.
• D47 (preschool site plan) approved unanimously.
• D48 (daycare site plan) approved unanimously.
• Appeal A2 (Lot 48) denied 5-1, upholding the variance for a 50‑ft lot.
• Appeal A3 (Lot 49) denied 4-2, upholding the variance for a 50‑ft lot.
• City Manager reported upcoming events: Sunday Fun Day at Haynes Park (Aug 16), work session (Aug 18), Car Seat Clinic at Target on 528 (Aug 29), and New Mexico 1776 library event (Aug 29), and Councilor Meet & Greet/Pooch Plunge (Sept 12).