Rio Rancho Parks and Works Commission Meeting September 21, 2026

The Parks and Works Commission met on September 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM (local time) to approve prior meeting minutes, receive staff updates on parks, facilities, aquatics, and programs, and to discuss and vote on changing the commission's meeting cadence to bi-monthly. The meeting was called to order at an unspecified time and adjourned at 6:44 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of June 15, 2026 Minutes: Approved unanimously via roll call (Commissioners Herrera, Edwards, French Barger, Leading, Marsh all voting yes). The minutes had been corrected from prior errors.
• Approval of August 17, 2026 Minutes: Approved unanimously via roll call (Commissioners French Barger, Herrera, Edwards, Marsh, Leading all voting yes). Commissioner Leading noted a correction that he was present via Zoom; the minutes were approved with that addition.

Staff Presentations

• Projects Update (Diane Sonye, Projects Division Manager): Reported on the Rio Rancho Bosque, noting massive dieback of cottonwood trees due to low water table and historic low river levels. The city has used goats to graze non-native species and worked with forestry to remove dead trees. This year alone, downed wood volume may meet or exceed prior years; felling of hazardous trees near trails is ongoing. The city is coordinating with Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District, and others on re-vegetation. Upcoming: A formal presentation on the Multi-Generation Center conceptual plan will be given at the Parks and Rec Commission’s October meeting (landscape architects to attend), followed by a public open house on November 9 (Monday) at Loma Colorado Library Auditorium.
• Parks and Facilities Update (Charles Fernandez, Superintendent, via Zoom): Reported that recent rains allowed irrigation to be turned off since Thursday, saving water and reducing wear. Rain helped hydroseeded areas at Canyon and Sports Complex but also promoted weeds and caused washouts at several parks (Los Milagros, Mariposa, Willow Creek Bosque Path, Northern Meadows). Repairs will wait until rain passes. Interviews for an open supervisor position begin tomorrow with seven in-house applicants.
• Aquatics Report (Bianca Baca, Aquatics Division Manager, via Zoom): Noted Special Olympics practices started at Rio Rancho Aquatic Center, sharing lanes with Mako Aquatics, running until mid-October. High school swim team tryouts begin last week of October. The Pooch Plunge (September 12) at Haynes Pool was successful. Regular fall hours continue.
• Deputy Director Reports (Ryan Armijo and Noah Trujillo): Armijo introduced himself as new to the commission; Trujillo had no report but returned for later discussion.
• Director’s Report (Connie Peterson): Highlighted the Pooch Plunge with 258 dogs and their owners, $5 per dog fee offset costs; also combined with a City Council meet-and-greet barbecue (Mayor Weimer and Councilors Culbreth, Mann, Liszt, Dabson attended). The Food Truck Fiesta scheduled for September 19 at Cabezone Park was canceled due to saturated grounds and risk of turf damage. An Arts and Crafts Exhibit and Rummage Sale took place at Star Heights Recreation Center. Registration open for Youth Basketball League (Nov 2–Mar 6, $150/child). Kids’ Zone Preschool at Sabana Grande Recreation Center serves ages 3–5. Upcoming events: Cabazone Shop Local Market (Oct 3), Fall Festival at Campus Park (Oct 24, 2–8 PM, including Trunk or Treat expecting 2,500 kids). Free half-day landfill day Nov 21 (8 AM–noon). Senior Services Guide and newsletter distributed. Commissioner questions clarified age requirement (55+ for senior activities) and e-waste recycling (limited to seniors; general residents can use Waste Management door pickup).

Discussion Items

• Meeting Cadence Change (Noah Trujillo, Deputy Director): Presented data showing an average of four canceled meetings per year (2023: 4, 2024: 4, 2025: 4, 2026 so far: 3). Proposed moving to bi-monthly (every other month) to allow more robust meetings and reduce cancellations. Discussion included timing to avoid holidays (e.g., Martin Luther King Day in January). Commissioner noted that this would reduce from eight to six meetings per year. Staff saw no concern, noting eight-week preparation time vs. current four-week. Chair can call special meetings if needed.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Meeting Cadence: Motion to move to bi-monthly meetings on even months starting February 2027 (January omitted). Passed unanimously (5–0) via roll call (Commissioners Herrera, Edwards, French Barger, Leading, Marsh all voting yes). Motion made by Commissioner Herrera, seconded by an unnamed commissioner.
• Other: No public hearings or public forum. Commissioner comments included an inquiry about a dilapidated Little Free Library box at Western Winds Park (Director Peterson will investigate) and appreciation for repair of the observatory roof at Rainbow Park (by the Rio Rancho Astronomy Society).