Rio Rancho Governing Body Meeting – October 8, 2026

The Rio Rancho Governing Body met on October 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public forum comments on a proposed rezoning and the city's Flock camera system, followed by unanimous approval of four construction and professional services contracts. Two external presentations on upcoming ballot measures were also given.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (6-0): Minutes from September 24, 2026 (special work session and regular meeting), and eight resolutions (R69–R75) authorizing budget adjustments to various funds and disposal of property. Also approved was D62, the final decision on a winery application (Vita Brevis LLC).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sherri Higgins (District 3 resident, HOA vice president) spoke in opposition to the rezoning of land at Camino Venata and Camino Incantatis, calling for the removal of Planning and Zoning Board Chairman Scotty Richardson for comments implying the outcome was predetermined. She argued residents deserve impartial review and meaningful participation.
• Ronald Bjorkland opposed the city's use of Flock cameras, asserting they constitute warrantless mass surveillance in violation of the Fourth Amendment. He cited a recent federal court ruling (U.S. v. Kyle) that suppressed Flock evidence, calling the system's data collection on innocent citizens unacceptable.
• Rich Kerner (HOA president, Lomas and Cantatas) presented a traffic count of 732 cars at the intersection in question (October 1, 2026, 4:22–6:00 PM). He noted 575 apartment units have been built in the area since 2019 and suggested the city consider buying the 20-year-old property for green space.
• Joaquin Montoya (speaking for DFLOC New Mexico) opposed Flock cameras, arguing they violate the Fourth Amendment's particularity requirement. He cited the Carpenter and Chatrie Supreme Court rulings and the recent U.S. v. Kyle decision, calling the system "indiscriminate mass surveillance" and demanding oversight or compliance plan.
• Aaron Taylor (20+ year resident, teacher) opposed the rezoning at Camino Encantadas and Camino Venada, citing safety concerns at a blind hill crosswalk where he has nearly been hit with his child. He also called for removal of Scotty Richardson.

Discussion Items

• D63 – Esther Bone Memorial Library Renovation Contract: Director Jason Shoup presented a $990,430.89 contract with Young Guns Construction for a major renovation/remodel of the 1992-built library. The project includes flooring, lighting, ceiling tiles, paint, bathroom upgrades, expanded programming room, nursing mother's room, children's shelving, and acoustic treatment. Funded by $750,000 from FY27 general fund and Sandoval County Library GO Bond. The library will close from January to May 2027; bookmobile and book locker service will be provided. Approved unanimously.
• D64 – Construction Oversight Contract with HDR, Inc.: Director BJ Gottlieb requested approval of a $684,605.36 contract (including gross receipts tax) for HDR to provide construction oversight and office services for the Southern Boulevard reconstruction at Nicholas Channel. The project is 85% federally funded (15% local match, with state grant covering much of the match). Approved unanimously.
• D65 – Southern Boulevard Reconstruction Contract with H.O. Construction, Inc.: A $5,642,671.22 contract (including tax) to reconstruct the Nicholas Channel crossing, including retaining walls, box culvert, and erosion control. Same funding split. Approved unanimously.
• D66 – Utilities Contract with New Mexico Underground, Inc.: A $1,913,516 contract (including tax) for water and sewer mains at existing platted roads to support the new Streets and Right-of-Way Maintenance Facility and future growth on Idelia Road. Funded by water/wastewater impact fees and utility revenue. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All four discussion items (D63–D66) were approved by unanimous 6-0 votes.
• No action was taken on public comments; they were received as input.
• The consent calendar was approved without objection.

Presentations (City Manager's Report)

• Olivia Padilla Jackson (VP for Finance, CNM) presented on the upcoming Higher Education Bond 3 (State GO Bond). If passed, it would provide $15 million to CNM for a Center for Technical Innovation at Sandia Science and Tech Park, with no tax increase. She highlighted CNM's economic impact ($825 million in FY24-25) and its partnership with Rio Rancho Public Schools.
• Megan Ellsworth (CEO, UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center) presented on the mill levy renewal on the November 3, 2026 ballot. She outlined hospital services, trauma care, behavioral health programs, and community outreach. The mill levy supports these services without a tax increase.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned after the city manager's updates on upcoming events (pumpkin patch, Fallfest, Goatheads hockey, road project).