Artesia public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Artesia City Council will consider and approve the Eddy County Agreement A‑25‑156, which provides up to $4 M for Usherwoods Development, $2 M for EOG Development, and $0.5 M for a Housing Incentive, totaling $6.5 M. The council will also set hearings for two subdivision projects on January 13 2026, adopt an amendment to the Economic Development Resolution, and approve a memorandum to purchase real property for a housing development with Fairacres, LLC.

• Approval of Eddy County Agreement A‑25‑156: $4 M for Usherwoods, $2 M for EOG, $0.5 M housing incentive (total $6.5 M)
• Set hearing Jan 13 2026 for Preliminary Park Place Subdivision Unit 1 (47.651 acres south of 2519 W Hermosa Ave)
• Set hearing Jan 13 2026 for Armory Heights Subdivision final plat (59‑lot, 4.490 acres, 400 Block of Centre Ave)
• Adopt Resolution 1933 amendment to include streets as reimbursable infrastructure in the Economic Development Policy
• Approve Memorandum of Agreement with Fairacres, LLC for purchase and sale of real property for a housing development

The Artesia City Council approved the Eddy County Agreement A-25-156 that funds three housing and infrastructure projects. It set hearings for three subdivision cases and for an ordinance with Specialty Products USA, LLC. The council also adopted a flag display project, an amendment to the Economic Development Policy, and a memorandum of agreement with Fairacres, LLC, and entered and exited an executive‑session period.

• Approved Eddy County Agreement A-25-156 funding Usherwoods ($4,000,000), EOG ($2,000,000), and Housing Incentive ($500,000) (motion passed)
• Approved hearing on Jan 13 2026 for Case No. 24‑04, Preliminary Park Place Subdivision Unit 1 (motion passed)
• Approved hearing on Jan 13 2026 for Case No. 25‑10, Armory Heights Subdivision final plat (motion passed)
• Approved Resolution 1933 amendment to the Economic Development Policy (motion passed)
• Approved permanent flag displays for Troop 228 Boy Scouts at the Derrick Floor Statue on 6th and Main St (motion passed)
• Approved hearing on Jan 13 2026 for an ordinance on the participation agreement with Specialty Products USA, LLC (motion passed)
• Approved entry into executive session (Aye: Nelson, Townley, Mullen, Moreau, Bunt, Mariscal; Nay: none)
• Approved Memorandum of Agreement with Fairacres, LLC for purchase and sale of real property for a housing development (Aye: Nelson, Townley, Mullen, Moreau, Bunt, Mariscal; Nay: none)

City Council

The Artesia City Council will consider several items, including a public hearing on Ordinance 1146 that would amend the city code to add newly annexed parcels (248.469 acres and 69.927 acres) to District 2 and District 3. The council will also act on Resolution 1932 to adjust the FY2025‑2026 budget and approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the nonprofit Hero to Hero for fire‑department training. Additional agenda items include a request from Blue Star Therapy, LLC to use sidewalks and an alley at 611 W Mahone Suite A for a Christmas Polar Express event, and the hiring of seven new city employees.

• Ordinance 1146: amendment to add 248.469 acres to District 2 and 69.927 acres to District 3
• Resolution 1932: budget adjustment for FY2025‑2026
• MOU between City of Artesia Fire Department and Hero to Hero nonprofit
• Blue Star Therapy, LLC request to use sidewalks/alleys at 611 W Mahone Suite A for a holiday event
• Hiring of seven staff (four firefighters at $4,478.50/mo, IT supervisor $5,878.35/mo, COA van driver $2,920.67/mo, wastewater operator $2,920.67/mo)

The council approved a period for hearing visitors and authorized Blue Star Therapy to use city sidewalks for a Christmas Polar Express event. It passed Ordinance 1146, annexing newly added areas into Districts 2 and 3, and adopted Resolution 1932 to adjust the FY2025‑2026 budget. The council also approved hires for four fire‑fighter positions and an IT supervisor.

• Approved period for hearing visitors (motion passed)
• Approved Blue Star Therapy sidewalk use for Christmas event (motion passed)
• Approved Ordinance 1146 annexing new areas into Districts 2 and 3 (7‑0 vote)
• Approved Resolution 1932 budget adjustment for FY2025‑2026 (motion passed)
• Approved hire of Samuel Aguilar, Firefighter (uncontested approval)
• Approved hire of William Chavez, Firefighter (uncontested approval)
• Approved hire of Eberado Adame, Firefighter (uncontested approval)
• Approved hire of Myka Aguirre, Firefighter (uncontested approval)

City Council

The council ratified the Mainstreet request to hold the Light Up Artesia event on Dec. 4, 2025. It approved the bid award to White Sands Construction for the City Hall Annex remodel, the Stacks Sports Partner Agreement, and the disposition of city equipment to Lake Arthur. The council also approved a $13,900 budget adjustment for event‑approval automation, accepted two staff resignations, and adopted the annual records‑destruction list.

• Approved Light Up Artesia event request (motion passed)
• Approved item 2A – bid award to White Sands Construction for City Hall Annex remodel (motion passed)
• Approved Stacks Sports Partner Agreement (motion passed)
• Approved disposition of a Polaris Ranger and 143 folding chairs to Town of Lake Arthur (motion passed)
• Approved $13,900 budget adjustment for Civic Plus Process Automation Statement of Work (motion passed)
• Approved list of Annual Records Destruction (motion passed)
• Accepted resignation of Jennifer Cortez, Water Supervisor (effective Dec 11, 2025)
• Accepted resignation of Ismael Rivas, COA Van Driver (effective Dec 02, 2025)

City Council

The Artesia City Council will consider and approve a contract agreement with Sports Facilities Company. It will also vote on Ordinance 1145 to amend the annual leave policy, Resolution 1931 to amend the election resolution, and set a special meeting on Dec. 15 to hear an annexation ordinance. Additional items include ratifying a celebration permit for Pecos Flavors at Kith & Kin and approving a budget adjustment resolution.

• Contract agreement with Sports Facilities Company
• Ordinance 1145 – amendment to Section 1-6-16(B) Annual Leave
• Resolution 1931 – amendment to the Election Resolution
• Special meeting set for Dec. 15 to hear annexation ordinance for Districts 2 and 3
• Ratification of mayor’s permit for Pecos Flavors celebration at Kith & Kin

The council approved the consent agenda, a memorandum of understanding with Eddy County for the New Mexico Digital Trunked Radio System, and an airport hangar lease with Generation Jets, LLC. It hired four new employees, accepted the resignation of Police Sergeant Steven Devore, and unanimously passed Ordinance 1145 amending the annual leave policy. The council also adopted Resolution 1931 to amend the election resolution and directed staff to continue negotiating a real‑property purchase.

• Approved consent agenda (motion passed)
• Approved MOU with Eddy County for NM Digital Trunked Radio System (motion passed)
• Approved Airport Hangar Lease with Generation Jets, LLC (motion passed)
• Approved hiring of Celina Lewis, Jared Valdez, Gabriel Cabezuela, and Juan Losoya (motion passed)
• Accepted resignation of Police Sergeant Steven Devore (motion passed)
• Approved Ordinance 1145 amending annual leave (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 1931 amending election resolution (unanimous)
• Directed staff to continue negotiating purchase of real property (unanimous)

City Council

The Artesia City Council will consider Case No. 25-07, a variance to place two mobile homes on Lot F and Lot H that do not meet required setbacks. The council will also review Case No. 25-08, a preliminary plat for the Armory Heights subdivision on West Centre Avenue, and a resolution to adjust the FY 2025-2026 budget. Additional items include accepting a $250 donation from the Tractor Supply foundation for the police department and approving a FY26 State Aid Grant Agreement with the New Mexico State Library for the Artesia Public Library.

• Case No. 25-07 variance to place two mobile homes on Lot F & Lot H, North Park West
• Case No. 25-08 preliminary plat for Armory Heights subdivision, 400 block West Centre Avenue
• Resolution 1930 budget adjustment to FY 2025-2026 budget
• Acceptance of $250.00 donation from Tractor Supply foundation for Police Department
• Approval of FY26 State Aid Grant Agreement between NM State Library and Artesia Public Library

The council approved the consent agenda, including the FY26 State Aid Grant for the public library, and adopted a budget adjustment for FY 2025‑2026. It also approved a variance for two mobile homes, a preliminary plat for the Armory Heights subdivision, and an environmental test access agreement for several streets. Additionally, the council accepted a $250 donation from the Tractor Supply Foundation and set a public hearing for a leave‑policy amendment. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved Main Street Pearl Harbor Day street‑closure request (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda, including FY26 State Aid Grant (unanimous)
• Approved variance Case No. 25‑07 for two mobile homes (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 1144 for Armory Heights subdivision plat (unanimous)
• Approved public hearing on Nov 25 for annual leave amendment (unanimous)
• Accepted $250 donation from Tractor Supply Foundation (unanimous)
• Approved environmental test access agreement for multiple streets (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 1930 budget adjustment to FY 2025‑2026 budget (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider amending job descriptions for the Streets Foreman and Building Inspector I. The body will also discuss the selection of projects for 2026 Legislative Capital Outlay Funding Requests and ratify the FY2027-2031 Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan ranking.

• Acceptance of a $10,000 donation from Devon Energy for the Police Department
• Ratification of the FY2027-2031 Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan (ICIP) Ranking
• Selection of projects for 2026 Legislative Capital Outlay Funding Requests
• Amendment of Streets Foreman and Building Inspector I job descriptions
• Executive session regarding pending litigation and disposal of real property

The Artesia City Council approved the consent agenda and accepted several personnel changes, including one retirement and three resignations. The council also approved amendments to the Streets Foreman and Building Inspector I job descriptions, ratified the FY2027‑2031 Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan ranking, accepted a $10,000 donation from Devon Energy, and approved the 2026 legislative capital outlay funding request.

• Approved consent agenda (motion passed)
• Accepted retirement of John Sopher, Facilities Maintenance Foreman
• Accepted resignations of Marcos Munoz (Parks Foreman), Roberto Baeza (Fire Lieutenant Paramedic), and Jose Ramos (Water Operator)
• Approved amendment to Streets Foreman job description
• Approved amendment to Building Inspector I job description
• Accepted $10,000 donation from Devon Energy
• Ratified FY2027‑2031 Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan ranking
• Approved 2026 legislative capital outlay funding request as presented

City Council

The City Council will discuss the 2027-2031 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan and bulk water rate amendments. The body is also considering a donation of the Land-Sun Theater from AMC and permits for the Balloons, Bands & Brews Festival.

• Resolution 1924: FY 2027-2031 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP)
• Resolution 1925: Amendment to bulk water rates
• MOU with American Multi-Cinema, Inc. for the donation of "The Land-Sun Theater"
• Case No. 25-07: Variance for 2 mobile homes at R276 N 13th St Space F & Space H
• Case No. 25-08: Preliminary Plat for Armory Heights Subdivision (400 Block of West Centre Avenue)

The council voted to reconvene from executive session and gave staff direction to continue work on real‑property matters, including the disposal of an industrial park. The council also approved the hiring of Hailey Klein as City Administrator. All motions passed.

• Approved reconvening from executive session (unanimous Aye: Nelson, Townley, Youtsey, Mullen, Rodriguez, Bunt, Mariscal)
• Approved staff direction to continue real‑property work and permit site visits for industrial park disposal (unanimous Aye: Mullen, Youtsey, Townley, Mariscal, Bunt, Rodriguez)
• Approved hiring of Hailey Klein as City Administrator (motion passed)

City Council

The Artesia City Council will convene a special meeting to determine if a quorum is present and to hold an executive session regarding a limited personnel matter with the City Administrator. The meeting will be held at the Artesia Chamber of Commerce.

• Executive session for City Administrator personnel matter
• Meeting location: Artesia Chamber of Commerce, 107 N 1st
• Meeting date: October 8th, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to conduct interviews for the City Administrator position. This portion of the meeting will take place in executive session.

• City Administrator interviews

Councilors moved to go into executive session and later to come out of it. Both motions were seconded and passed with all members voting aye and no nay votes. No other business was acted upon.

• Entered executive session (motion passed, unanimous ayes)
• Exited executive session (motion passed, unanimous ayes)

City Council

The Artesia City Council convened a special meeting on September 29, 2025. The council entered an executive session to conduct interviews for the City Administrator position, a limited personnel matter under state open‑meetings law. The agenda indicates the council may take action based on the interview outcomes. No other substantive items were listed.

• Executive session: City Administrator interviews (limited personnel matter)

The council voted to go into an executive session for a limited personnel matter, and the motion passed with all members voting aye. Later, the council voted to come out of the executive session, and that motion also passed unanimously. No other business was considered.

• Entered executive session (unanimous aye)
• Exited executive session (unanimous aye)

City Council

The Artesia City Council will consider a zoning variance for a fence encroaching on an alley and sewer line, approve a real estate exchange agreement with the school board, and approve personnel and contract agreements.

• Zoning Board of Appeals Case No. 25-05: Variance for fence encroaching 9.71ft into alley and over sewer line at 1005 Mahon Drive
• Ordinance 1143: Approval of real estate exchange agreement between City of Artesia and Board of Education of Artesia Public Schools
• Airport Ground Lease Agreement: Between City of Artesia and BY Hanger LLC
• Bulk water services agreement: Between City of Artesia and HF Sinclair Navajo Refining LLC
• Trick or Treat date change: Moving from Friday, October 31, 2025, to Saturday, November 1, 2025

The council unanimously approved Ordinance 1143, authorizing a real‑estate exchange between the City of Artesia and the Artesia Public Schools Board of Education. It also adopted Resolution 1922 (Red Circle Policy), amended the disposal list to include fire equipment (Resolution 1923), and approved both an airport ground lease with BY Hanger LLC and a bulk‑water services agreement with HF Sinclair Navajo Refining LLC. Additionally, the council moved the Trick‑or‑Treat celebration to November 1, 2025, and confirmed several personnel actions.

• Approved Ordinance 1143 (real‑estate exchange) – Ayes: Rodriguez, Bunt, Mariscal, Mullen, Mayor Pro tem Youtsey, Townley, Nelson; Nay: none
• Adopted Resolution 1922 (Red Circle Policy) – motion passed
• Amended disposal list to add fire equipment (Resolution 1923) – motion passed
• Approved Airport Ground Lease Agreement with BY Hanger LLC – motion passed
• Approved bulk‑water services agreement with HF Sinclair Navajo Refining LLC – Mayor Pro tem Youtsey abstained, all others Aye
• Moved Trick‑or‑Treat date to November 1, 2025 – motion passed
• Authorized hires: Bryce Ellington (Police Officer), Jose Moncada (Cemetery Equipment Operator), Angel Torres‑Gonzales (Police Officer)
• Authorized promotions: Justin Benevidez (Water Operator), Porfirio Segura (COA Maintenance Tech), Ariana Reyes (Police Records Clerk)

City Council

The Artesia City Council will meet for a special session to address standard procedural matters. The agenda includes a determination of quorum, an invocation, and an executive‑session discussion concerning a limited personnel matter involving the City Administrator. No specific actions or details are provided in the agenda.

• Call to order
• Determination as to whether quorum present
• Invocation and pledge of allegiance
• Executive session: limited personnel matter – City Administrator
• Adjournment

The council voted to enter an executive session for a limited personnel matter concerning the City Administrator, and the motion passed unanimously. After the executive session, the council voted to reconvene, which also passed unanimously. No other business was taken and the meeting adjourned.

• Approved executive session for City Administrator personnel matter (unanimous)
• Approved reconvening from executive session (unanimous)

City Council

The Artesia City Council will determine quorum, take the pledge of allegiance, and review new requests for city facilities. The council will consider and vote on Resolution 1920 for an auction on October 11, 2025, and Resolution 1921 to adjust the FY 2025‑2026 budget. Additional items include a sublease decision for the Artesia Airport and several personnel hires, promotions, and resignations.

• Approval of Resolution 1921: Budget Adjustment to FY 2025‑2026 Budget
• Approval of Resolution 1920: Auction on Saturday, October 11, 2025 per §§13‑6‑6 to 13‑6‑8 1978 NMSA
• Consideration and approval of sublease of the ground lease at Artesia Airport with Viva Sky Dive and rescinding sublease with Skydive New Mexico
• New facility requests: Artesia Chamber of Commerce Urban Air Stream Rally (Nov 6‑9, 2025) and Alissa Caldera’s Baby Shower at Central Park (Sept 27, 2025, 12:00‑2:00 pm)
• Personnel actions: hires – Ray Castillo ($2,920.67/month) and Joel Apodaca ($2,920.67/month); promotions – Chris Gallegos ($8,567.87/month) and Lakevius Turner ($6,718.40/month); resignations – Tygh Garibay (Firefighter/EMT) and Paul Klontz (Electrical Inspector)

The council approved the Urban Air Stream Rally for November 6‑9 and authorized a baby‑shower in Central Park on September 27. It hired two equipment operators, ratified a library clerk, promoted two police officers, and accepted a firefighter resignation and an electrical inspector retirement. The council also approved a sublease of airport land to Viva Sky Dive, adopted a resolution to hold an auction on October 11, and passed a FY 2025‑26 budget adjustment.

• Approved Urban Air Stream Rally (Nov 6‑9) – motion passed
• Approved Central Park baby‑shower (Sept 27) – motion passed
• Hired Ray Castillo and Joel Apodaca as equipment operators – motion passed
• Promoted Chris Gallegos to Police Commander – motion passed
• Approved sublease of airport land to Viva Sky Dive – motion passed
• Approved Resolution 1920 for auction on Oct 11 – motion passed
• Approved Resolution 1921 FY 2025‑26 budget adjustment – motion passed
• Accepted resignation of firefighter Tygh Garibay – motion passed

City Council

The council approved Ordinance 1142, vacating a 20‑foot alley at 702 W Chisum Ave. It also set public hearings for a zoning variance and a real‑estate exchange agreement, approved several permits and celebrations, and took personnel actions including a police employee suspension and new hires.

• Approved Ordinance 1142 vacating 20‑foot alley at 702 W Chisum Ave (5‑0)
• Set public hearing Sep 23, 2025 for Zoning Board variance at 1005 Mahon Drive (5‑0)
• Set public hearing Sep 23, 2025 for Real Estate Exchange Agreement with Artesia Public Schools (unanimous)
• Approved public celebration permit for Red Dirt Black Gold festival at Milton’s Brewery (unanimous)
• Approved JS Ward & Sons 100‑year anniversary celebration with street closures (unanimous)
• Approved suspension of a police department employee (5‑0)
• Hired James Jarratt as Garage Apprentice Mechanic at $3,478.80 per month (unanimous)
• Promoted Brenda Carrasco to Police IPRA Specialist (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss personnel changes, including a resolution to add a City Administrator position. The body is also reviewing permits for the Red Dirt Black Gold Festival and several capital appropriation project agreements.

• Resolution 1916 to amend the Classification Plan to add a City Administrator position
• Agreement with DFA for Capital Appropriation Projects 25-J2977, 25-J2978, 25-J2979, and 25-J2980
• Resolution 1917 and road closures for the Red Dirt Black Gold Festival (Sept 11-13, 2025)
• Proposed ground lease sublease at Artesia Airport for Richard Champion and Skydive New Mexico
• Ratification of professional service agreement between the City of Artesia and CGR

The council adopted Resolution 1916, amending the classification plan to add a City Administrator role. It also ratified a professional service agreement with CGR, a sublease of the Artesia Airport ground lease to Skydive New Mexico, and an agreement with DFA for four capital appropriation projects. Additional actions included approving several city‑facility use requests, a public celebration permit for NMRLD, accepting four employee resignations, and passing the consent agenda.

• Approved Resolution 1916 to add City Administrator position (motion passed)
• Approved professional service agreement with CGR (motion passed)
• Approved sublease of Artesia Airport ground lease to Skydive New Mexico (motion passed)
• Approved agreement with DFA for Capital Appropriation Projects 25-J2977 to 25-J2980 (motion passed)
• Approved public celebration permit for NMRLD 100th Anniversary Celebration (motion passed)
• Approved use of Baish Park for award recognition on Aug 2, 2025 (motion passed)
• Accepted resignations of Aliciana Simms, Angel Torrez‑Gonzales, Saul Peralta Jr., and Melissa Rutledge (motion passed)
• Approved the consent agenda as written (motion passed)

City Council

The council approved awarding the ATS Hangers project contract to JIWT&T, Inc. It also approved setting a public hearing for August 26, 2025 on the Chisum Addition property case. Finally, the council adopted Resolution 1915, approving the 2025‑2026 final budget and related financial reports.

• Approved award of ATS Hangers contract to JIWT&T, Inc.
• Approved setting a public hearing on August 26, 2025 for Case No. 25-06, Chisum Addition
• Approved Resolution 1915 adopting the 2025‑2026 final budget and related reports

City Council

The council approved the consent agenda, despite one dissenting vote. It awarded the bid for water pump and well repair services to Pecos Valley Pump Inc. and approved several inter‑governmental agreements, new hires, a job description, and event permits. The council also accepted the resignation of a community service officer and the retirement of the fire chief.

• Approved consent agenda (passed, Councilor Rodriguez voted nay)
• Approved award of bid for Water Pump and Well Pull services to Pecos Valley Pump Inc.
• Approved Agreement A-25-61 between Eddy County and the City of Artesia
• Approved Joint Powers Agreement between Artesia Public Schools and the City Police Department
• Approved hiring of Lisa Davis (Recreation Specialist), Juan Canales (Streets Equipment Operator), and Wesley Downs (Firefighter)
• Accepted resignation of Stephon Porter, Community Service Officer (effective July 19, 2025)
• Accepted retirement of Armando Lucero, Division Fire Chief (effective July 31, 2025)
• Ratified Mayor Henry’s approval for Wild West Fest public celebration permit and Resolution 1914

City Council

The council approved four community event requests and hired new police and water staff. It adopted resolutions to amend job descriptions and reclassify a safety position. A proposal to adopt a Department Head structure was rejected 3‑4, while a motion to create a City Administrator position passed 4‑3.

• Moved agenda item 16.C to 16.A – approved
• Approved Artesia Boys Soccer Boosters tournament waiver (July 12) – approved
• Approved First Methodist Church Party in the Park (Aug 2) – approved
• Approved USSSA Fast Pitch event at Jaycee Park (July 18) – approved
• Approved M&R Trucking company picnic at Jaycee Park (Sept 27) – approved
• Approved hiring of Steven Rosser as Police Officer – approved
• Motion to adopt Department Head structure – failed 3‑4
• Motion to create City Administrator position – passed 4‑3

City Council

The Artesia City Council approved a variance to re‑plat Lot 11, Block 50 (7‑0 vote). It also approved the police department’s acceptance of an AXON quote and the donation of three Chevrolet Tahoe units to the Santa Rosa Police Department. In addition, the council adopted the consent agenda and passed Resolutions 1908, 1909 and 1910 covering a runway rehabilitation design phase, participation in the NM DOT Capital Outlay Program, and a 2024‑2025 budget adjustment.

• Approved variance for Lot 11, Block 50 (7‑0)
• Approved Artesia Arts Council Star Spangle Fun Run facility request
• Approved Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Fall Fiesta 5k Run/Walk facility request
• Approved consent agenda
• Police department approved AXON quote
• Approved donation of three Chevrolet Tahoe units to Santa Rosa Police Department
• Approved Resolution 1908 – Runway 4/22 Rehabilitation design phase
• Approved Resolution 1909 – Participation in NM DOT Capital Outlay Program

City Council

The council approved the consent agenda, which included accepting the retirement of Police Commander Larry Harrell and the termination of Equipment Operator David Davies. It also approved a FY2025 budget adjustment, the donation of a Chevrolet Tahoe to the New Mexico Military Institute police department, and the acceptance of a 1950 Dodge Stake Bed Truck for the Artesia Historical Museum. Additionally, the council authorized a police officer to attend a field sobriety training course and moved agenda Item 9 after Item 5.

• Approved consent agenda (including retirement of Larry Harrell and termination of David Davies)
• Approved FY2025 budget adjustment (Resolution 1907)
• Approved donation of Chevrolet Tahoe to NM Military Institute Police Department
• Approved acceptance of 1950 Dodge Stake Bed Truck for Artesia Historical Museum
• Authorized one police employee to attend Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Instructor Course
• Moved Item 9 after Special Reports Item 5 on the agenda

City Council

Councilor Rodriguez moved to terminate Sandra Martinez from her position, and Councilor Moreau seconded the motion. The motion passed with four ayes (Townley, Moreau, Rodriguez, Bunt) and two nays (Mullen, Mariscal). The meeting was then adjourned.

• Terminate Sandra Martinez from her position (4-2)

City Council

The council approved Resolution 1906, amending the Classification Plan to provide a 7% salary increase for department heads this year, with a minor adjustment. The motion was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Youtsey, seconded by Councilor Michael Bunt, and passed by vote. The meeting also included a presentation of the final fiscal year budget, but no further actions were taken. The council adjourned at 5:22 p.m.

• Approved Resolution 1906 amendment to Classification Plan (7% increase for department heads)

City Council

The council approved the FY 2026 interim budget (Resolution 1904) and an amendment to the interim classification plan (Resolution 1903). It also approved several infrastructure items, including an extension agreement with J & H, a public hearing for a variance, and the Infrastructure Reimbursement and Economic Development plans. Additional personnel actions were taken, such as hiring a new firefighter, accepting resignations, and terminating two infrastructure employees.

• Approved FY 2026 Interim Budget (Resolution 1904) – motion passed
• Approved Amendment to Interim Classification Plan (Resolution 1903) – motion passed
• Approved extension agreement with J & H for 4" and Centre property, with caveat – motion passed
• Approved setting public hearing on June 17, 2025 for Variance case – motion passed
• Approved Infrastructure Reimbursement Plan and Economic Development Policy – motion passed
• Hired Tygh Garibay as Firefighter EMTB at $5,038.93 per month – motion passed
• Accepted resignation of Josh Bechtel (IT/Senior IT Technician) effective 5/30/2025 – motion passed
• Terminated two infrastructure employees – motion passed

City Council

The council adopted Resolution 1907, adjusting the 2024‑2025 budget to allocate $650,000 for pickleball courts. Resolutions 1903 (Classification Plan amendment) and 1904 (FY2016 preliminary budget) were tabled for consideration on May 27, 2025. The council also scheduled a vote on establishing a city manager position for the June 10 meeting.

• Approved Resolution 1907 budget adjustments, adding $650,000 for pickleball courts (adopted June 2025)
• Tabled Resolution 1903 (Amendment to Classification Plan) for May 27, 2025
• Tabled Resolution 1904 (FY2016 Preliminary Budget) for May 27, 2025
• Scheduled vote on city manager position for June 10, 2025

City Council

The council adopted the International Fire Code 2021 and approved the NFL flag‑football program for recreation. It also ratified several public‑facility uses, including the City Star Circus, a Memorial Day flag ceremony and a children’s parade, and approved a mural contract with a liability release. New hires were approved, and the resignation of the building inspector was accepted.

• Adopt International Fire Code 2021 (motion passed)
• Approve NFL Flag Football program for recreation (motion passed)
• Approve mural contract with Artesia Clean and Beautiful, including city liability release (motion passed)
• Ratify Mayor Henry's approval for City Star Circus at MLK Park May 8‑11 (motion passed)
• Approve Memorial Day Flag Ceremony street closure on 5th Street to Alleyway on Texas Ave (motion passed)
• Approve Nonmotorized Children’s Parade street closure from First American Bank–Roselawn & Quay to 61° Street (motion passed)
• Hire Hoyt Maciain as Police Officer (motion passed)
• Accept resignation of Jacob Lopez, Building Inspector (Electrical) (motion passed)

City Council

The council approved Ordinance 1140 for the Arbor Estates Subdivision plat and Ordinance 1141 amending vacation plats, both with unanimous ayes. It also adopted Resolution 1902 establishing the fiscal year 2026. Additional items approved included a donation of modular vehicle barrier equipment and the consent agenda.

• Approved Ordinance 1140 (Arbor Estates Subdivision plat) – Ayes: Nelson, Youtsey, Mullen, Moreau, Rodriguez, Bunt, Mariscal; Nays: none
• Approved Ordinance 1141 (Amendment to Vacation Plats) – Ayes: Mariscal, Bunt, Rodriguez, Moreau, Mullen, Youtsey, Nelson; Nays: none
• Approved Resolution 1902 adopting Fiscal Year 2026 – vote passed (tally not recorded)
• Approved donation of modular vehicle barrier equipment to Police Department – vote passed (tally not recorded)
• Approved consent agenda – vote passed (tally not recorded)
• Approved motion to move item 16A – vote passed (tally not recorded)
• Approved motion to enter public hearing session – vote passed (tally not recorded)
• Approved motion to adjourn public hearings – vote passed (tally not recorded)

City Council

The council approved the recreation recommendation to replace tackle football with flag football for the 5‑ and 6‑year‑old grades. The council also approved several personnel actions, including hiring Damon Trevino as an uncertified police officer, accepting three employee resignations, and confirming continued employment for all city staff. Additional approvals included a name correction to Resolution 1902, the appointive officers list, and motions to enter and later exit executive session.

• Approved flag football change for 5‑ and 6‑year‑old divisions (passed)
• Approved hiring of Damon Trevino as uncertified police officer (passed)
• Accepted resignation of Caden Boulden, Wastewater Assistant (passed)
• Accepted resignation of Rene Frazee, Water Technician (passed)
• Accepted resignation of Emily Baeza, Detention Officer (passed)
• Approved name correction to Resolution 1902 (passed)
• Approved appointive officers list (passed)
• Approved motion to enter executive session (passed)

City Council

The council approved the preliminary plat for the Artesia General Hospital tract and adopted Ordinance 1139 to vacate a portion of public right‑of‑way. It also approved a law‑enforcement grant agreement, a budget adjustment, and several facility requests including an ambulance standby waiver and a downtown street dance. Hiring for two water‑department technicians and the resignation and termination of two fire cadets were also approved.

• Approved Case No. 25‑01 preliminary plat for Artesia General Hospital (7 Ayes, 1 abstention)
• Approved Ordinance 1139 vacating 0.412 acres of right‑of‑way and replatting lots in North Park Subdivision (8 Ayes, 0 nay)
• Approved Law Enforcement Retention Fund Grant agreement with NM Department of Public Safety (motion passed)
• Approved Resolution 1900 budget adjustment for FY 2024‑2025 (motion passed)
• Approved NMSU ambulance standby fee waiver for April 5 football game (motion passed)
• Approved Artesia MainStreet Downtown Street Dance event on March 28 (motion passed)
• Approved hiring of Alejandro Dominguez and Matthew Aguilar as Water Department technicians (motion passed)
• Accepted resignation of Firefighter Cadet Zaedyn Logan and termination of Firefighter Cadet Andrew West (motion passed)