Carlsbad meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Carlsbad boards mostly idle; Council budget and contracts listed Oct. 13 with no minutes yet published

Most Carlsbad boards and commissions that met in the past two weeks either cancelled, lost a quorum or handled only routine business, according to the agendas and minutes reviewed. The largest item on any agenda was the City Council's Oct. 13 review of the FY26-27 final budget and several contract awards — but no minutes from that meeting have been published, so the records reviewed do not show whether the council approved any of them.

City Council: budget and contracts listed, outcome not yet documented

The Oct. 13 City Council agenda listed approval of the FY26-27 Final Budget and proposed budgetary adjustments, along with several contract items: a bid award to Constructors, Inc for Reconstruction of Runway 3-21 at Cavern City Air Terminal; Bid 2026-13, an award to Lost Dutchman Enterprises, Inc for a Polaris Ranger Crew Cab for the Fire Department; Resolution 2026-65 regarding the FY28 NMDOT Transit Grant Application; and a GRO Governmental Entity Subgrantee Agreement for Fire Department costs. The summaries reviewed did not include dollar amounts for these items, and no minutes have been published.

What was actually decided

• **Riverwalk Recreation Complex Advisory Board, Oct. 6:** Approved minutes from Sept. 1, 2026 on a 5-0 vote. The board made no other substantive decisions. Staff presented the September 2026 monthly report, citing strong basketball court usage and maintenance updates including hockey rink lighting and floor painting, and the board reviewed preparations for the Oct. 27 Trunk or Treat event.
• **Lake Carlsbad Golf Course Advisory Board, Oct. 7:** Roll call determined a quorum was not present. No substantive decisions or official actions were taken.
• **Beautification Committee, Oct. 8:** The meeting was called to order, but roll call determined a quorum was not present. No substantive decisions were made.
• **Carlsbad Community Volunteer Network Advisory Board, Oct. 5:** The meeting was cancelled. The agenda contained no items for decision or discussion, and the notice was marked "FOR INFORMATION ONLY."

Land use: 93-lot and 135-lot subdivision plats on P&Z agenda

The Planning & Zoning Commission met Oct. 5 at 5:00 PM at the Janell Whitlock Municipal Complex. Its agenda included a preliminary plat for 93 new residential lots at Carlston Drive and Derrick Road (tracts 3 and 4), and a variance from Ord. 47-62(d) for the Fuson Bypass Development to create 135 lots without required curb, gutter, sidewalks or streetlights off West Bypass Road and Hidalgo Rural Road. Also listed: a variance from Ord. 56-90(b) for a 26'x46' carport with zero front setback and 1' side setback at 1003 North Thomas Street; conditional use permits for a home office at 4111 South Thomason Road and a photography studio at 4211 Balsa Street; a preliminary plat creating 5 new lots south of 3004 West Texas Street; and variances at 307B East Chapman Road and 4104/4210 National Parks Highway. No minutes have been published.

Water, sewer and wells

The Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners met Oct. 15 to review permit requests within the City's Wellhead Protection Area: a natural gas pipeline from Enterprise Field Services LLC, a produced water pipeline from Mewbourne Oil, and a Mewbourne Oil request to drill six oil and gas wells. Monthly utility and financial reports were also listed. No minutes have been published.

Other business on agendas

• **Shooting Range Advisory Committee, Oct. 8:** review of approved range reservations; discussion of range maintenance and improvements.
• **Disabilities Advisory Board, Oct. 9:** a proposed partnership with the Carlsbad Foundation to accept donations for a Dec. 3, 2026 event, plus discussion of sidewalk, parking and street repair concerns.
• **Parks and Recreation and Tree Advisory Board, Oct. 12:** approval of the next Arbor Day Celebration, an update on Pecos River aquatic vegetation removal, and discussion of the "See It, Click It, Fix It" app.
• **Board of Solid Waste Commissioners, Oct. 12:** review of the Chapter 2 Ordinance and the September 2026 solid waste and vehicle breakdown reports.
• **Cascades Recreation and Wellness Center Advisory Board, Oct. 14:** reviews of the Sept. 18 Health Fair & Vaccine Clinic, Sept. 25 jam session and Oct. 3 multi-family garage sale, plus discussion of the Oct. 30 Halloween Dance.
• **Historic Preservation Board, Oct. 15:** discussion of adopting an ordinance and overlay zone, historical property plaques, the 2027 New Mexico State Historic Preservation Conference, and Dr. McIntosh's status on the board.
• **Cemetery Advisory Board, Oct. 15:** July–September 2026 cemetery and maintenance reports, and a bench placed at the Veterans Cemetery.

Coming up

• **Oct. 21 — Veterans Memorial Advisory Board:** foundation financial report, donations and sponsorships, and the veterans bench placement procedure.
• **Oct. 21 — Carlsbad Museum Advisory Board:** the exhibition "José Guadalupe Posada: Legendary Printmaker of Mexico" (Sept–Dec 2026), an Oct. 23 reception for Posada Art Foundation Director Jim Nikas, "Searching for Posada: Art and Revolutions" at the Cavern Theatre on Oct. 24, a Nov. 12 Native American Heritage Month Celebration with Tony and Violet Duncan, and community-generated exhibits from Feb–May 2027.
• **Oct. 22 — Bob Forrest Youth Sports Complex Advisory Board:** updates on league play, practices and tournaments, capital projects, and a report from fields contractor Will Merchant.
• **Oct. 23 — Disabilities Advisory Board (special meeting):** recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 3, 2026.

Carlsbad boards log no substantive decisions; City Council takes up FY26-27 budget

Carlsbad's advisory boards and commissions recorded no substantive action on money, land, or services over the past two weeks, based on the meeting records available. The only items marked as decided were two meetings that could not proceed: the Lake Carlsbad Golf Course Advisory Board on October 7 and the Beautification Committee on October 8 each determined at roll call that a quorum was not present, and no official actions were taken. A third meeting, the Carlsbad Community Volunteer Network Advisory Board set for October 5, was cancelled. Most other recent meetings are listed as agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so their outcomes are not yet established. The largest item ahead is the City Council's October 13 consideration of the FY26-27 final budget.

City Council to take up FY26-27 final budget and contracts (Oct. 13)

The City Council agenda lists approval of the FY26-27 Final Budget and proposed budgetary adjustments. Also listed are several contract and grant items: a bid award to Constructors, Inc. for reconstruction of Runway 3-21 at Cavern City Air Terminal; Bid 2026-13, an award to Lost Dutchman Enterprises, Inc. for a Polaris Ranger Crew Cab for the Fire Department; Resolution 2026-65 regarding the FY28 NMDOT Transit Grant Application; and a GRO Governmental Entity Subgrantee Agreement for Fire Department costs. These are agenda items. No votes had been recorded in the summaries provided.

Planning & Zoning weighed subdivision plats and variances (Oct. 5)

The Planning & Zoning Commission's October 5 agenda included a preliminary plat creating 93 new residential lots at Carlston Drive and Derrick Road (tracts 3 and 4), and a variance from Ord. 47-62(d) for the Fuson Bypass Development to create 135 lots without required curb, gutter, sidewalks, or streetlights off West Bypass Road and Hidalgo Rural Road. Also listed: a variance from Ord. 56-90(b) for a 26'x46' carport with zero front setback and 1' side setback at 1003 North Thomas Street; conditional use permits for a home office at 4111 South Thomason Road and a photography studio at 4211 Balsa Street; a preliminary plat creating 5 new lots south of 3004 West Texas Street; and variances at 307B East Chapman Road and 4104/4210 National Parks Highway. Minutes have not been published.

Water and Sewer to review pipeline and well permits (Oct. 15)

The Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners is scheduled to review permit requests within the City's Wellhead Protection Area: a natural gas pipeline from Enterprise Field Services LLC, a produced water pipeline from Mewbourne Oil, and a request from Mewbourne Oil to drill six oil and gas wells. Monthly utility and financial reports are also listed.

Other board business

• **Senior center (Oct. 2):** update on Alejandro Ruiz Senior Center renovations, approval of September 4 minutes, and discussion of the October newsletter and weekly activities.
• **Riverwalk (Oct. 6):** September 2026 monthly report, listed for information only, and approval of September 1 minutes.
• **Shooting Range (Oct. 8):** review of approved range reservations and discussion of range maintenance and improvements.
• **Disabilities (Oct. 9):** a proposed partnership with the Carlsbad Foundation to accept donations for a December 3, 2026 event, plus discussion of sidewalk, parking, and street repairs. A special meeting October 23 will discuss the International Day of Persons with Disabilities recognition.
• **Parks and Recreation and Tree (Oct. 12):** approval of the next Arbor Day Celebration, an update on Pecos River aquatic vegetation removal, and discussion of the "See It, Click It, Fix It" app for the Parks Department.
• **Solid Waste (Oct. 12):** review of the Chapter 2 Ordinance for Boards, Commissions, and Committees, plus September 2026 solid waste and vehicle breakdown reports.
• **Cascades (Oct. 14):** review of the September 18 health fair and vaccine clinic, September 25 jam session, and October 3 multi-family garage sale, plus discussion of an October 30 Halloween Dance.
• **Historic Preservation (Oct. 15):** discussion of adopting an ordinance and overlay zone, plaques for historical properties, the 2027 New Mexico State Historic Preservation Conference, and an update on Dr. McIntosh's status on the board.
• **Cemetery (Oct. 15):** July through September 2026 cemetery and maintenance reports, and discussion of a bench placed at the Veterans Cemetery.
• **Bob Forrest Youth Sports (Oct. 22):** updates on league play, tournaments, and capital projects, plus a report by fields contractor Will Merchant.

Coming up

• **Oct. 13:** City Council, FY26-27 final budget and contract awards.
• **Oct. 14:** Cascades Recreation and Wellness Center Advisory Board.
• **Oct. 15:** Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners; Historic Preservation Board; Cemetery Advisory Board.
• **Oct. 22:** Bob Forrest Youth Sports Complex Advisory Board.
• **Oct. 23:** Disabilities Advisory Board special meeting.

All upcoming items are agenda listings; outcomes are not yet known. No dollar amounts or vote tallies were included in the summaries provided.

Carlsbad Council Approves Rezoning, Alcohol Permits; Boards Re-elect Officers

The Carlsbad City Council on Aug. 11 approved a routine business agenda that included a rezoning, alcohol permits for two brewery events, and agreements for E-911 grant funding and FAA equipment. The council also voted to enter closed session to discuss real property, then reconvened and confirmed that was the only matter discussed.

City Council (Aug. 11)

The council unanimously approved the routine and regular business agenda, which included the FY27 NM911 E-911 grant agreement and an FAA On-Airport Memorandum of Agreement renewal. It also approved two requests from Milton's Brewing to serve beer and wine on city streets during its 'SeptembeerFest' and 'Block Party' events. Ordinance 2026-26 was approved, rezoning 0.09 acres at 713 N. Alameda Street from R-2 Residential to C-2 Commercial. The council then voted to convene a closed session to discuss the purchase, acquisition, or disposal of real property, and later approved a statement confirming that was the sole topic.

Solid Waste Board (Aug. 10)

The Board of Solid Waste Commissioners re-elected Susan Crocket as Chairman and Jim Grantner as Vice-Chairman (4-0). It also approved new 5x6-foot signage for the convenience station, available in Spanish (4-0), and approved the July 13, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0, Crocket abstained). Reports covered July operations, vehicle breakdowns, and FY26 financial status.

Halagueno Arts Park Advisory Board (Aug. 11)

The board reviewed rental procedures, the Carlsbad Community Foundation Fund status, maintenance and improvements, a community mural led by Mike Campos, and a strategic plan. All items were discussions; no votes were taken.

Shooting Range Advisory Committee (Aug. 13)

The committee approved the March 3, 2026 minutes and re-elected Richard West as Chairman and Brian Fox as Vice Chairman (both unanimous). Members reviewed range reservations for April 5-26, 2026, and discussed improvements and maintenance, including sidewalk installation near the new police building.

Cascades Recreation and Wellness Center Advisory Board (Aug. 12)

The board discussed updates on the Alejandro Ruiz Senior Center relocation and staffing levels, reviewed the Fourth of July Celebration, and planned for National Senior Citizen Day (Aug. 21) and a Health Fair & Vaccine Clinic (Sept. 18). No formal votes were taken.

Disabilities Advisory Board (Aug. 14)

The board considered approving a list of concerns about sidewalks, parking, and street repairs, recognizing an ADA-friendly business, and issuing a letter of support for rehabilitating the Alejandro Ruiz Senior Center. It also discussed recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 3. All items were on the agenda; minutes not yet published.

Veterans Memorial Advisory Board (Aug. 19)

The board discussed veterans activities, a foundation financial report, donations and sponsorships, and the procedure for placing veterans benches. No formal votes were scheduled beyond approving previous minutes.

Museum Advisory Board (Aug. 19)

The board met but lacked a quorum; no decisions were made. The minutes record only the roll call and the lack of a quorum.

Water and Sewer Commissioners (Aug. 20)

The board was set to vote on outside-city water service for BTS Management, LLC at 4405 Hackberry Lane, two produced water pipeline permits (for NGL Water Solutions Permian, LLC and Select Water Solutions, LLC), and a discussion on creating a critical maintenance fund. Minutes not yet published.

Historic Preservation Board (Aug. 20)

The board discussed outreach to property owners in the proposed Historic Overlay Zone and considered recommending amended ordinances for the overlay zone and the advisory board to City Council. It also discussed a letter from the State of New Mexico Office of African American Affairs. No votes were recorded.

Coming up

• **City Council** – Aug. 25, 2026: Public hearing and vote on a Restaurant "A" (Beer and Wine) liquor license for Trinity Hotel & Suites; permits for two produced water pipelines; two rezoning ordinances (401 Rio Hondo Avenue and 102 East Hamilton Street); a temporary business license for a mixed martial arts event; a Renaissance Festival request to serve alcohol on city property; and a closed session on threatened or pending litigation.

Carlsbad roundup: Beautification Plan approved; City Council set to take up 2026-27 budget

The Beautification Committee approved the city's official Beautification Plan on a 4-0 vote at its July 23 meeting, the most concrete action taken across Carlsbad's advisory bodies over the past two weeks. The City Council, meanwhile, has a packed agenda lined up for July 28 covering the 2026-27 final budget, a new water and sewer maintenance fund, and several state grant agreements.

Beautification Committee

The committee approved the Beautification Plan (4-0) and approved meeting minutes from April 9, 2026 (4-0). Members also discussed a cardboard recycling proposal and a $24,000 grant for murals and youth cleanups. No vote tallies were recorded for those discussion items in the minutes provided.

Bob Forrest Youth Sports Complex Advisory Board

The board elected Ashley Castaneda as Chairman and Matthew Ybarra as Vice-Chairman (3-0) and approved Special Meeting Minutes from January 22, 2026 (3-0). Members also received updates on youth league participation and tournament schedules.

City Council (July 28 — agenda only, minutes not yet published)

The Council is scheduled to review Resolution 2026-47, the 2026-27 Fiscal Year Final Budget, along with the 4th quarter financial report. Also on the agenda: Resolution 2026-46, which would create fund 780 for Water & Sewer Critical Maintenance. The Council is also slated to consider acceptance of several state grants, including the FY27 Clean and Beautiful Grant Program Agreement from the New Mexico Tourism Department, a New Mexico Animal Welfare Fund Grant for improvements to Noah's Ark Animal Shelter, and the FY2027 Local Government Road Fund Program for Main Street and Caesar Road. No votes have been recorded yet; these items are listed on the agenda only.

Meetings cancelled

Two regularly scheduled meetings were cancelled in the past two weeks. The Police Department's Citizen Advisory Board meeting on July 21 was cancelled; the agenda contained only a cancellation notice and interpreter-services contact information. The City of Carlsbad Budget Committee meeting on July 24 was also cancelled, with no agenda items considered or decided.

Coming up

• **Planning & Zoning Commission — Aug. 3:** The commission is scheduled to vote on a conditional use permit for commercial RV sales at 2112 Standpipe Road (R-R zoned), plus two rear-yard setback variances: a 5-foot setback at 2521 Segovia Court (replacing a 10-foot requirement) and a 10-foot setback at 4003 South Pat Garrett Road (replacing a 20-foot requirement). The agenda also includes a transitional overview and approval of July 2026 minutes.
• **Lodgers' Tax Advisory Board — Aug. 4:** The board will consider approving minutes from its February 3, 2026 meeting and review two lodgers' tax funding requests — one from Carlsbad Gus Macker and one from Carlsbad MainStreet for Cavern Theatre Annual Advertising.
• **Carlsbad Community Volunteer Network Advisory Board — Aug. 3:** This meeting was cancelled because the Alejandro Ruiz Senior Center is under construction. No decisions or discussions took place.

Carlsbad roundup: Historic Preservation map approved, City Council set to finalize 2026-27 budget

The Historic Preservation Board approved an updated Historic Preservation Overlay Zone Map on July 16, clearing the way for a property owner outreach phase that will determine whether the map advances to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.

Historic Preservation Overlay Zone Map approved

The board voted 3-0 to approve the revised map, which includes a correction adding a half block at West Greene and South Main Street. The map now moves into a property owner outreach phase, during which the board must secure 66% participation from affected owners before the proposal can proceed to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council for further action. The board also approved its June 18, 2026 meeting minutes, 3-0.

Solid Waste Commissioners approve Convenience Station signage

On July 13, the Board of Solid Waste Commissioners approved updated Convenience Station signage with discussed changes, including item markings and corrected hours. The motion passed unanimously, with all four commissioners — Grantner, Evans, Perry, and Maxwell — voting yes. The board also approved the May 11, 2026 meeting minutes on the same 4-0 vote. No other decisions were made.

City Council considered multiple rezoning requests

The Carlsbad City Council met July 14 to act on several rezoning requests and board reappointments. Agenda items included rezoning 0.09 acres south of 713 N. Alameda Street from R-2 to C-2, rezoning 0.78 acres at 302 West Pierce Street from R-1 to C-1, rezoning 0.092 acres at 103 S. Cypress Street from C-2 to R-2, and rezoning 0.21 acres at 922 Rex Street from R-1 to R-2. The council also considered reappointments to the Shooting Range, Riverwalk, and Planning and Zoning Boards, along with pest control and professional services agreements. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet available.

Other boards and committees

Several advisory boards met during the week for reports and discussion without formal decisions on record:

• **Parks and Recreation and Tree Advisory Board** (July 13): Heard monthly reports from Michael Hernandez, Parks Superintendent/City Arborist, plus updates on the Pecos River aquatic vegetation removal project and the Parks Department 311 Civic Plus system.
• **Carlsbad Museum Advisory Board** (July 15): Discussed three exhibitions, including "Crazy World Ain't It" (June 5–Aug 8, 2026), "José Guadalupe Posada" (Sept–Dec 2026), and Theodore Van Soelen prints (Sept 15, 2025).
• **Veterans Memorial Advisory Board** (July 15): Reviewed the foundation financial report, donations and sponsorships, veterans bench placement procedures, and education and social media outreach.
• **Cemetery Advisory Board** (July 16): Reviewed monthly cemetery reports and a maintenance report.
• **Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners** (July 16): Reviewed a request for outside city limits water service for 904 Montgomery Avenue and heard a monthly utilities report from Ivan "Mike" Abell.
• **Bob Forrest Youth Sports Complex Advisory Board** (July 23): Scheduled nomination and vote for Chair and Vice-Chairman, with a transitional overview by Jalynn Armendarez, Open Meetings Act Manager.
• **Beautification Committee** (July 23): Considered adopting the city's Beautification Plan and discussed the FY27 New Mexico Clean & Beautiful grant, plus updates on the Racquetball Court mural, Six Mile Dam Disc Golf Course, and MLK Park Improvement Project.

Meetings cancelled

The Police Department's Citizen Advisory Board meeting on July 21 and the City of Carlsbad Budget Committee meeting on July 24 were both cancelled. No agenda items were considered.

Coming up

The Carlsbad City Council meets July 28 to consider Resolution 2026-47, the 2026-27 Fiscal Year Final Budget, along with Resolution 2026-46 creating a new fund for water and sewer critical maintenance. The council will also weigh accepting several state grants, including the FY27 Clean and Beautiful Grant Program Agreement from the New Mexico Tourism Department, the New Mexico Animal Welfare Fund Grant for Noah's Ark Animal Shelter improvements, and the FY2027 Local Government Road Fund Program for Main Street and Caesar Road.

Carlsbad City Council Approves FY27 Final Budget; Planning & Zoning Clears Five Land-Use Items

The Carlsbad Budget Committee, acting as the City Council, approved the FY27 Final Budget on July 10, 2026, including a new Water and Sewer Critical Maintenance Fund. The vote was 4-0. The same meeting approved minutes from May 1, 2026, also by a 4-0 vote.

Planning & Zoning Commission Approves Variances and Permits

On July 6, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved five items, all by 3-0 votes:

• A variance for 1103 East Fiesta Dr.
• A variance for 375R North Happy Valley Rd.
• A conditional use permit for a hair salon at 912 Solana Rd.
• A conditional use permit for accounting services at 1309 Delta Ave.
• A recommendation to City Council to rezone 713 N Alameda St from R-2 to C-2.

The rezoning recommendation now moves to the City Council, which has the item on its July 14 agenda.

City Council to Consider Multiple Zoning Changes

The Carlsbad City Council meets July 14 with several rezoning requests on the agenda:

• Rezoning 0.09 acres south of 713 N. Alameda Street from R-2 to C-2.
• Rezoning 0.78 acres at 302 West Pierce Street from R-1 to C-1.
• Rezoning 0.092 acres at 103 S. Cypress Street from C-2 to R-2.
• Rezoning 0.21 acres at 922 Rex Street from R-1 to R-2.

The council will also consider reappointments to the Shooting Range, Riverwalk, and Planning and Zoning Boards, plus pest control and professional services agreements. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Disabilities Advisory Board Recognizes ADA-Friendly Business

On July 10, the Disabilities Advisory Board approved its May 8, 2026 meeting minutes and approved a motion to recognize PJ&B's Rio Cafe as an ADA-friendly business. Both votes were unanimous, with members Pinching, O'Neil, Tackett, Jones, and Krumm voting yes.

Several Boards Lack Quorum or Cancel Meetings

Multiple advisory boards did not conduct business this period:

• The Riverwalk Recreation Complex Advisory Board (July 7) could not meet due to lack of quorum.
• The Carlsbad Library Board of Trustees (July 8) lacked a quorum.
• The Beautification Committee (July 9) lacked a quorum.
• The Carlsbad Community Volunteer Network Advisory Board (July 6) was cancelled due to construction at the Alejandro Ruiz Senior Center.
• The Cascades Recreation and Wellness Center Advisory Board (July 8) was cancelled because the center was closed.
• The Shooting Range Advisory Committee (July 9) was cancelled.

Boards With Agendas Pending Minutes

Several boards met or are scheduled with agendas listed but minutes not yet published:

• The Board of Solid Waste Commissioners (July 13) will consider signage for the Convenience Station.
• The Parks and Recreation and Tree Advisory Board (July 13) will hear updates on the Pecos River aquatic vegetation removal project and the Parks Department 311 Civic Plus system.
• The Carlsbad Museum Advisory Board (July 15) will discuss three upcoming exhibitions.
• The Veterans Memorial Advisory Board (July 15) will review procedures for placing veterans benches.
• The Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners (July 16) will review a water service request for 904 Montgomery Avenue, outside city limits.
• The Historic Preservation Board (July 16) will consider approving an updated historic preservation overlay zone map and discuss projects at 213 W. Mermod St., 105 & 107 S. Alameda St., and 405 W. Fox St.
• The Cemetery Advisory Board (July 16) will review monthly cemetery reports and maintenance updates.

Coming Up

• **July 21** — Police Department's Citizen Advisory Board meeting has been cancelled.
• **July 23** — Bob Forrest Youth Sports Complex Advisory Board will nominate and vote for a Chair and Vice-Chairman, and receive a transitional overview from Jalynn Armendarez, Open Meetings Act Manager.
• **July 24** — Budget Committee meeting has been cancelled.