[Music]
council
to your light.
Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to the
city council meeting. Today is Monday,
October 6, 2025. It's approximately 1
p.m. I'm Mayor Eric Enriquez. Before we
start, I want to mention that we have
the ASL, American Sign Language, up at
the front, interpreters for anyone who
requires interpretation services. We
will start with a moment of silence for
the brave men and women of the United
States Armed Forces as they protect our
interests around the globe, as well as
the courageous men and women of the Los
Cruises Police and Los Cruises Fire
Department that keep our city safe 247
365.
Council Karan will lead us in the
pledge.
and justice for
Okay, we'll go ahead and start with
presentations and certifications.
So, the first recognition we want to
start out is our Veterans Parade poster
contest winners. Every year that we hold
the Veterans Parade, um the committee uh
does a poster contest and we recognize
that student. So, I'd like to call at
this time chairman of the Veterans uh
parade committee, Bill Hawkins.
[Applause]
I'd like to also invite our Los Cusus
Public School Superintendent, Ignosia
Reese, to join us for these
presentations.
[Applause]
Mayor Enriquez, City Council members,
Lasus Public Schools, Superintendent
Ruiz,
School Board Member Tenoro, LCPS
Leadership Executive Director Favor,
LCPS Director of Communications Jameson.
Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.
I'm Bill Hawkins, the committee chair
for the Veterans Day parade, which will
take place on Saturday, November 8th at
11:00 a.m.
Throughout the years, with the support
of the city of Los Cusus, we have
published a poster to announce the date,
time, and location of the parade. After
years of utilizing the artwork provided
by the Department of Veteran Affairs, we
decided to hold a contest with the
middle school students of Los Cusus to
produce a more personalized announcement
for our parade, as well as to encourage
our local youth to learn about the role
of our veterans in the history of our
country. Our first contest was 2015.
The response was so positive that we
decided to make this an annual event.
This year, our theme is honoring our
future leaders to recognize the positive
impact that our high school JOTC
instructors have on their cadetses.
Today's presentation is to announce the
top six local artist and reward them for
their efforts. We judged approximately
30 submissions from Mesa, Lynn, Picacho,
Whitands, and Zia Middle Schools.
After careful consideration, the top six
finalists are, and it's an alphabetical
order. Please hold your applause until
the last one if you don't mind. Um,
Raise your hand when I call your name.
Sabella Benuel, Mesa Middle School.
Serenity Madrid, Mesa Middle School.
Isabella McCracken, Mesa Middle School.
Haley UA, Mesa Middle School. Alyssa
Sanchez, Mesa Middle School. And Kyra
Sanchez from Picacho Middle School.
[Applause]
Now for the awards. There are three
honorable mention artists who will
receive a $20 prize for their efforts.
The first one is Isabella McCracken from
Mesa Middle School.
[Applause]
She's the third one.
The next honorable mention is Alyssa
Sanchez from Mesa Middle School.
[Applause]
And the final honorable mention artist
is Kyra Sanchez from Picacho Middle
School.
[Applause]
Third place receiving a $30 prize is
Haley Resa from Mesa Middle School.
[Applause]
Second place who is receiving a $40
prize is Mesa Middle School's Sabella
Venuel.
And
and the winner of the 2025 Veterans Pray
poster contest is Serenity Madrid, who
is a seventh grader in Mr. Valdez's art
class from Mesa Middle School.
[Applause]
She is receiving a a $50 prize, a framed
copy of the Veterans Parade poster, and
she will also have the opportunity to be
in the parade in recognition for her
contribution to the parade. One more
time, let's give them a round of
applause.
I would like to thank the administrators
and teachers from the middle schools
that participated in this year's
contest. Superintendent Ruiz Joseph
Flores, director of fine arts for the
Los Cusus public schools, Dolores
Archeletta, Jr. Turner, Mike Conno, Tim
Chapel, and Brian Marorrow, who are
members of the Veterans Pray Committee,
and Mayor Enriquez and the Lasusa City
Council for allowing us to recognize
these local students. Ladies and
gentlemen, thank you for your time and
please join us on November 8th for the
2025 Veterans Day parade. It promises to
be a great event honoring our local
veterans. Thank you.
If you guys want to come over here to
get pictures,
he wants to bring them over there. Yeah.
So, go ahead and go over there with the
mayor.
[Applause]
Thank you, Jack.
We're going to do
Next is our leadership academy
recognition. Joining us today is the
developing youth leadership academy.
Throughout the week, they will be
working with the city's community
engagement team to learn about the inner
workings of local government. We warmly
welcome them and hope they have a
meaningful and engaging experience. Can
we have the group come forward?
[Applause]
Good afternoon. My name is Katrina
Godinez and I'm with the community
engagement
program with the communications
department and this will be our third
year um that we're going to have this
program. Every year during fall break,
we invite high school students from the
ages of 14 to 18 to our developing youth
leadership academy. And they spend the
whole week with us. And every day we
take them to a different department and
we teach them. We have our uh city staff
talk to them about what they do and and
their um careers. And um we have a whole
bunch of things planned. And we have a
little graduation on Friday at the
utilities department where utilities
will do like a open house and we'll
serve them lunch and then we'll give
them um some certificates and a letter
that they attended this academy. And so
we welcome them and we thank you all for
having us.
[Applause]
Next will be our proclamations by
councelor Kren.
Welcome. First, I'd like to have Sylvia
Washington, Analisa Martinez, Pablo
Herrera, or Stacy Allen come on up for
National Disability Employment Awareness
Awareness Month.
Please come on up.
You guys can
October 2025 marks the 80th anniversary
of National Disability Employment
Awareness Month. And whereas the purpose
of National Disability Employment
Awareness Month is to educate about
disability employment issues and
celebrate the many and varied
contributions of America's work
Americans America's workers with
disabilities. And the history of
National Disability Employment Awareness
Month traces back to 1945 when Congress
enacted a law declaring the first week
in October of each year National Employ
the Physically Handicapped Week. And
whereas in 1962 the word physically was
removed to acknowledge the employment
needs and contributions of individuals
with all types of disabilities.
And whereas in 1988, Congress expanded
the week to a month and changed the name
to National Disability Employment
Awareness Month. And whereas workplaces
welcoming the talents of all people,
including people with disabilities, are
a critical part of our efforts to build
an inclusive community and strong
economy. And whereas Tresco, Inc. for
over 30 years has offered employment
opportunities to persons with varying
disabilities, veterans and students
through federal, state, and commercial
contracts. And whereas awareness of this
month will reinforce the value and
talent people with disabilities add to
our workplaces and communities and
affirm the city of Los Cru's commitment
to an inclusive community that increases
access and opportunities to all,
including individuals with disabilities.
Now therefore, we the mayor and city
city city council of Los Cusus, New
Mexico, recognize and commemorate the
80th anniversary of National Disability
Employment Awareness Month and
life-changing work of Tresco, Inc. And
be it further resolved that the city of
Los Cruus calls upon employers, schools,
businesses, and other community
organizations in Los Cusus to observe
October as National Disability
Employment Awareness Month and to
advance its important message that
people with disabilities add value and
talent to our workplaces and
communities. And be it further resolved
that the city of Los Cru's pledges to
take steps throughout the year to
recruit, hire, retain, and advance
individuals with disabilities and work
to pursue the goals of opportunity, full
participation, economic
self-sufficiency, and independent living
for people with disabilities. Signed and
attested today.
[Applause]
Good afternoon everybody. My name is
Pablo Herrera, Mayor Enriquez, city
leadership, mayor of ProTech, Beno, and
fellow counselors. I am Pablo Herrera
with uh Tresco, assistant director of
business development. With me today, I
have Sylvia Washington, Tresco CEO,
Analisa Martinez, director of Tresco
Works, and Stacy Allen, Tresco community
engagement manager. On behalf of Tresco
Works, I want to extend our heartfelt
thanks to you and the entire city of Los
Cusus Council and leadership for your
support of National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. Your
commitment to promoting inclusive
employment practices and supporting
individuals with disabilities in our
community is truly appreciated. At
Tresco Works, we support job creation
for people with disabilities in a
variety of services. high quality
custodial work grounds total facility
maintenance for over 70 contracts in 12
counties throughout New Mexico, which of
those are 17 in city limits. Thank you
again for your support for being a
champion of our mission in providing an
inclusive and diverse workforce. We look
forward to continuing to work together
in celebrating the value and talent of
an inclusive workforce in the city of
Los Cusus. Thank you guys.
[Applause]
Next up, I welcome Greg Rapetti, Jani
Janathian, Francis Estrada, Janette
Bayes, and Christine Perea for breast
cancer. awareness month.
Come on up.
[Applause]
The whole crew. Yes. Every please.
Whereas October is National Breast
Cancer Awareness Month, which is an
annual campaign to increase awareness of
the disease and drive action. And
whereas breast cancer is the most common
cancer among women in the US and where
whereas about every two minutes one case
of breast cancer is diagnosed in the
United States. And whereas in New Mexico
more than 1,850 new cases of breast
cancer will be diagnosed in 2025 and
more than 290 people will die of this
disease. And whereas the journey for
many individuals is quite different. It
is estimated that more than 170,000
Americans are living with metastatic
breast cancer in the US. And whereas
metastatic breast cancer is a a
devastating stage of breast cancer that
occurs when cancer spreads beyond the
breast to other parts of the body
including the bones, lungs, liver, and
brain. And whereas although metastic
breast cancer can't be cured today, it
can be treated and the treatment focuses
on extending life and maintaining
quality of life. And whereas the
mortality rate is about 40% higher in
black women than in white women. And
whereas breast cancer is the most common
cancer and the leading cause of cancer
in Hispanic and Latino women.
Whereas the mo the more than four
million breast cancer survivors in the
US, those living with the disease and
people who love them can attest to the
urgent need for access to timely
affordable health care, including
screening, diagnosis, and treatment and
robust funding for cancer research.
And whereas policymakers are urged to
address the issues impacting the breast
cancer community in Las Cusus. Now
therefore, we, the mayor and city
council of Las Cusus, New Mexico, do
hereby recognize all of the above and
proclaim October 2025 to be breast
cancer awareness month. On this day,
[Applause]
Mr. Mayor Council, thank you so much for
having us and this proclamation today to
shed a shining light on this important
clause. On behalf of everyone at
Mountain View Regional Medical Center,
Memorial Hospital, Three Crosses, we're
all honored to be here together to stand
with breast cancer survivors, families,
and advocates here in Los Cruus. This
cause is deeply personal for me. My
mother was diagnosed with breast cancer
in 1979,
and she was one heck of a fighter,
living another decade before succumbing
to her disease. Her strength taught me
just how much early detection and
quality care can mean for families. It's
a reminder that early screening truly
saves lives.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer
diagnosed in women and the second
leading cause of cancer death. As you
already heard, in New Mexico, nearly
1,800 women are expected to be diagnosed
this year and around 300 women will
design will die from this disease.
Those numbers remind us of why awareness
and regular screenings are critical.
I can speak for Mountain View as our
women's women's imaging center is
offering extended hours this month to
make it easy for women to get screened
during the month of October.
We're proud to join with the city by
lighting up our hospital pink this
month, a visible sign to our community
of strength, of unity, and support for
those affected by this disease. Thank
you again for making this recognition
and helping us share this message that
early detection saves lives. Thank you.
[Applause]
Next, I welcome Dr. Bobby Green. Please
come on up.
Excuse me. Councelor Councelor Karen,
excuse me, one second. Uh, there's some
seats available in the front row. If
anybody standing wishes to sit down, you
can come down to the front row.
It says reserved, but it's not, right?
Yeah, that was for the veterans uh
poster.
They're open.
Dr. Green, thank you for joining us.
This is to recognize the annual New
Mexico NAACP state conference.
Whereas tomorrow is shaped by today's
deeds, and history will judge not our
intentions, but our actions. Whereas in
every era there comes a moment when
decision makers must not be delayed,
when comfort and complacency must be set
aside to facilitate constructive change.
And whereas the NM NAACP state
conference recognizes the lessons of
those who came before us while
acknowledging and embracing the fierce
urgency of now. And whereas each person
must find within themselves the weight
of responsibility and join hands in
dynamic collaboration to build bridges,
not walls. And whereas we envision a
tomorrow shaped by the courage and
compassion unleashed in communities
where equality is not equality is not an
aspiration but a reality where
innovation and prosperity flourish. Now
therefore be it resolved that we welcome
the NAACP New Mexico state conference to
the city of Los Cusus as we showcase our
diversity and our hospitality and as we
declare that equality and inclusivity
are ours to honor, ours to demand, and
ours to claim. Be it further resolved
that October 11th, 2025 is hereby
proclaimed as a day to further
commemorate the 74th annual New Mexico
NAACP state conference in New Mexico.
The fierce urgency of now, dictates that
the time is here, the moment is now, and
history awaits our bold reply on this
day.
[Applause]
Good afternoon. First, I want to say
thank you, Mayor Enriquez and city
manager Tomopeeo and the council of Los
Cruuses. I'm grateful for the
partnership that has been going on for
the ye for many years. So, this is not a
new thing, but we're grateful for the
collaboration. We are also proud to be
celebrating 74 years in the state of New
Mexico. Of course, the National NAACP is
116 years old, but New Mexico is we're
celebrating 74 years. So, we're part of
the fight, the ongoing battle at the
national, at the state, and at the local
level. This weekend, we will have
delegates from all over this state that
will come to celebrate and commemorate
uh this anniversary. We will have a
gospel explosion on Friday night
because, well, I'm all about the gospel.
And then we will have uh a brunch on
Saturday morning and a banquet on
Saturday afternoon. October uh 10th will
be the explosion. October the 11th will
be the events at the convention center.
We also have some workshops. We have
workshops on legal redress. We have
workshops on how to respond to hate
speech, how to deal with domestic
violence. So, we are all about solutions
and we're grateful for the opportunity
to celebrate 74 years. It wasn't always
the case that we could celebrate
legally. It wouldn't have been uh we
wouldn't have been allowed to celebrate.
So, we've made some progress. We know
that. We know we also have a long way to
go. And the fierce urgency of now speaks
to what is going on today. We've got a
government shutdown. We've got National
Guard in our cities. We've got detention
centers that are being built. We've got
all kinds of tariffs, all kinds of
issues that affect all of us. And
therefore, the fierce urgency of now
requires that we all stand up and speak
out. And I did have the opportunity as I
was doing my research, I looked up this
the where this phrase came from. It it
came from Dr. King's uh march on
Washington speech in 1967
1961 rather and he said that we cannot
allow ourselves to be impacted by the
tranquilizing
drug of gradualism.
Those are powerful words and it's
appropriate today. So we're grateful for
the opportunity. We thank the city
council for the commemoration and we're
grateful if you want to come to some of
the events, you better get your tickets
quick because the time is running out.
We do have a few left, but I would urge
you to move well with fierce urgency of
now. Thank you so much and I look
forward to seeing you at the banquet.
[Applause]
Next, I welcome um Gloria Carreras and
Chantel Yazi Martin. Please come on up
for recognition of domestic violence
awareness month.
Whereas domestic violence continues to
touch the lives of countless individuals
and families throughout our community
and across the nation, leaving deep and
lasting scars on survivors, their
children, and the very fabric of
communities. And where is whereas Lacasa
Inc. stands as a beacon of light and
hope providing critical shelter advocacy
and comprehensive services to those
fleeing abuse offering not only
immediate safety but also the promise of
healing, dignity, and the chance to
rebuild lives free from violence.
Whereas October and Lacasa Inc.'s annual
candlelight vigil serve as a sacred time
of remembrance and unity to honor the
courage and resilience of survivors to
remember those tragically lost and to
reaffirm our shared commitment to
breaking the cycle of abuse and building
a future where safety and peace are a
reality for all. And whereas this year's
theme, embracing tomorrow, remembering
the past, building the future, calls
upon us to reflect on the struggles that
have shaped our journey, to celebrate
the progress we have made, and to
recognize the vital work that still lies
ahead as we strive for a community free
from violence and fear. And whereas true
change can only be achieved when
community comes together through
awareness, education, and collaboration
to break the silence surrounding
domestic violence and ensure that every
individual knows they have a safe place
to turn to support to for support and
hope.
Now therefore, we, the mayor and city
council of Los Cusus, New Mexico, do
hereby proclaim the month of October
2025 as domestic violence awareness
month. We pledge to continue raising our
voices, expanding awareness, promoting
prevention, and providing unwavering
services to those affected by domestic
violence. Be it further resolved that
that this proclamation is issued as part
of our annual candlelight vigil, a
symbol of unity, remembrance, and action
as we come together to embrace tomorrow,
honor the past, and create a safer,
stronger future for every individual and
family in our community. on this day.
[Applause]
Like to thank everyone for allowing us
to be here and to help us proclaim
October domestic violence awareness
month. I'd also like to encourage the
community to please join us on October
23rd at the Messia Community Center for
our annual candlelight vigil. This year
we have some incredible speakers, but we
also have children who have now reached
adulthood who will be reflecting on
their experiences, which I think is very
powerful and provides an incredible
insight into what we actually do. I'd
also encourage everybody to join us on
October 31st for our annual charity ball
that we just started and it will be at
Hotel Eno and it both events offer a
great opportunity to promote awareness
to help survivors and to help us
continue our mission going forward.
Thank you all.
[Applause]
I invite the the other public arts folks
including the city's art commission. if
you're here. I think I saw Cesy
somewhere here. A few other members
perhaps. Come on down, please. If you're
part of the city city arts commission,
public art commission.
Thank you.
As we celebrate public arts month, so
come on down. Thank you all for coming.
No. Okay.
Whereas there is a fundamental link
between artistic expression and quality
of life that highlights our city's
culture and creative community. And
whereas the arts and humanities embody
much of the accumulated wisdom,
intellect, and imagination of humankind
and enrich the lives of Los Cusus
residents. And whereas the city of Los
Cusus actively supports the arts and
humanities through the work of the
quality of life department and the city
art board, including the funding,
development, and maintenance of public
art throughout the city that is
available for all to see and enjoy. And
whereas public art bolsters civic pride
pride and strengthens the fabric of the
Los Cusus community while supporting
local artists and a creative economy,
stimulating local businesses and
promoting tourism. And whereas October
has been recognized by National Arts and
Humanities Month across America. Now
therefore, we the mayor and city council
of Los Cusus, New Mexico, do hereby
proclaim the month of October 2025 as
public arts month and call upon our
communities to celebrate and to promote
the arts and culture of Los Cusus and
encourage our citizens to take action in
supporting the arts and humanities
locally and across the nation on this
day.
Would someone like to speak?
Yeah. A Hello everybody. I am the Los
Cusa City Art Board chair for this year
once again. Um, and it's been an amazing
journey. I finally know what I'm doing.
So, uh, I just wanted to give a shout
out to all the amazing artists who, u
made some great art today. We hope to
see you guys making a larger scale. Um,
and I don't think they're here still,
but that was an amazing presentation.
It's always good to see young artists,
um, get promoted and get paid for their
work. So, uh, just wanted to say that we
have an art stop. Um, as you can see,
some of our bus stops have art on it.
We're, uh, have we have an open call for
folks to submit their pieces. Um, and
that deadline is November 2nd, and we do
pay $500 per artist. Um, and then we
have a scavenger hunt going on right
now, Curators of the Lost Art. And so,
we're very excited about that title. And
um we are we are also offering um uh
giveaways and awards for um whoever can
get all of those uh clues in. So and
lastly we have um a chat with Anthony
Penock who is an artist here in town on
October 22nd uh at 5:30 at the Rio Grand
uh Sundial the downtown plaza. So if you
didn't know that whole downtown plaza is
an art piece. So um we hope you love
what we bring. We enjoy this um I love
this board. It's been really fun to work
with everybody and if you want to help
us select any pieces, we always have
open calls and uh for the community to
come in and help us select some art. So,
all right. Thank you again. Thank you
everybody at the on the council.
[Applause]
Thank you all so much. My favorite uh
bus stop is on Del Rey, so I can't wait
to see what goes up there next.
Um, turn in your art now. All right.
Next, I welcome uh Dale Yale. Come on
up, please.
And anyone else here to support dyslexia
awareness month?
I'll read it and then you have to
whereas dyslexia affects at least one
out of every five children in the United
States and is the most prevalent among
all known learning disabilities and is
the leading cause of reading failure and
school dropouts in our nation and is
identifiable with 92% accuracy at the
ages of 5 and a half to six and a half.
Whereas dyslexia is not outgrown, but it
is treatable with proven multiensory
teaching methods. And reading failure is
the most commonly shared characteristic
of juvenile justice offenders. And
whereas children with both dyslexia and
ADD are dramatically increased risk for
substance abuse and felony convictions
if they do not receive appropriate
intervention. Whereas dyslexics face
continual limitations and frustration in
their work, school, and in reaching
their intellectual potential, resulting
in a tremendous loss of creativity and
productivity in our workforce. Now,
therefore, we, the mayor and city
council of Las Cusus, New Mexico, do
hereby proclaim the month of October
2025 as dyslexia awareness month and
urge all citizens to become aware of the
challenges, needs, and potential
associated with dyslexia.
[Applause]
Thank you very much to the mayor and the
city council for continuing to recognize
this pervasive problem which uh many
people are not aware of. Hopefully
furthering awareness will prompt uh
people
not only ch with children with adults
and uh and youth to seek help if they
have uh ex problems with reading and
written language. Um this
it's especially important that uh
children young children can get help
with this problem so that they don't
develop a very negative self-concept
which may be even hard for them to get
rid of as they get older. Uh the
dyslexia institute of southern New
Mexico is one place that provides
specialized
uh help and therapy to help children
uh improve their reading. Most dyslexic
children and adults can learn to read
well and definitely better if not well
and become good students. Dyslexic uh
children and adults are generally
somewhat above average in intelligence
and so they are capable of more than
they're able to do unless they get help.
Uh if you if you know of uh families who
have members who can benefit from help,
uh please check out uh Dyslexia
Institute of Southern New Mexico's
website, disn.org
for information on dyslexia and how to
get help. And dyslexia is real.
Thank you.
[Applause]
Thank you.
I still have a few. Um I just want to
check in on y'all the interpreters. This
is I know there are only like four left.
So I got you.
Next, next I welcome um Richard Weaver
for Friends of the Community Candy Drop
Day.
Welcome.
Whereas Richard Weaver, owner of
Weaver's Welding, wanted an event to
bring young people and authority figures
together in a friendly, non-threatening
atmosphere. And whereas he and many
friends of the community, sponsored the
first great pumpkin candy drop in 2006.
And whereas he formed Friends of the
Community, a 501c3 organization. and
where whereas he rented Mag Park,
solicited donations and of cash and/or
candy and invited kids young and old.
And whereas he's also invited the Los
Cusus Police Department, Los Cru's Fire
Department, Donana County Sheriff's
Posi, public officials, and everyone who
represents authority. And whereas he has
grown the candy drop to include all four
fields at Mag Park with music, events,
and booths. His only mandate is that
everything is free. Now therefore, we
the mayor and city council of Los Cruus,
New Mexico, do hereby proclaim Sunday,
October 26, 2025 as friends of the
community candy drop day and encourage
everyone to support Friends of the
Community Candy Drop and help them
provide a safe, fun, free event for
young people on this day.
[Applause]
Mayor, council members, uh thank you for
the opportunity to be here and speak to
you again. Uh,
next year will be my 20th year doing the
candy drop for kids. Uh, it's come a
long way. It's been a hard adventure.
Uh, this year we're going to have the
Lions Club is going to be there
collecting glasses so they can
redistribute those to the people that
can use them. Uh, I like take the
opportunity to invite everybody here,
council members, mayor. Uh, I know it's
kind of a hard Sunday, but it's
something that's right around Halloween.
Uh, I want to thank the Fraternal Order
of Eagles. They've supported me from the
very beginning of this. Uh, the fire
department, the city. Uh, I want to
acknowledge the parks and wreck. Uh,
Claudia Maya, are you in the audience
today?
Would you guys come down? I want you in
this photograph.
These ladies uh and their predecessors
have put up with me for many years doing
the candy drop. I've I have survived
longer than some of the administrators
have in the parks and wreck. Um and it's
it's something I I I like to give back
to the community. Thank you for your
time.
[Applause]
Next, I welcome up Teresa Dean and for
anyone from 4 who's here, please come on
up.
It's particularly important to me as we
have literally decades of city uh city
councilors who h have been in 4 up on
the dis that tells you both how old we
are and how committed to 4 we are. Um
whereas this year's national 4 theme 4
week theme is beyond ready and it
reminds us that every child has valuable
strengths and real influence to improve
the world around us and whereas for 120
years 4 has served as America's has
served America's young people myself
included to make the best better and it
is now the nation's largest youth
development organization and whereas 4
programs are delivered by delivered by
cooperative extension a community of
more than 100 public universities across
the nation that provides experiences for
young people to learn by doing. And
whereas 4 connects young people and
adults to their communities, preparing
them for work and life through
experiential and inquiry based learning
while providing emerging research for
positive youth development. And whereas
expanding from its strong agricultural
roots, 4 helps young people explore the
world around them and grow into
productive adults.
Whereas supporting future leaders in
science, agriculture, and community
leadership is important for the US
Department of Agriculture and the
national national institute of food and
agriculture 4 program. Now therefore, we
the mayor and city council of Los Cusus,
New Mexico do hereby proclaim the month
of the week of October 5th through 11th,
2025 as National 4 week in Donena County
and urge people of this community to
learn more about 4 and do more to become
involved with 4 as members, club leaders
or volunteers on this day.
[Applause]
Good afternoon, mayor and counselors and
honored guests. My name is Lily Harmio
and I am the Donana County 4 president.
My name is Paxton Rogers and I'm the
Donana County 4 secretary.
My name is Kacha Parkco and I am one of
your Donana County 4 ambassadors. We
want to thank you for your national 4
week proclamation and for your support
of the Donana County 4 program.
This year over 360 youth completed
projects in over 200 categories ranging
from bank baking and robotics to
livestock and leadership. All of their
hard work accumulated within the last
months into Southern New Mexico State
Fair. Skills like personal
responsibility, community service, and
perseverance that 4 members develop last
far beyond the fair season. Encouraging
members to become future leaders in
their communities.
I am proud to be a part of the Doniana
County for leadership team and a member
of the city's lakers for club. On behalf
of our local 4H youth volunteers and
families, I want to sincerely thank you
for proclaiming this week as national
for week in Los Cusus. Your support
helps us bring to light 4 the work for
does year round building leadership,
citizenship, and life skills in all
4ers.
I've been in 4 for eight years and have
learned and developed many valuable
tools to carry with me for the rest of
my life. This proclamation shows it
shows us that our city believes in the
power of youth and the importance of
programs like 4. We are grateful for
your recognition and continued support.
Thank you again for celebrating 4 with
us and helping make helping us make the
best better.
[Applause]
I I would like to think that being on
city council is an extension of my 4H
leadership because I did not win Cambria
County Fair Queen. In fact, I was like
number five out of six in case you all
wonder. My 4 traveled more than to the
fair. Next, I welcome uh
Las Cruis's Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, please for National Hispanic
Heritage Month. Come on up, all y'all
that are here.
Whereas, National Hispanic Heritage
Month is celebrated annually from
September 15th to October 15th, honoring
the rich history, diverse cultures, and
significant contributions of Hispanic
and Latino Americans in the United
States. And whereas the city of Los
Cusus with its deep roots in Hispanic
culture celebrates and values the
enduring traditions, artistic
expressions, and strong familial bonds
that have shaped our community since its
founding. And whereas the Los Cusus
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce works
diligently to foster a thriving business
environment for our Hispanic and Latino
entrepreneurs, providing resources and
advocacy that strengthen our local
economy and build community and wealth.
And whereas the heritage of Hispanic
Americans is woven into the very fabric
of our nation's history, from the
languages we speak to the music we enjoy
and the food we share.
And whereas we recognize the countless
achievements of Hispanic and Latino
leaders, innovators, educators, artists,
and public servants who have enriched
our city and our country. Now,
therefore, we, the mayor and city
council of Las Cusus, New Mexico, do
hereby proclaim September 15, 2025
through October 15, 2025 as National
Hispanic Heritage Month in the city of
Las Cusus, and encourages all citizens
to join in the observance of this month
with appropriate programs, ceremonies,
and activities.
[Applause]
Good afternoon everybody. My name is
Richard Aguilar uh with the Lasus
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Uh here
joining us today is also uh Miguel A
Costa who's also on the board of
directors of the chamber. Um, thank you,
mayor. Thank you, city council. Uh,
thank you, city of Las Cruus, for this
meaningful proclamation in honor of
Hispanic Heritage Month. Uh, on behalf
of the Las Cruus Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, I'm proud to accept uh this
recognition. Uh, this month is a
celebration of the culture,
contributions, and entrepreneurial
spirit of the Hispanic community, values
that are uh at the heart of the
chamber's mission. Hispanic Heritage
Month is a time to reflect on our shared
history, uplift diverse voices, and
recognize the strength, resilience, and
creativity that our community brings to
every corner of society. We are
committed to uplifting the local
business, creating opportunities, and
honoring the vibrant heritage that
strengthen our entire region. So, I say
gracias. Thank you for this honor and
thank you for the continuing support and
celebrate uh and to celebrate our
community. And uh Miguel Aosta is gonna
say a few words as well.
My name again is Miguel La Costa. I work
for Hutton Broadcasting. I'm a board
member with the Hispanic Chamber. Thank
you, mayor, uh counselors and community
members. On behalf of the Los Cusus
Hispanic Chamber, I want to sincerely
thank you for this proclamation
recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month.
This commu uh celebration honors the
contributions, culture, and the values
that Hispanic and Latinos communities
bring to Las Cusus every day. We are
proud to continue alongside the city and
our local partners to strengthen econ
economic opportunities, support
education, and celebrate the diversity
that makes our community so special.
Gracias.
[Applause]
still here.
I
is that councelor Matis
or someone?
Okay.
Yes. I finally connected from Kusadasi,
Turkey.
Council Matis, we're still doing some
proclamations.
Hold on. I'll keep it rolling as long as
the communications last.
Every year I I go to DACC's graduation
and there's one student that always gets
the most applause. Uh the last one. And
so I just want to invite up community
development today uh for the community
planning month proclamation, which is
the last of our proclamations today. So,
I expect to know less than a rockus
round of applause. If you're if you want
a big round of applause for uh
[Applause]
secret tip, if if you're ever graduating
from college, just put yourself at the
end of the line. It's the best place to
be. Hey guys,
whereas change in con is constant and
affects all cities, towns, suburbs,
counties, burrows, townships, and rural
areas and other places. Whereas the
planners can help navigate this change
with data-driven insights and expertise
that provide better choices for how
people work and live. Whereas community
planning provides an opportunity for all
residents to be meaningfully involved in
making choices that determine the future
of their community. And whereas the full
benefits of planning require elected and
appointed officials who understand,
support, and demand excellence in
planning and and plan implementation.
And whereas the month of October is
designated National Community Planning
Month throughout the United States of
America and its territories. Whereas the
American Planning Association endorses
National Community Planning Month as an
opportunity to highlight how planning is
essential to every community and how
planners are uniquely position to
identify solutions to community's most
difficult housing, transportation, and
land use questions. And whereas the
celebration of National Community
Planning Month gives us the opportunity
to publicly recognize the participation
and dedication of the city of Los
Cusus's planning and zoning commission
members who have contributed their time
and expertise to the improvement of the
city of Los Cusus. And whereas we
recognize the many valuable
contributions by the professional
planners of the city of Los Cusus and
extend our heartfelt thanks to for the
continued commitment to public service
by these professionals. Now therefore,
we the mayor and city council of Los
Cusus, New Mexico, do hereby proclaim
the month of October 2025 as community
planning month in the city of Los Cusus,
New Mexico in conjunction with the
celebration of National Community
Planning Month.
[Applause]
Mayor and city councilors,
thank you for having us here. Uh on
behalf of the planners throughout the
city, um I want to express appreciation
for the proclamation rec recognizing
National Community Planning Month. I
also want to acknowledge the
contribution of the city's uh planning
boards, including the planning zoning
commission, university district design
review board, and historic preservation
committee. Their dedication and efforts
ensure the community continually works
towards its vision of a livable,
prosperous and sustainable future.
Additionally, um positive community
planning and growth management is only
effective and success successful with
the support and collaboration of all the
departments of the city of Los Cusus. Uh
this team effort spans all activities of
the organization ranging from
transportation and housing to economic
development and public safety and all
the quality of life and recreation
efforts too. Um, last, there are several
staff members in addition to who are out
up here with us today, uh, that either
have the title or don't have the title
of planner, but whose daily work and
commitment to public service shapes the
future of our community.
I'd like to ask all of them to stand or
if they're out in the audience, raise
their hands. Um, and then would like uh
the city council to acknowledge their
efforts possible.
[Applause]
Um, just kind of a final note, as the
American Planet Planning Association
notes, great communities don't happen by
accident, they happen by planning. Uh,
thank you for celebrating the importance
of city planning and honoring the people
who strive to bring our community's
vision to life. Thank you.
[Applause]
Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Councelor
Karen. That was uh quite a few. Thank
you. Good job.
Next on the agenda, we'll go to jobs of
the week. Uh Sarah Rainey,
hold on Sarah, before we do that, we
need to have uh
a motion in a second to allow um
councelor Matise um to be online.
So moved by Florus.
Second, Graham.
This is on the motion to allow councelor
Matise to participate via Zoom.
Councelor Mccclure,
yes.
Councelor Matise,
yes.
Councelor Graham,
yes.
Councelor Cran,
yes.
Councelor Fletes,
yes.
Councelor Bencoml,
yes.
Mayor,
yes.
Okay, now we can go to jobs of the week.
Sarah,
thank you, Mayor and Council.
Which one is it? Okay.
Like, nope. I don't want to click on the
wrong one.
Perfect. Thank you.
All right. My name is Sarah Rainey. I'm
the onestop coordinator for the
southwest region of America's job
center. This for the Los Cusus City
Council jobs of the week.
We have an accountant one for the city
starting at 53,000 and that position
closes on the 13th. So there's only a
week left. We have a transit route
supervisor for the city as well starting
at 49,000. That one actually closes
today, so it closes at 5:00 pm. Get your
applications in. We have a water
wastewater operator for Donana County um
starting at $20 an hour and that posting
closes on the 22nd. There is a hiring
incentive on that one too. So that's one
to check out. Direct support
professional for community options
starting at 14:30 an hour. That one
closes on the 12th. A systems analyst
associate computer systems analyst at
NMSU starting at 43,000 and that posting
closes on the 24th. And then for Little
Footprints in Hatch, so it's a little
further out, but they need a child care
educator starting at $14 an hour and
that one closes on the 24th.
And I just wanted to highlight we have a
lot of events going on. If you are
looking for a job, if you're wanting to
change your career, if you're wanting to
just check out and see what might peique
your interest, as you can see, we've got
a lot of opportunity this month. Um, we
have Mountain Shadows that'll be in
office, H&R Block in office, and
JobCore. All of those are hiring on the
spot in our office on those dates. Um,
there is in in honor of National
Disability Employment Awareness Month,
same as Tresco was up here for, so I was
excited to see them up here. They're
actually in um they're helping us plan
the job fair in Sunland Park and in Los
Cusus this month to honor those that are
with the extraordinary abilities and
those ability those the ones that are
listed as disabilities can be medical
that can be mental health they can be a
ver huge vast vast array of
disabilities. So, we're working with um
Tresco
um I just drew a blank. Tresco, DVR um
and other partners to bring on those two
job fairs. Focusing on that, we are also
going to be doing media to help support
and educate um those with disabilities
to learn to advocate for yourself. Don't
think that a disability is something to
hold you back. There's a huge array of
jobs that everyone is qualified for. And
then we also want to talk to employers
and open up their doors to this big
number of people that are loyal,
dedicated employees. So we want to help
out everybody on both sides. Um so we're
hosting the two job fairs. As you can
see, the Los Cusus one will be at the um
convention center on the 15th and then
in Sunland Park we have one on the 27th.
Um Community Hope, that's our monthly
job readiness out there. And then we
have the veteran standown on at the BFW
on Valley on the 24th 24th.
It's too much to say today. And then
employer inoff networking event. That is
a a monthly event that we're going to be
hosting in our office where employers
and job seekers can come in and start
making some connections and boosting
their resume there as well. So if
anyone's looking for a job, like I said,
looking to change anything in your
career, come see us. Come down there.
come talk to a consultant and we can get
you on track.
And then as always, you can look up our
information on employee&mm. All of these
um events are posted on employee&mm. We
also have a calendar for each of our
counties. So if it's in your area,
you're not here in Los Cusus, you can
look in another county and see what
events we have going on there.
And that is all. Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
Next is pet of the week's care.
Good afternoon. I'm Carol Nelson,
digital content specialist with the
Animal Services Center of the Messia
Valley. This week we have Hayy 898688
for our dog of the week. I came to the
shelter as a tiny puppy and have grown
into a handsome young adult. While I
went through a bit of a a teenage phase,
I've been working hard on my training
and learning my manners. I'm still
learning not to jump or nibble for
attention. So, an adult only home would
probably be best for now. Once I get
some playful some playtime in the yard,
I mellow out and enjoy affection,
especially when treats are involved.
Take a chance on me today and I'll fill
your life with love. And we did want to
highlight that Hayy is one of our red
zone dogs, which means she is a high he
sorry is a higher risk um of being
euthanized if he is not adopted fairly
soon. So please please please help us
get the word out.
Our cat of the week is Butterstick
97543.
I'm a sweet and shy kitten who gets a
bit chirpy when I've got something to
say. I might need a gentle approach, but
once I warm up, my curious and playful
side shines through. I started off with
limited interactions because I was
recovering from sickness, but I'm now
becoming more comfortable socializing.
Every day, I'm coming out of my shell a
little more. I can't wait to show you
what a fun companion I can be. And as
always, we like to also highlight our
long-term residents because we really
want them to get into their forever
homes as soon as possible. The longer
they stay at the shelter, it's harder
for them to thrive. Coette has been with
us now 273 days. Cookies and Cream 263
days. I wanted to leave Coral on here
because she was actually selected last
week to go to a rescue after 252 days
with us. So, we're super happy for her.
Dexter has been with us 258 days now.
So, all really good options for
adoption. Uh, and this coming weekend,
we have the Bark and Brows at the
downtown farmers market. We'll have our
booth there. So, come see our adoptables
from 9 to 12. Um, and then of course
support support your local vendors. Uh,
and then also we wanted to highlight
that we have our drive-through
vaccination clinic coming up at the end
of the month. We'll be at the Field of
Dreams parking lot uh from 9 to 1. So,
come get your free and low lowcost
services that day. Thank you.
Thank you, Cara.
Next is a conflict of interest. Does any
member of the city council, city
manager, or any member of the city staff
have any known conflict of interest with
any item on the agenda?
None.
Next, we will move on to public
participation. We'll allow up to three
minutes. No pending litigation or items
of non-consent.
So, I'll start with the first row on my
my left, your right, if you want to come
up in three minutes. And again, no items
that are already on the agenda.
[Music]
Mayor Council folks here today and those
watching online. I'm Lin Moore. I thank
Las Cruus Utilities for its quick
response recently to help an elderly
neighbor who was having trouble with his
water pressure. I wish I could commend
Lasus Utilities further. Unfortunately,
the city's pattern and practice of
issuing false statements related to the
lead and copper rule continues. The
numbers the city used to apply to the
state for funding do not jive with the
lead service line replacement plan
submitted. The number of total service
connections in the funding applications
increased by almost a thousand when
submitted in the replacement plan. The
number of total population served in the
funding applications decreased by almost
3,500 when submitted in the replacement
plan. Plainly the numbers are not close.
Plus the disparities went oppo o o o o o
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o opposite
directions, increased and decreased.
Logic suggests that these two
categories, service connections and
population served would generally track
each other in either growth or
dimmonition. This indicates that there
are at a minimum serious inconsistencies
in Las Cusus utilities statements
regarding numbers. Another example of
major discrepancies, deputy director of
regulatory compliance Steve Pettis said
at a council meeting November 18 that
the city had 20,637
unknown service lines. However, shortly
before the meeting, Lasus utilities
submitted to the state a replacement
plan that said there were 19,024 unknown
service lines, about 1,600 fewer. Mr.
Pat has also told you last November that
the city had 15,627
known non-led service lines when by
contrast the city had shortly before
told the state they were 21,76
more than 5400 greater and a difference
of more than 25%. Again, these
disparants these disparities went both
directions and provide more evidence
that representations by Lasus utilities
are not to be believed. If you're
interested in reviewing documentation
that documents any of these
discrepancies, I'll provide copies. Yet
another example of Las Cusus utility
statements that turn out to be false
pertains to notices sent to new
customers, which Las which EPA requires.
Assistant utilities director Carl Clark
told you August 18 that the city sent
notices to new customers which Lasus
utilities keeps track of. In reality, a
response to an IPER request reveals that
if the city sends an individualized
notice to each customer, the city does
not keep track of it. Furthermore, look
at handout one. This letter doesn't
actually tell the customer what their
line is made of. It's inadequate and
fails to comply with the rule. Las Cusus
Util's pattern and practice of false
statements and seriously inconsistent
numbers should be very troubling to you.
It is to me. Thank you for this
opportunity to speak. Thank you, Mayor
Enriquez, for your courtesy.
Mayor, City Council, I'm Liz Rodriguez
Johnson. Numerous questions posed during
city council meetings regarding the
city's compliance with the lead and
copper rule still remain unanswered.
Most have been outstanding for many
months. We expect and deserve factual
answers to each of these questions. Why
did the following information disappear
from the inventory? Service line
installation dates, the date of property
was built, all designations of
disadvantaged neighborhoods, and all
designations of sensitive populations.
Why was the information regarding
inspection dates manipulated then
eventually disappeared? Why won't
Lascurt's Utilities put a popup popup on
its opening online Spanish page
instructing Spanishonly speakers how to
translate the website? Why does the city
test customer water for lead like
Albuquerque does? Why doesn't the city
test customer water for lead like
Albuquerque does for its residents? EPA
requires that the city's inventory must
include all service lines. Why has half
the city been left off the inventory?
Why does half the city not have water
hookups on the map? Why was councelor
Kuran told that there were only two
properties with galvanized pipes
requiring replacement when there were at
least 56 at the time? Why haven't all
the property owners with galvanized
requiring replacement piping been
notified as required? EPA requires that
they be notified within 30 days after
completing the initial inventory, which
was due October 16th, 2024.
EPA requires proven evidence-based
techniques for determining the nature of
piping. Why has a city relied upon water
sampling only with no records and field
inspection only with no records? Neither
is a proven evidence-based technique.
Why does Lascus' utilities provide no
justification for characterizing 33% of
the properties as non-LED? Why isn't
there a basis for every property? Why
has the city falsely characterized p
piping as non-LED for hundreds of
properties because of installation after
the lead ban when installation actually
occurred before the lead ban? How many
properties in the city's oldest area has
the city inspected? Where are the
records for each of these properties?
What has the city done to obtain funding
for folks who don't have the funds to
replace their lead or galvanized pipes?
To reiterate, the taxpayers of Lasuses
expect and deserve factual answers to
each of these questions without delay.
We ask that an answer to each question
be posted on the website in English and
Spanish no later than the next council
meeting on October 20th. Thank you.
Anyone else on row one?
Okay, going to row two.
Row three.
Diane Starbucks for the record. Uh, I
have two confessions to make. The first
one is I tend to use this podium as a
public service announcement, not as a
way to communicate with the city. And
that's what I will be using it for
today. My second confession is I almost
wasn't going to read what I was going to
read. Um, I wrote it shortly after the
last council meeting, which seems like a
long time ago, and since then I have
lost hope.
Um, but I have decided that's exactly
why I need to read this.
Anyone who knows Juan Garcia has
probably heard him say, "Let's get a cup
of coffee and talk about it." Jim Wilcox
and I decided to take him up on his
offer. We have had several meetings. All
three of us are concerned about the
direction our country is headed in. We
are afraid of escalating rhetoric and
violence. There are many topics we agree
upon. Uh loss of health care
professionals in New Mexico, the crime
project Jupiter, and our support for the
Los Cruus's Police Department. There are
many topics we don't agree upon. Jib and
I have been to CCIA meetings. The
meetings are well organized and they
have informative speakers. One has been
to a progressive voter alliance meeting.
He appreciates the number of members who
spoke about uh topics they were involved
in and how we all worked together for a
common goal. I have admitted that I
don't feel entirely comfortable being at
a CCIA meeting, but when Jim and I go,
we hear a different viewpoint other than
our own echo chambers. We hear the other
side's hopes and fears.
I believe that through our
conversations, we have realized that we
are not just someone on the left or
someone on the right, but a person who
is trying to make the world a better
place, even though we go about it
differently.
Are we going to fix the world? No. Are
we going to fix Las Cruises? Probably
not. But at least there is open
dialogue, listening, questions, and many
times understanding. We are trying to do
something. I challenge everybody today
to seek out someone from the other side
and have a respectful conversation and
just listen.
This message has the approval of Juan
Garcia and Jim Wilcox. Thank you.
Anyone else on the third row?
fourth row.
Good afternoon. My name is Adolf Zubia.
I'm here representing myself and
speaking behalf of other people,
individuals that I've spoken to
recently. And and I was going to read a
statement, but I figured I'd go off the
heart on what's going on. Uh the issue
before us dealt with the
the county's uh geo bond and the basic
issue comes down to this. Uh it's it's a
situation where the county has a laundry
list of items that they have two
questions where they have their specific
needs that they're addressing based on
this particular bond. Uh the sad part is
that that all those items listed, none
are going to happen in the city of Los
Cruus. Absolutely zero. And the fact is
based on how the county is set up and
the way the taxing is going to happen,
it's going to be significant uh revenue
coming from the city for those county
projects. And I took it not knowing the
specific numbers. I was hoping to get
information specifically on how much of
that tax was going to come from the city
residents uh with nothing for nothing to
show for it. I used my own home. Uh, I
took it and I kind of made a
conservative estimate. For the next 20
years, I'm going to be paying
approximately $6,000.
I also decided to utilize that number
for the HOA, which I belong to on the
board, and I got their approval to bring
that up on behalf of the board. We have
573 homes in Sonoma South and I used my
home calculation to see how much that
subdivision was going to be contributing
to the county's geo bond and it works
out to approximately 3.5 million. And I
know I'm probably off a bit, but I know
that the numbers I'm presenting you are
pretty pretty valid. Uh my concern when
I was asked is why is that happening?
and I said, "I don't know, but I'm
disappointed in that there wasn't more
collaboration between you and the
county." And secondly, that there was no
action or position taken on uh by the
city one way or the other on that. Now,
I doubt it very seriously if you'll ever
take a position against your brothers at
the county and vice versa. But in my
opinion, it's one of those issues where
it's America and you can disagree. Just
like Congress, you have the Senate and
you have the legis the Congress itself.
uh you can they can debate and they can
disagree. Same with the state level. In
this particular case, I just wanted to
make sure that you're aware that there's
some people out there dissatisfied with
nothing have hearing nothing from the
city. The other issue that comes into
mind is I probably talking talked to or
spoke to about 50 residents and I can
guarantee you about half of them I
didn't tally them total didn't know what
was going on and the impact it was going
to have. So my hope in the last 15
seconds is that maybe work in
conjunction with the county to get it
get them educated and have them
understand exactly what's what's what
it's going to cost them if that geo bond
goes through. Whether it's whether
you're for it or against it, please
inform your residents. Thank you.
Anyone else on the fourth row?
Fifth row.
Sixth row.
Mayor and council one Garcia. On 15th
September, a resolution in support of
public lands was introduced and
approved. Councelor Flores asked, "So
what happens to this resolution? We file
it away or send this to Santa Fe and
hope to read it." Excellent question.
The response from the staff, this
resolution could be sent via letter to
Santa Fe and the expectation is less
cruises will get a response. The mayor
prom stated this is something simple but
powerful to let Santa Fe know where we
stand. Even though the threat to public
lands has faded, this resolution was
still pushed forward. And I continue.
For more than four years, I have stood
here along with others asking this
council to issue a resolution, simple
but powerful,
and address the devastation we face
thanks to the Las Cruz's criminal
element. Nothing but silence. I get it.
There's no political capital in
challenging a permissive ideology that
seems more interested in coddling
criminals while the body count of
victims continues to rise. This is
evident when during the last CCJ,
Senator Cervantes, while explaining why
we have the same laws as other New
Mexico towns, but there is a
disproportionate problem with juvenile
crime in Las Cruises stated, and I
quote, "The composition of the city
council changes the way laws are
enforced." in Las Cruus. The composition
of the city council changes the way laws
are enforced in Las Cruus. End of quote.
Now we're losing doctors. The council
had a chance to demand through a
resolution a simple but powerful
resolution that the governor and the
Donana County state officials put
malpractice reform at the top of the
agenda for the special session. They
didn't. Not surprising. Now the mayor
pro Tim runs patients over profit funded
by trial lawyers. The question is
simple. Will she back patients desperate
for care or the lawyers bankrolling
excuse me her group patients over
profit? Patience over profit is the
public face of the opposition to Think
New Mexico proposal reforms to the
medical malpractice law during the last
legislative session. 100% of their
donors or trial lawers. Where's the care
and compassion for those suffering at
the lack of medical providers?
In closing, I want to thank Diana, Jim,
and others for their willingness to have
civil and respectful conversations. Even
in this polarized environment, it's
possible. I hope others will do the
same. Thank you.
Mayor, city council, my name is Eddie
Thomas. I was thinking about bringing my
guitar and entertaining you by singing a
famous Willie Nelson song, except that I
would change the lyrics to Mamas don't
let your sons grow up to be gangbangers.
This might help me get the message
across that you're not doing anything
meaningful to combat juvenile crime in
Los Cusus as long as the soft on crime
and catch and releaselease laws
currently on the books remains
unchanged. But we all know now that
that's the way you intended it. This is
by design. You pretend to do something
by sending a delegation to Santa Fe to
shop for laws, all the while knowing
they'll come back with nothing that
works to deter crime. The laws currently
on the books might even encourage it
because they don't punish the offenders.
We molly coddle them instead. They grow
up in gangs that don't respect the law
because they've never been taught to by
their parents. My miito is a good boy,
they say. No,
Mikito is not a good boy. He probably
has a gun and is committing a crime or
fighting with another gang in another
neighborhood. He gets into trouble
instead of trade school or college and
ends up getting arrested and put in jail
for a couple of hours. Then he's set
free. There is no punishment, no
correction, no incentive to change his
behavior. Years and years of these bad
policies have produced what we have now
in Los Cusus. Crime and poverty that's
generational. Yet you continue to
pretend like you're doing something. You
say Santa Fe makes the laws, but you
don't advocate for anything that helps
deter crime. You can tell a lot about a
city council by what they advocate for,
but even more so by what they don't
advocate for. It's clear where your
loyalties lay. Between the lack of laws
that correct bad behavior and the lack
of meaningful parenting, our kids will
continue to pay the price for predition.
Proverbs 13:24 says, "Spare the rod and
spoil the child." Of course, some of you
will interpret that to mean that I'm
saying that you should beat your kids.
I'm saying nothing of the sort. I mean
it to discipline your kids to show them
right from wrong so that they will
choose the good way and stay away from
evil. Those who fail to correct their
children don't love them. Proverbs 226
says, "Train them up in the way that
they should go and they will not depart
from it."
The way I see it, we have to do three
things. Change the laws so that they put
the fear of God in them. Get rid of the
politicians in office that don't get on
board with change and start raising your
kids with some discipline. Stop them
from hanging out with gangbangers.
Thank you.
Anyone else on row six?
Row seven.
Row eight.
Anyone on my left side?
Okay, we'll move over here to the right.
Anyone in the first row? Second row.
Third row.
You're the third row in the orange. Yes.
Ma'am, if you want to give it to the
clerk, she'll disperse it.
Ju just you can just give it to the city
clerk.
Just give them to the city clerk.
Uh good afternoon. My name is Belinda
Robertson. Um I am resident of the city
of Las Cruuses, New Mexico. I am
American and my obligation lie American.
If I saw something that is not correct
or somebody the law or act act under the
color of the law or abuse the power of
authority are the news to the
authorities and I the news in this
moment to the authorities in the city of
Las Cruuses New Mexico
um authorities with the power of
authority one of them the Manuela Reta
he act under the deo ambulate my civil
rights of American
and the civil rights of my kids Cameroon
Robertson and Mackenzie Robertson during
a hearing on September 12. The day of
the hearing was in a schedule the
official Isabel Gerave victim ambulance
domestic commissioner.
The day of the hearing the the hearing
changed to Manuel without any
notification to the parties in less than
24 hours. I have a case for five years
that I denounced domestic terrorist in
the third judicial district. The the
judge Manuela never asked permission of
the two parties to interview Amino
McKenzie Robertson.
Uh Manuela seen evidence of the criminal
history of K Robertson respondent.
Manuela putting risk the life of
American children when they needed to
approve as an exam to the minor McKenzie
Robertson because she was um abused for
she have 200 scars between the legs and
the user say that he don't see nothing
and I present the scars.
Um
this is my daughter and then
the user say you work with CFD
CFD
on 2023 the governor of New Mexico
Michelle Hungry she accused the director
of CFD for several irregularities and
some of the employees erased the
irregularities. This is the evidence
that they falsify documents in 2022 CYFB
with the name the Susana Martinez and
appointed of governor of the state of
New Mexico and they interview inter they
was in a they organized a hearing on
March without my knowledge and the huge
cas
documents and give the custody of my
kids to my husband K Robertson.
Um
my my daughter on on August was five he
she have a car collision and was
involved with Las Cru's police
department. Uh and then this is the
proof and the user
say that he cannot give me the custody
of my kids. Uh this is why I came to the
mayor of Lac Crues to
pled that interview for me because he's
the maximum authority in the city of Las
Cruises.
Okay, your time is open. I think our
city attorney wanted to say something.
Thank you, Mayor. Uh Brad Douglas for
the record. Ma'am, are you sure that you
want us to have these? because I'm
looking through them and there seems to
be sensitive information about children
in here and I'm I I haven't looked at
all of it. But what worries me is if
there's any kind of records request.
These are now in possession of the city.
Would you like to take them back?
No. I wonder you you report to the FBI
director uh cash Patel and the FBI
deputy director Dan Borino and the state
of New Mexico Michel Hungry and listen
the audio because the live Americans is
in ris in the state of New Mexico in
city of Luses if you don't read the the
you don't listen the hearing and read
the documents that I present.
Okay. Thank you.
Thank you. Anyone else in the third row?
Fourth row.
Hi, good afternoon, mayor, council, city
leadership. I'm Rob Campion, president
of Elite Medical Transport. For over 23
years, we have served the Southwest
providing ambulance transport and mutual
aid to 911 systems. We are clinician led
with our mission to positively impact
our patients, our employees, and the
communities that we serve. I'm pleased
to announce that we were approved by New
Mexico Department of Transportation on
August 27th and commenced ambulance
operations in Los Cusus on October 1st.
This operation will create over 20 jobs
in the community this year and serve as
a resource not to just transport
locally, but to aid in bringing in
patients from surrounding communities to
the great care available here in Los
Cusus. Los Cusus is our newest location
in our network of care and
transportation that includes Deming,
Carlsbad, Portalis, El Paso, and soon
Hobbs, New Mexico. Several of our
management team started their EMS
careers here in Los Cusus and call Los
Cruus home. These leaders are ready to
ensure that the community has the
compassionate care and transport they
deserve. We're very excited to serve Los
Cusus in the region with this additional
location. And as we settle into Los
Cusus, we are eager to better understand
the needs of the community and tailor
our services to meet those needs. We're
in communication with Chief Daniels and
the fire department, and we're working
on how to best support and integrate
with this emergency response system. I'd
like to commend Chief Daniels and his
team on their professionalism and focus
on public safety. I'd also like to
commend the Los Cusus airport for their
prompt response uh to our request for
information as well. If there's anything
we can ever do to help the community,
please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you. We're glad to be here.
Still on the fourth row. On the fifth
row.
Sixth.
Howdy. My name is Lonnie Montgomery and
I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I love
you guys and God loves you too. I'm also
a praying man. So, let's pray. Most
gracious and loving father, I come
before you today and ask that you guide
these city counselors and increase their
wisdom and discernment so they can be
the good public servants they were
elected to be.
In Jesus holy name I pray. Amen. And you
are public servants. You serve the
public. all of your constituents,
sometimes what I call taxpayers,
and
not just the ones you voted for, but all
of us. Sometimes you don't treat some of
us as well as you do others. For
instance, you didn't consider that the
building of uh
public housing in neighborhoods would
lower the value of the houses that they
are there. So, some people won't receive
enough money where they can sell their
what they could before and move to
another neighborhood or I've heard of
many moving to another state.
Okay, on to the riff raff report
in the state. We know we have poor
education. We're putting in billions of
dollars and we still have poor
education. And what is Los Cruus has
become infamous for its disp
dispensaries? We have weren't on nearly
any corner. And thanks to you, we have
some and come in 24/7 to get a high and
drive very fast on the streets causing
many people to run into the back of
others and then driving off.
And
we also have juvenile crime which has
been got way the district and we have
two places where people can go to murder
their babies. That's called abortion
clinics. And we're working on one more
that not only kills babies, it uh helps
people to uh mutilate people's bodies.
And I said, "Murder? That sounds sort of
sort of uh harsh, doesn't it?" But how
does it sound to the babies?
So we
And what is murder? Murder is killing
with the fourth. That means it's
planned. And that's what it is is in
abortion clinics. It's planned and they
kill the baby in the womb or they kill
it outside the womb. When it gets the I
think it's a sonogram and they look at
it and the abortionisters are going that
the babies go away from being killed.
And if the moms look at that, 85% of the
moms say, "I want to have the baby." And
if the dads look at that, over 85% look
at the babies. So, I just want to know
that uh I'm sorry about that and I may
God forgive us. Amen.
Anyone else on the sixth row?
That's our seventh row.
Eighth
Hello, city council. My name is
Elizabeth Bennett and I am a uh trained
social worker by profession and a youth
advocate for many years. And I just
wanted to respond to the conversation
that is being had about how to address
the um undeniable uh existence of a
problem with
ma'am. Can you speak a little closer to
the microphone so the recording can pick
it up?
Yes. Um it's undeniable that there is a
problem with um increased crime and that
young people are often involved. But I
want to speak to the fact that evidence
and research shows us that incarceration
does not improve outcomes for young
people. And in fact, it leads to
additional trauma and additional trauma
leads to additional high-risk behavior
and poor outcomes for those individuals.
And instead, uh, research shows us that
positive youth development having to do
with creating safe spaces for young
people, giving them the opportunity to
build skills and create mastery and
develop meaningful relationships with
their peers and adults in their
community is what actually changes
outcomes for these young people. So,
thank you for the investments that you
have made in um safe spaces and
recreation for young people. And thank
you for being uh considerate and
critical when um being called to
incarcerate and criminalize uh young
people in our community. Thank you.
[Applause]
Anyone
else on the right side?
Okay.
Can someone assist? Donnie, can you
He's got it.
Hello, my name is William Orland. I'm uh
coming to talk today about uh a problem
I've been noticing for the past few
weeks. Um
the city transit services on Saturdays
and that ends at 4:30 and a lot of the
times a lot of the
events that are held here in town start
either right at or right after 4:30. Um,
for someone like me who the only way
they can get around town is either
through the city bus system or through
Roadrunner or Bominos, that's very
inconvenient for me to to have to go all
the way from the post office here in
downtown all the way up to Sonoma Ranch.
Um, I don't know if there's anything you
guys can do about it, but if you could
like try to see if we can change the
time so where they can operate longer in
the day, I would appreciate it. That
also another problem I've noticed is a
lot of the sidewalks have been kind of
very dirty to the point where it could
make driving on them with a wheelchair a
little risky and of like getting stuck
or something. Um I I guess this one's
more of a question of who is in charge
of trying to clean up the sidewalks to
make sure they're a lot more walkable.
Other than that, it's pretty much it.
Is there anyone else?
Hello. Good afternoon.
You can move the there's a little button
on the side and you can
the height thing or what?
But you you
Yes. On the right side you can raise it
up if you have to. If not, you're fine
there.
Uh good afternoon, city council and
mayor. Uh I've been my name is Alejandro
Bernol. I've been a resident of Los
Cusus for 20 years and I just wanted to
speak about the concern that I see about
crime and drug use, rampid drug use,
open air drug use. Uh it's pretty much
everywhere you look. If you can't see
it, it's you're probably uh shutting
yourself to viewing it because it's it's
pretty much on every main street.
And uh not only that, but if we want to
make things better, we may think about
increasing the budget for law
enforcement and increasing standards. Uh
maybe increasing the educational
attainment that they need to receive in
order to become a law enforcement
officer, but we have to pay them more.
Uh what else? And just really quick, I
did see on social media that I think
there was discussion about not allowing
law enforcement, Los Cru's law
enforcement to intercede with federal
enforcement when it comes to
immigration. Uh
that that item will come up later in
discussion.
Okay. So I should wait for that.
Yes.
Okay. Thank you. That's all I have for
the moment. Thank you.
Next we will go to the acceptance of
agenda.
Move to approve Graham. Second.
Second by
it's her fault.
This is in the motion to accept the
agenda as presented. Councelor Mccclur.
Yes.
Councelor Matise.
Yes.
Councelor Graham.
Yes. Councelor Craran.
Yes.
Councelor Flores.
Yes.
Councelor Beno. Yes,
mayor.
Yes.
So, the first item is resolution number
26-049,
a resolution reaffirming the city of Los
Cruus's commitment to creating equality
of place to live, work through
non-discrimination in all areas of city
government and declaring the city a
welcoming community.
Move to approve, Graham.
Second, Corin.
Go ahead, Brad.
Thank you, Mayor,
other members of council. Uh Brad
Douglas from the legal department for
the record. And today I will be
presenting to you for your consideration
uh an update to our welcoming city
resolution.
Um a few weeks ago, Mayor Prom Beno and
councelor Korin came to me and expressed
interest in updating the welcoming city
resolution that has been on the books
since I believe around 2017.
Uh and I said sure. and they brought to
me a completed draft that went through a
couple of rounds of edits, collaborative
edits between uh themselves and the
legal department. And for your
consideration today, I will provide some
background information and point out uh
the contents of the proposed resolution.
So without any further ado, um this
resolution reaffirms that city council
recognizes Los Cruus's rich cultural
history, uh which as we all know for
centuries has been home to Native
American groups, descendants of Spanish
explorers, descendants of Mexican
colonists, and many, many more groups.
Uh in 1997, the city adopted a human
rights ordinance that codified the
city's commitment to non-discrimination
in all areas of our local government.
and the city may now wish to reaffirm
its status as a welcoming city to all.
Just a little more background. In
February of this year, LCPD updated
General Order 165 titled bias-based
policing to further comport with fourth
amendment protections and also
anti-comandeering provisions pursuing to
the 10th amendment.
And so you may ask yourself, what are
anti-comandeering provisions? Well, the
10th amendment to the United States
Constitution prohibits the enforcement
of purely federal programs such as
immigration enforcement uh at the cost
of state and/or municipal governments.
Uh in that same month, uh Chief Story
also updated General Order 166, which
prohibits LCPD for gathering information
for purely immigration related or
immigration enforcement related
purposes.
And so what are some key components to
this updated welcoming city resolution?
Uh this proposed resolution would
prohibit the use of city refor
resources, excuse me, for purely
immigration related enforcement actions,
which as we all know are actions that
are traditionally taken by the federal
government, not state or local
governments absent some sort of other
agreement. Uh this updated resolution
would prohibit the sharing of personally
identifiable information about persons
for solely immigration related
enforcement actions and city staff would
uh if this resolution were adopted
within 6 months to one year provide all
city employees with written policies
andor trainings on how to implement this
resolution. Uh the Los Cruus Municipal
Court uh would have the option of
allowing virtual appearances for traffic
tickets and misdemeanor arraignments.
Again, that would be at the discretion
of the Los Cusus Municipal Court. Uh but
this resolution does encourage that
option.
If adopted, uh, the city would resolve
send a strong message that immigration
enforcement would not enter into any
areas of city property that's not open
to the public for immigration
enforcement absent a valid judicial
warrant signed by a federal judge. So, I
do think it's important to point out
that this proposed resolution
um,
we would not be disobeying federal law
in any way. Obviously, if we are
presented with a lawful order or a
subpoena or a warrant signed by a
federal judge, uh the city and its
officials and agents would not obstruct
immigration enforcement in any way. Uh
the city would also implement the
posting of clear signage designating
private spaces within city buildings,
and the city clerk or her design would
provide quarterly updates to council
through the city's city manager on
requests for information from federal
immigration authorities.
This resolution also proposes that LCPD
shall not enter into any uh what I'll
call 287G agreements. Those agreements
uh delegate immigration enforcement
powers to local police officers.
And also very important to note that
LCPD does not currently participate in
any 287G agreements and there are no
memoranda or memorandums of agreement to
this effect.
Uh, I do want to point out that nothing
in the proposed resolution would
restrict LCPD in any way with regard to
their current duties of investigating
and enforcing non-immigration related
crimes.
And so your council options today would
be to vote yes to adopt the resolution,
to vote no to amend sorry to vote no or
to vote to amend or to vote to table to
a date certain. I will make one staff
recommendation.
Um staff's recommendation is that if
council should choose to adopt this
resolution that it do so with the
following amendments and you may refer
to them in the short hand as amendments
1, two, and three. Uh amendment proposed
amendment number one, the whereas
statement beginning with the language
LCPD general order 166 prohibits should
be replaced in its entirety with the
following language. LCPD General Order
166 prohibits commissioned employees
from inquiring or seeking proof of a
person's immigration status unless the
person is in custody or is a suspect for
a non-immigration
felony criminal violation. Uh this more
accurately describes the general order
as it's currently written.
Proposed amendment number two under
section two non-disclosure and
confidentiality of sensitive personal
information. Legal department request
short amendment to the effect of adding
the following clause at the end. And
I'll now quote, "This section shall only
apply when receiving requests for
sensitive personal information that are
solely for the purpose of federal
immigration enforcement."
In Legal's view, this amendment is
necessary because as currently written,
um, we could end up hindering local law
enforcement while carrying out their
current non-immigration related
information sharing. um especially as it
pertains to gathering information about
vehicular accidents and sharing
information with the Los Cusus Municipal
Court.
And then proposed amendment number three
under section five, sensitive locations,
very short amendment or modification.
The first sentence should be modified to
the following effect. The clause law
enforcement including should be deleted.
The original intent of this section was
applicable to federal immigration
enforcement, not local law enforcement.
If this section is not amended, there
could be serious unintentional
consequences for local law enforcement,
hindering their current duties in a way
that was never intended as it pertains
to non immigration
related offenses. I'll give a a very
short example that that concludes my
proposed amendments. But with regard to
that very last one, I truly do believe
that it was a result of unfortunate word
smithing and I'll I'll take the blame
for that. But just to give an example, a
few weeks ago, there was an employee in
my office, a staffer who was working
after hours. Um, who had a let's just
call it a very negative interaction with
someone who should not have been in the
building. LCPD showed up quickly. uh
they acted efficiently and they acted
with the utmost professionalism. They
entered into a sensitive or a private
area without a judicial warrant.
Obviously, that's not what we're trying
to prohibit and that was not the
original intent um of the resolution.
And so now I'll stand for questions or
we could open it up for discussion.
Mayor
we could discuss and then look at the
amendments and then go from there.
Okay. Council photos.
Uh thank you, Mayor, and thank you, uh
Brad, uh Attorney Douglas. Uh I'm
concerned about some sections here. I
practice immigration law, you know, and
um some of this is kind of sticky and
but what really um blows me away is the
vote to amend and not being able to see
it. I mean, you you presented it and I
can understand it as you speak, but it's
very difficult to intertwine it with
everything else that is here. The intent
is great. the city police of Lasusas has
never ever taken the position of inner
inner uh what's the word in any way uh
for lack of a better word aiding and
abetting um the uh feds on immigration
issues back in uh I think 20 about 10
years ago or more um the chief of police
was Haime Jimmy uh Mononttoya and he
made it very clear uh along with uh Olga
Pedrosa who was then the city councelor
and also an attorney uh that uh the city
of Las Cusus would never do that. That
does not mean that we are a um sanctuary
city. Um, in other words, the Lasus'
Police Department, LCPD,
has nothing to do with the enforcement
of any kind of federal law except
especially
uh
especially uh immigration law. Um th
this is a this is very near and dear to
me on a personal level um and also
professional and and I in reading
through this um your presentation
was excellent but I need to see I I and
I would ordinarily say let let's go with
it except for u the count the vote to
amend I guess the vote to amend would be
to add the language that you just uh
presented to us. So instead of voting
yes, we would vote to amend to assure
that that language would be there. Is am
I correct in understanding that?
That's correct, Mayor Councelor Flores.
Um
you you would you would vote to amend uh
if you'd like for what I have uh
referenced as proposed amendments one,
two, and three. And and you make a good
point. Frankly, I I I should have
printed out the proposed amendments, but
I can certainly read them uh again if if
you would like.
No, I I'm sorry. I'm having I don't
know. I hurt my back and I'm sorry. Um
I I I would at this point um request
that we uh table it uh to a date certain
two weeks from now when our next uh and
then we can see the language that you uh
presented to us, see it in writing so
that we can cross reference it with
other um other parts of the uh
other parts of the uh proposed uh
legislation.
local rule.
That's my opinion. That's my So, but I
but thank you.
Um, so, Mayor and Councelor Flores, just
to briefly respond to that, you you are
100% correct, Councelor Flores, LCPD uh
does not engage in any sort of uh
immigration enforcement actions right
now. I believe and others can speak to
this more intelligently than I can that
the intent is uh that they never do.
Thank you.
Well, I'm I'm a little unclear. Council,
did you make a motion to table?
Oh, uh no, I didn't make that motion,
but thank you for Yes, I would I would
uh move to Well, this is public comment,
too, but yes. It's up for discussion and
I didn't I I just wasn't clear,
but I wanted to Yeah, I wanted to u the
amendments are
I heard them and they would be uh okay,
but I have to see it in writing.
Right. That's I'm just clarifying if you
made a motion or not.
I didn't make a motion. People want to
I'm just clarifying.
Yes.
Okay.
I Well, can I make a motion? There could
be discussion on the motion.
No. No. People are still wanting to pipe
up.
Okay. Okay.
Uh I'll go ahead and allow uh Councelor
Matise if you're on.
Can you hear me?
Yes, we can hear you now. Go ahead,
Council Matise.
Thank you. Um I I have similar feelings
with Dr. applaud us uh about the um the
amendments, you know, not not being able
to see them and prepare and and and
answer on them. Uh the second thing I
have is that I I will be voting no if it
if it comes to a vote. And my reasoning
is I believe that the former resolution
was quite adequate without uh creating
the the the burden of all the
recordkeeping by the Los Cusus Police
Department. And the amendments itself
show that there is some uh wording
that's particularly not correct uh
legally. And I want to thank our
attorney, our city attorney uh for
bringing that to our attention. I also
think that um we we may be a magnet uh
by up updating this particular
resolution in that respect. Do do we
have the resources? Does the city of Los
Cruus have the resources
and and and and the places to uh house
what would be the more unhoused uh and
immigration coming to the city of Los
Cusus. So on those concerns, I I would
either prefer to table it and or if it
comes to vote, I will be voting no.
Thank you, Mayor.
Thank you, councelor uh Mayor Prom.
Thanks, Mayor.
Um thank you, Brad. First, I want to
just thank you and Henry for uh working
with councelor Kin and I on um updating
this resolution um that was adopted in
2017.
Um
that like I spoke about this a few weeks
ago that is wholly inadequate to meet
the current moment that we are facing
with the current administration. So, I
believe this is timely and urgent and
the amendments I'm happy to make the
those amendments, two of those
amendments, Brad, and I and I will do so
and they are in front of us, I believe,
all of us right now. Um, and but I just
want to pull back a little bit because I
want to speak to the urgent moment that
we find ourselves in.
Um, you know, I have I have two things
that I keep hearing people tell me um
and probably tell a lot of you to scare
you away from supporting something like
this. Um, one is, but what about the
funding? What if the Trump
administration chooses to take away
front funding from the city of Los Cusus
if you adopt something like this that is
more extensive than one we've had
before? And it is. it is more extensive
to the powers that we are giving as a
municipality um to do everything that we
can to stand by our immigrant neighbors.
Um to the funding piece, I will say this
um first of all um it is
unconstitutional. The 10th amendment
literally talks about um you know it
protects states rights and local control
and limits the power of the federal
government especially in uh when it
comes to coercion of passing certain
policies um and threatening to withhold
funding from American citizens and
American residents. Um so one it is
unconstitutional.
Um, two, on the issue of funding, um,
I'm I personally will not sell out my
immigrant community um, for uh, money
from the federal government.
I
um and also to make it very clear, this
administration is already taking
millions of dollars from hardworking
Americans every single day by cutting
Medicaid and cutting SNAP and other
social safety net services. So money is
already being taken away from all of us.
That's number one on the funding. The
number two piece that I keep that I keep
hearing folks um talk about is what if
look at LA, look at Chicago, what if we
poke the bear and the same thing happens
here. I another thing I want to make
very clear. The Trump admin
administration intended to do exactly
what it is doing right now in
democratically held cities across the
country. If you are looking at what is
happening in Chicago and LA and DC and
you think that is normal and acceptable,
I don't know what to tell you. Uh it is
peak authoritarianism and we should all
be deeply concerned. Regardless if Mayor
Brandon Johnson in Chicago said anything
about standing with immigrants or not,
the Trump administration was going to
send the kind of militarized tactics
that he is doing that to terrorize and
victimize American cities, American
residents and citizens regardless of
administration, they are already
terrorizing uh all of our communities.
So to me, this is um timely particularly
because DHS has now now has
unprecedented dollars. It's why they cut
Medicaid and SNAP to give uh tax cuts to
the wealthy, which by the way, I
guarantee you none of us here are going
to get those in this room. And number
two, to give billions of dollars to DHS
to further terrorize our communities. So
I will not act powerless in this moment.
Um, do I wish we could do more? I do. I
wish we could do a lot more. Um, do I
think this resolution encompasses a lot
of those protections for our community
in terms of what we can do? I do. And,
um, I'm proud to support this. Um,
certainly hope we don't table it today.
It is timely and urgent. Um, and when it
comes to the time, Brad, I will make
some of those amendments and I
appreciate you um, and for catching
those uh, simple mistakes and we can
correct them today. So, thank you, Brad,
and thank you to the advocates who
supported us in in um, the creation of
of this uh, powerful resolution.
[Applause]
Anyone else? Uh, Council Grant,
I just wanted to make sure that we'll
have the chance to speak after uh,
community input as well. Just staking my
claim there. Thank you.
We can do that. Anyone else?
I I don't disagree with anything that
Mayor Prom uh, uh, Beno has said. Um,
but what I'm talking about is the
language in this, not anything else. And
I don't because all you have to do is
have one or two words that just don't
fit in or, you know, it's or it's
contingent on something else.
I I don't feel comfortable.
Um, yeah. I mean your your presentation
was uh very thorough but if you asked me
what you said I wouldn't be able to
reiterate you know word for word and
then voting for that. I um
I
torn because I I think that uh the t
time is of the essence. Um,
and uh I don't know two weeks from now
I don't know I
I still would vote to amend but
okay thank you mayor and thank you Brad
Mr. Douglas.
No one else. Okay. Um, yeah, I just feel
like the the practice is already in
place. So, I'm not in favor of of this
resolution myself because of what it
creates for our city, our organization,
the additional work. It's not about the
funding that's being cut. It's it's
sending a message and then seeking
federal
uh grants and requests. It just it just
doesn't flow for me. So, that's where
I'm at. But we'll open it up to the
public. And again, I'll start on my my
left, your right hand side. Anybody in
the first row? Um, how many want to
speak to this subject?
Yeah, we'll go ahead and uh two minutes
and come on up in the first row.
Hi. Um, I'll try to be pretty quick. Um,
I'm here because I'm furoughed. Um, I am
the, uh, child of immigrants.
Can you state your name, please?
Oh, sorry. Uh, my name is Alex Chetum.
Am I
okay?
see how that works.
Um, so I'm only in the United States
because my grandmother um escaped the
Armenian genocide. Um, my Irish
grandfather um escaped dying in a bog in
the Irish famine. The United States
welcomed them. Um, it let them grow. Uh,
it led to me being here and being able
to contribute. Um, I fundamentally think
that uh being welcoming to immigrants is
a fundamental part of the American
character. Um, the idea that Los Cusus
uh wouldn't reflect that doesn't jive
with me. Um, as far as protections go, I
think this administration has
demonstrated that without explicit
protections, without like the actual
words in place, they will just run over
people. They will not listen to the law
as it stands. Um, I think that you have
to have extra legal protections right
now. And um, I don't buy the idea that
you can't uh I don't know. I don't buy
the idea that this isn't going to
actually do anything. You need those
extra protections right now when you
have such an arbitrary uh,
administration. Um, I can tell you for
sure that what they are doing is
arbitrary. There is not planning. Um, it
is a really really bad situation for us.
Um, and I don't think you can rely on
their behavior. You just have to do
what's right. So that's all I'll say.
Thank you.
[Applause]
Hi, my name is Dana Hopkins. I'm going
to speak quickly. I think a lot of folks
will
We're good. I think folks will probably
say a lot of what I was going to say.
So, I'm just going to say that first of
all, it's not the same thing. This is
not repeating something we already have.
And I think anybody that's saying that
is
I think you all know and I believe we
are all under threat that Chicago,
Portland,
etc. will and can happen here. We are
not special. If we we're not making
ourselves a target, we're already a
target. We have people talking about the
high crime here, which I just want to
point out is the excuse they've used to
come into other cities.
And all we're all I can see in this is
that we are making it a little more
firm. We are expanding enough to care
for our immigrant community as best we
can. I don't see how this is extra work
for the police. And if it is, it's work
they need to do. I think it makes it
very clear and very firm part of their
job.
Excuse me, ma'am. I'm going to ask you
to please stop the clicking while
someone's speaking. Okay? We we just
don't want that. So, please, you're
going to get your turn to speak. You can
come up and speak when it's your turn,
but please stop the clicking and you can
clap and whatever you want after someone
speaks, but let's be courteous. Let's be
respectful. Let's give everybody their
time to speak.
Just so we're clear, I don't think that
was disrespectful, but thank you.
I didn't say disrespectful. It It is
disruptive.
Okay.
I won't do it myself then. Uh
thank you.
We're already under threat. We can't
bury our heads in the sand and think
maybe they won't notice us. We need to
do this. We need to welcome all of our
siblings.
And yes, this is something that the
police are involved in. And if they need
to do a little extra work, that's okay.
That is their job.
And finally, I was concerned to hear a
couple people say, "Well, we have to
take a closer look at these amendments."
I'm not a lawyer, and I understood them
perfectly. They were not complicated and
I believe you all got a copy of them in
writing. So, it feels a little bit like
stalling to to have to take to have to
table this. And tableabling it concerns
me because we are under the gun. It
could happen any day. Thank you very
much,
[Applause]
Mr. Mayor.
Good afternoon, council. My name is
Sylvia Leon. I'm the executive director
for NM Cafe. Um I'm a proud Francisa and
um a citizen of Las Cruzes. Um I just
want to start by thanking the previous
council who unanimously voted to protect
our families in Las Cruzes and to uphold
the values that honor the basic humanity
of all people. Um, here in the fronta,
we're not just neighbors, we're also
family to many of the immigrants in this
county country. And we understand how to
make how they make southern New Mexico
the vibrant and unique community that it
is. I also um want to give my
appreciation to counselors Kuran and to
Ben Ko for understanding the perilous
time that we're in today um and for
working to strengthen the current
welcoming communities resolution.
When the federal government is zip tying
small children and dragging them out of
their homes in the middle of the night
when they're racially profiling
and detaining brown people, immigrants
and citizens alike,
and physically assaulting and detaining
people without respecting their fourth
and fifth amendment rights under the
constitution. itution.
It is very clear that we need to stand
even more for firmly against the
authoritarium that has taken over our
country.
So I urge this council to again vote
unanimously
to prank the people of our to protect
our people and to stand against the
tyranny that is
that we are in by passing this
resolution. Thank you very much.
[Applause]
Lynn Moira, I want to briefly support uh
councelor Flores's request for having it
in writing. As an attorney, I know the
importance of having the words before
you so you can cross reference to be
thorough. Another point is that the
public actually needs to have an
opportunity to look at it too. This is
not proper public notice in terms of
providing all the materials in the
agenda packet. I understand the need to
amend from time to time, but there
needed to be a provision so that all the
public can have a chance to study this.
And correct me if I'm wrong, I think
also councelor Matise also does not have
this in front of him to study it. So, I
support councelor Flores's request to
have it in writing and put it off for
two weeks. I have no comment with
respect to the substance of what you're
talking about. But in in terms of the
manner in which you're doing it, I think
this is flawed. Bringing something that
has not been distributed publicly either
to the council, the governing body or to
the public to be able to study it as a
part of the entire package. Thank you
for this opportunity to speak.
[Applause]
Good afternoon. My name is Brother
Joseph Bach. I'm from Holy Cross Retreat
Center and I'm also a part of the
Compientes Fontteros Desperansa, the
Borderland Companions of Hope. It's a
faith-based grassroots initiative
founded within our local Los Cusus
community that walks with immigrant
individuals and families in the
borderlands as they navigate the complex
immigration system through compassionate
accompanyment. Being with our neighbors
in court, detention center visits,
spiritual and emotional support,
advocacy through witness. We strive to
uphold the dignity of each person,
especially at a time when many live in
fear and uncertainty.
Our mission is rooted in hope and the
belief that no one should face the
challenges of migration alone. We
accompany our neighbors not only to
offer practical support, but also to
build bridges of trust, belonging,
mutual respect within our community. Now
more than ever, it is crucial that the
city of Los Cusus stand with our
immigrant neighbors. We must draw clear
lines between the roles of ICE and our
local law enforcement agencies. Not this
is not simply a policy matter. It is a
reflection of our shared values as
residents of Los Cusus.
When our immigrant neighbors live in
fear of deportation, the entire
community suffers. We have heard and
felt the pain, agony, and stress from
our neighbors. Families are separated.
Trust in law enforcement erodess. And
public safety is weakened. The proposed
Los Cusus welcoming city revolution
offers a path forward. It will help make
Los Cusus a safer city for all residents
by keeping families together,
strengthening our communities, and
rebuilding trust in the local police.
Together, we can ensure that Los Cusus
remains a place where every person feels
safe, valued, and at home. Thank you.
[Applause]
Thank you. From from here on on, Sergio
is right there in the center. He'll be
ushering you and and letting you if you
want to speak, start forming a line if
you want of two or three people. That's
fine.
Good afternoon, mayor. Good afternoon,
city council. My name is Anel Amabiscoco
and I am part of the only Southwest
youth group in New Mexico from Chaparel
called New Gen Hope. I stand here in
support of this resolution because my
faith teaches me that every person is
made in the image of God and deserves
dignity and compassion. In the Gospel of
Matthew, Jesus says, quote, I was a
stranger and you welcome me. In
Leviticus 19:34,
it says, the foreigner residing among
you must be treated as your native born.
Love them as yourself, for you were
foreigners in Egypt. In Romans 12:13, it
says, "Share with the Lord's people who
are in need. Practice hospitality." Now,
obviously, I come here not as some
pastor or religious figure. I come as
someone who believes that my Catholic
faith and our book shares universal
truths as to how every human should be
treated. In other words, this call is
not only for churches, but for
communities like ours. In other words,
or sorry, for anyone wishing to dissolve
this resolution, I ask you to please
think of your legacy, your background as
someone who at one point your own
ancestors didn't belong to this country
and the hate or distrust that may ensue
as a result of not being a welcoming
city. Las Cruus has always been a place
where different peoples have come
together. That history makes us strong,
and this resolution continues that
legacy by ensuring no one is excluded
because of who they are or where they
come from. Let us recall that at one
point this land belonged to the Manso
people, then Spain, then Mexico, and now
the United States. Borders are meant to
be redrawn and challenged. The people,
however, remain as humans with shared
values and service to give. Don't kneel,
but stand against President Trump's
agenda and his goal to divide
communities like ours. As young people,
we want to grow up in a city that
chooses inclusion over division and
welcome over fear. This resolution
affirms that Los Cruuses protects
families, respects human rights, and
lives up to the best values of our faith
traditions, hospitality, justice, and
love for neighbor. Thank you.
[Applause]
Good evening, council. Good afternoon,
council and mayor. My name is Alandra
and I am a member of New Gen Hope from
Chaparel. I support this resolution
because it represents justice, fairness,
and the welcoming spirit of our faith
that calls of our faith that calls us to
live it out. In the book of Levit
Leviticus, God reminds his people, "The
stranger who resides with you shall be
as one of your own, and you shall love
them as yourself." This resolution is
not about politics. It's about
protecting families, making sure people
feel safe to report crimes, and ensuring
everyone in Las Cruz is treated with
dignity. Our police should focus on
keeping our neighborhoods safe, not
separating families. Our city staff
should focus on serving the community,
not enforcing federal programs that go
against our values. Young people like me
want to inherit a community that doesn't
divide people into us and them, but
instead recognizes that diversity is
part of our identity.
supporting this resolution is saying yes
to fairness, to compassion, and to the
promise that Las Cruises is a place
where all of us belong. Thank you for
considering the voices of young people
who will carry these values forward.
[Applause]
Good afternoon, Mayor and Council. My
name is Emilas from Hope and I want to
thank you for bringing this resolution
forward. I believe it is an important
step in reaffirming Las Cruises as a
welcoming community. This resolution
reflects the best of who we are. It
protects the confident the conf
confidentiality of residents present
information. It makes sure city
resources aren't used to tear families
apart and it reminds our immigrant
neighbors that they can trust city
government to serve them fairly. That
trust is essential. When people feel
safe, they come forward to report
crimes, to participate in schools, and
to strengthen our community. Our city's
diversity is not fear. It is something
to celebrate. Faith traditions across
our city tells the same truth that
welcoming the stranger is an act of
justice and love. From scripture to
lived experience, we know that when that
when we welcome others, we build a
stronger, safer, and more compassionate
community. By passing this resolution,
you are reaffirming that Las Cruises is
not just a place to live, but a place
where people can belong. I urge you to
support and to continue leading with
courage, compassion, and conviction.
Thank you.
[Applause]
Um, hello. My name is Brandon
Gallenstein. I am a homeowner in Los
Cusus. I'm not going to say anything uh
better than these lovely children, uh,
kiddos and youth have been saying, but I
am here to just remind you that you are
employees of us, the taxpayers. Um, I've
heard some people say voting no, voting
because they don't feel like it. I think
that the outpouring of support for this
amendment shows that the community
expects it um and that a vote no is
unacceptable. Thank you.
[Applause]
Good afternoon, council. My name is uh
and members of this council and mayor.
My name is Jessica Enes Martinez and I
am an immigration attorney and the
director of policy and coalition
building at the New Mexico Immigrant Law
Center. NMC is a nonprofit that provides
free legal services to immigrants across
the state with three offices, one
located in Los Cusus, one in
Albuquerque, and one in Santa Fe. We
have documented multiple incidents of
violations of due process, targeting of
small businesses, deportation of
individuals with legal status, and
harassment and detainment of our
community members, including students
and DACA recipients. As an immigration
attorney, I have seen how this fear has
impacted our immigrant communities
across the state. Right now, there are
many families having difficult
conversations around family planning if
they are separated, detained, and
deported. In New Mexico, there are
54,500
US citizens living with at least one
undocumented family member. There are
30,500
US citizen children living with at least
one undocumented parent. If they are
separated, not only will this cause
irreparable harm to families, but this
will prevent and impact family members
from qualifying for forms of legal
status when their children are old
enough to help their parents adjust.
There is potential that these childrens
could end up in CFD custody where
capacity is already strained. I know as
a New Mexican, as a proud daughter of a
Mexican immigrant, having grown up in
Los Cusus, we are a resilient and united
community that treats everyone as
intrical. Immigrants are our parents,
children, siblings, friends, leaders,
and neighbors. We must continue to do
whatever we can to protect our community
from harm. Resolution 2649 will
strengthen protections and our
commitment to treating everyone
equitably, regardless of status. I
strongly urge the members of this
council to pass this resolution. Now
more than ever, we need your help. Thank
you.
[Applause]
Hi, my name is Sylvia Yansy. Um, I'm a
resident of District 2.
So,
we all see what's happening in
communities all across our country right
now. People are being kidnapped by
federal agents, documented and
undocumented immigrants, and even
citizens alike. If you haven't seen it
personally, then you've seen it online,
and we all know what's happening. And if
you don't, then you're either not paying
attention or you're lying.
I've seen it personally. ICE and DHS are
going after community members, parents,
children, and law-abiding individuals,
not criminals. Voting no today
is a vote to sell out a big portion of
our community. Immigrants are what make
our community strong. Diversity is what
makes our community and city strong.
LCPD should have no business
collaborating with federal agents and
has no business dealing with immigration
matters. If you have ever wondered what
you would have done during Nazi Germany,
then look at what you would do today. If
you give in to the threats of the Trump
administration, then we give in to
fascism.
We give them consent to destroy our
community.
Just know that they will not stop at
undocumented immigrants. If you don't
care about your immigrant neighbors,
then know that if they don't come for
you today, then they will come for you
tomorrow. Please vote yes on this
resolution, as there is no other option
than to vote yes. And I'm frankly
disgusted that my city councelor Matise
already said that he would vote no on
this today. Thank you very much.
[Applause]
Good afternoon, mayor and city
counselors. My name is S Guerrero. I am
a lifelong resident of Los Cusus. Um, my
family has called this place home for
about as old as I am, and that is 24.
Um, and when my family immigrated,
they were alone. They were jumping from
house to house from family members who
kind of didn't want them there. Um
because of family drama that's really
not important. But
um until my mother reached out to a
random phone number that she saw and my
godmother
um who eventually became my godmother
extended her house her arms to my mom
and to my father.
um when they moved into that house that
we lived in, I think a little bit before
I was born actually, um
they only had two trash bags with them.
And she asked, "Where's the rest of your
furniture, you know, like your bed, your
bedside table, you know, all those
things that she's like, "We don't have
that. We've been sleeping on the
ground."
And she looked at her and she's like,
"Are you dumb? Get in my car. we're
going to go and buy stuff.
And that was my mom's introduction to
Los Creus, a place that she has called
home, a place that I have called home.
And I think to say yes to this
resolution would say yes and affirm that
Los Cusus is a city based on respect,
love, care, and faith.
And now I have grown and I've I've lived
a long difficult life. And I am so lucky
that I can work with youth
who are our future. And in order for
them to have a secure and safe future,
we must ensure that their families
aren't separated by these things. And I
really appreciate you guys taking the
time to listen. And I hope you say yes
for this resolution. Thank you so much.
[Applause]
Good afternoon, mayor, council. Uh, I
got a cold today, so forgive me if I
sound bad.
Uh, I want to open by saying that the
Oh, oh, Trent Scribbner, for the record,
uh, resident of District 1. Shouts out
to Cassie. Uh, I I want to open by
saying that the migrant crime wave that
this is all predicated on is a myth.
Undocumented immigrants are less likely
than born than natural-born citizens to
commit crime.
Uh,
and to all of you today who are feeling
wishy-washy about voting yes,
now is not the time to get caught up
with bureaucracy. These are unusual
times. If you see what is going on in
Chicago and you see what is going on in
El Paso, man, going on right down the
road, uh, and you want to put this on
hold for two weeks so you can have a
talk about language. I think that that's
just foolish.
I think that it's shortsighted
and that now is the time for radical
action by our commission, by our city
council to protect the people of Los
Cusus uh from what really is a criminal
paramilitary organization. Thank you.
Good afternoon, mayor, city councilors,
city manager. My name is Jeremy
Armstrong and I'm a resident in district
2. And I come today representing myself
and many other uh working citizens of
Los Cusus. And I actually agree that we
do need to make Los Cusus a more
welcoming city. Um, currently it does
seem as though it's only welcoming to
those who do not wish to obey the law or
be held accountable for their actions.
Not just I'm not saying just um illegal
immigrants, but all criminals. You go
out and talk to the homeless, and a lot
of them aren't from here, but they come
because they know they're not going to
be held accountable. Um, I'm here today
because I think Los Cusus is a city with
extraordinary potential, community rich
in culture, diversity, and opportunity.
Yet to truly thrive, we must make Los
Cusus a place where our own law-abiding
citizens, families, retirees, young
people, and professionals all feel
welcomed. Um,
the foundation of a welcoming city
begins with public safety. I agree with
what a lot of people have said. I don't
want LCPD to have to focus on
immigration. There's enough problems in
our city that they need to focus on. Um,
when residents feel safe in their homes,
the streets, or in our parks, where we
don't have to explain to our kids why
there's someone passed out on the slide,
they're more likely to invest in their
neighborhoods, open businesses, and
participate in civic life. Law-ab-bing
citizens should know that Los Cusus and
its city council stand for them and um
with them. At the same time, we should
make it easier, not harder, for
residents, start businesses, contribute
to our local economy, streamlining
permits, improving city responsiveness,
and ensuring fair and transparent
transparent enforcement will foster
pride and trust in local government.
Making Los Cusus welcoming to doctors
will also make uh welcome retirees who
currently don't feel very welcome. Um,
I really urge you to vote um to delay
this because there's a lot more that
needs to be done and there's a lot more
people that feel welcome here if you did
this when they didn't have to take off
work. Thank you.
Hi. Uh, my name is Shantalazi Martin.
Uh, I'm not affiliated with any other
organizations that I came except for the
NASW. I am a social worker um clinically
licensed and this is um injustice and
and needs to be addressed. Uh I wanted
to offer a different perspective of
intersectionality with regard to this
resolution of indigenous people. So you
have the piransotiva here, you have the
Tortugas people here, you have NMSU that
has students here from all over the
country, but also a big portion of that
is indigenous babies. And it is not fun
to have our president, Navajo Nation
president on speed dial in case me or my
husband get stopped at the border. Me
and my husband um are sitting in a
parking lot somewhere and we there's a
immigration officer coming in. Um we
often go to Yuslata delSur for um health
services and it's right next to that
border and I would appreciate and hope
that people who have invested in
indigenous community that they would
invest in this resolution and vote yes.
You guys are always in different uh
spaces, places, schools, um different uh
places where there's babies there,
there's indigenous people that there's
the photo ops. This is an opportunity
for you guys to share that you support
their safety, that you support where
they're going to go and have an a a
stance of what what kind of city we are
that you can have all the photo ops, you
can talk to each other, you can have the
pictures here, but this is now a time
for action. And you guys all know where
I stand both personally, professionally,
and I don't want to see this council
vote the way they did. and councelor
Flores, I'm disappointed with this
amendment being I'm a little scared of
that this language and I we've talked
about different things and I know it's
important to have that but this is
really really a timely manner and it's
really important and again not
affiliated with anything else I'm social
worker I'm an indigenous activist thank
you
Good afternoon, Mayor Enriquez, Mayor
Promo, and council members. My name is
Alberto Elmpo, and I'm a constituent and
member of New Mexico Dream Team. I am
here to urge you to vote yes on this
resolution, and it's also frustrating to
hear that some of you have already
decided to vote no before even given a
chance to public comment.
Apologies.
Um yeah, uh you're already uh deciding
that you're going to vote no just
because it doesn't flow well with you
and I feel obligated to remind you that
you're here to serve your constituents.
I have been an immigrant for my entire
life and I've called this country home
for 10 years now. Immigrant communities
are not just workh horses where people
where families were artists, caretakers,
dreamers and builders. Our values of
caring for one another and resilience
are no less than the backbone of this
city. I have seen what happens after
family separation. The heartbreak, the
trauma, the silence that follows when a
family loses a parent, a sibling or a
son. And I ask I have to ask you guys
when will it be enough? Every single
aspect of our existence is being
weaponized. our access to food, our
access to water, to housing, education,
and healthcare. Meanwhile, the agencies
that terrorize and prosecute immigrant
families receive more funding, support,
and power. This country keeps funding
the machinery that tear tears our
communities apart while gutting programs
that are supposed to keep us safe. Las
Cruises has long been a place that
promises to stand with immigrants and to
lead with compassion and courage. This
resolution is a chance to strengthen
that promise and to show us that our
city refuses to be complicit with the
criminalization of our neighbors. Please
for yes for this resolution and stand
with us.
We deserve to be treated with safety and
respect.
[Applause]
Hello, my name is Renee Beltran. I'm
here today as a resident of the Los
Cusus area for over 30 years and a
lifelong New Mexican. I am also here in
my role as the New Mexico Civic
Engagement Table Coordinator, a
coalition of over over 45 New Mexico
nonprofits.
I stand here in solidarity with our
movement partners and allies who
continually do the work to protect our
most vulnerable community members. Work
I'd like to see you take up. I'm in firm
support of this resolution reaffirming
the city's commitment to be welcoming to
all individuals.
We need the courage of this resolution
to fully protect an integral part of our
population and affirm the human dignity
and human rights of fellow dwellers
here. It is only right that we further
cottify these beliefs into law so that
we can protect all residents of this
city and preempt any attempts to treat
residents here regardless of their
documentation status in a lesser
fashion. Furthermore, it is imperative
that we do this work now so that we can
protect our immigrant community from
federal policies. To suggest we wait
smacks of your own privilege. I'm
looking at you on the phone, Councelor
Matise. It smacks of your own privilege
and your own distance from the urgency
and danger that our immigrant
communities face.
Additionally, there are many other
benefits that could follow from this
proactive work, including greater public
safety as vulnerable community members
might actually feel safe enough to seek
out law enforcement assistance, much
less the fear-mongering that we all
experience when we know law enforcement
is potentially collaborating with ICE.
We might have a stronger economy if
families are able to stay together and
maintain their established and vital
roles in our workforce and established
community structures such as schools,
places of worship, places of recreation,
and fellowship. Los Cusa City Council
and Mayor, I demand you do the right
thing.
[Applause]
Bobby Green, president of the Donana
County NAACP. Again, I thank you for the
proclamation earlier today. It does
speak to the fierce urgency of now, and
I think it's very appropriate given the
discussion we're having today about a
welcoming city. I am a descendant of a
special form of integration, immigration
called slavery. My parents were
descendants. I am a descendant of
slaves. We were brought here against our
will. But through the fighting, through
the uh civil rights, through the laws,
through the standing up, people that
stood up for us, we are now no longer
slaves. And so it I feel it's our
obligation to do the same thing again.
History repeats itself. And so we we
fight again. We keep fighting. We don't
stop fighting because it's not me. No,
we fight because it is us. And so I I
support and the NAACP supports this
resolution and I urge you to think about
the history and where we've come from
and where we want to go as a city and
make this a welcoming place for
everyone. Thank you.
[Applause]
Mayor Council Juan Garcia, a legal
immigrant.
Listening to some of the council
reinforces my views that some counselors
have no regard for law-abiding citizens
or respect for those immigrants like my
parents, myself and my family and
millions of others who came to this
country legally.
There's no reason to change the
welcoming resolution. This is nothing
more than a political theater designed
to prop up a few council members while
they support people who broke our
country's immigration laws. Yes, this is
our laws. These laws, whether they be
federal or whatever you want to call
them, they are our national laws. If you
don't like them, change them, but don't
break them.
If they're genuinely so concerned
and afraid, maybe they should spend a
minute thinking about the real fear
law-abiding people experience every day
in places like Young Park and the other
high crime areas of Las Cruz.
But those residents don't matter to
them. They're politically useless. On
the other hand, this change, if
approved, which it probably will be,
could be good in the sense of unintended
consequences. the feds might notice and
shine the light on las cruises. So, be
careful what you ask for. And in
closing, if federal agents ever need
help, I hope LCPD doesn't betray them
the way Chicago Police Department
allegedly did over politics. Thank you.
Should I wait till Mary gets back?
That's right. That's right. Um,
Mayor Prom, city councilors,
city staff, my name is Giovanni Season
Ernnandez.
I am the proud son of immigrants from
Mexico. I am an organizer in my
community
and I am the campaigns manager of the
New Mexico Dream Team, the state's
largest youthled immigrant advocacy
organization and I do that work here in
Los Cusus.
Over the years that I've been doing this
work and my lived experience as a child
of immigrants, I have been able to
witness the distance that city
government, local government, state
government, and federal government
creates between immigrant people and its
services.
My parents
My parents would never go to their their
their city hall in Texas. I would have
to go for them.
I would pay their bills.
I would speak with the city
representatives for them because they
were scared. They didn't trust anybody.
This resolution will alleviate that fear
for many immigrant families in Los
Cusus.
I urge you to support it. The New Mexico
Dream Team urges you to support it. The
young children, students, college age
students, and community uh residents who
I work with every single day urge you to
support it.
to Marenriquez who believes that this
resolution does nothing. I invite him to
come with me on a visit to um a ICE
check-in in El Paso and see what happens
whenever government does inputs fear
into its people.
I want him to witness
parents having to write the names of
lawyers and phone numbers on their arms
above their while holding their babies
because they know they will be taken by
immigration.
Has he ever seen that? And have you any
of you on the city council ever seen
that? And would you be willing to bear
witness to it?
Pass this resolution and stand with your
community. Thank you.
[Applause]
Hello. Hello, Mayor Prom Counselors. Uh
my name is Heather Smith and I am the
deputy director of Bold Futures New
Mexico and I live and work in Los Cusus,
born and raised. Um our organization
works alongside communities across New
Mexico to ensure access to reproductive
health support services and policies
that affirm dignity and human rights. We
stand strongly in favor of this or
ordinance because it aligns with our
values and with the spirit of New Mexico
as a welcoming state. We believe that
every person should have the chance to
live the life they want to live
surrounded by a community that supports
their health and success with dignity
and safety from oppression. This means
removing barriers, protecting privacy.
It means
building systems where care is not
dependent on immigration status, income,
or fear of discrimination.
Community health depends on everyone
having the ability to make decisions for
themselves and access services that they
need without intimidation or shame. By
passing this ordinance, the city affirms
that our shared values of fair fairness,
compassion, and respect extend to all
people. We believe that this will
strengthen trust, improve health
outcomes, and send a clear message about
our shared values. In New Mexico, we
welcome everyone and we work to create
an environment where we all can thrive.
For those worried that this resolution
makes us a target, who we are as a
minority, a majority minority democratic
state with immigrant neighbors who
sustain our communities every day
already makes us a target. This
resolution only reaffirms our values and
commitment to Las Cusus. Thank you.
[Applause]
Um, hello. My name is Gwen Stacy. Um,
and I would like to uh just sort of
remind the city council that what ICE is
actively doing and why we should support
bills like this is that ostensibly what
their actions even by reports of former
ICE officers is that they do not
primarily deport criminals in any way
and mass resignations have happened
because they are disillusioned by the by
the amount of actively noncriminal uh
people that they deport and arrest.
Another thing is that they have on
report in many occasions detained people
who are act have legal residents without
uh warranted suspicion that they have
detained people who are actual citizens
and that the current administration is
trying to uh pass uh amendments to law
to essentially legalize racial
discrimination and racial profiling in
who they arrest. So I would say that if
in any way Los Cusus uh police works
with ICE, they are engaging in racial
profiling and criminal behavior.
Moreover, those who say that this
amendment is not warranted or
unnecessary rings hollow and reminds me
of the same ad proponents back in the
1960s who said the Civil Rights Act is
useless because there's already a
theoradical equality under the Bill of
Rights. Thank you.
[Applause]
Good afternoon. My name is Shauna
Feifer. Uh I am not an immigrant, so the
words that I say don't carry as much
weight because I don't have those lived
experiences that bring people to our
country to seek a better life. I can't
imagine the courage and strength it
takes to leave everything behind for
nothing more than hope. The work that it
takes to learn a new language in an
unfamiliar culture. The conviction to
grow into a country where you are made
to feel at times unwelcome.
That is the life of a legal immigrant to
this country. I have many friends who
were not born in America or their or
their parents were not. All of them are
hard workers seeking to better
themselves and grateful every day for
the chance to become an American
citizen. But they are often painted with
the same brush as those who come here
illegally to take advantage of this
country's resources and hospitality.
Just as this resolution seeks to do, you
are lumping the bad in with the good,
demeaning the courage of those who
sought to come here legally, scaring
them to feel unsafe in a country that
has otherwise welcomed them. Criminals
are not immigrants and immigrants are
not criminals. Illegal immigrants,
however, are criminals. And I urge you
to recognize the distinction. This
resolution also seeks to malign our
police department, your colleagues,
those who have chosen the most honorable
and arguably the most difficult
profession. This resolution says that
you feel our Los Cusus Police Department
officers have either already or will
absolutely help federal ICE agents in
what you have deemed to be nefarious
work. I have heard Chief Story tell you
at least twice in cancel chambers that
they do not participate in federal
immigration affairs and do not even have
access to immigration status information
of the people they engage with. Why
don't you trust him?
Hello, my name is Liz Bennett and I am
here to voice my support for resolution
uh 2649, making Las Cruises a welcoming
city. Our immigrant siblings are the
fabric of the land and community and
culture that was lain here long before
imperialist white supremacist capitalism
came to claim it as its own. Immigration
is an organic process built into our
natural instincts. It is a human right,
especially when you have been driven out
of your homeland by US foreign economic
policy that starves other nations of
their ability to serve their own people.
Many immigrants come here hoping to
build a life from the work that most
Americans are strangers to, but all
benefit from. They pay taxes. They
frequent local businesses and rarely
commit crime. That is until their
existence itself becomes criminalized.
No human deserves to be kidnapped,
imprisoned, abused, and disappeared for
merely trying to survive to provide ch
for their children. It is a form of
civil cancer to think that that kind of
treatment is justified.
Today, the Trump administration is
inviting us to take up the torch of
hatred, fear, and greed, and is fueling
the fire with billions of dollars,
calling all racists, bigots, and
xenophobes to answers the call to join
the American Gustapo. Earn a bonus while
tearing families apart, detaining
children, and erasing identity and
humanity, all while devastating the US
economy. Today, the immigrant, tomorrow
the activist. I am grateful that this
body is moving to strength and
protections for our immigrant siblings.
I am grateful for those who find refuge
and relief here, choosing to make Los
Cruises their home. I am grateful for
all the immigrant community has offered
our city. And when it comes to extra
paperwork for the police department, my
understanding was that the police were
here to protect and serve us all. Thank
you.
[Applause]
Hello, I'm Rose. I live in district 2
and I am here to also talk in support of
the welcome welcoming city resolution. I
think it's a best foot forward in
protecting our immigrant communities,
especially with vice being actively
present already in Las Cruises and
neighboring towns. Um, the resolution
would help keep families together with
added protections on personal
information and making businesses being
more proactive and making sure their
employees feel safe to go to work and
offering more accessibility in
immigration resources and accountability
in having transparency of public records
of ICE activity and contact with ICE.
Overall, this resolution would bring
some relief to families and this will
encourage other states and counties to
lead by example. Whenever I meet people
from different walks of life say that is
is welcoming and people here are kind
and care for each other. It makes me
feel good to say that I've grown up
here. So, let's continue that vote. Yes.
Thank you.
[Applause]
Good afternoon, mayor and city council.
My name is Tatiana Prito. I'm a policy
advocate with the American Civil
Liberties Union of New Mexico. And I'm
also a proud descendant of strong
Mexican immigrants and a Los Cusus
native. I'm a resident of district 1
and this is where I was raised to
reflect the core values of our community
of inclusivity, respect, unity, and
standing up for my neighbors. That is
why I along with my organization
strongly urge the passage of this
welcoming community resolution. It comes
at a crucial time as we continue to
observe harmful policies that instill
fear in our communities and tear
families apart.
It will proactively support public
safety efforts by ensuring that local
resources are used for helping our
communities instead of wasting our time
and resources for unnecessary, costly,
and dangerous political theater.
Research shows that cities with
welcoming community policies are safer.
That's because the safest communities
are those where all residents can access
the services they need and interact with
city authorities without fear. Along
with the many advocates in this room, we
are in strong support of this
resolution. Thank you.
[Applause]
Hello everyone. Lindley Hornsby, she her
resident of district 4. Um just wanted
to
uplift some of the things that I'm
hearing from community and also what I'm
hearing from the council. Um, I'm
hearing from community that there are
safety concerns in Los Cusus. And I I
just want to sit with the idea that the
safety of immigrant communities is tied
to the safety of US citizens.
So if our community isn't safe for
immigrants, our community is not safe
for citizens either. Um, so I really um
am am for this resolution and that it's
it's strengthening protections for our
immigrant neighbors um co-workers and
community members. Um, and again
remembering that the safety of
immigrants is not disconnected from the
safety of US citizens. Um, what I'm
hearing from council is some concern
about amendments. um not having enough
time to review something that you're
going to vote on. Um I think that's
valid. Um thinking about solutions, like
are there options to give y'all copies
right now so you can see them?
Okay.
And so, you know, um,
procedurally, I I don't know if it's,
uh, an option for you all to take a
break so you can look over those, um, or
if you you've had some time, but just
thinking how urgent this this issue is.
And, um, what I'm hearing from from the
community is that we want to see this
pass today. So, just wanted to um, urge
you all to to do what you can in your
procedural methodology to um, look over
what needs to be reviewed. so that it
can actually be voted on today. Okay.
Thank you.
Hello, council. Um, my name is Ivan
Aragon.
I am strongly in favor of this
resolution. In the past year, I have
seen, the nation has seen that the US
government, including agencies such as
ICE, radically push the limits of their
own power and authority and with that
further abandon ethics. Through the
power of the independent reporting that
has gone on through social media, we
directly see the way that particularly
ICE are conducting themselves, which are
which is in a very cruel way.
Socking people down and arresting them
at their immigration hearings, going
directly to work sites and detaining
people, these agents forcing themselves
into people's homes without
without warrants, etc.
Protecting our community from our
federal government is key at the moment
because the approach our government is
taking to immigration detention right
now is not a technical approach. That is
clearly shown by the fact the federal
government declared immigration
enforcement has the right to question
those of their citizenship on the basis
of language and to be frank non-white
appearance. The fact that even in
alligator Alcatraz, gray jumpsuits were
to distinguish those who had no criminal
record despite still being sent to that
prison.
In a time where a many are
are
excuse me are
[Music]
my apologies I have a speech in a time
where many are under the threat of
of attacks from our own government. This
resolution adds a a level of stability
to all of our lives.
Voting in favor of this also represents
a push back to the mass government
overreach we see. It is a vote up for
civility, for mercy, and for ethics.
Thank you.
[Applause]
Good afternoon, city council. Well, Mr.
Mayor, it's been a while since I've
talked to you guys, so I'm up here to
talk about this issue. Um,
you know, I don't have any issues with
uh with legal immigration.
Could you state your name? Legal legal
legal immigration and and and these
people being properly vetted uh as a
veteran and and a lot of these folks
here speaking uh they probably don't
remember 911 and we had a terrorist
attack in New York City where innocent
Americans lost their lives for what? For
nothing. I had to serve because of that.
I had to serve in a Kuwait. I had to
serve in Afghanistan and I had to serve
in Iraq and I don't want this to happen
again
because people aren't being properly
vetted. They need to be vetted if they
want to come here to the US. You know,
it's it's interesting that under the
Trump administration, they have all
kinds of rhetoric about this whole
thing, but during the Obama
administration when he was deporting all
kinds of immigrants, this this wasn't a
big issue. I was in Honduras at South Ao
air base when when in immigrants are
being returned to to Honduras.
So, you know, my issue is you come here
legally, you come here, you you you be
properly vetted and I have no issues and
I hope another 911 does not happen again
on our soil. Thank you,
Jeffrey Field.
Our
house is on fire.
Time is short.
Damn the torpedoes.
Just do it. Thank you.
[Applause]
Hello again. Good afternoon and thank
you for this time, city council. My name
is Alejandro Bernol. Uh I just wanted to
remind everybody there's a huge
difference between legal and illegal
immigration. Okay. Uh in 2023,
the United States and the United States
of America, we still have a border here.
And I believe it was and this is from
government data, 14 million pe illegal
immigrants crossed into our country. uh
many of them were not properly vetted
and one
one negative effect of this that that
comes from it there's indentured
servitude that these people go through
you know they they owe a lot of money to
the narcos it's not like they just come
over here and and work uh maybe one
thing one good opportunity is to go
after employers that are employing
illegal immigrants that could be one
thing that would be of benefit uh which
I don't hear anybody talking about ever.
So maybe focus on that a little bit.
Here's a here's another point of the
data. Because there wasn't any proper
vetting, I think there were 300,000
children. Okay, that's 300,000 that were
not properly accounted for. And our
government has no idea where they are.
So again, indentured servitude, sex
slavery, that's what happens to these
kids. So that there's real issues at
hand here that come about with illegal
immigration. And in my opinion, if if
we're supporting this, then we're also
supporting all of that that comes along
with it. So we really need to think
about it. It's not just,
you know, you can't just think about
this willy-nilly. You have to look at
the data, think about the after effects.
There are consequences to all this.
Thank you.
Mayor, council, my name is Donna
Striker. I find it interesting that when
Project Jupiter was shoved down your
throat, you didn't have any problem with
that, did you? But because they want to
shove this down counselor Flores's
throat and she's objecting to it, you
make fun of her and you belittle her.
Grow up. She asked a very, very good
question. In two weeks, do you really
think they're going to come down on us?
Two weeks. That's all she asked for.
She's a bright woman
and you make fun of her and put her
down. I was going to say something
completely different, but I'm appalled
at how you're treating a counselor. I
don't agree with everything counselor
Flores has ever said, but she deserves
our respect today, as do every person in
this group. The fact that you are
disrespecting her because she asked a
reasonable question. I didn't see those
amendments. I would like to see them.
And I'm pretty smart for a white girl,
but I'd like to see them, too. And the
way you've behaved today is irres is
irresponsible. I do not believe this
resolution is going to change anything
overnight or in the next two weeks. In
fact, since 2017, I would like to see
the statistics of all the people that
were harmed and not welcomed. As a
result of the welcoming city ordinance,
uh, excuse me, resolution in 2017, we
have continued to be a welcoming city
until today when I see disrespect
towards one of our counselors. I'm very
sorry, Councelor Flores. I am sincerely
sorry that they were so abusive to you.
You did not deserve that when you asked.
A reasonable request. May we table this
for two weeks while I have the time to
read it. I think that was a very
reasonable request.
Thank you for coming up with that and
thank you for this time.
Tim Jenkins here. The only way we can
truly move forward in a positive
direction as a community is when we
speak the truth in our hearts and to one
another. So, let's be in the truth here.
This resolution is not about bringing
our community together or helping the
underprivileged or protecting this city
from a federal threat. It's only about
your political agenda that has passed
that has pushed past the boundary of
truth. and it's only about a
self-serving affirmation for your own
political bias agenda and not at all
about serving our protecting our
community. This resolution just screams
loud and clear that you refuse to comply
with federal agents and are more willing
to again tie the hands of law
enforcement and prevent them from
protecting the very community that they
swore an oath to protect. There is not a
single soul that I have spoken with that
has any issue with immigrants
whatsoever. What we do have a problem
with is illegals and criminals. And we
all know and understand that no matter
what we get up here and say will ever
change your minds that you've already
made up before you ever hear what we the
people say. But I have heard here time
and time again in council chambers, the
chief of police say loud and clear that
their department does not interfere with
ICE agents, nor do they participate in
immigration affairs, nor do they have
access to immigration information. So I
think my biggest question is why is it
that you refuse to trust the chief of
police and why is it that you refuse to
comply with federal laws? I think the
answer is crystal clear to all of us.
It's all about pushing your own
political agenda for a quick political
step for your own good and not for the
better of the community. My advice is do
you table this resolution and revisit it
after the new administration takes
office in January. Thank you.
My name is Ronald Deiaza.
I'm a second generation to this country.
My wife and I moved to Los Cruus 25
years ago and we were brought up by our
parents and our grandparents and they
told us obey the laws. Know what is
legal and what is not legal. I asked
this council to open up their
dictionaries or go to their iPads that
you use now today and look up the
definition of what legal and illegal is.
When we first came here, my wife and I
were able to go to church and on our way
home from church, we could stop at a
corner and buy a newspaper.
Today
there's on that corner somebody asking
for money that has a golf cart or a cart
from a grocery store that they stole and
you people let that go. But you paid
homage, but you did not pay homage to
those citizens of Los Cruises who were
selling that paper that day.
So look up that definition of legal and
illegal.
I want to leave you with a couple
quotes.
One was from John F. Kennedy.
He said,
I ask you,
what can this country do for you?
But I also ask you, what can you do for
this country?
That is why you became politicians, ran
for office, and you're representing the
city of little Las Cruises, New York.
The other one is from President Ronald
Reagan.
He said,
"I'm here from the government and I'm
here to help you."
Listen to those words.
put them through your mind.
All right. And understand,
all right, what legal is and what
illegal is.
Yes, sir. Your time is up. Thank you.
You're welcome.
Hello.
Hello, city council mayor. My name is
Abigail Salucagan and I have lived in
District 1 since I migrated to America.
Thank you for welcoming me, my mom and
my brothers. Parks and Recreation
welcomed me when it was summertime and I
didn't have much to do. I didn't have
that many friends and I was still
learning English. Um, I wanted to come
up and talk about my appreciation and
considering these crucial and very
urgent updates and the uh welcoming
community resolution and I am in full
support of this resolution. I have
already seen it firsthand in our
community, the kidnapping of our
neighbors. Um, our community,
I have already seen it firsthand when
children came home without their family.
I have already seen it firsthand.
children in zip ties.
Um those are our neighbors and we need
to stand up with them so that um
families are able to live in this
community without fear so that children
are able to grab some food at our parks
and wreck with dignity. Please vote yes
today on resolution 26-049.
Thank you.
[Applause]
Good afternoon, mayor and city
councilors. My name is Harren Caveto.
I'm here to speak in support of
resolution 26-049.
This resolution simply reaffirms the
city of Las Cruus' commitment to
creating quality place to live and work
through non-discrimination in all areas
of city government and declares the city
a welcoming community. Wonderful. So
simple common sense. No government
should be unleashing armed agents of the
state to terrorize or kidnap anyone at
all, including our immigrant friends,
relatives, and neighbors. I support this
resolution because it reinforces the
human rights ordinance that Los Cusus
adopted as part of it its municipal code
in 1997 and again just codifies the
city's commitment of non-discrimination
in all areas of government. We should
all be supporting this. This is a very
simple thing and as it's already been
said, it this makes everyone safer. This
supports us all. Um this is a vital
change and update to the existing
welcoming city re resolution. um given
the current terror being rained down
from DC on immigrant communities. In
particular, the Supreme Court's racist
ruling last month effectively legalizing
racial profiling by granting so-called
law enforcement agents the right to
kidnap people off of California streets
based on quote how they look, what
language they speak, what work they do,
or even where they happen to be unquote.
Today's resolution reaffirms Los Cusus
Police Department's General Order 165,
which requires simply equitable and fair
treatment of all individuals. It
requires that employees provide the same
level of policies and policing um to
every person regardless of their race,
ethnicity, color, national origin,
language, gender, gender identity,
sexual orientation, political
affiliation, religion, physical or
mental disability, serious medical
condition, economic status, or similar
personal characteristics. I'm sorry if
that upsets anyone, but that sounds
really great to me. So, I do ask that
you vote in favor of resolution 26049.
These provisions make everyone safer and
should be welcomed by all people who
value constitutional, civil, and human
rights. Thank you.
[Applause]
Hello, my name is Elise Whitaker and I
am a faith-based organizer for um Cafe
here in Los Cusus.
I was raised in an open, loving, and
affirming Christian household. I grew up
helping immigrant neighbors from all
over the country back in Texas.
I grew up helping them farm, cultivate
food so that they could eat food that
they were comfortable with in an
uncomfortable place.
As a Christian, I know we are called to
welcome and love all.
God's love and God's earth is for all. I
speak for my churches, my leaders, the
United Methodist Church when I say that
we want our immigrant neighbors to be
welcomed and safe in our community. I
know that we are not to called to act as
the Christian nationalists are doing
right now
from this um from the United Methodist
Church. I bring you all this reflection.
For those who have come fleeing
oppression and persecution, God help us
welcome those who come to dwell among
us. For those who have come fleeing
hunger and hardship, God help us welcome
those who have come to dwell among us.
For those who have come seeking freedom
and opportunity, God, help us to welcome
and love those to dwell among us. Let us
remember the words of Christ who said,
"I was hungry and you gave me food. I
was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I
was a stranger and you welcomed me.
When, Lord, were you a stranger that we
welcomed among us. Truly as you as truly
as you did it to one of those of the
least, you did it to me. We welcome the
stranger who is us. We welcome the
stranger who is you. I urge you to pass
this resolution.
Amen.
Afternoon. My name is Jim Hurst. Uh you
need to pass this resolution this
meeting. Otherwise, you have to go
through all this next meeting.
We hold these truths to be self-evident
that all men are created equal and
endowed by their creator with certain
inalienable rights. Among these rights
are life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness. These words define us. These
words not only originate with America,
but they make America original.
Consider the right to pursue happiness.
This right means among other things the
right to migrate where one has the best
prospects for prosperity.
Migrants come to America for centuries
seeking a better life and generally
speaking they found it. That's how we
became great.
The Declaration of Independence asserts
that governments exist to protect human
rights.
There were humans before there were
Americas. Americans.
We are Americans because we're humans.
If we lose our humanity, we lose
everything it is to be an American.
The right to migrate is as basic is a
basic human right. The right to seek
asylum in America is both an American
right and an international right.
When there's no practical legal way to
migrate, then there's no such thing as
illegal immigration.
Thank you.
Hello. Um, my name is Sierra Edmmyister.
I live in District 2. Um, by the show of
claps, I think I would be wasting my
time to make an argument that
immigrants, legal or not, are humans
that deserve rights. Um so about this
specific resolution, I think
especially right now it is so important
to do
anything that can show solidarity
especially for this community and and
the people that make it up and it's been
brought up multiple times about our
immigrant population being a backbone.
Um, so I just urge you to understand the
weight of
what good this would do compared to the
minor inconvenience
of changing a few words. Because in
these cases,
um,
let's actually just, uh,
I'm going to read just a little a little
something. This is from an American
citizen in Chicago. I asked agents why
they were holding me, if I was an
American citizen, and they say said I
had to wait until they looked me up. I
asked if they had a warrant, and I asked
for a lawyer, they never brought one.
It was heartbreaking to watch, even if
you're not a mother, seeing kids coming
out butt naked, then taken from their
mothers. It was horrible. Stuff was
everywhere. You could see birth
certificates, papers thrown all over.
This is not I think we should care about
all humans, but if you are just worried
about American citizens for some reason,
um this could happen to you too. And I
think we should do anything that could
prevent this from happening to anybody.
Thank you.
[Applause]
Good afternoon. My name is Kim Sarnson
and I am speaking today on behalf of the
League of Women Voters of Southern New
Mexico. The League believes that all
persons, regardless of immigration
status, should receive due process and
fair treatment under the law, including
humane treatment in immigration
administration and enforcement.
Further, while immigration policy
reforms, including a path to illegal
status, remain unachieved, the League
does not support deporting immigrants
who have no history of major and/or
violent criminal activity. Nor does the
League consider illegal re-entry a
serious crime. In light of our position
on immigration, the League supports the
LA Los Cusus Welcoming Resolution. The
city's welcoming resolution is
consistent with state law that protects
government from sharing sensitive
personal information for the purposes of
enforcing federal immigration law.
Additionally, the league supports the
right of the city to direct local law
enforcement personnel to perform their
duties without the burden of enforcing
federal immigration policy. A
prohibition on 270 287G agreement
protects a limited city budget from
being diverted to accomplish federal
goals. It protects our city from
potential liability for civil rights
violations like racial profiling. It
protects the public trust between our
local law enforcement and city residents
that is essential for upholding public
sa safety. Finally, fundamental
constitutional protections of due
process and equal protection embodied in
our constitution and bill of rights
apply to every person regardless of
immigration status. Everyone in the
country is entitled to due process. It
is one of the core tenants of our
government. For these reasons, the
League of Women Voters of Southern New
Mex Mexico strongly encourages passage
of the resolution and ask city council
to vote in favor. Thank you.
[Applause]
Good afternoon. I'm Katherine Walkenshaw
and I'm here as a business owner in the
hospitality industry and I strongly urge
you to pass this resolution as amended.
I support the amendments and I
understood them as they were read
earlier. Um, from a different
perspective, I don't think we want to
have what's going on in DC and also in
Chicago right now. People aren't going
to restaurants. they're not going to um
patronize my business. We're losing
workers. Um and I do believe that it
needs to be further further strengthened
as this resolution does because the
rhetoric and the practice of immigration
crackdown has ramped up significantly
since 2017.
They've shown that they do not follow
due process. They arrest first. People
disappear without any um information to
family members for days at a time. And
if they're citizens, okay, yeah, we're
sorry. So, they arrest first, ask
questions later. So, we need this and
please pass it. Thank you.
[Applause]
Good afternoon, Mayor, City Council. My
name is Fred Miller, and I want to
encourage you to vote yes on this
resolution with the amendments.
The primary effect of this resolution is
just to tell the police officers, local
law enforcement to just do their own job
and not try to do somebody else's job
and to leave leave them free from
worrying about whether trying to help
someone else
interferes with their job. They can just
leave that other job aside and just
stick to their own job. And then with
regard to the three amendments,
it seems like legal city legal
representative has spotted some minor
problems. He's caught them. He's done
his job. So just accept his
his work on those amendments. Accept the
amendments on the resolution. Thank you.
[Applause]
Hi, my name is Belinda Robertson. I am
agree with the resolution. I am agree
because for more than 200 years United
States are from different immigrants
from different part of the war and the
police department I think they have too
much work uh to catch criminals in the
cities than go to the public places is
what I think and and try to see if this
immigrant or imig or no immigrant the
people came from different countries in
different times times for a better life
and I understand but
the I don't I am I I am feel sad when
when they try to go to the schools or go
to the churches I think that the
authorities not sure to go to the
churches or the schools to investigate
if the kids are immigrants or in the
churches have a immigrants
and all the immigrants that I know they
came to work and are the origin Mexican.
But I saw some immigrants that are in
the streets to ask for money and put
kids and they are from Honduras,
Nicaragua and other countries. This is
one of the things that I agree. But but
if you if you do the things correctly, I
think everybody is welcome in in New
Mexico. And then the city of La Cruz is
to help the immigrants to with legal
legal uh legal um
advice to fix the the things and do the
things correctly because in hash they
give uh they need more people to work in
the area of the Chile and then uh some
of them they don't have the knowledge to
have the steps to to follow to continue
to working because everybody came to
work. What I understand most of the
criminals are from Honduras but not from
Mexico
and thank you Namree. Thank you.
My name is Fred Huff. Lately I've been
hearing that Native Americans are
claiming that we stole their land.
There is no dispute that lands have been
stolen or conquered throughout history.
Most wars have been fought over the
issue of one nation wanting another
nation's land or resources.
Yes, the pilgrims and other settlers
were able to conquer and develop the
United States into one of the greatest
nations on earth.
Why was it so easy for a few invaders
who came across the ocean in tiny ships
to conquer a land that was inhabited by
tens of thousands of native people?
That is an easy answer. They were not
united.
The United States was born with the idea
of one people united in one cause and
purpose. A culture was developed around
this unity and any newcomers were
invited to embrace this culture and work
to make America even better.
Many newcomers who fled third world
countries filled with poverty and ruled
by gangs and drug cartels have become
naturalized citizens.
However, some are not embracing the
American dream. Instead, they are
demanding that America's Americans
embrace a culture they left.
Maybe
they're not actually fleeing these
countries, but are carefully selected
agents sent here by the drug cartels to
infiltrate our government and destroy
the rule of law and culture that made
America so great.
This resolution introduced and promoted
by these agents is a roadmap for
embracing the invasion of drug and human
traffickers.
Please wake up and vote no on this
resolution. Vote no for the citizens
that you were elected to represent. Vote
no to support law and order. A yes vote
says you support the invasion of
criminals and drug traffickers and human
traffickers. It is time to reunite and
fight back against the cartels and the
agents they sent to infiltrate our
society and government. Thank you.
Good afternoon, city council mayor. My
name is Lucas Hearn and I'm a resident
of district 2.
Um, here we are again. Um, I was here in
this room December 2017. Councelor
Flores, you were the only member on the
council who was there who took a vote on
the original one. and councelor Bencomo,
Mayor uh Mayor Pro Tim Beno, I um we
were both here in support of it and I um
am proud to stand here today once again
in the majority of people of Los Cusus
who support this.
We don't need policy to make Los Cusus a
welcoming place. Los Cusus is a
welcoming place.
We need policy because it is clear that
there are people in this community who
are working very hard to convince us
that we should be afraid of each other.
Last night we held vigil on the on the
plaza. We held vigil for almost two
years of genocide as tens of thousands
of Palestinians have been killed
systematically by the state of Israel.
And we held vigil because we have so
much hurt in our hearts for that
happening. But we did it in community
with each other. people who have spoken
today, people who are from this country,
people who have moved to this country,
people who were brought here by their
parents to this country. We held vigil
together. And you know what? While we
were on the plaza, there was another
group of people utilizing the stage to
learn a kumbia for their families
kinetta. And it was beautiful. And their
kids rode their bikes and they laughed
and they made faces at us. And we
laughed and we made faces back at them.
And across the street were people who
may may maybe didn't have homes. It's
hard to tell. You might try to make that
uh assumption about them, but they
looked hungry, so we shared our food
with them. And they looked thirsty, and
we shared our water with them. And then
the dancers were out of water, so we
shared our water with them, too, because
they were thirsty. Because this is what
we do in Las Cusus. It's what we've
always done.
You will do the right thing today. I
know you will. The details can be worked
out.
Vote yes. Thank you.
[Applause]
Okay. Thank you, Sergio, for your help
on that. Um, any other remarks uh from
council?
Counselor.
Yes. Thank you so much. Uh, thank you
for everyone who came out and voiced
your opinions, your passions. Um, I
don't know that I've ever been as moved
as I have been today listening to
comment on a resolution.
Um,
one thing that I'm taking away with me
as I leave this position shortly is
how hard I push against an all or
nothing
designation about what I'm doing. I
resent being painted into any kind of
corners. And I think one thing that
really inspired me today was hearing
a lot of nuance
in the comments I was hearing. I reject
the idea that when I vote yes for this
resolution, it's because I
am showing distrust in Los Cru's Police
Department. Nothing could be farther
from the truth.
What I am pushing back against is a
federal administration where I'm told
that we are going after the worst of the
worst, that we are going after
criminals. And I see instead the idea
that we are combing through taxpayer
roles to try to find people to deport.
that we are saying that we're trying to
get rid of people who are a drain our so
on our society and instead we are going
to job sites to pick people up to say
that we have to do immigration the right
way the legal way and people are being
seized at their court appointments as
they try to do it the right way and the
legal way. So, I just want to be clear
where I'm coming from with my vote
today.
I guess that's it. Thank you,
Council Kore.
I thank you for all of you for coming
out and speaking today. I really
appreciate the the thoughtfulness that
you brought that you have brought. Um,
so I couldn't say any of the things
better than you can. Um, or you know,
nor do I feel like you should doubt
where my radical form of hospitality
that many people suggest is is
questionable judgment comes from. That
is that I have the fundamental value
that we should that we should treat all
people with a deep deep respect and
understanding and welcome them into our
lives and into our houses. even if you
guys want me to get a security camera.
Um,
I I say this as I think the values of
Las Cusus are are really clear. We
welcome families. We love we love our
neighbors and we care for each other
when when the when the going gets rough.
And what I would say right now is the
going is rough. People say to me, "What
can you do? You're an elected leader in
our community. The federal government is
is here to harm us, our people." Um, and
the reality is not a lot, right? We have
a we have we have we're in charge of the
budget. We're in charge of the the
ordinances that exist in our city. And
and so this is one place where we can
say
this ordinance has been well researched,
supported by the community, gone through
with a fine tooth comb through the legal
office, and I appreciate you all's
participation in this in this
conversation. Um, this is a place where
we can do something. we can fight back
against cruelty. Um, and if if none of
those, you know, fundamental beliefs
that might come from your religion or
your your upbringing or or your loving
your neighbors, um, don't compel you to
support support Las Cusus and staying
welcoming and and making it really
clearly welcoming. I will make an
economic argument, which is gross. Um,
and I I reject that we do this so often
in our in our world, but last year the
city of Las Cruz's budget wasund we took
in $110 million 110,676,478
million in gross receipts tax from
people who buy goods and services in our
community. It's estimated that one in
four people are living in mixed status
homes. Um, that means 27,669,119
of those dollars came from the very
people that we're telling are welcome
here. And so if if you don't care about
other humans, if you can't understand
why this might come from a place of of
deep care for our community and deep
belief in the idea of being welcoming,
you should at least acknowledge that our
city budget is literally dependent on
the people here who feel welcome to
participate in our community. And I they
invest in us. We have to invest in our
community and pass resolutions that
fight the cruelty that is so large and
so unbelievable that that
[Applause]
uh councelor Matise, are you still on?
Yes, I am.
Uh, did you want to speak?
Well, again, I'm just going by what I
believe to be a
uh illegal and legal. I have no
objection immigrants. My my wife Wanda
Matise uh was an immigrant from
Indonesia and and of course she did
through the naturalization process. And
that's my particular philosophy is that
if there's if they're here legally and
they're immigrants, then I am totally in
support of assistance and help and
housing and taking care of my neighbor.
But if they are here illegal,
then it's a not the rule of law. We are
actually violating the rule of law. And
that's what I'm strong on and that's
where I'll stay. And I do appreciate all
the comments and I understand I
understand the compassion for many
people that that have been voiced today.
But at the same time, I do understand
illegal.
And so that's that's all I have to say.
And I'm ready to vote whenever the
council's ready.
Okay. Thank you, Council Mccclure.
Thank you, mayor. Um, anyone who had a
doubt on how I was going to vote about
this, uh, should be really reading my
column because I wrote, "You say don't
poke the bear, but the bear is already
here." And I'm not going to read too
much about it because that's not what I
do. I don't like this sort of
pontificating either, but to say thank
you to some of the people I know here
personally, but came out and shook.
Their voices shook when they spoke
because I relate to that. But it is
important that you say these things
because it's censorship if we don't and
we have to reclaim it and we have to
take it as ours. And I'm just going to
say the end of this. When I think about
the welcoming city resolution as a city
with the fabric of immigration in its
soul, I see it as a line in the sand,
one that affirms who we are as a
community.
And that's it. Let's do the vote.
[Applause]
Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to I'm
going to do the amendment separately.
Um, I'd like to make a motion to amend
the resolution under section two, the
non-disclosure and confidentiality to
add the following clause at the end.
Quote, "This section shall only apply
when receiving requests for for
sensitive personal information that are
solely for the purpose of federal
immigration immigration enforcement."
end quote.
Second.
Yes.
Okay. This is on the motion to amend
resolution 26049
with the clause. This section shall only
apply when receiving requests for
sensitive personal information that are
solely for the purpose of federal
immigration enforcements.
Um, councelor McClure,
yes.
Councelor Matise,
no.
Councelor Graham,
yes.
Councelor Karan,
yes.
Councelor Fletes,
yes.
Councelor Bencomo,
yes.
Mayor,
no.
Motion passes.
I'd like to
I'd like to uh make another motion to
amend uh this resolution under section
five sensitive locations that the clause
quote law enforcement including and
quote should be deleted.
Second, Graham.
Sorry. Um, this is on the motion to
approve um amend resolution 26-049
to delete the clause law enforcement
including
councelor mccclair.
Yes.
Councelor Matise,
no.
Councelor Graham,
yes.
Councelor Karan,
yes. Councelor Flores,
yes.
Councelor Ben Como,
yes.
Mayor,
no.
Motion passes.
[Applause]
This is on the motion to approve
resolution 26-049
as amended. Councelor McClure,
yes.
Councelor Matise,
no.
Councelor Graham,
yes.
Councelor Cran,
yes.
Councelor Flores,
yes.
Councelor Beno, C.
Mayor,
Oh yes.
No
motion passes.
[Applause]
[Music]
[Applause]
Okay. Next. Next on the agenda, item
item 7.2
Move to approve
to the next.
Yes. Next is item 7.2, resolution number
26-050,
resolution to approve the submission of
three grant applications.
Move to approve. Second, Graham. Now
things are really going to heat up, huh?
It's the It's the water or the stuff.
Good afternoon, mayor, council, city
management, city staff, and our
community members. My name is Gabriella
Pratz. I'm the city's grant manager, and
I am here to pre uh present to you a
resolution to allow staff to submit an
uh three applications to the FY2026
water trust board funding program.
Oh, hang on.
How about I actually make it pretty?
The first application is uh for the
SCADA upgrade Mesa. The utilities uh Las
Cruus utilities is requesting $427,420
to design, construct, and commission the
replacement of obsolete remote terminal
units at seven sites. Those are the
units that allow the system to
communicate and alarm set off when
there's something going wrong. When you
will see on all three of these um
applications is a range for the match.
The water trust board does not designate
what the match required will be until
the application is awarded. So it can be
as little as 10% or as much as 40%.
And we don't know that until we bring
back to you the resolution to accept the
grants with with those amounts. So on
this particular one, the match could be
anything uh between about 30 $43,000 up
to about $171,000.
The second application is for $2,558,800
for well 66 imp well 66 improvements and
pipeline.
The match for this one would be
somewhere between $256,000
and a little bit over a million. And
this is to equip well 66 with a vertical
turbine pump, a wellhouse, natural gas
engine, all the pertinances to to that
uh to that equipment and as well as to
construct wellhead piping and water
transmission line to connect that well
to the water system.
The third application is for a,526,600
with a match between about 153,000 and
$611,000.
This application for highway 292
wastewater force main will replace
approximately 5700 feet linear feet of
existing ductile iron pipe with 18 inch
PVC uh pipe along Cay del Paso Highway
292 from Cay Pakana to uh Motel
Boulevard.
So in summary, the three projects are
the SCADA West Mesa Well 66 and Highway
292 wastewater force main. Do note that
this is the first year that the water
trust board allows us to submit
wastewater applications. So,
um, this was our chance.
In total, we're requesting a little more
than $4.5 million.
And like I said, the match is determined
by the New Mexico Finance Authority when
awards are made. So, we're looking at a
minimum match of about $451,000
with a maximum of $1.8 million.
And here are your council options. And I
stand for questions. We also have
utilities director Adrien Whitmer and
Dominique Rodriguez, assistant director
of utilities to answer any questions you
may have on the projects.
Any questions? Council Gra.
Hi. Yeah, thanks for the presentation.
This is the first time I'm seeing a
sliding scale on matching. How do they
determine it once we get to that point?
If we get to that point. If we get to
that point, they determine that based on
well, how much money they have available
and also a whole host of determining
factors that they do not uh really
explain
because it's really complicated.
Okay?
I mean, we've never been able to figure
out why they we always end up on the
lower range,
but we have to plan for the fact that
one day we may end up on the on the
other end.
Okay? And just to clarify, this will be
brought back to council with the amount
firmed up. So when we're saying we're
not voting now for some amorphous amount
that we don't know. So just making sure
that that's clear.
Right. The process uh requires that we
submit a resolution from city council to
allow us to apply
to even get to the application state.
Thank you so much.
Well, no, you'll see you'll see this
like three times. We
look forward to it. Thank you. Thank
you, Mayor.
Anyone else
Christine?
This is
Wait, wait. Christine, did you
Okay. Anyone else from the public that's
still here?
Okay. Okay. Good.
This is on the motion to approve
resolution 26-050.
Councelor McClur.
Yes.
Councelor Matise.
Okay. So, absent. Councelor Graham.
Yes.
Councelor Karan.
Yes.
Councelor Fletes.
Yes. Councelor Bencomo.
Yes.
Mayor.
Yes.
Next is item 7.3. Council bill number 26
005.
um to approve. Second.
Good afternoon, mayor, council, staff,
and public. Laura Huggin, assistant
director of finance and interim treasur.
The ordinance before you is for the
authorization of a New Mexico Finance
Authority loan and subsidiary agreement
through the drinking water state
revolving loan fund.
The drinking water state revolving loan
fund provides lowcost financing for the
construction of an improvement to
drinking water facilities to protect
drinking water quality and the public
health. Resolution 25-06
authorized the city to submit an
application for financial assistance.
The anticipated closing date of the loan
agreement is November 14th, 2025.
The loan will be repaid with net
revenues from the joint utility system.
The par amount of the loan is 15 million
with a maximum repayment principle of
3,750,000
and a maximum forgiven principal amount
of 11,250.
The maturity of the loan will be no
later than May 1st, 2047 with an
interest rate not to exceed 0.25%.
The project is to conduct a lead service
line replacement and associated
activities directly connected to
planning, designing, and replac
replacing of lead service lines,
including an inventory survey to
determine if lead exists.
before you are your council options. We
also have Katherryn McKenna, our bond
counsel with Modrell, along with
director Whitmore and assistant director
Rodriguez from the from utilities um for
questions.
Councelor Current,
thank you. Thank you for the
presentation. Does this um I I'm just
curious if this has any implication for
rate payers, the the paying off of this
loan and and I I understand that rate
discussions are always ongoing, but I
just want to know the direct
consequences of this if in case there is
something related to the rates.
I'll let
Thank you.
Hi. Thank you.
Hi uh mayor, counselors, my name is
Dominic Rodriguez, assistant utilities
directors. So debt is um amortized over
time and so the impact that it would
have on our rateayers is paying that
debt in an amortized way. If we were to
pay for this project upfront with rates
then that's kind of a cash flow of it
which has a larger implication today. So
this allows us to make those debt
payments over a 20 30 year period
but it would well rates are going to
increase anyway. I guess I just just
this is putting it off in the form of a
a loan over time versus saying like at
at one time we're we're investing in
this. Okay. I just wanted to be clear on
what the implications were for the
public.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Anyone else? Members of the public,
two minutes.
We'll give you two minutes.
Mayor, council folks here today and
those watching online. I'm Lin Moore. I
have several questions that I'd like one
or more knowledgeable persons to answer
before a vote is taken. First, the
agreement says the city shall exercise
its power of imminent domain if needed.
Will the city use imminent domain to
investigate piping and if lead is found,
replace the piping if a property owner
doesn't cooperate? Next. How many lead
pipes were assumed to exist in the
city's water system when deciding that
$15 million was needed for the lead
service line replacement project? How
many were assumed to be city-owned and
how many customerowned? Next, Assistant
Utilities Director Clark and Deputy
Director of Regulatory Compliance Pettis
say we don't have a lead pipe problem in
Las Cusus. Moreover, Las Cusus Utilities
is not using an investigation technique
that's highly accurate. I'm not
confident that when lead pipes are
present that the city will find or
acknowledge them. What happens to the
money when Lasus utilities decides there
are no lead pipes in the city's water
system? Next, the lead service line
replacement project is described as
including an inventory or survey to
determine if lead exists in the city's
water utility system lines and drinking
water facility construction project work
and revisions and such other related
work and revisions necessary to complete
the project. What specific things could
the money be spent on that don't involve
replacing lead pipes? Next, does this
agreement allow for the possibility that
all funding could be spent by the city
without actually replacing any lead
pipes? Next, will the city inspector
general be allowed to conduct oversight
regarding this project or has the city
manager banned him from this project as
well? Next, what is the time limit for
project completion? Lastly, the loan and
subsidy agreement states in the term
sheet on page A2, disadvantaged status
severely disadvantaged. What does that
mean? Thank you for this opportunity to
speak. I look forward to the answers to
these questions. Thank you.
Mayor, city council. Katherine McKenna,
our bond council in Modal said that she
can answer some of these questions
related to the loan.
Okay, that'll be fine.
Thank you, Mayor and Council. Uh, I'm
Katherine McKenna with Model Sperling,
your bond counsel. Uh there was a
question related to is there the
potential that all of the funds could be
spent on the investigation of the pipes
potentially? I don't know the details. I
don't know the budget and I don't know
it would be within the project scope and
um so potentially I don't know the full
details of the budget or how the finance
authority would look at that. Um there
was another question related to the term
disadvantage funding as it appeared on
the term sheet. That is a reference to I
think the my understanding of the the
many factors that go into determining
the city's ultimate contribution that it
needs to make. um that what level of
disadvantaged um the city represents.
It's um severely disadvantaged. So, it
qualifies for a greater benefit under
the um loan versus subsidy.
Those are I think the two questions that
I can address.
Okay. Thank you.
Mayor Council Adrien Whmer, utilities
director in looking through there on the
imminent domain. That will definitely be
up to city council. If we need to
inspect a private property owner's
service line, we will need to be able to
have the authority to get on their
property. If they say no, then we have
no choice but to pass on and then go to
EPA and ask them what do they expect us
to do. So that will be something that if
and when we run into that situation, we
would come to you. we would end up
actually utilizing the same type of
agreements that we use with our Griggs
walnut vapor intrusion projects where we
went doortodoor on those particular ones
that we needed to investigate and we
would actually get written authorization
in order to enter property for that
purpose.
I believe the lead pipes that were
assumed to exist in the city's water
system when asking for the 15 million
staff decided to look on the worst case
scenario because if we don't use the
money then we don't have to spend the
money which then means we don't have to
pay back the money but if we don't get
enough money and we need more money then
that puts us in a difficult situation.
So that's where those numbers came from.
Um, a question was, "What specific
things could the money be spent on that
don't involve replacing lead pipes?" Um,
in inventory or the survey
would be uh money would be spent for
that. Um, any kind of construction work
on either our side or on the private
side for replacement of lines and the
other related work associated with it,
which would include the planning and
updating maps, getting that stuff turned
in to make sure that we pass regulatory
requirements.
Um, it says, "Does this agreement allow
for the possibility of all funding could
be spent by the city without actually
replacing any lead pipes?
I would say actually yes, but I'm going
to say we wouldn't because it's not
going to cost 15 million to go through
and actually find that. If we find
Nolad, then obviously we won't be
spending $15 million.
Just my professional opinion.
If the city inspector general would like
to come and take a look at the project
while we're doing it, the inspector
general is more than welcome to do that.
And the time limit for the project
completion once we get the once we get
the okay to get the money and we sit
down and we negotiate with um with an
engineering firm to get this planned
out, we will have a better idea on uh
project
And I think
they've um finished.
So uh the time limit um we have 10 years
to complete this project. So
that's good. Thank you Adrian.
Thank you
Christine.
This is on the motion to approve
ordinance 3097.
Councelor McClur,
yes.
Councelor Matise is absent. Councelor
Graham,
yes.
Councelor Craran,
yes.
Councelor Flores,
yes.
Councelor Beno,
yes.
Mayor,
yes.
Next is item 7.4, for council bill
number 26-006,
ordinance number 3098.
Move to approve.
Second, Graham.
Good afternoon, mayor, council, staff,
and public. Laura Hin, assistant
director of finance and interim
treasurer. The ordinance before you is
for the authorization of the of a New
Mexico Finance Authority grant and loan
agreement through the water project fund
administered by the water trust board.
The water project fund administered by
the water trust board provides a
combination of grants and loans for a
variety of water projects based upon
financial capacity of the applicants.
Resolution 24-029
authorized the city to submit an
application for financial assistance.
The anticipated closing date for the
grant loan agreement is November 14th,
2025.
The loan will be repaid from net
revenues of the joint utility system.
The maximum repayment principal amount
is 300,000 with the maturity date of May
1st, 2047.
The loan is principal payment only with
0% interest and an administrative fee
rate of 0.25%.
The project will consist of design,
construct, and rehab improvements of the
2 million gallon tshore tank to include
other related work and revisions
necessary necessary to complete the
project.
Before you are your council options and
again we have Katherine McKenna, our
bond council with Madrell along with
staff from the joint utilities.
Any questions?
Members of the public.
Okay. Christine,
this is on the motion to approve
ordinance 3098.
Councelor McClur,
yes.
Councelor Matise is absent. Councelor
Graham,
yes.
Councelor Karan,
yes.
Councelor Flores,
yes.
Councelor Bencoml,
yes.
And Mayor is absent.
Oh my god. Give me a second. And I
wasn't prepared to I usually have to
mentally prepare myself to run. Oh, here
we go. Perfect timing.
Um, mayor, I need to go back and record
your vote for the last ordinance.
Yes.
Okay. Thank you.
Next is the board appointments. None.
Notice of proposed ordinance. There is
one.
Bring it forward.
Sorry,
please read it. Yeah, it's council bill
number 26-007,
ordinance number 3099, an ordinance
amending chapter 2, article
four,
historic preservation.
Bring it forward, please. Thank you.
City Council member board reports and
comments. Uh, council McCuller.
None. Thank you.
Matis
not with us. Councelor Gray.
Uh, just two quick things. Thanks to
those who turned out for last Thursday's
um GRT community input session um which
was it was district 3's but yes we do
technically borrow a facility right over
the border in district 1. So, uh, many
thanks to those who came out and
participated.
And just a reminder, uh, tomorrow starts
early voting, so I know it's it's time.
Um, and as always, I give the
recommendation, um, download your sample
ballot so you don't have any surprises
when you get to the polls. Um, I'm
looking at mine right now. Mine will be
different from yours perhaps, but I get
to vote for my next city councelor uh
for city of Los Cusus municipal judge
for a school board member, uh soil and
water supervisor at large, county geo
bonds, Los Cusus public school geo bond,
and a tax question, a building's tax
question. So, if your ballot looks like
my ballot and you're shrugging your
shoulders at any of those things, go
download your sample and make sure you
know what you're looking at when you get
there. Thank you.
Thank you, Councelor Krin.
Thank you. I just want to quickly um
encourage folks to visit the District 5
infrastructure priorities meeting which
is Wednesday, October 8th at 6 PM at We
don't have a a public space right now.
Um maybe after borrow Cassie uh we're
borrowing it from LCPS at Monte Vista
Elementary 6 PM on Wednesday, October
8th. So please come out.
Councelor Flores
Uh I have no comments. Thank you,
Mayor Pa.
Thanks, Mayor. Just a couple of things.
Um one, the most important is that
tomorrow, uh October 7th is District 4's
community meeting at MacArthur
Elementary, which is a community school.
And I love using that space for my
district meeting. So, I hope uh District
4 residents come out to that. It does
feel like forever ago from now, but I
did want to thank LCPD for inviting us
to the graduation. It was really
beautiful. Um, and really large number
of women graduating, which um, was very
cool. And a lot of LCPD families, which
I thought was really um, great as well.
So, thank you for inviting us. Um and
then just a couple things I wanted to
say because um I just I found it a
little bit funny, you know, that um a
community member came here, you know, to
talk about having more respectful
dialogue, more dialogue that that uh we
should listen and disrespectful and etc.
Literally a couple folks later, the
person that was about then um talked
about my personal job that I do outside
of this job. Um, I do want to remind
people, which I felt was incredibly
disrespectful. I do want to remind
people that this job on this side of the
mayor um is paid part-time. And I say
paid part-time because most of us work
this job more than part-time, but it is
paid part-time. So, most of us have
other jobs outside of this
responsibility. And um, frankly, if if
if there is ever a vote that any of us
need to recuse ourselves from because
there's a conflict of interest, we do
that. otherwise, you know, you don't pay
my bills and so um you don't get to have
a say in what I do outside of this job.
Um and so I just find that deeply
disrespectful. And then also um for
anyone who wants to better understand
the immigrant legal system from someone
who has done it personally, more than
help more than happy to help educate you
on the fact that um getting to
citizenship is not linear. I always
giggle when people say you should have
done it the right way because it's like
why didn't we think of that before? Of
course I should have done it the right
way. Um I'm someone who came here with a
three-month visa that we overstayed. I
became undocumented for eight years and
then would later uh get my citizenship
when my dad became a citizen. The first
time my dad came to the United States,
he was 18 years old and he crossed the
desert walking. Um, many years later
he'd be working in Gallup for a Native
American man during the last time there
was an actual pathway to citizenship
which was the late 80s. There was an
actual amnesty program and he was
working for a Native American man in
Gallup who petitioned for him and a
bunch of the men that he was working
with and that's how my dad became a
legal permanent resident leading to many
years later taking his citizenship exam.
Um, my brother and I were under 18, so
we automatically plus several thousand
dollars became citizens. My mom would
then have to uh wait three years in her
legal permanent residency status before
she could take her citizenship test that
she actually took um uh in her oath she
took here in Los Cusus. So, it is not
linear. Uh my story of immigration looks
very different than councelor McClur's
story of immigration. Um it looks very
different than a lot of other people's
story of immigration. this this nonsense
of legal versus illegal is it's just
that it is nonsense and I'm would be
happy to talk to you about that process
from someone who has done it um herself.
Thanks, Mayor.
Okay. Thank you. Um yeah, it has been a
while since we've been up here. Uh, I
just want to say a special thank you to
George Pearson and his group that uh
assisted and coordinated the mayor's
bike ride a few weeks back and councelor
Mccclure, thank you for joining in on
that with with your family uh and the
Rea's event that took place. Thank you
community engagement for doing that. Uh,
as far as the board report, I just want
to mention the recognition of Mesio
Valley Economic Development. uh they
received a prestigious award in the
partnership. They were with the city of
Los Cusus economic development which was
the blueprint for growth award of 2025
at the New Mexico governor's economic
development contra con conference that
just took place. So uh good job to Mvita
and their award. Also um this past
weekend was the hole in chilah softball
tournament brought in 257 teams from
seven different states. 20 of those
teams were local and on the economic
value brings in 1.5 million of GRT just
in a weekend. So uh kudos to parks and
wreck and everybody that participated in
that. And with that um our city manager.
Thank you, Mayor Enriquez, Mayor Prom,
and City Council. I know it's been a
long uh long day and I will make it
longer because I have a lot of
announcements, but I'll do my best to
read it quickly. Um,
so uh I I would be remissed if I didn't
share. We we have kudos. Obviously, we
have one of the best housing
departments, I would say, in the nation.
Um, and I would ask uh Natalie to come
up and um they have been awarded the
2025 developer of the year as you know
and there's a video there's a video
she's going to play. Um, Housing New
Mexico has
and with that the 202
sorry I got a little bit too excited.
Yeah. So I'll I'll just read this. Um,
Housing New Mexico has honored the city
of Las Cusus, Natalie Jan and their
awesome team for its leadership in
developing Amodore Crossing Apartments,
a supportive housing project for
individuals experiencing at risk of
homelessness. Los Cusus was recognized
as one of the first local governments, I
repeat, Los Cusus was recognized as one
of the first local governments to take
on the challenge of direct directly
building housing. So, with no further
ado, round of applause is um please for
Natalie, Jan, and and our awesome
housing team. And um Natalie, if you
have any words before you like to play
the video.
Yeah. Uh one, I of course want to uh
thank my incredible staff. They really
are the backbone of our little group and
the work that we do. So, they are
incredible. They are small but mighty.
Um and of course, we want to thank
council for trusting us. um and more
importantly the voters who voted for the
go bond and helped us um achieve this.
So with that we are going to play our
award video which will also be shared on
social media later.
And with that the 2025 season comes to
an end. that
short and sweet and past and um it's not
everything. We're not done with 2025. We
already broke ground on Peach Tree
Canyon 2. We didn't do the big thing we
normally do, but we're we're not done.
We still have Skyllock and a couple
other projects that will come um by the
end of the year. So, thank you guys.
Thank you. Thank you, Natalie. Great
job.
Yes. Round of applause, Natalie. I think
if we were to get all the the successes,
it'd be a hour long, two hour a few
hours of video and content. So, thank
you. A lot of great things happening. Uh
would like to turn the time to fire,
give them some recognition. Last week,
uh the Las Cruises Fire Department
received a grant to put up 17 people
through paramedic class through the FEMA
assistance to firefighters grant. This
grant covers tuition, books, salaries,
overtime, and backfill for our personnel
to obtain this critical certification.
The amount of the grant is close to half
a million dollars. Well, thank you,
Chief Daniels, for doing that. you crew,
city manager's office. Uh this is an
update. I appreciate uh Sergio. Sergio
um is our policy analyst. Um he's there
in the back. Uh purple suit um looking
great in dapper, but he is tracking um
legislative federal funding
stabilization subcommittee. This is a
new committee uh we have tasked them
with to to um really bring to our eyes
here in Las Cusus and our council eyes
if there's anything happening um at the
state or federal level of federal
impacts. The subcommittee was just
created in April 2025. Uh and we'll be
in Las Cusus to discuss an inventory of
federal funds flowing into New Mexico.
They will also be discussing the impacts
to the state of New Mexico created by
new uh federal funding initiatives,
specifically HR1, better known as the
one big beautiful bill. The subcommittee
will be meeting on the following days at
the following places. Monday, October
20th, NMSU golf course. Tuesday, October
21st, Santa Teresa War Eagles Air
Museum. And Wednesday, October 22nd,
NMSU golf course. A work plan of some of
the discussion points is available on
the legislative website. And uh this is
something that we'll have Sergio attend
and he will come back and and and
present this to our internal committee
uh that uh we've created because of you
uh as as council have asked us to as
staff and we'll present it to you all in
an email after that. Okay. Just wanted
to keep you apprised. Quality of life
senior programs recreation staff are
preparing for the annual Halloween dance
scheduled for Saturday, October 18th
from 4 to 7:00 p.m. at the Mson Center.
Um, additionally, the Moonlight at the
Museum's event is scheduled for Friday,
October 10th, starting at 5:00 PM.
Visitors will be able to see our new
children's exhibit pieces installed
throughout the museums of nature and
science.
And last from Quality Life, the curators
of the Lost Art Scavenger hunt sponsored
by Public Art is launched and ready for
explorers. Go to the city's website for
information on how to win prizes by
solving lost art clues, lost art clues,
and be eligible to win the art covenant
grant prize by the end of October.
Um, we appreciate those that have
attended our our GRT public comment uh
and community town halls for uh public
infrastructure for the to allocate GRT
funds for capital infrastructure and
maintenance. Uh we appreciate Sarah
Gonzalez, Cynthia Almo, community
engagement, Katrina and our
communications team and all departments
who have been there to to support this.
We have three uh public meetings left.
District 4, 5, and six. District 4 will
be held October 7th, tomorrow.
Uh MacArthur Elementary School, um 6 to
7, all the meetings are at 6:00 to 7, so
just one hour. Um,
District 5, October 8th, Monav Vista
Elementary School, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. And
District 6 on October 9th at the Donana
Community College, uh, East Mesa campus,
6:00 to 7:00 p.m., thank you on that.
And we have uh just an update to
council. Uh, you may have seen a um
uh believe it's Dr. Morren. Um it was a
public comment asking about uh how to
improve the quality of our sidewalks. I
appreciate Deacado uh connecting with
him outside. Just wanted to let you know
that he did give that uh to our public
works department to see what they can do
with that. So just wanted to give you as
an FYI. And um
I promise just a few more from uh from
some departments. We have parks and
wreck. Friday, October 10th will be the
family-friendly planting day for the
hands-on planting activity. Plant seeds
for winter garden and learn about small
gardening projects. Join us at the
Pioneer Women's Park from 1 through 6
p.m. Again on Friday, October 10th.
Again, from Parks and Rec. Thursday,
October 16th will be the graffiti hurts
awareness information event at the WIA
building. Learn about what the city does
to eradicate graffiti throughout the
city and how you can help by reporting
to our community's Ask Las Cruises app.
And last from Parks and Recck, Saturday,
October 18th, the KLCB will once again
host a monthly neighborhood dumpster day
from 8:00 a.m. to noon or until
containers are full. Bring your trash,
junk, and yard waste to any of the
following locations free of charge.
Abadaka Park, Young Park, Frank O'Brien
Papin Community Center, and East Mesa
Recreation Center for Community
Development. Excited to share that
realize Las Cruus will be featured as um
at one of the breakout sessions at this
year's New Mexico chapter of the
American Planning Association annual
conference in TA. This session session
is titled Yes in my backyard las cus
path to a more inclusive code and and
will be 11:00 a.m. uh Friday, November
14th.
Um also second to last, city hall is lit
up in pink from October 1st through 15th
for breast cancer awareness and lit up
purple from October 16th through 30th
for domestic violence violence
awareness. And last, the microsurfacing
project will be done on 14 streets with
total cost of 1.3 million as part of the
annual pavement management program under
PCI improvements. Work started today and
is estimated to be completed by mid
November. Mayquez, thank you. That is
all.
Thank you, city manager. Look for a
motion to adjurnn.
Move to adjurnn.
Second by flood.
This is on the motion to adjourn the
meeting. Councelor McClur,
yes.
Councelor Matise is absent. Councelor
Graham,
yes.
Councelor Karan,
yes.
Councelor Flores,
yes.
Councelor Bencoml,
yes.
Mayor,
yes.