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On the agenda: Truth Or Consequences Minutes — data center (Aug 28)

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Page 1 of 39

CITY
CITY

COMMISSION

OF TRUTH

CITY

The

CALL

CHAMBERS,

meeting

was

called

A. Torres,

INTRODUCTION:

Upon

ROLL

calling

to order

the roll, the following

Present:

Rolf Hechler,

Hon.

Destiny

Mayor

Hon.

Chaz

Glines,

Gary

Whitehead,

Traci

Alvarez,

Mayor

Hechler
3.

Mayor

who

presided

and

were

reported

present.

Pro-Tem

Commissioner

was

absent

Commissioner

City Manager
Assistant

City Manager

City Attorney
City Clerk-Treasurer

Community

present,

Services

the Commission

Director
proceeded

with the business

at hand.

MEDIT ATION:

Cary

Gustin,

called

as many

If you wouldn't

be appreciated.

for fifteen

seconds

keeping

you.

of silent

meditation.

of Allegiance.

AL OF AGENDA:

of us know

mind

Thank

OF ALLEGIANCE:

led the Pledge

APPROV

or Jagger,

know.

it would

PLEDGE

Hechler

a.m.,

of the meeting.

Commissioner

A. Torres,

if you didn't

meditation,

Mayor

Forrister,

Ingo Hoeppner,

SILENT

silent

at 9:00

as Secretary

Mayor

Hon.

a quorum

Hechler:

in hospice,

Rolf Hechler

acted

Mitchell,

OJ Hechler,

28, 2026

Commissioners

Hon.

Jay Rubin,

being

MEXICO

CALL:

Angela

There

by Mayor

City Clerk-Treasurer,

Hon. Amanda

Also

AUGUST

NEW

405 W. 3RD St.

TO ORDER:

Angela

MINUTES

OR CONSEQUENCES,

COMMISSION
FRIDAY,

MEETING

him,

is our film liaison.

him in your

thoughts

He's
for our

Page 2 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

Commissioner
Item

Glines

before

seconded

the

lot of things

Mayor

to save

carried

I look forward

with

the adjustment

CI.

Mayor

Item

of moving

Pro-Tem

Mitchell

unanimously.

morning.

I have

a full report

written,

but to save

Good

morning,

everyone,

thank

you for all being

for the city. The Summer

season

in the near future.

Please

come

on down

to downtown

a report,

thank

you guys

for coming

bear

with

Mitchell:

I don't

to hearing

Hechler:

from

I do have

an FBI investigation

attacks.

This

prompted

our City Manager,
attacks.

you time

is almost

over,

here and

and we have

and support

if you'll

service

to see where
I read this,

malicious

cyber

actors

We do follow
were

passwords.

guidelines

"FBI

largely

equipment,

and then
What

pumps

to manual

have

is compromised,

and manual
systems

we're

changed
doing

operations.

that's

rounds

provides

Local

the safe

systems

physically

are currently
systems

Possible

vulnerabilities

supervisors

physical

new.

which

to monitor

basis,

from

are more
SCADA

compatible
SCADA

on personal

to disrupt

mandate

system

to maintain

physical

our chlorination
chemical

levels

conducting

physical,

daily

on our assets.

on SCADA
we have

with water

itself.

replaced

technology

exposure

via mobile

VPN;

phones

via a VPN

means

the

transitioning

Keeping

check

relying

capability,

manipulating

Redundancy:

In the past few years,

we have:

on the devices

and Data Acquisition)

validation
not just

on the

Control

actors

that we have.
Service

or unsecure

override

with the FBI's

Attacks".

into water

functions

manual

for chlorination:

threat

part on our part.

on a daily

outdated

aligns

controls

prevents

an essential

systems

(Supervisor

directly

PSA

the FBI, we felt that

had no password

and passwords

We have

the

This

Cyber

to hack

of protection

into the management

usernames

which

that

PSA from

Malicious

PSA from

the level

but I learned

put out on the FBI website.

firewalls

their way

right:

if the SCADA

on local controls

remotely,

in the article

forced

of this

heads,
to cyber-

systems.

by bad actors

to understand

due to unsecured

The attackers

functions.

As a result

PSA

cyber-

in regards

a recent

attempts

advisable

advised

,
regarding

just

in 8 states.
was

,
Whitehead

over 100

July 30'h, 2026,
have

systems

malicious

our department
safe

and wastewater

dated

of our system

with

meeting

and if we're

water

there

analysis

review,

charting

online

and wastewater

and

this year we

concerning

I am a little bit new at this stuff

In the last month,

been

me. Earlier

announcement
we were

s pa
my 10 .
n
heads and City Manager

FBI regarding
is available

report

us to do an internal

Bear with me while

out today

you.

public

and staff,

so guess
with department

have

a short

received

attacks

the agenda
before

businesses.

Pro-Tem

Mayor

MINUTES

that for our first meetings.

Hoeppner:
planned

Item

MEETING

COMMENTS:
Good

your support

the local

to approve

and

Motion

Glines:

Commissioner
showing

C1,

COMMISSION

I'm going

28, 2026 REGULAR

moved

Item
motion.

Commissioner
today,

AUGUST

We check

our

Our servers

and

many

of our

and equipment.
allowing
our operational

Page2of39

Page 3 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

technology

network

hack

our system

should

have

important

is through

is that

authentication

credentials

SCADA

is downstream
actions

of the firewall.

to prevent

we do check

reached

out to our IT expert,

Michael

a little bit and advise

what

and it kind of reinforces

passwords.
server

research.

Our guys

is behind

specifically
traffic

use some

being

blocked

credentials

important

credentials.

patches,

which

good

functions

exploited

in these

currently

traffic

outside.

Those

the server

or via a secure

a lot of risky

bad actor

and blocks

certain

the point

that we're

this assures

or compromised.
ST AFF

City Manager
week

in place,

with the City Manager

me, I hope

That's

my report,

Good

items,

League
just

we still fight

in Las Cruces,

leaks,

But things

open,

we also patched

up another

today

for some

so we're

our contract
on some
those

right

streets,

with

disruption
security

functions,

including

be accessed

from

via direct

the

access

IT. We also inherently
mitigates
after

potential

attackers
our

than

most.

I think

our systems

better

having

gone

heads.

Thank

you for putting

thank

and wastewater

block

reviewing

are

through

systems

will not

you.

our supplier,

streets,

so we'll

two roads

scheduled

we are at the end of August.

to be really

kind of getting

water

leaks

cause

much

that our water

morning,

now.

water

safer

all other

COMMENTS:

is going

Municipal

can't

on-site

In a nutshell,

and our department
folks

Whitehead:

important

the vendor

and I feel

some

so my report

Mexico
well,

our firewalls

with

with all the latest

cannot

which

and so are

why we have to have

to be done

in our firewall,

I can make

we have

busy

IP addresses

from

as well.

I think

be hacked

connection
behavior

protected,
this exercise

VPN

The

that is

ports,

administrative

attacks,
have

suspicious

systems,

with

from

and

traffic

generally

are updated

and

protected.

by our firewall,

so that's

risk. Most

and
He gave

usernames

firewall

through

of traffic

and firewalls

the administrative
allowed

and they're

protected

compromised,

the vulnerability

by secure

vendor-provided

is only allowed

This type

being

The server

mitigates

usernames,

Kozloski

he thought.

in our meeting

is protected

So SCADA's

to the server

by our firewall.

someone's

we discovered

as well as another

only for their equipment.
Access

what

to the server
pretty

a city firewall,

the city functions.
without

Access

any

and can operate

him to kind of look at the system
points,

passwords

Remember,

daily

manually

our own

way to

cases.

Strong

intrusion.

our system

likely

Our operators

in some

asked

us 5 bullet

I also

hack.

authentication

them

through

if needed.

The most

or an email

multi-level

because

MINUTES

to the internet.

or even

are important

be short-lived

MEETING

exposed

compromised

passwords,

consideration
should

28, 2026 REGULAR

may still be indirectly

strong

or multi-level
attacks

AUGUST

going

my feet

I checked

We spent

through

back
well,

we're

road downtown,
really

some

had a

at the New

education

classes

The staff

we're

excited,

you're

We've

the week

on the ground.

the list this morning,

are going

Bartoo

be over

simple.

at about

we have

going

and

performed
18 active

Foch

Street

to see some

contracts

kind of changing

our focus.

Now that we have

Sand

and Gravel,

approved,

we're

Lane

soon,

on Cherry

to be paved.

We're

really

excited

starting

and Arrowhead,
to get started

to work
we have

on Marie

Street, we have about $1.8 million to start working
for an engineering

contract

here,

we'll

moving

and hopefully
along

great,

to get that kicked

get a little focus

I know

that

on Marie Street, so we're just waiting
off. Just going to be a busy fourth quarter

on streets.

The water

it's a little bit of construction

contractors

fatigue,

are just

but they're

moving

Page 3 of 39

Page 4 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

along,

and the right of way

morning

AUGUST

28, 2026 REGULAR

is very

to find out, I'm hoping

nice.

they're

had a gas leak that was exposed,
ground

to put the water

had to come
holdup
Can

mOVe

I haven't

there

spoken

planning

that entire

in getting

South

but when

in the area,

line, per their

they

they opened

the

So that's

I'd stand

what

the

for any questions,

or we

On.

C2 was

moved

C2. Proclamation
Fire

Department.

Mayor

Hechler

before

the

CI.

Honoring

103

Years

presented
Trail

Presentation

Merry

Jo Fahl,

Jornada

RCD:

about

something

other

update

than

and reminder,

today

but he sent

Hello
problems,

me his notes
, a

done,

and that took

6 years.

meet,

our core group

of people

plan,

mostly

the county

trail,

plan also called
river trail.
Rotary

advantage
Jornada

his first meeting,
we've

really

done

are still plugging

focal

points

would

trails.

Two years

Conservation

side

ago, Jornada,

for the outdoor

recreation

National

Parks

Service,

provided

and then

there's

they

funds

one at the Williamsburg

We will also have

trailheads,

the river on the bridge
and then

who

with the

so we're

for three;
where

because
along

Williamsburg

hasn't

so we want

to kind of have

It down

the road

and kind of across

a mile along

from
plant

is, we're

itself

going

by there.

the river itself just to have

from

outdoor

get in when

a lot of people

AOO5, and then
We're

Park,

those

be right where

mostly

able to determine

to go away

to replace

one would
people

working

sign at Rotary

going

bride,

deviate

the

for some
along

there.

treatment

today,

When

one down

BLM to perhaps

I'm representing
we applied

to put their
wastewater

to take

are to be placed

crossing

been

near

growth

we were

after you can go up the hills or continue
really

hopefully

The

it a

The panels

on the Rio Grande

one by the low water

AOO5, it will

in existence.

here,

to put in an education
plans

this is trail

mile.

Post Office,

we have

in continuing

and we called

continued

Council,

fund.

been

of the river,

be foot bridges

and Development
are to put one every

floating,

things

that are already

and then just

and our plans

or shortly

good

come

so we've

Just a reminder,

the roads

panels

point

some

and city road on the other

one by Williamsburg,

couldn't

July of 2018,

in and out of the river,

our main

Just to give an

it was

forward.

the AOO5 road,

they're

news.

to getting

and then

Volunteer

Masterson

trail along

of recreation

you cross

good

- John

and a multi-use

Resource

interpretive

I think

some

Network

for improvements

Of course,

Park,

I'm bringing
Trails

from

ng a ong

be a walking

or Consequences

it is good to be back and to be talking

everyone,

the Turtleback

following

of the Truth

the proclamation.

C1. Turtleback

about

yet this
today,

so the gas company

regulations.

With that,

Broadway

PRESENTATIONS:

Item

signs.

with the gas company

there,

gas smell

that done.

MINUTES

on opening

no one hit anything

line in, they found

in and replace

has been

MEETING

where

at that
another

they're

going

also working

with

the river where

the

the road and then traverse
experiences.

We're

pretty

Page4of39

Page 5 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

excited,
didn't

AUGUST

and what
want

have them
different

I wanted

28, 2026 REGULAR

MEETING

MINUTES

to do was give you that

update,

but I also

to put it in the packet

because

I want

done,

a really

cool event.

then

colors,

we'll

have

so our logo for the trail

shell,

so red is one of the colors,

about

history,

and then there's

one about

aquatics,

together,

I had the Sierra

made

there's

County

sure that the stats

can reference
wildlife

that.

portion,
& Gem

together

from

Soil wrote
a good

books

the plant

variety,

transpiring

write

what

we had hoped.

we're

going

Hedge

working

with

But we're

here,

The National

Parks

and reliable.

We have

to have them

going

cutting

started

to have

meeting
John

or something,

something

get the county
the rounds

from

soon.

Pro-Tem

Mitchell:

Mayor

Hechler:

Thank

way back

when

Merry

Jo Fahl,

thing

done,

community,

Good
you.

we served
Jornada

but I think

so that we can start
the meetings.

Item

moved

after

F6. Discussion/Action:
or Consequences
at Ralph

OJ Hechler,

Public

of understanding

and

this for me. We had

when

I'm back,
to have

so we got

And this was

all

to get to this
the signs

too, they're

point

than

next week,
Waters

very

dependable

by the end of December.
able to engage,

all of you and have

these

with

the Sierra

component,

we did the Healing

I will be making
along

of the history

are in there,

and being

invite

because

we're

finally

this presentation,

Williamsburg.

a ribbon
seeing

I want

So I'll be making

any questions?

It's been
going
Once

on this and myself

a long time

a long time.
to open

coming.

8 years

the door

we get this done,

addressing

item

you working

it's been

all the other

tagging

Science

is a long time

components

along

is beautiful.
to get the first

for a lot of opportunities
our group

will continue
of our trails,

for our
moving
and OJ

CI.
of Understanding

Sierra

to develop

Services

write

I got most

a lot longer

Memorandum
Edwards

between

if you'll

job.

it's really

forward
attends

Grande

excited

I remember

RCD:

to do the

to call and order

and we'll

engaged,

together,

all of us together.

F6. Was

now that

Do you have

Mayor

biologist,

and completed

pretty

Butte

is a wildlife

that company

all of our efforts.

and Elephant

pretty

and we

so people

used

an event,

but we're

produced

stats,

installed

again

have

do the agriculture

so those

the city used

Service

put that

Mo to get that done.

so I'm going

company

there's

group

did the aquatic

ill, so it took

was quite

plants,

good

for the geology.
had written,

been

one about

the stats,

I'll babysit

Fletcher

in the

we gathered

who

and Mark

to use the same

Our trail group

they

that Sherry

Trail signs.

we're

you,

the component

my husband

colors

of the trail on the red will be

there's

component,

we've

when

I'll trade

and he has different

the date

to see it until we
signs,

etc. We had a really

Office,

we have

goodies.

are 7 different

agriculture,

my daughter-in-law,

I said

show

There

component

geology,

Extension

are listed,

I coerced

actually

the Rock

one about

to wait for the public

is this turtle,

and so each

have

County

between

a Rivenualk

Trail

the

City

along

of Truth
the

Rio

Park.
Director:
the County

What

you

of Sierra

have

in front

of you is a memorandum

and the City of Truth

or Consequences.

Page 5 of 39

Page 6 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

The Trails

AUGUST

Plus grant,

what

28, 2026 REGULAR

we will be applying

MEETING

MINUTES

for, the application

is due September

30kh, they have it tiered into three tiers. The first tier goes up to $1 oo,ooo,the second
tier goes up to $500,000 and the thirst tier goes up to $1 million. For tiers 2 and 3, what
the Trails

Plus committee

wants

city's

responsibilities

walk

trail are in compliance

to see is a regional

will be ensuring
with

the program

local,

state,

managing

construction

of the trail in accordance

distributing

and accounting

and other
such

designating

a point

and reporting

their

to the New Mexico
agrees

marketing

groups,

youth

at the boat
to Riverbend.

maybe

use some

because

they're

with those

attend

and local

going

around

of the Turtleback

signs.

signs,

Springs,

chamber

committees

of commerce,

grant

application.

open

it up for any questions.

Hopefully

Mayor

Pro-Tem

Mitchell:

more,

get more

usage

City Attorney

Rubin:

I think

OJ Hechler,

Services

is a large

out to
such

chambers

of commerce.

The project

itself will be

Edwards

I'll talk with

Merry

obviously
m

can support

services,

did a great job

tier 2 or tier 3, I also

she sits on some

collaboration
our MOU

program,

be to

match

and they

being

Jo, I know

to strengthen

as well,

our

and with that I will

I'd like to see that area

I think

getting

walk

bird watching,

maybe

a fishing

trail,

that park,

and also attract

for that,

there

are people
I think

Mayor

Pro-Tem

Mitchell

made

a motion

between

the City
along

that travel

it'd be a great

of Truth
the

correct.

a lot of tourism

of that nature.

Trail

that's

the MOU

and we want

a Rivemalk

all the way

Yes,

market

hopefully

like to do would

as well,

this a regional

and things

Understanding

I would

the river and the park,

as part of the in-kind

ps,

it's a good

between

and then

and what
signage

watch,

develop

Park

funding,

River

events

as needed,
reach

Director:

capture

and celebratory

in the project

Park with grant

really

channels

the project,

Edwards

going.

this MOU,

media

regarding

r g

In the big picture,
for funding.

Public

Llnder

social

developed

for it.

with the application

Ralph

Division.

interest

Trails

the county

and

assistance

the skatepark,

make

for

have

on how we can truly

updated

activities

through

I sit on that committee

some

and federal

the county

required

in opening

be part of it, and then

That would

state,

that would

It will be a trail system,

beautiful

of the river

for technical

for communication

clubs,

with

and participate

trail that is at Ralph

dock,

project

the

and requirements,

of contact

Recreation

be available

and organizations

river walk

down

Outdoor

the completed

ceremony,

of contact

groups

a concrete
starting

efforts,

cutting

a point

county-wide
outdoor

to promote

and finances

keeping

the project,

as ribbon

designate

funds,

milestones,

County

this MOU,

with all local,

for all grant

regarding

accomplishments

Under

regulations

and important

communications
Sierra

activities

and federal

standards,
on progress

collaboration.

Rio

to approve

is going

to help

And we've

accomplished

a lot

to keep

that momentum

pier or something
and things
addition
the

at Ralph

of that nature,

of that nature.

all over to go walk

or Consequences
Grande

approved

trails,

There

bird

to the park.

Memorandum
and
Edwards

Sierra

County

Park.

Page 6 of 39

Page 7 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

Commissioner
Hoeppner
Treasurer.
Motion carried

28, 2026 REGULAR

seconded
the motion.
unanimously.

MEETING

MINUTES

Roll call was taken

by the Clerk-

Mayor Pro-Tem
Mitchell
made a motion
to move item G4 up on the agenda to be
presented
affer item F6. Commissioner
Glines seconded
the motion.
Roll call
was taken by the Clerk-Treasurer.
Motion carried
unanimously.
G4. Discussion/Action:
Emergency
related

Resolution
to the Elephant

No. 18 26/27 Declaring
Butte Reservoir.

a Local

Disaster

Amber Vaugn, Sierra County Manager: Good morning and thank you for having me. On
August 7fh, Sierra County held a special meeting and declared a local disaster due to
the historically
low levels of Elephant Butte Lake. As part of that discussion,
I began
looking more closely at our economic
and tourism indicators.
Rather than relying just on
anecdotal
evidence,
I wanted to look at several different data points and see what the
numbers actually tell us. For this analysis, I pulled several types of data; I looked at the
total GRT for Sierra County, Truth or Consequences,
Elephant Butte, and Williamsburg,
then I broke down the GRT by the different industries, and then looked more closely at
the ones affected by tourism. I also looked at the lodgers' tax from all the different
entities, and I appreciate
everybody
forwarding
that information
to me fairly quickly, for
most of the economic data, I used January-June
for each year. So we're comparing the
same 6 months of data over 4 years, so 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. This right here
(Slide 3 of the presentation
within the
) just shows you over the last couple of
years the physical condition of the lake. You can see 2023, in blue, was high, and every
year affer that, we have gone lower and lower. This isn't the first time we have seen low
lake levels, 3% was last year, this year we're seeing historically
low with 1.4%. I also
looked at the people that are actually visiting the lake. We didn't have a lot of data on
this, but the ones I could validate were these ones: Memorial day visitation was
approximately
60,000 in 2025, and about 35,000 this year. That's roughly a 42%
decline. 4'h of July was approximately
110,000 in 2024, compared to 82,000 this year,
that's a 25% decline. 82,000 people is still a significant number of visitors, but the
comparable
holiday number we do have indicate fewer visitors over time. On Slide 5, I
looked at the GRT as a whole, I didn't break it down by industry. We just looked at this;
we may not be having this conversation.
Truth or Consequences
has actually had its

strongest January-June
period of these four years at approximately $3.79 million, so
overall GRT does not show that the city, as a whole, has experienced
a broad decline.
But total GRT can hide what's actually happening
to local businesses,
so I wanted to
break down T or C's numbers just a little bit more. On the next slide, I pulled out the
different industries.
Retail trade is T or C's largest industry category at just under
$900,000,

compared

to the county's

biggest

GRT which

is construction.

Construction

the second in T or C with $679,000, accommodations and food is about $427,000 and
healthcare and social assistance is about $404,000. This is important because T or C
has a fairly diversified
GRT base. Tourism matters, but it's not the only thing generating
revenue for the city. This doesn't tell you exactly what's going on in the individual
businesses
around town. So the strong total GRT doesn't tell us about hotels,
restaurants,
visitor-related
businesses,
or other sectors that can offset. So what did I

Page 7 of 39

Page 8 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

28, 2026 REGULAR

MEETING

include

in tourism-sensitive

GRT?

For this analysis,

thought

best showed

activity:

accommodations

and retail trade.
"tourism-specific".
buying

goods

resident

visitor

I want

to emphasize

So they'll
or services

eating

still have

take these

these

from

$993,000

numbers

closely.

even

retail

is included,
8, I pulled

and food,

categories

City Attorney
and trying
Amber

Rubin:

have

So when

I'm looking

it. What

to read

Vaugn,

combined

gradually

declined

at those

year

four

over

over year.

bar graphs

you have

up there

is that top number?

Sierra

County

Manager:

This first one is Sierra

Rubin:

I meant

on the Truth

County

and that is

$993,000
City Attorney

or Consequences

side.

Amber Vaugn, Sierra County Manager: Yes, that is $1384. And then in 2026, it went
down to $1.327.
City Attorney
Amber

Rubin:

Vaugn,

that Sierra

Alright

Sierra

County's

thank

you.

County

Manager:

Yeah,

and even

has gone

up, while

Truth

or Consequences

just

looking

at it, we can see

has gone

down

over

that time.
City Attorney
that

Rubin:

You

know,

if you look at the 2026

I think

what

deceived

bar graph,

it only

looks

actually

the difference

isn't quite

Amber

Vaugn,

County

of time,

that GRT

Sierra

has fallen,

us our first indication
slide

is the other

as stark,

Manager:

two entities,

about

Elephant

my own

perception

half as high as 2023,

was

but

though.

Right,

and still showing

the tourism-sensitive

that the economy

me from

GRT.

is being
Butte

affected

that over those

So this right here
by lower

and Williamsburg.

kind of gives

visitation.
Elephant

periods

The next
Butte

went

from $164,000 up to about $182,000, then back down. Williamsburg is $222,000 up to
$446,000. These are on a separate page because they deal with smaller dollar amounts
so they

don't

really

compare

Lodgers'

Tax, this is where

because

It's much

on the same
I think

directly

page.

The

next one I went

we see the clearest
tied to overnight

evidence

stays.

though

was the

in the visitor

economy,

For Truth

or Consequences,

January-June, Lodgers' Tax was about $268,000 in 2024, it fell to about $252,000 in
2025, and then about $229,000 in 2026. That's a decline of approximately $39,000 or
14.7%,

compared

with 2024.

So we're

seeing

fewer

lodging

dollars,

but we're

not

Page 8 of 39

Page 9 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

seeing

the same

February
June,

AUGUST

decline

declined
most

in overall

unemployment

labor force

28, 2026 REGULAR

city GRT.

rate peaked

increased

recent

data doesn't

show

or C's overall

GRT

is actually

construction,

health

care,

warning

signs.

declined,

Lodgers'

some

stress

at 7.9%,

continued
strong,

then

although

is that we are seeing

some

visitor-related

the lake is now extraordinarily

low, I think

tracking

these

same

indicators

over the next year

really

curious

about

July's

numbers.

won't

get those

until September
that,

Hechler:

So your time

frames

Amber

Vaugn,

Sierra

Manager:

Mayor

Hechler:

Visitation's

been

Vaugn,

going

to be the key months

And we know,

Sierra

County

the data shows.

activity
think

numbers

we can ignore

indicators

the

GRT

has gradually

in 2026.

The labor

have

improved.

trending

the important

market

downward,

thing

but

is to continue

it. I'm

or two to see how that affects

numbers

in retail,

are two months

behind,

this presentation

so I

with that

in June.

Yes.

down

because

anecdotally,

dramatically

at the lake,

That

July, August,

people

Mayor

Hechler:

well thank

thought

you did a wonderful

necessary
Vaugn,

you need

Mayor

Hechler:

worked

Okay,

are still very

County

because

you so much

job when

so the hard

numbers

So thank

and September

Summer

are fewer

they

can't

for taking

we attended

Manager:

heavy

I see there

on the water

for you to be here.
Sierra

those

is true,

I live at the lake,

are not as many

time

ended

Manager:

there

Amber

what

but the

are

is that true?

Amber

was

January-

for any questions.

Mayor

yet to come,

GRT

the

isn't an issue,

Here's

I 5'h, but I plan on updating

I will stand

County

there

are lower

June

because

With

to 6% in June.

but I also don't

we can compare

market,

by 67, and unemployment

deterioration.

takeaway

information.

declined

T or C's tourism-sensitive

this year,

GRT

at the labor

increased

sectors,

visitation

MINUTES

and we see significant

and other

early

looked

so I'm not suggesting

Tax is down,

and the holiday

showed

I also

by 17, employment

by 50. 6% is still elevated,

MEETING

months.

out there,

and

So yes.

the time to come

and present.

meeting,

and I thought

you for having

me, and any

you so much.

Of course,

thank

me, just let me know.
With

that,

and the reason

I had Amber

with my counterparts,

Mayor

Holcomb

respective

commissions,

have

all passed

economy

and the lake elevations,

they

things

come

to present

and Chairman
a disaster

of that nature.

Paxon,

declaration
We're

in numbers.

If all our major

entities

declaration,

a disaster

declaration

to the governor's

office,

have

a better

within

the packet.

chance

of being

heard.

If you go to page

on the declaration

With
421,

that,

if you've

I have

included

our

entity

to do so,

assume

a disaster

we feel our voices

a disaster

all had a chance

I've

and with their

the third

is strength

or forward

to us today,

regarding

and we feel that there

any discussion

tourism

people

get there.

the county

are

declaration

to review,

is there

itself?

Page 9 of 39

Page 10 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

Mayor

Pro-Tem

particular
Mayor

AUGUST

Mitchell:

28, 2026 REGULAR

I was just

item and they wanted
Hechler:

curious

to speak

Does

anyone

noted

that he would

MEETING

if anybody
up before

in the audience

MINUTES

had public

we made

wish

comment

on that

a decision?

to comment

on this particular

aspect

I understand

that the

of our agenda?
Nate

Stephens

Mayor

Pro-Tem

other

communities

constituents

Micthe(l:

This,

like to speak

to me, seems

did it, so we probably

had any concerns

was affer

public

comment,

to public

comment,

about

so there

I just wanted

on this topic.

like a very

should

too,

big topic.

but I wasn't

it that they wanted
wouldn't

sure

if any of our

to be addressed.

be an issue,

but because

it
it prior

Originally,

we moved

to make

it clear that if somebody

did want

a motion

to table

after

to speak

it, we did not lose their voice.
Mayor

Pro-Tem

comment.

Mitchell

made

Commissioner

Clerk-Treasurer.
Discussion

Glines

Motion
was

seconded

carried

resumed

Hechler:

We did have

there

any further

discussion

G4 until

the motion.

Roll

call

public

was

taken

by the

unanimously.

for this

Mayor

item

one comment

after

public

during

on the declaration?

comment.

public

Any

comment

on this item, was

recommended

changes

improvemen
City Attorney

Rubin:

And

we use for a disaster
authority

declaration.

declared

would

include,

as a disaster.

looking

my thanks

Whitehead:

to County

Manager

it talks

about

a few comments.

Amber

lines

Vaughn.

anybody
First,

We were

presentation,

it was nice, I got a little extra time because
together,

each

of you a document

showing

indicator,

and I certainly

relevant.

We did see about

2025/2026.

If you've

approvals

that you've

down,

and we've

that

I 6% decline.

decline

kept up with Angela's
done,

they've

kind of been
We also

might

draw

a correlation

didn't

break

down

Maybe

we're

losing

to make

a 16%

been

paying

I would
fortunate
I didn't

to that

reach

have

impact

that we're

number;

numbers

Lodgers'

Tax

the numbers

the lake is not a direct

effect

on what

- were

the hotels

be using

the downtown

they

might

have

we're

conversations.

Tax to see how much
Airbnb,

a prime
were

2024/2025

where

from

express

I presented

Tax. That's

definitely,

out and have

for me.

to see the

the Lodgers'
revenue

this

to put that

through
because

your

resolved

have

Tax from

presentations
conservative

what

we're

of that.

sure that you saw those

attention

had MainStreet

saying

what

like to really

of Lodgers'

in Lodgers'

format

had any questions

job and I'm appreciative

the last two years

wanted

basically

the economic

presentation

she did a great

it's the usual

is that we should

it was fine, unless

I have

I think

the end it tells you really
our position

of course

at it, I thought

at. I looked

City Manager

for example,

Then

about,

It has the 4 "whereas"

do it, and then towards

is to even

to do, which

at it, as we talked

I looked

we're

been

seeing
I think

seeing.

we
We

still consistent?
area

a little

Page 10 of 39

Page 11 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

prominently

some

areas,

AUGUST

28, 2026 REGULAR

than the lake traffic,

some

MEETING

so we certainly

of the businesses

felt that there

MINUTES

don't

have that number.

was definitely

a decline

But in

due to the

economy.
Let's not lose sight of the fact that gas is around $4 per gallon, diesel is at $6
per gallon, as I saw when I was driving through
the state this week. There are other
factors

that potentially

significant
been

factor.

could

be driving

I've shown

consistent.

I was

you the GRT

reminder

state

looking

that you never

know

was your

of mind.

over,

which

point,

won't

see that until September

know

Mayor.

worked

together

to drafi

this declaration,

to other

agencies

within

our region.

is availability.

Municipal

to trend

access

League

has a definite
recreate

meeting,

effect

different
County,

ways

picture,

and then

City Attorney

than

anything,

Rubin:

I just wanted

said something

about

deceived

being

what

I was seeing

was a little off. Just wanted
Manager

said about

to be clear

in favor

of going

forward.
Mitchell:

Mayor

Pro-Tem

almost

broadcasts,

like Gary

County

is in a state

of emergency,

we present
three

communities

that.

My main

going

to try to get any type

strong

together.

Commissioner
know

funding,

about

from

was

don't

Hoeppner:

My motto

help each

Elephant

Butte

etc. When

it comes

other

is always
here,

when

to do in Truth

to still come

you.

did the presentation,

with what

to say at all

interpretation

the Mayor

a state

that

and City

about

"Sierra

that.

But again,

going

we can make

that

I do get

if we're

to need

to be

a difference"

and

or an emergency,

for us, to help

or Consequences

and stronger

to just one by itself.

is a disaster

I'm

of emergency
being

to be united

do the same

will be very telling.

perception
I worry

to do,

reports

financial

Thank

this, we're

there

would

be us

your

but I also understand

"Together

a broad

months

as opposed

to help alleviate

and Williamsburg
to things

And

so the

so that

of things

I did not mean

to do this in order
away,

the

sure we have

it was my own

declaring

people's

go there."

people

of funding

Amber

I agree

was that

this disaster,

scaring

people

of our economy.

that.

water,

from

it may just

are still plenty

real data from

saying,

about

we have

we do have
back

we can

improving

are opportunities

to make

the last couple

was saying

are supporting

concern

is part of it. We
that

want

all

bad is the lake?"

and there

by the numbers.

My only concern

it in a way that shows

"How

where

with

to help a business,

that when

she was

how the impact

again,

we have to remind

let you see

by anything

assistance

gets out on the bad side,

water

I just

to mention

July and August,

to be supportive

needs

and that there

or downtown.

until the recession

this, we just came

the fact that we are in a downturn

that

I was

Butte,

that these

a way

and use what

is looking

and myself

of me constantly,
have

really

of us who would

bear that in mind

- because

with

finding

to Elephant

it's the trails

that

we have
I'll finish

if the lake does

if it's not the lake,
that do support

park

to say that we have

his counterparts,

gets out, the marketing

to market

still come

So just

and we do want

it was asked

even

those

the data from

The mayor,

with what

report

downturn

in a recession

know

If the state

in it. So it may not be directly

thinking
Sierra

down.

But it's amazing,

sad part is that that message

that same
advisor,

you're

and October.

continue

T or C. But the lake is certainly

at an economic

We don't

could

there

running

As a financial

numbers

the park or providing

affecting

that looking

at it with a recession
would

what's

us get

or the

Page 11 of 39

Page 12 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

surrounding
promote

AUGUST

county,

28, 2026 REGULAR

there

is plenty

events

going

the various

lake is low and maybe

go boating

our best to provide

services

place

to relax,

from

get away

welcoming

everybody

encourage

visitors

Mayor

Hechler:

economy,
local

In closing,

social

media

people

that yes, the

upcoming

our local

visit some

of our stores

there

are a lot of things

think

an important

thing

events,

downtown,

than

ever that we support

ask your

to do. Promote

relatives

we can.

our

Stay off of

visit our
we can,

to do. As I said earlier,

the trend

that's

going

to happen,

it to be any worse,

but I know

that several

as many

of them

Commissioner

Glines

a motion

to approve

Resolution

to the Elephant

Butte

seconded

and some

whenever

and we need

Hoeppner

Tax,

to come

are on the cusp,

carried

rely on our local

and do whatever

businesses

made

as well.

our community

want

Emergency

businesses

Lodgers'

seen

Disaster

like to

with

It's ore important

businesses,

that we are

us. It's still a good

us. I would

of our businesses
certainly

and we are always

their

we haven't

a Local

yet. I don't

to visit

and support

is down,

positions.

support

but it will help show

visit us and support

I will say that many

community,
that's

using

who wants

Butte

that the trend

are in precarious

communities,

Amazon

to come

to still visit Elephant

continue

right now,

the city, attend

MINUTES

and we can still show

to everybody

to continue

and we know

businesses

to do. We should
on in town,

you can't

doing

MEETING

the motion.

Roll

to support

call was

taken

of our

as we can.

No. 18 26/27
Reservoir.

Declaring

Commissioner

by the Clerk-Treasurer.

Motion

unanimously.

D. PUBLIC

COMMENT

Alice

Hutchins

addressed

Despite

my smile,

The people

(3 Minute
the

do you know?

in this area

of potential

Prendamano

of PreReal
We

Money

were

they

want

to hear

say.

It's reported

what

hundreds

of hours

You

what

having
a single

would

reach

growth?"

yet when

call, there

to know.

Data

to say,

that

Jason

Bock

called

did they

the

members

a conversation

with

a single

backgrounds?

This

kind

our quality

of life diminished

of anger

growing

is always

or destroyed
Our elected

fear,
officials

for Sierra
us? Why

of this county?
what

are a fragile

consequences

one

of them,

of Americans
care

we have

of dismissiveness

and we are afraid.
who

What

how did he reach

in the bellies

by people

and James

hope

of project

or science"

and
or not

promise

to hear

held

At the heart

in facts

them

Data,

great

of their

is fuel to the fire of anger

line only.

believe

disrespect

bottom

the
What

with the citizens

forward

presentation.

are

don't

never
aspect

Bak of Green

and we want

If our

in this community
we move

jobs?

the information

have

who

centers
paying

data centers

be amazing?

is time to listen to an official

Good

to share

researching

How should

Jason

and discouraged.

would

out to the people

How can we learn?

this nation.
and their

know

to:

dismayed,

them.

they

people

confused,

spent

to be made?

not invited

conclusion
knowing

want

frustrated,

comments

have

county-wide

officials

say, "What

"uneducated

with

around

elected

said?

Commission

in this county
involved

County?

Applies):

I am angry,

and the things

was

Rule

Afraid

about
firewall

that
not
and

all over
of having

themselves
between

Page 12 of 39

Page 13 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

and

the

waves

instance,
the

AUGUST

paused

1,800

the country
you

and

grateful

that

New

clearly

see

what

new data

all are getting

center

you have to do the research,

over

forward

power

in peace,
learn

addressed

of our elected

moguls

to discuss

the

be shared

in a public
technology

are

rooting

Thank

you.

Commission

officials
placing

data

center

ever.

forum

where

said,

with

we can demand

your

and
out of

can't

to lead this

actions

create

courageous

and tech

This

information

should

full, honest

disclosure

about

impacts.

Please

more,

to:

real estate

County.

rest of

and become

we need

comments

in Sierra

and environmental

"If your

just

angry

you need

do more,

for you,

privately

centers

The

We are really

of us all.

more,

with

are meeting

data

grid concerns.

to be wise,

rest

than

Texas

But you

interest

you have

more,

leader."

the rest of

neighbors.

best

in the
she

In this

and serve

may

now,

way.

you love this community

to dream

an excellent

to our

is on the wall.

others

Some

consider

the following

centers:
Jobs

- There

are good-paying

about

50-2,000

depending

those

numbers

drop

short-term,

likely

environmental

- Google
total water

secret".

The

gallons

of water

neighbors.

public

centers
Ask

systems

and come

They

eventually

have

from

that are mostly

at a huge

13 months

claimed

learned

Be ware

without

spilling

increasing

costs

pollution?"

Be wary

- Yes,

proven

questions

\/\/Y?" "How

fighting

to hide

this information

was a

the data

center

of non-disclosure

the desert's

uses 1.9
agreements

center.

And

but require

environmental

can reduce

sustainability

goals,

February
units

Will they

mitigate

speeds

The direct

water

of water

the Indirect

consumption

huge

impact

did this

like closed-loop

without
noise

direct

evaporative

cooling.

is both

and

need

ranges

on the size of

is up to 12 times
systems

needs

from

off-site

than

eliminated.

supplies

corrosion,

higher.

use less water

rather

on freshwater

direct

from

per day, depending

electrical

but it introduces

clean

of water

is relocated

pressure

will they

cooling

amount

of gallons

alternatives

energy-guzzling

like, "How

no answers.

low humidity

for this cooling.

efficient

their

grid users?

is that the total

to millions

polluting,

moguls

like Meta

power

of big talk with

indirect

need

toxins

to the current

though,

thousands

to be noisy,

of these

will they

The problem,

cooling

centers,

Post-construction,

of job claims

OR spent

per day.

hard

Cheyenne,

cooling,

data

kept "secret".

Rish - Data

workers,

consumption.

million

the data

Be wary

and the Dalles,

"trade

Water

for constructing

on the size of the project.

significantly.

for out-of-state

Google's

their

jobs

cost.

Secrecy

and data

behind

Parton,

Hutchins

a step

is always

Dolly

are

our

that inspires

leadership

headed

Mexico

of it. I know

to chart

on data

misinformation

construction

a desire

you

MINUTES

The handwriting

the brunt
a path

MEETING

is happening

followers,
legacy

can

greed,

is in an uproar.

community.

Micheal

of money,

I am really

nation.

28, 2026 REGULAR

power

for

sources.

Brackish

The

water

and meet

scaling,

pretreatment,

Page 13 of 39

Page 14 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

brine

disposal,

technology
China

The

- Some

and 5 territories;
China,

we should

Anderson

addressed

long-term

the

just first like to say that

here to rest and heal myself
my child

said in these

meetings.

you know
their

meetings,

that?

ou are

jobs,

than
about

are completely
ing g

you

we are being

grified,

so we ask you,

Bak and these

people

in these

cavepeople,

saying

that we're

because

they

are looking

to check

their

claims.

for their

the science

about

these

I would

also

anti-business,

and in this county.

to start trouble,
my nervous

know

why

We know

was

and lied to you,
scientists

scientific

private,

that they will take

that when

at us and calling

laughing

at us,

are laughing

at you

that they think
people

anything

backdoor

and technical

not actually

people

and

and experts

to understand

of us. They

I'm here.

what

you re

they're

are too gullible
that they think

and believe
check

constituents

you,

anything

with experts

on both sides

of the aisle.

reviled

development.

That

in this area,
officials,

to think

a majority

of your

I'm talking

If you think
they

by your

in this

it's just democrats,

conservatives

coming

over

is not the

development

and we have

us how grateful

that this is widely

get a reputation

as our elected

hate this. And

I'm an independent,
and telling

economic

We invite

mistaken.

privately

consequences,

and anti-economic

constituents

understand

you.

relax

You

at you and seeing

like to say that we, at project

the fact that your

time

raised.
meetings.

of it. We ask you to please

we are 100o/o pro-healthy

region,

County

faster

claims.

anti-industry,
case,

cash

are laughing

afraid

are looking

are so desperate

to:

please,

at you and seeing

They

without

checking

they're

data

comments
of trauma,

meetings

uneducated,

of this movement,

these
Thank

griffed,

like Sierra

of you is; be wary.

from

Al is expanding

to you in these

untethered

ahead

promising

had actual

that he's making

China

won the race

environment

Bak sat there

we've

centers.

of staying

at heart.

I was

that Jason

all 50

is too high, the

to Sierra

these

of China.

across

already

and those

a lifetime

Jason

the opposition

water

with

Because

the claims

and they

rea

We know

why we know

field examine

know

data

in a desert

I did not come

differently

new

to stay ahead

claims

best interests

from

touting

centers

We have

of false

Commission

I would

consequences

data

line ask for each

came

We at project

centers

and sub-surface

County's

of those

of the world's

centers.

data centers

so my bottom

and raise

45%

allow

Sierra

Be wary

data

Be wary

cost outweighs

regulations,

over.

risk to our surfaces

do not have

system,

10 times

I do not believe

centers

about

MINUTES

problems.

has over 4,700

with 449 data

nations.

The

issues.

we need

in the word,

MEETING

different

currently

states

environmental

believe

States

competing

than

creates

fourth

County.

Sulome

and compatibility

that just

United

with

28, 2026 REGULAR

about

you're
to us all the

are for our efforts.

Please

community.

keep that

Please

mind.
*

We also invite

you,

as our elected

you would

want

invite

as our elected

you,

the community

officials,

to conduct

to hear you conduct

officials,

to please

think

yourself
yourself

about

in private
in public.

industries

the way

We also

that work

for

Page 14 of 39

Page 15 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

this community,

28, 2026 REGULAR

that actually

members

of this community

put money

in the pockets

make

a cold buck

employ

I would

can access

your

you,

constituents

not to argue,

not our goal.
community

thrive

Thank

project

want.

we want

people

of this community,
goods

and services,

Let's

that,

let's work

think

about
way that
really

understand

constituents

with a lot of money

is good
asks

that

in a way that is healthy

for this

actually

want.

Please

vote

and nothing

addressed

the Commission

with

isn't water,

water

and yet we are connected

neighbors

and share

No city should
disaster
asset

for us and not

it up.

to back

by the county
It's front

important

data

centers.

Sierra

County

for

and possibly
land.

and they

can just

run over

a resolution

for fact-checking,

without

taking

including

County

water
farm

studies

of area

that can support,

and where

County

and Chihuahuan

desert.

Water

and its appropriate
stewards
tourists,

Stephens
Good

morning,

the
I want

are fighting

amongst

Think

how much
lawsuits

politicians

are pressured,

thousands

of hours,

spent

deciding

who

leave,

businesses

and more

ourselves,

circulated,

with

to ask Sierra
energy

are filed,

industry

hires

and an extraordinary

amount

is wrong.

struggle,

buildings

sit empty,

and
of our

you very

much.

to:

morning

to everyone

this morning.
organize,

lobbyists

opponents.

and who

of our existence.

good

Citizens

attorneys,

is right

should

New

While

petitions

are

the boat?

fighting.

become

impacts.

generations

a question

the

in upstate

centers

importantly,

are we missing

neighbors

data

Thank

comments

County

we spend

of snow

the very future

and businesses.

Commission

to have

are real. Let us be careful

It is our gift to our future

farmers,

Commissioners,

at home.

about

will determine
compacts

of the land.

addressed

listening

usage
water

ranchers,

away,

on any data

and down-stream

got 240 inches

that is the type

citizens,

our future

for 18 months,

not in the Sierra

thoughtful

for short-term

that has put a moratorium

by Sierra

our sheep

change,

not

yes we need

built,

climate

we're

us. We are so hungry

York,

Drought,

think

will do.

into land governed
in one winter

They

Yes we need jobs,

that add to our economy

got it right with

opportunity

Our most

Cheap

a data center

the

about

Mexico

coming

As an aside,

Butte.

existence.

to support

in discussions

why?

of our future.

with our

of water's

and Elephant

and center

to:

the Commission

at New

what

county

center

I encourage

because

businesses

and that's

and

are looking

that we lose sight

appropriate

home,

center

sophisticated,

issued

comments

and the disappointments

alone,

is water.

corporations
data

gains

the rewards

declaration

Large

everywhere,

ever stand

for survival

their

you.

There

Nate

not to fight with

at you and be disrespectful,

Green

together

and promises

you to consider

The

are trying

for us all.

that we are here

Steve

that just don't
who

consequences

is to work

so that the

grifters

in a healthy

Please

MINUTES

and out-of-town

not to sit here and scream

What

and that your

for these

their

from this community.

also like to say that

what

members

of out-of-state

on how to see this community

MEETING

are hired,

Millions

of human

Meanwhile,
infrastructure

of dollars,

intelligence
our young
gets

are
people

older,

our tax

Page 15 of 39

Page 16 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

base

AUGUST

struggles

another,

to support

then

another.

energy

in the same

fighting

over

energy

into figuring

sat beside

direction?

What

myself:

sat beside

What

can I defeat

Another

year

of spending

What

scientist?

if the citizen

What

you?"

What

to invest

if instead

here,
they

of dollars

intelligence,

and

if the environmentalist

sat beside

that wants

then

all that

millions

of that money,

responsibly?

passes,

if we pointed

if the fisherman

the water

the company

MINUTES

What

id instead

out how to develop

from

"How

we want.

asking

we invested

the engineer?

sat across

MEETING

the community

So I keep

development,

the farmer
asking,

28, 2026 REGULAR

the developer?
who fears

and neither

asked,

What
industry

one began

"How

if
by

do we solve

this?"
*

Because

the problem

Our children

leaving

are real. Water
Sierra

And the responsibility
problems

will be solved

another.

Problems
a table.

us may be geothermal

recoverable
water

And Sierra

minerals
reliable

sources

recovering

instead

use. Imagine

here.

Come

water.

You will protect

the results,

create

development
those
protect

I believe

the aquifer

demand

the mountains,

water,

industry,

our elected
with

needs

officials,

protect

the

some

these

Al data

galling

in the case

centers

technology,
e

here,

and
In

you will protect
impact,

you will leave

Sierra

County

better

our choices

always

Industry

or our way

of life? I reject

the jobs.

We can welcome

agriculture,

do aerospace

and to attract

aerospace

the definition

of aerospace

tenancy,

They
tenants.

to be

bring

the people

who

and if the science

shows

tells

us a

us a responsible

it.

comments
asleep

them

environmentalist,

do it. If the science

it. But if the science
to take

and

and still leave

left to us. But we have

and especially
don't

We can

investment

opportunity

safely,

America.

our fresh

you will publish

must

But the subterfuge

of Spaceport

something

of the table,

with

Imagine

it to beneficial

can offer

your

that were

for being

industrial

water.

in the middle

Commission
through.

land,

the scientists,

the courage

responsibility

Imagine

County

our children

our citizens,

be done

we need

investigation.

the river and create

country

cannot

then

and potentially

Sierra

Why

or water?

Bring

protection,

Ray addressed
We all bear

table.

us. Put the evidence

tells us something

And

the tax base.

and open

disagree

path forward,

Jobs

We can give

to sit at the same

water,

it, and putting

you will measure

at one

to build that table.

brackish

But if you come

and grow

willing

resource

open

we can protect

accountability.

yelling

solved

fresh

Ing

or environment?

they're

treating

it." Why is that impossible?

choices.

of the street

for our precious

innovation,

our land,

sides

competing

you will be held accountable.

than you found

of those

But none

that water,

water
here.

is real.

alternative

imagine
jobs

find opportunity

place

scientific

because

is real.

cannot

corners,

Imagine

decline

developing

new industry

energy,
I

deep

serous
here.

from

Economic

has the opportunity

energy,

of simply

attracting

extraordinary;
aCCOu

on opposite

County

energy

minerals

they

by choosing

that deserve

clean

useful

because

by standing

Beneath

is real.

this extraordinary

are not solved

choosing

producing

Cheryl

County

to protect

scarcity

to:

at the wheel

as big tech

and arrogance
were

mandated,

Five Al data

and yet here we are.

is especially
on our dime,

centers

Under

rammed

cover

really

strain

Page 16 of 39

Page 17 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

darkness

and zero

CEO who
center.

AUGUST

public

before

has a very shady

them

experience

to expand

unsuccessful

Hay addressed
I want

gold

mine that was

gold mine,

vet this guy?

Did they

enough

water

actors

of big tech,

to present

where

this was

company,

it up. They

left this mess
of property,

for it to have

far as data centers
going

CONSENT

used

Mayor

Take

Thank

but if the inexperienced
in private,

please

I was living
they

filed

the

and
fall for it.

don't

no carrot.

to:
before,

there

had to have

bankruptcy,

was

bonds.

So if anything

This

and we're

presentations
Thank

even

though

to be done,

it's going
going

later,

and it sits there

up enough,
is going

it up, because

to them.

empty,

did not

clean

so that if anything

to clean

and we listened

And

up, still wasn't

it's still not cleaned
in a bond

and they

of the county.

up the mess
for your

to happen.

to have

and candor,

you

happens

to pay for it.

I think

they

you so much.

CALENDAR

purchase

Hechler

moved

to approve

the

motion.

Motion

as the fact
I know

else to do. So it sits there

you everyone

Vehicle

NEW

Assistant

to clean

Home

seconded

so basic

it had to be cleaned

because

or whatever,

to have

1. Acknowledge
2.

he dangled

lack of

like this?

before

and they

the county paid for it, us, the taxpayers.
better have millions of dollars set aside

the carrot

something

for us, the taxpayers

affer

anything

raw, and it's not being

well-received

the

it was there for 20 years, that's it, it took out a high
school, it displaced
a whole community.
At the end, the

that piece

were

a data
from

over the years,

clean

Hechler:

a tech

for a project

comments

is in California,

was a Canadian

Mayor

building

he is all stick and absolutely

with

put in in 1980,

you

Was

with

approval

his complete

ignore

or energy

is very tempting,

CEO

when

You're

over

is lobbying

an elementary

company

enough

even

into denial

the Commission

What

school,

experience
awaiting

Data

Like all the predatory
Thank you.

a sublease

is currently

the tax base

Green

draffed

and no actual

and accomplishment?

potential

Spaceport

MINUTES

history,

they went

have

MEETING

this sublease

Did Spaceport

so enticing

that we just don't

participation,

As I understand,

land commissioner.

Stacy

28, 2026 REGULAR

report of items

Form:

Police

the agenda

carried

under
Department

$60,000

as submitted.

Mayor

Pro-Tem

Mitchell

unanimously.

BUSINESS:
Discussion/Action:LandleaseagreementwithLove'sTravelStops&
Country
Stores,
Inc.

City Manager

Alvarez:

I'll give some

background

on this, and then

refer

over

to our City Manager while they work on getting Barbara with Love's Travel Stops
connected, since she'll be attending virtually. Love's is requesting
a lease of
approximately
billboard.

There

350 square
is a draff

feet of city-owned
lease

included

within

property

near exit 79 for a directional

the packet,

we do have

some

edits;

Page 17 of 39

Page 18 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

little bit of back
will still need
appraisal

AUGUST

and forth

between

to finalize.

we had done

28, 2026 REGULAR

MEETING

our City Attorney,

MINUTES

as well as Loves'

attorney,

that we

We did a comparison

for the land lease,

we based

for property

out by our airport,

so that only caine

land lease

that off of the
out

to an estimated $14 per year. What we're proposing is maybe an annual rent between
the $500 to $1,000 per year range, I think Love's is looking at maybe a $750 per year to
lease

that small

section

of property.

construction,

utilities,

The purpose

of the sign is to make

Love's

Travel

Stop

accidentally,
having

Love's

maintenance,
as opposed

or turning

would

insurance,
getting

direction

to pull the big rigs through

and removal

sure the trucks

to either

the wrong

be responsible

town.

that,

direction

of the sign.

to go towards

on the freeway

and heading

With

and restoration

see clear

back

for permitting,

to head

in through

town,

the

south

and potentially

it over to the City Manager

I will turn

for his statement.
City Manager

Whitehead:

Just to support

correctly,

as we've

onboard,

one of the items

our water

tanks.

they wanted

worked

our way through
they

We had talked

about

to put something

meetings,

they

help direct

users

something

with that,

we would

Truth

or Consequences"

had indicated

painting

the tank.

corrosive
pursuing

at the airport

We did extensive
those

Love's

COu

idea and we started
billboards

leases.

We could

an application
responsible
to really

They

had seen

I've talked

not find a contract

the city does

there

are five

Angela,

over the course

the staff,

for any of those

was that those

particular

hard to find

leases,

have

been

but what

leased

for

users. Those users pay about $150 annually,
but they
not own the billboard.
The individual
then has to make
sign ordinances,

off of that,

but it turns

use this item to craft future

and then

out we really

in the future.

have

been

used

an invoice,

they

don't

I want

for a long time

pay their

they're

In that research,

leases

at the airport
receive

seen

of the last year.

we looked

billboards

on that sign.

billboards

with
be a little

As you know,

about

that goes

the owners

In conversations
they've

the proper

condition,

sharing

to the City of

where

that those

location.

situations

for all the information

craff this proposal

to probably

that

to individual

and then

be, "Welcome

and forth.

that

to their

to us that they felt like that would

I have to thank

to NMDOT,

back

recognized

in conversations,

more than 50 years
only lease the land,

that would

this idea of a billboard.

property

research,

we did recognize,

doing

put something

and we kind of want

for them,

pal

space

in several

we had proposed

ere

them

to lease

that would

meetings,

remembers

and getting

be possible

that

tank where

bit of liability

application

if it would

was

if everybody

on the tank

In those

and the staff,

presentation,

the Love's

had asked

another
Barbara

Traci's

I was hoping

have

it, so we want

to be fair and open
under

bill, they've

a same/similar

not asked

any

questions. So I don't want to say that we're looking to raise their rates from $150 to
$750, but we do need to look at those, make sure they're properly contracted, we know
how they

get handled,

what

we would

inside

the fenced

not hinder
provide

area

anything
or some

we had started

kind of follow

is similar,

around

the same

we would

our water

tank,

that we do, it wouldn't

any electricity,

application

and then

be proposing

so the sign will have

just

there

none,

of reflective

paint.

with them,

we back

off the tank

In this

the land.

is sufficient

be in the way.

type

terms.

lease

they'll

have

presentation,

lease,
be

area to move,

We offered

Our recommendation

particular
This would

it would

that we would

to figure

out a solar

is that we follow
and move

not
what

to this billboard

Page 18 of 39

Page 19 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

28, 2026 REGULAR

City Manager

opportunity.

I thank

Assistant

we're

policy,

within

are welcome
Mayor

Hechler:
close

interstate

because
back

be rectified,

to that area,

I'm glad that you're

thinking

it doesn't

cost

of administration.

have

a base

So I think

we need

that when

you put a sign

influences

whatever

else goes

small

percentage
there,

narrative

to some

that

So in my opinion,

way.

can figure

out if there's

base

and then

with

some

different

City Attorney
saw

a few things

what

been

There

that

they

sign.

can't

may

a base

percentages

That

One thing

I would

just

mention

going

back

and forth,

some

versions

in the lease

would

amount

allow

us to make

authorize

us to go forward

whatever
without

like that

I also want
itself

to be

feet,

but it

only

picks

32 square

the lease

that
the

of the virtue

change

lost in some

instances

pay, and then

above

if we go
that,

to take

come

we could

we got a redline
to work

the idea

want

to just

additional
having

is that as Ms. Alvarez

want

but I think

will be, you might

and then

we need

situations

degree.

on top of that,

be my recommendation.

that we still might

Ms. Alvarez,

pay for the

to add to it. If we want

we want

like the 14 or so foot

needs

If you break

to it, and that does

opportunities

establish

that

even

area because

be built close

are some

hazard

base

only take

a larger

turn

of that nature,

for other

So although

the
left, and then

towards

forward.

up with that to some

up, I know

we should

any other

me if I'm wrong
the rental

and things

as a formula

scenarios.

Rubin:

have

lease

to put something

it doesn't

this
serve

things

add a percentage

there
correct

degree.

to move

because

it does influence

and that other

a traffic

it and willing
sense

around

of the area,

the sign's

That's

so we need

to come

cognizant

down

occasions,

make

To administer
that should

going

have.

for a sign there.

is a need

Love's.

about

With that, you

to be in order.

miss

on several

per square

I see people

that

on ensuring

that you might

high in the sky, and they'll

and they

down

so hard

sign

on the interstate

in the future.

seem

that first of all, there

and it's happened

pay. I think

does

and constantly

there.

MINUTES

for working

and ask any questions

they see the Love's

footage,

Alvarez

and everything

I'd like to acknowledge

live pretty
they're

code,

to visit with Barbara

MEETING

agree

changes

to bring

out.

might

I think

out,

We still

the idea,

and

be that if we can agree
to the concept

we might

it back

pointed

version.

want

of the lease,

to make

to the Commission.

and

Is that

correct?
Assistant

City Manger

We do have
and there

are fees

Mayor

Hechler:

Barbara

Peck,

everything.

Alvarez:

Yes,

through

zoning

a process

associated

Is there
Love's

We're

you'd

Stops:

you said,

they're

reported

to the city, as we were

permitting

were

be. The earlier
a certain

amount

really

seeing

Thank

dependent

you.

I really

to keep

going

that sign.

Our sales

going

through
We're

not getting

to those

levels.

conversation

in your

meeting

of impact

add, this is just for the land

to it as well,

to go through

lease.

for the signs,

on the sign as well.

like to add Ms. Peck?

to get that traffic

had

also just

that they will still have

with the size,

anything

Travel

trying

if I could

about

think

you kind of covered

past the southbound
numbers

the process
less than

50%

the economy,

but it just makes

onramp.

that we

we anticipated
of the development
of where

to
that has
for us to be

we need

we recognize

it even more critical

Page 19 of 39

Page 20 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

28, 2026 REGULAR

able to find a way to maneuver

those

entrance.

We're

to other

waiting

on the state

trailblazers,

certainly

the state

months

or more

is another
working
We hope

signs

on them

is going

through

before

they

have

us and having

Commissioner

Glines:

kind of a steep

edge

to be? Would

it's right

when

but I don't

like it's down

City Manager
And then

it would

was

a project

want

to just favor

we have

enough

space

measure

be done

in an area

it never

around

closer

the tank,

Commissioner

Glines:
we could

when

wayfinding
itself,

signs

wayfinding
could

sign there

put three

City Manager

off the freeway,

that just continues

because

is that the

which

that.

is 6 feet.

so that

to be open

or someone
to make

the tank,

look further

advantageous

to the fence

indicate
spot.

so it could

as we could

on the tank,

toward

a Love's

sign with

our best

we don't

Leff" and that sign

up Hubble

there

wanted

would

and the fence,

work

there

I know

also be useful,

business

I certainly

sure

drive

into that.

is, is a billboard
signs,

want

if another

to put it as close

also

we'd

to that.

the tank

We would

businesses

and look and find the most

Cruces,

traffic

of the fence,

to accomplish

one or two,

even

is perpendicular

Love's.

If we added

an arrow?

it would

idea going
have

NMDOT

be a small

road

the true
to the road

a simple
style

with the

sign and we

also.

it would

be worth

to do wayfinding

you get a clear

to move

the site, but our vision

35 feet between

going

I think

know

it higher.

make

of the downtown

need

wayfinding

exit on both sides

would

to use that space,

want

across

Whitehead:

want

if some

also - maybe

of them

do at the actual
come

we'd

blue and then the gas, that could

is. It almost

probably

to maintain

"Las

that

on the dot, but I don't

that if there

My next thought

besides

which

I can see it

I agree

our ability

if not past it, as you're

1-25, how high is

themselves?

It would

about

have

in
it's

that,

etc. So we can certainly

forward,

art on water

of how close
area

walked

- we would

with

tanks

in our city. I know

the two tanks.

get up on-site

interferes

the city
today.

kind of in between

to accomplish

it, but there's

appreciate

towards

tanks

past the height

and needed

traffic,

This

sure we accomplish

if you will,

to direct

be 18

to the Commission

tanks

of reference

the fenceline,

to be there,

Love's,

told it could
blue boards.

of having

water

not actually

been

that presented

the water

to extend

to make

to put a billboard

that we can definitely

that

along

We've

that needed

that space

didn't

tank

have

block

point

direction.

and help us help the community.

lot, that turnaround

be in a location

a little walkaround

else wanted

a good

high enough

need

lease

have

and

We call them

We really

to preset

off those

it actually

to get to our

those

and we've

is I see a future

you come

Whitehead:
be just

issue

exits.

to manage
problem.

advisement

in that parking

up on the water

sign would

the overall

tanks

we are working

you in a certain

an RFP process

1-25, and we don't

that sign going
on the map

pointing

a new contractor

it under

water

have,

that are at most

this as an opportunity

My main

up and down

past those

that folks

the arrows

that you will take

this town,

ideas

have

way for us to try and solve
with

looks

big trucks

for the blue board

but they

However,

open

MEETIISTG MINUTES

over,

opportunity.
but it would

our time to investigate
for everybody
They

would

be worth

what

so that when
be paying

our time

we could
you

to put a sign

to find that and

Page 20 of 39

Page 21 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

see

if we couldn't

that

land

AUGUST

do that.

As you

right on the other

but there

could

be some

28, 2026 REGULAR

side

know,

MINUTES

we just did an MOU

of the freeway

workaround

MEETING

we could

with the county

is privately

owned,

do there

and work

because

but it's in the county,
on that as well.

it would also
be advantageous
to have bHlboards
for local businesses
here so that you can get the
traffic to Love's, they see the billboard,
and we get them back in downtown.
I'm not
specifically
worried
about the trucks, but of the advertisement
space if we're going to
Commissioner

lease

Glines:

it out, not just

I don't

mind

specifically

the idea of a billboard

to Love's.

Something

there,

I just think

to look more

into for future

use of

into some

type

to create

a safe

the land.
City

Manager

Mayor

Whitehead:

Hechler:

agreement

I think

because

passage

We could

it's a safety

issue

concern

like to leave

it up to management

come

back

to us on the placement

itself,

and potentially

Commissioner
foot, that's
the airport

with that.

we can acknowledge

the pressing

for folks,

agree

here

is traffic,

for us. We have

to negotiate

to provide

Glines:

that we need

other

ways

Hechler:

I think

rate, there

should

there's

to move

a base

be a minimum

goes,

I think I'd

on something,

that we had, and then

with the discussion

to advertised

As far as the number

base

and we need

of the sign so it doesn't

very, very cheap compared
appraisal
rate. I don't know

Mayor

to enter

with the water tank

interfere

our community.

I agree

with you,

I feel

like per square

to what we recommended
for the $1,000
what to recommend
as far as more.
rate that for all applications,
charge

for anything

this should

that we do along

using

have

this line.

Whether
that's $500 or $750 per year, that should be a minimum
charge. And then
above that, we could add square footage
or something
along those lines. That would
differentiate
leave

those

that

the

proceed
clear

a little bit, compared

up to the City Manager

City Attorney
about

things

Rubin:

rental,

on that?

to negotiate

Do we need

I don't

really

to what

to actually

know

Or did you want

where

it brought

they're

and report

trying

back

to do. I think

I would

to us.

what you said
want us to
back to you for your determination?
I wasn't
have

a figure?

we were

I wasn't

on that.

How

sure

did you

on that.

Mayor

Hechler:

how

makes

I think

we want

the application.
we

ask,

to figure

Obviously,

afford

anything

but we're

board,

so it's got to fit a lot of different

out what
Love's

not going

the base

rate's

going

to be, no matter

is a multi-billion

dollar

corporation

to do that.

want

to be fair

scenarios,

and

I think

that's

worth

that can
across

the

discussion.

If you look at the presentation we've made, we anticipate it's
something around $750 annually for that base rate. We're getting $150 - again, using the
square
footage from the lease that we have, we've done an appraisal
on our land to see
what it should be, and the lease would be $14.50 by that. Even if we used a base rate,
plus the square footage, if we did $500, we're still not going to get to $750, so it's my
City

Manager

Whitehead:

Page 21 of 39

Page 22 of 39

CITY COMMISSION

recommendation

AUGUST

28, 2026 REGULAR

that we perfect

MEETING

the lease in and around

MINUTES

the $750 mark, and if you feel

like you want to set a rate of $750, plus square footage cost based on the appraisal,
I
would ask that you make that in the motion, and then we would just negotiate that. In this
particular case, the base rate would start at $764.50. It would be that rate for five years,
and then there would be an escalator based on the economy, to go up affer the five years.
We would propose something
like that, where it's set, and then it has an escalator,
and it
climbs as we go. Our recommendation
this point.
Mayor
Pro-Tem
agreement
with

would

be $750 should

at least be the base rate at

Mitchell
made a motion
to allow
city staff to negotiate
a lease
Love's Travel Stops & Country
Stores, Inc. for an annual lease rate

of at least $750 and authorize
the City Manager and City Attorney to finalize and
execute
the agreement.
Commissioner
Glines seconded
the motion.
Roll call was
taken by the Clerk-Treasurer.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Hechler: I am curious about the placement
of the sign and its surroundings.
I
don't know if we need to bring that back or not, I would trust you to do it in a way that Commissioner

Glines:

It's going to the Planning

& Zoning

Commission,

right?

City Manager Whitehead:
It depends. It doesn't necessarily
have to go. Based on the
sign application
process, the size they pic would fall within the code, but we definitely
have the ability to meet with Barbara and their staff on-site and go look at the actual
and we protect
develop it.

the tank for future

Discussion/Action:
at 818 N. Magnolia

e7 ge
r Ine
Slg
VISI I
art. I think we could find that perfect spot and then

Conditional
Street.

Use Permit

(CUP)

- Shipping

Container

Assistant
City Manager Alvarez: The owner is requesting
a Conditional
Use Permit to
allow an existing shipping container to remain as an accessory
storage unit on the
residential property. The owner was unaware of the requirement,
so we're bringing them
into compliance
right now. This went before the Planning & Zoning Commission
and
there was no opposition.
The Commission
unanimously
recommended
approval. With
that, I will stand for any questions.
Mayor Hechler: There were extensive
think they asked a lot of the questions
sufficient.

notes by the Planning & Zoning Commission,
so I
that we wanted to know about, and I think that is

Mayor
Pro-Tem
Mitchell
made a motion
to approve
the Conditional
Use Permit
(CUP) - Shipping
Container
at 818 N. Magnolia
Street.
Commissioner
Glines
seconded
the motion.
Roll call was taken by the Clerk-Treasurer.
Motion
carried
unanimously.

Page 22 of 39

Page 23 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

28, 2026 REGULAR

Discussion/Action:
Conditional
Parcel #2878573667187.

AsSistant

City Manager

Alvarez:

Ready

Permit, as well as three Variance
The

property

enforcement
take

them

square

in the C-1 commercial
to remain

main

foot office

facility

for more
building

Commission,

concerns

regarding

noise,

the noise
subject
just

be working

vehicles

during

Commissioner

review.
with

Hechler:

Humberto

And the way

Glines:

I guess

Torrez,

Sunday

we change

on rotation,

yard.

Sierra

had 1. We also

Our biggest

highway

and they

have

arrestee

until the wrecker

even

longer

than

it is where

have

a closer

address

private

some

I stand

people

Use,

tows,

they

will

for any questions.
towing

companies

that

are on that list total?

Towing

is here to answer

I believe

there

is that you're

questions.

are 4 companies,

rotated

a week

one of

at a time?

Yes.
cars from

downtown

T or C to

why we're

so far

me trying

to understand

is just

They

There

our calls

but they're
concern

was

they

company
on where

they

they're

at, but that's

were

which

how this works.
for a week,

we only

since

class

officer

safety

have

comes.

as well,

are on rotation

for a while,

answered

for impounded

list of the approved

Rigs

Dispatch:

company

did unanimously
company

understand

sometimes
wrecker

some

taking

an arrest,

depending

out to Garfield

this to the

that raised

I don't

had Bartoo,

like that.

550

counties,

hasn't

and stuff

my idea is, we're

out the rotation.

one of which

across

This

County

law

the storage

resident

Department

that,

many

Rigs Towing:

of Texas,

a towing

Candy

it works

local
having

the fact that this is a Conditional

With

How

Use

allow

of them

We did present

the towing

and Sheriff's

Rigs Towing:

Ready

sort of border

outsourcing

only

Ready

Valenzuela,

Commissioner
some

Alvarez:

City Manager

foot.

will not be doing

Do we have the actual
call?

would

for

facility.

as well as a potential

The Commission

company

agencies

a Conditional

is to allow

a neighboring

process.

Requests

and impound

instead

outdoors,

We also recognize

a law enforcement

Humberto
Valenzuela,
them is us.
Mayor

The facility

requesting

The towing

law enforcement

ASSiStant

district.

and trash.

our local city, state,

Glines:

towing

The Variance

was

conditions

and light impacts.

to annual

these

lighting,

with

is requesting

of the 800 square
there

and Variance

or Consequences

in Anthony.

instead

& Zoning

approval,

in Truth

MINUTES

for a secure

than five vehicles

Planning

Permit

Rigs Towing

requests,

is located

vehicles

recommend

Use

impounds
to their

impounded

MEETING

had 2 wreckers

December.
D wreckers

coming

from.

why they're

for our officer

trying
safety

take

We would

is also out of town.

that were

for the bigger

- if they're

it would

Every

So technically,

to stay with that vehicle,
Sometimes

7 days.

we
RV's

on the side o the
as well as the
an hour,

maybe

also

to call

have

It isn't that far, it's closer

to get this yard

so that we can

concerns.

Page 23 of 39

Page 24 of 39

CITY COMMISSION

AUGUST

28, 2026 REGULAR

MEETING

MINUTES

Mayor Hechler: The other wrecker companies,
do they have storage
vehicles? Or is our only storage capability in Anthony?

capabilities

for

Candy Torrez, Sierra County Dispatch: I believe Sierra Collision has a tow yard, and
Karr's Towing has a tow yard, but Karr's Towing hasn't answered
us since December
and they haven't had a call-out since back then, and it was only one wrecker.
Mayor

Hechler:

How offen are vehicles

towed?

Candy

Torrez,

Sierra

Quite often; accidents,

Mayor Hechler:
when an officer

County

Dispatch:

arrests,

it can vary.

Thank you for representing
that. There's a lot of down time sometimes
get on-scene and has to tow a vehicle, trying to find a wrecker service.

Candy Torrez, Sierra County Dispatch: Absolutely,
our biggest thing was officer safety.
If they're on the side of the interstate waiting for a wrecker with an arrestee, there's
always the worry that the arrestee can get violent, or they might already be violent. We
have to have an officer wait, so we have to take them off the street too, or have another
officer come on-scene so they can wait for the vehicle. That was our biggest concern,
having extra help, really.
Mayor

Hechler:

I noticed

Mayor

Hechler:

Thank

there's

a letter of support

from your organization.

you.

City Manager Whitehead:
I'm fortunate to be able to talk with some knowledge
about
this, because I owned a towing company.
Let me express that one of the challenges
you have in the tow business is this type of a call, because when you're on rotation, you
accept the call, you have to take the car. So it ends up in your care and custody. A lot of
times you're picking up vehicles that the owner doesn't want to come back for. Let's say
there was an accident and the car was destroyed,
and there's no insurance. The towing
company is stuck with that car until they can go through the process to get the title,
which takes some time. In your image of them moving it, it's a nice accommodation
to
make sure that if they pick up a car that the owner could come back for, that it's here in
our community
so that the owner can pick it up here. That's the reason to give some
extra time for those cars to be here. But if those cars are destroyed,
damaged, or need
to be put in the tow yard for up to 120 days - sometimes
I couldn't get a title for more

than a year and I'd have to take care of that car just to take it to an auction to get $50
for it. So there's a real challenge for the tow companies,
and that's the reason why it
becomes difficult, I would assume, with the other local providers.
Their yard gets full,
they get to a spot where there's no money in it, so they just choose not to take those
calls. So what you're looking at here is, if they leave the cars on the site that are able to
be picked up, the local folks can pick those up, and then after a period of time, they
would take those to their tow yard in Anthony, and then deal with it and dispose of it

Page 24 of 39

Page 25 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

themselves.

What

application,

I for no owner

up their

vehicle.

we would

It would

Commissioner

28, 2026 REGULAR

and when

to have

to drive

give them

Glines:

to T or C, how does

hope,

I mean,

having

that's

having

a tow truck

on-call

truck

we're

when

Commissioner
Humberto

right

Ready

now we have

Commissioner

Glines:

City

Manager

the

Public

permission,

they

could

Anthony
vehicle
kind
Mayor

reach

needs

of stuck

them

somewhere

going

to work?

Humberto

Valenzuela,
ready

up and that's

We have

a tow

respond

right away.

to here?

here,

and once

we pick up the

we don't

have

a storage

Mayor

Hechler:

And those

use, though,

would

right?

They'll

ID's.

they

Central

Dispatch

can create

a one-week

and if they

may have

accepts

up these

for six months
lot? Is your

use?

Rigs Towing:

We'll

just

up,

going

would

to that

level.

vehicles

and they're

not

What

you

intention

to move

there

keeps
them

out and

use?

How

is it

while

we get the

we will be transporting

them

our intention.
to have to keep

convenient

for people

that have

be able to get them

right away

if they

the proper

Yes,

they
come

to a year.

keep them

etc. That's

you're

does

all the way from

officer

if it was

Is it just for temporary

we get the titles,

sell them,

to come

the law enforcement

and get that vehicle

on that

Rigs Towing:

the call. At the end of the day, the

be more

Ready

are regulated

responds,

is that we pick

are the ones

Part two;

that they

where

Once

point,

couldn't

on to them

vehicles

them,

up a great

and they

to come

to hang

Ready

term

Valenzuela,

on the

be Garfield,

but nobody

and get the titles.
to scrap

Humberto

Anthony

planning

of the pie, but if nobody

could

else for long-term

to Anthony

state

to this company

and more

paperwork
down

those

One of the concerns

storing

to pick

So not only do you have to give them

four providers

for someone

and you have

store

they

that.

so they

because

brought

as well.

get a little piece

not on rotation

from

No, they're

sense.

Humberto

in this case,

to get picked

Hechler:

operational

from

lot cut down
Were

have

Anthony

makes

out again

waiting

week,

from

to Anthony

out to the next one, which

if they're

in the morning

with the office?

them

have to go through

So everybody

they

a storage

We do currently

Rigs Towing:

And

rotation

with.

have

with the vehicle?

not leaving

Commission

to find,

reach

this particular

and a half to two hour drive

here for the whole

to take

That

nice job trying
could

about

regulated.

Whitehead:

Regulation

to Anthony

Rigs Towing:

So they're

here that is PRC

all the way

in T or C along

on our rotation

Valenzuela,

vehicle,
facility

Ready

Glines:

with Traci

that tow company
is on the highway

Valenzuela,

I spoke

an hour

of time the officer

Humberto

MINUTES

that opportunity.

amount

driver

MEETING

have

their

long-term.

Short-

vehicles

towed,

paperwork?

sir.

Page 25 of 39

Page 26 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

Commissioner

AUGUST

Glines:

800 square

feet,

permanent

structure

Humberto

Valenzuela,

28, 2026 REGULAR

As far as the Variances

it's a prefab

building,

Ready

office

we've

been

Mayor

Hechler:

It's not there

now?

Valenzuela,

Hechler:

Humberto
Assistant
process
Mayor

Ready

You

have

looking

something

Ready

I saw in the minutes,

feet instead

is that going

to be a

City Manager

Alvarez:

going

to be a pre-fabricated

at.

No.

in mind

Rigs Towing:

to put there?
Yes.

That will still have

to go through

the zoning

approval

as well.
The other

a Conditional
problems

the permit

Glines:

then

going

vehicles

when

to keep

in mind,

we don't

you know,

y'Ou re

on top of it and move

tow yard

facility,

consideration,

Commissioner

you want

so it will be reinspected

Use Permit,

an important

reissue

thing

with this particular

neig

Commissioners,

is that this is

after

a year,

have

to reissue

the permit.

likes a junkyard

in their

nobody

so if we have

ISSUES or
I think

out, it's good

for the area,

and if that's

the case,

we can

it's appropriate.
On those

notes,

there's

not even

a full block

between

the next

and this location.

Mayor

Hechler:

area,

is it conducive

Manager

Whitehead:

that,

through

we went

up. It is, I think

their

Whitehead,

Yes,

you, the Public

Regulation

that it's fenced.

I think

process,

and then the Public

provide

them

to make
it should

Commissioner
are talking

some

personal

knowledge

about

this

we owned
have

Commission
once

sure you can't

area,

that we used for

our tow company,
easement,

that they

have

this, then they would

Commission

on that.

in the back

a proper

requires

you approve

Regulation

based

they

of property

would

measure

and set that

entrance.

I'll

an office,

and

begin

it, see it, and then

But the area

is acceptable

for that,

the last permit

you allowed,

they're

see it, and if it's done

correctly

that
provide

finishing

that
up

and managed

be fine.

Hoeppner:
about

when

correct,

- we put up a fenced

fence

properly,

permit

process

looks

remind

their

have

I do own a piece

the same
access

requires

they follow

you

to this kind of an operation?

City Manager

their

for the 500 square

It's probably

Rigs Towing:

Valenzuela,

Hechler:

that's

which

Rigs Towing:

or mobile

Mayor

listed

MINUTES

or a temporary?

office

Humberto

MEETING

accident

I have

a question

cars, there

about

are liquids

environmental
and everything.

impact.

Because

So if, in a year,

we
as an

Page 26 of 39

Page 27 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

example,

AUGUST

we would

for sure

some

afferwards?
various

say, "Who's

liquids.

hazardous

responsible

kind of environmental
Environmentally,
So would

impact.

MINUTES

for the cleanup

afterwards?"

How easy

is it to clean

a car, it has oil and brake

company

say, "It's

or a requirement

from

will be

up the property
fluid,

not our responsibility
PRC

there

and other

to clean

up." Or

that you will be responsible

for

cleanup?

City Manager

Whitehead:

Again,

I don't

this is a private
it's their

believe
piece

responsibility

in our code
of property,

would

assume

clean,

and in good

order.

But you're

correct,

leaks

oil onto the ground

and those

kinds

Mayor

Hechler:

the PRC

Wouldn't

City Manager

Whitehead:

questioned

building

was the right size,
Hechler:

to make

take

No, I can't

the PRC

Mayor

MEETING

if you have
your

is it part of the agreement

cleaning.

28, 2026 REGULAR

the material

sure that
there

for

own this property,

it's environmentally

could

and I

sound,

be a car that sits there

and

of things.

care of some

of that at the end?
that I went

that was on the ground.

these

any requirement

say, in our inspections

if the public

Do you drain

there's

the owners

could

vehicles

access
when

They

mostly

thorough,

that

questioned

if the

it, and if it was fenced

they

come

in if there's

Right

now

it would

spills,

things

of that

Rigs Towing:

Yes.

and safe.
a leaking

oil

tank?
Humberto
Mayor

Valenzuela,

Hechler:

Humberto

Are they

Valenzuela,

to get gravel
Mayor

Ready

on there,

Hechler:

Humberto

Rigs Towing:

set on concrete

Ready

No.

or on dirt?

Rigs Towing:

And do you mitigate

Valenzuela,

Ready

Mayor

Pro-Tem

Parcel

#2878573667187.

taken

by the Clerk-Treasurer.

Mayor

Pro-Tem

storage

Mitchell

made

a motion

Commissioner

Mitchell

Motion

made

customer-owned

to approve
Glines

carried

a motion

to approve

impounded

vehicles

#2878573667187.

Mayor

Hechler

seconded

Clerk-Treasurer.

Motion

carried

unanimously.

Mayor

Pro-Tem

made

a motion

to approve

storage

by the

Mitchell

of more

than

5 wrecked

Commissioner

Clerk-Treasurer.

to try

Motion

or impounded

Glines
carried

the

Conditional

Use

the motion.

Permit

Roll

call

for
was

unanimously.

Parcel

#2878573667187.

going

nature?

seconded

by the

the

be dirt. We're

screening.

seconded

the Variance
pending
the

motion.

Roll

the Variance
vehicles
the

motion.

Request
legal

to permit

disposition
call

Request

was

for
taken

to permit

on the

site

for

Parcel

Roll

call

was

taken

unanimously.

Page 27 of 39

Page 28 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

Mayor

Pro-Tem

permanent
of

the

AUGUST

Mitchell

made

construction

minimum

square

foot

Commissioner

by the Clerk-Treasurer.

Hon.

Chaz

Glines,

Commissioner

Hon.

Rolf

Hechler,

Mayor

Hon.

Destiny

Hon.

Ingo

Mitchell,

4 of the

City Manager

The request

developed

Josh

It looks

City Attorney
necessity

present

I think

I assume

the vacation,
documents

what

and they'll
contained

appropriate

descriptions.

Joshua

Ashbaugh,

on the West

by Paschal,
Rubin:

to a bounded

include

it.

Joshua

Ashbaugh,

bounded,

Subdivision.

motion.

Roll

call

was

goes

right through

regarding

this item.

at it, we saw that there
I was

me to draw
which

legal

be the alley within
bounded

vote to approve

itself.

Looking

block

of deeds

you can just
4 bounded

on the North

the

at this item this

do you think

a couple

I think

not really

would

the vacation

are actually

Title Company:

was

as far as that is

looking

description

but the

the assisted

rep

is the City Commission

want

in 2004,
& Zoning

had a question,

by lots 7-12

at the

would

here that had

do a bounds

on the East by lots 1-

by Barton,

bounded

on the

actually

even

on the plat of the subdivision.
I saw there

description,

Sierra

for a vacation

ierra

within

an existing

of the Planning

that issue

packet,

County

aVe

located

kind of an old property

addressed

I saw that there

as shown

the subdivision

intended

any questions

we've

happen

Alley

that runs through

The alley
O

Public

correcting

is an alley

I actually
would

Yeah,

the

is essentially

as we looked

so it would

I think,

City Attorney

Terrace

to answer

I think

Sierra

description

went

to vacate

approval.

probably

6, boundary
South

Parcel

aye

We did take this in front

in your

here?

different

in lieu

for

aye

like it was actually

today

Mr. Ashbaugh,

morning.

the

to allow

building

nay

voted

of an easement,

concerned.

Request

office

requirement

seconded

voted

This

Rubin:

building

Request

recommended

Ashbaugh

most

Alvarez:

finalized.

they

foot

aye

for an alley vacation

property.

Smith

was never

Commission,

the Variance

a 3-O vote.

Discussion/Action:

Assistant

process

voted

Commissioner

with

Block

issue.

voted

MINUTES

550 square

commercial

Commissioner

Hoeppner,

carried

to approve

Hoeppner

taken

Motion

a motion

MEETING

of an approximately

800

#2878573667187.

28, 2026 REGULAR

was

a 1999

not sure

if that's

County

Title

Company:

exists,

we have

quit claim

even

deed

necessary

I don't

all the bearings

think

which

or whether

it's necessary.

and distances

we need

It's

on the lot lines

Page 28 of 39

Page 29 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

and on the streets.
4.
City Attorney
Joshua

City Attorney
this,

Rubin

brought

themselves

which

is what

County

Title

we'd

lines

Silver

Street.

easement

Hechler:

City Manager

you.

Title

Yes.

And then just

worked

through

sitting

on the property.
back,

because

there's
there

completed

or finalized,

that done

so really

just

they

Mr.

reserve

the property.

Under

on top of it. We

a building

are no city-owned

main

would

be they're

there

is an express

no real point

to reserve

if he would

required.
to Plai ii iing & Zoiaiing aiaid Ti aci,

has worked

correctly,

we're

real quick,

to our City Manager,

on this,

As Mr. Ashbaugh

ago it was brought

I think
before

closing

and we have

has explained,

no concern

there's

we did a vacation

a building

for this

the Commission.

It just was

never

the loop on an issue

that just

didn't

at the time.

clearance

so our water,

wastewater,

are no issues

Commissioner

Treasurer.

there's

to improve

a building.

easements

the staff

Alvarez:

Commissioner

is under

I will defer

access.

City Manager

or concerns,

Glines

located

my guess

the property,

the circumstances,

again,

Assistant

authorize

that alley,
across

to defer

I think

block

it's fine.

or an alley,

we believe

I guess

within

votes

to reclaim

that not occur

If I remember

20 years

a street

language

Departments,

line that runs

of the easement

sometime

Alley

the city vacates

are no utility

this.

point

there

Company:

Whitehea-duld-rave

at this

have

you.

if there

it can be valid,

with

itself, which,

Thank

that,

Yeah,

but if the Commission

for that to the city. Under

recommend

Company:

lines that run through

For the power

in the alley

Mayor

prefer

to just say the alley

I did.

and reversionary

with the Utility

or sewer

be sufficient

MINUTES

I will go through

when

easements

MEETING

an assumption,

County

it up. Normally

checked

water

I'm making

Sierra

the circumstances,

they

Right,

up the vacation,

under

anything

it would

Sierra

Ashbaugh,

double

I think

Rubin:

and I draw

Joshua

Frankly,

Rubin:

Ashbaugh,

28, 2026 REGULAR

within
staff

made
Block

Motion

carried

and electric

and they've
a motion

4 of the

complete

Hoeppner

As part of my vacation

any

seconded

has all gone

replied

to approve
Smith

Terrace

ordinance
the

motion.

requested,

you get utility

out there

and verified

that

via email.
the

Request

Subdivision
or

recording

Roll

call

was

to vacate

the

Public

as presented,

and

steps
taken

required.

by the

Clerk-

unanimously.

Page 29 of 39

Page 30 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

28, 2026 REGULAR

MEETING

MINUTES

Discussion/Action:SummaryPlatAmendmentat3lO-3l6E.Third
Street.

Mayor

Pro-Tem

seconded

the

Mitchell

made

motion.

Roll

a motion

call

was

taken

table

item

by the

F5.

Commissioner

Clerk-Treasurer.

Glines

Motion

carried

unanimously.

Item was

Discussion/Action:
Truth

or Consequences

along

the

moved

Discussion/Action:

Change

between

to develop

the City

a Rivenualk

Trail

Park.

Order

Increase:

Waste Equipment-

Back

we came

of Loan

in April

sweeper.

we missed

We are

County

Edwards

Texan
Advisement

Whitehead:

a new street

unfortunately
an

Sierra

at Ralph

StreetsDFA

City Manager

and

Rio Grande

of Understanding

up on the agenda.

purchase

Memorandum

We anticipated

the one they

before

you to have

that sweeper

had in stock
up.

$239,414.00-HGAC

BUY-Per

Purchase.

so they

origina

authorization

showing

had to bring
O

up in May,
another

e program

but

one in
We p

together was that we procured a loan for $200,000 from the New Mexico Finance
Authority and then we were going to pay $39,000 from our streets department. So,
we're effectively putting $40,000 down. Our loan advisor at the time that we finished the
loan

had indicated

their

money

from

that we should
the lending

pay for our portion

company.

We would

would

receive

that.

In working

with

our new Police

officer

has indicated

that their

preference

an then

send

the vendor

in documents

Department

now would

loan,

would

receive

and then

they

our new loan

be that we pay for the street

sweeper
and then we apply and get our $200,000 back. So what you are looking for is
just a change order to allow us to add the $200,000 instead of the $39,000 and add the
$200,000 so it makes our purchase order the full amount of $239,414.00. We will
procure

the street

of fact,

it's kind of an interesting

sweeper

and then

the loan

situation.

is already

Our loan

we're earning 4% on the money sitting in the account.
that we've earned since May, since the loan has been

won't even be the $39,000. We'll
we're

earning

Mayor

Hechler:

City Manager
payment,

more
How

money

We're

ready

for us. As a matter

going

to wait

that the only change.

The

on it, but

O.5% interest

So we now have about $2,000
available.
So. Our actual output

have that extra credit in money we've
we are paying if you can imagine that.

long can we wait for a street

Whitehead:

but again

than

sitting

is about

earned. So,

sweeper?

long enough

to get the whole

procurement

is the same

down

and the contract

Page 30 of 39

Page 31 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

is the same.
process

AUGUST

We're

28, 2026 REGULAR

not asking

for anything

MEETING

different.

We're

just asking

cash

in the streets

for a different

to pay for it.

Mayor

Hechler:

City Manager

We have the cash
Whitehead:

on hand?

We have

enough

We have around $'l.6 million in the streets department.
less than a week because
it's already
and it will come right back.
Commissioner

StreetsTem

MINUTES

Glines

made

a motion

Texan Waste Equipment

Mitchell

Motion

seconded

carried

sitting

the

We just have

to approve

the change

Roll

call

it.

to cover

We'll be out the $200,000 for

there.

HGAC in the amount

motion.

department

was

to request

order

the funds

increase

for the

of $200,000.00.

taken

Mayor
ProClerk-Treasurer.

the

unanimously.

b. WISPI 2- from $33,492.98

to $459,996.25

for Construction

Services.
City Manager

Whitehead:

let you

that the WISPI

know

We have

two projects,

Water

to get WISPI

those

are in Metal

remember,
interim
small

or bridge

project

is done

contract.

Back

WISPI

Street
style

So, we're

Water.

really

from

We've

excited

the city granted

for us to go to bid.

holding

Critical

up Critical

Water.

Both

we can go to bid. As you
what

I'm going

through
to expand

a contract

to call an

a local

with the planning

to go to bid. Now we need

or 2024,

been

procured

you to get started

USDA

and then

the city receives

of a loan that you

allow

this to you. At the last meeting

released

2 to happen

projects,

amount

and it's ready
in 2023

WISPI

area.

would

to bring

loan was

2 and Critical

the USDA

which

excited

2 USDA

2. We need

through

amount

I'm really

branch.

and then
the amount

to Wilson

It is a

once

the

of the

& Company

on this

water project for $1.4 million for design and construction management. However, you
only had enough money to give the procurement and the purchase order for $1,650,000
which

covered

the design.

now do a change
them

to prepare

the other

items.

order

So, now we have

which

would

for bid and then

manage

The recommendation

increase in the amount of $459,996.25.
plus

applicable

Commissioner

WISPI
Hoeppner
carried

gross
Glines

receipts
made

2- for Construction
seconded

the permission

give Wilson

the project

today

to go to bid, we need

the full contract
which

amount

is what

is that you approve

they

and allow
are doing

the change

order

That will bring the contract in line at $1.4 million

tax.
a motion

to approve

the

Services
in the amount
the motion.
Roll call was taken

change

order

increase

for the

of $459,996.25.
Commissioner
by the Clerk-Treasurer.
Motion

unanimously.

Page 31 of 39

Page 32 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

28, 2026 REGULAR

MEETING

Re-appointment

of Chris

Discussion/Action:
term

on the

Mayor

Hechler:

A quick

note,

I really

appreciate

Planning

The next four items
we are so lucky

of our citizens

that they

and they

are pretty

thorough

in their

questioning.

Torres:

When

some

if we get a new person,

them

staggered
Hechler:

folks

of Chris

are with

is a current

member

that is enough

know

if we need

to change

signing

Mayor

Hechler:

to the renewal

it could

Rubin:

the Commission

Mayor

Pro-Tem

2-year

term

a quick

note,

if I don't

he is, I'm appointing
WIS

for me to vote

the qualifications

renew

to make
I think

on something

on these

I wish

application,

an informed
that would

if we didn't
way

know
back

they

used

body

made

a motion

to re-appoint

Chris

Roll

& Zoning
call

was

taken

Commission.
by the

but I just

don't

So, I don't
because

I'm glad to have
were

full.

I'm not trying

we can attach
to find then

to require

the governing

Planning

on his

rea

that

perhaps

because

the applicant

was.

in case

the

forward.

of our problems

meetings

motion.

work,

going

If its easy

some

who the board
when

good

so perhaps

decision.
solve

on the

who Chris
.

encompassing

all of our boards

term

on him stating
IS

applications.

Board.

the re-

know

him based

list to be more

repeatedly

I remember

Mitchell
on

the

to make

has to be an original

application

attend

seconded

on the board.

quote

be problematic

City Attorney

term

he is, and I see that he is doing

we can do that in the future.

another

2 year

up for the boards.

There

to serve

another

information

member

an application

hate to lose

& Zoning

to serve

mem

who

on our Planning

to recommend

no idea who

and I do know

think

I would

up on us.

voted

a CO

because

off. So, I

so we can get

unanimously

I just wanted

is, and I have

us for a while
to give

time?

everything

the board

Sisney

Glines:

even

it through

all decide

and he submitted

it difficult.

resigned,

these

in July,

make

up at the same

I hope

last meeting,

people

to continue

that now.

if they

and

hear concerns

but I will look into how I can address

time

boards,

They

all coming

start their

Commission.

wanting

again,

expired

see that current

them

for a year

Sisney

Commissioner

feel

of the members
we can maybe

Chris

appointment

minutes,

are they

Torres:

At their

Sisney

Why

a 2-year

to these

term

all at the same

His term

& Zoning

to re-apply

City Clerk

board.

our Planning

do a nice job for us, and I appreciate

think

City Clerk

to do with

that want

one question.

to serve

Commission.

people

I do have

Mayor

have

Sisney

to have

to serve.

them

& Zoning

MINUTES

had any questions.
Sisney

to serve

Commissioner

Clerk-Treasurer.

another
Hoeppner

Motion

carried

unanimously.

Page 32 of 39

Page 33 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

MEETING

MINUTES

Re-appointment

of Esther

Luchini

Discussion/Action:
term

on the

Planning

Esther

Luchini,

City Clerk

Torres:

members

of the Planning

and the board
term

28, 2026 REGULAR

& Zoning
Susan

& Zoning

recommended

and Molly

are also current

Hammer

also

re-applied

to serve

on the board

of all three

members

to serve

another 2 year

They

appointment

a 2-year

Commission.

Buhler

Board.

to serve

on the board.

Commissioner

Hoeppner

another

2-year

term

seconded

the

motion.

made

on the
Roll

a motion

to re-appoint

Planning

& Zoning

call

taken

was

Esther

Commission.

to serve

Luchini

Commissioner

Glines

Motion

by the Clerk-Treasurer.

carried

unanimously.

lO.Discussion/Action:
term
Commissioner
2-year

term

seconded

on the

Planning

Glines

made

on the
the

Re-appointment

Planning

motion.

Roll

of Susan

& Zoning

Buhler

to serve

Commission.

a motion

to re-appoint

Susan

& Zoning

Commission.

Commissioner

call

was

a 2-year

taken

by the

Buhler

Clerk-Treasurer.

to serve

another

Hoeppner
Motion

carried

to serve

a 2-year

unanimously.

I 1. Discussion/Action:
term
Commissioner

on the

Re-appointment
& Zoning

Commission.

made

a motion

to re-appoint

Hoeppner

another

2-year

term

seconded

the

motion.

of Molly

Planning

on the
Roll

Planning

& Zoning

call

taken

was

Hammer

Molly

Commission.

by the

Hammer

to serve

Commissioner

Clerk-Treasurer.

Glines

Motion

carried

unanimously.

l2.Discussion/Action:
Approval
of Purchase Requisitions
over $60,000
a. Bohannan Huston- $75,000- On Call Engineering
Services-NMFA
Grant Planning
City Manager

Whitehead:

packet,

see our application

you'll

Traci

and

I will partner

for a planning

up on presenting
grant

form

the New

this item. In your
Mexico

Finance

to be specific for a particular
in some time, Assistant City
Manager
Alvarez
brought that to my attention
and suggested that we apply for some
funding
from the Finance Authority
and go ahead an do a preliminary
study. As you
know, we do have an affluent water process
system. We fill a pond at the ball fields, we

Authority.

They

project.

Our affluent

now have

water

planning

grants

system

has not been

and they

have

reviewed

Page 33 of 39

Page 34 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

water

some

of the fields

water

there.

This

system,

with

preliminary

it's over 20 years

for potential
watering

repairs.

be something

repair

that,

water

in the evenings,

contract.

case,

system

that would
come

areas

that we need

we had some

citizen

this study

and we

the current

to be focused

concern

about

is not functioning,
we need

system

back

fully

the

so that

to tell us what

get the electronic

it during

we have to water

it charged

keep

through

we could

to do to

online

and

which

we know

is more

efficient.

So that's

the plan for the PER.

decided

to use our on-call

contract,

which

selected

Bohannan
collection

plant

line extension,

and then this. Again,

looking

allow

we've

on our wastewater

kind of handline

would

what

last month

the wastewater

we're

report

in the day, well part of the reason

that would

We have

Huston

to the golf course
us to assess

so that potentially

In this particular

MINUTES

it, and then we move the water

old, and determine

the pump

would

MEETING

engineering

As you know,

the golf course

day is because

28, 2026 REGULAR

Huston,

kind of focused

with Bohannan

system,

they're

doing

the planning

going

to allow

them

to do the Clancy

right now, we're

the water

we have

is an active

trying

to separate

side of the house,

for the right engineering

what

Bohannan

our engineers

doing

firm to do our streets

and design
lift station
do. Wilson

the wastewater,

and other

for

and then

items.

The

proposal from Bohannan Houston would
Unfortunately,

be for $98,900 plus gross receipts tax.
that you're seeing today, our CPO only applied

in the procurement

for the

grant portion, $75,000, so we would ask that in your motion you amend the procurement
to be for $98,900. If you look at the information
from the procurement
officer, he had a
little typo

in the beginning

and kept the A4 storm

street

sweeper

on as the header.

That

really needs to say "affluent water PER", the amount would
not using

the HGAC

Ing

In O

request

approval

Mayor

Hechler:

City Manager
funding.

bid program,
er,

requis

our city's

On IS In

r, a

be for $98,900, and we are
cooperative
agreement.
r qu

WOu

of the procurement.
$75,0000

is the grant

Whitehead:

We have

Commissioner

we are using

That

enough

and the remainder

is correct,

capital,

enough

is the match?

and that will come
cash

there

out of our wastewater

to do the match.

Glines: The total purchase requisition amount being $98,900?

City Manager Whitehead: Correct, base cost of $98,900. The total procurement
be $107, 182.88 for the engineering report.
Mayor

Hechler:

Commissioner
making

Thank

you for those

GlinesL

My last question

applicable

changes.
was what's

the official

total

amount?

Am I

the motion for $98,000?

City Manager Whitehead:
from

would

gross

Bohannan

I would

receipts

ask that the motion be fore the $98,900
plus
tax, that way we're not tied to the amount,
but the contract

Houston

is exactly

that amount.

Page 34 of 39

Page 35 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

Commissioner

AUGUST

Glines

28, 2026 REGULAR

made

a motion

$60,000 in the amount

of $98,900 plus

Services-NMFA

Call

Engineering

seconded

the

motion.

Roll

call

was

MEETING

approve

MINUTES

the

Purchase

Requisition

applicable
GRT for the Bohannan
Grant
Planning.
Commissioner

taken

by the

Clerk-Treasurer.

over

HustonHoeppner

Motion

carried

unanimously.

G. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/ZONING:
1.

Discussion/Action:

Resolution

Infrastructure
Street
Assistant
Street

Project

No. 15 26/27

Authorizing

Loan/Grant

Agreement

is just the formal

financing

NMFA

CIF-7113

Colonias

for Marie

Improvements.

City Manager

project

Fund

through

Alvarez:

This

the Colonias

fund that the city was

approval

awarded.

for the Marie

We received

a 90%

grant and I 0% loan, right around $1.3 million, and we'll have a cash match of $136,000.
That will give us a total; project amount of $1.5 Million. Approval of this resolution and
the grant
with

agreement

NMFA

Mayor

Pro-Tem

Authorizing
Fund

loan documents

Mitchell

execution

made
and

Discussion/Action:
Submit
Water

intent,

through

that application

Hoeppner
carried

an Application

to Water

Resolution

and then

proceed

process,

Trust

Board

we have

Infrastructure

Improvements

the motion.

Project

Roll

was

taken

Staff

call

Authorizing

City

Trust

for Design

Services

Board

26/27

in the amount

No. 16 26/27

to you previously

be applying

for a

for some

purposes

a resolution

under

the notice

funding

that

only. This

is just

where

became
part of

the Commission

to be applying

for approximately $2.3 million for
for the application
process since design funds are

kind of a new process

this year.

You'll

grant,

and there

is no cash

is no loan,

Colonias

Street

for design

to submit

us to apply. We're going
only. I sat in on their training

there

NMFA

No.

Project.

you that we would

the Water

approve

This was brought

authorizes
design

those

seconded
unanimously.

Improvements
Alvarez:

and we updated

available

us to execute

for Marie

Resolution

System

City Manager

of the

CIF-7113

of $1,363,637.
Commissioner
by the Clerk-Treasurer.
Motion

a motion

delivery

Loan/GrantAgreement

ASSiStant

will allow

for the closing.

be happy

to find

match

out that they are giving

associated

on the design

I 00%
portion.

we submit our application and we are awarded
the $2.3 million in design, we will be
designing
the Well #2 improvements,
a possible
new well at the north end of town,
approximately

$25 million
Mayor

31,000
shovel-read

Pro-Tem

we already

linear

have

feet of water

line, which

will provide

us with approximately

water project. With that, I stand for any questions.

Mitchell:

One question

on the shovel-ready

available

to throw

or is it money

at that,

project;
we're

going

is that

money

to have

that

to get?

Page 35 of 39

Page 36 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

Assistant

City Manager

awarded

the entire

Water

Trust

Board

like we'd

have

million.

However,

28, 2026 REGULAR

Alvarez:

We'll

be applying,

amount,

we have

is going

to be opening

to have

some

he does

had some

design

MEETING

their

so our hope

with this is if we are
and the
it sounds
he can't design $2.3

discussions

with our engineer,

regular

here fairly

completed

feel like he could

MINUTES

cycle

by April.

potentially

Obviously,
at least

soon,

get the well portion

designed.
So we might go through this cycle right away and ask for around $4 or $5
million to do the wells while he completes
the design on the remaining
amount,
and then
we could

apply

for funding

legislators,

because

the funding

source

at Colonias,

we'll

have

our FY24

HUD funds

hope

is to have

') 00% funded

Mayor

Hechler:

opportunity
moving

if there

project

with

so it'll open
to cover

very

that we can make

with that and being

HUD,

aggressive

USDA,

match

depending

required,

the loan and cash

we do

match.

The

loan.

often,
these

or our

us up, and then

no out-of-pocket

see this availability

here with the state

Board,

is a loan and a cash

that can be used

You won't

forward

Trust

shovel-ready

we go through

have

Water

I think

we're

in a window

applications.

in getting

I'm glad that we're

that done.

Remember,

have $120 million worth of work to be done in this community. This is the next step, you
know, we've got the first three or four projects scheduled.
This is the next one that we
probably

won't

see in the ground

for two or three

years,

but we have the applications

now.

Assistant

City Manager

item you guys
mission

Alvarez:

And

we're

eligible

approved,
appro

if I could

us on an app

to apply

for these
pa

design
o

funds

o an e

PER.

Because

that planning

document,

that makes

us eligible

Had we not had that planning

document,

we couldn't

apply

us to go through

position

to be able to start

I know

sometimes,

whether

pay all this money
Mayor

Hechler:

Mayor

Pro-Tem

Authorizing

water

PER,

funds

that are there

Motion

for design

for this.

going

So by

to put us in a

for affluent

water

or the public,

the frustration

documents,

but this is a good

example

made

to Submit

motion

an Application

Services
for a Water System
Improvements
Commissioner
Hoeppner
seconded
the
Treasurer.

that's

the

because

use.

is that we

of why.

you.

Mitchell
Staff

for some

it be the Commission

out for planning

Thank

City

with the affluent
applying

on a previous

funds.

approving

we have

add, just to go backwards

carried

approve
to Water

Resolution
Trust

No.
Board

16
for

26/27
Design

Project
in the amount
of $2.368 million.
motion.
Roll call was taken
by the Clerk-

unanimously.

Page 36 of 39

Page 37 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

28, 2026 REGULAR

Discussion/Action:
City

Resolution

of Truth

or Consequences

City Manager

Whitehead:

As you know,

program

I came

since

on board,

issues,

but understanding

and getting

was

understanding

principals.
toward

a really

good

No. 17 26/27
Lodgers

Angela

and we've

develop

MEETING

Adopting

Tax Grant

has been

managing
through

our education

up. Once

indicated

that 60%

money

but its really

not what

the statute

and the law requires.

what

revenue

is and you have
everything

just

your

purposes

and otherwise,

requirements

of lodgers

tax.

could,

have

but to be compliant

to follow

that you

the formula.

see which

down

mirrored

it to what our current
is what

see the

law and apply

an operating
could

the state

manual

understand

of the book

regulation

ordinance

says

had a little issue

the law. The second

when

I came

particular

case,

that's

city's

logo for lodgers

calling

an emcompassing

clearly

sets

a change

she

may

have

to make
Torres

Torres:

Tax Board

member.

for a band,

the band

will be responsible

have

a branded

So, we would

Mitchell:
type
take

have

to do their

City

Clerk

that the
"paid

The only additional

was also added

Pro-Tem

audit,

to develop

regulation

so that anybody

looking

about

the lodgers

and l

at the book

can

So, you can

was to come

in the future
and what

this book
book,

requires.

up with

to run the lodgers

of law and regulation.

markets

you just

their

The third

tax

piece

marketing

plan was.

tax logo being

the official

tax can adopt

a logo,

and in this

and its not relevant

to say that it's the

we have

before

we would

for lodgers
would

sets forth

you

tax.

is what

In this particular

be operating

under

a new resolution,

case

if she is going

so with that, we do

in the resolution.

We will bring

have

the stand

for any questions

that up in a second,

item

I would

or presentation

over the handbook.

a Lodgers

Mayor

the state

in the handbook

manual

The guidelines

let City Clerk

from

chooses

that the Clerk

City Clerk

requirement

purposes

a proper

aside

to adopt,

So what

operating

that we want

but I will certainly

to use it all for promotional

that up to say lodgers

tax.

out the guidelines
that.

amount

for all the

piece

on board

out,

else can be used

principles

the logo they want

official

to manage

those

had to go

that you use the

our ordinance

how the board

a set of

to set a certain

is what

or whoever

apply

So we kind of cleaned

have

and this

that Angela

talk about

It requires

I wanted
from

it kind of worked

we did was we took the time

each

city logo.

continue

If you wanted

requires,

how they

would

of your

and mathematically

with the law, and to go through

So, what

breaks

see this

that,

for promotional

other
you

down

of the things
come

had to go toward

tax

not necessary

tax so we could

and 40%

for the

the lodgers
some,

of lodgers

For a long time the resolutions

to break

guidelines
Program.

kind of worked

this,

formula

MINUTES

Torres:

recipients

When

an applicant

like to add is a recommendation
receives

for conducting

lodgers

its own

tax funding

marketing.

from
to pay

This

to the guidelines.

The only

of promotion

it on to have

issue

I have

with that

is on Fiesta,

of the bands,

so they

have

our own

promotion,

we would

our Fiesta

but I like having

like to

logo and so on.

the fact that they

own.
That's

fine. Another

can either

thing

use the lodgers

for in part by the City of Truth

I wanted

to add regarding

the logo aspect

tax logo or the advertisement

or Consequences

Lodgers

Tax".

Either,

has to say
Or.

Page 37 of 39

Page 38 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

City Manager
Workforce

Whitehead:

l just want

was that we were

workforce

and it caused

items

for the lodgers

so. We found

that it doesn't

that one or the other
different

right?

than

that in my thinking
up with

group

can only bring

present

in their

what

their

would

be eligible

to just

require
done

before

in under

necessarily

for recommendations.

anger

the boards

input.

Tax funds

"Of the available

to be I 0%. And then,

those

funds,

for the Civic

we can use I 0% of the Lodgers'

Mayor

Pro-Tem

Mitchell

Program

with

Glines

seconded

carried

unanimously.

This

item

made

a motion

the amendment
the

motion.

Center."

noted
Roll

Discussion/Action:

Resolution

Emergency

to the

was

up on the

moved

was

be eligible

going

needs

the same.

The

for administration."

to the arts."

That

And that

is correct.

to be removed.
Center

And

Technically,
or the Lodgers'

1 % to the arts.
Resolution

Manager
taken

Butte

No. 17 26/27
Lodgers

Whitehead.

by the

No. 18 26/27

Elephant

3 months

and it can be used for

or Consequences

by City
call

say,
want

missioncan
financially

to approve

of Truth

for about

That

and they

you wouldn't

and staff did a really

can be for the Civic

only allocate

for the City

in the works

I % shall

together,

say,

the

to be able to market

for art purposes

Tax, which

and then we would

guidelines

Our Clerk

be allocated

that can at least

because

have

to remain

and can
the right

who they are, then

a band

qualify

reSO

the board

that's

a band

So, I

the Levitt

presence

So, they
has been

But what

you know,

important.

two items

"1 % shall

puts

a little
can be part

for example,

If that's

we wouldn't

can be used

resolution

be used

This

I do

for an event.

an online

but you want

curre

and we want

Adopting

that,

followers.

that's

administration,

Tax for admin,

market,

and we applied,

job getting

then, "'I % shall

that's

entertainment

good,

that have

I thought

got 2000

and forth

says,

that grant

And so we think

Lodgers'

where

can be included.

was really

is. And

that

it, so we came to the accommodation

it does say that you can use the money
I thought

on our

would

requested

you guys

it into the entertainment.

right?

I felt like there

the board

part 2 with the bands,

have

on the

of Labor

Then

back

needs

So, in my mind

necessarily

good

because

finding.

then to be paid for. But if someone

be putting

themselves,

I serve

ago from the Department

be acceptable.

presence

to go play,

with this.

in part by the Department

I did look because

in T or C, and they've

hey we want

funded

to say that the bands

bands

so its not that they

I'm playing

the Clerk

MINUTES

that we had 10 years

an audit

conversation

online

MEETING

tax funds.

Because

came

thing,

would

in application

of the funding

to support

findings

not putting

statute

expand

28, 2026 REGULAR

and one of the audit

of Labor
some

AUGUST

Tax Grant
Commissioner

Clerk-Treasurer.

Declaring

a Local

Motion

Disaster

Reservoir.

agenda.

Page 38 of 39

Page 39 of 39

CITY

COMMISSION

AUGUST

EXECUTIVE

SESSION:

Mayor
to

Purchase,

Acquisition,

or Disposal

Easement

Acquisition)

pursuant

Pro-Tem

discuss

Easement

Mitchell

made

Purchase,

Acquisition,

pursuant

Hechler

Mayor

a motion

Acquisition)

seconded
the motion.
carried
unanimously.
Mayor

28, 2026 REGULAR

reconvened

Pro-Tem

Acquisition,

Roll

Disposal

Real

RETURN
1.

TO REGULAR

Purchase,

EasementAcquisition)

Mayor

Pro-Tem

Mitehell

Attorney

to negotiate

Cantrell

Dam.

taken.

Motion

made
the

carried

executive

Disposal

Real

10-15-1(H.8).

that

session

only

matters

(Cantrell

Dam

Hoeppner
Motion

a.m.
to

Easement

Session

Purchase,
Acquisition)

and

no action

was

(if any)

pursuantto

10-15-1(H.8).

to authorize

of the

(Cantrell

pertaining

in Executive

ACTION

at 1 1 :40 a.m.

Clerk-Treasurer.

at 11:57

of Real

Hoeppner

Dam

session
Property

the

or Disposal

a motion

(Cantrell

Commissioner

taken

Property

purchase

Commissioner

Property

to go into

was

SESSION;

MINUTES

to 10-15-1(H.8).

discussed

Acquisition,

of Real

in open

certified

pursuant
to 10-15-1(H.8)
were
taken in executive
session.

vote

the meeting

Mitchell

call

MEETING

easement

seconded

Property

the

City

acquisitions
the

motion.

(Cantrell

Manager

Dam

and

for access
Roll

call

vote

City
to
was

unanimously.

1. ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor
Passed

Hechler

adjourned

and Approved

the

meeting

at 11:59

this 9'h day of September,

olf

Angela

A. Torres,

.4
CMC,

a.m.
2026.

ayor

City Clerk

Page 39 of 39

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