[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6378585,"mediaKeyId","2137259-2faa0e157d23a04061c9151264456f06","parentId",2137259,"title","Council OKs hydrant maintenance contract; retiring Fire Chief Jason Smith highlights ISO impact","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",1311000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2137259-2faa0e157d23a04061c9151264456f06&start=1311&end=1311","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2137259-2faa0e157d23a04061c9151264456f06/thumbnail_1311000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6378585/Las-Cruces/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Council-OKs-hydrant-maintenance-contract-retiring-Fire-Chief-Jason-Smith-highlights-ISO-impact","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378585-34fd96927faee9d0b86763fdfbfdfc2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182992&Signature=AyLF5FYRwhxGqOTNX5~yIk0WL-KQiTbdvhbBgfPG4jPsJv4DjMuEQFimdQ44Pcs26f8KhbMn4~yOgdyO37aS8mwg1WYiu~SmFjz1Trcra69smO0kyWLO6-G7qKYP-fAo71Lwyvx260A057rxlBwo~iEJ559iC9XmxmXAVaJJMchbzJX8dGdpdmUdWlx9sHr7H~wXv4YptGJYTfu~jiYPsz7BpOmEOx~O3XNMqBIxjps1uSw41m97-QYmDbGNvfowH5Uv25o2Q0jHTnc8b1xPtGovGx3GJAOFVr0pp6lGjb8JvxGhXc2ySGG7pYEOjtUy9dtU-W1s8lIMRbcqM3AjzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Las Cruces, NM","date","2025-01-22T11:00:54.78Z","article","The Las Cruces City Council voted Jan. 21 to authorize a five-year agreement with Hydromax USA LLC for annual fire-hydrant maintenance and inspections, a contract city staff said is intended to bring the hydrant program into compliance with American Water Works Association guidelines.

Virginia Barela presented the procurement background: the Fire Department requires regular inspection and maintenance to ensure hydrants function during responses and to earn points toward the Insurance Service Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification. City staff said one bid was received from Hydromax USA LLC and that the contract award is subject to budget appropriations.

Fire Chief Jason Smith described operational consequences when hydrants are not maintained. He said city fire engines carry roughly 500 gallons of water and an attack line consumes that in about three minutes; if a nearby hydrant is dry or nonfunctional, that can impair firefighting operations. Smith also explained that ISO scoring is roughly 50% fire-department capability and 40% water utility performance; hydrant inspection and maintenance affect the latter.

Chief Smith, who the mayor identified as retiring, thanked staff and colleagues and described the contract award as the result of several years of work to secure funding and an acceptable bid price. Councilors thanked Smith for his service.

Why it matters: Proper hydrant inspection and maintenance support fire response capability and can influence insurance rates for property owners. The contract commits limited funds to the city\u000027s annual hydrant inspection program and is intended to address inspection gaps staff said were noted during past ISO reviews.

What\u000027s next: Procurement will finalize the contract and the Fire Department and Utilities will schedule inspections; staff listed the execution of the contract and annual reporting as next steps.

Ending

Council approved the contract unanimously among members present. Chief Smith leaves the department in retirement and council thanked him for his service.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Las Cruces Council Meeting - January 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved a five-year, up-to-$255,250 contract for annual hydrant maintenance and inspection. Fire Chief Jason Smith, who said this was his last time at the council dais before retirement, explained how hydrant reliability affects firefighting operations and the city\u000027s ISO rating.","taxTitle","Las Cruces, Doña Ana County, New Mexico","taxId",2725,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6378589,"Residents press for clearer water-service testing under new lead-and-copper rule; city schedules community forum, pledges Spanish outreach",1167,1699000,2866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2137259-2faa0e157d23a04061c9151264456f06&start=1699&end=2866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2137259-2faa0e157d23a04061c9151264456f06/thumbnail_1699000.jpg","/articles/6378589/Las-Cruces/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Residents-press-for-clearer-water-service-testing-under-new-lead-and-copper-rule-city-schedules-community-forum-pledges-Spanish-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378589-2ead31bbf2fa858b35e8c140516cf71e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182992&Signature=S76mENCRlteaCin8AiNE~HoNynGhMy-7zKLwdu7s~OX8uRGNAfWrTeLBrk1DjvdBLU4ZZJIqBLu-CxlckhxnHZaMPd2tWFhjVb1j22NlBZFt1cK3rAz0sfQvUKzjMVxA-PVor0I4-QLRr1zqnV5eRbgSMJztaS0x-KF0FZfb-dMoxkDSo6yxFLKG05t8-dPnB-dWLcbSG-Hsk9HYzjSvM6rkxAh4Ki8f4HxMo1hDEjn4Fjw4otBBTyiBc12C76A1AX2ubEj-kYjurVTz0Pe5VOIP7GphyqlcDY2aAyS9f0mqIAloP5CM6tZZPs0kA7ipY2jiwaTUkGu~OKtZShvJKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several speakers at the Jan. 21 Las Cruces City Council meeting urged the city to provide clearer, bilingual public information and a formal public briefing on implementation of EPA\u000027s new lead-and-copper rule.

Lynn Moore, who identified herself as a former environmental lawyer in Nebraska, said a November council briefing on the new rule did not allow public questions and that the city\u000027s current practice of relying on a visual check inside the meter box to identify service-line materials is inadequate. Moore reported consulting six licensed local plumbers who said looking through the meter box is not a reliable method; they recommended camera inspections or excavation to confirm pipe materials, she said.

Liz Rodriguez Johnson and other commenters echoed concerns that the city\u000027s public materials and website were incomplete or unclear and that Spanish-language notices had not been issued. They called for a council briefing that allowed public questions and for confirmation of whether the city had conducted water testing rather than only visual checks.

City staff said they will schedule a community meeting with utility experts to answer questions and that the timing of a formal council work session will follow utility review of the system and any findings about lead service lines. The city manager apologized that a Spanish-language letter had not yet been mailed and noted the city website contains information that can be machine-translated; staff said the community meeting will include experts and be recorded and that staff will post a Spanish-language update.

Why it matters: The EPA\u000027s revised lead-and-copper rule increases scrutiny of service-line materials and requires utilities to identify and, where necessary, replace lines that contain lead. Residents asked the city to adopt more rigorous, transparent inspection methods and to provide clear instructions in Spanish and English so affected residents can know whether they should test household water.

What remains unresolved: The transcript does not show a binding decision about inspection methodology or a schedule for replacements. City staff committed to a public forum and further reporting to council after utility staff completes its review.

Ending

Utility staff will hold a community meeting with experts; the city manager said staff will report back to council with findings and next steps and will post Spanish-language materials.","Public commenters criticized the city's use of meter-box checks to identify lead service lines and asked for a full public briefing; the city manager said utilities staff will hold a community meeting with experts and that information will be updated online and translated.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6378594,"Residents say cancer patients were turned away at Memorial Medical Center; advocates press council for enforcement, city says it retained consultants",531,2333000,2864000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2137259-2faa0e157d23a04061c9151264456f06&start=2333&end=2864","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2137259-2faa0e157d23a04061c9151264456f06/thumbnail_2333000.jpg","/articles/6378594/Las-Cruces/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Residents-say-cancer-patients-were-turned-away-at-Memorial-Medical-Center-advocates-press-council-for-enforcement-city-says-it-retained-consultants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378594-c1bcc15c361cef2633bdbe2882bd75ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182992&Signature=Ot20qrybErS4SrQy5Qxe8xW8tGtTfIPt80H8O2CBDOGoiK9JjU3IW4unpLkQ1neBgxhuxAtCPnDFqYpzGjSmwijNjTMkCEyVD9Y~1O161JyfNgnfad6ISzUdtkmARCYLFuVNSfYlkyV3L0xiY5ZjiuUHKIs5FQEp01FJ2AoNWx-TKyhYtrK13ZnsFfSP6VgE9h8m~QClRndd9YTeHInVdkw-ccCnJVKgJbPkTAZ1b1tS2hPG7MqjzsU2fsqsowseQyLOguQvwaT6v2Oj0ryDQXl4zQsbW0D8PmYrlOSOVhHQURRzoFkZmhwR~me009ig4kbxBs3k5pssz3yvAHHR5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents used the Jan. 21 Las Cruces City Council public-comment period to repeat allegations that Memorial Medical Center (MMC) has denied or delayed treatment for cancer patients and to urge the city to enforce terms of its lease and ensure access to care.

Yoli Diaz, who has appeared before the council multiple times on the topic, told councilors she has raised reports of wrongful turnaways and alleged that MMC was illegally demanding payment up front. \"This is a matter of life and death for many patients,\" Diaz said, adding that she has complained to the council repeatedly since 2021 and that the problem persisted into December 2024.

At the meeting other speakers echoed the concern. Public commenters said a pattern of denials has continued during a period when the hospital and the city have been in correspondence; they asked what enforcement measures the city had taken since a notice of breach was issued months earlier.

In response the city manager said the city has retained outside legal counsel and an independent consultant with experience in Medicaid, Medicare and Affordable Care Act safety-net requirements to assist in reviewing the lease and an asset purchase agreement tied to the hospital property. The manager said staff and the county are continuing joint work and that updates will be provided to council in the coming months. He also said the city has been in private meetings with hospital management and that council\u000027s patience is appreciated while staff continues to pursue enforceable remedies.

Why it matters: The city is a co-owner of the land on which MMC sits, and city leaders and residents said the lease contains public-interest obligations related to charity care and access. Public commenters argued that enforcement tools under the lease should be used if the hospital is not meeting obligations; the city manager\u000027s remarks show staff is pursuing additional legal and technical review before announcing enforcement steps.

What remains unresolved: Public speakers pressed for specific actions and deadlines. The transcript records the city manager\u000027s commitment to return with updates but does not show a binding council directive or timeline for enforcement in this session. Advocates asked for clarity about what \"levers\" the city has identified and whether they have been used.

Ending

Councilors did not take an immediate enforcement vote at the Jan. 21 meeting; staff said they will report back to council after completing review with outside legal and technical advisors.","Multiple public commenters accused Memorial Medical Center of turning away cancer patients and demanded the city use lease enforcement tools; the city manager said the city has retained outside legal counsel and a health care consultant and will provide updates.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6378599,"Council approves FY24 financial report, hydrant contract, airport grant and several projects in unanimous votes",145,2200000,2345000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2137259-2faa0e157d23a04061c9151264456f06&start=2200&end=2345","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2137259-2faa0e157d23a04061c9151264456f06/thumbnail_2200000.jpg","/articles/6378599/Las-Cruces/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Council-approves-FY24-financial-report-hydrant-contract-airport-grant-and-several-projects-in-unanimous-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378599-bfc5b170abda16ac20489b8ad47fa475/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182992&Signature=YrUm3KAvD-ddmOY~maDG9prdgB-7yTDbF8-9HgMhVwIqhknoSt5vwE7V5laaEUyar392AJFyCCx1jssLeVbxlnrhgPdWCfjsKa9reW1CbtN~GeGBYiSlou5dE07RexBDe389khRGcKBLIs1BVs9bMZEEEYRtxh5D5CKf9ZE2JlPW1MbFw86CuPtlIdHmw22~SFvYGFZqZ7fo6dGqqWCvT02RlmTGDmeRQOyjrJc3XaJtVrYii32eeBtgHgQvdiCNBi2qvszkTt~JtRdQOq8Xefu~wUFfwN-AzvYQ~oTgH1Br0K6GPCq-g9q83om3IoDjW3O-wqgv5jymBXQZ2Eoyeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Las Cruces City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a set of resolutions including acceptance of the city\u000027s FY24 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, a five-year hydrant maintenance contract, a $262,000 airport infrastructure grant added to the Capital Improvements Program, selection of public art for La Buena Vista Park and a vacation plat for Peachtree Hills Road.

The council accepted the FY24 financial report (Resolution 25-085) after an external auditor\u000027s presentation that described an unmodified (clean) opinion and said the audit produced no findings under the state\u000027s Yellow Book testing. Comptroller Josie Trevino introduced the report and auditor Chris Gardner reviewed highlights including the city\u000027s general fund balances, enterprise fund positions and recognition the city received for extensive financial reporting.

The council next approved a professional services agreement for hydrant maintenance and inspection with Hydromax USA LLC of Flower Mound, Texas, in an amount not to exceed $255,250 over five years (Resolution 25-086). Fire Department staff said the work is needed to meet American Water Works Association guidelines and to protect the city\u000027s Insurance Service Office rating. Fire Chief Jason Smith, speaking at the meeting, described the operational consequences of nonfunctioning hydrants and noted the contract addresses specific inspection and maintenance deficiencies.

Councilors also approved a CIP amendment to reflect an accepted airport grant of $262,000 for infrastructure and utilities improvements (Resolution 25-087), and they approved the City Art Board\u000027s recommendation for a site-specific sculpture called \"Desert Kinship\" for La Buena Vista Park (Resolution 25-088). The approved artwork will consist of a small grouping of mild-steel pieces, with the largest about 6 feet tall; the city said the final design will include low-maintenance surface treatment and the board asked the artist to consider adding color if durable options are available.

Finally, the council approved a vacation plat for sections of right-of-way identified as Peachtree Hills Road and an adjacent unnamed road to align the city\u000027s record with a planned Metrolink/PUD development in the area (Resolution 25-089). Planning staff said the affected area totals about 1.938 acres and the vacation removes an unimproved, city-owned strip of right-of-way that could complicate future development and maintenance.

All votes recorded at the meeting were unanimous among members present. Councilor Matisse and Councilor Flores were absent for portions of the meeting; the roll calls recorded \"yes\" votes from Councilors McClure, Graham, Kranz, Bencomo and Mayor Eric Enriquez on the listed resolutions.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25-085: Accept FY24 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Motion moved and seconded; vote: McClure, Matisse (recorded absent at some calls), Graham, Kranz, Bencomo, Mayor Enriquez — approved. Auditor: unmodified opinion, no findings under expanded state testing.

- Resolution 25-086: Professional services agreement for hydrant maintenance and inspection with Hydromax USA LLC not to exceed $255,250 for five years (plus applicable taxes). Motion moved by Councilor Graham, second by Councilor Corin (record not always using full names in transcript); vote: approved.

- Resolution 25-087: Amend FY2025\u000020\u000020\u00002030 Capital Improvements Program to add accepted airport grant ($262,000). Motion moved and seconded; vote: approved.

- Resolution 25-088: Approve City Art Board recommendation and award commission for La Buena Vista Park public art (\"Desert Kinship\"). Motion moved and seconded; vote: approved.

- Resolution 25-089: Approve vacation plat known as the Peachtree Hills Road right-of-way vacation (approx. 1.938 acres). Motion moved and seconded; vote: approved.

Why it matters: The FY24 financial acceptance completes the city\u000027s annual audit cycle and the clean opinion signals no material misstatements were found. The hydrant contract and CIP amendment reflect near-term infrastructure work; the public art and plat decisions are local development items that clear the way for park amenities and a planned development north of the city limits.

What\u000027s next: Staff will implement the approved contracts, update project budgets as required, and schedule follow-ups. The council did not attach conditions to the adopted resolutions in the meeting record.

Ending

The meeting closed with routine board appointments and council comments; city staff said implementation steps and community meetings will follow for some items listed above.","At its Jan. 21 meeting the Las Cruces City Council unanimously approved the city\u000027s FY24 comprehensive annual financial report, awarded a five-year hydrant maintenance contract, accepted a $262,000 airport infrastructure grant into the Capital Improvements Program and approved public art and a right-of-way vacation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council OKs hydrant maintenance contract; retiring Fire Chief Jason Smith highlights ISO impact

Residents press for clearer water-service testing under new lead-and-copper rule; city schedules community forum, pledges Spanish outreach

Residents say cancer patients were turned away at Memorial Medical Center; advocates press council for enforcement, city says it retained consultants

Council approves FY24 financial report, hydrant contract, airport grant and several projects in unanimous votes