[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5987272,"mediaKeyId","5767409-85534d618244f3c292eeddb23a8b56b4","parentId",5767409,"title","City submits $6.96 million Quality of Life grant application for UFO‑themed skate park; organizers promise events and community upkeep","audioSeconds",586,"startMs",3063000,"endMs",3649000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5767409-85534d618244f3c292eeddb23a8b56b4&start=3063&end=3649","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5767409-85534d618244f3c292eeddb23a8b56b4/thumbnail_3063000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5987272/Roswell/Chaves-County/New-Mexico/City-submits-696-million-Quality-of-Life-grant-application-for-UFOthemed-skate-park-organizers-promise-events-and-community-upkeep","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5987272-5b4b1cb0091b97bd3845ed14260d4bf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195025&Signature=A~7WX3qsI-0GZ67HrZwY3sRJS6Vc2Syzv93SVnmbzlUYE~sQDPd0NK61Qw4IJZWtNnxqUlkGH7N55S6xiDSfj4nyAUTpgE8vrRa97YxKzkVNE17-sdMBRuYF57SM3I-0cDuCIolsSOSVlfjCclXjsX5DpBfw2BIQAwttv~-f21KNNb7Fh~T~cKnYwjxRcI1cvT8iP5tW6284wJA3o-voXfsiLjnIQ5kMMf5GWt7FAOr2idGlAkXt1myQC33BNtSAOnBJVuTuitM3XyiV38-NLEMQeS9s2GpfMwiWzr0Xf2EMpWPEqOB-qrCNKN2wfxmecyPZGYRpvcYVTmJhbpl5wA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Roswell, NM","date","2025-09-12T02:21:52Z","article","The city of Roswell submitted a Quality of Life grant application seeking up to $6,956,000 on Wednesday to build an expanded UFO‑themed skate and roller‑derby complex, Geneva Martinez told the City Council.

Martinez, representing community organizers, said the grant application was submitted the same day after city staff and partners spent several days preparing materials and retyping the application into the online portal. “This grant has no matching funds. So we will not be asking for any funding from the city,” Martinez said. She said the fund has a large pool of awards and that the city requested the full amount of $6,956,000; finalists would be required to spend awarded money by June 30 if selected.

Community organizers also described ongoing volunteer work and events tied to the project. Members of the UFO skate collective have conducted park cleanups, held skate competitions and plan a set of events including a September 21 voter‑registration/education event for skaters and a November 2 “UFO Skate Bash.” Martinez said pro skaters and other supporters had provided letters and endorsements, and that organizers plan to attach additional letters of support if available.

Why it matters: proponents argue the site would provide recreation opportunities for youth and a potential revenue stream from events, competitions and tourism. Martinez said the proposed complex could draw regional competitors and provide a low‑cost activity for local youth.

What happened next: the council expressed support and suggested organizers collect additional letters of support and endorsements to strengthen scoring. Staff confirmed the application was submitted and that, if the grant is awarded, the city and partner contractors would need to meet the June 30 spending deadline.

Ending: organizers said they will continue outreach and proposed community events while awaiting the state’s awards decisions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","9/11/2025 | City Council Meeting | City of Roswell, NM","oneSentenceSummary","City staff and community organizers submitted a Quality of Life grant application seeking up to $6,956,000 to build a skateboard and roller‑derby complex. The application requires no local match and, if awarded, must be spent by June 30; organizers described community cleanups and planned events to sustain the facility.","taxTitle","Roswell, Chaves County, New Mexico","taxId",50858,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5987279,"Girl Scout presents guidelines supporting House Bill 468 for dignified retirement of New Mexico state flag",199,756000,955000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5767409-85534d618244f3c292eeddb23a8b56b4&start=756&end=955","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5767409-85534d618244f3c292eeddb23a8b56b4/thumbnail_756000.jpg","/articles/5987279/Roswell/Chaves-County/New-Mexico/Girl-Scout-presents-guidelines-supporting-House-Bill-468-for-dignified-retirement-of-New-Mexico-state-flag","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5987279-47feda406ef753300bb60cd61b99e972/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195025&Signature=AjtVkC~Q5HTf~CNT8quPEp-PF-26mGBeSzFCO8dQO-Pksr6PaicPEN0QTKSC6DpWbvRea48cz5nMo0rQeLv02Sobarz9q9gF5HvUKEj3a-p2Zj8SeALpt6MpiI~Bntq7wautk2vYlC0Dmny5h--tbBpPw5p8GoPLB~89kRYxlHUkCswTe3B82htNEDCiiJ4UAs39AN-cKNbhTGpjUBo~yi8zTkuGhQGHVTyZI4RDc~Qc-AZxr4y3poXi7RNR9w1u38mWkl6mzN9SI5zDnBS9SuDEphhT4CtZYEFIaPLHIIvbhb7~YwCS3gkNRxuImUPDJB25vt~4ZxH128gv37UcRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Adrianna Bedego, a member of Girl Scout Troop 18044, asked the Roswell City Council on Wednesday to support a standardized process for retiring worn New Mexico state flags and described a Girl Scout project that informed House Bill 468.

Adrianna said she has participated in American flag retirement ceremonies and noticed New Mexico’s state flag lacked formal guidance. “New Mexico state flag should be retired when it's no longer suitable for display, such as when it becomes torn, baited, or worn,” she told the council, reciting preferred ceremonial procedures and safety guidance she researched for her Girl Scout project.

Her proposed guidelines include retiring flags that are no longer suitable for display, performing a dignified destruction (the preferred method she listed was burning performed safely), allowing public or private ceremonies under the direction of uniformed military personnel or patriotic societies, and following local fire‑safety and environmental rules for any burning. She also urged community participation and noted organizers should be mindful of materials and statewide regulations when disposing of flags.

Why it matters: Adrianna framed the proposal as a way to show respect for the state symbol and recommended clear community procedures. She said she supported House Bill 468, which she described as a legislative effort matching the ceremonial guidance she researched.

What happened next: Council members thanked Adrianna and asked to sign a poster from her project; no formal council action or ordinance was taken during the meeting.

Ending: Adrianna concluded by inviting councilors to participate in or support retirement ceremonies and to help publicize guidelines that would preserve the flag’s dignity.","Girl Scout Adrianna Bedego explained a Girl Scout bronze project and recommended ceremonial guidelines for retiring New Mexico’s state flag, citing House Bill 468 and safety and environmental considerations for burning ceremonies.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5987284,"Roswell council approves airport commercial‑use application amid debate over $300 fee and legacy subletting",990,3956000,4946000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5767409-85534d618244f3c292eeddb23a8b56b4&start=3956&end=4946","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5767409-85534d618244f3c292eeddb23a8b56b4/thumbnail_3956000.jpg","/articles/5987284/Roswell/Chaves-County/New-Mexico/Roswell-council-approves-airport-commercialuse-application-amid-debate-over-300-fee-and-legacy-subletting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5987284-1a65c3dd8de6e2c3a37ca752a1fdf01d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195025&Signature=A47j0c0u-ezuj3MNydloqXxh~hLcnaRcg5Txs0Qkn675eHWpj2T77IXYbBUJ~4GU9p25807svg60cRAPHibfY9FxvjyTR~I2J7EUPcYJMOwX13TAD5kppM4UFrNdurvURH~hpikLj2mg-KhzQfilE6pxZkj9-um8PGXdYwDVbhEOa7H4sOSkxjBDLZ9E-22oXfzByJtJun0hhvpoeZgwtggMJTDhyLsfPy-2pxXhksNdiwmHftJMzC0ehmaeiufZ9B4w~s1EUzDg2W-vyqPN~-ZwDq1j6499MuNUvFghJTDswMSTFwWnalCo-76e3EmJF1aKS5x~fplLk9qIyKVOZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Roswell City Council voted on Wednesday to advance a commercial‑operations application process for businesses at the Roswell Air Center after a lengthy discussion about a proposed $300 application fee and long‑standing subletting issues.

Airport manager Chelsea Thompson (presented in the meeting as Miss Thompson) told councilors the fee is intended to recover staff time and technical review required by aviation operations and environmental rules, including Federal Aviation Administration and Environmental Protection Agency obligations. “This, by contrast, we will be looking for applicable part … page 5 of your packet, you'll see the airframe and power plant maintenance, aircraft rental, avionics sales and maintenance, tankers storage, aircraft sales. These all have particularized … requirements for EPA, FAA, and on occasion TSA,” Thompson said.

Council debate focused on whether $300 was an appropriate application fee for businesses. One councilor proposed an amendment to lower the application fee; the council held a roll call on the amendment and the change failed by a vote of 8 against, 1 in favor. A legal committee member said the airport manager’s recommendation had passed the legal committee 5–0.

Why it matters: city staff said the airport has a legacy of long term leases that allowed subletting without notifying the city, creating situations in which people operate aviation businesses on city‑controlled property without the city or property owner knowing key regulatory, insurance and environmental details. Councilors were told at least eight long‑term leases predate current lease standards and the city is phasing older leases out as they are renewed.

Public‑safety and environmental context: councilors and staff raised contamination and safety concerns at the Air Center, including a past site fire and existing PFAS contamination that complicates emergency response and property management. Staff said a formal application process helps ensure tenants hold required insurance and follow safe disposal and operations practices.

Decision and next steps: the council approved the commercial‑operation application process and retained the $300 application fee after the failed amendment. Staff will continue implementation of the application process and will include verification steps for tenant insurance, environmental compliance and applicable FAA/TSA requirements; councilors may consider fee adjustments in future budget or ordinance actions.

Ending: Council members urged staff to provide further detail to the council about how the application will be implemented and how the city will bring older leases into current standards.","The council advanced a commercial‑operation application for the Roswell Air Center after a legal‑committee recommendation; an amendment to lower the application fee failed 8–1. Staff said the $300 fee recovers specialized compliance work related to FAA, TSA and EPA requirements and legacy subletting problems.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5987289,"Business owners, police and councilors press Roswell leaders to address downtown homelessness and mental-health gaps",1624,1421000,3045000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5767409-85534d618244f3c292eeddb23a8b56b4&start=1421&end=3045","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5767409-85534d618244f3c292eeddb23a8b56b4/thumbnail_1421000.jpg","/articles/5987289/Roswell/Chaves-County/New-Mexico/Business-owners-police-and-councilors-press-Roswell-leaders-to-address-downtown-homelessness-and-mental-health-gaps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5987289-9bf9a757ca43511aa6b7adcd3052d260/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195025&Signature=AIQy5YAA~2rgI3jI8434KbP8fT2fQncCR5sKsa-vMaPpe6VkaT-4EIm0AJC00BhTEppBN7pyNcnhWDFXgLzISfGzwgdv2l-oN8uxH2KN8FWu09RfRsgfk4lt5FKYfQVPx-cVA7luFmJuNWWGPYDUEVnnjpk1Seh-HIT6YuxhqSQmXtIwrAMAZt7wI5Rc8jziFbUW1TVxQ4ULA5NS~Kg056p-BR4K6FKd4CGpxbHIcIDx1bwZtah0-jzyeYhEuKbxbMvliOv3zS4oNMIgy3bTsvd82YEb3VhyRTzyaprzKLy5M-0lyyDD4YoKZNwO~W5tFyUwaCdJnUZKGhAZFrlSRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Business owners, residents and city police told the Roswell City Council on Wednesday that downtown homelessness has escalated into a public‑safety and public‑health problem that is affecting tourism and local businesses.

At public comment, Chuck Dwyer, who owns a downtown souvenir store and rents nearby properties, described repeated incidents he said have driven visitors away: “This air show with all these people … they’re seeing all this mess,” Dwyer said, and recounted calls to police after people exposed themselves and incidents involving hypodermic needles. His wife, Gina Dwyer, told the council she now carries pepper spray and sometimes changes parking to feel safe at work: “I don’t feel safe,” she said.

Roswell Police Chief Adam said police are making arrests but face limits because of staffing, judicial outcomes and short shelter stays. “We arrest them and we'll be good for a couple of days, but then they're right out on the street doing the same thing,” Chief Adam said, describing a pattern in which people arrested are sent to the local facility, Sunrise, for up to 72 hours and then return to the street.

Why it matters: witnesses and officials said visible disorder — public urination, drug paraphernalia, aggressive behavior and repeated arrests — is damaging downtown’s reputation at a time when tourists draw revenue to local businesses. City leaders and residents urged faster coordination with county and state partners and use of mental‑health and opioid‑response funding.

Councilors discussed short‑ and medium‑term responses but took no formal votes. Several members said they want a coordinated plan with the county, and one councilor said the county plans to issue a request for proposals in October for opioid funds; councilors encouraged applying for those dollars. A councilor offered to meet with the Dwyers to discuss local responses and next steps.

Officials and speakers identified three recurring constraints: a shortage of local behavioral‑health beds and long‑term care options, federal and state legal limits on punishing camping or public presence in some jurisdictions, and limited local capacity to hold people because courts or medical evaluations sometimes result in quick releases. Chief Adam said the department is short about 20 officers and that staffing limits policing presence downtown.

Speakers pointed to existing shelters and services the council does not directly control. Multiple speakers said Sunrise accepts people for 72‑hour evaluation holds, which can return people to the community after that period. Several councilors and the chief said a statewide streamlining of mental‑health resources and more state funding would help; one speaker noted recent mental‑health bills at the state level have allocated large sums that local officials should try to access for services.

What happened next: the council did not adopt an ordinance or funding measure during the meeting. Councilors asked staff to continue researching options and to coordinate with county and regional partners; at least one councilor asked staff to prepare information about applying for opioid‑response and mental‑health grants expected to be announced by the county.

Context and outlook: councilors and the chief described the situation as part of a wider, national pattern and said local fixes require partnerships with county, state and nonprofit providers. Several speakers urged action on outreach, shelter placement and mental‑health resources, while others warned that large congregate facilities can create different safety and service challenges and require sustained funding and staffing.

Ending: Council members encouraged residents to document incidents and to work with city staff and police to present specific funding requests to county and state grant processes; no formal timeline for a follow‑up was established at the meeting.","Business owners and the police described rising public-safety problems downtown, blamed revolving shelter stays and limited mental‑health capacity, and urged the city to coordinate with county and state resources and opioid‑fund opportunities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City submits $6.96 million Quality of Life grant application for UFO‑themed skate park; organizers promise events and community upkeep

Girl Scout presents guidelines supporting House Bill 468 for dignified retirement of New Mexico state flag

Roswell council approves airport commercial‑use application amid debate over $300 fee and legacy subletting

Business owners, police and councilors press Roswell leaders to address downtown homelessness and mental-health gaps