Commission approves $2.5 million appropriation to build Phase 1 parking at Mesa del Sol

Deputy County Manager Elias Archuleta presented a financial resolution to appropriate $2.5 million from the general fund balance for phase 1 construction of the Mesa del Sol parking-lot project and requested authorization for the county manager to award and execute a construction contract.

Archuleta said Phase 1 will construct about 300 parking spaces, improvements to the east access road, a pedestrian path and enhancements to the existing Bobby Foster access road. The total project area spans about 40 acres and the parking pad will be constructed atop sections of an existing landfill, requiring design coordination with the New Mexico Environment Department. Staff said the project will be executed in phases due to funding availability and that the county was attempting to complete Phase 1 during the current Live Nation concert season to address increased parking demand.

Deputy County Manager Shirley Reagan explained the $2.5 million had been assigned in the FY24 fund balance in a capital category and that staff was appropriating that assigned balance to the project now that design was complete. Commissioners asked about obligations on Bobby Foster Road and whether the county's share of road work was included; staff said the county will construct its portion and coordinate with developers who are building adjacent sections as properties develop.

Vice Chair Barbola moved approval; the commission approved the financial resolution and authorization by roll-call vote, 5–0. Staff said construction would begin early summer 2025, subject to permitting and coordination with the environment department.

Ending: Staff will manage procurement and environmental coordination for the landfill site and return with contract awards and project timelines as construction proceeds.