Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Legal Compliance And Staffing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
MPO board adopts Open Meetings Act compliance resolution and authorizes executive director negotiations
Summary
The policy board adopted Resolution 25-01 certifying compliance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act and approved Resolution 25-02 to begin contract negotiations to convert the MPO staff position into an executive director role.
The Mesilla Valley MPO policy board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 25-01 certifying the board’s compliance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act for calendar year 2025. The board also approved Resolution 25-02 authorizing the policy board to begin contract negotiations to convert the existing MPO staff position into an MPO executive director position and to enter negotiations with Andrew Ray.
Legal counsel from Kemp Smith delivered an Open Meetings Act overview and highlighted the Act’s notice, agenda and minute-taking requirements. Counsel and staff emphasized the civil and criminal enforcement mechanisms available under the Act, including court enforcement and possible misdemeanor penalties. During the presentation, counsel misstated the misdemeanor fine amount as $5,000; staff corrected the record and said the correct figure is $500.
Resolution 25-02 authorizes MPO staff, including legal counsel, to begin negotiations with Mr. Ray and to return to the board for approval of any contract terms. The motion to begin negotiations was presented as a preliminary, nonbinding authorization; the board will consider final contract terms at a later meeting.
Both resolutions passed by roll-call vote.
