Historic-preservation RFP, staffing and archaeologist briefing flagged for board review

Members of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board on Nov. 5 said they had not had time to review materials circulated about the New Mexico State Cultural Resource Manager work plan and asked that detailed discussion be moved to the next meeting.

A staff liaison said the RFP for a historic-preservation plan is available through the county procurement portal but requires a bidder/contractor account to access, which has limited board members' ability to review the solicitation. Board members asked staff to circulate the proposal or a PDF and agreed to review the work plan and RFP materials ahead of a January discussion.

The chair reported that the county received two applicants for a recent vacancy: one was not selected and the other withdrew, so the county expects to re-advertise the position. Members discussed ways the board can help advertise the opening, including taking printed flyers to community bulletin boards and senior centers.

Members also asked that a county archaeologist who was referenced in staff notes be invited to explain their role and how archaeological review would be incorporated into the historic-preservation plan. Staff said there was a shortlist of about four consultant candidates and that county staff were talking with three of them.

Next steps: staff will brief the board on the RFP and work-plan materials in January, invite the archaeologist to present, and follow up on re-advertising the vacancy and how the board can aid outreach.