Los Ranchos trustees adopt FY2027–2031 ICIP, amend El P. road scope

The Village of Los Ranchos Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Monday to adopt Resolution 20250605, approving the village—s FY2027'1031 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) as amended.

Mayor Lawrence Rail called the special meeting to order and, after a presentation by consultant Sky, the board considered the ICIP packet and a set of live Slido rankings submitted by roughly 20'1 voters during the meeting. "So, we—re here tonight to talk about the infrastructure capital improvement plan for fiscal years 27 through 31," Sky said, explaining that the ICIP is a five-year roadmap intended to guide funding requests to state and federal sources.

The ICIP packet included projects across open space, community facilities, economic development and transportation. Representative project line items and proposed budget estimates presented to the board included: $1.5 million for the Agri Nature Center (purchase of water rights, construction and equipping); $3.5 million listed for acquisition, improvement and maintenance of open space (including Del Norte); $3.5 million for municipal center renovations at the Anderson House; $500,000 for upgrades at the Alfredo Garcia community barn; $15 million for Rio Grand Boulevard reconstruction; $28 million for Four Street renovation and repair; $1.65 million for Osuna improvements (Second–Fourth); and $12 million for sound barriers along Po del Norte. Staff characterized these numbers as preliminary engineering estimates.

Trustees and staff emphasized that adding a project to the ICIP does not commit the village to a final use or construction plan. "This is a five-year plan of things we are entering. It does not mean that everyone is signing on for every for it to just be run with," Mayor Rail said, noting the ICIP can fund planning or stabilization so the village and community can decide later how to use a site.

Trustee Benovitas moved and the board approved an amendment to change the scope of the El P. reconstruction project to extend the termini from Second Street to Rio Grand Boulevard; the amendment passed on a roll-call vote. The formal vote on the ICIP (Resolution 20250605) was then taken. The roll-call shows Trustee Benvitas, Trustee Kefir, Trustee Renovich and Trustee Rhina voted yes; the resolution passed.

Several trustees called for more systematic community engagement going forward. Trustee Kefir said the ICIP process should be tied to a more comprehensive, strategic plan for village properties and recommended completing projects before starting new large undertakings. Others recommended a "scientific" or broader survey to reach residents who could not attend or vote in the live Slido session.

Concerns about poll participation were raised during public comment. Resident David Mononttoya said some people could not join the live poll and asked whether earlier survey results (from prior public meetings) would be included; staff replied those prior rankings were part of the cumulative packet and reiterated that the ICIP is a "living document" that can be revised.

The board directed staff to circulate the final Slido results to trustees and to continue community outreach as the village pursues funding opportunities with the Mid-Region Council of Governments, state DOT and other potential grant sources. The meeting adjourned at about 7:45 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 20250605 (Adopt FY2027'1031 ICIP, as amended) —Vote: 4 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain. Trustees recorded: Trustee Benvitas (yes); Trustee Kefir (yes); Trustee Renovich (yes); Trustee Rhina (yes).