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Commissioners press staff on code revisions, enforcement and local projects
Summary
Commissioners asked for faster action on VC zone revisions, raised enforcement and silt/dust concerns at the Osuna/Fourth Street project, questioned a large metal-sided structure on Chamas, and were told the village will seek county/state enforcement where appropriate and has staffing hires pending.
Following the variance hearing, commissioners used their reports period to press staff on multiple villagewide matters, from pending code revisions to enforcement and project landscaping.
Commissioner Haywood asked when the VC (village commercial) revised code would appear in the commission packet; Brennan Williams said affected property owners were notified and the item is planned for the June meeting. "It's planned to be in front of the commission at the June meeting with other items," Williams said, but commissioners urged that the moratorium not expire before the new standards are in place.
Several commissioners raised concerns about landscaping and dust control at the Osuna and Fourth Street project. Commissioner Edward said the built landscaping looked sparse compared with the approved plan and asked how the village audits landscape compliance. Commissioner Tagley Pedra and others pressed staff about silt fencing and stormwater protection (SWPP/SWIP). Williams said many of those enforcement responsibilities fall to county or state agencies; Mr. Chapel noted that the Albuquerque Air Quality Board (air/water control authority) has jurisdiction to enforce open-area dust and silt standards and has issued fines in the past.
Commissioners also flagged a large metal-sided building on Chamas that appears out of scale with nearby residences and may be hosting commercial activity. Commissioner Barrow said neighbors reported ongoing truck traffic and asked whether the structure had permits; staff said suspected violations should be reported by email so the department can investigate, and staff will check for business permits in village records.
On access and safety, commissioners asked whether ingress and egress at the Osuna apartment complex can be modified to reduce unsafe left turns. Williams said the site-plan appeal period has expired and village staff are coordinating with the developer on signage and any needed changes.
Commissioners also sought updates on enforcement staffing and local ordinances. Williams said two hires — a planner/code enforcement officer and a finance assistant — are on the board agenda, and Mr. Chapel said a draft ordinance related to homelessness is scheduled for the Board of Trustees' May 20 agenda for publication.
Several commissioners asked for a brief update at the next meeting on the Fourth Street project's timing, landscaping status, and any follow-up from county or state enforcement agencies. The commission did not take formal action on these items during the May 13 meeting but recorded the requests for staff follow-up.
