Bernalillo adopts ordinance shifting alley weed control to the town

Mayor Jack Torres and the Town Council adopted Ordinance 354 on Aug. 12, 2024, changing the town's weed‑control rules so the municipality, rather than adjacent property owners, is responsible for mowing and removing weeds in alleys and other public rights‑of‑way.

Stephanie Shumsky, the ordinance presenter, told Council that "Ordinance 354 was introduced to Council on June 24th, I did receive a couple comments, which I've incorporated into your final copy," and that the amendment's purpose was to transfer alley and right‑of‑way weed responsibilities to the Town. The ordinance updates the Town's weed ordinance to address noxious plants and fire and health hazards.

Mayor Torres told the Council that the change responds to recurring public‑safety concerns. "What we have run into is too many instances with sometimes needles or other substances," he said, and added that staff in Public Works "will be able to get to caught up" but that work will proceed "alley by alley" and will not be immediate. He asked for patience from residents as crews work through the backlog.

There was no public comment during the hearing. Councilor Torres‑Quintana moved to approve Ordinance 354; Councilor Valverde seconded the motion. The ordinance passed on a unanimous roll call vote.

The ordinance text defines prohibited growth, duties for owners and the Town, notice procedures, methods of removal and penalties for noncompliance. Under the adopted amendment, if property owners cannot be located or do not comply within required timeframes, the Mayor may cause weeds to be cut and the costs become a lien on the property.

The council did not set a timeline for full completion of alley maintenance; Mayor Torres said Public Works will proceed systematically through the town.

The council meeting packet includes the full text of Ordinance 354.