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Residents air complaints about conduct at P&Z meeting and urge civility
Summary
Multiple residents used public input to criticize the tone and conduct of recent Planning & Zoning meetings, including a written complaint alleging unprofessional behavior and an accusation that an elected official operated a short-term rental without a permit; other residents asked for decorum and support for P&Z commissioners.
During the public-input portion of the March 24 meeting, a resident who identified herself later in discussion as Miss Lucero read a written complaint alleging unprofessionalism and bullying by certain commissioners at a recent Planning & Zoning meeting and accused Mayor Pro Tem Merrick of operating a short-term rental (STR) without a required town permit. "I am just appalled by these ongoing attacks... I think it's a form of discrimination and a form of bullying," the speaker said, and asked the board to "find a solution." The speaker also referenced behavior at a March 17 P&Z meeting and urged trustees to address conduct concerns.
Other speakers urged restraint and support for the commission. "I am just stunned and appalled... I don't think our comments should be personal attacks," said Dasha Balshabha Estrada, urging civility. Another commenter, Bridal Witter, asked trustees to publicly back planning commissioners and cautioned against personal remarks during hearings.
The chair allowed a reopening of public comment with unanimous consent and directed staff to follow normal complaint or inquiry procedures; trustees discussed the need for training and referenced an upcoming New Mexico League session on Robert's Rules and meeting procedure. No formal disciplinary action or investigation was initiated during the meeting; the complaint was entered into the public record.
The accusations include an allegation of an unpermitted STR by an elected official. Trustees did not adjudicate that allegation at the meeting; staff did note the town recently adopted an STR ordinance and that compliance and tax-collection work is underway. The meeting record shows the public comment was taken under advisement for possible follow-up by the board or staff.
