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Council tables easement request for proposed battery-storage transmission across landfill buffer
Summary
Trustees tabled a proposed overhead easement through a landfill buffer to allow a battery storage developer access to the PNM substation after staff and a consultant described appraisal-based payments and councilors raised concerns about assignment rights and permit impacts.
The Board of Trustees discussed a proposed overhead easement request from Westway Six Bess LLC on Feb. 26 and voted 4-0 to table the agreement for further review. Michael Jaramillo and consultant Larry Guggino presented appraisal findings and proposed payment terms for an easement crossing a buffer adjacent to the village’s former landfill. Jaramillo said the highlighted parcel is a buffer area of the landfill permit and that the proposed easement would include two permanent poles for an overhead transmission line.
Guggino described the appraisal approach and proposed payment structure. According to the presentation materials and Guggino’s remarks, the company would make a $5,000 annual payment while not building on the site and — once construction begins — pay a per-square-foot rate over a 25-year schedule with 5-year escalations. The transcript records two figures discussed in sequence: "$202.32 a square foot" and later "$2.32 a square foot." Michael Jaramillo also expressed concern about assignment rights and the potential effect on the village’s landfill permit if an easement were sold or transferred.
Councilor Matthew Chavez asked whether operations would be possible beneath the lines; staff replied yes. Councilors said they wanted to ensure any transfer or assignment would not jeopardize the village’s permit and asked staff to do further review. Councilor Romero moved to table the easement agreement; Councilor Chavez seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
Why it matters: The easement could allow private energy development adjacent to village property and may affect the village’s landfill permit and future access across Pioneer Trail; councilors asked staff to review assignment terms and permit implications before returning the item for action.
