Los Lunas adopts rewrite of Municipal Planning Commission rules, raises commissioner pay

The Village of Los Lunas Board of Trustees voted June 11 to adopt Ordinance No. 485, a comprehensive revision to Chapter 2.36 of the municipal code governing the Municipal Planning Commission. Community Development Director Alex Ochoa told the council the update modernizes language, removes outdated provisions, clarifies the distinction between advisory and decision-making authority, and aligns local rules with applicable state statutes.

The ordinance also raises commissioner compensation from $30 per meeting to a rate equivalent to approximately $120 per meeting, a change staff said reflects prior budget workshop discussions. Councilor Gino Romero moved to approve the ordinance; Councilor Matthew Chavez seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 3–0 (Councilors Runyon, Romero and Chavez voting yes). The council recessed for a public hearing during the item; no members of the public spoke in opposition or comment.

In outlining the changes, Ochoa reviewed membership structure, appointment processes, officer positions, meeting scheduling requirements and quorum standards. The council and staff discussed how the revised chapter will affect appointment timelines and vacancy procedures; the ordinance language is intended to clarify the commission’s powers and duties and provide consistent procedures for removals and vacancies.

The council adopted Ordinance 485 at the meeting; staff indicated the change will be incorporated into the Village Code and used in future commission appointments.