Sandoval County commissioners held an emergency meeting and adopted Resolution 11-3-26.3 declaring a state of disaster after heavy rains caused flooding that damaged roads and water infrastructure in parts of the county, and authorized emergency actions and requests for state and federal assistance.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner Jones described extent of flooding and damage to water infrastructure in the Jemez River and Rio Puerco watersheds, and noted previous 2006 flooding that broke an eight-inch water main serving Ojo Encino and Torreon.

Decisions

•Adoption of Resolution 11-3-26.3 declaring a state of disaster and emergency; urge Navajo Nation to declare disaster for affected chapters; request state and federal assistance.

Directions

•County Manager and Emergency Manager are authorized to procure and distribute potable water, coordinate mutual aid, and make emergency procurements.

Oct

County Commission

Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners met on Oct. 28, 2026. The board presented a lifesaving award to a Santa Fe police service aide, adopted a proclamation recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, heard public comments supporting local youth theater and criticizing the county's appeal in a redistricting lawsuit, and approved economic development, detention-center equipment, and judicial-complex construction actions.

Discussion Points

•Claim that county appealed summary judgment despite unfavorable ruling; legal expenses of about $180,000 already spent; possible total exposure near $500,000 if plaintiffs obtain attorney fees.
•Proclamation text read; commissioners supported recognition and community support for survivors.
•Project budget of $45,080,000 excluding tax; conceptual design elements including new courtrooms and support spaces; planned January start and estimated 18–24 month construction timeline; operational disruptions during construction noted.
•Speakers summarized the production's educational benefits and asked for continued discretionary funding to keep the group based in Sandoval County.
•State investment of $75,000; commitment to create six jobs over three years; Cactus Brewery’s private capital investment of $160,000 and payroll projection of approximately $300,000 over five years; county manager clarified this fiscal-agent role is distinct from general-services grant policy.
•Total project cost quoted at $462,176.73; replacement is comprehensive — doors, control rooms, hardware and software; current system is end-of-life.
•Undersheriff Gonzalez described the crash and rescue details; commissioners offered praise and tied the award to National First Responders Day.

Decisions

•Authorization approved by roll-call vote.
•Award presented; no formal action recorded.
•Contract awarded and authorization given to county manager to execute and manage amendments.
•Proclamation adopted and signed for the record.
•Resolution adopted; next step is publication and ordinance consideration.

Directions

•Authorize county manager to approve agreement and amendments
•County manager and county clerk to publish notice of intent
•County manager to manage procurement and construction scheduling

Oct

Planning and Zoning Board

Rio Rancho Planning & Zoning Board considered five land-use items on Oct. 27, 2026: two plats (a preliminary-plat extension for Lomas Encinitatis and a preliminary/final plat for UNM campus tracts), three variances (including an existing gazebo and a shed), and a zone-map amendment proposing light manufacturing/warehousing uses; all action items were approved.

Discussion Points

•Applicant said the structure sits on pavers and a neighbor provided a letter of support.
•Residents raised traffic, noise, diesel truck and hazardous‑material concerns; speakers said a traffic study and site‑plan review will be required later.
•Staff and applicant said the request adds uses already allowed in adjacent Business Tech Center areas and that design standards will mitigate impacts.
•Staff identified two proposed public roads (Lehi Gateway and Lobo Vista) and easement widths (50 ft drainage, 12 ft water line, 10 ft public utility).
•Staff noted the plat was originally approved under the pre‑Jan 2026 subdivision ordinance and found no code changes necessitating full re‑submission.
•Staff recommended denial citing code enforcement history and construction date (April 2023).
•Staff verified shed construction occurred between 2002 and 2004 and noted the parcel abuts undeveloped city land, reducing neighbor impacts.

Decisions

•Board approved the preliminary/final plat by roll call.
•Board approved the preliminary‑plat extension by roll call.
•Board approved the variance by roll call.
•Board recommended approval to the governing body by roll call.
•Variance approved 6–1 by roll call.

Directions

•Applicant to comply with conditions noted in staff report.
•Applicant to comply with findings and conditions prior to final plat recording and public‑works improvements.
•Applicant to comply with SU design standards including screening, landscaping and wall requirements.
•Applicant to submit construction plans and comply with stated findings and conditions.
•Future site‑plan approval must include traffic impact analysis and any NMDOT access approvals.
•No additional direction recorded beyond approval subject to findings.

Oct

Governing Body Regular Meeting

Rio Rancho City Council heard public forum comments on animal-welfare volunteer staffing and surveillance systems, considered two zoning ordinances (one died; one approved) tied to a 55-unit Lomas Encantadas development and disputed parkland sale/appraisal, and received the mayor's annual State of the City report.

Discussion Points

•Additional conditions proposed such as limiting access off Westphalia and placing septic tanks in front yards
•Advance community projects: multi-generational center, library renovation, kennel expansion
•Alleged Axon FUSIS $456,000 contract and ClearView AI line items in FY2024 budget
•Applicant proposal: 55 units, 2 commercial suites (1,851 sq ft), 103 parking spaces, building height limited to 36 ft
•Assertion the city uses Flock's statewide network making license plates searchable across participating cameras
•Claims of grant-funded ALPR expansion (304 cameras) and associated expenditures
•Council discussed possible mitigation (traffic calming, roundabout study, park improvements)
•Invest in public safety personnel and equipment
•Need to fill volunteer transfer coordinator position at Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center
•Potential partnerships with Wiggly Butts Foundation and local spay/neuter nonprofits to expand services in Sandoval County
•Prioritize road repairs and planned reconstruction projects
•Residents cited safety, traffic, potential classroom impacts, and alleged undervalued sale of 0.56 acres of parkland
•Staff noted SU zoning gives governing body more control vs existing C1 permissive uses
•TZ vs R2 zoning differences and why variances would be required for development under TZ
•Volunteers could assist with PetFinder listings and photography to improve adoption rates

Decisions

•Item dies for lack of motion
•Ordinance O13 approved (special-use SU)

Directions

•Continue project scoping and public outreach; open house scheduled for multi-gen facility Nov. 9
•If approved, developer must return for any material site-plan changes exceeding set thresholds

Oct

Governing Body Joint Work Session with Public Infrastructure Advisory Board

City staff and state geologists briefed the Rio Rancho governing body and Public Infrastructure Advisory Board on municipal water rights, utility operations, aquifer mapping and the city's aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) program; presenters said the city is ahead of its OSE offset schedule while ASR injections are increasing but not yet a full substitute for acquiring surface water rights.

Discussion Points

•Arsenic treatment and RO at Well 12
•Capital program ~$356M FY2027\u0002FY2031 (identifed $233M; need $123M)
•City\u0002s permit history and combined diversion rights (~26,439.16 acre-feet)
•Cumulative injection volumes (395 million gallons / ~1,172 acre-feet)
•Enterprise budget (~$78M) and customer counts (41,481 meters)
•Four hydrostratigraphic units underlie Rio Rancho (upper, middle, lower, Zia)
•Legal framework for water rights (beneficial use, prior appropriation)
•OSE offset schedule and required acquisitions (~728 acre-feet every five years; ~14,000 acre-feet total)
•Permitting distinction between NMED discharge limits and OSE crediting
•Potential cost savings vs. purchasing water rights
•Production volumes (~4.1 billion gallons FY2026; ~12,582 acre-feet)
•Recurring main breaks (~60/year) and target service-line replacements (500/year)
•Return flow and ASR can offset depletions but require technical demonstration to OSE
•TDS/salinity higher in Zia Horst area; implications for well siting
•Upper unit more permeable but geographically restricted; middle unit thicker and regionally important
•Water table depths vary widely (shallow near river, up to ~1,300 feet NW)
•Year-to-date 2026 injection surge after operations improvements

Directions

•Bureau will publish open-file report and digital maps; city to request targeted AEM flight areas if desired
•Staff to continue ramping AWTF operations, add a second AWTF well and provide technical data to OSE/NMED
•Staff to keep monitoring and report on acquisitions and ASR data for future OSE filings
•Staff to return with capital package and timing; coordinate water-line replacements with road projects

Oct

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission heard a presentation on a proposed multigenerational recreation center for a city-owned site at Northern and Rockaway, reviewed phased concept plans (phase 1: 50,000 sq ft sport-court building; phase 2: expanded amenities), cost estimates, timeline and public outreach, and approved the Sept. 21, 2026 minutes.

Discussion Points

•$2.5M identified for design; no construction funding yet.
•Commissioners requested adding Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful program highlights and tree giveaway details.
•Conceptual designs for a two‑phase multigenerational center introduced; public engagement requested.
•Design ~18 months; construction ~18 months (estimates).
•Designers prioritized a large sport-court volume for phase 1 to provide flexible indoor space.
•Design will meet state code and ADA and aim for universal accessibility by age and ability.
•Draft annual report due for the Dec. 17 governing-body meeting.
•Phase 1 includes locker rooms, storage, admin, and circulation and is designed for multi-use.
•Phase 1 program prioritized around a large sport-court volume (~50,000 sq ft).
•Phase 2 landscaping includes stormwater-harvesting areas intended as amenities (pollinator gardens, trails).
•Phase 2 to include tennis, pickleball, play areas, agility course and expanded parking.
•Public open house scheduled for Nov. 9 to solicit feedback.
•Stormwater harvesting proposed as on-site amenity to manage runoff and create gathering spaces.

Directions

•Bring revised materials back to the commission for further input before procurement.
•Explore funding options (grants, general fund, legislative sources).
•Hold an open-house public meeting in November and collect feedback.
•Staff to add specified highlights and circulate an updated draft before next meeting.

Oct

Planning and Zoning Board

Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board reviewed a zone map amendment and site plan for the 1.7895-acre Luxe at Lomas and Quintanas (55 apartments plus small commercial), heard extended public comment raising concerns about a recent sale of 0.56 acres of parkland and traffic/safety, recommended approval of the rezoning to the governing body, and considered many variances and a city-requested rezoning for a municipal operations annex.

Discussion Points

•Applicant and staff said acquisition was for access and the proposed residential plan produces fewer peak trips than many C1 commercial alternatives.
•Applicant emphasized community engagement, design revisions, and a traffic trip‑generation comparison showing lower peak trips than several commercial scenarios.
•Applicant requested narrow variances citing existing overhead splits and revised PNM standards allowing closer pole placement.
•Board took multiple votes; motions to approve variances repeatedly failed.
•Board voted to recommend approval of the zone map amendment and approved the variance.
•Buffer wall variance proposed for the Idalia Road frontage due to roadway and gas‑easement conditions.
•Multiple commenters demanded a comprehensive, independent traffic study that includes nearby apartment projects.
•Multiple residents argued the sale of 0.56 acres of parkland to the developer for $17,500 and increases in unit count were improper and raised safety concerns around nearby schools.
•Residents alleged undervalued sale of parkland (0.56 acres for $17,500) and increase in proposed unit count from 36 to 55.
•Staff recommended approval, highlighting code compliance, parking, landscaping and reduced height/density vs C1 alternatives.
•Staff recommended denial based on code that requires underground utilities and concern about setting inconsistent standards.
•Staff said rezoning to SU would unify adjacent city parcels and support municipal services.

Decisions

•Board recommended approval of zone map amendment to the governing body (motion passed).
•No variances were approved for items 4–19 during this meeting.
•Zone map amendment recommendation passed; fence variance approved by board.

Directions

•Applicant may revise applications or proceed with plans that include undergrounding; staff to continue enforcement of underground utility requirements.
•Forward packet and public comments to governing body for their consideration.
•Forward recommendations to governing body; reflect conditions in ordinance exhibits and variance findings.
•Record board recommendation to governing body; require a full traffic impact study prior to building permit.
•Record resident concerns for governing‑body packet; require full traffic impact study prior to permit stage.

Oct

Governing Body Regular Meeting

City of Rio Rancho governing-body meeting with public comment opposing a proposed rezoning at Camino Venata and Camino Encantadas, multiple construction contract awards (library renovation, street and utility projects), and presentations supporting the Higher Education Bond 3 and a Sandoval Regional Medical Center mill-levy renewal.

Discussion Points

•Behavioral-health services embedded in ER and available outpatient
•Call for removal of Planning & Zoning Board chair Scotty Richardson after Sept. 22 comments
•Claim that Flock searches capture vehicle movements without individualized suspicion
•CNM would receive $15,000,000 from Bond 3 for a technical-innovation center if passed
•Funding: FHWA grant with ~85% federal / ~15% local match
•Funding sources including FY27 general fund, Sandoval County Geo bond, state capital outlay
•Funding: water/wastewater impact fees and utility revenue sources
•Oversight: HDR to provide construction oversight to secure federal reimbursement
•Presenter emphasized no tax increase if bond passes
•Project scope: Nicholas Channel crossing, retaining walls, box culvert, erosion control
•Reference to recent federal court ruling describing Flock searches as 'indiscriminate mass surveillance'
•Reminded council of early and expanded voting windows ahead of Nov. 3
•Requests for independent oversight and transparency
•Requests that the rezoning application receive a fair hearing
•Schedule: begin in November; six-month construction window
•Scope: new mains, laterals, services for platted lots and maintenance facility
•Scope of renovations (flooring, lighting, bathrooms, program room expansion, backyard space)
•Service continuity plans during a January–May closure
•SRMC is the only trauma center in Sandoval County
•SRMC supports community clinics and partnership with local schools and colleges
•Traffic counts and pedestrian safety concerns at Camino Venata/Camino Encantadas intersection

Decisions

•Contract awarded and approved
•D64 and D65 approved
•D66 approved

Directions

•Proceed with contracts and schedule preconstruction work for December start
•Staff to begin outreach and finalize bookmobile/locker schedules

Sep

Salary Commission

The Sandoval County Salary Commission voted 4–1 to set a 12.11% salary increase for incoming countywide elected officials, effective Jan. 1 for newly elected or re-elected officeholders; staff presented comparative county pay data and benefit-history context during the discussion.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners questioned whether percentages included benefits and discussed market parity and candidate recruitment impacts.
•One commissioner expressed concern and recorded opposition to the motion.
•Ordinance silent on commission tenure.
•Plan to address tenure language and timing for future cycles.
•Staff clarified the difference between base pay and total compensation.
•Staff described comparator counties and methodology.
•Staff explained benefits are separate from base pay.
•Staff presented comparative pay data and recommended ranges (7.11%–12.11%).
•Staff recounted moving from a pooled city plan to self-funded coverage in 2022–23 and shifting to an 80/20 split.

Decisions

•Approved 12.11% increase for listed offices, passed 4–1.

Directions

•Staff to apply approved rate to incoming elected officials effective Jan. 1 and to provide implementation details to HR.
•Staff to clarify ordinance language on commission tenure and to prepare timeline to finalize process by March of the next election year.
•Staff to prepare ordinance language and present it to commission in upcoming months.

Sep

Governing Body Special Work Session

Work session of the Rio Rancho governing body covering a strategic-plan update, 2026–27 planning calendar and scheduling, potential policy changes including a civil monetary penalty system, and city manager priorities; no formal votes were taken.

Discussion Points

•$2,000,000 federal contribution reported; balance from ICIP or other sources.
•City Attorney explained civil monetary system removes jail from some ordinance enforcement.
•Council asked whether to prioritize the six 0% objectives or focus on the 45 in progress.
•Councilors broadly supported researching the topic and related code and procedural changes.
•Estimated total cost between $4.5M–$5M in ICIP.
•Initial design for phase 2 nearly complete.
•Open house set for Nov. 9 at Loma Colorado Library; consultants to present conceptual design.
•Site Readiness Advisory Committee approved a ~$1.5M award for city center site readiness and College Boulevard phase 2.
•Staff plans October board briefings and potential contract in early 2027 if input is favorable.
•Staff reported 27% complete, 65% in progress, 8% not begun on plan objectives.
•Tax expires June 30, 2028; rate is 0.25% (25¢ per $100).
•The tax generates about $6,000,000 annually based on staff comments.

Directions

•Staff to advertise the open house and return with design and cost updates following public input.
•Staff to fold federal award and remaining funding requirements into capital plan and budget processes.
•Staff to prepare informational briefings and a path for formal amendment to the strategic plan if council wants to prioritize the work.
•Staff to present repurposing options in December work session and integrate decisions into the January–May budget process.
•Staff to return with funding and sequencing options, potentially tied to the March bond window.
•Staff to return with prioritization options and potential strategic‑plan amendment if council requests reallocation.

Sep

Governing Body Regular Meeting

Rio Rancho governing-body meeting covered public forum concerns on water and surveillance technology, approval of a master-plan amendment and several local liquor-license transfers, and a contested request for a home-based winegrower license that the council denied after extended discussion. Staff updates and community announcements closed the meeting.

Discussion Points

•Applicant described a secured 210‑sq‑ft production area, federal and state preliminary approvals, and neighborhood outreach
•Clarification that expansion does not expand commercial zoning
•Council raised safety, enforcement, and precedent concerns (e.g., potential for microbreweries/distilleries to claim the same exception)
•Expansion of Paseo Gateway Master Plan to the east of Cleveland High School
•Local approval required before final state processing
•Resident recommended granting volunteer editor access to PetFinder to keep listings current
•Resident reported statewide aquifer declines and asked whether city data exist
•Resident requested clarity on independent audits, retention policy for downloaded footage, and public input/vote
•Resident urged proactive leak-detection technology rather than reactive repairs
•Staff noted the city can revoke home‑occupation permits and that state/federal inspections are possible
•Transfers due to a corporate merger; license includes packaged liquor sales
•Vendor contract creates vehicle 'fingerprint' data fields and allows sharing with third parties
•Volunteers staffed a recent adoption event and 16 dogs were present

Decisions

•D59 and D60 approved by roll call
•D61 failed on roll call
•Resolution R68 approved by roll call

Sep

Planning and Zoning Board

Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board considered subdivision plats, variances for a detached garage and a retail cannabis site, several zoning map amendments and postponed a large mixed‑use rezoning after applicant requested deferral; public comment raised concerns about a recent parkland sale and possible campaign contributions.

Discussion Points

•Applicant emphasized highway separation and local hiring plans.
•Applicant requested deferral to provide presentation and correct misinformation.
•Staff could not verify emails or documentation showing acceptance of a 6‑foot setback and found no physical lot irregularity to justify a variance.
•Staff described lot configuration (12 townhome lots), private 36‑foot internal streets, and required drainage and utility tracts.
•Staff described lot widths (~50 ft) and recommended R2 rezoning to reduce future variance needs.
•Staff explained property‑line measurement (shortest direct line) yields 251.5 feet; door‑to‑door is approx. 500 feet.
•Staff reviewed site plan and public comments; governing body had previously approved a land sale that is separate from zoning action.

Decisions

•Board approved preliminary plat and subdivision variance.
•Board recommended approval to governing body.
•Motion to approve the variance failed 1‑6.
•Postponement approved; public forum comments were accepted and recorded.
•Variance approved; board departed from staff recommendation.

Directions

•Applicant must meet conditions related to sidewalks, drainage tract dedication or fee and utility easements.
•Applicant to pursue permits and state licensing; board approved variance with conditions.
•Item postponed to Oct. 13; applicant to submit presentation materials to staff for public distribution prior to hearing.
•Owner may pursue administrative appeal or revise structure to meet the 15‑foot setback.
•Restrictions: no formal subdivision of the parcels and no rear access allowed per proposed conditions.

Sep

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

The Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation Commission met Sept. 21, 2026. Staff reported on cottonwood dieback in the Rio Rancho Bosque and planned tree removals, announced public meetings for a proposed multi-generation center, reviewed park impacts from recent heavy rain and maintenance plans, and the commission voted to move regular meetings to even-numbered months starting in 2027.

Discussion Points

•Concerns about holiday conflicts and workload for staff during busy programming months.
•Data on average canceled meetings (4 per year) and consideration of moving to bimonthly (even months).
•Extent of cottonwood dieback in the Rio Rancho Bosque and causes (lowered groundwater, historic low river levels).
•High school swim team season and tryouts; success of recent community events like pooch plunge.
•Planned responses: removal of downed trees, felling hazardous trees, removal of nonnative species, managed grazing, and potential replanting trials.
•Rain provided water savings but caused washouts and sediment at specific parks.
•Schedule and venues for upcoming presentations and public outreach regarding the multi‑generation center.
•Site status (former Stapleton Elementary) and phase 1 being all new buildings.
•Special Olympics practice schedule and lane sharing arrangements.
•Staffing shortages and expected continued rain limit immediate heavy repairs.

Decisions

•Motion approved by roll call; schedule change effective February 2027.

Directions

•Change to even‑numbered months beginning February 2027; staff to publish revised calendar and maintain ability to call special meetings.
•Continue to accommodate Special Olympics and schedule tryouts; coordinate with partners for lane sharing.
•Landscape architects to present at October commission meeting and public open house on Nov. 9; staff to seek community feedback.
•Monitor washouts until weather stabilizes; plan repairs using a combination of in‑house crews and contractors.
•Staff to coordinate with Forestry Department for tree removal and chip relocation; dates to be shared when scheduled.

Sep

Salary Commission

At its first meeting, the Sandoval County Salary Commission elected Lavinia Keeling as chair and a vice chair, heard an HR presentation on compensation options following a recent constitutional amendment that devolved salary-setting authority to county commissions, and tabled formal action on salary changes until a September 30 meeting when a draft resolution will be presented.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners and staff agreed additional data and a drafted resolution would be helpful before taking action.
•Commissioners discussed availability and scheduling constraints ahead of the November election.
•Commissioners questioned which positions and election cycles would be affected and the inflation assumptions used for multi‑year projections.
•Employee premiums and benefits availability for part‑time elected officials were clarified.
•Rodden explained that the amendment allowed county commissions to set pay; staff recommended a range based on a market study.
•Staff explained the legal requirement to adopt the Open Meetings Act in the first meeting of the year.
•Staff explained the process for electing leadership and the need to adopt the Open Meetings Act.
•Staff provided budget growth (approx. 5.2%), recent staffing increases, and population estimates to ground compensation deliberations.
•Timing was emphasized: staff requested action before the Nov. 3 election to affect Jan. 1, 2027 terms.

Decisions

•Agenda and Open Meetings Act were approved by voice vote.
•A vice chair was selected by voice vote.
•Lavinia Keeling elected chair by acclamation.
•No financial decisions taken; informational only.
•No formal salary decision made at this meeting; discussion only.
•Open Meetings Act adopted by commission vote.
•Salary ordinance discussion tabled to Sept. 30; resolution to be drafted by staff.

Directions

•Staff to draft a resolution with the suggested range or blanks for commissioners to fill at the next meeting.
•Staff to prepare a resolution and provide specified budget and population figures ahead of Sept. 30.
•Staff to provide additional budget increase and population change numbers and to draft a resolution.
•Staff will draft a salary resolution for consideration at the next meeting (Sept. 30 at 11:00 a.m.).

Sep

September 8, 2026 Regular Council Meeting

Corrales Village council meeting on 2026-09-08 covered a bike-rack pilot from the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, an administrator update that included EZ Fiber and a contested Gonzales restroom site-development plan tied to ARPA grant deadlines, multiple conservation-easement approvals, an overhead power-line variance, and an extended review of traffic code penalties and fines.

Discussion Points

•Applicant reported PNM demanded $10,000 for directional boring; council considered whether village practices deter building.
•Applicant will install infrastructure for fire access and obtain bids for culvert crossing.
•ARPA pass‑through funds must be spent by 12/31/2026; extension is uncertain.
•Consideration of repeat‑offender surcharges and whether penalty schedule should be a standalone adjustable document.
•Council proposed emergency P&Z meeting, appeals, variance, or local funding as possible remedies.
•Existing equestrian-trail easement will remain and is maintained by the owner currently.
•Option to round fines to $50 increments to simplify administration.
•Presenters proposed upcycled bike racks made of donated steel frames, with community artists decorating finished racks.
•Presenters want the commission to facilitate fabrication and placement rather than manufacture racks themselves.
•Proposal for higher penalties for school‑zone, pedestrian and bicycle‑involved incidents.
•P&Z added conditions that staff says require a full site development plan.
•Safety concerns due to narrow, one‑lane road and transformer placement were raised.

Decisions

•Ordinance 26‑07 approved; owner can proceed with private conversion.
•Resolution 26‑60 approved; staff follow-up requested.

Directions

•Council asked staff to provide locations and cost estimates for pilot placements.
•Staff to advise whether fee changes can be adopted without republishing the full traffic code.
•Staff to draft a simplified penalty assessment schedule using $50 increments and return for further council review.
•Staff to ensure permits and easement language reflect the agreement and that fire department requirements are met.
•Staff to examine franchise agreement and permitting to better enable economical underground service when appropriate.
•Staff to explore emergency P&Z meeting or variance ability and report by Friday.
•Staff to pursue extension options and prepare a full site plan and return with timeline.

Sep

Governing Body Regular Meeting

Public forum included sharp criticism of license-plate reader surveillance and a resident demand for refunds after water-billing errors. The governing body denied a site-plan for a Maverick gas station after residents and several councilors raised traffic and safety concerns tied to limited access from NM-528.

Discussion Points

•Councilors criticized NMDOT's access decision and debated whether the site's ingress/egress meets SU district standards.
•Councilors discussed whether additional property or negotiation could change spacing calculations.
•Councilors said NMDOT's right-in-only determination would route traffic onto residential streets and raised concerns about corridor safety and development.
•Resident reported failure to prorate bills since FY2020 and asked when credits will be issued.
•Residents presented independent traffic counts and raised safety and drainage concerns.
•Speakers alleged accuracy problems and data-sharing risks with AALPR systems and urged council review.

Decisions

•Consent calendar approved; D23 failed in roll call.
•Motion to approve D23 failed; no site-plan approval granted.

Directions

•Applicant may return with revisions or additional NMDOT approvals.
•City manager outlined a phased schedule of credits rolling out beginning Aug. 11; residents could request manual credits.
•Staff and applicant to continue engagement with NMDOT; council voiced support for broader corridor review.
•Staff to maintain required conditions (turn lane construction and drainage mitigation) in any future submittal.

Sep

County Commission

Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners held a meeting that included a proclamation declaring September 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, public comment and a unanimous resolution opposing a proposed transfer of lands into Cochiti Pueblo trust tied to road closures, acceptance of the countyproperty tax rate certificates for 2026, and direction to publish notice for a proposed ordinance regulating automated license-plate-reader systems.

Discussion Points

•Appointment name was transcribed inconsistently; clerk record required for authoritative spelling.
•Caleb Rivera described a community event (artisan farmers market) with detailed schedule and logistics.
•Commissioner Herr presented the proclamation with state statistics and training resources.
•Commissioners expressed support and personal reflections on the issue.
•Consent agenda adopted unanimously.
•County attorney clarified the measure would not apply inside municipal boundaries.
•Public commenters described closed roads (Forest Road 268/Bland Canyon) and local impacts to wood gathering, recreation, and agriculture.
•Sponsor said the ordinance creates a permitting scheme for ALPRs in county right of way.
•Staff emphasized the lack of a limited waiver of sovereign immunity for the road issue, complicating county enforcement of rights of way.
•Staff presented estimated taxpayer impacts and explained statutory obligation to accept tax-rate certificates.
•Three taxing entities had not yet verified rates; staff will follow up.

Decisions

•Commission adopted resolution opposing the transfer without enforceable protections and directed staff follow-up.
•Commission approved publication of notice for the ALPR ordinance.
•Commission voted to accept the tax-rate certificates for 2026.
•Consent agenda approved; appointment recorded; community event promoted by commissioners.
•The board entered the proclamation declaring September 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month into the record.

Directions

•Clerk to confirm official spelling of appointee and update minutes.
•Publish notice and commence public-review process for the proposed ordinance.
•Staff to continue outreach and return if any taxing entity requests corrections before the statutory deadline.
•Staff to pursue administrative remedies with BIA and to coordinate with congressional delegation and state partners.

Aug

Governing Body Regular Meeting

Public commenters urged changes to the Rio Rancho Animal Resource Center and raised privacy concerns about license‑plate readers and surveillance; council approved a 32‑unit townhome site plan, two well rehabilitation contracts and a consolidated Axon contract for body‑worn cameras and related services.

Discussion Points

•Applicant to satisfy conditions: summary plat, drainage, landscaping, accessible park or fee in lieu.
•Consolidation of three Axon contracts into a single 90‑month agreement with added features (25 cameras, auto‑tagging, translation, VR).
•Costs and capacities for Well 7 and Well 15 were presented.
•Mayor Weimer recommended residents watch the police department's prior presentation for the department's perspective.
•Public concerns about privacy and Fourth Amendment implications; councilors clarified the contract covers body‑worn equipment, not traffic/ALPR devices.
•Residents reported dumped puppies (07/27/2026) and cited euthanasia counts from a FOIA request as concerning.
•Speakers said residents did not consent to being logged by private ALPR vendors and asked the council to remove existing cameras or pause new contracts.
•Staff confirmed three parks within 0.5 miles could meet parkland requirements.
•Timeline: several months after PO issuance; work done concurrently to reduce total schedule.
•Volunteer policy currently prohibits volunteers from walking dogs or taking them to play yards (stated by Nicole Graber).

Decisions

•D52 approved by roll call
•D53 approved by roll call
•D54 approved by roll call

Aug

Investment Advisory Board

The Rio Rancho Investment Advisory Board met to review Open Meetings Act requirements, hear a briefing on the voter-approved permanent fund and city investment portfolios, and receive asset-allocation recommendations from outside adviser Government Portfolio Advisers.

Discussion Points

•Agenda publication and notice timelines
•Approval of Feb. 18 minutes
•Avoiding rolling quorums and decorum rules
•Board's advisory role for 50% of earnings
•Board vacancies and process to fill or reelect vice chair
•Bond proceeds investment and matching maturities
•Compliance constraints and maturity/issuer limits
•History of the permanent fund and contributions
•How earnings have been treated (reinvested vs. expended)
•Operating/core portfolio yields and structure
•Periodic rebalancing with 2% variance
•Proposed reduction in credit exposure and buy into core bond portfolio
•Recommended target allocations (55/40/5 split)
•Recusal disclosure and statement of economic interest requirement
•Vice chair vacancy noted in minutes

Decisions

•Minutes approved by roll call
•Place vice‑chair election on next agenda

Directions

•Clerk to circulate rules and agenda links
•Clerk to include vice‑chair election on next agenda

Aug

Public Infrastructure Advisory Board

The City of Rio Rancho Public Infrastructure Advisory Board convened for an organizational meeting: members were sworn in or confirmed present, staff introduced utilities and public works leadership, the board elected Raymond Mitchell as chair and Raquel Gomez as vice chair, and the board adopted its 2026–27 meeting schedule including a joint Oct. 20, 2026 work session on water and sewer systems.

Discussion Points

•Avoidance of rolling quorums; procedures for motions, seconds, discussion and roll-call votes; recusal and economic interest statements; public forum rules.
•Nomination and acceptance of leadership positions; brief roll-call votes recorded by the clerk.
•Overview of departmental responsibilities and staff who will support the board's work.
•Purpose of Oct. 20 joint work session described; schedule adoption process and notice to public.

Decisions

•Meeting schedule adopted for 2026–27.
•Mitchell elected chair; Gomez elected vice chair.

Directions

•Board members encouraged to ask questions and prepare for upcoming budget season.
•Members to avoid out-of-meeting discussions about agenda items; consult clerk on questions.
•Staff to notice the adopted schedule and post agendas and materials.

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