Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Jake Lopez Community Building

Roosevelt County Fairgrounds

Portales, New Mexico 88130

 

The Roosevelt County Commission met in regular business meeting on Tuesday May 25, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in the Jake Lopez Community Center with those present being: Commissioner Tina Dixon, Commissioner Dennis Lopez, Commissioner Shane Lee, Commissioner Paul Grider, Manager Amber Hamilton, County Attorney Randy Knudson, County Clerk Mandi Park, County Service Specialist Silke Humpe, County Treasurer Layle Sanchez, GIS Coordinator Johnny Montiel, Road Superintendent Ricky Lovato, Equipment Operator III Efren Urias, Financial Specialist Liliana Rivera,  Vicki Grider, Executive Director RCCDC Jim Lucero, NMDOT District 2 Engineer Francisco Sanchez, NMDOT Director of Local Government Relations George Dodge Jr., and Eastern NM News Editor Kevin Wilson.

 

Commissioner Savage was absent.

 

Call to Order – Commissioner Dixon at 9:00 a.m.

Invocation – County Manager Hamilton

Pledge – Commissioner Dixon

 

Approval of Agenda:

A motion to approve the agenda was made by Commissioner Lee with a second from Commissioner Lopez.  Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

Approval of Minutes:

A motion to approve minutes of the May 6, 2021 special meeting was made by Commissioner Grider with a second from Commissioner Dixon.  Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.  A motion to approve minutes of the May 20, 2021 budget workshop was made by Commissioner Dixon with a second from Commissioner Lee.  Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

Approval of Accounts Payable and Payroll:

A motion to approve accounts payable and payroll from April 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021 was made by Commissioner Lee with a second from Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

Public Requests: Commissioner Dixon asked if there were any public requests. There were none.

 

Elected Officials/Department Heads Report:

Commission: Commissioners welcomed Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Dodge from the New Mexico Department of Transportation.  Mr. Sanchez introduced himself and thanked the commission for the opportunity to do so. Mr. Sanchez stated his goal is to build and continue relationships established by his predecessor. His office is currently working to do a full evaluation of what works, what doesn’t, and what needs improvement. He noted some recent changes in commercial vehicle traffic in Roosevelt County due to the wind farm. He stated they are prioritizing appropriations for state route improvements. He stated Local Transportation Public Fund (LTPF) funding is available. He stated they are reviewing the STIP, which is the district’s 4-year plan. There are currently no Roosevelt County projects on the STIP. Ms. Hamilton stated Roosevelt County has a project shovel to apply for LTPF funding. Commissioner Lopez thanked Mr. Sanchez for coming and for putting Roosevelt County on the radar. Commissioner Dixon asked Mr. Sanchez to consider improvements to NM 114 all the way to the state line. Ms. Hamilton asked Mr. Dodge for assistance with permitting issues with the State Land Office pertaining to the fencing along NRRAV.

Mr. Dodge introduced himself in his role with NMDOT. He stated he represents the entire state, working with local governments, municipalities, schools and the six district engineers as well as the legislature to secure funding for roads and road improvement projects. Mr. Dodge also stated that he and Secretary of Transportation Sandoval consider roads and routes in rural communities a top priority. He praised the Senators and Representatives from the eastern side of the state for their assistance in securing 20 million in state funds for District 2. The commission thanked Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Dodge for attending today’s meeting and for being willing to work with local governments to improve the state routes within Roosevelt County. Mr. Dodge assured Ms. Hamilton he would follow-up with the State Land Office.

 

Treasurer: Ms. Sanchez gave the report for March 2021, stating there was a general fund beginning cash balance of $5,835,067.85, increases (debits) of $433,267.94, and decreases(credits) of $2,292,625.16 leaving a general fund ending cash balance of $3,975,710.63.

 

 

Finance: Ms. Rivera gave a recap of March expenditures and the 3rd Quarter report as submitted to Department of Finance Administration.  She stated as of the end of March at 75% of the fiscal year, all departments and offices are at or below 75% of their budgets.

 

Planning: Mr. Montiel presented the findings of the FEMA preliminary maps, stating they had completed the mapping process and would soon publish the maps in local newspapers. Findings must be published for 10 consecutive weeks. Following the second publication, a 90-day review period will begin, allowing the public to make comments and appeals. Following the comment and appeal process, that commission will have 6 months to adopt a new flood-plain ordinance and submit it to FEMA. Prior to the current mapping most of Roosevelt County had a classification of “D” meaning unclassified, or no study had been conducted. These maps establish a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for areas of the county that were previously unclassified. Commissioners Lopez and Lee questioned how the new maps effect land owners and developers. Mr. Montiel stated the maps would require some home owners to obtain flood insurance for federally backed mortgages, but they also give developers the information that they need to make decisions and receive funding and the required permits for future developments.

 

Manager: Ms. Hamilton started by welcoming Mr. Efren Urias to the meeting and thanking him for 25 years of services to the road department. Mr. Urias will be retiring soon and will be missed. The commission also thanked Mr. Urias for his expertise and years of service.

Ms. Hamilton reminded the commission that the June meetings will be rescheduled to June 8th and June 22nd to better align with the needs of the county departments and offices, including awarding upcoming bids.

Ms. Hamilton announced the NMCIA Workers Compensation Pool has voted to reduce premiums to current members by 50% for FY22.

Ms. Hamilton reminded the commission that they had received correspondence from the Secretary of State’s office, outlining the duties, responsibilities of the commission and the timeline for boundary adjustments as a result of the 2020 census.  Ms. Park stated she will bring two precinct boundary adjustment recommendations to the commission next month as a result of high voter turn-out in the 2020 general election. The census boundary adjustments will happen later in the year when those numbers are available from the federal government.

Ms. Hamilton stated the American Recovery Fund Act (ARFA) is currently open for public comment, for those seeking clarification not covered in the 150+ page announcement.

 

Procurements – Contracts – Agreements:

  1. Request for Approval of License Agreement with Wellpath LLC for Electronic Medical Record Access for the Roosevelt County Detention Center: Hamilton requested the license agreement be approved. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to approve the License Agreement with Wellpath LLC for Electronic Medical Record Access for the Roosevelt County Detention Center, with a second from Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

  1. Request for Approval of Renewal and Sixth Amendment to the Agreement for Comprehensive Health Care Services at the Roosevelt County Detention Center: Hamilton stated the Detention Center has been pleased with Wellpath LLC. She noted they are familiar with the MAT program and will bill for the MAT program separately to aid in book keeping for the grant and reporting requirements. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve the renewal and sixth amendment to the agreement for comprehensive healthcare services at the Roosevelt County Detention Center, with a second from Commissioner Lee. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

  1. Ratification of Agreement for Electric Service for Milnesand Volunteer Fire Department Tower: Hamilton stated the Milnesand Volunteer Fire Department needed to move their communications tower, and therefore needed electrical services through Roosevelt County Electric Coop at that new location. Commissioner Lee made a motion to ratify the agreement for electric service for Milnesand Volunteer Fire Department Tower, with a second from Commissioner Lopez.  Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

  1. Request for Approval to Accept Grant Award for Summer Enrichment Project: Hamilton reminded the commission about the summer internship program presented at the May 25th budget meeting, stating the grant agreement in the amount of $79.346.00 had been received this morning. The grant would cover wages for 3 coordinators and up to 40 students, with a goal of matching high school seniors with positions in an area of interest or potential career field and provide those students with skills and experience that would make them more employable. Commissioner Lee made a motion to accept the grant award for summer enrichment project, with a second by Commissioner Dixon. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes

 

  1. Request for Approval to Accept American Rescue Plan Act Funding: Hamilton requested approval to accept the ARFA Grant which would provide more than 407 million dollars in federal funding to New Mexico. While there is no formal contract, $3,593,408.00 has been allocated for Roosevelt County.  Commissioner Dixon made a motion to accept American Rescue Plan Act funding, with a second from Commissioner Lee.  Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

  1. Request for Approval of Scope of Work with Behavioral Health Services Department and Roosevelt County for RISE Project Funding for Continuation of MAT Program in FY22 at the Roosevelt County Detention Center: Hamilton requested approval of the scope of work stating there are no changes to the scope of work, it is simply a continuation. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to approve the scope of work with Behavior Health Services Department and Roosevelt County for RISE Project Funding for continuation of MAT Program in FY22 at the Roosevelt County Detention Center, with a second by Commissioner Dixon.  Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

Resolutions – Ordinances – Proclamations:

  1. Consideration of Resolution 2021-24 4th Quarter Part I Budget Adjustment: A motion to approve Resolution 2021-24 4th Quarter Part 1 Budget Adjustment was made by Commissioner Lee with a second by Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

New Business:

  1. Request to Consider Reinstatement of Membership with Eastern Plain Council of Government: Commissioners Dixon and Lopez expressed a desire to re-join EPCOG at a cost of just over $3500.00. Commissioner Lee stated Roosevelt County has been successful in finding and obtaining funding and lobbying on behalf of the County in the time since leaving EPCOG. Mr. Lee also stated he prefer the Commission and Ms. Hamilton continue to represent Roosevelt County. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to reinstate membership with Eastern Plains Council of Government, with a second by Commissioner Dixon. Commissioner Grider-No, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-No, Commissioner Lopez-Yes. The motion failed by a vote of 2-2.

 

  1. Consideration of and Request for Approval of the FY22 Preliminary Budget: Commissioner Lopez made a motion to go into Public Hearing prior to the approval of the FY22 preliminary budget, with a second by Commissioner Lee. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes. Public Hearing for the Presentation of FY22 Preliminary Budget began at 10:21 a.m. Commissioner Dixon asked if there was any public comment regarding the preliminary budget. Seeing none, Commissioner Lee made a motion to come out of public hearing at 10:23 a.m. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.  Hamilton stated there were only minor modifications to the preliminary budget, including the change to revenue projection to 95% of collected taxes, which offset the deficit some. Ms. Hamilton stated there is a projected deficit of $163,067.00 in recurring expenditures that could be covered by cash on hand. Ms. Hamilton also stated the remaining deficit was allocated to one-time expenses and could be addressed prior to approval of the final budget. Ms. Hamilton asked for approval of the preliminary budget so that we could move forward with the required preliminary budget submission to the Department of Finance. She also stated the final budget should be ready by the end of July when contracts are available for approved capital appropriations. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve the FY22 preliminary budget as presented, with a second by Commissioner Lee.  Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

Executive Session:  Commissioner Dixon requested to go into executive session at 10:27 a.m. stating only the following would be discussed, with a second from Commissioner Lopez.  Pursuant to 10-15-1 N.M.S.A. (1978) H (2) limited personnel matters and (7) attorney-client privileged information pertaining to threatened or pending litigation, specifically the McFarlin vs. Roosevelt County, Hernandez vs. Roosevelt County, Aguilar vs. Roosevelt County, Porter vs. Roosevelt County, Taylor vs. Roosevelt County, Webber vs. Roosevelt County, Roosevelt County vs. NMTRD, Arthur vs. Roosevelt County, Padilla vs. Roosevelt County, National Prescription Opiate Litigation, and to discuss attorney- client privileged information relating to pending or threatened litigation and/or limited personnel matters.

Those present for the executive session include Commissioner Grider, Commissioner Dixon, Commissioner Lee, Commissioner Lopez, Manager Hamilton and Attorney Knudson.

Commissioner Grider left the executive session at 10:53 a.m. Executive session was adjourned at 10:58 a.m.

There was no action needed and no action taken as a result of the executive session.

 

Media Communication: Mr. Wilson had a few clarifying questions for Ms. Hamilton, but no additional topics for discussion.

 

Adjourn:  Meeting adjourned at 10:59 a.m.

 

ATTEST:                                                                                                  BOARD OF ROOSEVELT

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 

__________________________                                                     _____________________________

Mandi M. Park                                                                                     Tina Dixon

County Clerk                                                                                         Commission Chair