Minutes from Roosevelt County Commission 12-19-23

Tuesday, December 19, 2023
County Commission Room
Roosevelt County Courthouse
Portales, New Mexico 88130

The Roosevelt County Commission met in regular business meeting on Tuesday December 19, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in the County Commission Room with those present being: Commissioner Paul Grider, Commissioner Tina Dixon, Commissioner Roy Lee Criswell, Commissioner Rodney Savage, Commissioner Dennis Lopez, County Manager Amber Hamilton, County Attorney Michael Garcia by zoom, Clerk Mandi Park, Assessor Stevin Floyd, Assistant County Manager Liliana Rivera, Detention Administrator Shayla Ramsey, Special Projects Coordinator Carol AcostaFlores, Special Projects Coordinator Carla Weems, County Extension Agent Patrick Kircher, Bond Council Katherine McKinney by zoom, Financial Advisor Eric Harrigan by zoom, District Court Chief Judge Donna Mowrer, Executive Officer of the Court Kevin Spears, District Court Bailiff Danna Thompson and community member Angie Smith.
Call to Order – Commissioner Grider at 9:00 a.m.
Invocation – Amber Hamilton
Pledge – Commissioner Grider
1.Approval of Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda was made by Commissioner Savage, with a second from
Commissioner Lopez. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes,
Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

2.Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes from the December 5, 2023 regular meeting was made by Commissioner Criswell, with a second from Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

3.Approval of Accounts Payable and Payroll: Commissioner Savage made a motion to approve the accounts
payables and payroll for the month of November 2023 with a second by Commissioner Grider. Commissioner
Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner
Lopez-Yes.

4.Informational Items: Patrick Kircher gave the bi-annual update from the Extension Office. He started by thanking the commission for all of the improvements to the fairgrounds, fair office, fencing, extension office, and McAlister room in the last few months. He said numerous visitors to the facilities have commented on how good things look. Mr. Kircher provided a handout and reported 4-H re-enrollment has begun and will continue
through January. He stated the district conference was held in Roosevelt County with 337 participants from 9
counties being represented. He stated the local Extension clubs with 82 total members are well represented on
the state officer level. Mr. Kircher stated the livestock skill-a-thon team attended a national competition and
placed 12 out of 22 teams. He reported the annual awards banquet was held a few weeks ago and every
participant in the 4-h program won at least one award, and many participants won multiple awards. Mr. Kircher stated he had taught classes offering CEUs for private applicator licensure. He stated Ms. Calderon has been teaching classes on nutrition in the afterschool program with the Portales Schools. He stated he is working with a group of researchers from UNM and NMSU to put in place moisture monitors at different depths to measure ground water and moisture levels. The project is in the early stages, but he will keep the commission informed on the progress. Commissioner Savage noted Mr. Kircher was the livestock coach for the districts winning livestock judging team, congratulating the coach and the team. He asked Mr. Kircher if there would be a spring agriculture education program for the elementary schools again this year. Mr. Kircher stated there would be, the current program replaced the kids, cows and more program from a few years back. It will be in early May.
Commissioner Dixon asked about the possibility of replacing the home economist. Mr. Kircher stated filling that position would be wise, but for now they are reliant on the expertise of volunteers to answer questions as they come up. Commissioner Lopez presented the commission with a plaque that was given to the commission at the recent banquet, and asked that it be hung in the commission room.

5.Public Requests: Commissioner Grider read aloud a letter that he received as public comment. The letter stated the ethics ordinance is necessary and though it could be amended it should be kept in place. It is a measure of protection for the citizens of the county.

6. Elected Officials and Department Heads Reports:
December 19, 2023
Manager: Ms. Hamilton said Administration had been in contact with LaCasa and Aging and Long-Term Services about the request for funding for the metal building requested by LaCasa. She stated there are some funds available through the department of Aging and Long-Term Services, but a building the size they are requesting would be higher than the available funds. Commissioner Lopez asked if the available funds could be used for ADA compliant entrances at the LaCasa Senior Center or if the doors were being addressed. He asked Ms. Hamilton to keep the commission updated on those items. Ms. Hamilton also reported on courthouse projects, stating they are working on specs for door replacement and the renovations to the second floor. She stated much of the recreation grant can cover the next round of fairgrounds improvement projects. She also stated agreements have been sent to the Rural Fire Departments and she is awaiting feedback.
Commissioners: Commissioner Lopez stated he would like to see improvements to the drainage and surface of
Lime Street. He would like to see a JPA with the city to get that done. He would like for both the city and county to move that street up on the priority list when newly elected city councilors take office in January.
Commissioner Dixon responded to the letter read in public comment, stating she stands by her previous
statements regarding the ethics ordinance. She stated the ethics ordinance can easily be misconstrued. She
stated she has chosen not to sign the ethics ordinance as it was adopted. She is in favor of making amendments
to the ordinance. Commissioner Criswell stated he also disagreed with content of the letter but is also in favor
of the ethics ordinance being amended. Commissioner Lopez suggested a separate meeting to discuss the
proposed changes and amendments to the ethics ordinance.

7.Resolutions – Ordinances – Proclamations:
A. Consideration of Resolution 2023-42 2nd Quarter Financial Budget Adjustment Part II: Ms. Rivera stated
she had made the budget adjustments for the recreational grant and for the cost of the plumbing repairs at the
fairgrounds. Commissioner Savage made a motion to approve the resolution, with a second from Commissioner Lopez. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner SavageYes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
B. Consideration of Resolution 2023-46 Authorizing Prepayment in Full of Roosevelt County’s Outstanding
Gross Receipts Tax Improvement Revenue Olan Agreement with the New Mexico Finance Authority Dated
March 18, 2011 and Authorizing the Taking of Other Necessary Action: Ms. Hamilton stated she had requested
Bond Council Katherine McKinney prepare the resolution for the prepayment of the 2011 debt service following Mr. Harrigan’s presentation of the options at the previous meeting. Ms. McKinney stated the county must give the lender a 45-day-notice and the full amount of the prepayment could be processed. Commissioner Lopez stated the prepayment would be cost effective and would save the county a lot of money in the long-run.
Commissioner Lopez made a motion to approve the resolution, with a second from Commissioner Dixon.
Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes,
Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
C. Discussion and Proposed Modifications to the Roosevelt County Ethics Ordinance to Draft for
Publication: Commissioner Criswell made a motion to table the discussion and modification of the ethics
ordinance with a second by Commissioner Lopez. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes,
Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes. Commissioner Criswell then made a motion to meet with all of the other elected officials to discuss and draft proposed amendments, with a second from Commissioner Lopez. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner CriswellYes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

8.Contracts – Agreements – Procurements:
A. Request for Approval of Agreement for Detainee Confinement Between Roosevelt and DeBaca
Counties: Ms. Rivera asked for the approval of the agreement. Commissioners asked about the daily rate and if
it covered the actual costs of housing detainees. Ms. Ramsey responded saying the county that sends the
detainee covers the cost of off-site medical and transportation costs. The daily rate of $125.00, billed to the
responsible county does cover the cost of housing. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve the
agreement with a second from Commissioner Savage. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes,
Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
B. Request for Approval of Agreement for Detainee Confinement Between Roosevelt and Quay Counties:
Ms. Rivera stated this agreement is identical to the agreement with DeBaca County and asked for approval.
Commissioner Dixon made a motion to approve the agreement with a second from Commissioner Lopez.
December 19, 2023
Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes,
Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
C. Request for Approval of FY25 EMS Fund Act Local Funding Program Application for Milnesand Volunteer
Fire Department: Ms. Acosta-Flores requested approval of the application for EMS funds for Milnesand
Volunteer Fire Department. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve the application, with a second
from Commissioner Lopez. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes,
Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
D. Request for Approval of NM Environment Department Solid Waste Bureau Recycling and Illegal
Dumping Find Grant Agreement for Project # RAID-FY24-03 for $14,000.00: Ms. Acosta-Flores stated the grant agreement would be enough to cover 3 amnesty days for county residents to bring in tires at no cost for
recycling. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve the grant agreement, with a second from
Commissioner Savage. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes,
Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

9.Old Business:
A. Annual Report of Detention Center Inspection: Commissioners Grider, Criswell, and Savage along with
Ms. Hamilton, Administrator Ramsey, and Lt. Layher toured the facility following the December 5, 2023
commission meeting. Commissioner Grider stated everything was neat and shiny. He was impressed with the
cleanliness of the facility. Commissioner Savage agreed stating everything was neat, noting only that some
steps in master control needed maintenance. He commended Administrator Ramsey on the artistry and
accomplishments of the detainees. He stated he was also impressed with the officer in master control being
cognizant of everything going on within the facility. Commissioner Criswell agreed the facility was in good
shape. No action was needed.

10.New Business:
A. Presentation for District Court Renovation Project Proposal and Tour of Space: Ms. Hamilton introduced
Court Administrator Mr. Kevin Spears and Judge Mowrer. Mr. Spears stated the jury space and restrooms are in need of upgrades to be ADA compliant, improve functionality and ease of access. Mr. Spears stated the court is moving the treatment court program to the basement, freeing up space upstairs for an additional conference
room as well as technology upgrades in the courtroom. He stated they have purchase and are preparing to
install $200,00.00 in electronic equipment. He thanked the commission from their support of court projects in the past and asked for their support of the jury and restroom upgrades. He stated the Administrative Office of the Courts would be able to match the funds put toward the project by the county up to $500, 000.00. He
stated the architect felt certain the project would come in under that, even if there were unknown
contingencies. Judge Mowrer stated understands with a building as old as the courthouse there could be many
unknowns, but reiterated the architects felt there was a sizable cushion to cover those unknowns.
Commissioner Dixon made a motion to approve the funding request for the district court renovations, with a
second by Commissioner Lopez. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner CriswellYes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes. At 10:29 am, the commissioners went upstairs to tour the jury deliberation space and the proposed renovations.
At 10:45 the commissioners returned to the commission room at which time Commissioner Lopez left the
meeting prior to the start of the executive session.

11.Executive Session: Commissioner Dixon made a motion to go into executive session at 10:46 a.m. with a second by Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Dixon read from the agenda the topics of discussion for the closed session. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes. At 11:00 a.m.
Commissioner Savage made a motion to come out of executive session with a second by Commissioner Grider.
Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes.
Commissioner Grider stated no action was taken in executive session, and no action is necessary as a result of
the executive session.

12.Media Communication: There was no media present and there were no media inquiries.

13.Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 11:02 a.m.

ATTEST: BOARD OF ROOSEVELT
December 19, 2023