Roosevelt County Commission Meeting – June 11, 2024

Tuesday June 11, 2024
County Commission Room
Roosevelt County Courthouse
Portales, New Mexico 88130

The Roosevelt County Commission met in regular business meeting on Tuesday June 11 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the County Commission Room with those present being: Commissioner Paul Grider, Commissioner Rodney Savage, Commissioner Tina Dixon, Commissioner Roy Lee Criswell, Commissioner Dennis Lopez, County Manager Amber Hamilton, County Attorney Michael Garcia, Clerk Mandi Park, Treasurer Layle Sanchez, Assessor Stevin Floyd, Human Resources Administrator Lauren Bagwell, Chief Deputy Bryan Holmes, Sheriff Javier Sanchez and community member Christopher Gay.

Call to Order – Commissioner Dixon at 9:00 a.m.
Invocation – Amber Hamilton
Pledge – Commissioner Dixon
1.Approval of Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda was made by Commissioner Criswell with a second from
Commissioner Savage. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes,
Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
2.Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes from the May 28, 2024 regular meeting was made by
Commissioner Savage with a second from Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner DixonYes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
3.Approval of Accounts Payable and Payroll: A motion to approve the May 2024 accounts payable and payroll
was made by Commissioner Savage with a second by Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes,
Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
4.Public Requests: There were no public requests.
5. Elected Officials and Department Heads Reports:
Detention: Ms. Ramsey gave the detention report, stating the facility count is 48, with 11 female detainees and
37 male detainees. She stated there are 4 out of county detainees, 3 from Curry and 1 from Chaves. There are
currently no Quay County detainees being housed at RCDC. Quay County was bill for the prior month at
$4,250.00. Ms. Ramsey stated there are 13 participants in the MAT program with all 13 participating in both
group and individual counseling, 12 participating in yoga, 3 participating in parenting classes, and 2 participating in the GED program. She stated they are continuing to build out those programs.
Grants: Ms. Weems stated they are closing out the Sheriff’s Capital Outlay, which was junior bill money for
vehicles. They will also close out the RAID Grant for the tire amnesty days. New Mexico Covid PPE grant is also
being closed out. New Mexico Clean and Beautiful has been submitted and approved. We are waiting for
reimbursement on it. The grants in process include the Recreation Grant which must be expended or
encumbered by June 24th, unless an extension is given. Most of it is encumbered for the outdoor dining patio in
front of the Pavilion building. FY24 Capital Outlay grants include CAPS, COOP and SB, which are ongoing. The
USDA grant for the fire truck for Arch is ordered and in process. We were notified of the FY25 capital outlay
award for $350,000.00 for a distributor truck and $500,000.00 for chip seal spreader. We are waiting on those
contracts and agreements from the state. We have submitted FY25 CAPS, COOP, and SB and two applications for TPF projects. We are waiting on notice of award on those. We have submitted congressional direct spending
applications to Senator Heinrich’s office for upgrades to the emergency warning system as well as the Arch Fire
Department second main station. Both of those are moving forward to round two. Congressional Direct
spending applications were submitted to Ms. Leger-Fernandez’ office; none of our projects were moved to
round two from her office. Congressional Direct Spending applications submitted to Senator Ben Ray Lujan’s
office include the upgrades to the emergency warning system and second Arch main fire station and the
repointing of the courthouse brick; all of those projects were moved to round two from his office. Ms. Weems
also has applications in process for the FY25 New Mexico Clean and Beautiful grant cycle, RAID, and the 50/50
match for the Emergency Management Program Grant for the hire of an Emergency Management Specialist.
Indigent Healthcare: Commissioner Lopez made a motion to go into Indigent meeting at 9:08 a.m. with a second by Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes. Ms. Weems presented the indigent healthcare report stating there have been four claims received totaling $1,754.00. She recommended denying all four claims because two patients had Medicaid at the time of service and the other two were taken for services by other agencies. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to come out of indigent meeting at 9:10 a.m. with a second by Commissioner Savage. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes,
Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes. Ms. Weems requested denial of all four indigent claims.
Commissioner Lopez made a motion to deny the indigent claims as requested with a second by Commissioner
Savage. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner CriswellYes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
Road: Ms. Hamilton presented the road report on behalf of Mr. Dominiguez. She stated they are done with
South Roosevelt Road 15 from SRRP to SRRQ, and moving on to SRRP from SRR10 to SRR11. She stated while
they are grateful for the rain, there are several roads where washouts need to be bladed. There are currently
blades in the Floyd area and will move to the mesa. The following are on the list: intersection of SRRX and SRR2, SRRAK at SRR38, SRR18 near NM206, SRR32 near SRRM. Ms. Hamilton asked the commission to add any additional roads of concern to the list. Blades will get back to their other projects next week. They have been
working on tree-trimming where necessary to get equipment in place to work on road maintenance. A crew
encountered a rattlesnake while working, so they are going to go back with the backhoe instead of handheld
June 11, 2024 equipment to work in that location. They are working on cattle guards and gathering trash and debris and removing sand from roads as well. There are 2 new hires in process for the road department. Staff from Maintenance, Road, and some detainee labor worked last week at the fairgrounds to remove the trees in front of the pavilion to prepare the site for the contractor to begin the ADA picnic area.
Manager: Ms. Hamilton stated there is a crisis triage center meeting scheduled for Monday June 24 2024 at
noon at the Clovis Civic Center. She asked for an RSVP. The quarterly economic GRT report was published, she
highlighted some of the increases. She also mentioned declines in administrative, support, agriculture,
manufacturing, etc. There is about a 0-2% year over year growth. Ms. Hamilton asked for a special meeting for
the purpose of declaring assets. That meeting will be held Tuesday June 25, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Interviews are in
process for the Finance/Assistant County Manager position. There are applications coming in for the County
Manager position. She highlighted all of the advertising and listings for the positions completed by Ms.
Brockman, which includes the County’s social media channels. Ms. Hamilton stated the covered stalls are going
up, the pavilion will be started and will finish up after the fair. Ms. Hamilton spoke about the ICMA regional
conference that she attended last week. She stated there will be a need for an AI policy to be generated. AI can
be a useful tool, but she cautioned about being very careful in it’s use. According to the county manager affiliate,
no other New Mexico counties have drafted an AI policy at this point. Ms. Hamilton talked about social media
and how it effects staff when the information is inaccurate. It creates some negativity. It can be difficult to
ignore, but we will do our best to educate the public and allow them their first amendment right.
Commissioners: Commissioner Criswell discussed the meeting he and Commissioner Dixon attended in Sudan
recently regarding the 700K acres of land acquisition. The federal government would like to connect the refuges
near Milnesand, Grulla, Grady, Lea County and Chavez County and Lubbock, Seagraves, and Lamesa. We need
much more information. We are trying to figure out what the Fish and Wildlife Department are trying to
accomplish. It will affect out tax base. Commissioner Dixon stated the counties need to put some pressure on
the state to fight it. There will be another meeting on this topic at the County Conference in Las Vegas NM next
week.
6.Old Business:
A. Consideration of Resolutions 2024-19 Roosevelt County Board of Commissioners in Support of Calling
for A United States Amendments Convention: Commissioner Savage stated he had visited with Miles
Culberson regarding the resolution and reviewed the draft resolution highlighting the main points of limiting
the overreach of the federal government and implementing term limits for members of the US congress. He
stated there are 2 ways the constitution can be amended, one being by congress, and the other by an
amendment convention of state legislatures. Commissioner Dixon expressed concerns about amending the
constitution. She asked Mr. Garcia if there were any safeguards if this action is taken, or is it opening a can of
worms? Mr. Garcia stated he was unsure if other items could be added to the amendments once the
convention is called, but noted it is not an easy process. Commissioner Savage made a motion to table the vote
on Resolution 2024-19 until the July 2, 2024 meeting with a second from Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
7.New Business:
A. Presentation of Roosevelt County Facilities Solar Energy Feasibility Assessment: Ms. Hamilton
introduced Thomas Gray and Dale Lyons from Souder Miller and Associates. Mr. Lyons presented on the 3
possibilities for solar projects on county facilities. Those options were the Jake Lopez Community Center, the
Events Center and the Detention Center. All three options could be done with differing costs and differing levels
of self-funding vs. grant funding. Mr. Lyons noted billing is based on peak demand usage. No action was
needed.
Public Hearing: At 10:22 a.m. Commissioner Grider made a motion to go into public hearing for the purpose of
discussing the 2024 Primary Election Canvass, with a second by Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner GriderYes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
Ms. Park provided the commission with the election results and gave the canvass report, stating 2112 ballots
had been cast. 4 ballots were hand tallied, 2 ballots were rejected because they were received without
signature on the envelope. She reported 16 Same Day Registrations during early voting and 36 SDR on election
day, stating most of those were address updates. She stated only 5 ballots were returned to secured drop
boxes, and only the drop box at the courthouse was used. The other two drop boxes were not utilized. At 10:26
a.m. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to come out of public hearing with a second by Commissioner Grider.
Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes,
Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
B. Request for Approval of the 2024 Primary Election Canvass Report: Ms. Park requested approval of the
canvass as presented in public hearing. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to approve the canvass report with
a second by Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner SavageYes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
C. Discussion of the 2026-2030 Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Plan Updates: Ms. Weems gave a
summary of the items on the 2026-2030 ICIP. She noted the top five projects are: #1 – Road improvement
projects, #2 – Fairgrounds master improvement plan, #3 – Courthouse upgrades, #4 – Digital radio repeaters,
and #5 – New Mexico Regional Behavioral Health Facility. She stated there is a public input meeting today at
noon, here in the commission room and invited everyone to attend. Ms. Weems stated the ICIP is due to the
state by July 12, 2024 and the final version will be presented to the commission at the July 2, 2024 meeting. No
action was necessary. Ms. Hamilton noted Ms. Weems has done a great job preparing the ICIP and gathering
input from elected officials and department heads, stating she has been very persistent. This was inline with
one of the bold steps of the County’s Strategic Plan.
June 11, 2024
D. Discussion of Anticipated Changes to IT Professional Services Agreement with Yucca Telecom: Ms.
Hamilton stated Yucca Telecom does not intend to replace Chase’s position with a person who would serve in
the same capacity as an on-call IT specialist for the County. They will continue to provide network and
telephone services, and server support, etc. but they will not have the capacity to provide the day to day care
that Chase has provided for years. The agreement will need to be revised and at minimum a part-time IT staff
person will need to be added to the organizational chart. Ms. Hamilton highlighted options such as utilizing a
retired IT professional or an ENMU student. Ms. Hamilton stated the current agreement expires June 30, but
they will give some time for the county to prepare and work IT into the budget. The revised agreements will be
presented to the commission at a future meeting. No action was necessary.
8.Resolutions – Ordinances – Proclamations:
A. Consideration of Resolution 2024-20 Approving Participation in the Programs of the Eastern Plains
Council of Governments for Fiscal Year 2024-2025: Commissioner Dixon requested continued participation.
Commissioner Lopez wants to see the County take full advantage of the COG. Ms. Hamilton reminded
commissioners that the resolution needed to include the names of the representative and the alternate.
Commissioner Lopez suggested Commissioner Dixon continue as the representative and someone else take his
spot as the alternate, since his term will expire before the end of the fiscal year. Commissioner Dixon
nominated Commissioner Grider. He accepted the nomination as the alternate. Commissioner Lopez made a
motion to adopt the resolution with a Commissioner Dixon as the representative and Commissioner Grider as
the alternate with a second by Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes,
Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
B. Consideration of Resolution 2024-21 Revising the Roosevelt County Mandatory Training Program Policy:
Ms. Bagwell stated the safety committee felt there was redundancy in the annual trainings, their suggestion
was to decrease the frequency of some of the trainings from annually to every second or third year. She
requested approval of the resolution. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve the resolution with a
second by Commissioner Dixon. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner DixonYes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
9.Contracts – Agreements – Procurements:
A. Request for Approval of Award of ITB 2024-09 Crushed Caliche Materials for the Roosevelt County Road
Department to Frank Levacy Trucking, LLC.: Ms. Hamilton stated the cost per ton will increase. She also stated
this was the only responsive bid and that Mr. Levacy is working with the road department currently to provide
needed materials. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve the award of the ITB with a second by
Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes,
Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
B. Request for Approval of DWI Grant Award Agreement No 25-D-G-23 with the Department of Finance
and Administration Local Government Division: Ms. Hamilton requested approval of the RFP stating the RFP
was released on April 19th. All responsive proposals were very high. The county went back to the submitters
and asked for best and final offers. The best and final offers were reviewed based on costs, specifications, and
references. The best and final offer from Nixon Enterprises at $619,270.00 was the lowest proposal.
Commissioner Lopez appreciated that a local business was the preferred choice. Commissioner Lopez made a
motion to approve with a second from Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Lopez-Yes, Commissioner DixonYes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes.
10.Executive Session: Commissioner Dixon made a motion to go into executive session at 10:50 a.m. with a second by Commissioner Savage, stating only those items listed on the agenda will be discussed. Commissioner GriderYes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
At 11:18 a.m., Commissioner Criswell made a motion to come out of executive session with a second by
Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes,
Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes. Commissioner Dixon stated as a result of the executive
session no action is needed and no action was taken.
11.Media Communication: There was no media communication.
12.Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 11:19 a.m.