Tuesday, May 2, 2023
County Commission Room
Roosevelt County Courthouse
Portales, New Mexico 88130
The Roosevelt County Commission met in regular business meeting on Tuesday May 2, 2023 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, Assistant County Manager Liliana Rivera, Clerk Mandi Park, Road Superintendent Ricky Lovato, Detention Administrator Shayla Ramsey, Special Projects Coordinator Carol Acosta-
Flores, Sheriff Javier Sanchez, Chief Deputy Bryan Holmes, Assessor Stevin Floyd, Angie Smith and Eastern New Mexico News Staff Landry Sena.
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 Grider. 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 April 18, 2023 regular meeting was made by Commissioner Savage with a second from Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon- Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
3.Public Requests: There were no public requests.
4. Elected Officials and Department Heads Reports:
Detention: Administrator Ramsey stated the facility count is at 35, with 31 male detainees and 4 female
detainees. She stated there is one out of county detainee and they are expecting to receive additional out of county detainees later this week. Ms. Ramsey stated the Portales Police Department has been billed $3,150.00 for the month of April, and Quay County has been billed $2,250.00 for April. She noted $280,564.00 has been paid out in juvenile housing during this fiscal year. Ms. Ramsey stated there are currently 11 detainees participating in the MAT program with 11 in group counseling, 11 receiving individual counseling and 2 receiving medication. She stated there are 5 detainees in the GED program. Ms. Ramsey stated they are working with new covid guidelines which no longer requires quarantine for all incoming detainees. They continue to quarantine any positive cases and continue the deep cleaning.
Finance: Ms. Rivera presented the 3rd quarter report, noting all departments are on track. She told the
commission they could expect to see final payments being processed for the projects that are wrapping up. The close-out process has begun on several road projects.
Healthcare: Ms. Acosta-Flores asked to go into indigent healthcare board. At 9:05 am, Commissioner Lopez made a motion to go into indigent meeting with a second from Commissioner Savage. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes. Ms. Acosta-Flores reported receiving 17 claims for a total of $5,465.54. Ms. Acosta-Flores recommending approval of all but one. She recommended denial, of that one, which was for a patient brought in by Portales Police, in the amount of $352.00. Ms. Acosta-Flores recommended approval of 16 claims totaling $5,113.54. At 9:07 am, Commissioner Lopez made a motion to come out of indigent meeting with a second by Commissioner Savage.
Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to approve the indigent claims as presented and recommended by Ms. Acosta-Flores, with a second from Commissioner Dixon. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
Road: Mr. Lovato reported his crews are doing regular maintenance including patching and blading. He stated he and Ms. Hamilton had met with Department of Defense regarding the north entrance to the Melrose Bombing Range (NRRAV). Mr. Lovato stated the DOD had agreed to meet all recommendations made by the County. They agreed to 6” base course, incorporating concrete powder for a better subgrade in the sandy areas, and a 3% crown for quicker run-off. He stated they should have 95% plan completion by summer and will be presented to May 2, 2023 the commission at that point. Mr. Lovato stated they are currently working on LGRF projects, including micro-
seal to SRRY which is scheduled to be finished today. Mr. Lovato stated he has been working with the city to train street department staff. Five city staff trained along side road department staff this past week with two on the chip box, two on traffic control and one in the distributor truck. They will train with the county again when we move to SRRA. Dessert West should finish SRRO today as well and will complete the Highlands subdivision in June. The TPF funds received last year, will be completely spent by June. Commissioner Grider praised Mr. Lovato for all the projects completed this past year, and particularly SRRAD which was recently finished.
Commissioner Criswell asked about traffic control and signage. Mr. Lovato stated it is a balance between pulling additional staff from regular maintenance to handle traffic control or to use signage.
Manager: Ms. Hamilton stated the fencing for the fairgrounds will begin this fiscal year. She stated they are researching pricing for the tables and chairs for the Jake Lopez Building. She stated the NRRAV road design that Mr. Lovato talked about earlier is on track to be complete by 2024. She stated each of the requested adjustments to the scope of work was addressed in the latest round of the federal plans. She stated they are communicating with the federal highway department to schedule the presentation to the commission this summer. Ms. Hamilton stated the commission meeting scheduled for May 30 needs to be rescheduled possibly to May 23 or 25 due to a conflict with a meeting of the Mental Health Symposium. Commissioners agreed May 23, 2023 worked best for them. The mental health symposium takes place May 30, 2023, with additional behavioral health meetings scheduled for Wednesday, May 31. Ms. Hamilton noted that the next meeting would need to include approval of the preliminary budget along with any additional regular business.
Commissioners: Commissioner Savage stated the schools had held a parent engagement event at the
fairgrounds yesterday on an early release day. There was a good turn-out. He stated many teachers were
pleased with Mr. Spinks, stating he does a great job maintaining the fairgrounds. Commissioner Lopez discussed the tragic events in Cleveland TX, where 5 people were killed by a fugitive including an 8-year-old boy. He asked the public to be vigilant in hopes that the fugitive will be captured. Sheriff Sanchez stated there was an $80,000.00 reward for the fugitive, but they did not have any solid information that would indicate he would be traveling in this direction. Sheriff Sanchez stated he is likely still in the Houston metro area, but he has shared the photos and information with his deputies and other agencies.
5. New Business:
A. Requested Lesser Prairie Chicken Communications: Ms. Hamilton shared the letter that was sent to
Washington DC to encourage the de-listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken. No action was necessary.
B. Presentation of the 2023 Roosevelt County Strategic Planning Retreat Visual Summary: Ms. Hamilton presented slides from the vision elements created at the strategic planning retreat. She stated the slides and information will be sent to departments to share with their staff, so that all are aware of the goals and can keep us accountable to reaching those goals. No action was necessary.
C. Request for Approval of Trade in of 2006 Freightliner Towards the Purchase of a 1993 Freightliner for the Arch Volunteer Fire Department for $15,250: Ms. Rivera presented on behalf of Chief Lang. She stated the 2006 freightliner is in the shop with transmission issues. The repairs could cost more than $15,000.00 with no guarantee that the problems will be solved. Ms. Rivera stated Westwinds LLC is willing to accept the 2006 truck as a trade. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to approve the trade-in for Arch with a second by Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes,
Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
6.Contracts – Agreements – Procurements:
A. Request for Approval of Contract for Equipment and Premises Lease and Services Agreement for the
Roosevelt County Food Pantry with the Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico: Ms. Hamilton stated the contract has been reviewed by both the county attorney and the food bank. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to approve the contract, with a second by Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon- Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes.
7.Resolutions – Ordinances – Proclamations:
A. Consideration of Resolution 2023-18 Authorizing Roosevelt County to Pick Up Seventy Five Percent of the PERA Municipal General Plan 2 Member Contribution: Ms. Bagwell provided a handout with minor changes from the stated to the resolution. She stated the changes were with conforming language from section to May 2, 2023 section to be consistent. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to approve the resolution with a second by Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.
B. Consideration of Resolution 2023-19 Authorizing Roosevelt County to Pick Up Seventy Five Percent of the PERA Municipal Police Plan 5 Member Contributions: Ms. Bagwell stated the changes to the Police plan were the same conforming edits as in the General plan. Commissioner Savage made a motion to approve the resolution with a second by Commissioner Lopez. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes C. Consideration of Resolution 2023-20 Budget Adjustment for the 4th Quarter Financial Reports Part 1: Ms. Rivera stated the adjustments are to cover the transfers on grants and project costs including matching funds. She stated there is a 5% match on the TPF projects that are coming to a close. She stated they are moving forward on fairgrounds projects that were approved to be completed prior to the fair. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve the budget adjustments as presented with a second by Commissioner Lopez. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes
D. Consideration of Resolution 2023-21 Approving Participation in the Programs of Eastern Plains Council of Governments for Fiscal Year 2023-24: Commissioner Savage asked if we were getting our money’s worth participating in EPCOG. Commissioner Dixon gave some background on what EPCOG provides and who else is involved. Commissioner Dixon stated they have additional resources that we could be utilizing that we are not, but felt that participation was beneficial. Commissioner Lopez stated that every county within the COG district is participating with the COG currently. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve the resolution with Commissioner Dixon as the representative and Commissioner Lopez as the alternate with a second by Commissioner Lopez. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes
E. Consideration of Proclamation Declaring May 7-13 as National Correctional Officer Appreciation Week: Detention Administrator Ramsey read the proclamation aloud. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to approve the proclamation with a second by Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes. Commissioner Lopez asked the other commissioners to host a BBQ at the detention center. Ms. Ramsey stated the meals for the week are already planned and asked the commissioners to join her on Wednesday in honoring the detention staff as well as law enforcement staff at the law enforcement complex.
F. Consideration of Proclamation Recognizing May 9-20, 2022 as National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day May 15, 2023: Sheriff Sanchez read the proclamation aloud. Commissioner Lopez made a motion to approve the proclamation with a second by Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes
G. Consideration of Proclamation Recognizing May 4, 2023 as Firefighter’s Day and May 21-27, 2023 as
Emergency Medical Services Week: Ms. Hamilton read the proclamation aloud. Commissioner Dixon made a motion to approve the proclamation with a second by Commissioner Criswell. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Criswell-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes
8.Media Communication: Ms. Sena asked the commission if they have recently considered enacting a burn ban. Commissioner Grider responded it has not been considered recently. Ms. Hamilton stated the county follows the US Drought monitor. When the drought monitor categorizes the county as being in an extreme drought, that triggers the county to consider enacting a burn ban. Roosevelt County is not in the extreme drought category at this time. Citizens or Fire Chiefs or fire personnel can also raise concern when they feel a burn ban is necessary. Commissioner Savage noted the Portales Municipal School District Board would be going to Hobbs on May 9, 2023 at 8:00 am to tour the vocational school. He invited Commissioner Dixon and others to travel with them.
9.Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 am.
ATTEST: BOARD OF ROOSEVELT
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
May 2, 2023
__________________________ _____________________________
Mandi M. Park Paul Grider
County Clerk