Held at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Notes created on August 20, 2025 at 10:13 AM by Minutes AI
Call to Order
• Mayor Miller called the council meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
Roll Call
• Ms. Cordova: Here
• Mr. Davis: Here
• Mr. Lopez: Here
• Mr. Merrick: Here
• Ms. Parker: Here
• Mr. Rackler: Absent
• Mr. Robinson: Here
• Mr. Self: Here
• Mayor Miller: Here
• Quorum present
Invocation and Pledge
• Ms. Cordova led the invocation.
• Mayor Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance and the state pledge.
• Mayor asked for a moment of silence for former Portales mayor D.K Shafer and Portales firefighter Steve Ervin.
Public Comment
• Public comment limited to three minutes per speaker, six speakers per topic.
Public Comment – Ms. Baca
• Issues raised on June 3rd (Reuse Water Funds and yield sign, N. Main) with no update from the council.
• Requests a yield or stop sign on North Main by Allsup’s due to safety concerns.
• Asks for a breakdown of “Reuse Water Funds” and questions their use.
• Requests removal of pine trees near the F-111 display due to lightning risk.
• Requests replacement of a dumpster at 1420 North Abilene Place.
Public Comment – Mr. Davidson
• Concerned about ordinance 776.
• Notes the absence of the final draft in the agenda and the city’s discontinuation of publishing agenda packets on their website.
• Questions how a public hearing can be conducted without providing the public with a copy of what is being discussed.
• States that the agenda was published on Friday which does not allow enough time for an
IPRA request to be fulfilled.
• Mayor Miller and the City Clerk noted that the Intent to Adopt Ordinance 776 was published in the legal section of the local newspaper as required by law and a provisional copy was available to the public from the City Clerk’s office by request.
Minutes of Previous Meeting (August 5, 2025)
• Mr. Self questioned a sentence stating an “amendment changes the proposed 3 million gallon tank to a 1.5 million gallon tank due to limited available space.”
• Clarification (provided by Mr. Mitten): The project is designed for two 1.5 million gallon tanks (totaling 3 million gallons), and the amendment was due to funding, not space (not read in the proposal/documents).
Motion and Voting
• Motion to approve the minutes with the amendment that the change from 3 million gallon tank to 1.5 (million gallon) is about funding made by Mr. Self. Second, by Mr. Lopez.
• No roll call vote was made. Council verbally affirmed their unanimous approval.
• Motion carries.
Action Items:
Discussion: Opportunities Between Governing Body and New
Mexico Environment Department (NMED)
Presented by primary speaker, Kambray Townsend, NMED
• Kambray Townsend (NMED, Water Resource Professional) is the technical reviewer for the groundwater discharge permit for the city of Portales Wastewater Treatment Plant (DP887). This is about the WWTP and the city’s non-compliance with NMED’s groundwater discharge permit..
• The city is authorized to treat up to 2.5 (million) gallons per day of wastewater and discharge Class 1A reuse water for above-ground irrigation and other uses.
• The city can discharge excess Class 1A reuse water and effluent not meeting Class 1A standards to a city-owned playa.
• A notice of non-compliance was issued on May 12th, 2025.
• The city has struggled to meet the quality standards to sprinkler irrigate parks since at least January 2022.
• NMED contracted a consultant in August 2022 to provide on-site training and technical assistance, and they provided some recommendations for system improvements and ways to attain compliance.
• Earlier in 2024, NMED met with wastewater treatment plant staff and the city’s engineer to discuss non-compliance issues and required a corrective action plan.
• Recommends reading the Oso del Agua Report and the corrective action plan from
Wilson and Company (dated February 13th, 2025).
Wastewater Treatment Facility Status
• Ms. Townsend performed an inspection of the WWTP in 2025.
• Issues at the wastewater treatment plant include the mechanical bar screen.
• The H2S removal system hasn’t worked since installation.
• There’s a year’s worth of solids in the system that are hard to process.
• Staff were processing about 23,000 gallons of solids a day with the screw press for dewatering and composting.
• Treated wastewater is stored in a reuse storage impoundment.
Compliance and Enforcement
• A notice of non-compliance has been issued, and they are still working to gain our voluntary compliance with the facility.
• The next step would be enforcement, which could lead to fines.
• A new compliance and enforcement division is interested in getting folks into compliance.
• If items in the corrective action plan and notice of non-compliance aren’t addressed, it may escalate to a notice of violation.
Reuse and Discharge
• The city won’t be authorized to discharge treated wastewater to parks if it can’t be treated to proper quality.
• Questions about the permit can be directed via email or phone.
Corrective Action and Assistance
• Ms. Townsend originally gave 30 days for the corrective action plan back in December or September of 2024 and received it in February 2025 with another 30-day notice.
• The city is already behind on the compliance timeline and deadlines.
• A proposal to repair or replace the empowerment liner was not included in the corrective action plan received in February.
• Technical assistance and training are available at no cost through Robert George
(contact info on page 14 of the Oso del Agua report).
Additional Assistance Providers
• Speaking by Zoom, Avery Young, the Large System Domestic Waste Team lead with the Groundwater Quality Bureau at the Environment Department.
• Robert George is under contract with the Groundwater Quality Bureau to provide on-site technical assistance.
• Other free technical assistance providers include:
• Southwest Environmental Finance Center, who is the: Rural Communities Assistance Corporation (RCAC)
• Council of Governments [EPCOG]
• New Mexico Water and Wastewater Association
• Department of Finance Authority (new infrastructure and planning division willing to work with ICIPs and correctly rate your needs)
Funding Options
• Funding is available through:
• New Mexico Finance Authority
• Community Development Block Grant
• Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund
• Rural Infrastructure Program Funding
• Lots of options. Lots of funding. Lots of help.
Permit Renewal
• Ms. Cordova: The discharge permit expires in one year. If we do not get these in place, what is the outcome of getting a new permit?
• Ms. Young: If corrective actions aren’t in place, the permit would likely continue but be more prescriptive.
• This could include required deadlines for preliminary engineering reports to evaluate and upgrade the wastewater treatment system.
City Manager’s Response
• City Manager, Scott Mitten had a comprehensive conversation with Ms. Townsend and received the data and corrective action plan.
• A meeting is scheduled at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for tomorrow at 8:30 am.
• He expects to have a timeline with requirements and cost estimates for the city council within a week to 10 days.
• Items from the corrective action plan can be added to the ICIP.
Plain Language Summary
• Deb Carpenter, NMED team member: “In plain language, what we’re looking for is progress, not perfection, is the goal.”
• “Every great journey begins with one step. That’s all we’ve got to do here, and we’ve taken it tonight.”
PFD Item
Presented by Chief Cathey
Fire Protection Grant Application
• Ratification of the city manager and Fire/EMS Chief signatures acknowledging the submission of the FY26 Fire Protection Grant application is needed.
• The grant is for $382,248.28 for 28 sets of firefighter turnout gear.
Motion and Voting
• Motion to approve by Ms. Cordova. Second by Ms. Parker.
• No roll vote was made. Council verbally affirmed their unanimous approval.
• Motion carries.
Community Services Item
Presented by K. McClellan
Item 1. Public Hearing for Nuisance Ordinance 776
• Motion to go into public hearing by Ms. Parker. Second by Mr. Robinson.
• No roll call vote was made. Council verbally affirmed their unanimous approval.
• Motion carries. Public Hearing for Ordinance 776 entered at 6:05 pm.
• Public members were called to give their opinion. There were no comments in opposition or in favor.
• Motion to close the public hearing made by Mr. Robinson. Second by Mr. Self; motion carries.
• No roll call vote was made. Council verbally affirmed their unanimous approval.
• Motion carries. Public Hearing for Ordinance 776 is closed at 6:06 pm.
Nuisance Ordinance Overview
• Ordinance 776 repeals and replaces ordinances 540, 614, and 665 for clarification and enforcement of nuisances. Working to build up the Code Enforcement Department.
• Previous ordinances were old and outdated.
• A sub-focus group was formed with Mr. Merrick, Ms. Baca, Mr. Rackler, and P&Z (Planning Commission) and Ms. McClellan to revise the ordinance. The ordinance was also reviewed by the City Attorney.
Original Changes to the Ordinance
• Definition of notice was added.
• Commercial properties must be kept to the same standard as residential properties. Added language to “keep in compliant condition.”
• A step was added to send violations to municipal court before the city steps in and abates.
• The appeal and review process was moved to the end to cover everything.
• The fine was increased from $150.00 to $1,000.00.
• The definition of operable vehicle was clarified. This was in their original packet information.
Supplemental Changes
• The fee maximum was changed from $1,000.00 to $500.00 to be compliant.
• Grammar and formatting changes were made.
• Mr. Elkins’ signature page was replaced with Mr. Davis’s.
• The review and appeal process was changed to remove the city’s ability to appeal municipal court’s decision.
Hobby Car Permit
• Residents can get a no-cost permit for a hobby car.
• The car can be anywhere on their property as long as it’s kept nice and tidy.
• Cracking down on operable vehicles, but the committee acknowledged that some people rebuild cars without a garage.
• A “hobby permit” is available free of charge as long as the car looks like a hobby car and is not a nuisance.
• Enforcement: If a car looks like a hobby car, the owner can be asked to get a permit.
• Stipulations: Weeds must be maintained around the car, and the area should be kept as tidy as possible.
Ordinance 776 Amendments
• Ms. Rudd reminded the council to accept the changes if they decide to make a motion.
• The original posting in the newspaper did not include the four changes made within the
30-day period. Changes are allowed to be made to the ordinance within the 30-day period without an additional 30-day public posting.
Motion and Voting
• Mr. Merrick made a motion to approve Ordinance 776 with the amendments presented. Second, by Mr. Self.
• Roll call vote: Ms. Cordova – yes, Mr. Davis – yes, Mr. Lopez – yes, Mr. Merrick – yes, Ms. Parker – yes, Mr. Robinson – yes, Mr. Self – yes. Motion passes unanimously.
Item 2. Intent to Adopt Amendment to Ordinance 494-Signs
• The department is updating ordinances to be more relevant, especially those with enforcement issues.
• This update concerns signs, particularly billboards, and addresses recent billboard appeals.
• A subcommittee (Mr. Merrick, Ms. Cordova, Ms. Baca and staff; reviewed by Ms. Rudd) helped update the ordinance, including defining billboards (permanent and temporary) and specifying size requirements for business advertisement signs.
• The old ordinance prohibited billboards, leading to variance applications. The goal is to create a more billboard-friendly ordinance.
Billboard Regulations
• Signs under 100 square feet are considered signs; anything over is a billboard.
• Updated maintenance requirements for large signs to improve city aesthetics.
• Penalties have been updated.
• Designated areas where billboards can be automatically approved without planning and zoning or city council approval, based on past approvals.
Billboard Approval Process
• Billboards can be placed anywhere in town, but outside the designated areas, applicants must cover the appeal process costs.
• Currently, the city pays for certified letters in the variance process, costing $400-$500, in addition to the applicant’s $50 filing fee.
• The proposed change would shift the appeal process cost to the applicant.
• In answer to a question from Mr. Robinson, Ms. McClellan confirmed the university can put up a promotional billboard in the designated area, but would have to go through the process of getting city approval if they wanted to put it in a more congested area.
Wall-Mounted Signs
• There are no restrictions on wall-mounted signs.
• The updated ordinance will be back for review at the last meeting in September after the
30-day period.
Motions and Voting
• Motion to approve made by Mr. Robinson. Second, by Ms. Parker.
• No roll call vote was made. Council verbally affirmed their unanimous approval.
• Motion passes. Intent to Adopt was approved. It will be published by law and brought back in 30 days for final approval. Can be edited during that time.
Police Department Item
Presented by Chief Williams
Ordinance 765: Police Department Youth Programs
• The police department requests an amendment to Ordinance 765 (traffic camera ordinance) to allow funds to be used for youth programs.
• This includes sports, Santa Cop, SRO activities in schools, DWI awareness, and drug awareness programs.
• The amendment would allow funds to be spent on youth program operations.
• Extra lights for Abilene have been purchased.
Youth Program Operations
• The proposed change is to add “youth program operations” to the list of approved uses for the funds.
• Motion to approve made by Ms. Parker. Seconded by Mr. Robinson.
• No roll call vote was made. Council verbally affirmed their unanimous approval.
• Motion carries.
Water Department Items
Presented by A. Flores
Item 1. Attachment III, Attachment VI Amendment No. 2 Contract DBS&A Wellfield Project
• Ms. Ashley Flores and Ms. Jennifer Hill (with DBS&A) both present by Zoom.
• Mr. Mitten began by addressing questions from the last council meeting regarding the design phase and amendment number two.
• There is no concrete tank; the concrete block structure is for the booster pump station.
• The proposal is for 3 million gallons of stored water in two above ground, steel composite 1.5 million gallon tanks.
• Three million gallons of stored water proposed in two 1.5 million gallon tanks. Proposed funding did not match ideally for that time frame; so, it’s recommended that we do an A&E design initially in phase two. Phase one is do the A&E. Phase two is to secure one 1.5 million gallon composite tank above ground with the capability of putting a second 1.5 million gallon tank in there for a total of 3 million gallons above ground as funding allows.
Funding and Interest Rate
• The initial funding would cover one 1.5 million gallon tank, with the ability to add a second in later years (2025-2026).
• The interest rate on the loan is not 0.25% or 25%. It is 0.25 of 1%. We’re actually at 0.0025%, which is an administrative fee.
• The administrative fee is approximately $894.40 in the first year and decreases as principal is paid.
• Loans from the Water Trust Board are at 0% interest, with the administrative fee added, which comes out to less than $1,000.00 per year for the 20 years that we have the loan.
City Investment in Wellfield
• In 2019, $173,146.00 was invested in the Blackwater wellfield for two test holes.
• In 2020, $1,295,818.00 was spent on a well drilling project in the same wellfield to put four wells into service.
• Two of those wells are still functioning, while the other two went dry.
• In 2021, $1,167,679.00 was spent on a well equipping project to outfit and refit four wells and put instrumentation on themwith radio transponders and to upload a SCADA system.
Expenditure and Allocation of Funds
• A geophysical survey was initially planned but deferred due to burrowing owls found at the site.
• An archaeological survey was conducted instead, and the project was cleared to proceed based on its findings.
• The money allocated for the geophysical survey was used for the archaeological survey.
• The city was found at “no fault,” and “allowed to proceed.”
• The archaeological survey is complete, but the geophysical survey still needs to be performed if we’re going to do more wells.
• The city has spent money on four items related to the project, with the first three totaling $2,536,643.00.
• The cost of the archaeological survey is not immediately available.
• There are eight proposed action items for the $10 million allocation.
• These items need to be prioritized and aligned with the available funding, which is expected to exceed $10 million, as well as the $2.5-3.5 million already accessible.
Funding Questions and Concerns
• The need for additional funding despite previous awards is due to the extensive scope of the project.
• The project will be broken down into phases and addressed over multiple years with the need to request more funding every year.
• Mr. Davis questioned a verification match of $536,420.00 in addition to a $357,614.00 loan for the 90/10 grant / loan.
• Mr. Mitten was unsure of the reason for the discrepancy but promised to investigate.
Contract Type and Labor Costs
• Mr. Davis’s concern was raised about the proposal being an open-ended contract based on time and materials rather than a firm bid.
• Mr. Davis asked questions about labor costs listed on page 85 of the packet.
• The labor cost was listed as $220,218.00 for 1500 hours of work, averaging $146 per hour, which equates to a $300,000.00 annual salary per employee.
• Ms. Hill clarified that the billing rate to clients is about three times the cost of the employee, which is an industry standard.
Water Storage Tank Capacity
• There was confusion regarding the water storage tank capacity, with the proposal showing 1.5 million gallons in one section and 3 million gallons in another.
• Ms. Hill: The recommended water storage volume is 3 million gallons, but splitting it into two tanks is a good idea for redundancy.
• Mr. Mitten suggested changing the word from “tank” to “facility” to address concerns about changing the scope of the project after the award.
• The goal is to have a 3 million gallon water storage facility for water resiliency and redundancy.
• We have about 9 million gallon storage potential, but FEMA suggests we need 12 million gallons in storage. We need an additional 3 million gallons storage potential. This will take the load off the pumps, the well heads and the lines that we have already. It’s better for resiliency.
• Mr. Mitten: “It’s better to have two 1.5 million gallon tanks because when I do maintenance on a 3 million gallon tank that whole tank is offline.”
Water Storage System Improvements
• Mr. Merrick: The council wants to ensure the wording is correct in the application.
• Mr. Self: Page 98 of the packet says the project name is Portales water storage system improvements for $10 million.
• The project location is listed as 400 East Lime Street Portales, but the council wants to clarify that they are talking about Blackwater, not East Lime Street.
• Ms. Flores: The Lime Street tank is on Lime Street and Boston.
• The $10 million is for renovation of the tank plus the booster pump building enhancement security upgrades.
Two Different Topics
• There will be two tanks secured, monitored, and Scada’d with a booster station in phase two or three.
• The other booster station is a full renovation of the booster station at Lime Street that’s been in since the 50s or 60s.
• The proposal is to completely rebuild it.
• The tank will also be completely renovated.
Approval of Attachment
• Mayor Miller: The question at hand is the approval of attachment three design phase and attachment six amendment number two to move forward with contract to start design for well prep project WFP-6303.
• One objection (Mr. Davis) is that this is coming as an amendment to an existing contract of $286,000.00, and they’re increasing it to over $500,000.00 additional funds with an open-ended contract.
• Mr. Davis: The initial contract is the same type of design work at a fixed number, and the council is wondering why this contract couldn’t have been a fixed number.
Motion and Voting-DBS&A Contract
• Mayor Miller asked for attention to be directed to a motion for the DBS&A Contract, reminding council there were three other items to be discussed as they follow on the agenda.
• A motion was made by Ms. Cordova to approve the DBS&A contract for the design of the well project WFP-6303. Second, by Ms. Parker.
• A roll call vote was made. Results as follows: Ms. Cordova – Yes, Mr. Davis – No, Mr. Lopez – Yes, Mr. Merrick – Yes, Ms. Parker – Yes, Mr. Robinson – Yes, Mr. Self – No. Vote is 5-2 in favor.
• The motion passes 5-2.
Item 2. NOI—W astewater Treatment Plant Improvements
• The council is out of compliance for the wastewater treatment plant.
• This is to begin the process to move forward to update and incorporate advanced treatment technologies and pursue a potable reuse permit for future wellfield recharge following the restoration of compliance with the current NMED.
• They are requesting up to $1.5 million to get the process going for the plan and design for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• The council needs to get back into compliance before thinking about well recharge and reuse.
Corrective Action Plan
• Ms. Flores: She took bits and pieces from Wilson and Company’s corrective action plan to ensure that they put this in the project description.
• The signature on the NOI gives them (Water Dept.) the key to get into the system to start putting what they need in the system.
• Mayor Miller: Congresswoman Leger- Fernandez was able to get Portales $1.8 million for the Wastewater Treatment Plant repairs and improvements in this year’s funding cycle, depending on Congress passing the budget.
Notices of Intent
• Mayor Miller: When you put these in notices of intent, you include anything that you might want, plan, design….and then you get more technical on the final.
• The New Mexico Finance Authority indicated that if they needed help with engineering costs, they would take care of those for free.
• Mr. Mitten: There’s little doubt that they need funding to go forward and fix the wastewater treatment plant. And at this point we’re asking for this what I consider a minimal fee to go forward with A&E design based on the corrective action plan.
Motion and Voting
• Mr. Robinson made a motion to approve the notice for intent for access. Second, by Mr. Lopez.
• No roll call vote was made. Council verbally affirmed their unanimous approval.
• Motion carries.
Item 3. NOI—Storage System Improvements
• This is for the Lime Street Tank Rehab project.
• It aims to enhance the “reliability and influency” of the city’s water infrastructure through the comprehensive self-improvements of the construction of the rehab of the existing water station booster building enhancement, security upgrades, backup power installation, and master meter replacement.
• Ms. Cordova wants to know if the city is going to include this Lime Street address as well as
Blackwater and why it needs to be changed?
• The address needs to be corrected and include the adjoining street of Boston.
• They are requesting up to $10 million, depending on what they need to ask for.
Motion and Voting
• Ms. Cordova made a motion to approve. Second, by Ms. Parker.
• No roll call vote was made. Council verbally affirmed their approval with a 6-1 vote, with Mr. Self voicing his opposition.
• The motion carries.
Item 4. NOI—Well-Field Improvements
• This is for planning, design and construction.
• This one’s going to be mainly planning and construction.
Notice of Intent
• Ms. Flores: Like Mayor Miller stated earlier, they are “going for all of it in one just in case.”
• Ms. Flores needs to fix the wording to go from 3 million gallon to a 1.5 million gallon tank on the application.
• They are requesting up to $10 million to improve and construct the wellfield.
• Mayor Miller reminded Ms. Flores to consider the wording, “say 3 million gallon storage facility, not tank.”
Motion and Voting
• Ms. Parker motioned to approve the notice of intent for wellfield improvements. Second, by Mr. Robinson.
• No roll call vote was made. Council verbally affirmed their unanimous approval.
• Motion carries.
City Manager Items
Memorandum of Understanding
• Mr. Mitten is seeking approval for a memorandum of understanding between the city of
Portales and Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative.
• The goal is to partner and assess future water needs for the city of Portales leveraging shared data to plan infrastructure and secure sustainable water supplies.
• The duration of this memorandum of understanding would be three years.
Motion and Voting
• Mr. Merrick made a motion to approve the memorandum of understanding between the city of Portales and the RCEC. Second, by Mr. Self.
• No roll call vote was made. Council verbally affirmed their unanimous approval.
• Motion carries.
Mayor/Council Item
September 16th Council Meeting
• The council is discussing a possible schedule conflict with the September 16th, 2025, council meeting due to the NM Municipal League Conference.
• The council decided to reschedule the September 16th meeting to September 23rd.
Motion and Voting
• Mr. Robinson motioned to move the September 16 council meeting to September 23rd. Second, by Ms. Parker.
• No roll call vote was made. Council verbally affirmed their unanimous approval.
• Motion carries.
Staff & Council Comments
• Chief Cathey: The fire department ran 108 total calls for service. 88% was EMS and
12% was fire.
• Dispatch has two openings and is conducting interviews.
• There are six open spots in the water department.
• Public Works will be doing the parking lot paving at the Softball Complex dates starting in March.
• Code Enforcement job review ended.
• The clerk’s office is looking forward to the fall when they’ll be going to clerk classes.
• Mr. Mitten stated that he’s been working on relationship building between the council and city employees as well as relationship building between the city and community leaders.
• He also stated that he spent a significant amount of time with Mr. Chavez and the public works department going through equipment going through facilities and warehouses, getting an idea on how that operation is working.
Woodchipper
• Mr. Lopez says the woodchipper is serviceable but needs to be moved to the Convenience Center.
• He mentions the current process of unloading wood is unsafe, with people having to climb onto trailers to throw wood.
Code Enforcement
• Mr. Lopez mentions weeds and dirt piles at new apartments in the north and asks when they will be taken care of.
• Mr. Mitten promises to follow up on the cleaning process, specifically regarding the old
location.
Yield Sign
• Ms. Baca’s earlier Public Comment refers to the yield sign on N. Main Street heading towards the highway.
• The fence she referred to has been extended, legally, but N. Main is a state highway, so the city can’t do anything about the sign.
• Citizens are driving through without stopping, creating a dangerous situation.
Aqua Faulta
• Aqua Faulta is a premixed product used for potholes, also used in NASCAR and by municipalities.
• It’s a product that is poured out, tamped, and watered down.
• The company is offering a demo and free product and will be in the area next week, the
28th or 29th.
• Mr. Robinson says that potholes are still there even after overlays. He suggests filling potholes before covering them.
Road Repair
• Mr. Chavez weighed in on the “mill and fill” concept regarding road repair.
• Maps are being made to categorize roads and potholes to determine the best repair method.
• Mr. Mitten says that you can’t put a thin layer of any product on a bad road and make it a good road.
Drainage Issues
• It was noted that there is water accumulation in Mr. Pete Trujillo’s yard due to road grading. Mr. Robinson suggested the use of a “French trench.”
• The city owes the state a master drainage plan and a storm water drainage plan.
• Retention ponds need to be maintained to work effectively.
Street Sweepers
• Street sweeper is ready, but they’re waiting until the streets are done.
• The reason for the delay is the lack of qualified operators.
• Public Works is down 12 people.
Street Signs
• There are issues with the street sign maker program.
• Mr. Mitten noted that many streets lack signs.
Water Levels
• Water levels are at 24 feet.
• All wells are up except for well three, which needs to be pulled and worked on.
• The Lime Street tank was cycled over last week and is not currently pumping into the system.
Armed Forces Support Committee
• The committee met last week on Wednesday.
• We signed a resolution to be part of the Armed Forces Support Committee.
• The grant is the OOLDCC Readiness grant.
• The grant abstract involves a coordinated effort to conduct a military installation readiness review, addressing water supply, land use, energy, and key infrastructure.
Congresswoman Leger-Fernandez
• Congresswoman Fernandez has obtained $1.8 million for Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements.
• The funding is contingent on the budget passing.
Debt Service Charge
• The 100% debt service charge on water bills is to pay for the $20 million land construction.
• The charge will go away when the debt is paid off.
Executive Session
Motion to Convene in Executive Session
• Ms. Parker made a motion is made to go into executive session to discuss matters provided under New Mexico statute section 10-15-1 paragraph H(7) related to meetings subject to the attorney-client privilege. Second, by Mr. Self.
• Roll call vote was made with council members voting unanimously to convene in executive session.
• Executive session began at 7:50 pm.
Motion to Come Out of Executive Session
• Motion made by Mr. Self, second by Ms.Parker to come out of executive session.
• No roll call vote was made. Council members verbally affirmed their unanimous approval.
• Motion carries. Council reconvened in open session at 8:36 pm.
• Mayor Miller: “We’re back in regular session. First of all, I would like to state that only those items that were stated in the motion to go into session were discussed and we have one item of action.”
Action as a Result of Executive Session
Motion for Contract Discussion
• Mr. Merrick made a motion that Mr. Mitten and Roosevelt Water Co-op could enter into contract discussion with or without legal counsel. Second.
• Motion was clarification from its original: Ms. Parker’s name was changed and was not a reference to Ms. Diane Parker, but a representative of the Roosevelt Water Co-op. There was a need to use the business name for clarification purposes and not a personal name.
• No roll call vote was made. Council verbally affirmed their unanimous approval.
• Motion carries.
Adjournment
• Having no further business or questions, Mayor Miller adjourned the meeting at 8:38 pm.
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This is to certify that these Meeting Minutes were approved by council at their last regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 and made available to the public within the OMA required post-meeting time allowance. It is a summary of the above meeting. A full transcription of the meeting can be obtained from the city’s YouTube channel.
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Danielle Swopes, City Clerk, or Melissa Carrillo, Deputy City Clerk
If you are an individual with a disability who needs a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in a hearing or meeting, please contact the Portales City Manager or City Clerk at 575-356-6662, Option #0 at least one (1) week prior to the meeting or as soon as practical. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Please contact the Portales City Manager or City Clerk at 575-356-6662 if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed. Questions, requests, or comments from citizens should be submitted in writing to the City Clerk or City Manager by 4:00 p.m. a day prior to the meeting. Contact information for both officers is on the City’s website: https://www.portalesnm.gov/departments/.
