Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Jake Lopez Community Building

Roosevelt County Fairgrounds

Portales, New Mexico 88130

 

The Roosevelt County Commission met in regular business meeting on Tuesday February 2, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in the Jake Lopez Community Building with those present being: Commissioner Paul Grider, Commissioner Rodney Savage, Commissioner Lewis Shane Lee, Commissioner Dennis Lopez, Commissioner Tina Dixon, County Manager Amber Hamilton, County Attorney Randy Knudson, County Clerk Mandi Park, Road Superintendent Ricky Lovato, Detention Administrator Justin Porter, County Treasurer Layle Sanchez, Financial Specialist Liliana Rivera, Hospital Administrator Kaye Green, RGH Director of Marketing Jeanette Orrantia, County Agriculture Agent Patrick Kircher.

 

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

Invocation – County Manager Hamilton

Pledge – Commissioner Lee

 

Approval of Agenda:

Motion to approve agenda was made by Commissioner Lopez with a second from Commissioner Lee.  Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

Approval of Minutes:

Motion to approve minutes of the January 15, 2021 special meeting was made by Commissioner Lopez with a second from Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

Informational Items:

RGH Hospital Update: Kaye Green gave an in-depth report on the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on Roosevelt General Hospital. She stated that Roosevelt County has recently seen a decline in the number of cases and the positivity rate. She gave an overview of testing options and therapies available at RGH. She stated they have received CARES Act funding totaling nine million dollars, which will be used in part to add a Covid and Infectious Diseases Clinic to the existing clinic. She gave an update on construction projects, stating that the new emergency room will have 11 fully private patient treatment rooms including a bariatric room, and an isolation room. She stated that the current emergency room will transition into a two-bed sleep lab once construction is complete and the new emergency room is operational. She stated they are on target for completion in March. Future construction projects include relocating non-clinical space into new administrative offices to decompress space within the current hospital footprint, which will give more space to offer more specialized services and attract more providers.

Ms. Green also gave an update on the new integrated electronic health records system that they will be transitioning to on March 1, 2021. Ms. Green answered numerous questions posed by the commissioners.

Biannual update from Extension Office: Patrick Kircher reported on many agriculture and youth programs, as well as upcoming programs being offered. He stated that they have adapted to communicating with the public through technology. He stated they are optimistic that they will be able to offer small group events again soon. He stated that they have hired a new fair secretary and is optimistic that at least some of the fair events will be held in 2021.  He commended Ryan for keeping the 4-H participants engaged with 125 youth enrolled. He also commended Carol for embracing the technology to keep her programs going. Commissioner Lee asked if there were ways that older farmers and ranchers could get assistance in obtaining the available CEUs, even if they are not comfortable with the zoom technology. Mr. Kircher stated he would provide any assistance that he could, and encouraged anyone interested in the CEUs being offered on Wednesday February 17, 2021 to contact the office.

 

Public Requests: NONE

Commissioner Lopez left the meeting at 10:04 a.m.

 

Elected Officials/Department Heads Report:

Treasurer: Treasurer Sanchez stated that they were excited to re-open their doors to the public yesterday, to be able to serve the constituents in person. She reported a general fund beginning cash balance as of November 30, 2020 of $2,811,923.01, debits of $ 2,064,778.40, credits of $ 497,665.98, and an ending cash balance of $ 4,379,035.43.

 

Detention: Detention Administrator Porter stated the current detainee count was 61, with 10 females and 51 males and 5 of those being from out of county. He reported for the month of January, there were 67 bookings and 60 releases. He stated there is currently 1 officer in the training academy. They are continuing to follow Covid-19 protocols. He stated the vaccine is not currently available to detainees inside the facility, but as part of the release process, they are providing information to detainees about the vaccination programs available locally. Mr. Porter stated they are receiving positive feedback on the tablet system, both from the detainees and the staff.  They have seen a decrease in disciplinary issues and staff are able to handle tracking and documentation more efficiently.

 

Finance: Financial Specialist Liliana Rivera stated that the 2nd Quarter report, which was provided to the commissioners, has been submitted to the Department of Finance Administration and she highlighted the fund balances in her review.

 

Roads: Road Superintendent Lovato stated a crew is working on the final 2 ½ miles of the Sagamore project.  Another crew is working on the fairgrounds parking lot, thanks in part to donations from Holly Frontier and Whiterock Crushing. Holly Frontier provided 80 tons of emulsion and Whiterock provided 140 loads of base course.  Other crews are working on their regular routes and providing routine maintenance.

 

Manager: Manager Hamilton stated the need to cancel the February 16th regular meeting and schedule a special meeting to canvass the school election within the proper timeline.  That special meeting will need to be scheduled for either Friday the 19th or Monday the 22nd.  Ms. Hamilton gave an update on the status of the hail damage insurance claims, vehicle repairs and roof repairs. She stated the roof repairs at both Courthouse and Magistrate Court are complete. Other buildings are nearing completion. Detention is 50% complete.  Repairs to remaining buildings on the fairgrounds will begin once other buildings in progress have been completed. Manager Hamilton shared an article from the Eastern New Mexico News that reported 38 local businesses have received CARES Act funds from the state.

She stated the New Mexico jobless rate is up by 1% to 8.2%.

Ms. Hamilton stated that there are currently bids out for a tractor, and for a roof project. There will be a pre-bid meeting for the roof project on Thursday, February 4, 2021.

There are 2 capital outlay projects underway; the HVAC project on the courthouse is now complete. The HVAC project on the Enterprise Center is almost done, and will be complete prior to the hail damage repair to that roof.

The county, the health council and the United Way are working together to keep an Income Support Office in Roosevelt County. A town hall will be scheduled to provide the public with an opportunity to give feedback on the need for an Income Support Office located in Roosevelt County.

The county is working with the city to continue to provide a DWI Program, transitioning the current program to the county. The county is statutorily obligated to administer the program. The grant application for renewal is due in March.

Ms. Hamilton said she has a list of bills that she is monitoring that are of interest to the county. She also stated that there were more than 200 new pieces of legislation introduced in the Senate on February 1, 2021.  The county and New Mexico Counties are watching several bills closely.

Ms. Hamilton presented the commission with the audit accountability award that was presented to the county by the Office of the State Auditor. This is the 3rd award of its kind earned by the county. She thanked Ms. Rivera and Ms. Sanchez for their hard work.

 

Commission: Commissioner Savage stated, as a new commissioner he attended virtual trainings including BIPO and the Legislative Conference that he found very beneficial. He also praised Ms. Hamilton for her level of involvement in those trainings, helping him navigate the technology, hosting sessions and presenting in others. He stated she is very involved, understands the process, and is an effective manager.

 

Resolutions – Proclamations – Ordinances:

  1. Consideration of Resolution 2021-09 Supporting Reinstatement of a State Meat Inspection Program in New Mexico: Commissioner Dixon asked Pat Boone of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association to speak on this Resolution. Mr. Boone gave some background on the former state meat inspection program and stated that program had been eliminated and the state now relies solely on the USDA for meat inspections. He noted that there are only 4 USDA certified inspectors in the state of New Mexico, which creates a backlog. He answered questions, and stated that the NM Cattle Growers strongly support HB33. He asked that Resolution 2021-09 be approved.  Commissioner Lee made a motion to approve the resolution, with a second from Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes.

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution 2021-10 Opposing House Bill 4; Urging The New Mexico Legislature To Provide More Resources For Behavioral Health Prevention And Treatment, Since Behavioral Health Issues Are The Root Cause of Many Civil Rights Claims Against Local Governments; And Recommending Damage Caps On Any New Civil Rights Cause of Action As Well As Funding for Any Increased Costs Associated With It: Hamilton assured the commission that the sponsors of this bill have heard the very real concerns of Roosevelt County, other Counties, and New Mexico Counties. She stated this new cause of action is unnecessary because there are already provisions in the Tort Claims Act and it removes the protection of qualified immunity. This bill would adversely affect every public body, not just county detention centers or law enforcement agencies. It would make counties uninsurable. Commissioner Savage stated he sees this bill as a golden goose for trial attorneys and feels that is an unethical bill considering it was drafted, is being carried, and is being heard by trial attorneys who stand to profit if passed. Commissioner Savage made a motion to approve the resolution, opposing HB4. Commissioner Savage asked Mr. Knudson to look into the possibility of reporting this piece of legislation to the state ethics board. Commissioner Dixon seconded the motion. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes.

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution 2021-11 Acceptance of Special Appropriation of State Road Funds to Roosevelt County by New Mexico Department of Transportation: Hamilton stated this is the appropriation of $610,000.00 to be used to reconstruct Sundale Valley Road and add the fencing to NRR-AV. Commissioner Dixon made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-11 with a second by Commissioner Savage. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes.

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution 2021-12 Requesting That The New Mexico State Legislature, The Governor’s Office Review the Rule Change Enacted by the New Mexico Retiree Healthcare Association: Hamilton stated the rule change could have a detrimental impact on those employees age 55-60, forcing the retirement of employees in that age group in order to maintain insurance coverage. It would not only impact county employees, but also teacher and municipal employees. Commissioner Savage made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-12 as presented, with a second from Commissioner Lee. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes.

 

  1. Proclamation Designating February 2021 as 2-1-1 Month: Hamilton read the proclamation aloud. Commissioner Dixon made a motion to approve the proclamation as read, with a second by commissioner Savage. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes.

 

New Business:

  1. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding HVAC Upgrades at the Jake Lopez Building: Hamilton gave some options and estimates for each upgrade option to improve the building. She stated a full HVAC system including heating and air, would cost approximately $60,000.00. She stated removing the roll-up door, was estimated at $10,000.00.  She stated replacing just the heating units with no upgrade to the air conditioners would cost approximately $15,000.00.  She stated now is a good time to invest in the improvement of this facility due to the revenue from the Sagamore wind project. Commissioner Savage asked Ms. Hamilton to look into the possibility of cost of the project being reimbursed with CARES act or FEMA funds. Commissioner Lee made a motion to proceed with the upgrades to the HVAC system including heat and air conditioning units and the removal of the roll up door at an estimated cost of $70,000.00. Commissioner Grider seconded the motion.   Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

  1. Discussion Regarding Potential Grant Application for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program at the Detention Center: Hamilton told the commission that the money from this potential grant is federal dollars funneled through the state to the county. Detention Administrator Porter stated the funding would be for 2 years, with renewal options. He also stated his goal was to implement the program so that it would be sustainable even after the grant money was no longer available. He believes programs of this type will be mandated in the future. He identified some of the possible treatments that would be available through the MAT Program and the benefits to the detainee after leaving incarceration. Commissioner Lee asked if the program was voluntary and if there was liability to the county or the contracted medical provider. Participation would be voluntary, but encouraged. The liability would be mitigated by easing the symptoms of detox for incoming detainees. No action required at this time.

 

Contracts – Agreements – Procurements:

  1. Request for Approval of Agreement with New Mexico Department of Transportation and Roosevelt County: Hamilton stated this agreement is for the reconstruction of Sundale Valley road and the fencing along NRR-AV as previously approved. Commissioner Grider made a motion to approve the agreement, with a second from Commissioner Dixon. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes.

 

  1. Request for Approval of NM DAR MAFR AV (1) North Roosevelt Road AV Project Memorandum of Agreement between Department of the Air Force, Cannon Air Force Base, Roosevelt County and the Federal Highway Administration: Hamilton reminded commissioners that this MOA is the next step in the NRR-AV project that was already approved. There is no cost to the county to reconstruct this road, the road will remain in the county inventory. The county intends to seek an agreement with CAFB and NMDOT for future maintenance of this road. Commissioner Dixon made a motion to approve the request as presented, with a second by Commissioner Savage. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes.

 

  1. Request for Approval of Subgrant Agreement with New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency: Hamilton stated these funds are reimbursements from FEMA for COVID relate expenses from March to May, 2020. This is the first round of reimbursements. Commissioner Savage made a motion to approve the request as presented, with a second by Commissioner Lee. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes.

 

  1. Request for Approval of Interim Promissory Note to the New Mexico Environment Department Clean Water State Revolving Fund on Behalf of Roosevelt County: Commissioner Lee made a motion to approve the request as presented, with a second by Commissioner Grider. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes.

 

  1. Request for Approval of Interim Loan Agreement with the New Mexico Environment Department Construction Programs Bureau Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund and Roosevelt County: Commissioner Dixon made a motion to approve the request as presented, with a second by Commissioner Lee. Commissioner Grider-Yes, Commissioner Lee-Yes, Commissioner Dixon-Yes, Commissioner Savage-Yes, Commissioner Lopez-Yes.

 

Media Communication:

Ms. Hamilton asked for comment on 2 questions submitted by email.

She asked if any commissioner wanted to make additional comments on Resolution 2021-09. Commissioner Lee stated that reinstating the meat inspection program would open doors for farmers and ranchers to sell their meat locally and to participate in farmers markets. He also stated knowing where your food comes from is a big deal.

She asked for additional comments on HB4. Commissioner Savage stated the bill doesn’t hit on any real reform and it is not a legitimate civil rights bill.

 

Adjourn:  Meeting adjourned at 11:38 a.m.

ATTEST:                                                                                                  BOARD OF ROOSEVELT

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 

__________________________                                                     _____________________________

Mandi M. Park                                                                                     Tina Dixon

County Clerk                                                                                         Commission Chair