The Las Cruces City Council has unanimously tabled consideration of a Resolution, to its Feb. 22, 2022, meeting that would adopt funding priorities and allocations to various Las Cruces nonprofit organizations for coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
City Council’s 7-0 decision to table the Resolution was made at its Monday, Dec. 20 meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main St.
By tabling the Resolution to the specific date of Feb. 22, 2022, City Council will continue to have several options it can consider in allocating ARPA funds to Las Cruces nonprofit organizations without having to begin a completely new Request for Proposal and selection processes. Additionally, the extra time will enable the City’s Internal Audit Office, the Oversight Committee, and the City Manager’s Office to complete an audit review of the eligibility process for applying for ARPA funds.
Also at Monday’s meeting, City Council unanimously adopted a Resolution to award a contract not to exceed $6,001,761.65 to Morrow Enterprises, inc., of Las Cruces, for Phase 1 construction services of the East Mesa Public Recreation Complex. The project is expected to be completed within 240 days.
The new City park is included among the $35.6 million General Obligation (GO) Bond Projects approved by City voters in 2018. It will be north and east of the East Mesa Public Safety Complex, at 550 N. Sonoma Ranch Boulevard. The City's Parks & Recreation Department has worked extensively with the Public Works Department to develop the project.
Other agenda items approved Monday by City Council included:
- A Resolution to name the stage at Plaza de Las Cruces the “Roberto V. Estrada Pavilion.”
- A Resolution approving an allocation of City funding for federal low-income housing tax credit projects for an affordable multi-family housing development on Walnut Street.
- A Resolution adopting sustainable and beneficial electrification standards in new construction that is owned and developed by the City.
- A Resolution adopting the City’s short-range Transit Plan Update.
Additionally, Monday’s meeting included swearing-in ceremonies for two new City Council members who officially begin four-year terms on Jan. 1, 2022. Becki A. Graham and Becky Ann Corran were administered oaths of office from District Judge Conrad Perea. On the City Council, Graham will represent District 3 and Corran will serve District 5 (more text below photos).
Becki Graham Sworn in to Council by Judge Conrad Perea to serve District #3 12/20/2021
Becky Ann Corran sworn in to Council by Judge Conrad Perea to serve District #512/20/2021
Yvonne Flores sown in to Council by Judge Conrad Perea to serve District #6 12/20/2021
Yvonne M. Flores, who has represented Council District 6 the past four years was sworn-in for another term. In January, City Council representatives for all six City districts will be women for the first time in Las Cruces history.
Monday was the final meeting for Councilors Gill Sorg, who has represented District 5 the past 12 years, and Gabriel Vasquez who has been the District 3 Councilor the past four years. Sorg and Vasquez did not seek re-election in November to the City Council.