On morning everybody welcome to
underlying things that we don't
know about for spouses right
that. That we actually- had
some people council because of
their spouse has a conditions
there confirm. Particularly
concerned about. So in order to
get ahead of that and to make
sure that we could. At least
staff that's an additional
factor that into it. Also have
a plastic partition you walk up
and identify yourself for the
record identification to oppose
official there is a literal
classic partition and- in
between the whole official and
the voter identifying
themselves- we are. Using pops
and this is kind of I got
really creative on our part
and give credit to our
collection- staff and the bed
is actually on the call oday
and he is our bureau elections
supervisor so we're using
popsicle sticks instead of a
stylus to sign- and the voters
asked to use that as well when
they input their ballot into
the tabulator. And that is we
dispose of all we are just
impacting the pens their use
after every use of course and
we are on a regular schedule to
write down everything- all
services within the point
location. So those are some of
the proper precautions are
taking were using all of the
best practices both in the
department of health and the
CDC. And are. We can do that.
We're happy to do that all of
our sites one of the things
that will continue to say and I
hope that you talk about as we
highly encourage. Voting from
home or otherwise known as
absentee right. And because as
many precautions as we take the
only guarantee that we have
that you cannot be exposed to
somebody but a voting location
is if you book from home. Yeah
Hey you got your valid I got
mine in yesterday too. So we're
gonna save- my ballot for
mother's day for going to kind
of sit at the table my parents
and I and my husband both
together so. Thank you for that.
Xander got her Stuve great.
Okay well great well now and I
sent my Rosie and I four
ballots so we'll see how it
goes I'll be the first time
ever vote absentee. The point
devote in person but I'm not
this time is different well and
I will say- I think if there
was any time to vote absentee
this will be the year so I know
there's traditions connected to
voting in person I appreciate
that I and participated in
those weather is I'm going to
lunch after more to talk about
and you voted for even prior.
But buses no actually it's a
long time ago the only time you
can vote absentee is if you
were out of the country and so
when I started in politics
that's that was the rule. So
you know. For who drive double
to what is he's of country so
you get an absentee but- yeah
well I think that we're really
fortunate to. Reside in the
state that really has
implemented. All of the best
practices connected to
elections and that would
include a note- that would
include. Not having to have an
excuse if you want to vote by
home because we know that
voters. Participate if they
have more options and seller.
We want to continue to promote.
Thank you sounds good. Was
Lindsay got a same thing or
but just say hello everyone
okay all right well let me see
if. Council has any questions
council Sorg. Thank you ms mer.
And thank you- Amanda and
Lindsey and Christine- coming
today and reporting what you're
going to do it sounds very good.
This is my first absentee
ballot if you recall our mail
in ballot couple years ago for
the G. O. vine everybody did
the same thing. So ADA were
practiced on this we're we're
we're we're problems. I was
just wondering on the masts for
people who vote can you make it
mandatory that they wear masks.
Yeah you can't okay we're not
going to deny a person- access
to the ballot box because
they're not wearing a mask yeah
understood. Just wanted to
check we highly encourage we
give them you know will offer
that to them again if they come
without a mask. Right yeah you
did say there will be some
available. One will be a
limited number of supply we of
course couldn't supply for all
of the voters however were also
sensitive today do that not
everybody can afford to buy a
mask or has access. Highway
will be distancing at least.
Yes thank you imagine Manda.
And you have a good day. You
too thank America none. Council
Vasquez they mayor thank you I
think you to- the card that be
click for being with us today
and for your efforts in making
this to save Alexian for us- I
continue to think that we have
one of the best rock clerk's
offices. Prosecutors in New
Mexico you guys are so
proactive thank you. Nothing
not a problem and you guys are
so proactive in. Making sure
that we maximize the
opportunities for access to- to
the ballot for folks and so
thank you for your continued
work on that. I just I did have
a question about. What your
expectations are or what your
senses when it comes to
boating numbers in general I
think I had seen something
about a record number of mail
in ballot applications- being
filled out. And sent back to
the scretary of state which is
a positive. I seem to be a
positive- sign that books were
gonna of perhaps both in record
numbers by absentee ballot but
any boxer expectations at the
county level of. Voting numbers
for this for this upcoming
election expected to go up down
thank you cancer for your
question so. The first day of
early voting and we had
approximately a little over a
hundred individuals who voted
and this is past use day now is
about half of what can in
comparison to a twenty eighteen
so we had more the second day
and I think you know if people
realize that we were maximizing
all of the- the precautions
you know I think. That was
definitely a factor I do know
that we sent out as a county
fifty seven hundred absent G.
ballots this past use day they
went out that is so if you look
at turn out- even in twenty
sixteen the primary election
right which is what I compared
it to because of the
presidential year. We had
approximately twenty thousand
total voters so if you look at
already 25% went out in before
the applications have been
received by all of the eligible
voters right so those are
people who either sent in of
visible when have it mailed to
them as a and noted in or did
online or turning application
via- you know. The price the
counter so I'm optimistic I
would not I've hopefully I'm
hopeful that will reach over
you know ten thousand. At at.
But we will and we're ready for
them so I think that's that's
kind of. Inland you're more
than welcome to add anything
you like. Sure so- this morning
I didI checked in a little bit
with- how we were doing and we
have issued over sixty eight
hundred absentee ballots. I'm
for the primary in this first
week what we know about the
applications is they actually
went out and leaves so I'm
which is actually good for us
administratively just be able
to handle the volume coming
into the office. The sixty
eight hundred is a huge number
in twenty eighteen I think we
did five hundred absentee
ballots total. Merry on and
again that's not a presidential
but it's really hard to
determine how the pandemic and
influence how for his.
Participation comes out looking
like on the other end- in in
person it looks like we're at
three thirty three- so that's
about. You know and it will be
about a hundred people a day
which as amended indicated if
we stay on route for that. This
is and about half of what. We
did in twenty eighteen. I'm for
the primary. We are are
definitely. Hopeful that arm
people out in the community
will help us push absent he and
help. Encourage folks to go
online and still request their
ballots three meet forty- and
that we normally right because
a lot of what we hear- in
response to. This encouragement
as well all how do I know- how
do I know this works right how
do I fill it out. It's very
different than what I'm used to
so- if you guys anyone on the
call I would like material from
our office boards help promote
absent TV have that available
and then again if you have any
questions about the specific
process that you're getting
from your constituents. Or from
other members in the county
other residents in the county
just let. Us know and we can
help I'm works. Lindsey thank
you so much when the R. thank
you Amanda- and your whole team
for again just always being at
the forefront of being
responsive to the situation and
making sure that our democracy
can drive in our in our town so
thank you so much. Drama
question. Thank you Councilor
mayor pro tem and then council
Flores and Bencomo. Thank you
mayor thank you Amanda and then
see and all your staff there at
the clerk's office I very much
appreciate all the lot. All
that has gone into sort of this
process and what you wanna see
how difficult that decision was
to make in terms of limiting
their polling place says
because I know first hand how
you to feel about democracy in
people holding I think that's
really and for and. My question
is around. Let's see you made
mention- maybe some information
that you have from the clerk's
office that we as concerts can
share with their constituency
and I'm thinking- around around
absentee ballot and just what
to expect do you have players
or is there some sort of
campaign that the city and the
county can team up where
started in interviewing all all
of us are you of our as- to
which- into that community
about voting and the occurrence
of voting absentee. Ballots
answer to what to expect in
terms of what you'll see at the
polling place. Yes we
definitely have materials on
hand and I know Christine- last
time we spoke we had a
conversation about ways in
which- we can park on that
communication- certainly DAC
elections is a really good
resource we do have a landing
page specific to the primary. I
can get that to Christine so
that- you all have it in a kind
of links off to everything
that's important right like the
consolidation. Of whole on
locations to twenty one
locations and has an online
sample ballot people can go in
and see what races are going to
be on their ballot- and then of
course links you invoke out of
work from that landing page- so
that folks can- apply for the
absentee ballot. I think that
one of the big things rate is
in terms of this normalizing of
the process is really helping
folks understand that they can
track the status of their
violent on in both at work- so
that's a key piece that we're
trying to. Help and- line in
under score so that people have
more confidence that. Their
vote counts because it does are
absentee process is great I
mean to talk about this all the
time but- the great thing about
our jobs is- that we have
statutes of all well everything
a statutorily driven and
sometimes the worst thing.
Since everything is such a to
really drive it. Makes the
process slower but it keeps it
accountable and. And I includes
absent. So those things be
really. Just in terms of
messaging. All I think. Great
Amanda I'm guess I'm more to
our- our county your clerk's
office our clerk's office can
we expect the same I guess. I'm
just thinking that people that
don't use maybe computers
internet Facebook- things like
that at that I'm I'm worried
about on maybe typically- a lot
of the S. R. seniors that use
absentee ballot anyway I guess
I'm trying to find different
ways that we can push out
information. And that it's not
all electronically but also
very specific to- what you all
are doing I wrote a lengthy
list of things precautions that
you're taking- and I think
that's important to get out to
the community and so if we can
do that not only by PSAs. Radio.
But also flyers that in most of
our senior services and I don't
know I don'twanna cross the
line here but I the and we're
not telling people how to build
but- saying that this is
available and the precautions
that you have so clearly laid
out. A bottle Lee right dot. On
for that for this those safety
and well being of your staff
but also to our constituency.
Thank you for that mayor pro
tem so I agreed there's- any
way that we can message to any
to act were open to ideas we
have made an internal list.
Connected you all of the
organizations across the any
county and that's as exhausted
as we can think of and that
would include- large
organizations as well as the
smaller ones in the south- it
to ask them to leverage any of
their communications are how
they to their- their
constituents as well are
they're- you know they're- the
individuals that live in their
community. And we're fortunate
to have a communications
coordinator that is created a
very specific- campaign that M.
is bilingual and we try to
promote that as much as we can
I would encourage any of you to
also promote that I think it's
really- you know again we talk
about being it's not like we
can go to a farmer's market in
hand out. Flyers to people it's
not like we can go to the
Anthony senior center during
lunch time right now and try to
do some of that- you know
promoting- so. Unfortunately
part of what we're doing this
very moment is the maximum what
we can do. So anyway that you
can support what we do- I
wouldn't. Welcome I agree with
you it's a fine line we want to
talk about the questions I want
to details everything we're
doing there's literally and
there if it's out there and
there's something else we could
be doing. We will- we want to
promote absent but we one could
turn out so it's very important
that I continue to say I want
people to vote. However you
will I want you to vote please
participate no that we have
maximized. The safety at the
polling locations and make the
best decision for yourself
considering your specific
circumstances and your family
circumstances. So you know I
appreciate your concern and I
know you're always have an eye
out for those are not
necessarily in the forefront to
aren't necessarily in front of
that. Mac computer like I am
right now it's sad or right so
we always have to consider
everyone from every corner
doing on a because we want all
of them to participate. So at
short answer is we are using
the tools we have to leverage
to different community groups.
I always think radio is a good
idea are budget is limited
unfortunately because yeah
that's just we're wrapped. And
so- thank you for the question
and the concern. That I thank
you so much check I do you know
I like this county the city
partners with many non profits.
We specifically community
action some that may be it we
haven't in the past like going
into communities United Cruces
create as- all these places
that I think are. Have have
mean I think excellent luck
with the numbers of folks that
they're reaching out to deeply.
That flyer in a box in a blue
box- because it you know things
of that nature that I think- we
can do and I'm- hopeful that.
The city well- how for some
money. And that the that the
and we do that right we got to
decide here. If that happens I
think it's an important thing
to do is ensuring that people
understand this process.
Normally using that but all
noted you all have take and
you know the this. Precautions
to protect everybody and so I
thank you I appreciate it so I
guess my this question is
really for Christine I
understand that will be opening
up did you say Monday or
Tuesday of next week- I wrote
it down but- without taking too
much time to look back at my
notes- what kind of precautions
do we have in place and what
will we be doing. I'm
specifically to let people know
that this is the only site
that will be band. And that
you're doing everything that
you can I know through the city
to protect people. On the
mayor- we are installing all
the precautions that Amanda has
laid out we're going to use the
same things that there you seem
as they're the ones who are
technically in charge of all of
that- we didn't make exchange
and where we were going to have
the voting it was technically
supposed to be in my office
but the social distancing that
was gonna be a little difficult
so we're going to move that out
and still be. It sure the
leasing is a glance- I we did
work with you down the other
day and he did you a press
release on regarding some of
the precautions as well as
letting people know that yes we
are voting location but we are
encouraging everyone to vote.
Absentee great thank you
Christine thank you for all
your- help and diligence and
thoughtfulness- and the rest of
the staff. I know this is going
to put some burden on all of
you and I just want to make
sure that you feel. Protected
and see- and if you need
anything I'm from last please
don't hesitate to let us know
here. At this point thank you
thank you mayor. Thank you
mayor pro tem- council Flores.
Thank you Mister mayor and
thank you Amanda and thank you
Lindsay- for your hard work
around this selection it's very
everything where everything
we're doing stays is new
everything is a new and I don't
we wanna coloring normal thing
or- this but- but in so far as
the- perhaps you touched on
this and I missed it- so. My
concern working around- voter
registration getting the voted
out and you know all of that
for- several decades- my
concern with. The absentee
ballot is the same as- what the
mayor pro tem gun that attached
on and that's like. For example
my money- my age group. Goes to
both in person I know that my
mother look forward to voting
day she it was like her little
field transaction yeah. Yeah
check your shower lipstick on
and we have let's go let's go
and yeah that's where my that's
part of my role. And I am going
to do in person I met to go- on
single they mayor but I was so
busy celebrating with my dog
here with our balloons and are.
Red white will be ready. It was
hard for me to get away my
party. But but I will be voting
in person- and- my and the
question I've been asking for
years. Of knowing- Scott
creaming. What was the year can.
Of about. When you do absent.
Voting in the mail ballot you
have to pay the call. And of
and- you don't have pay for the
postage anymore you do the
mailing. Suit councillor of
lettuce thank you for your
question while I'm at it thank
you for all your advocacy but
no we is postage paid yes and
you're correct previously. In
have been and I think it was a
dollar fifty two or something
along those lines each whereas
here comes a little bit. Yeah
so I understand your concern.
With the ruling of the Supreme
Court this year they were very
living in it AJ rack to the
secretary of state to send.
Absentee ballot applications to
all voters and so the turn
around with that was and
there's postage paid. Return
ballots wonderful wonderful
what. What about. Let's see
rich. Is still has to be in or
so the deadline to register
online was. Asked use day but
same day voter registration
will take place at all of the
early voting locations. And
that is of course you eight
thirty as Saturday were
election date I will say we
kind of joke about a recall of.
Same day easy. But thirty and
starting in November starting
in twenty twenty one we will
have full implementation of
same day registration so it's
very much a stair step I'm
heading over to it. Okay and
then and then after the
election the primaries over.
Yeah one third. Can be again
red a correct and then and then
what's the cut off before the
judge election did you out
because some people will not be
voting in inspire some people
just of primaries of the just
all circle whatever reason but
so once you have people. Who
have been- who are registering
to vote in the general is a
more moved our change parties
or for whatever reason- what is
the cut off for that is there
going to be saying be early
voting- registration for that
too yes that will be that what
is happening in the primary
will be near in the November
election as well and so it
would be the online
registration would cut off- you
know in the same time frame
which should be. Beginning of
October and same day would
continue in person at the early
an alternate locations. So it
would be a mere. I'm sorry be
what. I do. Right sorry your
your good required by unseen
calls are funny guys and I did
want to clarify that- election
day is June second but there
was a lot change- in regards to
registration and that we have
to wait thirty days before
registration becomes active
again so people can still be on
the community like order
registration agents collecting
form so we actually can't
process those forms bylaw for
thirty days after an election
and that was a change that was.
Made in- twenty nineteen we did
try to shorten that period as
an affiliate because what we
realized is it's a little bit
too long. I'm a making the
final. But that didn't get past
in the state legislature so
we're going into this year.
Thirty eight the lady. And the
primary for registration and
so let's see how does that work
then forcing be voting. If you
can't process or did I guess
I'm to busy with my dog barking
her here sorry. So instructed
working third and continuing so
this is after the election
right. Re start the next day
and actually be able a after
the election in the- because as
as some of you know- election
day is the second for us the
election continues for quite.
Sometime foes well you get to
go home you can. You so may not
or two o'clock in the morning
anymore you can go home of the
whole. Yeah so that's and those
are the those are you just and
regards the same David
registration I mean and post
election. Voter registration
and then say nay murderous
rations. Now that there's an
additional all I'm photo
identification. I'm for that
process and that you cannot
change your party I'm in a
primary so if you're in your
order. Register yeah right like
however you want- but you as if
you are even on a road a role
you can't change or- so free.
Report for the- so of okay what.
In court I wanted that this
come. Regarding the close to
number very. Sad about it. That
is just such a license. From
such a pleasant place a
pleasant surprise when did that
do you recall when that
decision came down from
streamed court was a it was a
state. Court three court
decision was connected you
really. Are ordering this the
county clerk's to you. To
administer an election as we
would always administer
election that was really the
supreme court's decision they
decided they did not have the
authority or they were not the
body that would approve any
changes because that the
majority. Had asked for on. But
when the order went out- you
know. There was a decision at
that time- to make the postage
hate all around. So was it this
year was it genuine in in the
last month or so that that way.
It was decided connected you I
think everything that's
happening now right here. I'm
sorry Amanda now go head I'm
sorry. No no I am sorry no I
was just I was just gonna be
enforced which you said we're
pleased about it as well
because I a dollar fifty may
not be a lot to some people but
literally could be a barrier
for somebody purchasing
painting in what is a
constitutional right connected
to a so I agree with you- you
know that this is something we
I don't know if it's something
moving forward that. It is
going to you present I'm I'm
hoping so- but we will we will
keep you updated on that and I
will particularly keep you
updated because I know you're
very purchasing you participate
quite often and all of the
activities connected to civic
engagement the community so we
can to. Continue to talk about
it and how we can support- paid
postage not just- during a
pandemic but you know during.
Every action so I wouldn't so
they'll be a decision was act
or only incidental to work
because I can't get back and
during only of. And then make
were. Or was it just your- do
you know. So it was connected
to the decision by the Supreme
Court for us to have a to
promote the absentee. Our and
there wasn't a lot of details
given as to the why we were
just happy that were able to
get voters and information that
they were not gonna have to
worry about postage. So it was
in connection with the pandemic
bone them. Or it's going to be
in effect only for the pandemic
were. How to. Maybe I'll just
read the decision harder that.
We didn't see what it says.
Yeah I just don't I don't know
what it's going to look like
and especially connected to. As
potential special session a
potential space for there to be
all male anyway. And so I think
there's are some moving pieces
but- again like you it's
something that I continue to
keep an eye on continually. I
was surprised when I first
started it as clerk's that
there was postage involved and
submitting absent cheese so I
there- I share your- were. More
free inaccessible elections.
Connected to absent G. we're
not really to get out to the
because I know that in no. In
order are- year we'd have
absentee ballots with us and
people would say okay and then.
And then I to just be sure to
put your post to John and they
say. Go to the post office. Get
out and some people just don't
so I think this is wonderful.
Thank you and I totally agree
with mayor channel god got out
that not everybody has
computers not everybody. Yeah
not everybody has a computer to
access anything online or
whatever so there has to be a
lot a lot of time yeah. The
flyers so anyway thank you so
much ninety Misbach man. Manta
doctor asking thank you so much
for your hard work on this
site. We appreciate everything
thank you. Thank you. Council
Kamel. Thank you Mister mayor
I'm in thank you so much doctor
looks Afghan and Debbie I'm
twenty click back man. And of
course our own city court
Christine on on all the work
that you've been doing. On
since the decision was
announced in before- I think
you were present during
multiple scenarios and- as
someone who is a naturalized
citizen who has loved ones that
don't have. Access to the
ballot box yeah you know I of
voting to me is incredibly
important. I think it's to you
and I cannot and- you must have
been like the so I the voting.
I'll locations on election day
but please know that. That on
this site even though I
understand that that decision
must've been really. Awful to
me- that I think you for it
because I think it was the
right decision to make so I
hope that you know that. An
aunt mostly I just want to say
thank you for all you're doing
and you know I think. For me I
just- requested my absentee
ballot a couple days ago- I
will be voting by absentee even
though I love voting in person
and- I needed resisted of early
voting because I just love
election day so muchby- but I.
You know this year. I'm
particularly as a leader in
this community I just value the
health my own health the health
of my family. The health of my
constituents a lot more than
they do going going to go in
person- I just you know some of
those things you priorities
sometimes. I'm an understanding
that this is hopefully
temporary and they won't last
forever. Hopefully not even for
the general right but I'm glad
that on. That of. And
unfortunately a smaller
election like the primary rate
on that you've got to. Practice
and see how this goes. I'm in
the event that November. Is the
same. Time I agree with me of
her time that I hold the city
can. Of that I would like the
city term- partner with you to.
Towards putting resources in
radio ads especially I think
you're right. Radio out there
are really important tool and
in communicating with our
communities especially those
who speak Spanish in Las
Cruces. Arms I really do hope
that we can do that- and then
you I wanted to ask- I mean I
know but can you encourage
people to go- where where can
people go look. To see what
locations are what voting
locations are open right now.
In which ones they will be open
on election day. You must go in
person and- for people to
understand that. Thank you here
press therefore councillor
informal I am we always one
encourage anyone and everyone
to head to DC elections dot
com. So that will have all of
the information also you know.
Social media we do have- many
fires available of. A lot of
people received an update
connected to their precinct
one- precincts let. I we sent
elections wires with the
available information on that
flyer specifically in all of
those and I think the stands
over I want to say forty
thousand at this point so- you
know that information the sense
is kind of you know were
already sitting piece of mail
so let's give information we
can. Again I think there's
we're fortunate to have a lot
of community partners that
promotes of registration and
promote- participation and
those groups that we partner
with would be it places that.
People gather. And so it's just
not ideal in a lot of ways and
I to kind of cringe of the
opportunity that we're losing
connected to voter registration
participation. But we are
seeing good turn out so far
yeah absent she and that is
very very encouraging so. You
know like I said we continue to
or want to partner and maximize
our effectiveness both in- and
the larger areas that
particularly the rural areas
because- as somebody United
parent the group in a rural
area that just never had access
to information. And you don't
know what you don't know and
so- you know that's something
that will. Will always work on
I talk quite frequently that my
number one priority as clerk.%
Is to. Administer my statutory
duties that is always has to be
a priority. Were fortunate
because we have a staff of were
fully staffed so really the
enhance things right the out
reach the education is the fun
stuff right. The there is just
some barriers in place right
now to doing some of that and
we're hoping as you do that
those are going to be- reduced
or we're gonna have to be more
creative I mean we can be we
just have to will have to
figure it out- so thank you for
your question thank you for
your support- and I appreciate.
The fact that you are voting
absentee I am I am voting
absent she as much as I like to
go to person and I mean that
you're looking for there's
early voting periodically so I
understand thank you. Thank you
so much for that- I will
continue to do whatever I can
to encourage people to do
absent G. R. boating and please
let us know how we can support
you and finding those creative
ways moving forward. That's
what I just to say thank you
all not one more thing- you
know I think on the on the
other side of. Voting are order
incredible. All workers right
people who are working who want
to get are trying rule like
love doing that- you know
Christine are we in terms are.
The folks at the city. I'm not
city call it you know are we
allowing who normally does are
the city employees are they
are members of our community
who are volunteering to do
those jobs- and if it city
employees are we allowing
people to say. You know I
really don't want to. Write
because I minutes is a. Big age
group or whatever. For people
who are so boy stopped if the
once. So how. Are the public
shows are election officials
that we hire are specifically
connected to doing any county
as well okay since we
administer the election often I
think it and historically city
of Las Cruces when they have
administered elections have
had- people who have worked
there and then work with us and
there's been kind of a cross
over but since we have. We're
now leading home so to speak on
elections we have taken not
peace and hiring within our own
process so thank god for yes
thank you for clarifying that
and thank you so much. Thank
you cancer cancer abeyta
student. And thank you doctor
is asking thank you and see as
well for everything and for the
presentation- I am so impressed
with all the ways that you've
been able to adapt to this new
situation I kind of a follow up
with and transit income most
add comment on our poll workers
do we have any plans and even
here at the city. You I'm
encouraged or do any sort of
yeah grant of testing Kobe
testing for the voters
afterwards I'm even like where
I doing any sort of check and
justice he if anything my. That
is not been sent that we have
put on the table at this time.
I'm in that's not something
that we can work with with our
different departments said it
to make sure that. I'm even
since we're gonna have a site
here at the city- if we can do
some sort of follow up with
those all workers. I'm and if
anything at least encourage
them aren't you I mean courage
to get tested if they're on
sometimes or- anything. Thank
you and I am particularly
sensitive to the politicians
and- people who participated in
Wisconsin- many of you like me
sat there that night just
extremely distressed about what
we were watching Wisconsin and
so this is just the decisions
we made all. Really that
continue to resonate as we work
forwarded making decisions we
know at least- as of last week
I believe in Lindsay tends to
follow this a little more
closely than I did there was
fifty six. Of people that had
been infected Wisconsin and so
you know there's been a pull
officials that have died- New
York so. You know there was a
headline the other day that
says and you all know this I'm
worried you know that was like
I have this whole conversation
what came out was I'm worried.
But I think being worried is of
an important thing to beat
because it keeps us vigilant
and it keeps us making
decisions that are best for not
just our community but also our
politicians and my staff. Who
day in day out make sacrifices
because they want to have- on
the next election for doing any
county so I echo what you say
in anything we can do to
support. Individuals that
continue to- proper stopped
I'm all for. Yeah. Okay so you
have a couple questions ask of
well to clarify something from
the county clerk and then one
question for the city clerk so
Amanda did you say that there
was not gonna be requirements
for masking for either people
come in and about it it's just
so you're gonna cook strongly
encourages her act we are
asking individuals the signage
and that we have a block from
the market building ask you let.
Walking in the check ins week
come from they are because
again building closed to the
public. We confirm that they
are there devote and along
being was very welcoming we
also offer them a mask if they
are not utilizing one. At that
point- you know we are hopeful
that they will- get on board
and maximize their safety as
well as those around them sure
but it's not mandatory. Okay
and one is early voting start I
mean they'll they'll be able to
go there to the clerk's office
to do were you paying. So and
you know we is a language early
and then we talk about early
starting next week there's
actually three phases I talk
about early voting which is
against actually driven is at
the clerk's office not started.
This past use day right so meet
this alternate early right is
when we expand across the
county that starts may
sixteenth and the hours are a
little bit different they go G.
date you sat. Alone. To seven
so that of course. This is well
after our- use to access it
during the day so we early and
then it's alter and then ten
days site kind of about it in
three phases we finish phase
one were heading phase two may
six. Okay this is to be
primarily for our city clerk
and then also my colleagues on
the- council so today's the
eight. So that that that means
any more days we're going to be
voting early in the city. And
probably the only way we could
do this is through an ordinance
that we were to require a mask
at city hall now what you guys
do it government center knows
different but I need to ask her
city attorney one is that
something that we can do
require that- voters who come
to city all who come to do are
you quoting or on election day
must be wearing a mask so
they'll be one question
Jennifer. And then if so since
we're so. Eight days doesn't
doesn't give us enough time to
do an actual ordinance. Yeah
that might be something there
that I do the emergency
ordinance- and have that done
to require. If you're going to
vote at city hall. You have to
wear a mask so those are the
two questions I have for our
city turn a Jennifer. Yes yes
you can you can require- mass
at city hall or for any in
person voting via your
emergency proclamation of
course that is valid for three
to seven days and then has to
be reviewed by the entire city
council it could be specific to
in person voting and based on
the dangers that we've seen in
other. Yeah I know that many
people died Wisconsin I pulled
it up on my I pad and it had
like nineteen but if you're
talking fifty eight I mean
that. The dangers just so great
and there than that and I
think. If we give on
alternatives to voters and they
say well I'm going to city hall
no that everyone there's
anywhere Nassau I feel more
comfortable. And then those who
feel like they don't want to
wear a mask and- they're not
willing to take the rest well.
Our meeting. If I may mayor I
apologize. A couple of things
if I said this I apologize I
think I said I needed fifty six
people were diagnosed with
cobalt after Wisconsin not.
Connected to death. And I
would- put this out there
ultimately. You all moved
forward. I would be think be
very thoughtful about layers we
put that deny person a
fundamental right to vote it
that the implications of that
and the ripple effects of that
much are could be problematic
and I would definitely circle
back to your attorney and
address that appropriately but
I. Have difficulty. Requiring
something at a location in
which- again a constitutional
right of a citizen- of this
country and saying that they
cannot enter a location that
they've chosen to vote at so- I
would encourage you to consider
that thank you Sir no I
appreciate and but as long as
as long as the county
government center will be open
I mean we're not necessary
denying them devote just tell
them you know you got were mask
will have some of it will be on
a we're one and- just go to the
county. I don't know Council
made. Me next that idea I just
want to put that out there. So
we. And as I certainly when we
choose voting locations part of
that statutorily engineer for
and if you would like us to
send use statutes related four
locations we can do that but
part of the requirement- in
part of even when we consider
consolidation right is this
idea that there has to be
accessibility factored into to
the decisions that we make and
what that looks like and why
like there's such a national
conversation about moving
polling locations and
consolidating one locations and
how action disenfranchised
people inadvertently- that's
why there's so much fervor
about that right because it
does- you know certainly city
hall is. Arguably can be more
accessible to people who are
living in Las Cruces than the
government center motel
Walmart- so some of the things
that are guiding those laws are
to protect and things like that
where there are TJ voter
disenfranchisement in
geographic location and I think
what the twenty one locations
especially for election day- I
don't know if amended mention
this but legally we could have
gone down to seventeen a
geographically will look at the
county at large it didn't make
sense to consolidate like
chaparral the Las Cruces or
part. Cruces right has of ex.
These are times in the army
every precaution. A little over
during their time a little on
location and we haven't really
had a vote refer. Are to go
into the room a mass so it had
to be who can in from. They
said. Do I have to do this in
the line that we're of telling
people who are hell us with
process is were encouraging I.
And they just put him on their
little losing. Thank him for. A
the way out but a lot of folks
are show up with own like.
Stuff so. Just some information
help guide the- needs. In
regard to our- that and so let
me living cover have a couple
coming. Members are wanting to
speak let's as see what they
have say count Florida and they
come. For also for this. Yes
thank you Mister mayor and- I
totally. With what. Doc look
aside. Is and also. We is fine
men that the your- proposal I
think would just. Some people.
And I don't in any way want the
city to appear to be an- option
of the voting rights act of
nineteen sixty five section to.
Of where- that's how a lot of
people have been
disenfranchised by. Putting on
these sort of limitations as to
how about it's almost like a
whole tax. Equivalent to or
change you whole pack so I
think I share this with you all
before I think the reason my
mom. Just love to go in and
voters ecause when she- began.
To grow. All she could about it
any time she was your say. No
it she had by end. Of but of I
remember she was by in. And she
to pay to get things to go. Of
so there was a cold and- on any
of that part of Las Angeles. I
know if it was in Newport beach
in Orange but certainly we- of
it is rate any any any any pure
searches some. Core change of
this. Artisan front this. I am
totally against so I would a
little city I would want your
idea Republic respect our Mr
mayor and I think that we want
to trade in this game. For I
know that I know there are a
lot of industry. One who who
loves going city to both and
they can walk. So and to the
county vote or a- you know some
room. I know so I would he- I
would. Warn so while doctor
Lucas and spot. And Donna thank
goodness. Also so I mean. I
mean I'm sure there's a there's
a some rest who. You know they
were they were they they out
whatever the maybe the were may.
And I'm sure the- no that's
six. But if they can were a
mask. And they just don't want
to worry because they just
don't want to were I don't
think that's a good the free.
And checked arm. From getting
catching some. Under it's just
because doesn't to wear a- then
go to the county. Her but.
That'll get me. With all due
respect I respectfully totally
is of. Strongly disagree
reviews of I think that say
you're just going to county
who's gonna walk to the council
the should go they should go.
Or take the bus. The bus
they're going to get more Jr no
know just whereas. It is were
give me one of grow mascot. L.
L. no no just sort of. And
possibly do that- in my mind if
a person is going to vote.
There better educated they're
better informed than the
average person or those persons
that don't vote and- they'll
know that- what's going on that
we have a rotavirus and that
there is this chance of
spreading I doubt bike- who was
it that the mental Lopez it's
said that they or was it Nancy
that said that a couple people
did show up and did wear the
masks- yeah I. So everybody
else is wearing masks anyway so
I don't think we have to go
that far and in city hall- it's
pretty important people vote
are just simply put it that way
thank you mayor yeah you know I
thought I saw a concert
Abeyta-Stuve the sand but maybe
not did you tell serve
Abeyta-Stuve. You did you want
to chime in on something. I had
a that at the very beginning
but not right now. Okay okay
and councillor of been home.
Mister Maher I and I do want to
say that I don't necessarily
disagree with you I feel I feel
angry at the Supreme Court for
putting all of us in this
position I feel frustrated that
many people aren't taking this
hand makes your yes we like I
hear you I get why. Your gut is
telling you we should do this
and I also like I get it you
know and I also understand. The
like how difficult it would be
for a whole worker who loves
doing not to tell someone he
couldn't come in like that
would be a terrible thing to
tell someone who's coming and
saying you know what I don't
want to wear a mask to tell
them to go to turn around like
I think that would be
incredibly difficult I also
want to push back against the
idea that people who vote in
primaries are better educated
than other folks- I think. The
primary system in New Mexico is
deeply flawed I think at least
people out I think cracked it's
outdated- so I want to I want
to be careful in the way we
talk about loaders- ninety nine
and say that I know you did it
okay someone else then
understood me out and so on
okay I just want to make sure
that we- talk about people with
respect in terms of- voting and
who has access to the ballot
box who has access to
information- I think I just I
wanted to make sure I pointed
that out because it its struck
were with me. But mayor I here
I'd like to get you I get where
you're coming from- I also just
think it would be- really
difficult for us to tell
someone not. To not be able the
man. Are I think you know if
we're going to raise. The
scientists. We'll just have a
sinus you can't in if you know.
Mass the we not gonna. Read I
don't. That we provide. Rate I
think right right I thought
what we this council decides
I'm not mayor. That we make
sure that we have Max for
people. Okay Councilor
Abeyta-Stuve V. G. I'm out of
curiosity then since we do have
a duty to protect our our staff
and our building is utilized it
for other purposes- beyond just
the voting and everything is
there a way that if somebody
doesn't want to wear a mask I'm
to be able to do their voting
from the outside of the
building. Then and still be
legal or does it have to all be
the same price. Councilors duty
so that would not be something
that we could do because our
polling locations are various
you know over strategic their
set up beforehand we do will
lay out. There's a lot of
things that go into- how we
arrange our polling location
what I'm hopeful of and I
appreciate the mayor is
concerned for his employees
because I share that concern
about our employees. What I
hope that we have created when
at all these polling locations.
Is there being. Almost no route
of- contagion I cannot
guarantee that I've said that
many times however we have
maximized our ability to keep
somebody say so if somebody
came and that had a couple bad
of and chose not to wear a mask
that's pretty much the
nightmare scenario rate that
we're talking about there would
be met with layers of- you know
control the we have over
protecting individuals so I
don't want to minimize your
concern because I and I a were
mass- you know everybody in my
family worsen ask. I is
distressing when you know some
of the recommendations are are
not here to you- so that is why
we're taking as many questions
as we are. And then is it D.
county- responsibility or the
city to and provide the
resources for disinfecting
afterwards. Your immune Amanda.
So we are wiping down and
disinfecting everything we
bring into a location all of
our so- the hope is that and
that the- any community partner
that we're working with at
their site is you know. Clean
by the normally who would do
that. Okay so then when it's
time for everything to your
packing up you're going- then
you one last cleaning the for
your week that or is that the
responsibility of the city. So
again anything that we bring
in- me. Right so are tabulators
are everything we are. Growers
handle add since you're going
to be in our lobby now and
there's a lot of. Well you
know. In on that area or will
that still be the
responsibility of the city. I'm
you know that's a great
question I think because we
have been in the county
building as the last four or
five days. That that is
something that's been a given
right its accounting
responsibility but- I think
that's something that we should
plan for and- address. Right so
I know I for example we had a
meeting just like this with
another one of our community
partners yesterday and they
were gonna have janitorial
staff on site that we're going
to continue to clean the
bathrooms- clean. All of the
things you just mentioned as
well as the floors so you know
I think we should continue to
talk about it and- any support
that the city can give us
because of whole officials.
Will still be running an
election right they will still
be- working so the support from
the city would be appreciated
of course. I can right if we
are not allowed you as the city
to required a mask I know. You
know we don't have that voter
disenfranchisement but we also
you act zoning for other
things. Even you know utilities
is right next rate we have a
lot of staff- if we're going to
do that we're not gonna allow
mask then we have to have a
different- we have to be.
Really really- giants on and
enjoy on exactly yeah. And
since resources are you know
limited for all places is that.
You know. Are we as a city
going to being our utilizing
those extra resources for this
event a well- how we ask for
state for help. Is this state
department going to provide
some of those resources and- if
I can jump in real quick I
think David- my sister had a
quick question might be rude
when you talk about
disinfecting so David did you.
Want to jump in. Thank you very
much- and Councilor a big this
to be we have staff that's
already taking care of the
disinfecting of the building
and specific locations. On a
daily basis and in some cases.
Even more often than that
depending on the occupants in
the use of those areas. So I
know- our county counterparts
retirement. On the in the
building but we're cover that
so I don't have a- with us take
care. Before there there were
have this. To include door
handle. In the area itself and
once they leave we with the
come through with an additional
in. And since we're going to
throughout the day will also
have offered. With that as well
now that part we will have to.
Work with them and collaborate
on when the time to be for us
to get in there do disinfecting
during the voting. Of but we
definitely have a cover before
and after. Thank you the mayor.
David all one Mister Mister
mayor and- county staff I will
have I would encourage us to
have a meeting between county
staff the city clerk's clerk's
staff in our facility staff.
We're using the lobby of city
hall there are certain things
that we can do to reduce the
number of touches to on our
building. Prime example is when
this whole thing started his.
Own we order doorways to be
propped open. On and then we
also placed trash cans.
Immediately outside the
restrooms so went on and based
on the vestibule the city hall
we could open one door. On one
side we get proper another door
open on both sides people may
have to make a little secure
this row but I would encourage
us to do that so that we people
are having to touch door
handles first and foremost. And
also- cuts down on the wind in
the debris coming in the
building because we never know
while the weather's going to
treat us. So you can do that
from both sides of the lobby.
Confirm either entrance. So I
would encourage us to have and
meeting with. On doctor Lopez
ask in staff. Christine cut
staff and our staff and public
works that are responsible for
facilities so we can work out
the logistics. In our history
and staff can address the
cleanliness and the crap for
the building and as we open it
up so we can encourage that
normalization of touching.
Thank you that's a great idea
and we're more than happy to
meet to maximize what we can do
to reduce the any kind of.
Contact I. Know that the
secretary of state- they
provided us with much TV in in
in that has been literally like
the you know. Hazard tape that
really designates area and
routes for people so there's
not a lot of- no wiggle room
within that for there to be
wandering more I know walking
the worst on have been in and
out really specifically.
Designated is also helpful so
route people how we want to
make create a space in which
they're using that route- and
so any out liars are a rare.
Okay yeah I'm mayor pro tem Jim
of the common. I just wanted to
remind us that- during the
pandemic we have free
transportation but it's been
very specific provokes rate to
get to work or to their doctors
appointments and what not and I
wanna remind that this would be.
Open that up- to save for
voting purposes as well for
those folks although we want
people to do absentee ballot
but I just wanna remind. Stop
that sort of the narrative has
been it's been very essential
right and so we if you need
that assistance devote it's
there and it's free. And so I
wanna- continue to remind folks
that publicly thanks mayor and
mayor pro tem might want to
just note that they've been get
handing out masks on the buses
well. Yeah I know they've been
so good we've we've we just.
Very blessed and grateful for
that the leader sub prime I am
thrilled with- how we handle
this I'm the other thing is
that I like that. Idea of. I
don't know where the tables are
gonna be set up in the lobby
and what not but people have a
tendency rate to walk around we
have a very beautiful space and
we've offered we have all kinds
of brochures that. Different
things and that in the- out in
the counters and such and I
think either we bring them out
so people can. Can. Easily look
through and get or we I don't
know but a lot of those
brochures are helpful things
that the city is doing and I
think it it I think we need to
really think about partition
the not been using the tea and
such so that people don't get
you know around those areas
where they're they're touching
a lot of different things I
mean I don't know on a leave it
to you and the selling these
to. With that but I am a little
concerned and I'm not saying
remove all those pressures and
don't have that available. Well
that's not what I'm saying and
just like reducing the number
of touches that people. Will
encounter as they're navigating
through and through that- open
space that's it. Thank you.
Yeah thanks. So longer asks are
city attorney something but let
me just tell ya and on I
appreciate your your comments
both. Doctor Askins and Lindsey
and my colleagues and- you know
I wait which you have the same
very seriously. When I read
about Wisconsin it on I
remember when I first read it I
thought oh my goodness you know
they catch it just just. Going
to do their constitutional
right the catch us seating
nineteen and you think and I
saw some the lines you know
some people have mass some
didn't. And so this isn't about
disenfranchised. This is safety
to the public they're waiting
in line safety to our employees
who are working the polls. So
Jennifer let me ask you this so
I think I heard early voting
starts on the fifteen. I can I
prepare or have any emergency
proclamation prepared effective
on the fifteenth. This is good
for three days. For an old on
the eighteenth or seventeen
eighteen I'm sorry and of
council decides to renew it
which I hope they do or they
can choose not to and then it
it expires. Of that night on
the eighteenth and then on the
nineteenth- of bids it's normal
is that something that. Term
plan out the scenario right or
my incorrect about that. I'm
mayor and council yes you can
do that the only requirement is
their sense two hour notice for
open meetings act for the
renewal so we can work around
any time line is once it. Is
within that seventy two hours
I'd also like to point out as
you just said it's not just all
workers we close city hall to
protect our current city
employees we have current city
employees who were deemed
essential- many people still
coming in every day so we would
have to- I'm also a jazz. Ours
our current city employees who
have been deemed essential and
who are coming in every. You
know I'll take the blame I'll
take the rash if they feel
there being disenfranchised I
have to put the public so.
First and are city employees as
well. And if the council choose
not to renew it. The next work
around well okay but hopefully
it'll work out fine. And people
say yeah this works out fine
and good. But I'm sorry but
that'll- that'll be the first
proclamation that. I plan on
doing and- if you get that
ready I just I'm glad we have
this open form. So you can hear
from me why I'm doing are.
Going to do it. Sorry county a
clerk and the clerk on. I just
have to. Okay all right well
this was there anything else
that we need to discuss before
going to the next one. Okay
also Flores. Yes council
Flores- is right of. Mr mayor
are Miyagishima at you know I
normally usually agree with I
think 99% of everything you you
proposed of. But the I and I. I
mean I the city attorney is
saying that it's okay to do and
it's a non emergency measure
but- I think that if we do this
is gonna be it's gonna serve a
very bad precedent for other us
cities in Mexico perhaps of the
United States. And. And I you
know I think that. Of the show
gonna jump in and I don't know.
Maybe not but I'm just saying
that of those there are of home
right- building right groups of
that check the right to vote.
And you know there's been case
law captor case all in. This
case was to go to the Supreme
Court today you would win. And
not politicize anything that
you would win just because of
the make up of the US or is
this is a US of this is a- your
your your as constitutional.
Issue of. So I just think we're
trading in dangerous waters.
And I feel very. Very strongly
about checking people's civil
rights voting rights and I
don't in any way want to be
associated with this I would Mr
rebel groups act. And I
understand your sentiments.
That everybody's health comes
first. Of what hello
disenfranchisement or just
touching on. As this. Is
reprehensible to me Mr mayor
thank you. Thank you council
Flores I appreciate your
comments. Unfortunately I still
move forward with this. The up.
Yes so the grass can liberty
Lopez asking Manda still I
would as thank you mayor and I
would a reiterate out of three
hundred and thirty three voters
this week we have two people
that came without masks and
they both agreed. To wearthem
so I would really hate for this
to be something that takes. It
takes on a life of its own and
then pits people against
people- when we're all. We're
literally all wanting to do
what we can to protect each
other so I would also consider
how few people- are. Coming to
voting location at this time
that are not utilizing masks or
not complying with that we've
had zero. Everybody's been very
agreeable especially when we
have them available so I would
also and I would encourage your
city attorney to maybe connect
with- the secretary States saw
attorney as well because there
may be other things that I'm
not aware of connected you.
Fully location and putting
restrictions on of polling
location that are problematic
and should be addressed. No
that's a good point all along
I'm sure Jennifer can check
that out of there something
that comes up with and- if you
don't see it happen on the
fifteenth and you'll know why
can come up but- I think we
just have to err on the- on the
side of. Safety to the public
and our employees- I just don't
see words being Justin
franchise your local water the
county or do absent G. year.
Now granted if you can't wear a
mask okay I'm sure there's an
exception I'm sure there are
exceptions in there. That we
can come up with but- and- okay
well thank you very much your
comp mayor pro tem- my approach
I'm gonna you have a question
did you forget the transit. No
I one right I very much
appreciate your- sentiment your
concerns- safety is. Paramount
to me- I just want to relay
that. There are so many people
that don't have access. I
understand I am deeply
concerned about the safety of
our staff especially. And I'm
I'm wondering if- when is when
are we didn't open it on the
eighteenth. Sixty sixteen so we
have a little bit of time I'm
wondering if facilities and
meet with Christine and Amanda
and give. Just come up with
that a Greek floor plan in
terms of ensuring that we see
that distance seen from the
outside in case there is on the
line- just really limits teen
and ensuring that were that
were on managing those scenes
before a proper emergency
proclamation is being. Together
as it relates to the face
coverings I feel like. It it it
you know I'm sure there's a lot
of data out there but what I
hear is when there's lie you
know people coming and then
there's either a line and or
that kind of provision that
that it does distant graduate
is a photo because not very
many people will jump in a car
or take that extra step. To get
to the county because they're
they they don't have that kind
of measure in place and so I
just I just wanna continue to
remind us you that there are
just so many people that are
walking from my area I would
agree- district one people love
to come there especially the
library and since we've pushed
over. You know we moved that to
city hall. It makes it very
very difficult for folks and I
don't want it to be difficult I
want people to exercise their
vte and I think this says- if
you hear the stop are the three
hundred people work to
individuals didn't show up and
then they agreed to do it all
and by the way he- did an
educated I don't know why they
didn't come meeting. Access to
that- or understood the
importance of it and I think
before doing something like
that there needs to be a whole
campaign of educating people in
lots of different ways about
that and I just don't think we
have the time. So that's my
feedback- on on this sure I
have a quick question- of- it
either- yes this dawn Munson
center close. Your business
name Masterson yes it is close
we don't have the Congress
meals are activities going on
however we do we are disbursing
meals from the parking lot in a
drive through fashion the like
several the restaurants are. So
to- Amanda. So we're of
hypothetically the city has
another alternate location mode
Munson isn't far from city hall
that one there. No no face mask
requirements. That way there
the city has two places the
vote and they're not too far
apart but I'm and I really
believe we need to have city
hall. Because this we pretty
much goes in line with what it
is I was going to propose
anyways in our- in our in our
discussions later on and face
coverings was that all city.
Buildings will require a
facemask unless you have an
exception. So anyways- I mean
we're just I'm just talking
early. But but could we have
another location and do you
have workers that could could
man that place. And months if
we were. It is kind of the
circles back to what I said
earlier the great thing about
my job is it is statutorily
German that also we also leads
to some of the challenges- at
this point in time- it would be
very very difficult out of plan
location that has. Least we did
that and it happens every other
year it goes to resolution
through a be a CC it's approved
by the secretary of state. Not
only but the vendor but the
secretary of state have to
approve that change site would
have to be inspected we have to
make sure ADA compliance
there's so many layers that are
involved. In selecting
approving and- working to
appoint them cation that at
this time it is it is not
possible. To like. Even though
it's been use. Of for elections
for I don't for ever. And I can
I'm sure I could probably get
the secretary of state- she
doesn't have to get approval
from like a boards you just.
Sign it. I mean if need be I
could you know I'm sure you
know were too but I mean I. I
think that that we get that
done and the name doesn't have
to be done by the sixteen when
you read on- the following week
I don't know but it just seems
odd that we can get. All in
place it has been like that
forever. Approve when it's
already been approved for
subsequent times okay I just
wanted ask. In and Mr mayor act
I just wanna say like I totally
appreciate your concern that
you have for your community and
I think that. There are leaders
unfortunately throughout our
state for our country or not
approaching their lead. With
those concerns at the forefront
so I totally appreciate that
perspective on to clarify. Part
of the technical reasons is
that we are required to certify%
and lock our elections quite a
bit of time in advance when
pulling with. Open and machines
certification takes place that
takes hours in each one of
those machines is assigned to a
specific site. That results
those results I'm sort of
metrics are cut up with the
vendor so a lot that goes into
case which is why. I were best
and this are can the with
recent. On within raise there's
no way to really. Actual on the
on. Major expressway four weeks.
This top and discuss that I do
you. Of that you're trying to.
What you think best for
community. I'm and we will be
have to work with. On any and
she has not the election. Yeah
let me me just before we go to
the next item. I'm I'm trying
to think of an example let's
say you take a person was never
voted absentee before. Who's
always voted in person. But is
maybe has an underlying health
condition. And realize you know
what they're going to vote
absentee. The time here it is
passed to get about. They
decide to go to- election day
or go earlyvoting and they see
online and they see people half
one with mass have without. And
they see only goodness I really
want to vote but I don't want
to risk this. I'm minutes this
is the first time I'm not gonna
vote in years. Who's been
disenfranchised now so anyways
thank you- we're going to go I
appreciate all your information
we're gonna go ahead go to
item number two and thank you
Lindsay and Amanda for all that
you do you guys run a- great
ship and thank you for your
comments you. Resume your
account thank you for having us
today and we look forward to
working for this for sure. Yeah
thank you. Okay item number two
is going to be the- arcs
proposed. Re open and our
director parks and rec Sonya
Delgado will be present. Good
morning mayor council sunny
lala parks and recreation
director I believe the be all
and was going to share the
screen for me. It should be
coming out from under. It
doesn't have a full screen on
there all. Yes thank you. Good
morning if can I go to the
extreme. Can you go to the next
screen please. Of. I wanted to
discuss some the state
practices and remind us of all
the things that we have been
doing here in Las Cruces to
keep our numbers low and I
think there's a few reasons why
we've been able to do that and
as a member this media much
appreciative as I'm sure so are
many others a we have
restricted mass gatherings
concerts events social
gatherings. We're trying to
maintain a six foot distance
from each other when we're out
and about and we're trying to
avoid gather in groups of five
or more and as you know all our
parks are close at the moment
some of the facilities have
been utilized by individuals
even though have been closed
for example some of the trails
and we've had a project that
has been Judy's where we have
in groups together groups to
get other in and give each
other high fives to get started
the run they're not even at six
we still who. City the same. Of
had some issues with the ATV on
of our to. They have removed of
our more. As well. And we know
we haven't seen an increase of
people out on the trails and we
also some great weather and
everybody's home and stopped at
home and I understand that. And
that has been- difficult to
continue the say practices.
David next slide please. Again
Las Cruces is strong and I did
take that from- our neighboring
city. However I wanted to
remind everyone that because of
the things that we did in the
very beginning I think has. A
huge correlations to wire
numbers have been so low we
close down our public areas I
know that was difficult- we
were. We were worried about
that and we any by parks and
recreation wehave a lot of
visitors from outside of Las
Cruces that come purpose so
these. As soon as it starts
getting warm or parks or
utilize lot or splash town or
swimming pools are rec centers.
I don't know why they like
coming here I'm going to say is
because we give a great
experience and they enjoy the
customer service and of course
the facilities are very well
maintained. And we were really
worry one and we noticed the
other places were closing down
we were quite there but once we
did it. I that really did help
we've also councillor rentals
and our programs and the reason
for that is because those
create opportunities for
families groups friends. Accept
a to get together in groups to
enjoy those activities. And
unfortunately arson rex
responsibility and the service
that we provide is to provide
these opportunities in
activities for individuals to
come together. Next line please.
Our recommendations coming from
the CDC with regard
specifically to parks and rec
the use of signage on we have
has signed a John the
facilities the same that they
are closed. However if we do
need to open some of them are
having sinus remind them to
stay six feet apart a to make
sure they continue to wash your
hands use face coverings accept
a- we operate also encourages
to monitor areas where people
gather. Now this is where we
would need a lot of assistance
from our Las Cruces police
department and were security
guards. And if you're where or
for member we had. Easter which
is one of the weekends at we
have quite a few individuals at
our facilities. We had to
barricade and block some of
those parks we needed to put
security guards on their two
sisters so people wouldn't
gather. And also. On OCPD put
together a group of officers
that their job the entire
weekend was to monitor and
assistance with our parks. We
would have to do that again we
would need to postpone or
councillor committees and not
only three can discourage grew
from being together but- we
don't want groups from.
Different helpful should be in
close proximity. Close
proximity of one another. Next
slide please. So what we did
was- after we started live on
were listening to the
governor's recommendations in
moving forward and trying to
follow her plan- we created
this so the green phase so to
speak. And it's estimated open
made me and that. The ones that
we chose for parks and rec
would be the trails mostly
because most individuals are
out there now we can put
additional signage out there
encouraging the six foot
distance and hoping that Las
Cruces will assist us with that
and help police one another.
Are shooting range- we would
open that up but would have
specific times and days and we
will work with the shooting
range community and the groups
and go out there. To put that
on schedule together also the
RC airport on the R. C. track
next trip next slide please.
And we also want to include
tennis but at lion's park only
and pickle bought. Only and we
wanted to choose these places
but we were gonna have some
restrictions we would use every
of the court. We would have
dedicated time for people to
come in so we would open and
close all specialties and we
would encourage single plate
only so we would not have
doubles. Next slide please. In
our yellow phase depending on
how New Mexico continues to do
and Las Cruces we would start
opening up neighborhood parks
and we would do one per
districts until we got them all
opened- this is an example of
some of the parks and we would
open and respective districts
and we have one through six
listed does not necessarily
mean those would be the ones we
would choose but that is an
example of what we could do
what we want to do is. Make
sure that we spread them out
throughout the city. Next slide
please. The groups of areas it
will remain close and the
reason for this raid phase if
you will is because these areas
really do promote activities
and- areas where groups come
together to participate in
these types of activities so we
are sports feels our dog park
are regional parks- are under
rascal under fitness gym our
skatepark in BMX track or park
Winchell's of course. Handball
courts and playgrounds. We hope
to have these open it later in
the summer- boat at this point
in time we'll have to wait and
see next slide please. For with
regards to safety it's really
really important for us- we do
have our team members are out
there. Right now we're only
operating with our full time
staff we do not have any tem
services on at all. We have
approximately fifty three full
time staff that are out and
about. Currently trying to
maintain- from. Some of our
areas and taking care of the
high volume that has been
coming in with regards to
litter. Donnie Baggs X. several.
We have face coverings in
gloves hand sanitizer
disaffected wives not only at
the shop itself. In inside
vehicles. To individuals per
vehicle that has been a little
change also because we used to
have crew cabs in cruise of
people that would go out
together. We've had to stagger
some ships and trying to figure
how to get people to places. On
maintaining their six the
distance when they are working
together. And we also asked of
course the CDC questions- at
this point in time we've been
discussing about having
temperature readings but we
have and we have not. On how to
final on that one as well. The
next night please. Our next
step to move forward I'll will
begin mobilizing the rest were
team members will need to start
bringing back our temps online
we need their assistance with
approximately twenty five that
assist our regular full time
employees. We will city check
all areas to be re opened- we
also make sure we have the
proper signage we are currently
working on that wording now and
for the specialty areas. As
soon as this is over- we're
starting to make outreach to
those specialty groups. We can
talk about the days and times
it will be open. And how we
will go through that process
we're also looking at having a
city staff. One of our team
members should be on site to
make sure that we rotate
correctly and that we do not
have- doubles play accept roe
and to make sure that we keep
those distances. I will
continue to fall the governor's
orders and as we've been on we
watched every single call that
has come out. And then trying
to adjust our programs and
activities. As we move forward.
And without all stand for any
questions or comments. Thank
you David. Thank you Councilor
Sorg Vasquez Abeyta-Stuve being
and under. Sorg yes Mister
mayor I need to get to I and
now they're- window here. And
all I see are you all. I can
not figure out- here it is I
think this still do it. Now
this is. Now okay now I finally
got it. Yeah I was wondering if.
Any time but you know. If any
other time if there were two or
three people walking through a
park. Talking in a park sitting
in a park. Or a family of four
that were all in one family.
Walking through a park around
the park through park and in a
park. Will the police
department codes chase them out
now and will they continue to
do it if they are now. Mayor
council sword- all well right
now we can we have groups of on
five or less so I can't speak
for- chief younger nominal fees
on the line. However right now
look playgrounds the tables and
site and our parks are closed
so I believe if they were in a
party will probably ask them to
leave but I am not certain.
Check out our is on the meeting
the me reach out to him chief
did you have something about
the same. Yeah right just in an
answer to councilors swords
question- because the parks a
close- people in the parks are
subject to citation under
arrest for trespassing on city
property. In addition to the
violation of the mayor's
emergency declaration after
violating social justice
singles. To date we have taken
no Forsman action of that
content against anyone in the
parks we requested voluntary
compliance and been getting.
Thank you on I would like to
see is suggest that a situation
like that what could be allowed
in if not now in the near
future. And then I had another
question- her. Director Delgado.
e
was some hi groups that you
were located in parks or
Easter is how extensive was
that you can you get a rough
idea how many people groups you
you. I noticed there. Mayor
councilors Sorg are you asking
how meeting we saw over the
Easter of people I was making
reference to usually Easter is
one of our highly of visit
times for all our parks because
of the Easter holiday that's
when we have. Includes
interrogated. So there was no
groups are in the parks during
Easter weekend. On I'm bad I'm
not sure- chief Gallagher my
body of the answer that
question. Okay. Council Sorg
there was just a few but- the
placement of the closed park
signs in the barrels park
closing of the parking lot.
Definitely helped. A go along
way towards getting the message
out to the parks will close so
just a few people have to be
asked to disperse. Okay a small
small number oops any of these
would be groups of five or more
right. Because the parks will
close we were asking everyone
to lead the parks we guys of.
Two different public health
order violation and the transit
commission but okay. Thank you
the reason I ask that is simply
because we saw a little
Speicher one to two weeks after
Easter in the number of cases
and- it could because of lag
time. Might be a result
gatherings during the Easter
weekend by I guess I salute to
Hart Fargo to have any. Make
any sense seven her make any.
On conclusions from that on so
are there again I would say I
would say I would be in favor
of what I was telling you.
People of have up to three
people. That one reason are
using the parks maybe not in
the playground equipment to
kids and that's other words by
Tara families at for is using
the park for a place to sit and
out. Takin and maybe. On. Be
eating something I don't know
what you do in a park for sure
some people would do I'm sure
on that would be something that
we should work towards if we
don't have it just now. And so
that's what I have to say for
now Mr mayor. Thank you thank
you hello Sir Vasquez. Thank
you mayor- thank you so miss so
much for- what I think is a
really well thought out
approach to re opening our
parks I think this is exactly
the level of planning that we
should be doing- and all
aspects of re opening up
society or normalcy I'm sorry
she the thought given to the
different phases that you've
listed there- I think re
opening parks. Is really
important and I consider
especially lots of our green
spaces. To be honest of their
their public health facilities.
Right a park is not just- grass
in a picnic table it's a place
where people can go and clear
their- their mind work on the
mental health. Are running
trails similarly are places
where people- exercise and take
care of their physical health
there's a couple places that I
like to run in town that- I
have seen. Probably I don't
know hundreds of new people
exploring some of our city.
Customer lesser known city
trails. The killer. Of the
weapons that the restoration
project behind the army corps
dam. Owners from probably from
books in th because it is it
is therapeutic right for many
for many people and so- it's
more than just recreation I
think in this sense. I'm coming
out of this people are gonna be
hungry to continue to take care
of their bodies and reminded
so- I supported I think tnic
tables of course playgrounds
that might be worthy of
continuing to keep close. Right
because those are the touch
points for people- potentially
have- just what a lot more risk
in terms of being in terms of
picking something up. No I
think it's been proven in
recent study that. Being
outside definitely poses a much
lesser risk been been being
inside in terms of the way that
the particles disperse. And
folks are are close to each
other and so- I think it's a
safer route to. To be doing
things outside of course it's
not completely safe- but it's a
way for people to be able to
effectively social distance
right at that six feet
guideline. Yeah to make sure
folks are doing that- but in
terms of those places are or
those things that people might
be touching- might be good to
continue to. I don't know but
it's- like not in order not in
operation sign or something
like that- until we reach the
last phase of this particular
plan that you put together- but
thank you so much Sonya- I
think people really appreciate
having some of their local
parks open up again- and- and
particularly those places where
people can safely social
distance. I'm like the running
trails are the bigger parks
where there's lots of room. To
walk around. On that that we
come up with a plan to open
those up first he's thank you.
For thank. I think you can in
are your payments nice but the
color paint of your wall I'd
like to get the name of it
that's a pretty cool loking
color like a gunmetal color I
like that. Thank you thank you
Vasquez great. Fast okay well
let me know for sure when
Williams carried. Okay I
Councilor Abeyta-Stuve the
thank you mayor and thank you
director Delgado or is
thoughtful approach- I think
it's- really on been difficult
for a lot of people to stand
stores and no more than our
children that happened- been
able to socialize to rate let
go- I feel very privileged we
have a backyard- but a lot of
places and a lot of kids don't
they don't have that way to
even get outside nasty manner
and just kind of do you. Free
play- you know if they're
living in an apartment that
don't have any areas if their
part. One walks so a lot of
these kids now have been cooped
up on for a very long time and
their mental health. Is
affected by that and the whole
change has been affected. So I
believe the sooner that we can
safely open our parks systems
even if it's an based approach
right to do that. Would be very
beneficial- probably Sammy. I
was helping with homework just
minutes help also I was
bringing up my map. Of my
district I noticed in. Our for
my district you had all right
the Sierra. Her arm and I think
he can center as a possible
place I think that is usually
it's a really great item but I
would also like to suggest
perhaps. The park right off and
as you know and Bernie. Up here
it's right next to a lot a lot
of apartments and kids the
parents and those are the kids
that have had to those actors.
Is quite as much and that
purpose it within walking
distance for them so it might
be and I centralized. Way to be
able to. Bring in the open
space. There's a really large
open space there so if it's
something that we have to think
of those phase which is. Where
we can leave the open space
available even if we have to
act first I'm- cut off the
playground. Equipment from
being able to be used I'm its
something that could
accommodate something like that
but- I know it's been very very
hard for parents. I've gotten a
lot of questions calls concerns
over them being able to go
outside with the kids go to
parks. And it's been it's been
difficult for a lot of people
and so- I noticed in your first
phase you did have. Alcohol
and- tenants. As and it. Area
as as to be opened- can you
explain to me again the
reasoning for those two. First
since those are your towards a
day. Americans are stupid- up
so we picked those two for two
different reasons first- we
wanted to see how we can put
together some of the sports
how to how to start opening up
some of these other specialty
parks. And to see if we can
help make sure and that we have
the six foot distance scene and
the individuals could help us
with that the second seating.
Was we wanted to see we have
put together schedules specific
days and times open and see
whether or not we canhandle
that as staff because we're
gonna have to have someone who
goes a bit helpless. Of police
that if you will and so once we
start working on that and then
we can start looking at down
the road as we get later in the
summer and we can start have
any more individual she got
her. Back correct grams. How do
this how do we our with this.
How do we allow into just. Kind
of interactive each other
because children as you know.
They just take off running.
Favor one grab people and grab
things and share things which
is great but right now that's
not necessarily a good thing.
And so that's why we chose
tennis in thick wall. We want
to see if we can make it work
with these two specialty groups
are it is in close it does have
a gate we can control that
access and so. On someone of a
test case so we will see what
happens next. That's that's
good to hear- I I'm just gonna
strongly advocate. What
whatever resources we need to
do thinking outside the box if
it's- you know- I know that
they have like this free types
sanitizers if we have to look
at those type things. To
sanitize playgrounds to open
them up a little sooner that's
a possibility it may not be but
you know just trying to think
of those ways- on. How of. Yeah
community is starting to suffer
and the longer that their- tax
indoors. Our is. It's going to
only expand for that so I
really do appreciate- this
approach and I'm just an
advocate to try to see what we
can do to make sure we can get
kids out and about as soon as
thank you. Thank you of tennis
Abeyta-Stuve be. You know I let
me just say this before I go to
council mayor pro tem. Gandara
so yeah I think about that and
about how we could open parks
and- the thing that always
comes to my mind is the
lawyers. You know- we go in
disaffected. Then you have
these kids playing someone gets
sick. And then. There we go
we're going the lawsuits you
know and it's just like you
know we try to do things the to
open up the public and you know
we on one hand rebound.
Activities and you know people
being able to get out and enjoy
that and then you've got. All
it takes is one person you know
we get. We'll get sued and then
of course the city is self
insured we don't have an
insurance company we are the
our own insurance so I you know
nuances of. Balance all the- it
was appreciate your comments
mayor pro tem underground the
council Flores. But mayor pro
tem yes thank you mayor- thank
you so in the end you're staff
I appreciate the thought pull
plan- and which case says. I
know how long with- you we
we've got we've gotten several
communications emails
specifically from the pick up
all community- and others and
so I know that you're trying.
To do the best that you can
under the circumstances and to
hear that that's there's a
pilot that it it's looking like
it's of hi lead I think is a
good way to do it I you know. I
know that I heard you say that
you've been- dealing in hearing
this scene and on the
governor's- messages in hearing
specifically you know what. How
and what- department of health
there working towards trying to
look at different scenarios and
whatnot and- I would agree
with- concert Abeyta-Stuve be
in concert by ask is about
mental health I mean that's
really important kind of what
I'm hearing. Out with my
colleagues. Sectors of- of
work. On is that people's
mental health is really people
are really struggling people
are getting- angry there's a
there's- opposition- and beer
and it's really playing a
number not only- with our
accounts but I think with their
children and so being able to.
Be bop whole but also using the
data and the expertise of. An
of health I think is really
important so I wanted to ask do
you have anybody their it
department of health that
you're at the scene. As you're
moving through- started the
determining what the- what the
faces are going to look like I
know there's all that
communication and discussion at
the at the state level. I'm not
sure- it if it if that kind of
thing is happening or you have
access to andif not. I
definitely feel like we need to
have access and that this is.
Not only because we're getting
these calls from these are
entities are the communities
such as a tennis and pick up on
running and bicyclists. And
what not- that that that we're
really- insuring that we have
on the public's best interest
is not just a one. One little
group it's like every all the
health and well being of
everybody we have to consider
and I feel. Much worse I feel
strongly that we need to be
communicating with our partners
at the department of health.
Who have epidemiologists and
different folks I'm staff to be
able to educate us on what the
bass- star. My question is have
you talked to. Anybody the
department of health at as they
are advising you in terms of
what that might look like. Well
you know what the what the my
S. is just the opposite and up.
By may Espana David did you
wanna come it real quick. Yes
mayor mayor pro tem Gandara.
That is a great question of and
that is something that we've
been doing on a regular basis
especially. Through our
coordination the weather into
the command in IBM find out
exactly what. Our health is
doing what they're
recommendations are. Or all of
the- not just for are any of
the other areas working on. Of
for example even discussions
about the face coverings that
to you and can council and
mayor talk about even earlier
this morning. So we definitely
want to make sure- and you'll
notice in- mist goggles
presentation. The estimated
time that you put in there for
one we would have different
areas open up at different
times. Those match the time
lines the general time and that
is being provided by the
governor and her help order. Us
so you are in prior be correct
we want to make sure that we're
working with themand we find
out. From them what they think
of based on heir expertise
they are they are the health
experts. Of based on your
expertise order the best way
for us to integrate our public
in our constituents and our
customers. Back into the
services that we used to
provide before the public
health emergency. Of closures.
Thank you. Thank yeah thank you
I appreciate that Mr may I I'm
sorry I did did I see that
phase on and in. Opposite park
but that area that ball. Area
are you open it up on the green
space a little more for folks.
Mayor mayor pro tem gone broke
arm on the first phase we will
be looking at the pickle ball
area just because it is
enclosed in closure- we picked
up a rock a park as an example
of one of the parks it could be
opened in your district. Once
we start moving in that manner
and if you look at that list
often aka park is the biggest
part. We are also concerned
that once we open our parks.
We're not gonna be able stop
individuals from going to them.
And that's what they're use for
however you will have large
very large groups that will go
now we may and will have a lot
of little groups that are there
but they're going to interact
and so that was part of the
hesitation knowing that. We
have to keep the limits of
people the mound of people
gathering in a group once you
add the park. Kids are gonna be
running everywhere they gonna
play with each other with which
again is a great thing and
please I mean I understand I to
want to get out I'm I want to
be out there my team is
chomping at the bit to be out
there and just like everyone
else. But we also understand
not only responsibility by the
programs we have a
responsibility to make sure
that everyone is safe. We can't
even nobody knows we don't know
when you have it until it's too
late. And so I certainly don't
want to open up too soon and
then call us an opportunity for
lots of gathering to happen and
then a number spite. Certainly
don't want it because I
definitely personally do not
want to have to get locked down
again it. I am ready to be. The
just like may many. Are and so
that being said we're looking
at this be cautiously. And I
say that are wrecked team is
looking as as a starting
creasing those numbers and
hopefully everyone does to do
diligence to take care of
themselves. But as we start
increasing these numbers.
They're trying to figure out
how to put a plan together to
start visiting parks to put on
activities to bring those kids
out. There are within walking
distance and so there in that
process right now. And they're
hoping that we all take care of
ourselves so that those numbers
can go up so we can come back
outside and play. Yeah yeah
thank you very much appreciate
that- I am. I think o the last
time I love to which is a
couple of days ago and our zip
code eight zero zero one we
have ten and- people who have
been diagnosed with COPD van.
And so I want to read I wanted
to. I think as you hear and you
listen we've I told and we need
to do a couple of other
measures to really get that
you know that. That we need to
get it. The die down and so I
don't I am hoping that- I guess
I hear. The same overall thing
that worse were were speaking
to- EM and the department of
health and- I wanna I wanna
pretty and I don't I think get
a clear answer I want a clear
answer did you give this plan.
To an epidemiologist here in
the- city to advise you and
then agree or disagree with our
plan I think that's really
important because- as we open
this up. It's just gonna keep
get the snowball effect is
going to happen and we're gonna
have people on. Coming in and.
We could in the parks and it's
going to be really hard to pull
back and so as a city we have
to do our part and- you know
I'm trying I have driven around
and been a bit concerned about
the number of folks we've
increased our miles as you can
tell- people I think for the
most part people trying to
keep. On that the contract
between the cut the governor
and or- you know as as a
citizen- protecting all of us
but there's a lot of people. I
am I am seen that aren't aren't
using face mask protect
themselves and others and- we
need to do something to lower
that. To lower that Kerr it has
plateaued and stayed the same.
And just yesterday I think work
we had. Seventeen cases. Or day
before did I did I hope I hope
I'm not. Same is incorrectly
but there's a problem. And we
better address set. And I don't
know that this is- you know one
of the ways to do that and I
want to make sure that we have.
Immediate access to an
epidemiologist that is telling
us this is a decent enough plan
to move forward. Or not. No let
me if I may so I know site
every once the my SS wants to
jump in real quick David did
you have a comment. Yes thank
you and there and thank you
mayor pro tem- I apologize that
I did not when I specifically
whether this plan has been
given to an epidemiologist. As
with many things that we bring
to council especially for this
one being that we're working on
a time line that we set forth
by the- a public health
emergency we want to council to
see this plan first. Us so that
we can get your comments and
your suggestions as you can
tell already- someone comments
we have modified some of the
ideas that were in place. Of
for example a different arc in
one of the districts that was
brought up a previously when
other Councilor so once we have
your take. And your input on
what your concerns are what
your suggestions are then yes
we still have to sit down with
the department of health and
make sure. That they're
comfortable with that are you
are exactly correct in that the
numbers here recently- are not
aware they were previously
numbers have been coming a
little bit higher seventeen was
the number. At least yesterday
I do have the break down that.
Serve us is ask reviews be.
Able to see where we have
distancing concerns in certain
areas of the city- and you can
tell. By looking at. Have
gotten. All for when we started
three public health emergency
but we are appoint now where we
have to make sure that anything
that we do is not going to help
increase those numbers so in
summary you are correct we need
to get this to our help we
haven't done that yet because I
want to council in first and
then we can sit down and let
them know this is what we're
looking at and they can help us
to identify if there are any
concerns. Thank you I
appreciate that. I do know
again I'm I sympathize
empathize with our families our
parents with children I just
can't even imagine what is
happening and so. In terms of
allowing for kids to have a
place right those that don't
usually you know they don't
have a backyard who are who are
relying on those are straight
so I to me I just want you to
have easy access as stop to an
epidemiologist to help advice
you when you make these plans
right so that they come and I
know that you're using you know
whatever- metrics and health
standards that are are
available to us. In a- in a
very sound plan rate we
considering the health and well
being of our community so I
appreciate all the workI am
I'm thinking that maybe. We
need to described I know Sonya
you have like a very lengthy
email list of. Folks of the
running club the bicyclist all
those folks maybe yeah. A
letter communicating you know
some of the things that were
seen and the concerns and how
they can help us rate to lower
that curvy even more- I think
it's important because when you
continue to see people out
there not it here at their mass
gathering not it hearing to
using mass and or even to the
six the six feet- that's
really concerning to me- I know
I just received an email from
somebody. That we're leaving it
up to folks- to use their face
masks- and so. At I am I just
in their in their and their an
older couple- and so I just I
just want us to be very
thoughtful mindful using all
the data I mean available to us
so thank you. Mayor thank you
to staff. Thank you Council
Flores. Thank you Mister mayor
and- thank you Sonya were as
always- you're very thorough
presentation and the
thoughtfulness and thank you Mr
rests for explaining why it
hadn't gone to people in the
mail registered whatever for
review of the plan- I saw that
and districts six- the
anticipated plan to open would
be- veterans park and I think
that's in the green basin right
none. At their work week well
at any rate- yes I think it's
but veterans park I think is
problematic- and so my
question. Well let me just
purpose of by saying that the
emails I've gotten from. Of my
district constituents. Knows
who used as your trails to- to
jog and to walk- they don't
understand quite that park was
full stock and- and the answer
given to them- was sat it's
just your hearts are closed.
And that's the way it is so you.
The so and your true Harper
those of you are familiar with
the park doesn't have any
benches it really doesn't have
any more the city it is just a
beautiful beautiful beautiful
series of ads that you can Hey
and if you walk it and to walk
every trailer. Of you you could
be there for my the same coupl
of hours and it's not I don't
know how many miles it is I
don't know if it's really
measured. But it's a wonderful
place of children- children
like to also I use the trails
there's no. Playground hello.
Anything like that. So the
other hand. The problem I see
with the veterans park is that
a lot of people on start our
and- sage sage press park rule
of. Pocket Parkinson it's a
neighborhood park yes each
Chris for a year and then they
and then they start there and
then they go up along with them
work with with. The you know
the formula the- maybe some go
into dam and then they go all
the way around I mean I've done
that makes you come up around
and you end up. At the at the
parking veterans park. Or or
you can sort of veterans park
and go down the other way. The
point though is that people
would be going through or near
yep playground of their and
sage press far. And then people
would also be are in that area
so I don't know what that was
taking to account- and then and
then veterans far. Does have a
lot of the picnic tables and
families go there there's a
beautiful place for kids just
plays soccer. Of the soccer
brings playing there so I see
those- I see those are just a
logistical problems with- with
that park. And I think I've
only received one email of
about people. Wondering why
veterans park as close. Of
better receive several
concerning- white trails also
given that- Mr goggle. What is
the rationale. For example the
rationale. And I'm glad that
mayor pro tem asked the
question but I got are is that
which part of the park is open
is it just a ball and you said
yes will tennis courts are open
because you can be sure that
you can be sixty the part. Of
it and you offered the fact
that when you have a playground
you know kids will just run
everywhere just true. Of and
but yeah- that situation or
that's in order with easily
apply at sure of better and
sparkle so what was the
rationale between opening. I
veterans park and not opening
up the trail like desert
trails canoe are mayor council
Flores a good question. So the
reason. Veterans park yellow
freeze- as an option for a to
park to be open and districts.
Iran's I'm sorry I can't hear
her and it's kinda Goldberg got
I don't know if there's someone
can raise your volume or. Or
maybe there's someone with
second put there sometime on
mute but there's some
interference there Sonya. Okay
can you hear me now. Okay so of
the reason that we each put our
veterans park into the yellow
face and not deserve trails is
because we were looking at
opening starting to open up
since green spaces within each
district which would allow
groups to come and would keep
themselves space down a little
bit at desert trails as you
explained is a trail park we
have nothing but trails and
there there are not there are
any spaces for in different
groups together. For a family
to get together and just either
set and just enjoy the sign
read a book accept and so
that's what and we did talk
about that and that's why we
chose veterans park but again
as I mentioned on the slide
during the presentation those
were just example some options
if you like for us to change it
we can certainly look at that
but that was our rationale. For
choosing veterans park or war
desert channels. If I may are
Mr mayor and our director of
they got a little. Meet the
city council voted. They would
want to jump in real quick
given my S. this. Thank you
thank you mayor and thank you
Council protista Sonya- with
respect to the opening- one of
the earlier openings in general
are going to be your trails
right. So with that being the
case- desert trails- you're
going to see that open anyway
so you again in fact you have
two different openings it'll be
taking place here shortly. The
trails itself does it travels
and then potentially. Their
recommendation would of been
veterans are correct. Mayor
David- yes but again. And so we
have a- it has. There so you
were getting that insurance
again. Hello now okay I don't
know where that's coming from
I'm sorry- desert trails is a
park and that's how it was to
created- it does have a parking
lot were other trails or just a
linear they're not in do not
bunch up in but we can
certainly look at that- we can%
add desert trails if you want
to the opening with the other
trails but it does make it a
little more difficult because
it. Is a park. A difficult
director- difficult because of
the designation only. Or is
there something else
controlling noted were driving
then mayor- because it's called
park therefore. Correct because
then I because all the other
parks. And the only thing I'm
open up or things that are
specifically called trails not
a trailer park- there just to
trails and so I try to stay
consistent across the board all
of our neighborhood parks all
over the regional parks could
be close and so we started
moving into the yellow face. I
was I was a designated a
parking be consistent with the
with the online is that why
it's called the park mayor
councilors I'm going to say the
last name not striking but
since I've been in. Designation
is a park. Council Flores when
we designated that that part
that was one of the reasons why
we got it from bill lamb- was
the have it as a nature park
national park so I guess that
the name stuck in city just.
Kept it that way. Yes I about
twenty good thank you- Mister
Merrick figure job yeah because
were relegated to- keep that as
a are supposed based on that
designation based on the- grand
total would ever from the
online thank you thank you very
much. We have our councillor
Abeyta-Stuve being and then
council Bencomo and then and
mayor pro tem again. Councilor
Abeyta-Stuve yes thank you
mayor I'm I this is just as
first time yeah just to let the
public know that- the
restrictions that are still in
place and mother's day I know
it's another day- much like
Easter where people want to go
out. And to gather together no
spaces so in some year you want
to give out a message about
that you know. That be helpful.
The mayor council be disturbing
yes you are correct- we are
treating mother's day weekend
very much likewe did for
Easter weekend the book of the
parks are so closely so the
barricades we do have security
guards it will be out there.
And Elsie PD will also be
assisting with the monitoring
of the parks. Thank you. And
then as we open I noticed at
Councilor so are you keep
mentioning families of four. I
myself am a family of five.
There there are very a wide
differences in family size is
when we get together and when
we start to think about. As
different types of restrictions
that are. The one thing the
state by it is very hard to
leave the kids behind to town
that they can't- some face even
though the rest of the family
yeah. There are I think you
know talking about what a
household units look right
might be a good term to use
later on instead of at. Number
in that size I will I guess and
that person I'm with the estate
provisions that when we start
discussing. Thank you I have.
The council here perhaps we can
just see immediate family
members that reside in the home
and sleep. I council Bencomo.
Thank you mayor I'm in thank
you Sonya I was very impressed
are out with your planning
thought it was really
thoughtful. Honestly I didn't
questions I thought it was
really good I think I actually
one of the biggest questions is
going to be about mother's day
and then I saw a PA- was
recently sent out about.
Mother's day weekend being this
weekend and I know people are
angry and frustrated and want
to get outside and celebrate
their moms but- I'm you know I
want to encourage people to
celebrate their moms in a
different way this year I love
my mom I want to have around.
For a really long time I love
my grandma I love you know
these incredible mother figures
in my life that- I want them
around for a long time and so I
think this year the best way to
celebrate our moms is by. And
bursting home by staying home
and not going to a- public
place and- you know this is
question is really hard for me
I'm sitting here. Feeling a lot
of anxiety I feel like. You
know make these decisions are
not easy to make I mean. They
make me lose sleep you know I
very much. I very much here at.
In the all the fresh
frustration for people and- I
just want to remind people
that- this isn't. Government
telling you what to do this is
about. A virus that we know
little. About that is really
dictating- how this goes and
the truth the harsh truth. Is
that the southwest region of
New Mexico. Hi the second
highest. Growth in the state.
We do need to sit without for a
minute right at the southwest
region of the state has the
highest second daily growth
right. Dona ana county
continues to see significant
growth. Is slowing down and
going out of county infected
throwing I mean. Mayor pro tem
said it rate yesterday we saw
seventeen you cases the day
before that it was seven and
the day before that was three
the day before that was eleven.
This isn't. Slowing down we
haven't seen a day yeah where
there hasn't been any new
cases. Rate and- and I just
think we need to continue
pressing on with public health
data- you know it'll bring this
up in our next- of.
Conversation and on the agenda
but- immediate even the
previous one but shaming. Folks
isn't going to get us anywhere
right I think this is about
education this is are
continuing to first data
forward and continuing like
mayor pro tem said working with
those. Who you know medical
experts on how we re opened
unfortunately we don't. We
don't get to make that decision
this virus is very much.
Dictating the way things go on.
So I agree that we need to be
cautious about parks- I. You
know I want to remind people
that there's plenty of. Mason
not in our public lands in on
monument where you can go just
do it carefully don't go to
places you don't know all that
are going and it. Make your and
up in the emergency room I
wanna hi glad weekend a nice
are rattlesnake immediately ran
the other way- but so it's
important to remain safe but
there's plenty of you know open
spaces for us to go outside and
in be outside and just
encourage people to continue
that safely- anyway I not a lot
but honestly the zoning I just
wanted to thank you exactly
this was a really well. Thought
out plan. So you don't carry
nine millimeter Councilor with
you. I want to how many secret.
Of no because you must this.
Thank you mayor- appreciate the
discussion of from all the
councilors very thoughtful
considerations to make and take
into account as we re open.
Sharks I did just want to touch
on one one quick point and that
is. You know we- for some
people who are within walking
distance of a park or even
something like that your beach
trail we don't have
transportation or don't have
other means of getting to other
places that might be open
local parks that are within
walking distance to people's.
Homes are really important
terms of having accessibility
to those resources and so- as
we consider the re opening of
parks- let's also keep in mind
that you know it's not it's not
equitable for everyone who gets
all the parks and so. As much
as we can offer to people
within walking distance. Yeah
even something as simple as
being able to go out on a walk.
After perhaps like he did
domestic situation or an
argument or- wanting just to
get away from your home
situation at this point is.
What contributes to the health
and well being of people in
addition to just you know
thinking about works your the
in the recreational sense
understand the concerns of the
fickle. Pickle ball players
who. Who you know one of
political ball but I think
parks is so much ore to so
many other people. And having
those spaces to clear had
watch a cloud passed by. Listen
to the birds is a really really
important part of being able to
stay healthy- for a lot of
people so this one is not to
lose sight of that as we- as we
think about- the opportunity
that. Many of us have to go to
other places but a lot of
people really rely on those
local places. Thank you.
Speaking listen to the birds I
council Sorg had to take off
for doctors appointments all
he's- that's why he's not going
to be trying this. So well let
me just- this out here- what do
you all think about requiring
sometimes a face covering in
our city. City parks.
Abeyta-Stuve. You're on your.
As we and we're going to have
an agenda items as face about
face coverings one of the
questions that I did post was
that about parks. As well and
so it's something I'm- one it
I'm gonna be touching on a
little bit later but if it's
there are issues with- having.
As children in face masks I
just keep in mind that sort of
thing by if it's a tool that we
can use- to. Help you know
help. Get them out there and
it's something I think we
should consider if they can go
outside. Wearing the mask I
think it's something that we
should consider. Yeah I
appreciate that in you know and
I think there's a certain
degree were there. You know
like you said the children I
know that it's gonna be hard
but you know if they at least
have it- and then they they try
I think it's just a matter of.
You know you can't. You know
let's see what five year or
four year old or whatever. The
ten year old that that. Just
doesn't wanna work but at
least.They have it I mean
that's the that's the thing.
Account services did you want
to say something or did you
forget genda. Yes mayor thank
you. Yeah we can probably get
more into the discussion on the
backside of but I think it's
really it's hard right to I
mean to mandate or force of
mass especially at a place
where. People will be writing a
writing the bicycles are other
things that. Might elevate
their the restoration- I mean I
think putting out really strong
guidelines really strong
recommendations like a really
strong education campaign.
Around just the use of wearing
masks the public in general
right as a consideration to
your community members. And
your neighbors and yourfamily
and your loved ones. Is really
important- but requirements- I
think that would be tough tough
to enforce. And thinking maybe
likes really strong guidelines
would be adequate you know once
I we do re open our parks
perhaps part of the message.
That we send out there is that.
It we highly encourage you'll
you know to please mind your
neighbors and mine your you
know hello residence in wear a
mask but- I think a
requirements are to be a little
bit tough. From an enforcement
standpoint but also because
people are going to be active
they're gonna they're gonna be
probably- at some point yeah.
Breathing a little heavier
second wanted them their mass
office specially if they're by
themselves or their running. No
no no. Totally understood I
understand that I think. Yeah I
just don on the sometimes I
think back in two thousand and
three. And the city was
discussing going non smoking in
all public places. You know you
had those the same minutes I
should be allowed to smoke
wherever I want. And then those
say Hey you know you're smoking
affects might affect my health.
So it's kind of like that I
mean and when we're talking
public places now obviously
private places that that's what
they you know that. But when
you have someone who's coming
out to a public facility. Do we
look at extending that
requirements. That's something
to really think about because
if you really stop to think
about the dynamics. Thank you
know three two thousand three
when they were discussing this
I mean you had I mean it was a
tough one and in the end you
you they aired on. A that
second hand smoke is I'm good
for you and this possible
someone could just be a- coffin
away and you know they made
them. The other person may not
want to. The ground the part.
Councilor Bencomo. In the rear
I'm I do think that as you know
we talk about this in the next
agenda item on the public
spaces where it's hard ten
centrally social distance I
think a park is a lot easier to
social distance they think I'm
you know I've been walking the
ditch bank behind my house and
I have been taking facemask and
in preparation for today's
meeting I was doing a lot of
reading and research on it and
the guy is not there is. The
have to wear one we should take
one in case someone else is on
the same trail- and- you can't.
Get on the other side quick
enough right but- it's best to
have a face. Covering so I
think- I mean we should just
continue I think there's a lot
of. Confusion and there
probably will be after Tehran
where and where you should and
should not wear facemask and
on I just think we have to be
really clear right. Where the
places were going say. Sure
absolutely where in the places
where we recommend wearing one.
You know. I mean. It's my- I
opening parks. Right now feels
too soon. To be really honest
so- you know I right now I'd
rather. Push back later and
then open and tell people to.
Wear masks on it just feels.
Use on okay thank you okay so
noted you have anything else
you'd like to share with us.
Well mayor- no that's it. Okay
well thank you very much for
that presentation. Okay so the
third item was gonna be face
coverings and this one here I
know Councilor Abeyta-Stuve we
had. Did you say you had a
presentation you wanted to make
to us. I do. I now have a
healthy appreciation for the
staff and everything that they
have to you each week. As I was
going out power rate for the
first time in many years- it's
very brief. But I think it
coincides along with that
education. There's so much
confusion out there on even why
mass it. Do they work do they
not work why are we even
discussing this. So I know a
lot of people we are you know
some of this knowledge but I do
think it's very important. For
us to have it out there and you
really understand and then I
have. A couple recommendations
at with that- what we know and
are that this virus is going to
be in our environment for a
long time it so when we make
these decisions. Are we need to
be thinking long term- that not
only are we going to see
changes once we start phasing
in- that opening up scenario
but then this fall we are going
to seize right. On when we have
a recurrence of F. of
respiratory viruses flus and in
general most viruses act very
similar to me I'm and you're
going to probably see another
site so when we make these
decisions we- understand. And
it darts. Then we can hopefully
States progressing- as a as
city and we want. We know that
it's been very very hard for
people to stay home. And you
have these distractions and the
worst thing I think would be
for a lot of people just their
physical emotional social
health economic. Even is that
if we have to start pulling
everything back right to where
we started. Because we have
stands right in cases. Now I'm
gonna. Hopefully do this
correctly. Spring. Five okay so.
By chance are using the full
thing as I press as five. Yes
well not the full thing but
good enough okay. Not. If you
have a three foot screen yeah
it looks pretty good. I'm not
saying that the very top. Yeah
okay so this is and I am just
calling it universal masking
and that's because I think we
when we make policy we meet
minutes you remember that there
are different of forms and face
coverings and we don't want to
perhaps one eight so much in
our policy I to dress strictly
use mine because you know that
access is an issue. And so some
people are able to have a
different type of covering
they're able to do that. Is
that is that. A quick basics
for the public we want to and
here to those social distance
see guidelines. I'm and we know
that with our a readily
available vaccine the best way
to prevent. Infection is to
avoid being exposed to the
virus we know that our greatest
rests are person to person
transmission. And those who
within the six feet of us
uncovered coughing sneezing and
talking. Can reduce those
respiratory droplets there. Out
there in about six feet and
those droplets me when under
mouth noses or be in a all. So
if you are close enough to be
exposed then you are at risk
for that transmission. And so
kind of the areas that I
focused on as what does it mean
for this universal asking how
does that help what kind of our
use and in tips for success.
And so one of the biggest
issues and the reasons why we
have to think about this
masking is that if we- are out
and about in we see somebody
coughing sneezing. We could
probably identify them as
either have really bad
allergies. You Mexico or you
know there is some sort of
sickness you're able to have
that visit Joel you. What we do
know about Kobe nineteen is
that you can be aside right
here. And some people don't
even have sent- and with that
in mind you may go you going
out and about- and not know
that you are exposing other
people. So that with that in
mind we have to all assume that
we could be those in
symptomatic carriers- and how
do we protect others when we go
out it's about two different.
How do we protect others how do
we protect ourselves. Yeah what
we know is that mass do help
I'll go back to my little site
when we sneeze there are times
and drop what. If we have a
coverage as you'll notice it
can help. Those droplets now
you'll notice on the red line
it does not for me everything.
It does help and if you have
two individuals that are both
wearing masks in talking in
within that six feet of each
other you're going to be able
to- prevent. A larger amount of
that transition so I guess
that. It's a visual marker it
doesn't protect everything by
it is helpful for that
transition. Yeah be not as much.
Yeah I'm as we know now the CDC
has changed guidelines from
what the first suggested about
masking and this was done
because we know more bout the
virus now- this is all about I
density should. As you get more
information sometimes your
weight of you is going to
change with that new
information. With the new
information that the CDC has.
On a virus we know that masking
is. Helpful to prevent
transmission and that's why
it's important for us to
consider this one round about
with. I'm just on the side you
can see even in our department
how we have at ways to makeMax
at even from household items so
that it's accessible for
everybody. I'm we also at when
we go along and think about the
gardens are it's been mentioned
before and I did as well yeah
we're going to have to have a
robust education- about Max not
only why do we need where I'm
where should they be worn. And
even how to take them off
include mask hygiene- we have
reusable mask they're gonna
have to watch I'm from time to
time and then just taking are
properly if you're touching the
outside of it. A lot it's not%
going to be very helpful if you
don't wash your hands
afterwards and things like that
so- armor and city and you can
start giving guidance and help
with that I think it would be
very- he has I do think this is
something that we- have to
think long term way- it's not
something that we're not gonna
see. Mass for just two weeks
and then it's going to go away
going to have to be prepared to
and mitigate those. Fake you
know in order. Join them. Our.
When we have and mask I
requirements on here I have on
this site I have and the
government orders- for me six
and then again on may eleventh
and I as I was saying before we
had to start thinking about. At
what it might do sorry for the
state so we need to adhere to
state guidelines as legally
required and additional
considerations for wearing that
face covering- we talked about
well on city property- for both
boys and the public which is
that look like We want to make
sure that we keep people safe
we had a bit of that
discussion- honor first agenda
item as that there are racists
when public comes into our
employees as well I'm- your- I
noted a possible exemption arcs
if social distancing cannot
occur. And if people are out
and about just walking in the
park I'm and there's no other
people that might be. An area
that we have to consider- I
think Councilor Vasquez I said
you know when people are
raising their heart rate- and
doing back out work out textile
that mask and we don't want
people to have any real reading
problems- that. I something
they very can back I've got a
lot of calls about has been.
Our results he says in waiting
in line especially when it
comes to our big box stores- I
don't know how many have you
have receive the calls out
Lowe's target Walmart- there's
a lot of people there and it's
a very easy way to get act
press so if we- have mass. Even
the can't socially distance
we're going to be I'm very
close to each other it does
help prevent- back meet opals
right. At another consideration
would be if we eat out while
I'm transit I know city is
already doing that antacid drop
of also giving out. And masks
you are have writers- and then
to expand that to look at any
sort of commercial. And taxis
over systems. That serve. Yeah
I'm with this in mind there we
do you know that it's not
necessarily a one size fits all
and there are certain
consideration thank you needs
me the meet for Maskell. I'm
the CDC does advises back.
Nasty may not be available for
those who have those breeding
problems anyone who is
unconscious or the rice not.
Removed their masks. I've also
including those with a
disability that cannot wear
masks. There there are many
active orders at act. Including
that of anxiety which we do
have to consider- and then for
children I'm under of a certain
age and I'm I'll be honest I
struggled with what that each
it. On that you know one of the
things I don't think we want to
do is if we have. And at. Need
family member that is going to
the store it's you pick up once
I city's they have tobring the
child a and- child is refusing
the mask. You don't want to
make it so that they cannot
and some don't at a certain age
G. they don't understand the
need for that you cannot
rationalize why they have.
Where they- get there are you
know I'll say personally my
little one six. Kind I
understand she writes that. But
she sort of understand why. On
my larger kids that are eleven
be absolutely understand they
recognize eight AM. That is an
area so like I said this is
something that I think we
should talk about if we ever do
you. Decided to move forward
with something if there's that
each that you have to do and I
do think that the child needs
to be able to be. Aware of the
reasoning rationale to be able
to come with that in mind that
goes our child care. If we
don't want to try to enforce.
Passed on a bunch of little
kids. And there could be issues
you know should a child. With a
mask on my other sleeping- as
issues that act- I've also our
fire station on- and this could
expand a little bit you are
other public service areas
that- where they live in group
with our our fire personnel.
They are there for a twenty
four hour shifts so you're
eating sleeping you know
hanging out and in that right I
feel it's like a he's a family
unit in a way for tax and you
knowI it is you have to take
off your mask to eat. Well then
you're exposing everybody I
anyway so those types of
situations I think and it
doesn't make sense yeah. On
that- yeah sure- and then of
course when you their
activities with the household
unit driving outdoors walks
you're in the car by yourself
you know those are areas where
I don't think it should be
required. And then I have. Some
additional comments I got. Well
you controlling the whole
screen. I'm trying to stop
sharing with you guys. Seven
hundred meeting I don't want
that's for sure. Okay okay what
was thank you for that the
council before you with I have
two other consider. So that we
have to think about and it's
not something I didn't include
we talked a lot about not only
education by if we are going to
you ask for this to happen that
we need to be able to provide
Max- for the public- I. Need
you I'm for transit already I'm
that mechanism that we utilize
is something that hopefully
should we decide to proceed and
if anything. At least in the
strongly encourage that we need
to start providing mass for
people if we wanna wherein if
you know the house you need to
start writing so in what ways
can we- I. That we've already
to you so let's utilize that
type of thing- and it. And work
with that system and then we
also talked enforcement and
that's been a big issue I know
for a lot of people is how do
you want for this type. Of
recommendations or policy
change it is hard- I personally
I believe it's necessary- there
about. And the elderly you talk
about disabled but we also need
to talk about those with
underlying conditions household
members. They can't be expected
to stay home for the next
eighteen months. It's not gonna
be able to happen it's not good
for the year and mental
emotional social health it's
gonna be very hard. And so what
can we do to help us move
forward together and allow all
these people and to be as safe
as possible as well and so I.
And I think it's very necessary
I also want to know that it's
been very hard on economic
site. For people to you I'm
have these distractions and as
we open up more areas and as we
look at for itself asal and see
what happens over there the
the likelihood of are spreading
is gonna go on. It justice- I
know that were in our search
right now so we're expected to
see these increases right now
you know we're not expected to
eat for another week or two.
But we're gonna see a lot.
After we start opening. And the
mask is another tool in RK help
mitigate express. Or
enforcement one of the first
things that we can do just like
with the yeah- carry clerk's
office we can offer and- if
there is an area. We can offer
and- I'm wecan if we look
towards businesses especially
you know and I go back to ME
big box stores because I
believe our small businesses
are probably going to be some
of the most responsive. I'm
protecting their customers I
really do believe on that
they're going to be very
responsive- but even big box
that we look forward act if
there is a warning citation
whatever we look to that. Is
the business itself first that
we have standards and safety
for other so you can look
towards that but I think the
first thing that we should you
is offered that master that
person. Is now recommendations
here is the mask that we are
providing that for them- we
have to adapt over time. And
we've had to make adjustments
with new issues we now take our
hoes are act me out when we go
to the airport it's not
something that we used to do
but we do it now for the safety
of our- I'm- we have our police
officers where people approve
fast. And it won't protect them
from every single thing but it
is another tool in the toolbox
to help keep a little bit safer.
This is another tool in our two
okay and I want to make sure
that our- people stay safe. Now
are can a Connie can continue
to stay open. And there's a
nice balance there and I think
this is a tool that we can use.
Thank you. Thank you very much
for that I appreciate your
presentation and your- you did
a fantastic job for someone and
then and I guess in a while.
For your to Councilor Vasquez
and- report tem I asked the
agent if you would mind putting
something up so that you all
can see and I wanted. Big shout
out to senator just I'm board
so Jenna centers I won't have
this on his Facebook I don't
know month month and a half
ago. And it really it really us
struck- yeah we really. Moved
me and it made sense so if you
look at that how how. Having
people. At the very bottom
have- face mask and the percent
of- how Billy Kenshin at. You
can see why I was so. Element
to require that on- regarding
my emergency proclamation and
I appreciate senator first the
Senate to me and I wanted to.
Let you all see why and if you
haven't seen this yet it all
makes sense- and perhaps we can
send. The city can send that to
each of one of you and it
wouldn't even even posted on
our website but I think it. You
know hopefully- senator this I
came from a credible source
and- view than just doing
yourself but I'm sure it came
from somewhere that it causes
sure looks the it sure looks.
Sure looks legit so. Okay so we
have a Councilor Vasquez and
councillorgondola- who would
like to. Say a couple things so
council Vasquez. Thank you. And
thank you to councillor
Abeyta-Stuve you for a
wonderful presentation and
sharing- this this very well
thought out process that she's
undergone to make these
recommendations that's really
really appreciated- also I did
want to point out the one point
5% at the bottom of that
graphic has a comments that
about. Would hope it comes from
a credible source yeah I know
that's what. Are in the center
sign when did this but not just
keep. You never know you never
know and with the internet but
regardless the point is made
that- that master important
tool and I think council
Abeyta-Stuve you said it best
that- social norms and cultural
norms are changing- and
involving- and we have to if
you really want to keep our
our folks safe and so. I
struggle with the idea of
mandating- masks but to be
completely honest I know it's
the right thing to do- and so.
So I support the
recommendations that council
Abeyta-Stuve the- instead
because it conflicts for some
with their ideas about personal
freedom in this country and
that kind of thing but- you
know it's- to me it's kind of
the same thing with like free
speech rights. Free speech is
great until. It potentially
cause harm to others are your
insight violence or somehow you
cause harm to other people and
I think in this sense- free
speech if you know if you don't
want to wear masks that's fine
but if you don't wear a mask
year causing undue harm to
others- then we really should
rethink- you know how we handle
that situation and so. On so I
do support you know some level
of. The cancer because these
proposals and recommendations.
Are things that that I could
get behind- in particular yes
we have to provide folks the
masks right to be able to. You
noted for or at least to do the
best possible job. Their
success for us setting some
type of by. On the C. or
recommendation a requirement
like this means that more
people have masks then we have
to make those Max available if
that's what sixty six that's at
the end the day looks like.
What I'm really interested in
as well as- and you know you
probably heard this argument
from so many people. That say
well I went to Walmart and half
the people there are worry
masks why can I do action why.
Right I think a lot of folks is
a white can be reopened
businesses you know what six
feet apart when I go to Walmart
and there's ten people with no
mass on standing in line. Are
ridiculous started policies are
ridiculous is the governor's
directive. I've heard that time
and time and time again. And
so- and I've seen it myself
rated so it's a possibility. In
my in my opinion however it is
a problem it is an issue and
so. I think the big box stores
the walmarts the Sam's clubs
the targets of the world who
can afford like their
corporations. That make multi
billion. Dollars right I mean I
know them they must. Probably
be making I mean handover foot
money during this pandemic
because they sell groceries in
their stores are probably just
just booming. And so I would
required the- I'm a providing
masks to every person who's
walking in at this very moment
I think it's responsible then
for them not to do that so I
don't know for the municipal
level you know we can required
big box stores to purchase and
provide masks and they can be
the little clock master
disposable that I think we've
been discussing- and if not it
that's not a possibility than
the city should provide them
but- where I see the biggest
risk of and- or of. Of contact
in contagion I guess is in
those big box stores where if
you gone shopping at Walmart
or- another. You know Sam's
club. On that you see at least
half the people in the store
don't have masks on. And so you
know you try to play this kind
of. Our record game of social
distancing and avoiding people
that don't have massive
particular districts are really
weird dynamic but if people
have the opportunity. To get a
mask when they first come in. I
think that's a big step in and
at least limiting. The spread
words most potentially
prevalent. So that's something
I just want to throw out there
you know I think that's one of
the places we should start but
in general- I guess that this
is a tough decision right I
don't think. Anything
unwillingly on any of our
residents that they feel
conflicts with their personal
freedom because that's what we
all cherish. And love about.
This country but in this case
it it's a public health issue
public safety issue so. Of city
supported- are you will have to
run at twelve thirty I
apologize to have but another
meeting but I wanted to get
that out there as part of this
discussion thank you. Vasquez
before you leave let me just
ask you so. Earlier I think we
heard- went up today but a few
days ago- governor lawn Grisham
I required all businesses to
require mask and I am I'm not
too sure of that man. Louise
or- but I believe will if what
you know she tookcare of that
part and I really think that
the market will. Will change
you know there's gonna be some
business who gonna the finance
and then they're gonna have
some that's gonna advertising
any come my store. In our
bodies were master please do
this we have. A sneeze guard
you know and the public in a
gravity I think for them I mean
I know I would I would. Doesn't
take it serious what if we just
require. Some type of covering
of course with those exceptions
in in all of our city building.
They mayor I'm sorry we just
required in our in our city
buildings are facilities that
that you must have a mask and
if you don't you know there's
always exceptions of course and
then of course like those
exceptions that I think that
there was and I don't for. Okay
to still be some presentation
but you know that would be a
start you know and I think that
would be this for it for me.
Good start because- they're out
now- if I choose to go to
Walmart. I can order rather go
to maybe say save Mart on
valley that. That has their
employees- worrying. Fees and
takes the customer service and
then- that that would be my
choice. And then if I have to
go out and then to a public
facility. All feel safer in
that it's- that the employees
with that is a- is a- face
covered. Entity you know that
that requires. Well I mean. I
think. Yes to the city proposal
absolutely I. Fully support
that. I guess if we to want to
limit the community spread of
this virus. It's not so much
about where shoppers protects
some shoppers potentially will
go it's about all the other
ones that are going to come
into contact potentially with
those shoppers to choose to go
somewhere else right so.
There's nothing that's going to
stop. A family member that used
to go to Walmart from Khan
from. Giving that for you know
from can from given that
disease to somebody that used
to go to save Mart and so what
we want to avoid is those. That
those that those folks are on
the same playing field right
because it's still on fair I
think to be putting folks. Back
into the community that- could
inspect other people at a local
park and you know as we were
just talking somewhere public.
On its success. He the rate or
the risks to which people can
contract this disease and I
think we really have to think
about what people are gathering
in big numbers without facemask
and I and I may be wrong I I'm
happy to take back my statement
if not the big box stores but
since really that's the only
place I've been to in terms of
you know being able to go up to
get groceries on that's where
I've seen the biggest risks
name please do a great job the
governor's directive is right
on point with having staff. On
have to pass the fact cards are
seen all the good practices on
but I think it's it we're doing
ourselves a disservice if we're
just letting folks and- without
masks and- you know. That's
what that's where people
gatherings I like I said I
think the Walmart should be
providing I don't know whether
or not I don't know why they
don't have mass produced.
Chinese made paper masks. You
know they have just about every
mass produced Chinese item in
their in their seats in their
store but but not mass that.
Could give as a courtesy to
folks at the front of the line.
Maybe it's not a requirement
but at least may be it may be
it the requirement is that they
provide and offer the masks
right not necessarily that they
have to wear them but- there's
some folks who to do just go to
the store maybe they forgot a
mask and they choose to go in
anyway- or there's folks you
just can't afford Max. Writer
or haven't been able to buy one
and so providing among goal
long way. Maybe we have massive
mom and pops. That way they go
to them and then. They the not
visit Walmart as much. There
you go. Okay so the mayor pro
tem Gandara and Councilor been
call and if you have to leave
that Councilor Vasquez Webers.
Don't forget to give me the up
and- combination for- buscas
blue. You got it okay mayor pro
tem. Thank you mayor thank you
cancer Abeyta-Stuve yeah I was
so proud this mean and your
presentation very thorough. And
I just really impressed really
impressed- again I guess I want
to preface this is to me this
isn't a political you know
people like are you politicians
don't know what you're doing
and saying you're trying to
take our civil liberties please
understand. This is not a
political plan my part I am a
social worker license. People
safety and well being is my
number one concern that always
has been. So those of you out
there that are listening on you
too that's what it is that's
for me about maintaining people
safety. On by the way and two
thousand and nineteen ninety
four to two thousand and four I
was part of the department of
health and I was on that
receiving and mayor of that no
smoking ordinance. That got
passed are you surprised. Will
not so. I'm many people- would
say it was against our civil
liberties to- I get to do
whatever I want whenever I want
until lots of data and the
science was very clear. That
secondhand smoke was probably
almost more- of the issue- and
so this is like any other thing
wearing a mask- Mr protect
others and- honest a lot and
clear have two elderly parents.
Have a chronic conditions in
fact my father right now is
working in the clerk's office
in Silver City. And I'm always
constantly pops are you wearing
your face masks are you making
sure that your clerk is
ensuring that your white being
down there or that someone's
waking down for you not just
one time two times regular the
washing your hands. Do you have
all the things in place and
they do and I'm so proud to say
that- but I remember my father
they work standing goals home
to my mother who's in her
seventies. So I'm very
concerned about that I have a
chronic condition- high blood
pressure I'm doing everything
I've been wearing a mask and
gloves. On before that the
mandate or that we should make
sure we do that- thing- and
honestly- earlier in the week I
went to a local search because
I have to shop for food and
what not. And one of the most
difficult things is when you
meet up with someone at the
door and you're sort of like
clean. Okay I want to respect
your you know your you and I'm
wearing my mask and everything
they're not- and so that it
were doing that dance like
Google's first you know. And so
I get all that I'm I'm
encountering. That as I go out
shopping for people for food
and what not. I made some
notes- and I wanted to ask
around. The. I cancer
Abeyta-Stuve V. you- use a lot
of the CDC- guidelines and- one
of the things I think we need
to if we're going to have the
exception on- the childcare it
I would say very specific- in
terms of the kids- because I do
feel like the workers need to
M. use face masks and gloves I
think they're already doing
that so I would- specified not
specifically I think specify
that in the ordnance we're
gonna do some exemptions. Thank
you that's that's great
something that I a wasn't fully
aware what their requirements
for before- and so that's
that's- yeah it. It it it
would- there's some places
already like engage another
people that other or
organizations that are having
these bottle conversations with
childcare centers and what not
and we probably need to reach
out to them to see what are
already are there. Are there
are provisions in please I
think- would be awful and so
like if we do this I honestly
believe that our leadership
like we have to lead by example
so that means that. All our
employees that are out there
doing they essential work that
they should be wearing
coverings- but gloves and stuff
like that and quite frankly I'm
seen some of them that do not
write their kinda congregating.
Two or three and I I've said
this again- to Mr my as does-%
please insurance I want to know
that those people have
everything they need right to
wash their hands to it that
means- washing stations there
where they're out of in the
telomere area that the have all
of that so. I want to make sure
that we're able to do that- for
our stop first and foremost and
that the bill see that the
single into T. is as not only
are role. Try but that every
single entity that has service
you to- utility or service
vehicles that there are being.
The clean their sanitized- not
just once or twice but
regularly- that to me is super
super apart it and mayor along
with a big box and whatever and
I agree I think they the bigger
box then you should be offering
that to every single person
that's walking- into their and
their site and I thought you
were going to ask Jennifer is
we can as city. Mandate that
that they give. Or that they
insure that their people
walking in or the customer that
walking in have the face mask
are we within our rights to do
that are within our- I don't
know I save right yeah with the
art the purview to do that.
Yeah no I in your your correct%
I was going to but then I
thought this is a great
opportunity to let people go to
the mom and pop stores and then
let. Are is a Walmart is but I.
Am receipt be and I don't go to
those. That particular yeah but
if you made. That very clear.
Well I don't know let's see I
with that but I what I did have
that written down but let's
just see if she wants. Jet if
you want to jump in on that is
do you think off of your head
if you. That we have the
authority to require. Well I
don't think we can separate.
Big box stores versus. A
batting as be universal but I
don't know let's see what
Jennifer has. I'm mayor and
council yes you can pass an
ordinance that requires space
covering- many jurisdictions
throughout the country are
doing it. I would not. Separate
out any individual or specific
titles. It needs to be an
overall city wide. Universal
okay okay. All right thank you
Jennifer. I just want it I want
to just make sure that as we
are. Discussing this that- I
know cancers Abeyta-Stuve you
are using CDC guidelines so
what not and I I'm sorry that
we don't have. An
epidemiologist you're someone
from the department of health
healthiness sort of moved to
this and understanding what is
the best course of action
because we all got earlier this
week the- power point- the
slides about what. Again thank
you council Bencomo for
recognizing that we're the
second largest growing
community what do we need to do
I mean it's clear we have to do
something we have to get set we
have told we dropped meeting
because we and our our pecan
surged. But this is really
scary to me. I'm and we have to
do something but I want to do
be toppling using bean- scions
and so lots of us are talking
about is that were the
community spread is because
they're going to the big box.
And I think we need to
permanent hell to tell us a
little more specifically
because they're doing that the
Tracy understanding right
because there were people are
testing. Positive okay have you.
Family were gonna have to tell
them I think we need a more. So
that we can I'd this
accordingly where is this
friend happening are they going
other jurisdictions tall pasal
or they in these big box areas
are the symptomatic I mean I
want to see that down in front
of me not to say that I'm not
in agreement I think we need to
do something and do it now and
I'm not about China. On
people's civil civil liberties
but I agree there this is like
the no smoking ordinances says
something that. That we need to.
I've put in place. I'm sorry
let me look through my nose.
Make sure I got I again I
think. I'm a communication
letter to some of these bigger
larger corporations that I
don't know if. You know through
the governor's mandate this
week and next that it their
eight hearing to that that
every employee is worried that
the smallness. And so I keep
thinking communicating from the
city of Las Cruces to these
place says having open
conversations with them helping
at. Please help us we need you
to help us decrease the this
brand this is what it looks
like and having those
conversations- would be helpful
like being and so I'd like to
ask that stop do not. And I
agree with the cancers to beat.
The thing about the working in
the singular office those
offices those have been some of
your exceptions. I am a little
concerned about that and I
think there needs to be a
little more specificity as it
relates to that. You could have
a singular I don't know what
you mean by that I guess so let
me let me start with that. That
your question and- and I think
for purposes of Friday was.
Right now down a little bit but
to be more specific when you
have- people that are in their
own office by themselves and
they're just so low that they
don't have a requirements I'm
to wear the mask you have. A
law office where there's only
one person in there and they're
just working by themselves the
next that would be a place
where perhaps that the mask is
not necessary now if there
meeting with clients or
something like that if it
becomes a lot more not in area
but if- and I think there are
other got planes in. And what
was city or other states have
are started out working. I
Denver. Older there specific
that capture the moment- of
that our office is when you're
working by yourself- now for
ayes if we're at the city any
just in your office thank you
for rocking back and forth
that's not probably something
that you want to consider but
if your in eighty you know just
of one person place then it
wouldn't necessarily makes
sense for you to be wearing
that. A full time. I got it I
can agree with that a one
person office one present only
then yes I understand but if
your greeting people are- I
think that the mask is
necessary so yes I agree I'm
thank you so much for being
pop up under fire- state are
fire- and that whole twenty
four hours- thing- I'd like to
hear from. And cheap and guess
what he thinks about about that
and what provisions have been
put in place- as as they're
moving through this because I
know they're wearing masks when
they go out but- their groups
of. The extent I don't know
from one on. For one shift to
another what that looks like
and I think those are all
important things before we put
an exemption to them mark
police I don't know why you
didn't put police down it's
probably the same they probably
do some twenty four seven stuff
as well. Thank you mayor pro
tem I don't know let's see if
chief is here yes he is chief
join a chief and weakest ones.
Jump in. Yes hello mayor and
the councillor Gandara yes
what with the fire department
what we're looking at is every
call that they respond to or
any interaction with the public
they must wear their mats in
must wear their G. P. one there
at the station when there is
kind of like their home they
they watch TV together they eat
together of the train together
everything that they're doing
together. Any gathering that
they have in the bay or living
well the mask at that point is
optional but not required but
any contact with the public
they will have to wear the
masks we treat our
administrative office are
prevention bureau as as a
business so anybody that enters
will have to wear masks if we
go the steps the house where
else. Yes we should change
instead eight AM. The staff
coming. Has to remain in their
on Chris area so don't cross.
You had two days off you come
back. Done shopping you bet now
to the of. One make sure
there's none we have members
are levy. And they may have
experienced all. Eight patient
that may have have the signs or
symptoms we don't know what
that point so- just to try to
prevent the spread and the
cross contamination. In our
department those are some of
the precautions we take it.
Thanks to you. Thank you to you
by I appreciate- hearing that
I know you're taking every
precaution that the reason I
brought up that should change
is and what not is because
these people are going home to
family and children right and
then. Posing you know their
their family members their
wives husbands whatever and
others and- I'm to that but
then. There were their loved
ones adults right might be
going out into the community
with- you know to get food and
you know all the necessities
that one out and bring it back
so I didn't know how that would
specifically of fact- our fire
and police on for that matter
and so I wanted to be mindful
of that and understanding and
I must I'm assuming that. That
this change are well I don't
know are they are they where
they stain so many days on and
then they lead. Press are our
our shift is twenty four on
forty eight all so you're there
like today all day Friday you
get off tomorrow at eight AM
and the next shift comes in. So
work every third day. Okay
thirteen and do you think it's
over cal to have them when
they're congregating more than
five to be wearing a mask. Well
we don't require one there at
the station to where the mass
because we do have a couple
stations and have more than
five people. That's all right
station for andstation one
have an engine and a truck
company so it's a new company
and then other stations we have
swaps so we have six personnel
there. So it's hard to have. A
less than five needs some
stations but- we're not
requiring them to have amassed
when they're all together
training together. And living
as a household. Once a in our
public they have to be wearing
their minutes. I understand
that they their house sold
that. Isn't a normal household
right they go home. They come
back. And so I guess I'm trying
to get from you what your
thoughts are about what the
presentation was about. What if
I or the by saying no I don't
agree with the exemption
nineteen. There there they
should be wearing them when
they have larger groups if you
wellwhile they're sitting and
hang and now and those kinds of
the- well I feel that in in our
case the different task in jobs
we have. We would have to be an
exception to that rule but
again it's option and again it
goes back to the safety
practices if you're sick. You
know you stay home if you
report any kind of illness or
anything your your sent home
where you stay home if you're a
rookie that just came in and
you're still under probation
and you have minimal we
address. We want to make sure
that it's not spread we've been
taken that a step further that
one we have individuals and
have family members at home.
That of may be hard pressed to
this virus then if they suspect
anything with autumn in hotels
to we get either confirmation
that the patient was not covert
nineteen order. Until the
individual gets tested
themselves so we've had a few
of those and you take every
precaution to make sure were
safe is awesome. Thank you to
finds glad to that I know that
that was happening but I think
it's important for the public
to be aware of that. The steps
that we take and to protect our
fire and our our our police
department during those times
she can you in my in us- about
what other- communities are
States are doing around. The
cove in it or they are you are
you when you talk about best
practices aside. You're it
hearing to that because other
fire stations in the country
are doing this specific lead
yes Sir absolutely we get we
get a lot of literature. From
the international association
of fire chiefs I'm on the text
group text messages with other
fire chief so from Santa Fe Rio
Rancho Albuquerque. And we talk
and discuss about. Things that
we're doing to protect our are.
Also in communication with the
all council- EM and some other
things that they're doing as
well so yes we are.
Implementing all the best
practices we can for our
personal. Thank you chief thank
you I'm please my gratitude and
thanks to your staff here the
firefighters on police
department- I can't. Thank you
enough for putting your of your
lives on the line every day but
especially during this time I
know you've taken on some
additional duties and I'm so
thankful for that. So I
appreciate- appreciate it and I
just wanted to say that
publicly to you. And to G.
caliber- at and lastly- I
appreciate agree we need to
have a very robust educational
campaigns. I'm not only about
the passer the coverage
universal mass as- concert this
to be content- but- I think god
and- repeatedly telling it and
at the scenery- providing
awareness of the cold it is the
import and sending. I am. My
next to ship yes with the
Aberdeen the- and I that if not
to day. One of our other
special meet that we actually
have- are betting Alice Dr
landed in our representatives
come. Out and really talk to us
about. Something's at their
findings the science is
changing right minutes it's
just changing every day because
they're learning more and more
and it would be nice to have
them again- at one of our
meetings- to really- throughout
these ideas and really talk
about I'm Bob believe with
their advice. On how we dropped
the- and we decreased the
spread and because it it was
very clear to me off those
those- flights that were shared
by David my S. does. That we
gotta do something and we have
to do it now so thank you mayor.
Thank you mayor pro tem. Of
informal. Thank you mayor- and
thank you so much that council
Abeyta-Stuve the that was
really great I really
appreciated your leadership for
the last few months on this for
sure so I'm really grateful for
you having presented that
today- you know to be really
honest with you last week I was
feeling really uncomfortable
with the idea of me dating. On
facemasks and that and are
those preparing for today's
meeting rate I was going to set
that aside. It doesn't matter
how I feel about it what
matters is what matters is
backpack- the case has
continued to grow here and
during on a county. That all
too many matters and I actually
understand. What it's like to
have your civil live liberty is
threatened- in being asked to
wear a mask it's not back. On
it's just not and- you know I
really I for me the most
important thing is that we
provide masks for people on.
City willing to do that- I will
say that- you know we've been
getting a lot of emails for
both for and against this. On
to me this is definitely a
matter of love thy neighbor
rate and a matter of- I might
not be sick I might not even
believe that this is a real
right. But I love my neighbor
and I want to make sure that
they're healthy to you. I'm I
read an article are from the
towels news- talking about.
This couple that was traveling
abroad earlier this year and
came back and- they've been
tested they've tested positive
this house. Is tested positive
by the time for the nineteen.
And they have not shown any
symptoms I all in the you much
three but they've continue
meeting getting tested after.
After quarantining and get back
and get tested in the keep
testing positive and they feel
fine so I think- that is one of
the biggest risks that we take
when we going to the world our
own that we don't know what.
We're carry and- that we could
very much be carrying this very
for someone else getting the
virus- so I think it's
important that. In the meantime
but this is temporary that this
is an- a thing forever about
this is. The measures that we
have to take. During a global
pandemic that is a very real
right- and so for me I think
that this. Why this is
important. And I have no
somewhere I was going to time
right and I its escaping me I
mostly just really wanted to. I
think Councilor Abeyta-Stuve be
for her presentation and- I
have a question for David- do
we have. The contact tracing
programming doing out of county
is that happening here. Good
afternoon again thank you
Council Bencomo David masters
the arm of health does have a
contract tracing program in
place so anytime somebody test
positive they do work but I
cannot find the potential for
anyone they came in contact
with and those people are
requested to follow up on. Or
call as well again that's
entirely held and conducted by
the department of health as
mayor pro tem is pointed out
yes we do have plans on asking
them to be at special meetings
and having. Act and if it's
become will we have them Friday
and next. Into to Mr David
Morgan and also- doctor Michael
Landon to see if they're
available now and then that way
you have specific questions to
their process. They'll be ready
available for those answers yes
in summary they do have that
process. Thank you that's
really right also Bencomo can
review for secondI looks like
chief Gallagher- wants to make
a quick comment. She thank you
I've done I've been listening
and I totally understand
everybody's concern and desire
with regard to face mask I just
thought I'd be remiss if I
didn't. Point out. As the folks
would be enforcing it that we
have some of the concerns with
regard to that. As I told you
earlier we banned requesting
and getting mostly voluntary
compliance with regard to the
park issue. I would imagine we
do the same thing on this case
we probably get voluntary
compliance for the most or in
general anywhere from 7290% of
crime in the community is
committed by about 6% of the
population those are people who
don't listen to us. Anyway so
we're gonna have problems with
those people. But in addition
as a couple of you pointed out
about the concerns over civil
liberties there's going to be
probably an additional 5210% of
people now also won't listen to.
What about 15% of the people
who we're gonna have issues
where. My concern is. We're
actually going to have to make
physical rests physical arrest
now exposes our officers to.
Population that we norm
normally wouldn't be exposed
to. On so my concern is our
mission as I told you a couple
times a sustainability
invisible we need to be visible
for the community can keep
them. Safe if we get we've been
lucky so far we haven't had any
positive test we've had a few
close calls if we increase our
exposure of officers to people
for not wearing masks I worry.
Our risk of exposure would be
higher the offices and that
could really spread throughout
police department very quickly.
Property crime is on the rise
in Las Cruces for several
different reasons one of them
being. And number and I worry
if we have your officers on the
street. To counter that
property crime it would
increase even further finally I
will also say I'm I am
concerned about. You've seen
some of the stories elsewhere
in the country- they hit the
media they Facebook they've
hitch you know pictures of
officers. Wrestling with people
because they weren't wearing
face masks. How to defeat the
purpose of keeping people safe
when we have to put hands on
them. And try to bring them to
jail. I'm so I just wanted to
bring that out there that's all
concerned myself my command
staff very concerned about that.
As my two cents she- I have a
follow up Mr gal. Yes he- I
thank you I thank you if I'm
for bring up these issues
that's something that I you
know was researching as well a
lot there's a lot of issues
about compliance enforcement at
and how people react to these
sort of things much like you
know. Whenever you have a
change in procedure that is
this bag the you know you do
get. I'm for that. One of the
ideas that I had first
proposed- in in trying to see
how comfortable your officers
would be that a the very first
thing to do is to offer and- is
that something that your
officers could you check that
you supplied with mass. Is for
compliance is the very first
thing we do is offer the mask.
We can definitely do that
again calls for service for
many that's the other thing I
didn't mention. As as you'll
recall when this first started.
We were running around pretty
crazy to Lowe's and home- and
sharing all the emails with us
I can see this being in full
force. So calls for service and
in their by. Laws from more
serious goals. So that's very
reasons I was looking at the
enforcement of instead of going
after every single person in
the Walmart- those you can't do
that that's that's unrealistic
and you look at that big box
store it's a unique said make
sure that when you by people in
here they have these
requirements and then you site
back business itself. For not
having people and here to those
standards and that way it
doesn't have as much- contract
for your officers that you we
can do it through a different
mechanism in you're not
responding two hundred
different calls with. You know
every single person the scene
the story does not happen. So I
think that's another to of help
mitigate some of and then I
think we have to have a
conversation about- the really
real. Issue that people have is
that of compliance. And if they
want to do it or not we do have
role we do have lots and not
and we're not always going to
agree with what are. But for
the most part they are done for
the safety. Of the general
public I'm one of the examples
that I did use I'm sure you've
heard whereas- that of the at
taking off her shoes at the
airport. You know I it was a
change in behavior change in
that had- as- mayor pro tem
Garbarek talked about I the new
lines for smoking in public
places. It is very big changes
and he will have to address but
unfortunately we now have a new
element in our society that of
this virus. And we have to make
those adaptations and it is
going to be very difficult for
people but if we make these
adaptations. Then perhaps we
can mitigate the risk for your
officers for our public and
even for those people who don't
want to wear this Max later on
so I really do appreciate that
I hope that we should we move
forward with this. I want to
make sure that we get back in
prayer. What question mayor pro
tem Godhra had whereas the
exemption now I had originally
placed where police officers
because- I'msorry for our
prior to. Using of the live
together but- I know you guys
probably have rescue. Were off
are here together for extended
amount of time is there in our
would you need exceptions for
something like that as well.
Will be wearing that we do in
the mass now anytime in contact
with the public if it's just
normal contact it's the
surgical mask nine nine nine
and ninety five and if it's any
body I think it's sick or my
piece it. Is the and I.
Typically adjust ourselves
dealing with each other we do
not wear the masks. And you're
not wearing I'm I'm access
station itself. Most of us
don't home to Asian anymore so
we have any we don't gather
anymore to do daily briefings
and what about I'm sure you
have like. From the under cover
to any of those types of
officers that are in kind of
unique as situations where
they're paired together I would
say what I want to make sure
that we're being thoughtful
about that as well. Yes we have
standard their hours so the
role not group together at the
same time still some coming
earlier some staylater just to
avoid having too many people
together. Okay thank you. Okay
I'm sorry council Bencomo did
you finish your comments no I
wasn't any. Which I agree I am
thank you check out our for
that I definitely understand
the concern regarding
enforcement I been very much
against anything that. I'm into
putting people in jail- that's
the last place where we want
people. I'm you know I do hope
that it you know. For how I may
be naive naive but I really do
hope that this- moving forward.
Is that we are collaborative
with businesses and with our
community on this I'm not we
use education first and
foremost- and that enforcement
is still like you sign
compliance- complained that
based on my love. From serve it
back to the idea of being
in the event that people areur
being compliance I also would
like to see part of are pushing
a are public education campaign
continuing Kerr enhance that
continued to grow as strength
and not. That I would love to
see one of our officers or one
and in one of our- fired.
Firefighters are be part of a
PSA campaign right arm where
they're basically saying a lot
of where you are right we
cannot protect you if. You're
being non compliant our our
first and foremost are our
priority is your safety and we
cannot do that if you're not
following the guidelines of the
state and the city- it it would
that be possible. For us to do.
Sure we can put out a public
service announcement to that
effect I did one. Right before
Easter because of our concerns
about that holiday but we could
cook one out any anything we
could do. To generate voluntary
compliance without having to go
to enforcement is the way we
want to go. Yeah I would like
to see that- you know I think
I'll say that I just want to
make sure that as the city we
are putting our strong- also
look awareness campaign to
ensure that people don't think
well this is the strategy right
and then we're just gonna
restaurant and get comfortable
thinking nappies masks are
gonna help us. Out of this
which isn't isn't right- the
best- guidance that we received
from experts is been social
distancing rice's to continue
to question- wish were social
distancing measures especially
in public places where that can
happen like grocery stores.
Insuring that- all of our
grocery stores and those
essential places are marking
right like- couple- hardware
stores big box ones weren't
doing that and then they were
really encouraged to do so
after more. Than the police or
look police by. To and- ensure.
Not doing her between that from
the- essential businesses are
doing exactly that- in the now
we layered on face masks and
that we continue to do
contract. Contact tracing and
that our approach to this is
layered- and that the public
very much understands what
we're doing every step of the
way. Okay thank you Councilor
is so listen to all the
comments and- what- I think a
good first start first off the
governor required all employees
in businesses require mass and
so you know that's something
there that state- would handle
S. no CPT if needed. I think
maybe if we- a good first step
perhaps might be just
requiring- facemask anyone
using city facilities to wear
masks. Responses city wide and
see how that goes. Could we
encourage sap for retail and
commercial spaces as well
because I think that's where
we're seeing the most race- I'm
I absolutely advocate for stuff
on city property the grounds
but we know that it's those
retail and commercial space is
that people are gathering on in
are not able to do the social
distancing and there was a kind
of a time sensitive- items that
I think we have. You know I
think. Your meet on this year
then you know. I've seen this
lot. Lot of times. Individuals
businesses you like it to be
their own idea still being told
to do it so we do it ourselves
of the city and we and we use
that as an example and I could
reach out to managers of these
big box stores now you guys is
that something there that you
guys can require. And I and I.
Manager to say their good
jungle would say you know what
city's doing and whatever
because- I can assure you I
know some smaller. Small mom
and pops are going to. Use this
as a as a- is a language which
is a good thing. To take
business away from them. I yeah
I know I would I'd say yeah I
I'm I'm given a free this are
give out free that might. You
know are always were. Mass they
were easy worth loves- you get
a free. Of disinfectant and
every purchase I don't I don't
know I would think that's just
a great opportunity to. Move
almost you know it's amazing I
drive. When I come to work I
see all these. Sometimes lines
of people Sam. Thank don't
think you want to just the same
order law skill the food are
you know. I don't know I have.
But I think there. But I know
we're about to see is charged
clearly yesterday there are
seventeen new cases I mean I
wonder what happens if we try
this for two weeks right like I
just ate we're gonna do a we
might as well do it- because
we're about to see some big
numbers I think. So you will
have our we do this that way
there the because I know we're
missing to council members. We
move forward with a resolution
that requires. Face masks on
all city facilities and or
city wide that way there. The
council can decide which which
way they're going to go over
and one. If we could transit
if it's not already on it- just
at first by taxi services and
that tax stuff. As well- by
really I am concerned about
those. If people were going to
do this. Because they want to
the already would have and I
think when we go out in the
stores and when we see what's
going on out there if there's
just it's just too many people
that are not adhering to these
guidelines and to the
suggestions so we can suggest
that all we want. And whether
or not but I think not I'm not
people are doing it to be super
a factor. You go to the grocery
store any character apple to
look at you see that doesn't
look like I want you say act
you're coughing you're doing
other stuff I mean there's too
many points of contact any with
that general public. Back has
those. I'm my- has been works
at a hospital I have most of my
friends are nurses or doctors
they're gonna be those front
lines here in about two three
weeks when we see those
searches they're gonna be the
ones to see those cases and
it's going to be heartbreaking
for a lot of people and there's
gonna be a lot of those that
are raise that our phone
guidelines that are trying to
keep themselves safe their
family member state labs one
safe. But if we don't have the
buying from at least and I mean
it honestly takes about 8290%
of people complaining we will
see live say re really well and
that's the bottom line for me I
is that we will be saving
lives- for not just those at
risk but we're seeing that this
affects everybody and with that
its general public component.
That is gonna be key here okay.
No I get your and- yeah no I
just since I the other day I
had a- and have a flat but I
know it was gonna be a flag
that had pulled out a big nail
under my tire and I never knew
little and I know I get free.
Whatever at the place where
body or do I go cross street.
Which yeah. And just and I was
thinking that because a lot of
times I just. Want I just. Jump
up into called me we're in the
big may not come back so not to
bother anybody. Then I thought
about that I thought. Then I
just take a cross street in
does yeah so were. Out okay. So
what are we that that way there
you you we still have all. You
know it's- members one just do.
City facilities or they want to
do everything city wide living
transit. You know that way
there we have a- opportunity
to. Site so we have staff start
working on. On of resolutions
ordinance the to do something.
Jeez the just- one of the
common. She got her. Which
forget forget agenda the
reprimands aren't okay Elster
Flores. You their hand out
thank you I just want to the
thing- cancer. Abeyta-Stuve be
for pursuing this- I find it
admirable that- she'd get the
of power point- and- I was just
wondering. As far of well I did
you did you cover the point I
know that yeah the thing that
that little cartoon that the
objects and shows that to
people using- a facemask
really reduces the risk but
what I learned from you weeks
and weeks ago. Is that wearing
a mask isn't so much for your
own protection for the
protection of others and I
wanna thank you for that a bit
of education because when I
started wearing a mask I
started I well I was thinking
well I don't wanna get infected
and the way to do it and we're
gloves and- above all go home
and in that paper trails and in
my car as soon. As first thing
I do when I get cars work with
my hands but I thought about
that statement no it you know
what some of us are just might
be are symptomatic carriers so
it's a question of really again
respecting. Other human beings
and human lives and protecting
other against year it's not so
much you're protecting yourself
against others the fact that
you be spreading. One can be
spreading. So I wanted to thank
you for council based. Yeah one
of the you so for so. On this.
And as a council ring has been
reporting or recorded what we
site of the search- or the fact
that we haven't leveled off and
at seventeen OO jurors are were
the third highest I believe in.
Risk moves stated will Mexico.
And I'm not too sure about the
numbers and how they're- losing
calibration or whatever it's
called. But all that being said
we're still way up there and
so I am and- total agreement
with what. Councilor
Abeyta-Stuve he has proposed at
this resolution to me this
ordinance- that you're
considering- mayor. Of be all
inclusive. And so far as you
know not. To go to not just
city and selling the sport but
retail. And public
transportation rumors and stuff
like that- and of course
there's always you. But it's
just a question of letting our
residents know that this is
very very important and I think
that there is going to be. A
surge I think we're going to
have something that is going to
escalate and it's going to have
a lot to do with the fact that
a lot of our residence in in
the- southern part of the- the
counting go to el Paso for
their marketing anyway. And
I'll council right now is just.
Reaching new highs everyday so
I think that we really have to
buckle down to protect our our
residents and thank you again
of Councilor Abeyta-Stuve the
for your persistence and an
excellent presentation thank
you Mister mayor. Thank you
Councilor okay so that's okay a
staff that will move forward
with- a resolution ordinance
whichever is needed that that
addresses. Eight option eight
just utilizing- requiring mask
insist the city facilities only
or. And other things that staff.
Thank. Okay well last night. I
have a question Mr mayor. Yes
thank you so what how how can a
resolute how can ordinance be
or are you are you. The menu
you want the options put
together. Legal and then we'll
decide- what language we like
faster which options we like
proposing right we're down to
city councilors. And he's
there was by goes bad these are
there. I don't okay get also so
the question is do we start
requiring people we a mask he
there city wide including
transit or do we start with
just the city facilities only
to were requirements. And so
what I was gonna say when I was
starting out with his that
provide an option because when
we put it out with both option
a option be that gives us time
for the public to chime in that
they normally can't otherwise
do as once he gets advertise a
put out in the media. Now we
can receive comments pro or con
I or you know option they are
be and then we can figure out.
What with the with the
constituency wants so that's
the that was the purpose were.
I mean. No one wants to wear a
mask I don't want to wear a
mask but I know I have to write
like I think that's sort of the
point and I think I'm not
including at the very least
grocery stores- ads were about
to head a surge. I'm not sure
than the point of this right
well no one knows the city what
was option be that would
include the grocery store so
that. You're not in your option
be- well when I said city wide
I meant everything city wide. I
okay great that's fine yes. And
then option Hey was just city
facilities. Thank you. And
there I think people have been
very vocal on. Very strong
opinions either way even before
that I at you know it's- going
to come down. It frankly I
people are downright. Nasty
about things and rightfully so
act freedom of speech- but for
me and if. Any hearing from my
constituents in valuing their
safety that's what's first and
I rely on data. I rely on those
experts in those medical
professionals to make that
decision not on because
somebody doesn't want to do it
because it's an inconvenience
for them I rely on that data.
To make sure that we are making
a smart decision. Or their
general health and well being.
Just like when we did with at
you know I'll go back to
smoking in public places. A you
know it's very similar to that
and unfortunately it is going
to meet people very
uncomfortable it's going to be
make some upset about that but
it is for the general wealthy
and those are the principles
that I will stick. Okay I got
you but that's one of. Yes
mayor sorry excuse me this one
is sick I have no problem with
people you know concert
Abeyta-Stuve the people don't
have to be downright ugly you
can share their concern they
don't have to be disrespectful
that's everybody's prerogative
but they don't have to be ugly
and state you know calling
that's horrible mains as some
of you have received. You know
we can do without that that's
it that that's not people's
right to be ugly with you know.
With you about this I get it I
don't like it either I don't
like to wear it it makes me
feel uncomfortable but it is
what it is right. Now I've been
doing it before. That may the
governor's some. You know
strong work strong suggestion.
I get it she you know I
understand especially now it's
really hot. And wearing them.
Okay thanks. All right so again
I still would prefer that both
options be there and then- let
it be publicize in them that
you all are receive public
comment. Council sort. Thank
you mayor. Yeah I haven't
caught on I have been in and
the whole the whole
conversation year now the
based. On the- Sir certainly
you'd be ideal of your mouse I
don't think anybody disagrees
with that as far as the public
health the health is concerned
as far as comfortable nice now
course not as you're- on nobody
wants to do right. By it
probably will be the best thing
to keep us from going. On to a
level that to his- undesirable
on a level that will bring more
deaths. And sure I'm that would
be ideal but for first comes in
my mind is. Are how are people
going to be able to get the
masks. And even if they can get
them how are they going to
afford them. You guys are you
know you're not one mask isn't
gonna do you're gonna have to
have a mask every time you
leave the house. Is it a last
practical issues on. It is a
problem that I see coming up
and- if somebody can solve that
problem fine I'll be in favor
of every masts everywhere. You
asks anyone everywhere it. Not
she's super let's gonna end up.
Coming to us thank you
Councilor for your comments we
discussed a little bit about
that early are on we still
create access for mass- and
then expand with a robust
education system on how to. I
use hold items or other ways to
have that face covering a
language were also safe is
covering not specifically masks
because being that that
delineates just a certain type.
Of one and you know there's
different ways that we can do
this I and how the city can
help provide at those masks to
are those that cannot have it
we do already with our transit
so we I am happy to go I know.
On the schedule but I'm happy
to talk about those options
with you as well. Okay in other
words you're talking about a
reusable bad bandanna for
example you can do that I mean
I'm I'm I presentation I have a
site that be delayed chat on
how to use household items to
make. And so it just even a
teacher in and rubber bands you
I the bandanna and there's
different ways and then if the
city itself provides I mass in
we talked about and. Numerous
get those to the public as well.
We look happy to go with those
three those with your this as
well and we look. The of
getting and at I know there's
you know obvious everything
goes are for process that%
there's even local people that
are making. And if we can and
quite local businesses that be
great to- but I if you want to
look at you talk as well as a
guide the have a portal. In
their city to give out masks to
the community members as well
in so there's many different
options that we could be
utilizing to make sure
everybody has access. Okay okay
thank you. Okay thanks
Councilor Flores you have a
question. Yes I just. Wanted to
ask a question- Councilor
Abeyta-Stuve be. I was told
that- if after you use your
manse. Mine is it's not on and
ninety five but it's pretty
sturdy. That after each use of
to of spray it with Lysol. No
disinfectant spray- and that
cleans it so is that true or
not true or- I would probably
deferred to DO each standards
on that what I are we might.
First I would probably be
cautious about spring the lie
so on and you want to make sure
that airs out before you put
that right. Yeah they do most
of the thing the education that
I've seen is about washing once
I'm although noting that a lot
of these items have. I'll trade
in the middle so you want to do
hand washing so that you don't
scratch that up or- destroy it.
Most of it is that soap and
water you just stepping in and
then you hung out to dry it to
the next usage. But like I said
I will deeper to I DO agency
see standards on the- thank you
they mayor. Okay Council sorted
you forget to put your hand
down or did you have another
comment. I had another comment
on. That is that I hope we
don't. Lose the effort and
what's really going to solve
this grown virus problem we
have- the code red nineteen and
that is our having mass testing
mass tracing and isolation we
have to have our emphasis on
that and of course we have to
get we have to help the state
that. And what we can do here
locally to do that would be all
the better on Mr mayor did you
get the you've got an email
concerning a company here in
town act does testing apps the
act. I have bought. May their
company able available to for
mass testing and they're also
looking at using tracing and so
forth armed with that I told
him to go ahead. And we need to
coordinate this with our house
and others in the university so
I hope we got we help them out.
Okay I don't I don't know if
it's the same one but I got
something than there working on
it in the next two weeks and
was that. In an S. U. no this
one here there's a lab right
here in districts six. This is
a lab at union and as and you.
Is that DNA lab at that's the
name they gave it okay I think
we may be talking about two
different ones. Well all the
more the better thank of brown
can helpyeah. Okay okay well
then the last item is gonna be
the economic. Recovery council
and I know that the Councilor
Bencomo. Head came up with a
pretty good idea. And so. I'll
let you start off with that
Councilor I know you had a good
idea about one and have our
own. Economic recovery council.
Good I think would be very
useful and specially in dealing
with- in conjunction with that
study that we were having money
to do. So I was all turn the
floor over to you. Your power
point presentation are you
gonna show up Councilor
Abeyta-Stuve be. Cancer Bencomo
I think you're cute it. What.
Your leading the presentation
on the economic recovery
council I. Well I that you it
was your idea you wanted to
have your own. Sure us your
thoughts and then council we
can figure something out. I
wanted to know if you had a
power point that would show up
Councilor Abeyta-Stuve did you
miss that one. No I definitely
do but you know I'm having
technical difficulties. I'm
gonna be a- that sounds pretty
good that's a nice response are
councilors yeah I'm not. Okay
great appreciate the floors so
I think after last week it was
very clear that we were
frustrated about our lack of
representation at the statewide
level on that recovery council.
And but I just can't let me
help you with this so basically
what you want to know is how
are we start one. And what it
consists of and then we'll
we'll give that will help you
with that. Sure I mean I know
you know I you know I think we
need to reach out to our our
colleagues in Santa Fe they
started their own unique you
get some party- you know that.
If there's already someone
leading on it that we don't
have to reinvent the wheel very
much think that I mean I would
love to. Talk about how many
people we think should be on it
andthen of course the- diverse
city of industries. Well if I
remember correctly you wanted.
I think a nonprofit and the
labor which I guess one trying
to say is. This okay well I was
just I guess I was just. You
know plan around here but let's
just do this let's go around
and ask various Council members
who they like to see on this
recovery council- that's really
really focused towards- Las
Cruces the Dona ana county. And
then we'll probably get with
Christine if this is a special
type of committee. Is it which
we can probably go to even some
of our friends in the county
doesn't have to be just city
residents and it doesn't have
just be from. Here is districts
well we probably want to keep
it no more than say fifteen
people but now that with as
soon you know we can we can do
that we come out some ideas.
Rant the council as to- what
they what they are seeing out
there in the communities both
on the profits of. For profit
nonprofit site. That sounds
okay yes okay so- so let's
start with you so would you you
want to have. Was it labor yeah
I think we should have- all my
gosh let me look for my email
to you. I'm anyway I think. We
need to have a representative
from when the labor unions I
think particularly one of the
unions that represent. Every
store workers- meeting on their
name but I think they're
important- I definitely think
we should have- maybe a couple
some of these monoshock local
grocery stores perhaps you can
reach out to our- the owner of
they mayor- right I think we
really need to have some of
that local representation and I
would encourage you to also
look at- someone from the Iraqi
media call campus on whether or
one of the directors. Or one of
their staff. And then you know
I'm basing on the rest of them
but if you go to another
councillor local look at my
email working that's fine find
out last week and the world
Councilor Abeyta-Stuve you once
comment yes thank you and one
of the things I think is
important you know there's
different industries are
impacted. Different with this.
And so- I actually would like
for us each to be able to
nominate a business in our
district as well- I know I act
specifically have one but they
also represent one of the
industry's act talk about which
is- be honest online but we
know that that's like high tide
general so many different
eight. Of the opening- with
state guidelines so I think
those and perspectives are
important so making sure that
we're grasping and industry
that are have to open in those
different phases- you know
whatever it is and then I would
also suggest someone from the
health care or and sector at
the also have. From experts in
the medical portion which I
think is necessary when and
safety and when we're talking
about rules but then- they also
have a new challenges she said
just as well. Okay and- are
city attorney Jennifer just
emailed me she said was call
the independent grocers
alliance that when you talk
about council Bencomo. Now okay
mark. Well okay I'll councillor
Abeyta-Stuve year muted somehow.
Thanks and I'm not sure if we
needed to include anybody from
like the workforce development
or those types of agencies that
are working on the other. That
would that would be good
workforce solutions maybe your
workforce development I'm sorry
would and whichever agency is
Marin as specified for this you
know there they have little
nuances so whichever me makes
more sense I would stay. Then
can we just you since you know
because- I'll tell you why
because there was a question in
our mayors conference
yesterday. And asked about
unemployment insurance rates
for business owners whether or
not they're going to go up. And
so we have some of the work
force solutions on it be nice.
Also Bencomo did you yes I have
a clarification- it's the
United food and commercial
workers union. United. Food and
commercial. United food and.
And commercial union I'm sorry
what was it again yes the
United food and commercial
workers union workers okay so
you have contacted them. I can
absolutely get it I would also
encourage yes I also encourage
a nurse for sure. So okay Sir.
I council under pro tem. Thank
you I'm council big Kamal for
you your- were. You bringing
this up and sending that- are
really what it is like a really
good email accept email I'm
covering all these all the
bases- I do want to remind- the
council- are economic
development here see mac for
the first time- this week and
we had a really great
conversation it was one of the
things at at an item that I
had. Asked to be put on but it
was too late because of the
agenda going now so we do have
it as another item we are in
the process of. Of recruiting
folks to the- to the group and
so I wondered if this was a
space to be able to have the be
the economic alliance I'm
people and so I didn't and it
of course wanted to step on
anybody's toes but I just want
to remind folks we do have that
economic Piercy. Or stop is
participating but also I'm
looking at the various sectors
that would participate. Civic
two- the resolution that was
act had been outlined. On with
that said- Friday. I think it's
some for and- to have of
representation- obviously from
the department of health and
really to kick off sort of the
science behind call van and I
understand. You know
ramifications are how we have
to reduce the spread of that
kind of thing I think that. As
we move forward. To pushing
that- sort of opening up in
stages- so department of health
I would like to see someone
from the day care industry
childcare industry I think
that's super important and
maybe not representative and I
love the idea concert is to be
on our- her nail techs are. Our
people. The hair the hair
people hair salons those kinds
of things are really important
but I would also like to have a
restaurant in my district and
I'm looking at. You know there
are various ones- but I think
those are our- arm I really and.
Someone from the county like
one of our commissioners or
county manager I think would be
important we should if we can
without. Going against any
guidelines and we have many
times I think we should be
working more closely with them
I think that is super important.
Rap is important someone from
the schools as we move forward
you know they're in a lot of
these discussions as we- as we
move into the school year in
August health those kinds of
things are. Are going to affect
us- our mental health right
people from the mental health
industry we still have folks
doing home visits- I providing
that obviously assessments on
safety and well being of
children I think that- really
of our and- I'm like FY I- lots
of individual- work- workers.
And agencies that are providing
telehealth and really seen a
surge in mental health. I think
is also also very important.
I'm you know we have a slew of
non profits but- that we can
pick from that I think would be
great representation. I'm and I
also want to- possibly include.
In to think very very
thoughtfully and be inclusive
we need to have the private
sector right people from the
private sector. He is a big box.
People Walmart targets were
these are all holds an employer
our our people here. Your from
them I'm sort of what there and
the other part is remember
their look their national
chains and I think they're
getting a lot of pressure from
the above right to sort of do
things a certain way and we
need to understand that and of
course- are agriculture the
importance of happy people from
our act are farmers and- in
different. Like that some
thinking someone maybe from the
cooperative extension or
somebody like. Are well my
goodness the name is escaping
me. They provided a input chart
or did our food plan. I am a
spacey net. One our food plan.
The only thing you no and they
send you. Sustainability plan
would be so little rock they're
a part of that. Johnson all
plus the media. Thank you they
get just needed some help there
last any I think those are all
very important aspects to them
as- this piece and so thank you
again- answer Bencomo I
appreciate- this. And I look
forward to it. Again mayor I
wanna remind if we can the
weekly or every two weeks get a
report out in terms of all the
wonderful things that we're
doing as a city to Santa Fe.
I'm to Victor ray yes I think
that's important so the
governor has- everything in her
hands to be able to. Understand
what the city of Las Cruces is
do we- thank you. It thank you
okay so help me here because I
mean I've got a mall council
okay council well Council
Flores you have something like
to say. Yes thank you. Thank
you thank you Mister mayor and
I just a I any sort of I was
taking notes and looking at
some of the stuff I'd written
so I'm not sure if I understand.
Yeah on entirely- I did see
actor- were on- policy review
committee economic development.
Policy review- committee- I did
see the email that went out- on
our to the meeting requesting.
That the- that the economic
recovery council be part of
that policy review committee
so I did send- an email to- are
turning. Asking whether of we
were yeah my understanding is
that it's a totally different
function at the policy review
committees have certain
function. Developing developing
our economy in so far as the
city airport- yeah the space
development circle whatever
Weston city Spicer- and that in
that regard and so I you
haven't heard back from- are
city attorney on that- I think
that- my understandingof what
so Councilor Bencomo has
proposed is a different- it's a
different entity altogether. I
think that it's also- needs a
response to of the Kobe a
crisis that we're having and
that and that would be address
all the different- that would
be a dressing the issues that
we've been affected by the
economic issues. Are specific
to were incidental to- okay
nineteen so I just I just
wanted to- make that- just just
to put that. Out there in. Well
it's but a lot our to on that
he here seating at was about is
called related. And so I don't
want to do something in that's
counterproductive. To a group
that's being established right
and start at I'm just I'm just
putting it out there it why
you. Continue to reinvent the
wheel of there's a group
already being established you
report because honestly that's
going to be the focal point.
For probably at least eighteen
months. And well maybe that may
be so- mayor her camp but- the
the economic- of the economic
growth. Development PRC is set
by statute and specificas to
what we are to do so if we were
to do that and my question to
the city manager was and I
think that I did bring it up
before. Is that if we're going
to do that then we have to go
back and we have to change his
work that the- ordinance was
set up specific to. Of the
resolution and- and the
resolution specific to the P.
R. C. so if we're going to of.
Do that then it would have a to
which is a we- a number of
people that number of entities
represented. Our where there
was also a question as to the
local something alliance and
someone I think someone said
that doesn't even exist so.
There was there was something
that was not quite right with
the wording and I believe- are
city clerk I did comment on
that and said that we could
change it but I think that. We
probably have to go back and
change in its entirety. So we
have. We have. To change.
Engine what would be. It would
be. Reach out there mayor pro
tem your yeah we can hear you
very clearly I'm going to defer
on that I'm going to defer to
our city attorney in our city
work- because- it's you know
when you have an ordinance or
you have you had resolution
everywhere it matters it's like
a contract and every word is
going to make a difference as
to back. To cure raise your in
so I would leave it to are seek.
City attorney under city clerk
of to- zero in on that and
again I do believe that well we
will be having. Where a lot of
issues on how our economic
development is definitely
impacted by coded I believe
that the function of the
economic recovery council was
in response to the fact that.
First of all we're not
participating is a municipality
or or we- of course it has to
do with businesses but somehow
you want to make sure that our
local businesses are taken care
of in view up in a cell. The
crisis we face- has a cold and
so I think it's a totally
different function that's
that's my cake and are. And
think they're mutually
exclusive and they're not it's
not like we have to have one
and not the other and I don't
think it's overlapping- its
overlapping at all- I think you
know when you look at the
current job just a sense that
we had in our preliminary
meeting. Of it was. Definitely
see staff who and at the seven
inches. Are represent from the
different entities- yes I think
everybody has been impacted
everybody has been impacted by
covert but I think the function
is totally different thank you.
Thank you Mr. All I'm sorry
Jennifer and David them both
want to say something so.
Although David first that's
okay and then Jennifer. Thank
you mayor- if you don't mind I
can defer to Jennifer it's that
horrible first and then I'll as
online can be a little bit more
land be it something. The
question that we're rock. Okay
Jennifer. Thank you mayor and
council- cancer Flores is
correct they the economic
development P. R. C. scope the
is defined by. Ordinance
however the ordinance is.
Fairly broad in that it. Its
allows for- focus on business
health and long term- improve
the overall quality of life for
the community so. Depending on
what the scope of this group
would be it may not need to be
amended however if it if it
goes beyond that. And is very
specific we would have to
amended. Okay thank you David.
Yes mayor thank you very much
appreciate the opportunity one
thing I do want to pass on to
council and tell you mayor just
everybody's aware of because we
talk about different groups
that are working on similar
aspects of this type of
recovery ms Debbie Moore put
together a group of it members
from different agencies
throughout the community- and
they had a zoom meeting or
about have assuming and I'm not
sure about time travel sometime
today. With respect to what
they call be covering
educational informational
meeting to start off with and
they are working together to
help the community recover from
the impact to the public health
emergency and I wanted to
quickly just read a list of the
members they had and then that
way we can see some of them do
match the list the council has
already put together a they had
be greater Las Cruces chamber.
Of members from Diana county
and city of Las Cruces office
of emergency management the
Mexico department of health a
member from going in accounting
city of Las Cruces. And town of
Misia. A member from of the
somebody the New Mexico border
of forty. Someone from border
industrial association Las
Cruces green chambers Las
Cruces Hispanic chamber Las
Cruces public schools. Enemies
you doing in a community
college. And the bridge of
southern New Mexico I don't
know who those specific members
were but somebody from each of
those associations- was on
their phone callers it's going
to be on their phone call us so
that they can start discussing
recovery as well. Thank you
mayor. Thanks David. Also for
this if you have another
comment. Thank you I just
dental or my hand thank you
okay also Bencomo. The mayor
thanks for that David obviously
a I think it's important to
understand that because I'm you
know we don't want to be
repetitive have agreed that any
wheels. My biggest concern with
the economic recovery council
at the state level and perhaps
even this local one- that the
chamber started is that it's
very much leans towards the
interests of industry. And
there are no it's not
necessarily know folks there
protecting workers the- self
interest of actual workers. Who
once we open the economy will
be in the front lines right and
so I want to make sure that we
but there's report that we are.
Not whatever council is created
moving forward our is it has a
holistic view about recovery in
who will be impacted. Okay one
thing we could probably do if
it's a needs council approval
is let's say we- take the end
and that's in that group that
David was just mentioning. Most
likely is going to have a chair
person and so maybe we can
asset your person then to now
move over and be a member of
ours that way there we have.
You know we have an opportunity
here what they're saying and
then there were opportunity
take whatever comes up from
our- recovery council economic
recovery council and take it to
the airport was that something
there that you all. Would
support dot. Okay looks like we
get a- lot of head so it's good.
Council record do you have
anything else. Okay so far I've
got- United food and commercial
workers union of business from
each district. A health care
sector specifically a nurse
someone work from work for
solutions. Now the department
of. And urban of health- they
have that on there board so I
don't know if you want to do
that or just leave that with
with that with their big board.
And then the county manager
commissioners on that board and
lustrous public schools is on
the board that David mentioned.
And then we also. We all
discussed someone from the
mental health. So we do that.
And then you add- six more
members. One from each district
you'll have six seven eight
nine ten. That's a decent
council to start off with plus
at one representative from the
from the one that David
mentioned so that the eleven. I
think that's a decent number to
start which do you want to add
anything to it. Okay sort. Hi
just to review make sure we are
before we end this discussion
on. Say again what the purpose
of this council would be. Well
once you know things start
opening up the economy that is
now their hereinafter slowly
you have to find out who's
affected who's not affected how
can those that are factor
maybe. Maybe thanks the ramp up
because you can't just go from.
Zero the sixty you know in a
few seconds and so we need to
you will reach out to those
that are affected those are
having challenges how do and
maybe some additional help that
that we're gonna think provide
from the city to kind of wrap
it back up. I think that's what
that's what council Bencomo was
wanted to have this economic
recovery council for and it's a
nice compliment to the one the
David just mentioned because it
wanted David mentioned is more.
Business oriented this one here
is also someone business
oriented but it's also. You
know there's indications of.
Just of workers line workers
those that. Might need- special
services whether it's behavior
hall four. Or also unemployment
because we're if we invite
someone from work for
solutions. That's a that's
something there that. Who knows
maybe they can go back and
collect the back. On it that
they weren't they were actually
eligible for the- for some
reason they couldn't get. You
know things of this nature and
then also to communicate with
businesses. How is it going to
be. Handled that is if they you
know are they gonna get charged
employment or- increase in
unemployment insurance rates or
not. That's what I'm thinking
that this. Recovery council
would be used for. Thank you
very good also Bencomo there I
kind of love that about what
you're thinking what this would
be used for. Not that's right
on. Our workforce solutions. So
okay I'll give this list to the
city manager and then we'll go
from there I think that's a
good start and so Christine if
we were to do a special- board
like this technically we don't
have to keep it within the city
we can some of these people
could come from the county is
that correct. Yes mayor- I
believe that you could probably
just do it similar to a select
committee but I'll defer that
to Jennifer. Selection minutes.
Jennifer mayor and council I'm
not sure what would be the best
for that what I have to look at
the ordinance is a little more
carefully I don't know office
select committee because we're
we will be including outside
people so I think it would be
the different committee but
I'll I'll follow up with you
the committee I'm thinking is
the one that allows- that's
that's only for short time
maybe eight eight weeks and
weeks. The their heart
committee right that that you
know because once we get things
going then if it if it if the
council also continue it then
we can make it a different type
of committee but I think this
is initially to help with the
with the- yeah with. Wrong with
the for. As to. How does. You
know how how do we help those.
Affected workers or employers.
You know coordinate with other
services that might be
available so it might be a that
opportunity that. I just need
to be last. Last eight weeks
and weeks or so. Yes than in
and how committee is
appropriate it's a very
specific and short. Time okay.
Then that that would be able we
could. Do this pretty quickly
that. Yeah yeah okay. There for
an ad hoc committee we need to
have a resolution to establish
a okay so. When we when I do
the- agenda setting on the
eleventh hour at least put the
caption of the title. Figures I
haven't you know and then if we
can connect continue these
meetings on Fridays as well.
I'm not expecting to get on the
fifteenth but what you probably
have an on the eighteen. Yeah.
Okay your body good. Your body
hungry. Okay Saltykov motion a
second your happy mother's day
yeah happy mother's day to
everyone who's a mom moved your
adjourned I can't. Before we
adjourn of Mr mayor we're sorry
start a steak and lobster lunch
we work so hard been here about
three and a half four hours I
don't know what we've been here
you know I know I specifically
have one delivery to you and if
it's not there I'm gonna really
not be happy. That's right the
docking. Thank you. So much I'm
sorry call motion made by
council Sorg and who's to say.
Also get through Flores that we
adjourned all those in favor
signify by saying aye. I was
opposed were churned its one
fifty two PM. Thanks.