More urban green space, continuing a tax for health care and a failed attempt to amend a proposal to set policy on hiring a county manager topped the May 14 Bernalillo County Commission agenda.
Bucks for Blooms
Commissioners unanimously approved $400,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to be used to buy land and develop a vacant site at 317 Wyoming Blvd. NE, in the International District. The lot will be transformed into an urban open space for community-based agriculture. Funds will be used for design, related site work, stormwater infrastructure, a shaded outdoor classroom, demonstration gardens, security fencing, landscaping, irrigation and raised planting beds.
“BernCo District 3 is the most densely populated area of the county, this provides an opportunity for this area to access urban agriculture and enjoy the outdoors,” District 3 Commissioner Adriann Barboa said in a news release after the meeting. “We know that access to open space and gardening improves quality of life and increases overall public health and safety, I’m thrilled to sponsor this growth in our neighborhoods.”
In addition, two other key pieces of property in the International District were approved to be acquired with state Department of Finance grant monies. One piece is a vacant lot at 704 Wyoming Blvd. NE, near Los Altos Golf Course for $1.1 million. The second piece of vacant land is on the southeast corner of Alvarado Dr. SE and Acoma Rd. SE. It will cost $498,000. Both parcels are zoned for multi-use and are covered by state grant money that must be used or will revert to the state.
Keep Us Healthy
Commissioners gave the green light to a resolution to place a question on the November ballot to continue a mill levy tax dedicated to funding operations and maintenance of the University of New Mexico Hospital and Mental Health Center.
Since 1999, Bernalillo County has collaborated with the University of New Mexico under a long-standing lease agreement, mandated by the Hospital Funding Act, to support the hospital through a mill levy. The funding is critical for the hospital to retain skilled staff, expand behavioral health programs, and maintain high-quality healthcare facilities.
The proposed ballot measure will seek voter approval to extend the mill levy for an additional eight years, ensuring continued funding until 2032. In fiscal year 2023, the mill levy provided UNM Hospital with over $120 million, according to a press release.
Quick Hits
- An attempt to amend a resolution that set a process to hire a new county manager failed on a 2-3 vote with Commissioners Eric Olivas, Walt Benson and Steve Michael Quezada voting against the amendment. Commission Chair Barbara Baca brought forward this amendment which would have added two more names to the nominating committee. Commissioners voting against the amendment said they should let the New Mexico Department of Justice’s investigation into a possible rolling quorum complaint be completed before they take any more action. The OMA complaint alleges Baca, Olivas and Commissioner Adriann Barboa violated the Open Meetings Act in formulating the nominating committee and policies.
- Commissioners approved accepting funding to the tune of $3.7 million for the Alameda Drain Trail Phase 4 project. The money will come from grants from the state Department of Transportation.
- An amendment to the Art in Public Places ordinance was approved, which will raise the percentage of general obligation money for public art from 1% to 1.5%. This means more art for all.