Albuquerque City Councilors will meet Wednesday, Feb. 21, to talk about cleaning up human waste on public and private properties, speeding up the process for the demolition of dilapidated buildings and the possibility of ousting the police chief. 

Under Fire

Councilor Louie Sanchez has introduced a communication resolution for a vote of no confidence in Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina. If it passes, it would send a message from the council to the mayor, but would not result in any action.

The measure, OC-24-7, makes a declaration that Medina’s mismanagement of the police department is evidenced by the current federal investigation that has resulted in the dismissal of more than 150 DWI cases. 

“Whereas this investigation appears to show unchecked corruption within the Department,” the resolution states. “Whereas, these allegations of widespread corrupt actions by APD officers undermine the confidence of the community in the entire department.”

The FBI is investigating several officers and a defense attorney. No one has been charged but the investigation appears to be about the officers and attorney colluding to dismiss DWI cases.

An APD internal investigation has resulted in five officers—including one who has since resigned—and a commander in the Internal Affairs Division being put on administrative leave. A lieutenant in the Internal Affairs Division is also under investigation and has been transferred to another unit.

Poop Patrol

A measure to provide some help with cleaning up human waste on public and private property is up for a vote. Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn and Nichole Rogers co-introduced the legislation that would establish a $100,000 fund to pay for residents to get help removing human waste whether it’s on public or private property. 

Currently, the responsibility is with the property owner. They are required to take care of their share of right of ways, such as alleys. If passed, then residents could call 311 and report the location of the waste and a private company that knows how to handle biohazards would be sent out to clean up the mess.

Eye Sore Hazards

A proposed ordinance would streamline the process of getting dangerous and dilapidated properties demolished before they become an inferno. 

Councilor Brook Bassan is introducing a proposal that would set a 60-day time limit after a property has been administratively deemed substandard to get the required permits in place to clean up the property. The city’s Building and Safety Division of the Planning Department would be the ones to declare a property a fire hazard, structurally inadequate or dangerous.

The city would have to inspect the property, then give the owner some time to get it into compliance. If the owner does not remedy the situation then the city council can give the green light to tear down the rickety buildings.

City Quick Hits

  • Councilors Joaquin Baca and Bassan are introducing a memorial to send a message of support for State House Bill 233 and Senate Bill 16 that proposes that individuals charged with a crime who are found to be incompetent are provided mental health treatment such as drug and or alcohol treatment. 

When they complete the competency restoration program then misdemeanors and non-violent felonies can be dismissed. Currently, individuals who are found to be incompetent often have the charges dismissed and are given oral or written information on how to go about getting mental health services. The bill says that treating underlying mental health issues promotes rehabilitation, addresses the root cause of criminal behavior and helps reduce recidivism.

  • City Councilors Renée Grout and Klarissa Peña want to know on a quarterly basis what various departments are doing to prepare for the Route 66 Centennial Celebration in 2026. The resolution says that the police, community safety, and planning departments along with the transit, waste management and arts and culture departments will maintain landscaping, streetscaping, signage and  transit facilities along Central Ave/Route 66 throughout the city limits and report back on the progress to the city council.

How to participate 

The next City Council meeting is set for Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 5 p.m. in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers, on the basement level of the Albuquerque Government Center. The meetings are broadcast on GOV-TV or on the city council’s YouTube channel. The full council agenda can be found here.