STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS:
JANUARY 17, 2006
Mayor Bill Mattiace gave his annual State of the City talk before the scheduled City Council meeting on January 17. He began by comparing the assets and budget figures of the year just ended with those of the year before that and commented on our increase in assets as well as in services. He pointed out that the increase in services was accomplished without raising taxes.
He then speculated on the future of Las Cruces, citing such innovations as hosting the X-Prize and welcoming the spaceport. He recognized the riskiness involved but said that a greater risk is sitting on the bench and doing nothing. He spoke to his plan for developing affordable housing, or "opportunity housing" as he called it, on the West Mesa, bringing jobs and homes closer together. He referred to mesa development as "building on stones" rather than using farmland for development.
Other statistics he mentioned are that unemployment figures for Las Cruces have gone down and that Las Cruces has been cited as the 15th safest place to live.
The Mayor visualizes a rosy future for Las Cruces and for the people who live here.
Marnie Leverett
LWV of Greater Las Cruces
CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 17, 2006
All members were present when the Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.. The mood was congenial since the Mayor had just finished giving his State of the City speech and there had been a reception following. The room was full. Many of the spectators were staff members who had worked on the annual City budget. The City won an award for its budget and Dr. Sutter wanted everyone to share in the tribute.
Councilor Archuleta mentioned that she is still receiving calls complaining about postal service. The post office now has a hot line available during business hours: 642-7270.
City Manager Terrence Moore discussed the recent events regarding development impact fees. He said that a new impact fee will be forthcoming, one that will address the costs of transportation, storm drainage and public safety facilities. He mentioned the series of Capital Improvement Advisory Committee meetings now going on to discuss the changes recommended in the new parks sand recreation plan. It is problematic whether any changes can be made before the next City budget cycle starts in May.
There were a number of items on the agenda having to do with large road improvements and storm drainage plans. Several of them were changes in budgeted items, reflecting the rapid increase in construction costs.
The external audit for the last fiscal year was presented.
Plans for a new City Hall were described. The old Solo building will be torn down to make room for the new building. Demolition has begun.
Marnie Leverett
LWV of Greater Las Cruces