Administration Questions & Answers

Provide a detailed update on the remodel to Station 11.

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 27, 2025:

"Please see response memo attached."  Station 11 Q&A.pdf

What is the reason for Citation Enforcement Division moving across the street?

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 27, 2025:

"Citation Enforcement Division has not moved. The purpose for the eventual move is to ensure better visibility and customer service."

Does the SHIELD Unit of APD track cases and such?

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 27, 2025:

"There will be a SHIELD Unit presentation for the entire Council at the September 15 Council meeting."

In regards to the parking division moving from DMD to GDS, what mechanisms are in place to ensure that the revenue generated from the division's enterprise fund, such as parking fees, is not used to support unrelated general fund obligations? Provide a response regarding which department is managing personnel, contracts, and revenue related to parking operations.

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 27, 2025:

"Revenue generated in the enterprise fund is budgeted for the corresponding expenditures eligible within the enterprise fund. The General Services Department will be responsible for management."

1.) What is the bike safety plan around the Bike shop.

2.) Please List by the locations where 3 employees were killed and the plan to improve Bike safety around the shop.

3.) How can we switch the bike crossing lights from flashing yellow to red stop lights that prompt drivers to come to a complete stop.

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 13, 2025:

1. Bike safety plan around the Bike Shop: The City’s Bikeway and Trail Facilities Plan (BTFP) identifies and prioritizes on-street bikeways and off-street paved multi-use trail projects. It also identifies and prioritizes crossing improvements for locations where bike boulevards and paved multi-use trails cross major roadways. In addition to supporting the creation of a multi-modal transportation network, particularly for people walking and biking, PHBs, RRFBs, and bicycle lanes are known as proven safety countermeasures, meaning they’re well-studied and effective strategies to improve safety.

The Paseo del Nordeste Multi-Use Trail is near the Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center and serves as a low-stress way for people working or visiting to bike to and from the Center. The BTFP proposes a pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) at the trail crossing at San Mateo Blvd. It also proposes crossing improvements at Carlisle Blvd (PHB), and Louisiana Blvd (PHB or RRFB).

 The following on-street bikeway improvements and crossings identified in the BTFP would also help people bike to/from the Center:

• Upgrade from an existing bike route to a bike boulevard on Montclaire Dr. from Menaul Blvd. to Montgomery Blvd, with crossing improvements recommended at Menaul Blvd, Candelaria Rd, Comanche Rd, and Montgomery. Montclaire Dr. is west of the Center.

• Upgrade from existing bike lanes to separated bike lanes on Comanche Rd. from Tramway to La Corrida Rd. and an upgrade from an existing bike route to standard bike lanes from just east of San Mateo Blvd to San Mateo Blvd.

• Proposed bike boulevard on Alvarado Dr./Cuervo Dr./Palomas Dr. at Cutler Ave. to Comanche (route turns to Cuervo at Claremont and turns to Palomas at Arvilla Rd.), with crossing improvements at Menaul, Candelaria, and Comanche.

2. Locations where three employees were killed:  Rosanna on 12th St near Los Arboles Ave in July 2023; Chuck on Kathryn Ave just west of Carlisle in January 2025; and Kayla at the Paseo del Noreste Multi-Use Trail and Carlisle crossing in July 2025.
3. Converting bike crossing lights from flashing yellow to red: We are implementing a plan to retrofit existing warning signals into pedestrian/cyclist hybrid beacons (HAWKs) where the infrastructure is already in place. The Paseo del Noreste Multi-Use Trail and Carlisle crossing will serve as the first retrofit project and will be a model for future conversions as we continue to advance our bicycle plan.

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 13, 2025:

"Information was sent over to Councilor Grout on 8/4/25 from DC Griego via email."

There is an elm tree growing down San Pedro between Constitution and Lomas and on the west side of the street in the sewer.

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 13, 2025:

"COO Montoya was in touch with Councilor Grout via telephone and informed her of the tree removal from the drain and provided pictures."

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 13, 2025: 

"PRD can supply a report for the first quarter of FY26 (after September 30).  The meaning of “response rates” is unclear."

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 13, 2025:

"PRD employees across many divisions assist with maintaining City parks and recreation locations and facilities.  But PRD assumes this question refers mainly to what we would typically refer to “neighborhood parks.” PRD will also include maintenance of trails for the purpose of this question.  Therefore, the answer reflects staff in the Park Management Division, with staff including both permanent FTEs and temporary staff in the definition of “people.”  The Park Management Division currently has 78 FTEs and 24 temporary staff."

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 13, 2025:

"There is uncertainty about whether immigration enforcement received a formal communication regarding expected actions when policing in Albuquerque.  We have had two calls in the last several months inquiring if activity was ICE related. One was a State Police Operation and the other was a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot but had already left."

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 13, 2025:

"COS Hernandez made a phone call and provided detail information to Councilor Champine reference to his questions on 8/6/2025."

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 13, 2025:

"The only SOP currently addressing crowd control is SOP 2-39: Field Services Bureau Response to Demonstrations, Incidents, and Events. However, we have developed specific procedures that officers are briefed on prior to their downtown shift each weekend night.

Listed below is how officers are handling the downtown crowds when the bars let out:

Community Engagement: 

Inform businesses about planned events and police responses in advance. Additionally, we continue to work with business owners to provide examples of best practices and gain their perspectives and/or concerns on addressing crowds throughout the night.

Communication:

1. We prioritize communication by announcing the direction the crowd should be leaving and notifying the crowds that they must stay on the sidewalk. This is done at or near bar closing.
2. With support from HMU and other divisions, officers direct the crowd east toward the intersection of 3rd and Central. This helps clear streets and sidewalks of obstructions, allowing roadways to reopen safely and reducing risk of injury to those visiting Downtown.
3. We do not “block in” crowds and ensure there is a safe route of egress.
4. Officers maintain a strong visible presence along Central Avenue and in nearby parking lots and garages to deter criminal activity, which includes communication to the public about safely leaving the downtown area and not lingering in parking lots and/or in the streets.
5. We monitor crowd movement to include in the parking lots and garages utilizing technology. (surveillance cameras, drones and Air Support).  
6. The PA is only used when the crowd is unruly and/or officers need to get their attention.
7. The city has worked with food trucks to allow for their presence in the Downtown area while also considering safety regarding the congregation of individuals around these vendors. This has been an issue that we continue to address on a weekly basis.

On-going Review of best practices:

By adhering to these best procedures, we have seen improvement in the overall safety of downtown to include maintaining order, and fostering positive relationships with the business and patrons. We will continue to review data, community and business feedback as well as department procedures to adjust our approach when necessary to ensure the overall safety of downtown. We believe these practices greatly contribute to the 20% reduction in shootings and significant decreases in robbery, auto theft, and shoplifting."

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 13, 2025:

"As with most large enterprise system changes there were bumps in the road. The CAD implementation was no exception and did have more than anticipated. We went live on the CAD last year and it replaced a system we had since 2008. The old system was past end of life and suffered frequent outages and downtime. The biggest issue we had with the new cad was latency which has been remediated by the vendor. There were some other usability issues that have either been resolved or will shortly be resolved by the vendor. Motorola has been onsite in Albuquerque for the last several months. We are also conducting another round of train the trainer on the system for Field Training Officers."

As per email from Gov Affairs dated August 13, 2025:

"In order to ensure appropriate rest periods for the horses while still completing operational requirements, the horse mounted unit schedules horses to events/patrol/tactical plan based on rider availability and to ensure the horses do not work a shift without at least 8 hours of rest prior to the event/patrol/tactical plan.  In example:  Horses assigned to work the downtown tactical plan on Saturday nights into Sunday mornings are not assigned to work the Sunday morning downtown patrol."

As per email from GovAffairs dated 6/26/25:

"Hello Councilor,

Following up on the question you asked at the June 16 City Council meeting, thank you.

Government Affairs"

Breakdown of the National Guard Deployment

As per email from GovAffairs dated 6/26/25:

"Hello Councilor,

Following up on the questions you asked at the June 16 City Council meeting, thank you

--

History of each of the recently closed motels.

Attached.

Permit follow-up.

Permit follow-up would be complaint based. According to 311 there were zero noise complaints.

When did CABQ acquire the property at 2040 4th St. NW

The property was acquired in August 2020.

Government Affairs"

Comprehensive Motel Enforcement History Report.pdf

As per email from GovAffairs dated 6/11/25:

"Hi Danyel,

Attached are the reports for the seven motel properties to which Code Enforcement issued Notices and Orders, as requested by Councilor Champine at the meeting on June 2^nd. A memo outlining the Code Enforcement Motel Closure Operations is also included.

Thank you,

Government Affairs"

Code Enforcement Motel Closure Operations Memo - signed

6015 Iliff Rd NW NAO Vacate

6031 Iliff Rd NW

7503 Central Av NE - NAO

8300 Central Av SE

900 Louisiana Blvd NE

2700 4th St NW NAO-Vacate

5715 Central Av NE

As per email from GovAffairs dated 6/11/25:

"Hello Danyel, here are responses to outstanding questions asked at Council on June 2:
Councilor Sanchez: Yes, the NMNG have their own call signs and radios.
Councilor Champine: There are 12 NMNG assigned to the RTCC. Due to the Drone Program just starting and APD not having those positions filled by Officers the assignment of the 12 NMNG personnel would be replacing the 12 Officers needed for the program.
Regarding the homicide at Tramway and Montgomery, APD Chief of Staff Michael Hernandez will be reaching out to discuss with Councilor Champine by telephone.
Councilor Rogers: CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team

Thank you,

Government Affairs"

"Good morning,

The responses to the questions from the last Council meeting are as follows:

...

- Update on the recycling contract? Solid Waste entered into contract negotiations with Waste Management July, 2024. These negotiations for a Material Recover Facility (MRF) for recycling services and are currently ongoing. This response was also included in budget questions sent to Council on Tuesday May 13, 2025

Thank you,

Government Affairs"

"Good morning,

The responses to the questions from the last Council meeting are as follows:

- Will the new helicopter attend the annual ASPCON convention in Phoenix in July to be showcased and to do a PR campaign? No, the helicopter will not be attending the ASPCON convention in Phoenix.

...

Thank you,

Government Affairs"

As per email from DMD: "Councilor Pena,

Follow-up from the April 21, 2025 City Council meeting Q & A

Question - The Route 66 arches are still out.

Answer - we have tasked lighting contractor Dalkia to repair the small arches. We do not have a timeline for repair yet, but have stressed the urgency of the repair. As soon as we have an timeline, we will provide an update."

Councilor Champine requested a department-level breakdown of the IDOH rates assessed in 2025, including dates. President Bassan asked for an update on how this is impacting the North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center.

As per email from Jennifer Turner of DMD dated 4/30/25: “Councilor Bassan,

Followup from April 21 Council Meeting Q&A -

Question – How is IDOH increase impacting NDB Pool?

Answer – I have attached a spreadsheet showing the open purchase orders for the NDB pool that could bill between April 1 and June 30, 2025, and be subject to the 12 percent IDOH.” NDB 12 IDOH

Why the Mayor...did not consult with City Council in reference to the decision to bring the National Guard here to Albuquerque.

As per email from GovAffairs dated 4/30/25: "Based upon separations of powers, operational decisions fall within the preview of the administration. If you would like additional information please feel free to reach out directly to the Mayor or Chief. "

Will the National Guard be carrying mace to defend themselves? Will they fall under APD's Use of Force?

Councilor Rogers requests a meeting with the APD leadership, National Guard leadership and ACS Leadership to discuss the humanitarian efforts and how they can help us set up safe outdoor spaces at Gateway and how to address community concerns effectively.

1. Contact information of the National Guard leadership
2. Will the National Guard be assisting ACS?

As per email from Josh Anderson dated 4/30/2025:

"Councilor Rogers,

Follow up from April 21 Council Meeting - Q&A.

Councilor Rogers requests a meeting with the APD leadership, National Guard leadership and ACS Leadership to discuss the humanitarian efforts and how they can help us set up safe outdoor spaces at Gateway and how to address community concerns effectively.

Contact information of the National Guard leadership

General Miguel Aguilar 505-407-3354

Will the National Guard be assisting ACS?

No

3. At his press conference, the Mayor said the National Guard would not be in military attire, but they appear to be training in military attire. When will the uniform switch happen, and can they train in non-military attire?

NMNG will have polo and BDU pants as their uniform attire. They are currently wearing civilian attire during their training until their uniforms arrive. They were in the military fatigues on their first day of training however has seen changed to civilian attire.”

As per email from Carla Martinez on 2/20/2025:

Responses to Councilor Grout-EHS Governance 2-19-25.pdf

“Good afternoon President Bassan and City Councilors,

As discussed in the City Council meeting yesterday, attached for your review is the answers to Councilor Grout’s questions to Youth and Family Services regarding the Governance Advisory Committee.  Please understand that my comment about Councilor Grout’s questions coming in at 5:01 to the Administration was not meant to be punitive in nature, but rather to express that I wanted to provide the City Council a thorough and accurate response to the questions, and I needed more time to do that.  I obviously was not effective in communicating such and I apologize.  You will see based upon the detail provided in the response, that time was spent being as thorough and accurate as possible.  Thank you, Carla

 CARLA MARTINEZ

Associate Chief Administrative Officer”

As per email from GovAffairs on 2/26/2025:

 “DMD executed the contract with Wilson & Co on February 19.  Aziza Chavez originated the contract and was notified the second that DMD signed it through docusign.

Government Affairs”

Councilors Rogers and Grout requested a map and a schedule detailing when the Duke City Ambassadors program will be present in their districts.

As per email from Deputy CAO Matthew Whelan dated 2/18/2025:

Final Exhibit A-B.pdf

“Councilor, per our discussion this morning attached is the area that Duke City Ambassadors operate in. The map shows a section of downtown but they mainly focus on Central, Gold and Copper, 1^st through 8^th street.  They also do a small section in Nob Hill Central,  from Sierra to Girard.

I am copying Brenda Martinez and Director Gallegos on this email so we can get something set up next week when Director Gallegos returns so can meet and discuss other issues you brought up this morning.

MATTHEW WHELAN

Deputy Chief Administrative Officer ”

In regards to East Gateway Arch project: Councilor Grout requested:

1) information regarding the construction experience of the project manager, Paul Olson;

2) Can someone on Council Staff be involved in this project?

3) Councilor Grout also asked if language in Council's (canceled by DMD) contract with Wilson & Co. that ensures Council involvement in every meeting will be carried over into DMD's new contract with Wilson for the same work;

4) Have DMD staff met with Wilson Engineers about this project?

5) Have any elements of the sign been changed since DMD took over the project? and

6) follow-up is needed regarding the U.S. Department of Transportation grant application for safety improvements, specifically about the contract for the grant writer that has not yet been signed by DMD.  

As per email from Josh Anderson dated 2/7/2025:

“Good Morning Councilor Grout and Rachel,
I wanted to share the responses from DMD regarding your questions asked at City Council on Monday Feb 3. Have a great day, thank you!
1. How much construction experience does Mr. Olson have? Mr. Olson has over 25 years of experience. He is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer with project related experience in a variety of infrastructure improvements including, but not limited to, bridges, dams, pipelines, roads, channels, and stream restoration. 2. Will Council staff still be involved in this project? We appreciate Councilor’s leadership in securing funding for this project and moving it forward. We will schedule monthly project discussion meetings for the Councilor and Council staff and keep them updated on all stages of project development. 3. Wilson’s contract has been cancelled by DMD. The original contract included language that insured all Council staff in meetings, has that language been carried over to this project? Wilson’s contract has not been cancelled. The DMD project team has requested an updated scope, fee and schedule from Wilson and Co. Council staff will be provided regular updates during project development. 4. Has DMD staff met with Wilson engineers about this project? DMD has recently met with Wilson and Co. 5. Has the sign been changed in any way since DMD took over this project? The Arts and Culture Director, Dr. Shelle Sanchez, provided feedback to Councilor Grout via email on recommended changes to the sign. The Councilor was in agreement with the recommendations made, therefore DMD is moving forward with implementation. 6. One more question about grants, we are applying for a US Department of Transportation grant for safe streets for all program, for safe streets on East central and District 9. The contract for the grant writer hasn’t been signed yet, can you please follow up on that? DMD has received the Wilson & Co scope and fee for grant writing services. However, DMD is not aware of what project this grant will be written for. The US Department of Transportation Grant is for shovel ready projects and is a very competitive selection. DMD requests additional information about the proposed project so we can have a follow up discussion.
JOSH ANDERSON
Government Affairs Official”

As per email from Josh Anderson dated 2/11/2025:

“Hello President Bassan,

Following up on your question from the last City Council meeting, thank you!

Director Sanchez to compile an analysis regarding staffing vacancies, reclassification and recruitment efforts at North Domingo Baca MultiGen Center.

North Domingo Baca recreation staff currently has three vacancies.

The vacancies are a Program Coordinator (posted), a Recreation Assistant which is being reclassed, and Program Assistant II which is in the approval to be posted.

For recruitment, we are recruiting one temporary employee in the interim while we access staffing levels and hours of operations. North Domingo Baca is open 71 hours a week, including every night and on Saturdays.

JOSH ANDERSON

As per email from GovAffairs dated 2/12/2025:

List of FY25 Non-Recurring Items.pdf

“Hello President Bassan,

Please find attached the update you requested at the City Council meeting on Feb 3.

Thank you!

…