6-26-2024 8:31am

Alamogordo City Commission Cancels July 4th Fireworks, Tables Airport Ordinance, Multiple Comdemnations

Chris Edwards Editor

The Alamogordo City Commission met in regular session on Tuesday.

One topic that provided sparks was the dialogue around Fourth of July Fireworks. The dry conditions, heavy fire danger throughout the county and in sensitivities to our neighbors that have recently become victims of fire the city of Alamogordo voted responsibly to cancel this years July 4th Fireworks activity’s. There will still be a very large and robust July 4th parade on July 4th with lots of floats and family fun.

With containment ongoing and the city of Alamogordo also assisting and filling in with relieving front line fire crews in the fire zone. “Devoting resources to support fireworks activities would be irresponsible to the ongoing firefighting efforts. Fireworks displays and events require significant fire resources on standby when July 4th events,” occur according to a city staff insider.

Anthony Lucero of Alamogordo Town News on KALHRadio.org speaks via todays newscast at 3:40 of the newscast via the link below…

https://youtu.be/OK0sUDCX8QY?si=mYJBK0mcoA2LCGG_

Commissioner Josh Rardin, disagrees in putting safety and respect for the ongoing firefighting effort ahead of a fireworks show. “I like to celebrate freedom.” Anthony Lucero responded via his radio show, “yes Commissioner Rardin the celebration of freedom is clearly defined by the detonation of communist made explosives assembled by slave labor in sweatshops.” Lucero continues and asks did the city do the right thing by cancelling the fireworks show?

The fireworks were cancelled by a split vote of the commission out of respect for the ongoing firefighting effort and exhausted fire workers.

Fireworks of any kind are prohibited in the village of Tularosa as a reminder to locals as well.

The fireworks events at the Mescalero Apache Resort of Inn of the Mountain Gods is also cancelled as fire containment is ongoing.

The commissioners had more dialogue around the airport ordinance updates, fees and a longer term rate structure and process. The controversial ordinance that has sparked a lot of pushback from lease holders at the airport was tabled until the next meeting in order to allow the commissioners more time to work with city staff and concerned constituents on a compromise that will allow the city to increase fees, align the process into a formal plan verses that airport managers whims, and seek ways to find options for airport improvements. The longer term plan is to seek grant funding, make improvements and bring commercial commuter services back to Alamogordo. The divide between hanger owners and the city is deep, given a lack of upkeep by the city of the main buildings and facilities as well as grounds and even simple landscaping, however there is an opportunity for each to bend and compromise for a resolution that eventually brings services to the community at large according to those close to ongoing negotiations.

Much of this commission meeting was devoted to condemnations of derelict properties on recommendations of code enforcement and a few zoning issues. In most cases the commission agreed with staff recommendations and moved forward.

The commission also had dialogue with staff over water system management and rates to sustain the system. More dialogue around rate updates and improvement plans will also be presented at a future meeting.

The city staff under the proactive leadership of Rick Holden and Stephanie Hernandez is tackling difficult issues that have been ignored by the city for multiple decades, according to a city staffer speaking to Alamogord Town News under anonymity for fear of retaliation from the “old guard commissioners and their supporters.

“Mrs. Hernandez is taking significant heat from Commissioners Rardin and Burnett who seem more interested in maintaining the status quo than moving the systems, process and policies forward to align better with state and national standards. It is so obvious the hostility toward this public servant at each commission meeting and is so unnecessary. The benefit in this realignment is agility in the cities ability to receive grants for complex projects and to better enhance responsive needs to community constituencies.

Several community members observing in person and online have mentioned to both Mr. Lucero at KALH Radio and to Mr. Edwards at Alamogordo Town News that they get the importance of a strong responsive government. We’ve received significant feedback from constituents happy to see the “city leadership of Holden and Hernandez, tackling long ignored issues such as water infrastructure, airport improvements and derelict buildings with gusto. “

Stay informed about the efforts of the government of the city of Alamogordo. Email your commissioners and let your voice be heard..
https://ci.alamogordo.nm.us/DocumentCenter/View/13242/City-Commission-C…

To view the most recent commission meeting visit:

https://www.youtube.com/live/JQbc66ivydg?feature=shared