Alamogordo NM
3-25-2026 7:52pm

Alamogordo City Commission Tackles Open Meetings Compliance, Golf Course Future, and Major Projects at March 24 Meeting

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. – The Alamogordo City Commission held its regular meeting Tuesday evening, March 24, 2026, with Mayor Sharon McDonald presiding. Commissioners Baxter Patillo, Warren Robinson, Al Hernandez, and Mark Tapley were present, establishing a quorum for the session at City Hall.

The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Jerry Martinez and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Patillo.

Strong Emphasis on Government Transparency

Clinton Nicely, Risk Services Director with the New Mexico Municipal League, delivered a detailed presentation on the New Mexico Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Governmental Conduct Act. Nicely stressed that the OMA exists to ensure public business is conducted openly so citizens can see how their tax dollars are spent.

Key points included the requirement for advance public notice, specific agenda descriptions, proper handling of closed sessions, and the importance of disclosing any conflicts of interest. Nicely encouraged early public comment periods and thorough but concise meeting minutes, reminding officials that violations can lead to fines or even felony charges. He closed by urging a culture of transparency and public involvement as the best defense against legal challenges.

Desert Lakes Golf Course: Challenges, Progress, and Path Forward

Led by Michael Bradley, Golf Course Superintendent, with the assistance Belinda Bass, Parks and Recreation Director, provided comprehensive update on Desert Lakes Golf Course. Bradley, who began in August 2023, inherited a course plagued by poor turf conditions, weed infestations, and a severely failing irrigation system.

Soil and water tests revealed extremely high salt levels that had rendered much of the soil compacted and nutrient-poor. Since taking over, Bradley’s team has installed new Rainbird irrigation pumps, renovated buildings, acquired better equipment, trained staff, and begun chemical injection programs to flush salts from the soil. Aeration projects and the addition of windmill aerators are also helping improve water quality.

Looking ahead, plans include completing an automated effluent water system, continuing reseeding efforts, and revisiting the 2024 master plan for greens renovation, bunker work, and driving range improvements. Bradley, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a focus on fine turf management and brings over 30 years of experience, expressed strong passion for restoring the course as a community asset.

Three Firms Present Proposals for Golf Course Management

The commission heard presentations from three experienced golf management companies responding to the city’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for operations that include both golf course management and food & beverage services:

• Maxim Golf highlighted its focus on small-city municipal courses (22 properties), people-first experiences, and a no-cost Veterans Ventures apprenticeship program. The company reported strong revenue and round increases at turnaround properties and proposed collaborative decision-making with yield management pricing and incentive-based compensation.

• American Golf Corporation, with over 50 years of experience and 42 municipal courses under management, emphasized full-service operations including maintenance, retail, and food & beverage. They touted their Players Club loyalty program, seven-day-a-week access, and a track record of turning courses profitable, often within 18 months. Officials noted a potential 30-day transition with high staff retention.

• Keer Sports Management, the second-largest golf management firm in the U.S., stressed transparency, customer service, and strong municipal experience, including work at Colonial Park Golf Course in Clovis, N.M. They advocated for maintenance control to ensure consistent quality and presented a detailed transition checklist while supporting full seven-day operations with minimal disruption.

Public Input and Next Steps on Golf Course

Scott Frederick, President of the Men’s Golf Association, urged the commission to award both maintenance and operations to a single management company, warning that splitting responsibilities could lead to ongoing problems. He recommended continuing the current contract temporarily if needed while issuing a revised RFP that clearly includes maintenance.

After discussion, the commission voted to issue a new RFP that incorporates golf course maintenance into the management scope. The process is expected to allow approximately 45 days for responses, followed by a 60- to 90-day transition period. There was debate about the timeline with a new RFP Commissioner Tapley providing the most balanced approach, Mayor McDonald asking a number of very detailed and probing questions. 

City Manager’s Report Highlights Positive Growth

City Manager’s report brought encouraging development news, including new Domino’s and Waterburger locations, upcoming Five Below and Take Five stores, and continued residential growth in the Somerset 2, Hermosa, and Granada subdivisions.

At the Alameda Park Zoo, a new reptile learning center is being funded through a generous donation, late-night openings have seen strong attendance, and accreditation efforts are moving forward.

Commissioners’ Remarks and Approvals

Commissioners raised concerns about sidewalk replacements, traffic control during road construction on Oregon, early morning trash truck noise, rising water bills, and weed control along Desert Lakes Road and other streets.

The commission approved most items on the consent agenda and made appointments to several boards, including the Otero County Solid Waste Authority, Airport Advisory Board, and Parks and Recreation Board.

Discussion on a proposed $12 million loan for the new Municipal Natatorium (25-year term, approximate net interest cost of 4.35%) was tabled for further review, with bidding targeted for late summer 2026. A separate story is available to review how Al Hernandez led this tabling and the potential consequences. 

Key Takeaways

Tuesday’s 5 hour long meeting with over 40 citizens in the audience present underscored the city’s commitment to transparent governance, the ongoing recovery efforts at Desert Lakes Golf Course, and the importance of unified professional management for long-term success. City leaders also continue balancing major infrastructure investments like the natatorium with responsible fiscal oversight and community input but delays create risks. 

The next regular City Commission meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026. For full agenda packets, minutes, and video recordings, visit kalhradio.org or the City of Alamogordo website.

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