Alamogordo Commission Drops Conduct Complaint Against Hernandez on a Split Vote, Awards Golf Course Contract

ALAMOGORDO — The Alamogordo City Commission on Tuesday declined to move forward with a code of conduct complaint against Commissioner Alfonso Hernandez, ending the matter after a 2-4 vote.

Under the city's code of conduct, the complaint was first reviewed by legal counsel and then referred to the commission's three senior members, who each ruled on whether the allegations were founded. City Manager Robert Stockwell told the commission that two of the three found the allegations unfounded and one found them founded, which sent the question of further action to the full commission.

A motion by Commissioner Baxter Patillo, seconded by Commissioner Warren Robinson, to take further action and schedule an open hearing failed with two votes in favor and four against. The two votes in favor of a hearing to review his actions were by Commissioner Warren Robinson and Mayor Sharon McDonald. As expected the gang of Hernandez members led by Josh Rardin, Potillo, Burnett and Tapley opposed any public disciplinary hearing. Hernandez stepped out of the meeting before the item and did not vote.

Hear a commentary on the process and thoughts from the outside by former City Manager Dr Hernandez: 

The complaint drew comment earlier in the evening from Kim Great White Owl Morello of Alamogordo Voters for Accountability, who accused the commission of being "willing to discipline the wrong people" and urged commissioners to hold Hernandez accountable for public remarks she said disparaged a city employee, a union leader and local activists.

See related story:  City Leadership Gives Two Different Accounts of How the Al Hernandez Complaint Was Handled

Golf course goes to private management

Commissioners voted 6-0, with one abstention, to authorize contract negotiations with Maxim Golf Solutions LLC to run the Desert Lakes Golf Course, including the pro shop, clubhouse, restaurant and course maintenance.

Heather Casbolt, introduced Tuesday as the city's new Parks and Recreation director, said the city received two proposals. A five-member evaluation committee scored Maxim higher in all five categories, giving it a final score of 81.6, with its strongest marks in course operations and maintenance.

Mayor Sharon McDonald asked questions concerning rather there was a cap on the golf course subsidies to maintain the golf course. Stockwell said the city's golf subsidy has averaged roughly $260,000 a year and has at times run much higher. He said the contract should make that subsidy more predictable, though the amount will remain an annual budget decision for the commission. A recently approved fee increase is expected to bring in about $60,000 a year, he said.

The contractor will operate and maintain city-owned equipment, while the city remains responsible for replacing worn-out items. Casbolt said a new fleet of 45 golf carts and seven or eight utility vehicles, purchased from Yamaha through Sourcewell, is expected between mid-October and mid-November.

The contract has drawn objections from city employees. Tamara Hanson, president of the union local representing city workers, told commissioners the union filed a grievance over the golf course request for proposals on Sept. 2 and is still awaiting a resolution. She also said contractors hired to work on the course had twice damaged it in the past week, including newly installed irrigation rotors.

Bonito Lake stays open for fishing, for now

Several residents urged the commission to keep Bonito Lake open to the public. Lori Armstrong, chair of the city's Parks and Recreation Board, asked commissioners to preserve access and to consult the board earlier on recreation decisions, saying they are too often fast-tracked. Lifelong resident Enrique Tels said the lake is one of the few cool-weather fishing spots within reach and that money for fencing would be better spent on city streets.

Stockwell recommended three steps. First, the commission would reaffirm that the lake's top priority is as a water source for Alamogordo and Holloman Air Force Base, with recreation secondary. Second, the city would keep the lake open for fishing under its current agreement with the state and make immediate improvements to shoreline access. Third, the city would work with Lincoln County, Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and the state on long-term options and report back within six months. A question was posed rather Holloman had been consulted in the process and Mr Stockwell danced around the response and said they just want it protected as a water source. A representative of Holloman was on site but he did not acknowledge her in the audience for input or to verify his statement. The mayor of Ruidoso Downs and the small business owner of Bonito Bait and Tackle was also present to support keeping the lake open to the public. 

There was confusion by Mr Stockwell on rather a vote should be taken. Because the item was posted only as commission direction, no formal vote was taken. Commissioners gave consensus support to the plan.

Asked about recent rains, Stockwell said detention basins built after the wildfires caught a substantial amount of debris that would otherwise have reached the lake. He warned the threat remains as burned trees continue to fall, and said any future recreation must not interfere with debris control.

Residents seek help on PNM bills

Rebecca Stewart Thorpe, founder of a new group called PNM Customers United, told commissioners that residents are struggling with unexpectedly high electric bills and disconnect notices. She read accounts from customers, including a mother of six facing a $1,200 demand. Jeanie Nichols, who lives south of Tularosa, said her September bill was four times her usual amount.

Both asked the city to support residents when the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission visits next Tuesday.

Stockwell said Mayor Sharon McDonald helped schedule that meeting, which the city is hosted at the Estrada Center and which is open to residents of Alamogordo and Otero County. Nichols shared the PRC's phone number for complaints: 888-427-5772.

Other business

• Stockwell said bids for the new natatorium will be advertised Sept. 24, with a pre-bid meeting Oct. 13 and bid opening Dec. 15. A recommended award is expected to go to the commission in January.

• Change orders on Fire Station No. 2 are still being refined and will come back to the commission later.

• McDonald proclaimed October 2026 as Code Compliance Month.

• The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda. It also approved a liquor license ownership transfer for Walgreens at 955 N. White Sands Blvd., which staff said results from a merger with its parent company.

• Resident Chuck Andres urged the city to reject Flock license plate cameras, citing privacy concerns and a list of agencies that have removed them.

and Resident McFarland a retired teacher spoke of issues with sinking and damages to her property resulting from actions of city government and growth. 

More details can be found on the city of Alamogordo agenda pages of the details behind tonights actions. 

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