Alamogordo, NM — The Alamogordo City Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall with all members present and a quorum established. The meeting covered presentations, public comments, departmental updates, approvals, and discussions on recreation, animal services, development regulations, infrastructure, and economic development.

Urban Air Adventure Park Proposal

A student leadership team from Chaparral Middle School, led by Lily Alde, presented a detailed proposal for an Urban Air Adventure Park — an indoor family entertainment facility with trampolines, obstacle courses, zip lines, climbing walls, virtual reality, and other attractions. The project aims to address the lack of year-round indoor recreation options in Alamogordo, targeting families with children ages 3–17. The proposed 2.5 model facility would cost approximately $4.5 million to start, with a goal of $3.8 million in annual revenue within three years, 30+ local jobs, and over 200 birthday parties annually. A community survey of 241 respondents showed strong support: 84.2% indicated insufficient safe places for children to socialize and exercise, and 99.2% desired more family venues.

Animal Control Facility Update

Animal Control Manager Dwain Martinez and APD Lieutenant David McColley provided an update on the facility. The shelter achieved a 93–94% live release rate in 2021–2022 but has since declined to the high 70s–low 80s amid increased surrenders. Challenges include an aging 40+ year-old building with plumbing, roofing, and structural issues. Recent grant-funded improvements were noted, along with programs such as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) with Kitty City and new pet owner training. The presenters emphasized the need for a new shelter to sustain no-kill goals.

Golf Course and City Management Public Comments

Several city employees and union representatives, including Tamara Hanson (City Workers Union president), spoke in opposition to potential complete privatization of Desert Lakes Golf Course operations. They cited risks of job losses for seven employees, facility neglect, and increased fees for residents. Speakers also called for greater transparency in city manager hiring and other decisions.

Sources tell Alamogordo Town News that the employee union has threatened litigation regarding privatization. Additionally, several employees have filed harassment complaints against Commissioners Josh Rardin, Burnett, and Al Hernandez. Outside counsel has been procured to investigate these complaints. None of this information was disclosed during the public meeting but was sourced via public records requests, etc. 

Community Development Update

New Community Development Director Shelley Dohanek Baron reported on efforts to improve customer service, streamline processes, and enhance public communication. An additional inspector is being hired, and upcoming events include the Altus Award ceremony and dedications of the Sheffield Clock and Rutherford Star memorial.

Subdivision Regulations

Planner Liz Treat from Bohannon Houston presented updates to modernize subdivision regulations, including clearer standards, performance guarantees, warranty bonds, and floodplain requirements. The commission gave first reading approval to Ordinance 1724(repealing Chapter 22 and adopting new regulations in Chapter 20). The ordinance passed on a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner Josh Rardin casting the lone “no” vote. Rardin disclosed that his company receives subcontracting work from White Sands Construction and asked if any commissioners objected to his participation. No objections were raised. ATN hosted a Vanderbilt University ethics law professor to observe the meeting tonight. The professor suggested, “Rardin should havce disclosed his subcontractor relationship at the opening of discussions and recused himself from discussions and votes..” The professor suggested “his rhetorical approach of asking the commission if they objected to his vote- gave an appearance of disclosure but was halfhearted at best, as fellow commissioners don’t determine ethics, legal precedent and public perception determines ethical standards.”

Animal Control Fee Increase

The commission unanimously approved Resolution 2026-12, increasing various Animal Control fees to cover rising veterinary and operational costs. Changes include raising the impound fee from $20 to $100, introducing a microchipping program, and adjusting spay/neuter fees.

Infrastructure Loan

The commission unanimously approved an approximately $3 million loan for water line replacement and road resurfacing in the Granada Hills area (including streets such as Los Robles, Del Prado, Serrano, and Eldorado), with a city match of about $462,000.

LEDA Fund Allocation

Discussion on allocating the remaining approximately $900,000–$1,000,000 in Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funds was tabled until a future meeting pending additional information. Commissioner Rardin expressed opposition to using funds for demolition of derelict properties though the ordinance specifically says thats an appropriate use. 

Appointments and Other Business

The commission reappointed Billy Tucker to the Airport Zoning Board. Vacancies were noted on the Library Board and Senior Volunteer Program Advisory Council.

Executive Session on City Manager Hiring

The commission considered entering executive session to discuss the city manager hiring process but voted unanimously not to proceed after procedural concerns about proper notice. Sources indicate pending litigation threats and a May 20, 2026 deadline to respond to a letter regarding possible litigation in the 12th Judicial District Court over alleged executive session abuse and transparency issues in the city manager hiring process influenced the decision. Multiple state ethics complaints have been filed concerning open meetings violations related to the city manager contract.

The meeting adjourned following the vote. For the full agenda packet, supporting documents, and any available recording, visit the City of Alamogordo’s CivicClerk portal.

The Alamogordo City Commission typically meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

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