The Council deferred three appointments to the Police Oversight Commission because a bill currently in committee would expand the POC from seven to nine members, one from each city district. Also deferred were an amendment allowing xeriscaping even if neighborhood covenants require turf, and an ordinance authorizing purchase of Bosque land to preserve it from development.
The Council repealed an effort to sue the state for giving control of Albuquerque’s water to the city-county Water Utility Authority. Councilors expected the state Legislature would pass an acceptable compromise, but the House killed the compromise. A bill establishing rules of procedure and qualifications for a Land Use Hearing Officer passed unanimously. Another bill increasing the acreage to be developed at the former Albuquerque Indian School property also passed, in spite of Griego’s concern that it might draw federal offices away from Downtown.
And Laura Mason, formerly the Council’s Senior Policy Analyst, officially became the new Head of Council Services, replacing Mark Sanchez who is now at the Water Utility Authority.
Council Watch
Send your comments about the City Council to laura@alibi.com.
