ALAMOSA — Alamosa City Council had a somewhat shorter than usual meeting on Wednesday night as the agenda was largely devoted to wrapping up issues from previous meetings before taking on anything new. 

All councilors were present with the exception of Councilor Carson whose absence was noted as unexcused.  

Rusty Johnson, former city councilman and vice president of the Alamosa Recreation Board, provided council with an annual update on the board’s activities.  

Johnson started off with high praise for staff members in the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. “They give us really good direction to learn our board responsibilities and things wouldn’t function the way they do without them.” 

Johnson then ticked off the Recreation Board accomplishments from the past year, starting with completion of the renovation of the Family Recreation Weight Room, the Blanca Vista Park Benching and the independent ditch diversion project. Johnson added that the Cole Park smart irrigation system was begun and is anticipated to be complete this coming year.  

Significant focus has been on the outdoor recreation program, he said, which has gradually resulted in the program getting bigger and better. “[Outdoor recreation ] is becoming a real trend at the national level, and Alamosa is doing an extremely good job.”  

In the upcoming year, members of the Recreation Board want to continue with renovations at Lee Fields, finish the smart water irrigation system at Cole Park, secure funding for the playground and the bike park at Cole Park, continue progress with the Alamosa River Project and secure funding to finalize the design for the new pedestrian bridge with the opt to start with the build in 2026. The board is also looking to fund the master trail plan. 

Johnson finally expressed gratitude that Councilor Hensley, who also sits on the Golf Course Board and the Tree Board as her sharing that information with the Recreation Board was invaluable. 

In return, Hensley praised the Recreation Board for having “lofty goals” tempered with realism while also implementing such “vibrant things that are given to the community and that make the community so strong.” 

Members of council then voted to approve appointments of the following people to the respective boards. 

Lilyanna Wisniewski (Youth Representative), Lisa Lucero (Business Community Representative) were both appointed to the Homeless Coalition. Gregory Wilson was appointed to the Library Board and Jason Trujillo to the Main Street Advisory Committee. 

Alamosa Police Department Capt. Joey Spangler, accompanied by other law enforcement officers, briefed council again on the origin of the proposal for a regional SWAT team, stating the department SWAT is already functioning as an interagency governmental team with assisting law enforcement across the Valley.  

“Formalizing the team would open up other revenue streams, bring in more funding, bring in more officers and increase buy-in,” Spangler said. 

With no comments from the public, a motion was entered to approve Ordinance No. 1-2025 followed by a unanimous vote in support. 

Councilor Krebs gave updates on four committees. The Senior Center finalized their budget and are planning a February fundraiser as well as a golf tournament.  With the funds remaining from 2024, there are plans to rebuild the back patio. 

Development Resource Group and Council of Governments both finalized their budget. 

The Library Board patron numbers have increased across the board, and library staff are going through the books, looking for gaps in what’s available and purchasing books to make the library collection more complete.  

The Creative District broke into subcommittees working toward applying for state designation as a Creative District. 

Chief George Dingfelder then briefed council on the police department’s stance on ICE, stating they would assist ICE when pursuing criminals, but their role is not to enforce immigration.  

Alamosa City Manager Heather Sanchez then announced the results of the second-year ongoing rivalry between city staff and city council members as to who participates more in the Rio Frio events. City staff won, 28 to 24 and Dingfelder was named MVP for the event. 

That prompted taking a photo that clearly indicated who lost. 

Sanchez also reminded the council that there would not be a meeting on February 19, so the next meeting will be March 5 in council chambers.