Valencia County public meetings in 2023

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will review two requests to change land use designations. These decisions determine what types of buildings or businesses can be developed on specific properties.

• Zone Change #2023-094: LEMAR Properties LLC request to change from Planned Development District (P-D) to Neighborhood Commercial District (C-1) at Sutherland Blvd and Highway 47
• Zone Change #2023-095: Roberto Torres request to change from Agricultural Preservation District (AP) to Rural Residential District 2 (RR-2) on Seabell Rd west of Cut Tree Ln

Juvenile Justice Board

The board will review and vote on the CYFD 3-year Grant Application and the board's bylaws. Members will also vote on board composition and discuss a Memorandum of Understanding with Valencia County.

• Vote on CYFD 3-year Grant Application
• Vote on board bylaws
• Vote on board composition
• Discussion of Juvenile Justice Advisory Board MOU with Valencia County
• Update on MOU between Valencia County BoCC and LLSD

Juvenile Justice Board

The Valencia County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board is meeting to discuss a 3-year grant application from the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). The board will also review and approve minutes from the October 10, 2023, meeting.

• Discussion of CYFD 3-year Grant Application

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet to discuss a request to change the zoning of a 56.21-acre property. The decision concerns whether to transition the land from residential to commercial use.

• Zone Change #2023-089: Request by Thomas P. Tinnin to change 56.21 acres from Rural Residential District 2 (RR-2) to Community Commercial District (C-2) at the NE corner of Morris Rd and Shawn Dr.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Valencia County Planning & Zoning Commission will consider three action items: a conditional use for a cannabis microbusiness, and two zone changes for commercial development. The meeting also includes approval of the previous month's minutes and staff reports.

• Conditional Use #2023-088: David Perkins requests a conditional use for an integrated cannabis microbusiness at 71 Fruta Rd, Laguna, NM (Highland Meadows, Lot 15, Unit 2), zoned RR-1.
• Zone Change #2023-089: Thomas P. Tinnin requests a zone change from RR-2 to C-2 for future commercial development on 56.21 acres at the NE corner of Morris Rd and Shawn Dr, Los Lunas.
• Zone Change #2023-083: LEMAR Properties LLC requests a zone change from P-D to C-2 for a 0.25-acre lot at the corner of Sutherland Blvd and Highway 47, Belen.

Juvenile Justice Board

The Board will receive updates on various youth programs and community outreach efforts. Discussion includes updates on the Continuum Coordinator, H2 Academic Solutions, and Teen Court.

• Update on Valencia County MOU with Belen Consolidated Schools
• Update on Los Lunas Schools MOU presentation to Board of Education
• Continuum Coordinator update regarding Infinity High School presentation
• One Circle Foundation Training update
• Notice of upcoming December vote for Chair and Vice Chair

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Valencia County Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting to consider four action items, including two zone changes and two conditional use requests. The most consequential items are a zone change for a proposed Dollar General store in Jarales and a zone change for commercial development near Manzano Expressway. The commission will also review a greenhouse overlay and a home occupation permit for a nail salon.

• Zone Change #2023-076: RR-2 to C-2 for Dollar General retail store at Highway 116 and E Baca Rd, Jarales (2.02 acres)
• Zone Change #2023-069: P-D to C-2 for commercial development at Manzano Expressway and N Rio Del Oro Loop (51.19 acres)
• Greenhouse Overlay #2023-077: commercial greenhouse at 11 Cherokee Cir, Belen (2.95 acres)
• Conditional Use #2023-075: home occupation nail salon at 4535 Franklin Rd, Los Lunas (1.92 acres)
• Approval of August 2023 meeting minutes

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Valencia County Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting to consider one action item: a conditional use request to develop a site for a church and construct a new temple at 6 Saxon Court in Los Lunas. The property is zoned Rural Residential District 1 (RR-1). The commission will also approve the June 2023 minutes and receive staff reports.

• Conditional Use #2023-046: request to build a church and temple at 6 Saxon Ct, Los Lunas (1.13 acres, RR-1 zoning)

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a conditional use permit to develop a site for the Ministerios Eben-Ezer church. The approval includes requirements for a traffic study and a new property address.

• Approved Conditional Use #2023-046 for a church and new temple at 6 Saxon CT (4-0)
• Approved Agenda (4-0)
• Approved June 27, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Juvenile Justice Board

The Valencia County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board is meeting to approve the agenda and minutes, and to receive updates from various sub-committees and partners, including the Youth Sub-Committee, Continuum Coordinator, and programs like Teen Court and McKinney Vento. The board will also hear a presentation from Men-THOR. No major decisions or public hearings are scheduled; the meeting is primarily for informational updates and discussion.

• Belen Consolidated Schools accepted Valencia County MOU contract
• Los Lunas Schools requesting meeting for clarification of MOU contract purpose
• One Circle Foundation trainings update, including in-person Council for Boys and Young Men facilitation
• Presentation from Men-THOR by Lizeth Bustillos
• Approval of July 20, 2023 special board meeting minutes

The board approved the agenda and previous meeting minutes. Belen Consolidated Schools accepted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow the continuum coordinator on school grounds, while a similar request for Los Lunas Schools remains pending. The board discussed funding challenges for the YDI Teen Court program and transportation issues for youth.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved July 20, 2023 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted MOU with Belen Consolidated Schools for continuum coordinator access

Juvenile Justice Board

The Valencia County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board is meeting to handle routine business, including approving the agenda and June meeting minutes. The board will discuss and nominate a co-chair, with Patricia Grego self-nominating, and receive a youth subcommittee update with a nomination for new youth member Josiah Vallejos.

• Nomination of co-chair: Patricia Grego (self-nomination)
• Youth subcommittee update and nomination of new youth: Josiah Vallejos
• Approval of June 13, 2023 meeting minutes

The board appointed Patricia Gregor as co-chair and Josiah Vallejos to the youth subcommittee. Members also reviewed the FY23 closeout overview, which detailed program successes and challenges regarding youth services in Valencia County.

• Approved appointment of Patricia Gregor as co-chair (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Josiah Vallejos to the youth subcommittee (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved June 13, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Valencia County Planning & Zoning Commission will consider two zone change requests at its June 27 meeting. One would allow a Dollar General retail store on La Ladera Road; the other would permit an electrician business on Arcangel Street. The commission will also approve minutes and hear staff reports.

• Zone Change #2023-036: RR-2 to C-2 for Dollar General at 3 La Ladera Rd, Los Lunas (1.53 acres)
• Zone Change #2023-037: RR-1 to C-2 for electrician business at 10 Arcangel St, Los Lunas (1.00 acre)
• Approval of May 2023 meeting minutes
• Next meeting scheduled for July 25, 2023

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for two zone changes to allow commercial businesses. Both requests involved transitioning residential zoning to Community Commercial District (C-2).

• Recommended Zone Change #2023-036 from RR-2 to C-2 for a Dollar General at 3 La Ladera Rd (4-0)
• Recommended Zone Change #2023-037 from RR-1 to C-2 for an electrician business at 10 Arcangel St (4-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved May 23, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Juvenile Justice Board

The Valencia County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several items, including extending the Continuum Coordinator contract for FY24 and increasing the coordinator's hourly rate from $22.00 to $30.00. The board will also review a needs assessment, strategic plan, and final report prepared by the coordinator, and hear updates from various subcommittees and programs.

• Consideration to extend Christine Arrellins' Continuum Coordinator Contract for FY24
• Consideration to increase Continuum Coordinator rate from $22.00 to $30.00 per hour
• Review and discuss prepared Needs Assessment, Strategic Plan, and Drafted Final Report
• Discussion and nomination of Co-Chair
• National Night Out Law Enforcement at Ann Parish Elementary on August 1st

The Juvenile Justice Advisory Board unanimously approved the contract extension for Continuum Coordinator Christine Arrellin for FY24 and increased her pay rate from $22.00 to $30.00 per hour. The board also approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the May 15, 2023, special meeting.

• Approved extension of Christine Arrellin's Continuum Coordinator contract for FY24 (Unanimous)
• Approved increase of Continuum Coordinator pay rate from $22.00 to $30.00 per hour (Unanimous, 1 abstention)
• Approved meeting agenda
• Approved May 15, 2023 Special Board Meeting minutes

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended a zone change for four lots at 14 Vigil Rd to allow for the development of indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. The request moves to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval.

• Recommended Zone Change #2023-027 from Neighborhood Commercial (C-1) to Community Commercial (C-2) for 14 Vigil Rd (4-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved April 25, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Juvenile Justice Board

The Valencia County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board is holding its monthly meeting to approve the agenda and prior meeting minutes, and to discuss and vote on the BAR (Behavioral Alternative to Referral) program. The meeting is largely procedural, with the BAR discussion and vote being the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Vote on BAR (Behavioral Alternative to Referral) program
• Approval of April 11, 2023 meeting minutes
• Acceptance of agenda

The Board approved Budget Adjustment Request (BAR) #2 to reallocate funds from Restorative Justice services to Botvin programs. The funds will support youth training in Los Lunas and increased referrals in Belen. The request will be submitted to the CYFD for final approval.

• Approved BAR #2 to move $8,095 from Pre-Circle, Circle, and Post Circle funds to Botvin programs
• Approved May 15, 2023 meeting agenda
• Approved April 11, 2023 meeting minutes

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Valencia County Planning & Zoning Commission will consider four requests: three zone changes from Rural Residential 2 (RR-2) to either Rural Residential 1 (RR-1) or Agricultural Preservation (AP), and one variance to reduce a side-yard setback. The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes and staff reports. No decisions are final until the commission acts.

• Zone Change #2023-022: Maria Eva Herrera, 11 Palomas Rd, Los Lunas, RR-2 to RR-1, 2.49 acres
• Zone Change #2023-021: Jose Cipriano Ramirez, 52 Ladera Rd, Belen, RR-2 to RR-1, 2.08 acres
• Zone Change #2023-020: Juan C. Hernandez, 12 Tinnin Ln, Belen, RR-2 to AP, 5.60 acres
• Variance #2023-018: Gerson Omar Banegas, 21 Cordero Lp, Los Lunas, 12-ft side-yard setback reduction to 3 ft
• Approval of March 2023 minutes and staff reports

The commission recommended one zone change request to the Board of County Commissioners and denied a different zone change request and a variance request. One zone change request was tabled due to a lack of a quorum.

• Recommended Zone Change #2023-022 for 11 Palomas Rd to BoCC (3-1)
• Denied Zone Change #2023-021 for 52 Ladera Rd to BoCC (3-0)
• Tabled Zone Change #2023-020 for 12 Tinnin Ln due to lack of quorum (3-0)
• Denied Variance #2023-018 for 21 Cordero Lp (3-0)

Juvenile Justice Board

The Valencia County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board is meeting to handle routine business: approving minutes, nominating a vice chair and new board members, and receiving a needs assessment presentation. The board will also discuss youth subcommittee nominations and upcoming staff trainings.

• Nomination of Kaylee Jojola (Isleta Pueblo) as new board member
• Nomination of Jacob Arrellin (Los Lunas Schools) as new youth subcommittee member
• Needs assessment presentation from Concha Montano
• One Circle Foundation trainings: Mitigating Gender & Racial Bias (5/24-5/25) and Girls Circle Facilitator (5/2-5/4)

The board approved the appointment of Kaylee Jojola as a voting member and Jacob Arrellin to the youth subcommittee. Members also reviewed a draft Needs Assessment report and discussed upcoming training opportunities.

• Approved appointment of Kaylee Jojola as board member (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Jacob Arrellin to youth subcommittee (unanimous)
• Accepted April 2023 meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved March 14, 2023 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recorded resignation of board member Kelli Vigil

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Valencia County Planning & Zoning Commission will consider a zone change request from Dispensary Near Me for a property at 2384 Highway 47, Belen. The request seeks to change zoning from Neighborhood Commercial (C-1) to Community Commercial (C-2) with a conditional use for nonvolatile cannabis extraction. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and staff reports.

• Zone Change #2023-013: Dispensary Near Me requests C-1 to C-2 change with conditional use for nonvolatile cannabis extraction at 2384 Highway 47, Belen (0.74 acre)
• Approval of February 2023 Planning & Zoning Commission minutes
• Swearing-in of participants for public hearings

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended a zone change for Dispensary Near Me to allow nonvolatile cannabis extraction. The request involves changing the zoning from Neighborhood Commercial District (C-1) to Community Commercial District (C-2) with a Conditional Use.

• Recommended Zone Change #2023-013 for Dispensary Near Me to BoCC (3-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (3-0)
• Approved February 28, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)

Juvenile Justice Board

The Valencia County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board is meeting to approve the agenda and February minutes, then discuss and vote on the BAR (likely a funding or program item) and a federal JJAC application. The meeting is short, scheduled for 45 minutes, and held virtually.

• Vote on BAR discussion
• Vote on Federal JJAC application
• Approval of February 14, 2023 meeting minutes

The board approved a budget adjustment to fund life skills sessions at Belen schools and voted to support a federal grant application for a youth day reporting center. Members discussed transportation logistics for the proposed center, including the potential use of a county vehicle.

• Approved Budget Adjustment Application to move $13,120 from continuum coordinator funds to Belen BOTVIN Lifeskills site
• Approved support for the JJAC Grant Application for a Teen Center day reporting center
• Approved February 14, 2023 meeting minutes
• Accepted March 14, 2023 meeting agenda

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Valencia County Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting to consider several land-use requests, including two zone changes and three solar field overlay zones. The commission will also approve the previous meeting's minutes and hear staff reports. These are action items, meaning the commission may vote to recommend approval or denial to the County Commission.

• Zone change from Outland District to Neighborhood Commercial (C-1) for an event venue at 131 A T and T Rd, Los Lunas (3.16 acres)
• Zone change from Rural Residential 2 to Rural Residential 1 to split a 2-acre parcel at 57 Kelly Ln, Los Lunas
• Solar Field Overlay Zone for 160 acres west of I-25 on Marble Quarry Rd, Belen (Syncarpha Solar CF II)
• Solar Field Overlay Zone for 40 acres west of I-25 on Marble Quarry Rd, Belen (Syncarpha Solar CF II)
• Solar Field Overlay Zone for 32.74 acres east of I-25, south of I-25 Bypass Rd, Belen (Clean Choice Energy)

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended three zone change requests to the Board of County Commissioners, including two solar projects and one event venue. The commission denied a solar field overlay zone request from Clean Choice Energy Community, LLC. The board also approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes.

• Recommended Zone Change #2023-004 for event venue at 131 A T and T Rd (3-0)
• Recommended Zone Change #2023-005 to split parcel at 57 Kelly Ln (3-0)
• Recommended SFOZ #2022-127 for Syncarpha Solar CF II on Marble Quarry Rd (3-0)
• Denied SFOZ #2023-002 for Clean Choice Energy Community, LLC (3-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (3-0)
• Approved January 24, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)

Juvenile Justice Board

The Valencia County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board is meeting to approve minutes, nominate a co-chair, and receive updates from subcommittees. They will discuss potential budget adjustments for H2 Academic Solutions in the third quarter and hear about the resignation of Jason Rael from the board.

• Nomination of Rayven Chavez as additional Youth Subcommittee member
• Discussion and nomination of Co-Chair
• Resignation of Jason Rael from the board
• Potential budget adjustments for H2 Academic Solutions in 3rd quarter
• Attendance for Success Retreat scheduled for March 1st, 2023

The board approved the addition of Rayven Chavez (Ward) to the Youth Subcommittee and accepted the resignation of board member Jason Rael. Members scheduled a dedicated meeting for April 11 to review a comprehensive Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan. The board also discussed upcoming youth retreats and potential budget adjustments for the BOTVIN program.

• Approved appointment of Rayven Chavez (Ward) to the Youth Subcommittee
• Accepted resignation of board member Jason Rael
• Approved revised agenda (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes from December 21, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes from January 12, 2023 (unanimous)
• Scheduled April 11 meeting to exclusively discuss Needs Assessment

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Valencia County Planning & Zoning Commission will consider several zoning and variance requests, including two zone changes from Outland District to Light/General Industrial District 2 for commercial and warehouse development on properties west of I-25 along Highway 6. The commission will also review two setback variances for a workshop in Belen, a zone change to allow parcel division in Los Lunas, and two solar field overlay zone requests. Additionally, the commission will reorganize by electing officers and adopting rules for 2023.

• Zone Change #2022-134: Roy D Mercer LLC requests OD to I-2 for 116.30 acres, 3.75 miles west of I-25 on south side of Highway 6.
• Zone Change #2022-135: Roy D Mercer LLC requests OD to I-2 for multiple lots totaling 115 acres, 3.75 miles west of I-25 on Highway 6.
• Variance #2022-122 and #2022-136: Casey Carmona requests 5-foot variances to backyard and side-yard setbacks at 8 La Mirada, Belen.
• Zone Change #2022-131: Raymond and Theresa Herrera request RR-2 to RR-1 to divide parcel at 13 and 15 Iris Pl, Los Lunas.
• Solar Field Overlay Zone #2022-133: Prosperity Works requests overlay on 19 parcels near Belen Airport; #2022-112: TotalEnergies requests overlay on 284.85 acres east of I-25 north of Meadowlake Rd.

The Commission recommended four zone changes to the Board of County Commissioners, including two industrial sites and two solar field overlays. A request for a backyard and side-yard setback variance for a workshop was denied. The body also re-elected its leadership and adopted its 2023 schedule and operating rules.

• Re-elected Chair Sublett and Vice Chair Freeman (4-0)
• Adopted 2023 Open Meetings Act, Robert’s Rules of Order, and Commission Schedule (4-0)
• Denied Variance #2022-122 and #2022-136 for workshop setbacks at 8 La Mirada (4-0)
• Recommended Zone Change #2022-131 from RR-2 to RR-1 for 13 and 15 Iris Pl (4-0)
• Recommended Zone Change #2022-134 from OD to I-2 for Roy D Mercer LLC (4-0)
• Recommended amended Zone Change #2022-135 from OD to I-2 for 30 acres of Roy D Mercer LLC land (4-0)
• Recommended Solar Field Overlay Zone #2022-133 for Prosperity Works (4-0)
• Recommended Solar Field Overlay Zone #2022-112 for TotalEnergies (4-0)

Juvenile Justice Board

The Valencia County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board is holding a special meeting to discuss and vote on the FY23 Short Cycle Funding application to be submitted to CYFD. The board will also approve the agenda and minutes from the December 13th, 2022 meeting.

• Vote on FY23 Short Cycle Funding application to CYFD
• Approval of December 13th, 2022 meeting minutes
• Discussion of other business

The Board approved a Short Cycle Funding Application to be submitted to the CYFD for the BOTVIN substance abuse prevention program. The total funding amount is $23,100, which includes a $16,500 request and a $6,600 Valencia County match.

• Approved FY23 Short Cycle Funding Application for submittal to CYFD (Unanimous, 2 abstentions)
• Accepted meeting agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved December 13, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)