The Alamosa City Council approved the use of Automated Vehicle Identification System photo radar cameras in four traffic corridors. The council set the ticketing threshold at seven miles per hour over the posted speed limit during the Wednesday meeting. Chief of Police George Dingfelder presented crash data justifying the cameras on Main Street, Sixth Street, Craft Drive, and State Avenue. First-time offenders caught driving less than ten miles per hour over the limit receive a warning, while higher speeds incur a citation.
The unanimous vote clears the police department to seek Colorado Department of Transportation permitting. The meeting featured no public comment. Public Works Director Harry Reynolds secured unanimous approval to spend $120,000 from the Community Recreation Fund for a new bucket truck. The purchase replaces an uncertified model manufactured in 2000.
Reynolds stated the city delayed other capital improvement projects to cover the vehicle cost. City staff use the truck for hanging banners, trimming trees, and managing downtown holiday decorations. San Luis Valley Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Audrey Liu presented an update on the organization’s affordable housing efforts. Liu stated the organization collects $60,000 annually in mortgage payments.
Homeowners contribute $10,000 in annual property taxes. The council passed an ordinance easing dark sky lighting regulations on second reading. Development Services Director Rachel James explained the changes increase residential and commercial lighting limits to 1,100 lumens. The ordinance also raises the color temperature limit to 5,000 Kelvin.
Councilors approved a first reading of an ordinance establishing a $100 per day fine for International Property Maintenance Code violations. City Attorney Erich Schwiesow stated the fines provide an incentive for property owners to fix decaying structures. An ordinance clarifying the ban on parking semi-trucks and detached trailers in residential zones passed on first reading. The council finalized an ordinance keeping the city’s indigent defense counsel hiring process under the local procurement code rather than state mandates.
Both items passed unanimously. City Manager Heather Sanchez presented a sponsorship package distributed among ten local entities. The council approved the $5,000 in funding for groups including the Alamosa Farmers Market and the SLV Pride Fest. The council approved Consent Calendar A without discussion, authorizing $13,000 for Cattails Restaurant exhaust repairs and $25,000 for the Fairground power project.
Reynolds accepted the Public Works Week Proclamation read by Councilor Liz Hensley. James noted the city expanded the land lease for the Gingerbread daycare facility to 2.34 acres to accommodate new modular buildings. Reynolds reported the city completed emergency seal repairs on the 12th Street well. He also announced the arrival of a $174,000 baler for the recycling center.
Councilors highlighted the grand opening of the restored Valleywide facility. Councilor Jan Vigil offered condolences for the passing of Alamosa High School teacher Maxine Baker before the council adjourned without an executive session.
Support Independent Local Journalism — High Country Advocate was created as a real alternative to regional media that too often silences dissenting voices while taking sides in the political struggle. Producing in-depth, unflinching reporting like this series and others is expensive: servers, editing, research time, and legal review all add up quickly. If these articles have informed you or given you new perspective, please consider supporting HCA with a paid subscription — every subscriber helps keep this reporting strong and independent. 