Alamosa City Council unanimously approved first reading of an automated traffic camera ordinance at Tuesday’s meeting, capping fines at $40 and setting a March 4 public hearing. The board also approved a 15-year, no-cost lease providing 1.6 acres to Gingerbread House Childcare, which serves 115 children with 28 staff members. Senator Michael Bennett’s office announced the city received $500,000 in federal funds for the Alamosa Rehabilitation and Revitalization Project. Council appointed eight residents to a Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, though no youth representative applications were received. November financial reports showed general sales tax revenue declined from $381,099 in November 2024 to $324,052 last November, while housing projects consumed $952,531 for Tierra Azul and $110,409 for Boyd School. The board advanced parking restriction ordinances and approved agreements with Trinidad State College for police training and Subdistrict 6 for water rights participation earning $65,000. Police Chief George Dingfelder said the AVIS system addresses 299 crashes on Main Street corridor over three years and will focus on traffic safety rather than revenue generation.
Traffic Camera System
Council’s 7-0 vote on Ordinance 4-2026 advances the automated vehicle identification system for speeding enforcement. The ordinance caps fines at $40 except in construction and school zones where penalties can double.
Chief Dingfelder said over 800 vehicles exceeded 6th Street’s speed limit by 10-plus mph in one week, while State Street studies showed more than 300 cars speeding by double digits northbound. He emphasized the system will not function as revenue generation.
The ordinance creates a framework for future camera placement through resolution. Cities using similar systems have seen 40 percent reductions in speeding violations according to data presented to council.
Childcare Facility Lease
The board approved leasing 1.6 acres at 20th Street and County Road 110 South to Gingerbread House Childcare for 15 years at no cost. The lease includes automatic renewal in five-year increments.
The facility addresses what officials described as a childcare crisis, with only 531 licensed spaces for 1,783 children birth to five years in Alamosa. Eighty-nine percent of children under three lack access to licensed childcare according to data presented Tuesday.
Federal Grant Announced
Ramon Garcia, regional representative for Senator Michael Bennett’s office, announced during public comment that Alamosa received $500,000 in Community Development Supplemental funds for the Alamosa Rehabilitation and Revitalization Project. Garcia offered the senator’s office assistance with federal grant applications and casework.
Financial Reports
November 2025 reports showed general sales tax revenue at $324,052, down from $381,099 in November 2024. The Tierra Azul housing project consumed $952,531 through November, while Boyd School housing spent $110,409.
Total general fund revenue reached $19.68 million year-to-date. The 1.2 percent sales tax collected $504,765 in November, up from $480,727 in November 2024.
Committee Appointments
Council appointed eight residents to the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee: Keith Cerny (Ward 1), Patrick McDermott (Ward 2), Charles Griego (Ward 3), Jamie Dominguez (Ward 4), Kaylee Romero (housing representative), Ramona Silva (early childhood), Jeron Parkins (faith community), and Kale Mortensen (economic development). No applications were received for the youth representative position.
Recreation Board Update
Rusty Johnson presented the Community Recreation Board annual report. The board added member Mark Buck and reported healthy program attendance with yoga and pickleball upticks.
Staff completed new cardio equipment at the recreation center, an ADA pathway at Lee Field Park, and a wheelchair swing at Cole Park. The 2026 priorities include comprehensive plan input, Cole Park playground, bike park, Carroll Dog Park completion, fairground power improvements, and Rio Grande Corridor work.
Staff Transition
City Manager Heather Sanchez introduced Emily Martinez as the new finance director replacing Leanne Lounsbury, who leaves February 20th for private business. Martinez has 10-plus years experience and will pursue CPA licensure.
Sanchez noted the importance of financial management accuracy during the transition.
Other Business
Council approved minutes from the January 21 meeting and advanced first reading of Ordinance 3-2026 prohibiting parking in pedestrian, bicycle, and golf cart paths. A public hearing is scheduled for March 4.
The board approved an intergovernmental agreement with Trinidad State College establishing a police academy training center. The city provides facilities while TSC provides one scholarship per semester.
Council authorized a participation contract with Subdistrict 6 for water rights replacement planning from 2026-2028. The city receives $65,000 for including municipal wells in the replacement plan.
During council comments, Mayor Coleman noted all seven council members attended Rio Frio Ice Fest events, marking the first time the full council participated. Council thanked public works and parks staff for the event’s success.
The next regular meeting is February 25 at 7 p.m. The February 18 meeting was canceled due to a legislative conference. Council holds a public retreat Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at City Hall.
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