Alamosa City Council voted 6-1 Wednesday to direct city staff to formally engage ICE over a zoning violation at 1921 State Avenue, the site of a federal immigration hold facility, while also unanimously approving a $15,000 intersection safety project at Victoria Avenue and First Street, a temporary smoking ban on city trails and open spaces, a final 2025 budget amendment, a subdivision notice code update, and a $50,000 state grant application to address failing infrastructure at Century Mobile Home Park. The meeting drew a large public audience, most focused on the ICE matter.
ICE Facility Zoning Dispute
Dozens of residents spoke during citizen comment, both in person and via Zoom, urging council to enforce the city’s zoning code and terminate ICE’s use of the State Avenue property. State Rep. Matthew Martinez, who represents House District 62, called in via Zoom to oppose the facility on zoning grounds. One resident described a case in which a woman and her seven-year-old son were held at the facility for 21 and 16 hours respectively in August 2025.
City Attorney Erich Schwiesow confirmed the facility has operated without proper local authorization since approximately 2005. The land use code then in effect required a special use permit that was never sought or issued. Under the current Unified Development Code, the use qualifies as a conditional use in the industrial zone but fails multiple conditions, most significantly a minimum lot size of five acres — the property is 1.35 acres. Because the use was never lawfully established, it is not grandfathered and is subject to enforcement.
Schwiesow told council that litigation would take years and that a preliminary injunction was unlikely given the facility’s 20-plus years of operation. Police Chief George Dingfelder confirmed the facility has been operational since 2005 and said he had already notified the ICE regional manager that the matter would come before council. Staff said ICE has told the city that individuals are typically held for a few hours and never beyond 12 hours.
The motion that passed 6-1 directs City Manager Heather Sanchez to arrange a meeting among city staff, the city attorney, code enforcement, and ICE officials to formally document the zoning violation and notify ICE that the existing use cannot be expanded or modified. Councilor Jackie Vigil cast the dissenting vote, saying she struggled with the decision. No executive session was held, despite appearing on the agenda — the mayor confirmed at adjournment that the council had no executive session business.
Also during citizen comment, outgoing La Puente CEO Lance Cheslock introduced incoming CEO William Book [VERIFY], who arrived from rural Iowa two weeks prior and brings more than 30 years of experience addressing poverty in rural communities. The city is also in separate, ongoing zoning discussions with La Puente about uses at its facility.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation
Representatives from Tu Casa Inc. and the Alamosa Children’s Advocacy Center presented before council to highlight April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Events include Wear Teal Day on April 7 and Denim Day on April 29. Clothesline projects will be displayed at SLV Health, SLV Behavioral Health Group, Adams State University, and TSJC. Councilor Liz Hensley read the proclamation, which council adopted.
Victoria Avenue and First Street Safety
Public Works Director Harry Reynolds presented a $15,000 plan to address the Victoria Avenue, First Street, and Stewart intersection, which has averaged approximately one crash per month since 2021. The proposed changes include converting the Stewart approach to right-out-only, adding a stop sign on southbound Victoria to create a three-way stop, and installing a median island to prevent crossover movements. Funding will come from the General Fund through a future 2026 budget amendment, with construction planned for June. Council approved unanimously.
Temporary Smoking Ban
Fire Chief Frank Wirth recommended a temporary smoking ban on city trails and open spaces, citing dry conditions and recent Red Flag Warnings. The ban covers the riparian corridor, northwest open space, the ranch, and all city trails, and remains in effect until council rescinds it. A typo in the agenda referenced a burn ban — staff clarified a permanent burn ban already exists citywide; this action covers smoking only. Council approved unanimously.
2025 Final Budget Amendment
Council held a public hearing on Resolution No. 5-2026, the final 2025 budget amendment, with no public testimony. Sales tax grew in 2025 but fell short of the 2.5 percent increase budgeted. Sanitation and water revenues came in below projections as well. Golf revenues improved significantly, narrowing the course’s annual operating deficit to approximately $138,000. Workers’ compensation costs rose across all departments after recalculation to reflect current wages and the addition of advisory board positions. The resolution passed unanimously.
Century Mobile Home Park Grant
Council approved Resolution No. 6-2026, authorizing Development Services Director Rachel James to formally apply for a $50,000 DOLA Local Planning Capacity grant already awarded to the city. Funds will support engineering studies for water and wastewater systems and a community needs assessment at Century Mobile Home Park, 1700 State Avenue. The park has 185 spaces and 142 occupied homes; its private wastewater system, installed in 1968, is failing.
Other Business
Council approved Ordinance No. 11-2026 on second reading, adding public notice requirements for preliminary plat applications — publication in the Valley Courier 14 days prior, property posting 7 days prior, and mailed notice to property owners within 300 feet — that were inadvertently omitted when the UDC was created in 2018. The consent calendar, covering February 2026 financial and expenditure reports, March 18 meeting minutes, an approximately $1,347 opioid settlement payment, and two FAA airport grant amendments, passed unanimously.
Nancy Harris of Spark the Change Colorado updated council on the RSVP Spark Speaker Series, a free monthly program at the Alamosa Senior Center with 15 to 65 attendees per session and more than 50 active RSVP volunteers. The next talk, on nursing homes and Medicare, is April 14 at 1 p.m. Alamosa Senior Citizens reported 2,683 Thursday meals and 366 fitness and wellness classes in 2025 and announced a new monthly mobile food market through Care and Share starting this spring.
Reynolds also updated council during staff announcements that the Pike Avenue infrastructure project is on track to finish in mid-May, after which crews will move to West Sixth Street. Alleyway reconstruction between Edison and San Juan avenues is underway. A work session on dark skies is scheduled for the following Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
Councilor Jan Vigil reported that Comprehensive Plan community outreach is going well, with neighborhood meetings set to begin in June. Councilor Michael Carson attended the SLV Development Resources Group and Council of Governments meetings on behalf of a colleague and reported all board members were reappointed. Councilor Dawn Krebs said Alamosa Creates is advancing toward a creative arts designation, has received sculpture submissions including one international entry, and needs volunteers for the combined Rio Fest and Frio Trio event. A tree planting at Carroll Park is scheduled April 18 from 9 a.m. to noon; registration is required.
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