Please join us for the Swearing-In Ceremony, administered by Honorable Municipal Judge Eddie Trujillo, of our newly elected City of Las Vegas officials as we welcome a new term of leadership and service to our community. Honoring: • Mayor David Romero • Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Perea-Casey – Ward 3 • Councilman Marvin Martinez – Ward 4 • Councilman Benito Pacheco – Ward 2 Date: Tuesday, December 30 Time: 3:00 p.m. Location: Abe Montoya Recreation Center Your presence would be greatly appreciated as we come together to celebrate this important milestone and the future of our city.

The City of Las Vegas Parks Division will complete trimming of the interior trees within Carnegie Park today, Monday, December 29, 2025. Please use caution in the area, follow all posted signage, and remain aware of work crews. On Tuesday, December 30, tree trimming will take place along 5th Street from Columbia Avenue to National Avenue.  This section of the road will be closed  from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Detour and closure signage will be posted and staff will be on-site to direct traffic. Residents who typically park along this section of 5th Street next to Carnegie Park are kindly asked to remove their vehicles during this time to allow work to be completed safely and efficiently. Thank you for your cooperation.

At the final regular City Council meeting of the year, Ward 2 City Councilor Michael Montoya bid farewell as he concluded his term, with City Councilor-elect Benito Pacheco set to assume the seat. In an emotional and heartfelt address, Montoya reflected on his journey and expressed pride in how far he has come from his early beginnings. He thanked his family, mentors, and colleagues for their unwavering support throughout his years of public service, including his most recent five-year tenure from 2020 to 2025, as well as his earlier term on the City Council from 2002 to 2006. Montoya spoke candidly about the many challenges faced during his term, including the resignation of both a councilor and a mayor, working with three different city managers, and navigating unprecedented crises such as COVID-19, citywide curfews, the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, water shortages, flooding, and other difficult moments. Despite these hardships, he said he was proud of how resilient the city proved to be. “Public service is not always easy or glamorous,” Montoya said. “It requires thick skin, patience, accountability, determination, courage, and a deep commitment to do what is right—even when that means making unpopular decisions or having to say no. Doing the right thing comes at a cost, but protecting our community and its investments must come first.” He also expressed gratitude to city staff and offered words of advice to the city manager, mayor, and governing body as he wished them well moving forward. “I ask that you continue to serve as public servants, not as politicians,” Montoya said. “Stay committed, accountable, accessible, and focused on protecting our community and its future. Be true to yourselves, do what’s right, and never lose sight of the city’s mission.” Following his remarks, the mayor, governing body, and city staff presented Montoya with a plaque in appreciation of his service. Mayor David Romero noted that while disagreements can arise in politics, mutual respect remains essential. “Sometimes in politics, we get mistaken by the disagreements that we might have,” Romero said. “We are all family. We agree about 98 percent of the time, and the 2 percent we don’t, it’s usually on policy. One thing I respect about you, Councilman, is that you stuck to your guns and never faltered or gave up on what you believed was right.” City Manager Robert A. Anaya also expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude for Montoya’s many years of service. “I thank you for your work ethic and your passion for what  you do day in and day out,” Anaya said. “You say what you mean and mean what you say. I respect you and your family immensely.” Montoya’s daughters, Jeannie and Laura, also addressed the council, sharing personal reflections on their father’s dedication and the sacrifices he made in service to the community. Jeannie closed her remarks by sharing words her father lived by throughout his public service: “Leave the world better than when you found it.” The City of Las Vegas acknowledges the dedicated service of Councilman Michael Montoya and extends its sincere gratitude for his leadership during some of the most challenging years in the city’s history. As he and his family begin this next chapter, the City wishes them continued success and fulfillment, confident that Montoya’s passion for public service will remain a guiding force in his future endeavors. Once a public servant, always a public servant. ¡ Muchisimas gracias!

PUBLIC NOTICE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER City of Las Vegas water system Failed to Correct Significant Deficiencies Within Required Time Frame Este informe contiene información importante acerca de su agua potable. Haga que alguien lo traduzca para usted, o hable con alguien que lo entienda Our water system recently violated a drinking water requirement. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did (are doing) to correct this situation.   A routine sanitary survey conducted on January 7, 2025, by the New Mexico Environment Department-Drinking Water Bureau (NMED DWB) found significant deficiencies in our water system. The following have not been corrected. ·        005P - Inadequate treatment plant failure alarm or auto shutdown ·        004C - Inadequate or lack of an operations and maintenance plan or necessary operational policies   We were required to take action to correct these deficiencies. However, we failed to take this action by the deadline established by the NMED DWB. What should I do? ·        There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. ·        If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers about drinking this water. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.   What does this mean? This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water, but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.   What is being done   005P - Inadequate treatment plant failure alarm or auto shutdown – There is an existing general auto dialer alarm in place but it is not tailored to the new system.  The new SCADA system has been installed but is not complete.  It will be complete by January 2026.   004C - Inadequate or lack of an operations and maintenance plan or necessary operational policies – The City of Las Vegas has submitted an O & M plan to the NM Environment Department Drinking Water Bureau.  However, additional requirements have been added to meet the current and future needs of the City.       Travis Martinez; Tmartinez@lasvegasnm.gov   City of Las Vegas water system, NM3518025 905 12th Street Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a quorum of the Governing Body of the City of Las Vegas may be present during the swearing in of Elected Officials on December 30, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., at the City of Las Vegas Abe Montoya Recreation Center, 1751 N. Grand Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701. They will not be making any decisions and will not be taking any action on city business.

Las Vegas, NM – The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) has announced $50 million in grants to support the development and expansion of recreational facilities, trails, and parks statewide. As part of this competitive grant cycle, the City of Las Vegas was selected as one of 22 communities to receive funding for a highly anticipated and much-needed project, the Historic Las Vegas Plaza Renovation Project, with a total award of $2,480,000. This investment will fund comprehensive improvements to Plaza Park, a central and historic gathering space. Planned upgrades include renovations to the gazebo, expansion of its footprint to better accommodate live entertainment, installation of a new sprinkler system, sod, sidewalks, and the addition of trees to enhance shade and aesthetic appeal. All existing concrete and brick surfaces will be removed and replaced with newly finished materials to improve safety and appearance. "Over the past couple years, we have consistently heard from our community about the need to improve and invest in Plaza Park," stated Mayor David Romero. "This grant award helps us directly respond to those concerns by supporting needed upgrades to the park and gazebo. These improvements will better accommodate community events, strengthen economic activity, and ensure we continue to preserve and celebrate our cultural traditions for generations to come." The project will also include significant electrical upgrades to support vendors and events, as well as custom lighting and a sound system to enhance community gatherings, performances, and celebrations. Because Plaza Park is a historic location, the project will require compliance with the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division and approval through the City of Las Vegas Design Review Board to ensure all renovations respect and preserve the park’s historic character. “I am excited to have received the $2.4 million investment for the Plaza and am grateful to all the partners involved who helped secure this funding,” said Councilman Marvin Martinez. “This project will allow us to revitalize such an important space, bring it up to current standards, rebuild it, and expand it to ensure full ADA compliance. These improvements will benefit our children, seniors, and the entire community, including safer, leveled dance areas and ramps for instruments and accessibility. This long-overdue project represents an important section of Ward 4 and will have a major impact on film, economic development, and tourism. This investment ensures the Plaza will continue to serve our community for generations to come.” Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham highlighted the statewide impact of the funding, noting that these investments provide New Mexicans with more places to gather, play, and stay active. DFA Secretary Wayne Propst added that the projects create welcoming public spaces, boost health, and strengthen local connections. The City of Las Vegas was officially notified of the award this past Wednesday. The Public Works Department, in partnership with Stantec Engineering, successfully identified and secured the grant with Robert Archuleta from Arch Consulting, LLC providing additional grant support. The City will continue to manage the project to ensure all improvements meet community needs and historic preservation requirements. Once completed, the renovated Plaza will become a major tourism and economic driver, supporting downtown activity, local vendors, and community events, while preserving one of our most treasured historic landmarks.

This year’s parade was truly magical, with over 70 incredible entries lighting up the streets of Las Vegas! Judging was tough because every entry brought holiday cheer and creativity. Top 3 Floats: ·       1st Place: New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute (NMBHI) ·       2nd Place: Leo’s Glass ·       3rd Place: Southwest Capital Bank   The City of Las Vegas thanks all participants, volunteers, and spectators   for making this event unforgettable. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year – start planning your floats now!

The City of Las Vegas will be closed from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, and all day on Friday, December 19, due to a citywide, all-personnel training. This mandatory training is designed to strengthen internal communication, enhance operational effectiveness, and ensure city staff are better prepared to serve the public. Essential services will remain in operation during this time. Residents who require immediate assistance should continue to use normal emergency contact procedures. We appreciate the public’s patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work to improve the quality of services provided.

The City of Las Vegas Water Division is currently repairing a water leak at 1654 7th Street. Residents and businesses in the 1600–1700 blocks of 7th Street, Airway Road, and Parkview Road may experience low water pressure or outages. Traffic control will be in place for safety. For any questions, please call City of Las Vegas Utilities at 505-454-3832.

Ramon Patron is four years old and has a huge interest in firefighters. He loves fire trucks, has all the toys, and is obsessed with anything fire-related. He even got firefighter bunker gear for his birthday and has his own little fire uniform. His grandmother wanted to surprise him with a simple photo op with the LVFD as a birthday gift. She planned to take pictures and frame them for him, but none of us had any idea how special the day would actually become. The Blue Team, led by Lieutenant Roberto Ortiz, who is also the LVFD Recruitment Officer, invited him right into the station. They brought him into the conference room, introduced themselves, and explained what they do. When they asked if he wanted to see the equipment, he lit up. He was a little shy at first, but once he was sitting in the fire truck and pulling the horn, he was all in. He loved every second of it. “They made him feel like he was so special, like the whole day was just for him. It’s something he’ll always remember,” says his grandmother, Andrea Martinez. They even joked that you’ve got to start recruiting early. At one point they asked, “Do you want to spray the water?” and he said, “No, I don’t think so,” which made everyone laugh. They treated him with so much kindness, genuinely warm, patient, and welcoming. And the best part? Right as the visit was ending, the fire department suddenly received a call. They suited up, jumped into the trucks, and rushed out. Ramon got to watch them blast out of the station. It was like watching his heroes in real time. He made new friends that day, and to him, he’s part of their team now. Moments like that are priceless.

The City of Las Vegas Parks Division will be trimming trees at Carnegie Park from Monday, December 15 through Friday, December 19, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Sections of the park and nearby sidewalks will be temporarily closed for safety while this work is underway. Please follow all posted signage and instructions. This maintenance is necessary to help keep the park safe, clean, and enjoyable for all visitors. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we complete these important improvements.

Calling all thrift lovers and savvy shoppers! Carnegie Library and M.E.C.h.A. de NMHU invite you to our Winter Clothing Swap, the perfect way to refresh your wardrobe without stretching your holiday budget. Christmas can be costly, so why not save a little by swapping your gently used clothing for new-to-you closet favorites? Whether you want a style refresh, your kids have outgrown their clothes, or you simply want to donate items you no longer need, this event is for you. We will also have a free clothing table where no swap is required. You are welcome to take what you need or bring items you do not need. Items you may bring (not limited to): ·        Hats ·        Gloves ·        Shoes ·        Scarves ·        Coats Please bring clothing in good condition so everyone can look their best for the holidays. Any leftover items will be donated to the Samaritan House Shelter. If you have any questions, please contact Carnegie Library at 505-426-3304.