Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Gerald Wiley, called the Organizational and Regular Meeting of the Governing Body, Village of Cloudcroft, to order at 6:02 p.m. by calling for the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE and SALUTE TO THE STATE FLAG. Trustees Keith Hamilton, Matt Willett, Gail McCoy and Danny Hardwick were recorded present in person. There were approximately 25 visitors in attendance.
Pledge of Allegiance
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Salute to the Flag of New Mexico
“I salute the flag of the State of New Mexico, the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures.”
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Trustee Mccoy moved to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of December 30, 2025 and the Special Meeting of January 9, 2026 as presented, Trustee Hamilton seconded the motion and the motion carried with a roll call vote of all voting “aye”.
ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEM:
Mayor Wiley entertained a motion to approve Trustee Hamilton as Mayor Pro Tem. Trustee Willett made a motion to approve the appointment, Trustee Hardwick seconded the motion and the motion carried with a roll call vote of all voting “aye”.
CONFIRMATION / OATH OF OFFICE FOR APPOINTED OFFICIALS:
Mayor Wiley entertained a motion to confirm Jini Turri as Clerk/Treasurer for the Village of Cloudcroft. Trustee Hamilton made a motion to confirm and approve the appointment. Trustee Hardwick seconded the motion and the motion carried with a roll call vote of all voting “aye”.
Mayor Wiley entertained a motion to confirm Roger Schoolcraft as Police Chief for the Village of Cloudcroft. Trustee Hamilton made a motion to confirm and approve the appointment. Trustee Hardwick seconded the motion and the motion carried with a roll call vote of all voting “aye”.
Mayor Wiley entertained a motion to confirm Erich Wuersching as Fire Chief for the Village of Cloudcroft. Trustee Hamilton made a motion to confirm and approve the appointment. Trustee Hardwick seconded the motion and the motion carried with a roll call vote of all voting “aye”.
Mayor Wiley entertained a motion to confirm Zach Cook as Village Attorney for the Village of Cloudcroft. Trustee Hamilton made a motion to confirm and approve the appointment. Trustee McCoy seconded the motion and the motion carried with a roll call vote of all voting “aye”.
Municipal Judge, Mark Tatum, issued Oaths of Office to all the appointed officials.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Jacque Tanis asked that later in the meeting under Department Updates that Jo John Carrizal, Public Works Supervisor, provide an update on water reuse.
PRESENTATION BY BRENDAN KUTSCHBACH-ARDHAM TECHNOLOGIES:
Brendan Kutschbach, representing Ardham Technologies presented to the Governing Body IT services that they could provide to the Village.
DEPARTMENT UPDATES:
J.J. Carrizal, Public Works Supervisor, updated the Governing Body that water demand to the Village is still high and that hauling of water by Oasis may be necessary as needed. J.J. then explained the reuse process and that the Village cannot afford the reuse process that is currently in place and that recommendations from CDM Smith would be addressed at future meetings as to alternate options.
Sandra Barr, Library Director and Erich Wuersching, Fire Chief provided monthly updates for their departments.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Discussion and Possible Action on Appointment of Jesse Richards to Planning & Zoning Commission.
- Trustee Willett made a motion to approve the appointment, Trustee Hamilton seconded the motion and the motion carried with a roll call vote of all voting “aye”.
- Discussion and Possible Action on Appointment of Angela P. Daniel to Planning & Zoning Commission.
- Trustee Hamilton made a motion to approve the appointment, Trustee Hardwick seconded the motion and the motion carried with a roll call vote of all voting “aye”.
- Discussion and Possible Action on Contract Extension with Lauren Grosbeck (GG Consulting) in the Amount of $2, 156.43, including NMGRT.
- Trustee Willett made a motion to approve the extension. Trustee McCoy seconded the motion and the motion carried with a roll call vote of all voting “aye”.
- Discussion and Possible Action on Change in 2026 Holiday Schedule for Village of Cloudcroft Employees.
- Mayor Wiley explained to the Governing Body that the Viliage employees requested that Columbus Day, October 12, 2026, be traded for Christmas Eve, December 24, 2026. Trustee Willett made a motion to approve the change to the schedule Trustee McCoy seconded the motion and the motion carried with a roll call vote of all voting “aye”.
- Discussion and Possible Action to Purchase Water from Oasis Inc., to Mitigate Low Water Levels.
- J.J. Carrizal, Public Works Supervisor explained to the Governing Body that due to high water demand to the Village, it may be necessary, as needed, to continue hauling water with Oasis Inc., to mitigate the low levels. Trustee Hamilton made a motion to approve hauling as needed. Trustee Hardwick seconded the motion and the motion carried with a roll call vote of all voting “aye”.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Governing Body, Mayor Wiley adjourned the Organizational and Regular Meeting at 7:04 p.m.
Minutes were passed and approved on this 17h day of February, 2026.