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Samantha Sengel reappointed as mayor's second in command
The council unanimously voted to reappoint Samantha Sengel as Chief Administrative Officer, the mayor's second in command.
"I think it's been an incredible two years of work that we've accomplished as a city," Sengel said before the vote.
Sengel mentioned the Gateway homeless shelter as her proudest achievement while serving as CAO.
Council returns from break
With the slam of the gavel, Council President Klarissa Peña reopened the council meeting after a brief dinner break. The council will shortly swear-in Chief Administrative Officer Samantha Sengel and Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo if re-appointed.
Council adjourns for dinner break
The City Council has adjourned for a 30-minute dinner break and will return at 7:30 p.m.
Former City Council candidate demands immigrant protections, addresses former opponent during public comment
Teresa Garcia, who narrowly lost the election for City Council's District 3 seat, addressed the council and her former opponent, now Council President Klarissa Peña during public comment. Garcia called on the council to take a stand against federal immigration enforcement and enact legislation similar to what Bernalillo County passed in November. That ordinance made hospitals, schools, courthouses, churches and worksites off-limits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents without warrants in Bernalillo County.
"Councilor Peña, you represent District 3 – where is your advocacy for the people that you serve?" Garcia said. "Many of (those constituents) are immigrants, mixed-status families and workers who deserve dignity and protection."
City Council left dais to enter closed session
The City Council has left their post at the dais to enter closed session. As per transparency laws, the council has limited opportunities to discuss matters away from the public's eye. One of those reasons is to talk about ongoing lawsuits and utilize attorney-client privilege, which the council unanimously invoked at tonight's meeting.
City Council to swear in high level officials, discuss renter's rights
The second Albuquerque City Council meeting of the year began at 5 p.m. On the docket are swearing-ins for several high-level city officials, like the fire chief and chief administrative officer, the mayor's second in command. The council will also discuss codifying a renter's rights law passed by the Legislature last session into a city ordinance.