0:00:02 04:00:01 PM Start Audio Recording [04:00:01 PM] 0:00:03 04:00:03 PM Invocation – Pledge of Allegiance 0:00:33 04:00:33 PM 1. Approval of Agenda 0:00:36 04:00:35 PM Motion The motion was made by Councilor Rodriguez and seconded by Councilor Carter to approve the Agenda 0:00:39 04:00:38 PM Vote The vote was as follows: Yes - Chavez, Carter, Rodriguez, Shirley, Walterscheid, Anaya Flores; No - None; Absent- Estrada, Waters; the motion carried. 0:00:59 04:00:59 PM 2. Consider Approval of Resolution 2021-01, a Resolution Supporting Independence for the College in Carlsbad 0:01:15 04:01:14 PM Mrs. Austin Mrs. Austin read a statement from chariman Craig Stephens. The statement asks for a resolution in support of independence from NMSU, as their decision to not fill the position of NMSU-C President which was held by Dr. John Gratten. She said there is approximately $32 to $36 million reserve for this campus and would like to see it invested back into Carlsbad. She added this is a local property tax reserve that has not been invested back into this local college. She said this college could develop partnerships with multiple colleges and universities with local businesses to develop a multitude of career specific programs. She said Rep. Catherine Brown has introduced a bill for the upcoming legislative session working toward independence. She said there is a plan being presented to the NM Higher Education Dept., their support will be important to this bill. Councilor Shirley asked to elaborate on financial liability of having an independent campus, Mrs. Austin explained the campus would be self supporting at this time and well into the future. She said there is a 3 mil levy property tax allocation that goes to this university, which is being sent to Las Cruces and not being invested back into this community. She said based on a five year projection this is a very sustainable proposition. Councilor Walterscheid asked what would employers like to see, a degree from NMSU-C or this college? Mrs. Austin feels it doesn't make a difference as long as someone went and got a degree. Councilor Chavez asked if this college would be accredited and if the credits could be transferred. Mrs. Austin answered yes, it would be accredited and the credits could be transferred. Councilor Carter asked if this included the nursing program, Mrs. Austin answered yes it does include the nursing program. She explained the nursing program has a separate accredidation than the college. She said our college has it's own accredidation separate from the main campus. Councilor Carter asked how PERA for the employees will work, Mrs. Austin explained it would all transfer with the employee, she said it would still be a state university, it would not become a private university. She said health benefits and reitrement would stay in place with the state. Councilor Rodriguez stated his Bachelors Degree is from College of the Southwest out of Hobbs. He said our college could grow into a university. Councilor Shirley asked if it still needs approval by the State of NM, to be able to move forward. Mrs. Austin explained there needs to be approval by NM Dept of Higher Education, the proposal will be submitted. She said after approval by NM Dept of Higher Education then it would move to legislation, which Rep. Catherine Brown would be presenting it for the City of Carlsbad. 0:09:31 04:09:30 PM Motion The motion was made by Councilor Rodriguez and seconded by Councilor Chavez to approve Resolution 2021-01, a Resolution Supporting Independence for the College in Carlsbad 0:09:36 04:09:35 PM Vote The vote was as follows: Yes - Chavez, Rodriguez, Shirley, Walterscheid; No - Carter, Anaya-Flores; Absent- Estrada, Waters; the motion did not pass 0:10:36 04:10:36 PM 3. Adjourn 0:10:37 04:10:36 PM Motion The motion was made by Councilor Shirley and seconded by Councilor Chavez to Adjourn 0:10:44 04:10:43 PM Vote The vote was as follows: Yes - Chavez, Carter, Rodriguez, Shirley, Walterscheid; No - Anaya-Flores; Absent- Estrada, Waters; the motion carried. 0:11:13 04:11:14 PM Stop Audio Recording