Yvonne Multine, Public Works superintendent (far right) and Alexis Doucet-Koonce, Utility Business Office clerk (second from left) are honored by Aztec City Commission. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
Yvonne Multine, Public Works superintendent (far right) and Alexis Doucet-Koonce, Utility Business Office clerk (second from left) are honored by Aztec City Commission. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record

The Aztec City Commission on Tuesday honored two longtime employees for their dedication to public service and celebrated the Senior Center’s statewide recognition, while also addressing infrastructure upgrades and ordinance revisions to improve city operations and revenue collection.

Yvonne Multine, Public Works superintendent and a 31-year city employee, was recognized by Mayor Pro Tem Ken George. Alexis Doucet-Koonce, utility business office clerk and a 14-year employee, was named Employee of the Quarter. The Aztec Senior Center was also honored for winning the Blossom Award for the 2025 New Mexico Grown Golden Chili, which it will receive next month.

George said Multine noticed the county had surplus equipment, including a road grader, which the city needed.

“And she went to the bat for us, and went and started talking with the county officials,” George said. “And through her diligence … we got that road grader.”

City Manager Jeff Blackburn said Alexis, who’s been with the utility department for most of those 14 years, “interacts well with our customers. Her duties put her in a position to solve a lot of issues for customers,” he said. “We’re so happy and so proud to have her be part of our organization.”

Mayor Mike Padilla commended Alexis for finding paperwork for a class reunion he was organizing. Commissioner Jim Crowley said Alexis did well handling the concerns of a constituent.

Assistant Supervisor Erikka Martinez and Senior Center Director Connie Hutcheson spoke about the award.

Assistant Supervisor Erikka Martinez and Senior Center Director Connie Hutcheson went to the lectern to discuss their award. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
Assistant Supervisor Erikka Martinez and Senior Center Director Connie Hutcheson went to the lectern to discuss their award. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Recordcca

Hutcheson said New Mexico Grown is a grant-funded food program that supports nutrition for schoolchildren, seniors and families across the state. The center partnered with preapproved local farmers and ranchers.

Martinez said the center received the New Mexico Grown grant for a fourth year, supporting senior nutrition through produce and meat purchases. She said the center won last year’s Sprout Award and aims to earn the Green Chili Award next year.

Business items
Item A, special budget resolution, replacement of two water production pumps at the water treatment plant.

Public Works Director Ruben Salcido said two production pumps are failing – one is obsolete and the other near breakdown. Padilla said replacing them will cost $190,000 but is essential to serve residents. Commissioners approved the item unanimously.

Item B, intent to adopt ordinance amending Chapter 16, parks and recreation fees was addressed by Aztec Police Chief Joe Gonzales.

Aztec Police Chief Joe Gonzales. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
Aztec Police Chief Joe Gonzales. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Recordcca

Padilla said the ordinance hasn’t been updated in about 20 years, and rising costs – especially for police services – make changes necessary. Blackburn said the update allows flexibility as wages increase. The commission approved the update unanimously.

Item C, intent to adopt ordinance amending Chapter 11, licenses and business regulations, Chapter 16 fee structure and chapter 27 taxation was addressed by Blackburn.

Blackburn said the ordinance requires collecting lodgers tax from hotels and RV parks, but short-term rentals under 30 days were being overlooked. A review found licensing gaps and inconsistent procedures.

“We’ve tried to make this more operator-friendly and improve tax collection,” he said. The commission passed the item unanimously.

Electric Department Director John Wheeler David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
Electric Department Director John Wheeler David Edward Albright/Tri-City Recordcca
Aztec Municipal Judge Carlton Gray. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
Aztec Municipal Judge Carlton Gray. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Recordcca

Reports
Padilla said only one application was received for the city attorney position ahead of the Sept. 25 deadline. He proposed using the city’s standard hiring process to attract more candidates. The contract for the current attorney is up until Feb. 1.

Padilla thanked city staff for helping with the all-class reunion at Tiger Park, which had about 153 attendees. He said the Charlie Kirk Memorial at Minimum Park was well attended and issue-free.

Commissioner Jim Crowley asked about street crack sealing. Salcido said heavy rains delayed the contractor’s start, now expected in mid-October. If cold weather hits, the work may be postponed until spring.George reminded people about the Candidate Forum, Oct. 7, at the Aztec Senior Center
Electric Department Director John Wheeler said Farmington will shut down power citywide Oct. 14 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Oct. 15 for maintenance in Bloomfield.

Wheeler said work on the Hartman Park football lights is on hold pending state inspection review. He said staff is updating pole attachment agreements. Comcast’s contract runs through 2029, and talks are underway with Lumen and CenturyLink.

Wheeler said newly hired Julie Graff created a spreadsheet to calculate electric customer refunds over several months, ranging from $1.75 to $106.87.

He said the solar farm hit 730 kW at 4 p.m. and recommended a cost-of-service workshop before spending $20,000 to $30,000 on a rate consultant.

Municipal Judge Carlton Gray said the court may need a budget adjustment by January because of rising jail costs. Gray said nearly half the budget line item has been spent, less than a quarter into the year.
Project Manager Jeric Jaramillo said the three major utility and infrastructure projects are proceeding to bid.

Projects include Williams Arroyo repairs at Hartman Park, with a sidewalk as the final phase. Jaramillo said after a walk-through with the engineer and contractor, paving will resume Monday.

Change Order No. 2, costing $37,865, was needed to bypass a rock layer by installing a junction box.

Change Order No. 3, which resulted from compensating for the R-value of poor quality soils, will cost $932,000, Jaramillo said, adding that they’re still within budget.

Public Works Director Ruben Salcido, David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
Public Works Director Ruben Salcido, David Edward Albright/Tri-City Recordcca

Padilla asked Jaramillo for an update on Arterial Phase 3, which connects to U.S. Highway 550. Jaramillo said the 20-year-old plan sets need updating, including utility and environmental work. The engineer estimated three months for environmental review and six to eight months for design, with a projected cost of $392,000.

Padilla asked whether an alternate route near Reservoir Two, by the Masonic Lodge, had been considered to avoid utility conflicts near the water treatment plant. He advised Jaramillo to keep that option in mind.

Salcido gave updates on water pumps, infrastructure, compliance and cleanup. One pump was removed and found to be obsolete; the other is failing. Replacement parts are expected in six to eight weeks.