ALAMOSA — While the future of St. Benedict was the primary issue on the mind of many who attended Wednesday night’s meeting of the Alamosa City Council, a number of other items on the agenda were addressed. 

First, it was a big week for proclamations with council passing a total of five, including Municipal Clerk’s week, Police Week, National Nursing Home week, Historic Preservation Month and Mental Health Month. Also, Lexi Harrod was recognized and introduced to council and the public as the city’s new Executive Legal Assistant. 

Public comment and a second reading were held related to two ordinances, both of which passed with unanimous council approval 

First up was Ordinance No. 10-2025 that prohibited long guns at all city of Alamosa parks, trails, open spaces and recreational facilities.  

The second ordinance passed was No. 11-2025 which authorizes the director of Parks and Recreation to promulgate rules in all parks, trails, open spaces and recreation facilities. 

Each year, council receives requests for sponsorship funds from a variety of organizations involved with events. Prior to 2019, the process was largely first-come, first-served, which seemed to frequently lead to the unintentional practice of city council being fiscally unable to support worthy causes.  

As a result, at the beginning of 2019, a more orderly and structured process was established and implemented, including a “Sponsorship Committee” tasked with reviewing all applications for funding and making recommendations to council. 

This year, city council voted to allocate a total of $5,000 to the following six entities: Suds4SAR 2025- $1,000 plus use of the stage ($200); Oktobrufest- $1,500 plus use of the stage ($200) and tent ($300); Splashland Annual "Kids Only" Triathlon - $500; Splashland Annual Benefit Sprint Triathlon - $500; Tu Casa's Starry Night Ball - $1,000 plus use of the Pavilion (approx. $575) and We Heart Food and Music Festival - $500. 

Council also selected the 20 pieces of art submitted by artists for inclusion in the 9th annual Artscape Art on Loan program that continues to add engaging works of art crafted by extraordinarily talented artists to the sidewalks and corners of downtown Alamosa. 

After voting to approve the selections, Councilor Jan Vigil made a point of acknowledging former, long-tenured Alamosa City Councilor Charlie Griego and City Manager Heather Sanchez for their efforts that made this program a reality almost a decade ago. 

By consent calendar, the council voted to approve an application for a tavern license for Lucha’s Tacos Tequilas & Taps LL. 

The final item the council addressed related to a request made by Lance Cheslock of La Puente earlier in the evening. At that time, Cheslock briefed council on the very real life, front line, devastating impact steps taken by this administration to dismantle AmeriCorps will have not just on the non-profit he runs but other non-profits in the valley, as well, including but certainly not limited to Alpine Achievers and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the SLV. 

Specifically, Cheslock asked council members to consider sending a letter to CD-3 Congressman Jeff Hurd, expressing opposition to the administration’s decision to suspend $400 million in grant funding and fire almost 90% of AmeriCorps staff who administer the program, essentially dismantling operations. 

When the issue of sending a letter was brought before council, there was not even the hint of a disagreement among council members.  Although the question was not put in the form of a motion or resolution, Mayor Coleman asked for a show of hands and the response was a unanimous “yes”.