Meetings roundup: Guns, golf course among topics on this week's agendas

FARMINGTON — The City of Bloomfield may be joining a movement protesting gun control laws that are being passed at the state level.

Bloomfield City Council will consider declaring itself a Second Amendment Preservation City during its 6 p.m. Monday meeting at City Hall, 915 N. 1st St.

If the resolution passes, Bloomfield will follow in the City of Farmington’s footsteps, as well as San Juan County’s footsteps.

These laws include requiring background checks on private gun sales and removing firearms from people who are deemed a threat to themselves or others.

The Second Amendment sanctuary movement began with the New Mexico Sheriff’s Association. The majority of the sheriffs say they believe the laws will violate constitutional rights. They brought resolutions to their county commissions.

Now the Republicans in the New Mexico House of Representatives are leading an effort to overturn the law that would require a background check whenever a gun is sold.

A press release states that New Mexico voters can petition to have the measure placed on the ballot.

If 10 percent of the voters sign the petition, the law will still go into effect, but voters will approve or reject it during an election. If 25 percent of the voters sign the petition within 90 days of the legislative session ending, the law will be suspended and the measure will be placed on the ballot.

“New Mexicans in 25 counties have made it clear that they do not support restrictions on their 2nd Amendment rights,” said House Republican Whip Rod Montoya, R-Farmington, in the press release. “Clearly Santa Fe is out of touch …This is not my New Mexico.”

Aztec City Commission to consider resolution supporting 'red flag' law

While Bloomfield may be passing a resolution opposing the gun control laws and stating that these gun measures will not be enforced unless deemed constitutional by a court, the Aztec City Commission could pass a resolution supporting one of the controversial measures.

Aztec City Commission’s agenda includes a resolution expressing support for the Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Act, better known as a red flag law. This bill, which is being debated in the Senate, would allow a judge to issue a court order for firearms to be removed from a person who is deemed a threat.

The resolution states the majority of people planning to commit suicide or mass shootings exhibit warning signs. It references both the Aztec High School shooting and the shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida.

The resolution also highlights 13 states currently have red flag laws and other states, as well as the federal government, are considering similar legislation. In Connecticut, a 2016 study stated that one suicide is prevented for every 10 to 20 guns removed under the red flag law, according to the resolution. In Indiana, a red flag law was passed in 2005. Death by suicide reduced by 7.5 percent in the decade following the passage, according to the resolution.

The resolution is on the City Commission’s consent agenda, which means it will likely be voted on without discussion.

Future of golf course up for debate

The City Commission will also discuss the future of the Aztec Municipal Golf Course. The city could choose to pursue a new lease of the golf course and new operations agreement or it could choose to end its lease of the golf course either at the end of the year or in 90 days.

The Aztec City Commission meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Aztec City Hall, 201 W. Chaco St. The meetings are streamed on the city's YouTube channel.

Land donation could help expand recreation at Lake Farmington

The Farmington City Council will vote on an agreement related to a land donation that will help the city expand its recreational amenities. This land will be used to develop trails for non-motorized recreation near Lake Farmington. These trails would not allow equestrian uses.

The agreement is on the City Council's consent agenda. The meeting can be viewed live online at fmtn.org.