The Town of Edgewood’s February 3 Commission meeting had been rescheduled at the last minute from its regular date of January 27 (unilaterally postponed by Mayor Pro tem John Abrams without commission approval, perportedly due to Plateau Internet problems).
Public Censure
Once the February 3 meeting was called to order, and due to no practical means to get items on the agenda, Commissioner Sherry Abraham called for a privileged motion and read a statement censuring Mayor Pro tem John Abrams for his illegal and disrespectful behavior at the commission’s January 13 meeting.
After the reading of the statement, commissioners made some comments. However, based on Abraham’s use of the word “resolved” the commission took no action, with Abrams objecting and declaring the statement to be a resolution, which would have to be an agenda item. Since Abrams alone dictates what goes on the agenda, in violation of the town’s operating resolution, it is unlikely we will allow Abraham’s motion to censure him as an official agenda item.
Agenda & Fight for Public Comment
Lengthy discussion ensued before the commission was able to approve the night’s agenda. Abram’s procedure was called into question, where Commissioners Jaramillo and Abraham supported their positions citing NM State Law and Robert’s Rules of Order (adopted in a Jan. 2020 Edgewood ordinance as the parliamentary procedure for town meetings). Commissioner Audrey Jaramillo requested that Public Comment and Commissioner Comment be restored to the agenda (and future agendas) as has been the long-standing practice of the town for more than 20 years.
Consent Agenda Mis-Use
The “Consent Agenda” proceeded. Under Robert’s Rules of Order, any member of the governing body can request to remove any consent agenda item in order to have discussion on the matter. Again, Mayor Pro tem Abrams, in violation of the town’s adopted operating procedures, refused to allow alterations to the consent agenda.
In practice, this means the town’s business is being unreasonably restricted. Items that could be approved are held hostage to those items that require discussion, but Abrams will not allow those discussion items to be removed from the consent agenda.
It would appear his obstinance is a futile effort to gain approval for an illegal meeting held on November 2, 2020. That meeting, called and chaired by former mayor Bassett AFTER he was removed from office by the court (for fraud against the taxpayer and violation of the town’s nepotism ordinance). At that meeting, Abrams and Holle, with Bassett casting tie-breaking votes, would vote to allow the town’s law firm, Robles, Rael, and Anaya, to be paid for the unconscionable act of fighting against upholding the town’s ordinances at taxpayer expense. That’s right, the town would argue to avoid following it’s own ordinances. The only person that could serve is John Bassett. Needless to say, since Bassett had been removed two weeks earlier, the meeting was illegal. Commissioners Jaramillo and Abraham objected to the meeting and declined to approve and motions made.
Failed Meeting
Ultimately at the February 3 commission meeting, and 90 minutes into the meeting, Public comment was permitted. At this time, the town clerk unmuted the public. At that point numerous members of the public could be heard saying they had not been able to hear the meeting, that only commissioner Jaramillo and clerk Torres could be heard clearly. Many people asked to speak. First up was Jerry Powers, who quickly noted that the town’s failure to assure the public could hear and participate in the meeting violated the Open Meetings Act. Attempts to remedy the sound failed and it was pointed out that the entire meeting would need to begin again or reschedule. (Electronically file an Open Meetings Act complaint or print complaint form here.)
Record of Failure
Commissioners chose to reschedule to a future date. That makes the count five regular meetings cancelled or failing to occur in just a three month period.
WHY?
When every other small and large organization manages to run effective, affordable remote meetings using Zoom or Go To Meeting with video, how has the Town of Edgewood failed since April 2020 to adopt a useful platform despite repeated requests from Commissioner Jaramillo? Why would the town rely on an archaic telephone conference method? What is it they don’t want the public to hear?
Find Future Meetings
Town meeting dates, agendas, and how to participate are available on the town website: Town of Edgewood governing body meetings. (scroll down to find agendas and packets).
