Public Works and Utilities Committee Mon, May 18, 2026 · Public Works and Utilities Committee https://santafeminutes.space/meeting/967 == Executive Summary == The Public Works and Utilities Committee held a meeting where they approved both the agenda and the consent agenda unanimously. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing Steven Ohinaga as the Public Works Department Employee of the Month for April 2026, commending his 11 years of service and dedication to maintaining Santa Fe's parks and public spaces, particularly the Plaza and downtown flower program. Committee members were invited to join a newly formed task force/working group on homelessness, which originated from the Finance Committee. Additionally, an upcoming Public Safety Committee meeting was announced, which will include a presentation on Accessory Dwelling Units (ARUs). No public comments were received during the meeting. == Key Decisions == - Approved the agenda. - Approved the consent agenda. == Motions & Votes == - Motion to approve the agenda — Passed unanimously - Motion to approve the consent agenda — Passed unanimously via roll call vote == Public Comment == No public comment period. == Topics == - Employee Recognition - Parks & Public Spaces Maintenance - Homelessness Task Force - ARU Presentation == Full Transcript == Can you let me know when we're live, please? Madam Chair, Councilor Chavez, we are live. Thank you so much. Can I get a roll call, please? Yes, absolutely. Chairperson Chavez? Here. Councilor Barrett? Here. Councilor Bamante? Here. Councilor Falner? Here. Councilor Fagali? Here. Chair, you have a quorum. And the reason why we took roll is because I called to order the Public Works and Utilities Committee meeting. It is 5:00 and today is Monday, May 18th. All right. Approval of the agenda. Are there any changes from staff? No changes from staff. Can I get a motion, please? Motion to approve. Second. I have a motion. I have a second. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye." Aye. Any opposed? See none. Motion passes. Approval of the consent agenda. Nothing was pulled. If anyone wants to... Motion to approve. Second. Motion and a second. Could I get a roll call vote, please? Yes, absolutely. Chairperson Chavez? Yes. Councilor Barrett? Yes. Councilor Bamante? Yes. Councilor Falner? Yes. And Councilor Fagali? Motion passes. Great. Okay. Next is public comment. Is there anyone here from the public that would like to step up and speak to us this evening? No. Okay. Presentations. Public Works Department Employee of the Month. We like these presentations. April 2026, Steven Ohinaga, Senior Maintenance Worker, Parks and Open Space Division. And Director McDonald will be here to share the info about a great staff member today. Madam Chair, councilors, I'm just so honored to be here to recognize Steven Ohinaga. I would like to say that his work ethic and continued support of the Park and Open Space Division has been just instrumental. Steven has been a key member of the parks horticulture crew and consistently demonstrates strong commitment to maintaining the beauty and quality of our parks and our public spaces. His attention to detail and pride in his work play a major role in ensuring that the Santa Fe Plaza remains in excellent condition for residents and visitors year-round, and those baskets and all the beautiful things that we see there. In addition to his work on the Plaza, Steven has been instrumental in the success of our, what we call, our downtown flower program. And through his ongoing work in our greenhouse, he carefully manages plant care and watering schedules to ensure plants are healthy and ready for installation throughout the downtown area. His efforts behind the scenes directly contribute to the vibrant seasonal displays and enhance the city's landscape. Steven has been with the city for 11 years, beginning his career in the wildland fire crew before joining our hort crew. And throughout his time at the city, he has displayed reliability, professionalism, and a strong dedication to public service. So with that, I would like to also let Andrew Garcia, his direct supervisor, add anything you want to say, and then we're going to give you... Good evening. I don't have a whole lot to say except for I'm very fortunate to have Steven on my crew. We've worked closely for many, many years. We became really close buddies during COVID because it was just him and I basically out on the Plaza. There was nobody. I was like, we still have to continue with our program. Even though there's nobody out here, we're going to do this for the few people that... He's an outstanding worker. I've known his family for years. His father and I went to school together. So, I'm glad to have him aboard. He's a champ. He's going to be great in our future for Santa Fe. So, very proud to have him. Great. Thank you so much for everything you do, Stephen. Thank you. We'd all like to thank you personally. If you want to come up so we could shake your hand and say thank you. And is this the same? Does this come with a... Yes, absolutely. I was just going to say... This comes with some perks, which it should. We need to make sure that we are showing our appreciation. So, I'll turn it over to Director so that he could explain that. Thank you. And Stephen, just so you're aware that this does come with a one-day or eight hours of administrative leave to enjoy. Thank you so much. We really appreciate you and really nice to be able to recognize you. So, thanks a lot. Thank you. Those are my favorite. Okay, next. Matters from staff. No matters from staff, Chair. Come on. You have something to say, right? And then matters from committee. Yes. I formed a task force working group out of the Finance Committee. For the people who aren't on the Finance Committee, if you would like to be on that working group, it's for homelessness, just let me know and I'll put you on it. Great. Thank you. My only thing is I have a committee meeting for Public Safety tomorrow. You all are getting emails around ARU. There will be an ARU presentation. It'll be somewhat different than what we've received. I think there will be more information. I welcome you all to join us at 4:00 tomorrow here in chambers to discuss ARU. And with that, our next meeting is Monday, June 1st, 2026. We are adjourned.