The City of Las Cruces is hosting its first-ever Neighborhood Leadership Academy to provide first-hand information about City services and programs to residents. The Academy was initiated by the City Council and City Manager, Stuart C. Ed, to provide more experiences for Las Crucens to have greater engagement and connection with their City government.
Every week, Academy participants experience information about the City’s services, programs and departments. In early October, Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) provided demonstrations about the many utility services that are delivered daily to residents and businesses in our community. “The main purpose is to educate people. What better way than with hands-on training?” explained Utilities Director Jorge A. Garcia, Ph.D., P.E.
The Solid Waste Section employees brought trash trucks, the Green Grappler, and a residential side loader. They handed out flyers and free bags of composted mulch made from the green waste picked up at the curb and managed at the Old Foothills Landfill. It takes nine months to process composted mulch; LCU produces the product and gives it back free to residents for dust control and water conservation in local gardens. “It’s great to have this new opportunity to explain the many services we provide,” said Robin Lawrence, interim solid waste administrator.
Knowing where the city’s water comes from is critical. Water Administrator Adrienne Widmer, P.E., said, “People are used to turning the tap on, but they don’t know what it entails.” LCU Water Section demonstrated where the city gets its water and how it travels throughout the system from aquifer to tap. Filiberto Aguirre, Jr., waste system line locator noted, “Water is life,” stressing the importance of water education.
The Wastewater Section provided a display set up with a model of the wastewater treatment facility enclosed in a glass case to explain what happens to water washed down the drain or flushed down the toilet. Wastewater Treatment Facility Manager Lorenzo Martinez told the attendees how the wastewater is processed and released as clean (although non-potable) water into the Rio Grande River.
LCU’s Gas Section focused on gas safety and how to respond if you smell gas in your home or business. Calling 811 before you dig is very important to avoid destroying gas lines and creating serious safety hazards. Lucio Garcia, distribution and construction administrator, said “Residents can learn to protect their systems and this Academy helps our residents become more knowledgeable and safe.”
“These classes are designed to be informative and interactive so participants will have a meaningful experience,” explained Jamey Rickman, council and constituent services coordinator. She is the academy organizer and facilitator, and notes a waiting list of residents from the fall session are ready for the spring session, that will be offered starting February 2018. Applications for the spring academy will be available in January 2018. The 15-week Academy is free, but limited to the first 35 people who apply. Anyone who lives in the city limits and is 18-years of age is eligible to apply to the Neighborhood Leadership Academy. Applications for the spring session will be available on the City’s website at www.las-cruces.org/nla, or by stopping by at City Hall, 700 N. Main St., at the main reception desk or at the Office of the City Manager beginning January 2, 2018.
Submitted by Las Cruces Utilities