The City Council of Roswell, NM convened on January 9, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including a public hearing regarding a proposed cannabis retail location and emergency funding for sewer repairs.

The meeting began with a discussion on the proposed cannabis retail store by Nomad Cannabis. Caleb Cortez, the operations manager, presented the case for the new location, which would be the company's fourth retail outlet, following successful establishments in Hobbs, Tatum, and Ruidoso. Cortez emphasized the company's commitment to community involvement, stating they plan to participate in local events and charitable activities. However, Councilor Lee Howard raised concerns about the premature placement of signage for the store, which occurred before the council had officially approved the project. This led to a discussion about the importance of adhering to due process.

Despite the concerns, the council proceeded to hold a vote on the proposal. The motion to approve the cannabis retail location passed narrowly with a vote of 6 to 3, indicating a divided opinion among council members.

Following the cannabis discussion, the council moved on to Item 10, which involved a public hearing for an emergency loan funding request from the New Mexico Environment Department. This funding is intended for sewer repairs necessitated by severe flooding that occurred in October 2024. Councilman Korn initiated the motion to hold the public hearing, highlighting the urgency of the repairs. An amended document related to the funding was also introduced, requiring unanimous consent from the council for approval.

The meeting concluded with the council's commitment to addressing both the cannabis retail proposal and the urgent infrastructure needs of the city, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance economic development with community standards and safety. Further discussions and follow-up actions are expected in future meetings as the council continues to navigate these significant issues.