Rebecca Hauschild
For the Artesia Daily Press

The city of Artesia’s recreation department will change its tackle football program for fifth and sixth graders to flag football following a vote by the City Council on Tuesday, April 8.

The council acted after receiving unanimous recommendations from the recreation advisory committee and the city event board.

“It was unanimous,” said District 1 council representative Raul Rodriguez, who is a member of the advisory committee. “We are looking out for the future of our kids.”

Jayde Burnell, the city’s recreation supervisor, surveyed several members of the community and researched the issue before recommending the change.

Burnell said some football coaches were not enthused about the change but “everyone else is excited about it being flag football because they (participants) are still learning the skills … I think it opens us up to be more versatile.”

Rodriguez said flag football is “a growing sport. I think we’re headed on the right track. One of our goals is to grow the programs.”

In other business:

• Byron Landfair, community development/infrastructure director reported that concrete work on retaining walls is starting on the 26th Street project and crews are laying water line on Grant Street while keeping the westbound lane open.

• District 3 council member Jeff Youtsey reported that a company called The Towers LLC wants to construct a telecommunications tower at the Senior Mill site property near the CVE property line. Youtsey said The Towers would contract with communication companies to use the facility, which would be similar in appearance to a tower at ABU shopping center that has panels to cover the electronics.

• Rodriguez expressed concern about speeding traffic at Jaycee Park, suggesting the city look for ways to slow traffic and reminding the public to slow down while driving in the park.

• City Clerk/Treasurer Summer Valverde reported on projects underway at the Artesia Airport in preparation for the Roswell Air Races in September. Valverde said a quote for roof repairs has been received and will be presented to the council in the near future and that work will start on interior remodeling after roof repairs are completed. In addition, Valverde said, crews have almost finished fixing the runway and the city is working with a contractor on a bid for a new hanger.

• During the public comment period, Pastor Scott Pettus of First Church Artesia proposed bringing a skydiving exhibition to Artesia during Roswell’s air races. “We think it will be a good draw for people in the air sports world,” said Pettus, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who said he has been involved with skydiving exhibitions around the world. The exhibition would be provided by Skydive New Mexico, a 501C4 operation from Belen, Pettus said.