By: Rebecca Hauschild

Jaycee Park in Artesia could become home to a new reservoir under a plan being considered by Eddy County.

The reservoir, which was discussed at Artesia’s City Council meeting March 11, would function as a water supply for fighting wildfires and would also be used for recreational fishing, according to Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Youtsey.

Youtsey said the proposed reservoir is being considered as part of Eddy County Fire and Rescue’s effort to update its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which directs how the agency uses its resources to fight wildfires in the county.

Artesia Fire Chief Kevin Hope said the region typically has a severe wildfire season every three to five years. When asked about funding, Hope said the project would be eligible for grants.

The Wildfire Protection Plan is currently in draft form and Eddy County is holding public meetings to gain feedback before it is finalized by a vote of the county commissioners.

In other business at the council meeting:

• Artesia Criminal Investigation Division Commander David Rodriguez reported eight auto burglaries in January and four in February. He said police had arrested six juveniles involved in the auto burglaries. Rodriguez reported that two vehicles stolen in February were recovered and said police are still investigating a January armed robbery on Main Street.

• Community Development/Infrastructure Director Byron Landfair said the $1.5 million Second Street ADA ramp improvement project will kick off in about 45 days and last for eight or nine months.

• Councilor Dickie Townley gave a progress report on renovation of the Land Sun movie theater. He said Hayley Klein, director of the Artesia Chamber of Commerce, has been negotiating contracts that need to be completed by June to get funding for the project

• Youtsey discussed plans for the city to participate with Artesia Main Street in promoting the Roswell Air Races Sept. 10-14. “The city is on board for whatever we can do to keep the air races in our region for years to come,” he said “The city wants to help financially. If anybody has ideas for the celebration, please reach out.”

• Fire Chief Kevin Hope reported Artesia is experiencing a 10% increase in calls year over year.

• The council approved a grant agreement between the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration and the City of Artesia for the remodeling of the current Artesia Recreation Center into a community center for approximately $800,000.