CITY AUDITS HELP GUIDE QUALITY AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU (CVB) AUDIT

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1 City of Las Cruces. ROBERT GARZA. CITY MANAGER. FEBRUARY 10, 2012 CITY AUDITS HELP GUIDE QUALITY AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS In an effort to ensure proper controls are in place while pursuing and enhancing service delivery both internally and externally within the City organization, I am working with the City Auditor s Office to develop an annual audit plan. Areas chosen each year are driven by a variety of factors. Today I am reporting on progress in three recently audited areas. Complete audit reports will be forthcoming to you from the City Auditor s Office. HUMAN RESOURCE (H.R.) AUDIT This audit was performed by the external audit firm HR Audit, Inc. We chose to have this external review since H.R. is so integrated in numerous internal operations including City administration and audit. HR Audit, Inc. conducted an on-site review of department operations and dozens of interviews with user groups that work closely with, and rely on, services from H.R. Positive aspects of the report include: Online recruitment services; new employee orientation/online training; the in-house Employee Assistance Program (EAP); a quality collective bargaining process; the ability to respond when faced with urgencies; and a very good employee handbook. Areas where we intend to emphasize improvements include: Alignment of H.R. staff resources to enhance service delivery; enhanced participation and decision making from user departments; methods to expedite work flow and hiring processes; development of strategic planning enhancements; an improved performance evaluation format; and increased use of automated information technologies. This audit was well received by the H.R. Department and changes and enhancements are already in the works. CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU (CVB) AUDIT This audit was performed by the City Auditor s Office. The financial management of the CVB has always been important, but since the opening of our new Las Cruces Convention Center, the picture has become more complex. It is critical that we carefully monitor all revenues, expenditures, and contract provisions to ensure we are in compliance with all appropriate expectations. This audit examined the lodger s tax, convention center fees, debt service for outstanding construction bonds, and Global Spectrum (convention center operator) contract compliance. The audit revealed the need to carefully direct the use of CVB-based lodger s tax to certain types of sponsorships that focus on bringing visitors to Las Cruces and putting them into local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. Areas for review and update through the budget process relating to the convention center contract were also noted. This audit provides affirmation of the decisions made by City Council regarding short and long-term use of associated funds, and also gives us ideas on what changes and enhancements should be contemplated. (1)

Approximately $7.2 million in P-card transactions occurred during FY2010/2011.

2 City of Las Cruces. ROBERT GARZA. CITY MANAGER. FEBRUARY 10, 2012 P-CARD AUDIT The City uses procurement cards (credit cards/p-cards) to purchase many of the operational items needed to conduct City business in an efficient and timely manner. Approximately $7.2 million in P-card transactions occurred during FY2010/2011. The purpose of this audit was to ensure the purchasing card program is managed to minimize fraud risk, abuse, losses, as well as compliance of the current P-card program manual of procedures and best management practices. This audit revealed the need to establish a new city manager policy to provide additional guidance and clarity to City staff on the proper procurement of certain items. Such a policy is being developed as I write this report. DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (I.T.) NAMED The City has had an interim I.T. director since the departure of the former director nearly one-year ago. City administration posted the employment opportunity nationally and received 22 applications. On Friday, Feb. 3rd, the top three candidates were interviewed by a panel lead by Assistant City Manager/CAO Mark Winson and included Utilities Director Jorge Garcia, and Assistant City Manager/COO Brian Denmark. Scott Marr, who has served as interim I.T. director, was unanimously recommended to take the job on a permanent basis. Mr. Marr has done a tremendous job over the last year showing management that he not only has the technical skills and knowledge to lead that department, but he also has the great and seldom-found ability to communicate the complex issues of I.T. in a way easily understood by users and customers alike. He will take this position at an annual salary of $100,000. Please join me in welcoming Scott to the executive team! MESILLA VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE (MVEDA) SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT The City of Las Cruces is a partner in MVEDA. We provide annual funds and the mayor currently serves on its board of directors. As part of our relationship with MVEDA, Executive Director Davin Lopez prepares a semi-annual report for the City to outline what the organization has been able to pursue and accomplish as part of its mission. Mr. Lopez reports great success over the last 18 months. Specifically he said, We are home to several new entities that include Alaska Structures, Virgin Galactic, Sun Edison, Sapphire Energy, L&M Radiator and Pro s Ranch Market. Expanding throughout the county, we also have Union Pacific, NRG Energy, TE Connectivity, and NextEra Energy as new corporate names to the region, each of which will create a positive impact to Las Cruces and its residents. We remain confident that MVEDA is serving us well as reflected in the numerous successes reported. (#1 MVEDA Report) ( 2 )

3 City of Las Cruces. ROBERT GARZA. CITY MANAGER. FEBRUARY 10, 2012 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PREVIEW FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13th The following items are scheduled for the City Council work session on Monday, February 13th. These are non-action items where more in-depth discussion can take place in contrast to items discussed in regular City Council meetings. A complete agenda with more detailed information is available on the City s website at or Social Media Recommendations As previously reported, City Administration formed a staff committee to evaluate the use of social media for official City communications. The committee had representation from several departments and positions within the ranks. This work session topic is designed to provide an opportunity for staff to present a progress report to the City Council outlining the work of the committee. (#2 Social Media Presentation) Promotional Movie This item will allow a local resident an opportunity to present the City Council with his idea about developing a movie to promote Las Cruces. THE WEEK AHEAD STANDARD, NON-STANDARD, OPERATIONAL AND JOINT BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS Courtesy of the Public Information Office MONDAY FEBRUARY 13, p.m. City Council work session - Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main St., Las Cruces 5 5:30 p.m. City Council agenda setting meeting - Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main St., Las Cruces TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14, :30 6:30 p.m. Art on Loan Ad Hoc Committee - Room 2007-A at City Hall, 700 N. Main St., Las Cruces WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15, a.m. Development Review Committee Room 1158 at City Hall, 700 N. Main St., Las Cruces 2 3 p.m. Farmers & Crafts Market operations public input meeting Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main St., Las Cruces 3 4 p.m. Main Street standard operating procedure public input meeting Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main St., Las Cruces 5:30 8 p.m. ETZ Authority meeting - Doña Ana County Government Complex, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, a.m. Solid Waste Authority board meeting - Conference room, transfer station, 2865 W. Amador Ave., Las Cruces 12:15 1 p.m. Mayor s State of the City Address - Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main St. Las Cruces 1:30 3:30 p.m. Capital Improvement Advisory Committee meeting - Utilities Center, Room 218, 680 Motel Blvd., Las Cruces 2 4 p.m. Extra-Territorial Development Review Committee - Room 1158 at City Hall, 700 N. Main St., Las Cruces 6 9 p.m. South Mesquite Design Review Board - Room 2007-A at City Hall, 700 N. Main St., Las Cruces (CANCELLED) 6 8 p.m. Downtown Reconstruction public meeting Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main St., Las Cruces FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2012 No meetings listed. Meeting dates for the boards and committees is gathered from the public meetings calendar in Outlook. Meetings may be cancelled or scheduled after this notice is issued. ( 3 )

To: City of Las Cruces Mayor and Councilors City Manager From: Davin Lopez, President/CEO Date: February 7, 2012 Re: Quarterly Report The following report summarizes the activities and results of the

4 To: City of Las Cruces Mayor and Councilors City Manager From: Davin Lopez, President/CEO Date: February 7, 2012 Re: Quarterly Report The following report summarizes the activities and results of the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA) through the first half the Fiscal Year COMPLETED PROJECTS AND SUMMARY OF ACTIVITY It is with great pleasure to report to our Partners at the City of Las Cruces that MVEDA has just completed one of its fastest first half starts and that we continue the progress and strides that were made in As of December 31, 2011, and as reported to the MVEDA Board of Directors, MVEDA has assisted in the creation of four new locates representing 484 jobs to Doña Ana County, of which 324 were created in the City of Las Cruces. These locates include: Vangent, a back office support center based of Arlington, VA. MVEDA assisted the company during the site selection process, state incentive analysis and discussions, and in promoting their job fair. Since, we have actively stayed engaged with the company and have assisted with introductions to State leadership and DACC. L&M Radiator, a manufacturer of industrial radiators that recently relocated out of El Paso to Las Cruces. MVEDA assisted L&M on site selection and incentive analysis and furthermore has assisted the company in working with City officials on permitting. MVEDA also hosted a soft landing seminar whereby their El Paso employees were introduced to the region and the benefits of living in Las Cruces. TE Connectivity/ADC Communications, a manufacturer and distributor of electronic components consolidated operations out of El Paso and into its Santa Teresa facility; the result will be 100 net new jobs to the region. MVEDA had worked closely over the years with ADC s facility manager who provided us information on the TE Connectivity buy out of ADC and the potential threat of lost jobs in New Mexico. MVEDA was able to work with State and regional officials to put forward a proposal convincing the company to expand in New Mexico. MVEDA has since worked with the company on accessing incentives. Project Special K, a metal recycling and processing firm has recently broke ground on a 30,000 sf facility in Santa Teresa where they will be hiring 60 employees. MVEDA worked with State officials and the land owner in securing this site locate. We continue to work with the company on accessing potential state incentives.

In addition to the 484 new jobs, the projects will create over $7.5MM in new investments and new payroll of over $9.5MM to Doña Ana County and Las Cruces.

However, we are lower in terms of capital investment and square footage absorption.

5 In addition to the 484 new jobs, the projects will create over $7.5MM in new investments and new payroll of over $9.5MM to Doña Ana County and Las Cruces. As illustrated in the chart above, job creation numbers are higher than at this same time last fiscal year (484 compared to 297). However, we are lower in terms of capital investment and square footage absorption. Impact in capital investment at this point last year was a result of the large solar project that committed to the region while the square footage impact last year was largely due to Alaska Structures. SECOND HALF OUTLOOK Over the past 12 months, due to project activity, MVEDA s staff spent considerable time and resource commitments towards the closing of these new projects, as well as the projects that were closed in the second half of the last fiscal year. As a result, less time had been spent in new lead generation until this past quarter. However, we have entered the 2012 calendar year with several new leads which have already resulted in scheduled site visits for the 3 rd quarter and we do not anticipate any slowdown in activity through the remainder of the fiscal year.

6 MVEDA is currently working on one project where we expect an announcement to take place in the 3 rd quarter which would result in 20 new jobs. We also have been finalized on several projects amongst a handful of communities and if all projects committed to the region, there might be the possibility of several hundred new jobs. Overall current activity remains strong with 188 leads and 74 active prospects that we are working with totaling over 5,200 jobs amongst our active prospects. MVEDA defines leads as companies that have an active project, with defined timelines and parameters, and have inquired about Doña Ana County. Prospects are defined as companies that we have personally met with or have visited the region and are in the final stages of their site selection or expansion decisions. MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT As discussed in our FY Q1 report to the City, we continue an aggressive marketing strategy to the following industry sectors: Aerospace and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/Systems (UAV/UAS): MVEDA feels strongly that we have very unique air assets that are attractive to both the commercial aerospace industry and the UAV sectors. Marketing efforts that MVEDA is taking include: o A targeted Aerospace/UAV prospect trip to Southern California in November 2011 where we met with approximately nine industry related companies. o Attended and exhibited with the NM Partnership at the TAAC UAV industry trade show in December o Have formed a regional stakeholder group that is investigating branding and marketing strategies. Renewable/Conservation: We continue to aggressively seek out opportunities in this area. Primary opportunities we are finding fall within water conservation and bio mass. o For the past two years MVEDA has actively been working with a polyurethane entity that has developed new water absorbent materials to be used in agricultural and green house production. MVEDA introduced the company to NMSU s agricultural research department where a research partnership has been created. El Paso Market: Over the last 18 months, Las Cruces and Doña Ana County have benefited greatly from growth pressures in El Paso that are squeezing the industrial base. Therefore, MVEDA is spending more time, and with City economic development staff to meet with more companies from the El Paso industrial base. Early results of these efforts have included Alaska Structures and L&M Radiator expanding into Las Cruces as well TE Connectivity into Santa Teresa.

7 Logistics & Warehousing: The announcement of Union Pacific this past fiscal year affords us incredible future growth opportunities and we are taking steps to position ourselves for success in this area. Also due to the creation of the border overweight zone, we have already experienced one success with Project Special K and expect an announcement shortly on another firm that is making their locate decision due to the border overweight zone. This quarter, we have also participated in prospect trips to Chicago, Boston, Washington DC and San Francisco. More recently MVEDA also participated in Virgin Galactic s Industry Day at Spaceport America and the ISPCS conference. MVEDA continues to work with a number of high priority projects. High priority projects are defined as projects that have the ability to close within the current fiscal year. A few of these projects include: Project Azulejos, a large manufacturer of tiles that is seeking distribution and warehousing space in the Santa Teresa Region. Project Prime, a large Mexican producer of specialty meat and pork products that is looking at the region for future distribution and food processing. Project Pose, a solar installer seeking to move into the Las Cruces market, and Project Gulf Call, a back office support center looking at Las Cruces for a call center facility. SUMMARY Combining activity of the last fiscal year, the past 18 months have been an incredible success for Las Cruces and Doña Ana County in the economic development arena. Along with the efforts of Christine Logan as our economic development partner at the City of Las Cruces, we are home to several new entities that include Alaska Structures, Virgin Galactic, Sun Edison, Sapphire Energy, L&M Radiator and Pro Ranch Market. Expanding throughout the county we also have Union Pacific, NRG Energy, TE Connectivity, and NextEra Energy as new corporate names to the region, each of which will create a positive impact to Las Cruces and its residents. As always we are appreciative of our Partnership that MVEDA has with the City of Las Cruces and your commitment to economic development success and excellence. We strongly believe that MVEDA s economic development strategies help spur and support sustainable, long term and diversified growth opportunities to the region.

8 Social Media City Council Work Session February 13, 2012

9 Landscape Previous prohibitions Exception in liability waiver Available areas for development

10 Selected by CM Initial Meetings Review of policies Committee Review other Municipal Government efforts Webinars Presentation from NMSU Pilot

11 What s there now Existing Social Media Library CVB Police Fire Pilot Pages City Recreation Page

12 Recommendations City should move forward in developing Social Media Defined focus Centralized City page in PIO Decentralized authorship for various City functions Utilities Water Conservation Parks and Recreation Library Police Fire

13 Recommendations Refer back to City Webpage Consistent message from all information avenues Dedicate staff to review and update Create and apply content rules and procedures Publicize effort Measure, review and adjust

14 QUESTIONS/COMMENTS

December 9, week I meet the Transportation Department.

December 9, week I meet the Transportation Department. December 9, 2016 What an amazing celebration we had this past Saturday, December 3, with the tree lighting on the Plaza de Las Cruces. It showed the promise of a bright and vibrant downtown brimming with