Artesia Council Sets Complimentary Ticket Guidelines

The Artesia City Council recently approved an ordinance regarding complimentary tickets to events given to council members and other officials by the city.

City attorney Kevin Ennis explained that the ordinance would exempt tickets given by the city — for a show, performance or other event — as gifts under the guidelines of the Fair Political Practices Commission so long as their attendance to such an event is for an official purpose.

An example of attending events for an official purpose includes having an official present to support an organization that the city is providing assistance.

Mayor Victor Manalo said the resolution would add to the city’s efforts to promote transparency in local government.

“The city’s been very transparent as far as the budget, staff salaries, Council salaries and I think this is just another way for the public to be reassured that we are responsible stewards of money and we’re not just spending it haphazardly on different events,” he said before the Council unanimously passed the ordinance.

Other actions by the Artesia City Council in their October meeting include:

• Acknowledgement of Red Ribbon Week by presenting schools within city limits certificates of recognition.
• Presentation of a plaque to Commander Christy Guyovich, who is leaving her position as Captain of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station—which services the city of Artesia—after being promoted as Commander by Sheriff Lee Baca.
• Affirmed Planning Commission recommendations by rejecting a request for approval of a permit for a wine shop across the street from the and approving a conditional use for a threading business in the city’s downtown.

The next Artesia City Council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at . For more information, call (562) 865-6262 or go to www.cityofartesia.us.