Rio Rancho Governing Body says goodbye to outgoing city clerk

The Rio Rancho Governing Body ended its April 25 meeting by saying goodbye to City Clerk Rebecca Martinez, who retired at the end of April.

The final governing body meeting for Martinez was filled with praise for the outgoing clerk who has overseen more than 30 elections throughout her career.

The Rio Rancho Governing Body confirmed the appointment of Noel Davis-Westlake as its new city clerk and began saying goodbye to Martinez at the March 28 meeting.

On April 25, every city councilor, Mayor Gregg Hull and City Manager Matt Geisel praised Martinez for her tireless efforts, expertise and positive impact on the City of Vision.

“Rebecca was here when I joined the city in 2009, and we both went different ways for a period of time and we both found our way back here. One of the jokes is Rebecca and I spar like siblings. So I'm losing a little sister with her retirement," Geisel said. So I’d just like to say to Rebecca, thank you. It takes a certain breed to commit to what we do in public service.”

District 3 councilor Bob Tyler admitted he didn’t have a lot of faith in Martinez but she proved him wrong.

“Sometimes it's hard to say that you're wrong. So I was wrong and I appreciate you,” Tyler said. “You did a wonderful job for this city and I can't thank you enough.”

District 4 councilor Paul Wymer said he knew Martinez would be an asset to the city.

“Rebecca, I wasn't wrong about you. I knew that if Tyler had an issue with you that you must be OK,” Wymer said. “But in all seriousness, thank you for all that you've done for me. Thank you for the hand-holding in my expense reports. I've needed that. Thanks and good luck as you move forward in your career. We will miss you.”

Mayor Hull broke protocol by allowing councilors to thank Martinez at the end of the meeting, joking, “I'm gonna allow it. If anybody wants to censure me for this, I think go ahead and do that.”

The irony of that was not lost on District 2 Councilor Jeremy Lenentine.

“I think it is so fitting and hilarious that in order to thank Rebecca we get to break protocol because I know how much of a rule follower you are and how strict you are,” Lenentine said. “You do such a great job keeping the city on task. And I love how much you love your job and how much you love the city. Anyone else is going to be very blessed to have you working for and with them. You're a very, very talented lady, and we loved having you in this role.”

According to the city of Rio Rancho, the city clerk’s duties consist of, but are not limited to, the following: official custodian of public records; administers business registration process; serves as clerk to the governing body, responsible for the governing body's compliance with the Open Meetings Act; administer of municipal elections; and authenticates and records all ordinances, resolutions and municipal laws.

Martinez also impressed councilors with her ability to perform duties not listed in her job description.

“The unofficial job of the city clerk is to sometimes protect us from ourselves,” District 5 Councilor Karissa Culbreath said. “And so I thank you for the way in which you do that. And also the way that you really, in the election, you carry such a weight and a responsibility but everybody doesn't always see that.”

District 6 Councilor Nicole List, who was appointed to the city council in August and won a runoff election for the seat in April, thanked Martinez for making her life as a councilor easier.

“I just want to say thank you for being such a friendly, smiling, joyful face. And thank you for, when I got here, all the hand holding and really helping me understand the process and procedure of things; you really are an amazing person,” List said.

Outgoing District 1 councilor Jim Owen, who lost a runoff election last month, was mayor of Rio Rancho from 2002-06 and was elected to city council in 2016.

“Obviously we've been together for a long time, and one of the things I've always had a problem with is calling you a clerk, OK. It's so much more than just being what we would typically think of as a clerk,” Owen said. “You've always tried to make it easier for the councilors or the mayor to be able to do what they're here to do. And sometimes you don't get the recognition that you deserve.”

Hull ended the meeting by showing his gratitude to Martinez for her tireless work to help set the City of Vision on the right path.

“You've left a an incredibly positive mark on this city, and Noel, you're stepping into some big shoes and we know you're gonna do great, but we just absolutely adore Rebecca for all the work that she's done and for the way that she's really helped direct each and every one of us,” Hull said. “You've used your knowledge to take and mold a very young city and put that city on the right track going forward. You will always be remembered as one of the fundamental building blocks that helped us put a lot of things in place that put us in the right direction. So Rebecca, I cannot express my gratitude more to you than by just saying thank you over and over and over again for putting us on the right course and blazing the trail and really helping us get where we are. I will miss you.”