Economic development and village industrial park
MILAN, N.M. – Cibola County Emergency Manager Dustin Middleton reported that the limited number of hospital beds statewide poses an ongoing threat to healthcare providers’ ability to treat COVID-19 patients. The county recorded 51 deaths on Dec. 10 and New Mexico hospitals were “almost at capacity” warned Middleton.
The emergency manager said last Thursday there were only 33 ICU beds available statewide and currently 160 patients were on ventilators. New Mexico is no longer able to send patients to out-of-state hospitals because those facilities are struggling to provide care for their own patients.
He noted that Cibola General Hospital is reaching capacity and that the four ICU beds are constantly filled. The number of positive cases in the county’s three correctional facilities continue to increase.
Middleton acknowledged that each agency is responsible for their personal protective equipment purchases; the state will assist with providing PPE when necessary.
He noted that the number of COVID positive tests for community members was 17.3 percent per 100,000, which keeps the county at the red level. This is the most restrictive level of the state’s threetier reopening standards.
“It’s spreading faster than we want,” commented the emergency manager during the Village of Milan meeting, which was held off-site via teleconferencing on Dec.10.
Village officials responded to the increasing number of positive tests that have been recorded since Oct. 31 and cancelled all trustees’ meetings for November and eliminated the December workshop session.
Economic development
Eileen Chavez Yarborough, Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation executive director, requested a special meeting with Milan officials to discuss specific requirements for potential businesses to locate within the Milan Industrial Park. She said that two potential tenants are ready to move into the MIP but have questions about infrastructure and other topics. She suggested that Milan officials invite New Mexico Council of Government staff and Wilson & Co. representatives to participate in the meeting, which has been scheduled for Friday, Dec. 18.
Fire department
Chief Keith Austin reported the department responded to one fire in November; it was a vehicle fire. The department has tested fire hoses and 14 require replacement. The members assisted with COVID testing at the Grants’ health department, N.M. Department of Health.
Police department
Chief Lionel Desiderio reported that during November officers had responded to 20 service calls, one vehicle accident, issued eight citations, responded to one auto theft, made eight arrests, and there was one incident of assault against an MPD officer during.
Manager Sarah Austin provided photos of the new Vactor truck, which was delivered Dec. 10. She acknowledged that funding assistance by local and state elected officials had enabled the village to make the purchase.
The truck has a pump and a tank connected to a vacuum system. The pump is designed to pneumatically suck liquids, sludges, solids, or the like from a location (often underground) into the tank of the truck. The objective is to enable transport of the liquid or solid material via road to another location for dumping.
Employee of the Month
The village recognized Officer R. Touchin, Milan Police Department, for November. He is a dedicated officer who does a
Vactor truck delivery lot to ensure the safety of community members, according to Manager Austin.
Wanda Merriman, Milan Natatorium, was honored as the December Employee of the Month for her contributions. She implemented a new aerobics class in October and is a reliable employee, noted the village manager.
Upcoming meetings
• Trustees’ workshops have been cancelled until further notice.
• Planning and zoning meeting, Jan. 14, via teleconferencing, 5:30 p.m.
• Trustees’ regular meeting, Jan. 21, via teleconferencing, 5:30 p.m.
Visit villageofmilan.com or call 505-285-6694 for more information.