GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants City Council meeting which took place on November 19 lasted a little over five hours. During that time, they discussed the Grants Animal Care Center, Roberta’s Place, Grants Police Department, city projects and retirement coverage plans.
Notably, the agenda item: Approval of Councilor Eligibility Determination, Dolores Vallejos, District 1 was tabled.
To begin the meeting, the Grants City Council went into an executive session to discuss City Manager Andrew Valencia’s contract. After returning from executive session and with little discussion the council unanimously approved an extension to the manager’s contract, motioned by Councilor Zachary Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem George Garcia. Grants Animal Care Center
“My goal here is to provide you with a clear and accurate picture of what occurred, what has been corrected, and what steps are being taken to ensure full compliance with state regulations, city ordinance, and best practices in animal welfare.” Grants Police Chief Maxine Monte began “When I assumed oversight over the animal care center, the facility was housing 117 animals and about 80 foster animals. That level was far beyond safe staffing capacities. It created unsanitary conditions and increased risk of disease spread and animal stress. Through the help of Best Friends Animal Society and multiple rescue partners, we have reduced the population and we have completed significant deep cleaning, reorganization, and repairs throughout the facility. As of now we are caring for 34 dogs and six cats, a dramatic improvement that has allowed us to stabilize operations.”
“When rescue groups arrived in early October, their initial assessment was that many dogs were overfed, leaving large amount of waste and uneaten food in the kennels. Based on the expert feedback, feeding amounts were reduced. On November 1st, we were advised again by a rescue partner to increase feeding amounts and that change was immediately communicated to the staff… On November 4th, the supervisor further instructed staff to increase several dogs’ food portions again. We have since implemented corrections to ensure compliance… Concerns were raised about water troughs being removed. Staff replaced them with buckets because the troughs were being overturned and they were contaminated. Since then, water access has been corrected and stabilized and all dogs have continuous clean water… Blankets and straw were placed beginning November 14th to ensure warmth and comfort in front, indoor and outdoor kennels… Any dog that has… been identified as needing medical treatment has been transported to the veterinarian. This includes injuries from dog altercations. Animals recently spayed and neutered are now being kept separated to follow post surgical instruc- tions. Medication concerns raised from November 6th through the 14th were addressed. Staff has been instructed to follow up on prescribed medication.”
Chief Monte went on to explain that the allegations about staff mishandling animals is taken seriously and if there were any wrongdoings it was corrected.
She also explained that there was recently a euthanasia at the facility. “The Houdini case has been difficult and emotional for many people.” The dog had bit an employee and was afterwards put into at least a tenday quarantine, which goes according to city ordinance. Placing him with a rescue partner was unsuccessful when they learned of his bite history. “Best Friends also contacted their sanctuary and were not successful. Unfortunately, Houdini was euthanized yesterday. This decision was made following city ordinance and after all placement options were exhausted.”
Monte went on to say that if volunteers have any concerns, they should communicate directly with the staff, so it can be immediately addressed.
“To protect the animals, the city, and the volunteers we are implementing updated volunteer guidelines and training. Volunteers in the public are no longer allowed unsupervised access to the back area of the care center due to the city’s liability exposure. Volunteers are still welcomed, but access must be coordinated and supervised for compliance and safety.”
Director Oshay Jaramillo provided an overview of the services Roberta’s Place offers to survivors of domestic violence within Cibola County. “We are the only domestic violence shelter and comprehensive service program in Cibola County. So, I’m just here to update you on our work, our impact, and the challenges that we face.” Jaramillo stated. “We provide a safe healing environment for individuals and families escaping domestic violence.”
With a capacity of 19 beds, the shelter has seen a significant increase in residents, providing over 5,000 safe bed nights and extensive emergency assistance.“ We are steadily serving a lot more victims than we ever have in the past.”
From January to November 2025, they served over 300 survivors and their children, being at near capacity every day and spending over $25,000 in emergency financial assistance.
Jaramillo explained the organization’s broad range of support services, including legal advocacy, apartment searching, job hunting, court support, transportation, children’s programs, and more, with this year’s children’s program having supported 78 youth, while there have been almost 400 crisis lines calls.
There are plans to create a sane unit located at the Roosevelt offices. The sane unit, a sexual assault nurse examiner, has already hired a full-time nurse and is expected to open by April of 2026, which will be the only one in Cibola County.
Grants Police Department & Crime Stoppers Chief Monte explained that from January to September 2025, there has been 9,972 incidents, a 193 incident increase compared to the previous year at that time.
There has been a ten case increase, with 1,064 being the amount in 2025. There were 567 arrests from this January to September, an 87 increase compared to 2024.
Councilor George Garcia, a board member of Crime Stoppers mentioned “[Crime Stoppers] can give rewards up to $1,000 depending on the crime [reported].”
Chief Monte added “If that tip leads to the arrest and prosecution of an individual or a case that either one of our agencies are working, then they can receive that crime stopper money.”
Citizens can report at the tip line: 2878400. You do not have to give your name and are given a number instead so you can remain anonymous.
“Crime Stoppers is still out there.” Councilor Garcia said. “If you have any information that would help our police officers keep us safe please utilize that.”
City Projects
The sidewalk areas surrounding the City Hall will be partially and fully replaced to meet ADA compliance standards and ensure pedestrian safety, as they have deteriorated. This will include the removal and reinstallation of one guardrail to align with the new sidewalk, the installation of a concrete pad, and a cleanup for maintenance access, all in the amount of $86,005.32.
ALPHA Southwest Well 1 is down due to a hole in the pipe causing artesian water to flow into the portable water that supplies the city. The city is working with the state to fix it this winter, as well 1 is the backup to well 3. To temporarily fix it will cost $79,720.00 excluding NMGRT with a permanent fix being closer to two million. This would be a several step process, with the general fund paying for the temporary fix and the capital paying for the rest of the project.
A member of the cleanup crew explained that they have sprayed weeds across 34.4 acres, finished cleaning the graffiti until Winter is over, changed tabled, raked leaves, put up the Route 66 signs, and is working on installing Christmas lights in preparation for the holiday season.
Retirement Coverage Plan
The City of Grants seeks to change the retirement coverage plan for its fire personnel and police personnel from State Plan 3 to State Plan 5. The change to State Plan 5 will result in an 8.20% increase in employee contribution rates for fire personnel and a 9.30% increase in employee contribution rates for police personnel. The City of Grants will cover half of the increased employee contribution. The City will coordinate with PERA to conduct elections among active Fire members regarding the plan change The City Treasurer and City Manager are authorized to submit the Resolution and required documentation to the PERA Board of Trustees for approval. The new coverage plans and contribution rates will become effective upon final approval by the PERA Board of Trustees.