GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants City Council meeting that took place on December 17 convened for a three hour meeting that included discussion concerning public safety, North West New Mexico Council of Government, New Mexico Department of Transportation, memorial sculptures project, Nimitz Avenue construction, and Grants Police Department recognitions.
Grants Police Department “The Grants Police Department is now fully staffed with 17 certified officers.” Chief Maxine Monte informed “This staffing achievement strengthens our ability to provide proactive patrols, improve response times, and continue serving the City of Grants with professionalism, dedication, and a strong commitment to our community.”
Chief Monte addressed the recent cancellation of the Christmas Parade, stating “The recommendation by the Grants Police Department to cancel the Christmas parade was made to protect our community, the citizens, and the visitors who would have attended. This was not a decision taken lightly. While traditions are important, community safety must always come first. Every day, our officers put on the badge and uphold an oath to protect and serve. That oath is a promise to place the safety of others above all else. Although the parade was cancelled, our officers continued to show up for our community by providing additional patrols and maintaining a strong presence throughout the city during this weekend’s event.”
Lieutenant Joe Galindo explained that the GPD responded to the area of Third Street and Santa Fe Avenue, after being contacted due to shots being fires at a New Mexico State Police Officer during a traffic stop in the early hours of December 8, 2025.
“Officers of the Grants police department along with the assistance of the Milan police department immediately responded to assist the New Mexico State police officer. Once it was determined that the officer was uninjured, officers immediately swept the area to make sure the scene was safe and attempted to locate the possible assailant.” Lt. Galindo said “No suspects or persons of interest were located at that time… The [GPD] turned the crime scene over to the [NMSP] investigations bureau and crime scene team. [GPD] took on a support role for the [NMSP] and we assisted with crime scene perimeter security throughout December… eight and ninth… [GPD] assisted [NMSP] investigating bureau and we provided all related data from our flock safety cameras in the city to assist the criminal investigation… flock proved very essential for this investigation on that case. On December 10th, the Grants Police Department and surrounding agencies received an officer safety alert from NMSP concerning incidents within 2025 that involved the shooting at police officers in the performance of their duties. That is isolated to the Cibola County area itself. Two incidents involved [NMSP] and one incident involved the [GPD], we were assisted by the [NMSP] and [MPD] at that time. On December 11th, Chief Monte met with City of Grants personnel… and informed [them] about the safety alert. City of Grants personnel agreed that for the safety of all citizens, to cancel the light parade… that was a safety measure on the behalf of everything that we needed to do. Grants MainStreet, Denise Hanson was present for the meeting and agreed [that] the safety decisions [were] important… Grants Police Department received a lot of support and backlash, just as the city has… regarding the cancellation of the parade. Grants Police Department stands by the recommendation to the city of Grants to cancel the parade. This was not done for fear of ourselves. We’re going to do our job. We’re going to go out there and do what we gotta do… This is safety and protection [for] the citizens and the visitors of the city. We know what our oath is. We know what we have to do… We know what we signed up for… No officers of the Grants Police Department called in… What I can give you now is the facts. Officers of the Grants Police Department stand with the decision of our chief, Maxine Monte, recommended and we trust in her leadership and experience. We’ve never doubted her… No officers at the Grants Police Department called in or missed work during the week of the incident and continue to do our job, they signed up … to serve the City of Grants. Stats speak for themselves… Between December 8th when the incident happened up until today at around noon, we’ve had 14 arrests in the city of Grants. That’s ten days. Officers were eager to assist any way they could… On Tuesday, December 16th, which was last night, Grants Police Department assisted New Mexico State Police on the 400 block of Balsam in reference to assist with the crime scene. They called us asking for assistance on that. We maintain a perimeter for [NMSP], [NMSP] was working on leads in reference to the incident from December 8th, the shooting of their officer here in the City of Grants. We’ve been in constant communication with [NMSP], District 6 Command, the Lieutenant and the Captain, and also [NMSP] investigations bureau throughout the investigation offering all personnel and support needs as they needed… If anyone has any information regarding the shooting… contact Cibola Regional Communication Center or New Mexico State Police dispatch.”
Chief Monte clarified, “At this time, there has not been an arrest in regards to the incident on December 8th.” NM Department of Transportation The City of Grants bridge rehabilitation’s production date is scheduled for April 27, 2026 with a 90% estimate being $8,850,000.00.
The Local Government Road Fund (LGRF) has improvements planned from Lobo Canyon Road to Sakelares Boulevard. Drainage improvements are estimated to be $606,960.00 and are currently in the design phase. Planning/Design/Row Acquisition on Roosevelt Avenue from 4th Street to Warren and Iron Avenue is estimated to cost $326,899.00.
The pavement rehabilitation and drainage improvements of Washington and Gunderson has been roughly calculated to amount to $189,577.00, while the full construction of Washington and Gunderson is estimated to amount to $189,557.00, and the reconstruction of Washington and Gunderson is expected to be around $213,839.00.
The drainage reconstruction on Washington Avenue is expected to be around $2,179,312.00.
Nimitz Drive Phase III Full roadway reconstruction to include curb and gutter, sidewalks, drive pads and drainage improvements is to be app roximately $1,200,000.00.
Davis & Gunderson St. Full construction, drainage improvements is estimated to cost $5,082,744.61.
Sakelares Blvd Phase 1D & 2 plan, design, acquire necessary right of way, construct and or construction management activities for Sakelares Blvd Phases 1 & 11 to be about $3,000,000.00.
The total share from the City of Grants: $423,103.23 Total Project cost: $11,462,056.61 Federal Funding will be used for the Anderman St. Bridge Replace Bridge, with it being roughly calculated to be $1,467,955.00 and the 2nd St. Shared loop at Grants High School project being about $1,467,955.00.
NM Council of Government
“I’m here to present our six-month report.” Brandon Howe, from the North West New Mexico Council of Governments stated “The city does pay approximately $52,000 annually to the Council of Government and in return, we take half of that, provide direct services to the city and the other half goes to help us fund our regional programs as we are [a] region entity…” The Council of Government (COG) provides guidance to the City of Grants, ensuring that completion alines with NMFA.
This fiscal year, COG remained involved in the Cibola area Economic Development Strategic Planing group and provided an economic development 101 training to the CCEDF Board.
Howe explained, “We have helped secure $36,000,000 for the region.”
Memorial Sculpture Project
Memorial sculptures will be at Riverwalk water fountain on fifth and Santa Fe Avenue within the Main Street District.
The sculptures will be made of bronze and be 25% over life size, standing at seven feet five inches tall. They were approved for $178,800.00 excluding NMGRT, which includes customization, lifetime warranty, with no shipping costs.
The sculptures will be 100% perineum bronze, USA made, hand sculpted by Austin Weishel, and 100% stainless steel that won’t deteriorate.
Austin Weishel, the sculptor has “over 20 years of bronze sculpting experience, creating local, state, and national monuments.”
The requested statues, according to the meeting packet, will include one male military figure, one female military figure, one police officer “For the Fallen” and one firefighter “Never Forgotten.”
Nimitz Avenue Project
The Wilson & Co. construction management fees for Nimitz Avenue including NMGRT was approved for the amount of $307,368.00. This amount includes public management, full-time field observation, field engineering, and administrative office support for both water/wastewater and roadway. It is projected to begin in January 2026 and be completed in June 2026.
GPS Recognitions
Chief Monte stated “I [would] like to take this time to recognize some employees… before we say goodbye to 2025… It is my honor to nominate Lieutenant Joe Galindo for the Supervisor of the Year Award. Lieutenant Galindo consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication to both the Grants Police Department and the officers he supervises. He is always available to provide guidance, support, and direction regardless of the time of day of whether he is on duty or off duty… Lieutenant Galindo is highly knowledgeable and takes the time to mentor officers, ensure they understand policies, procedures, and best practices… His leadership style fosters trust, accountability, and professionalism and he leads by example in every aspect of his role. Lieutenant Galindo’s dedication and availability has made a lasting positive impact on the department and he exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding supervisor.”
Chief Monte continued “It is [with] great pride that I nominate Officer Ty Robinson for the Officer of the Year Award… Officer Robinson has demonstrated exceptional initiative professionalism and dedication to excellence throughout the past year… As the department’s firearms instructor, he has taken significant steps to expend his training and expertise, acquiring extensive knowledge, and advanced instruction well beyond the minimum requirements… He constantly applies this knowledge to improve officer safety, training quality, and overall departmental readiness. Officer Robinson willingly shares his expertise with fellow officers ensuring that training is conducted professionally, safely, and to a high standard. His commitment to continued learning, skill development, and instructional excellence reflects his dedication not only to his own growth but also to the success and safety of the entire department. Officer Robinson serves as a role model to his peers and exemplifies the highest standards of law enforcement service. For his hard work, initiative, and dedication, Officer Robinson is highly deserving of the officer of the year award.”
Chief Monte said “It is my pleasure to nominate Brianne Martinez, evidence technician for the civilian employee of the year award. In her role as evidence technician, Ms. Martinez consistently demonstrates exceptional organization reliability and professionalism. In addition to managing critical evidence responsibilities, she also handles tremendous volume of public information request. Ensuring compliance with legal requirements while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and efficiency… Ms. Martinez plays a vital role in supporting departmental operations, transparency, and accountability, often working behind the scenes to ensure process runs smoothly. Her contribution significantly enhances the effectiveness of Grants Police Department and support both internal operation and public trust. Ms. Martinez’s dedication and professionalism makes her an invaluable member of our team. For this reason, she is highly deserving of the civilian employee of the year award.”