GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants City Council Meeting held on October 15 was approximately four and a half hours covering topics such as public safety and projects.
Police Department
Grants Police Chief Maxine Monte announced that an officer graduated from the certified by waiver class, becoming a certified New Mexico State police officer. New equipment including a speed message trailer was expected to be deployed before Halloween, which would include a City of Grants and GPD placard, message, and speed radar.
Chief Monte mentioned that she intends to ask for GCCS assistance in funding to improve school zone safety by installing twenty-seven additional flashing lights and signage on major roadways that go into school zones, with costs estimated to be $200,000. These signs would be able to be controlled remotely so they can be turned off when there is no school or on when children are there. “It’s a great resource and a tool.” Monte stated.
Fire & Rescue
Fire Chief Mike Maes reported that there are no openings for staff, as the department has 22 personnel. However, he wants to hire 2 more so there can be eight personnel per shift- if possible.
At the request of councilwomen Beverly Michael, Chief Maes explained that since January to about twenty-five minutes before giving the report, there had been 68 calls for overdose/poison, 43 of which were alcohol related. Many of these were due to use of methamphetamine and alcohol at the same time, which is becoming common.
The Station 1 expansion timeline according to Chief Maes: Electrical upgrade is complete.
October 15th: Passed
October 17th: Concrete pour.
October 24th: Support beams drilling.
Week of October 27th: Building erection begins and should take 34 weeks.
November 4th: Overhead doors arrive.
Week of November 17th: HVAC arrives.
November 24th: Exterior concrete pad and parking construction begins.
Chief Maes explained that he is hoping for a two week walk through period. Once the add on is completed a contractor will tie everything in.
December 1st/2nd: Should be in full use.
AquaSmart, SeaQuest Update
The AquaSmart and SeaQuest systems are showing positive results after a year, with softer water and reduced calcium buildup. Full saturation is expected by year-end, with a complete cleanup projects in two to four years.
Compensation for Elected Officials
Notably, in the previous City Council Meeting, Councilor Fred Rodarte mentioned that in the past, the Council would come to an agreement for increased compensation. With that said, he proposed an increase of the Council at $20,000 a year and the Mayor at $25,000 a year.
Councilor George Garcia agreed that it is time for an increase, but added that it should be reasonable The action is for the draft of the ordinance, not to pass the proposed compensation. So, the City Manager is to draft an ordnance with those amounts in mind.
Water Trust Board Applications Project
The Water Trust Board applied for funding in the amount of $7,105,454.55, including 10% city match, for infrastructure improvements on Santa Fe Avenue and San Jose Drive. The loan was based on the city’s financial status, with approximately $300,000 available from a new tac for the city match. The council discussed it, changing the amount to $5,065,454.55, with a 10% match.