GRANTS, N.M. - The Regular City Council Meeting, held on September 17, lasted nearly two hours. During this meeting, the Police Department gave updates concerning training, hiring, DWI checkpoint results, major incidents, and school zones. The Fire & Rescue report consisted of Station 1 expansion, agreement for the new fire station, responding to calls for service, and staffing. Additionally, the graffiti clean up projects were discussed.
Grants Police Department
The DWI checkpoint, though delayed due to weather, resulted in 13 citations but no arrests.
The department recently hired another certified officer, general instructor, and defense tactics instructor, who is scheduled to start on September 18.
The department has participated in several trainings recently.
A five-day general instructor training took place at the golf course, with 12 officers in attendance, three of which were from the Grants Police Department. This training, accredited by the New Mexico Police Academy, enabled officers to participate and finish as certified general instructors.
One officer is attending a certification by waiver course at the police academy in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is scheduled to graduate with a New Mexico Law Enforcement Police Certification on September 25th.
A Mock Drill was hosted by Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility, which Grants Police Chief Maxine Monte explained “This training was important… [It] helps us come together as a community… It helps improve our training and our response time. And it… shows the areas that we need to improve in.”
Chief Monte provided a report on recent “major incidents.”
One incident, though only briefly mentioned, resulted in a fatality of an elderly male. The fire department had also responded to this incident. Monte stated “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family, in regards to that incident.”
Another incident involved a stabbing at a residence off First Street. The victim is recovering and the female suspect was arrested and charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, which is a third degree felony.
The third incident oc- curred at the apartments, where a small child came into contact with narcotics and ended up injecting it. Though the incident is still under investigation, the child is said to be recovering well.
“In regards that I want the public to know… be aware of your surroundings when you’re out, when you’re with your children… I’ve said it before, children are our future.”
Additionally, the department is investigating school zones, particularly the signs with flashing lights, as many people have complained about the signs working incorrectly. Monte explained they are looking into buying new signs that will also have a radar.
“Be mindful of our school zones.” Monte reminded. Most of the elementary ones are out before three and start before eight. Middle school and high school are after three and there before eight. “Its fifteen miles per hour.”
Grants Fire & Rescue
From the previous council meeting, to this one, the department responded to 298 calls for service, with one shift responding to 22 calls in one day. The average amount is typically around 120.
Fire Chief Mike Maes reported that the expansion for the station is progressing well.
The major dirt work is complete, and the area to be surveyed on September 18th. The forms are to start on the 22nd, while the electrical upgrades will start on the 29th. “So we’re ahead of the game there.” Chief Maes stated.
The concrete pour is to happen on October 2nd, while the metal building is planned to be put up on October 26th.
Maes mentioned that they are expecting to execute the agreement on the new fire station, the week after the meeting. When that is dealt with, they will work with finance and move forward with the project.
As of the 17th, the department has 22 personnel, with 2 paramedics having been recently hired, and the department being in the process of hiring 2 more staff, in which the department will have 24 personnel.
Mayor Erik Garcia acknowledged the department’s presence, saying “I see you guys everywhere, so good job.”
Additionally, Chief Maes thanked his crew and stated “Honestly, without them this job would be crazy.” He went on the recognize the staff that had delivered a baby at about 1:30am a few days prior to the meeting, as the lady was being rolled into the hospital. Almost immediately after, the nurses were able to take over.
Clean-Up
The graffiti issue has been discussed at several meetings. As of September 16th, after using paint remover and a sandblaster, the graffiti under the bridge is nearly finished.
An idea to divert the graffiti from spreading throughout the city, an idea has been proposed to install a graffiti wall at the skate park. The wall would consist of about twenty sheets of painted white plywood. When it is filled up with art, it will be painted white again, so they may tag it again, and it would repeat.
Mayor Garcia plans to find out how they can fund it, since it will get expensive. He also acknowledges that most of the graffiti is not caused by artists, but trouble makers.
In addition to addressing the graffiti issue, the cleaning crew has been working to clean the streets and other areas after the recent rainstorm.