GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants city council held a meeting on March 18, which convened for a little over 4 hours. During this meeting, burns and recent cleanup projects were discussed, approvals were made, and ideas for the future development of property next to the Library were considered.
Grants Fire & Rescue
The fire department has implemented multiple controlled burns to reduce fire hazards and support firefighter training. A recent burn between Second and Foster Street was carefully managed with strict safety protocols, command structure, and strategic resource placement. Additional controlled burns are planned based on operational action plans, with brush trucks and engines deployed based on risk assessment.
Vegetation thinning between First and Anderman is underway for safety, though this area will not be burned.
Crews continue to collaborate with street departments for vegetation removal, doubling as valuable chainsaw training for personnel.
The department responded to questions regarding the burn ban, clarifying that these controlled burns are for hazard reduction and training purposes only. The fire department has also improved staffing from two to seven firefighters per shift, through the NFPA 1710 guideline required 15 responders for a single-story building fire.
Cleanup Projects Daily efforts are being made to clean up graffiti, which has been a significant issue, and to take down and replace signs. The street sweeper is in daily use, having worn out the back broom, which is being replaced. The cemetery is being cleaned every Wednesday in the summer, resulting in its closure on those days.
The Acoma Street sewer has been replaced and paved, and both sides of the arch have been revitalized. The city is hosting the equipment rodeo this year in October at the rodeo grounds, as they won last year.
The ditch between first and second streets has been burned and cleaned up with the assistance from the fire department. The dump at the airport is being used to fill up the ravine . A new public works building is set to be constructed soon, and the ditch up by Moore Street has been reshaped and deepened. Additionally, a manhole on Jefferson was replaced, and the trees at the dog park were trimmed.
Future Development of Property Next to Library
The council exchanged ideas concerning the future development of the property next the the library. Due to a contract with Cibola Economic Foundation, the development must be educational.
“It’s been vacant for too long,” Mayor Erik Garcia said.
Councilor Beverly Michael proposed using the building as a training center or renting it out for revenue. Councilman Fred Rodarte suggested public comment to explore various ideas. Councilor George Garcia mentioned using it for technical jobs and training, noting potential investment from Grants Energy due to its proximity to the high school. MainStreet executive director Denise Hanson recommended a survey, automatic building repair, or making it multipurpose. City manager Andrew Valencia suggested a convention room or city hall use. The councilors favored the convention center idea, with Mayor Garcia stating, “Big building, big opportunity, so we’ll continue to work on it.”
Grants Motorcross Recreation Center
Chief Monte explained that Clovis property, spanning 3,200 acres, is currently under consideration for a lease to a private partnership to develop trails for motocross, OHBs, and horses. This city-owned land offers potential for various recreational activities, including dirt bike and side-by-side trails. Chief Monte has highlighted the need to identify a similar property within the city of Grants and assess its suitability for hosting such events.
The process involves reviewing a contract specifically for motocross, issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP), and selecting a private partner to manage the development. While Chief Monte acknowledges that this initiative may not completely solve the issue, it is expected to help mitigate it, especially when combined with new ordinances and policies aimed at addressing the problem. The development of trails for different recreational uses represents a significant step towards enhancing the city’s recreational offerings and managing related challenges.
Approvals
The Axone bodyworn camera upgrade and redaction software is being upgraded to the grade 4. According to Chief Monte, these cameras enhance performance, improve connectivity, and increase battery life. The new system includes a language translator and live viewing capabilities, along with advanced AI features that detect faces, screens, and license plates. The five-year contract, funded from the law enforcement protection fund, totals $145,451.11, with the first portion of $23,135.83 and subsequent annual increases up to $30,500. The police department has been spending about $22,000 annually on body camera 3s.
Site development at the new Roberta’s Place site has been approved for $1,558,315.80, including NMGRT. This includes grading, drainage, sidewalk, ADA compliance, and other necessary site work, as well as electrical conduit and power to new facilities and perimeter fencing. The project is part of a five-million-dollar budgetary plan, with major work involving a home spot tiny home developer, a larger facility for the administrative building, and six tiny home duplexes, totaling 12 home. The existing gut starter will be recalled, and construction of the tiny homes and administrative building is currently underway, with plans for a second phase and additional funding.
The Smith Street and Adam Street emergency sewer line repair project has been completed. On November 6, 2025, the water department was alerted to a sewer line collapse affecting over 50 homes, involving a loop from Houston to Smith to Adams to Charles. The project required the replacement of 300 linear feet of sewer pipe and a manhole, necessitating emergency procurement to protect the affected homes. The total cost of the project, including NMGRT, was $64,827.
Additionally, the Acoma Street change order 1 has been approved. During the sewer line issue repair, it was discovered that a 4-foot diameter drop manhole required replacement. Originally approved for $47,412, the project’s cost increased by $13,500, bringing the total to $60,912.
The WWTP muffin monster grinder from JWC Environmental, located at the 66 lift station, is undergoing a complete replacement. This grinder is important as it sits in front of the sewer to grind anything too large for the pipes to handle. The previous unit was explained to have “corroded” and “disintegrated” after seven or eight years of use, making repair impossible. The new grinder is expected to be ready in about two to three months, with a total cost of $87,000.