GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants City Council meeting that took place on the 15th, convened for nearly two hours. During this time, they discussed the new Grants mobile app, police updates, fire and rescue updates, appointed individuals as board members, and made approvals.
The board had tabled appointing Tannin Cash as District 1 City Councilor, due to Councilman Fred Rodarte’s absence from the meeting.
Grants Mobile App
Kallie Rochlitz explained that the City of Grants’ new mobile app, Connect Grants, will be available for download the week after this meeting took place. The app will provide a centralized hub for city information, services, and communication, with features like a business directory, event calendar, and utility billing. The app will also replace the Code Red notification system, allowing for more efficient and reliable communication with citizens.
Police Department
In the last 30 days, the Grants Police Department has been actively addressing community safety and crime. Police Chief Maxine Monte explained that they have an active warrant for an individual linked to three burglaries which took place at Rosie’s Cafe, Taco Village, and Canton Cafe.
Chief Monte explained that the park closures that were implemented to enhance community safety at night, has “assisted us greatly in protecting the community and what happens at night. We’re still closing after the sun goes down. Right now its a proactive policing. No major incidents have occurred since.” Proactive policing includes assigning officers to parks and business areas, as well as plans to reassess the park strategy around May 1.
“So [I would] also like to thank the community because they’ve been amazing. They’ve been patient with us and they’ve communicated well with us in regards to calls for service on suspicious vehicles, persons, or just activity,” Chief Monte said. “We do appreciate that collaboration with the citizens of Grants.”
Additionally, the department has received $3.3 million in funding for the new fiscal year, with an architect already working on plans for a redesign of the department, expected to begin around July.
Chief Monte went on the explain that there are currently 14 personnel at the GPD, with one certified officer having applied, and the department being in the process of hiring non-certifieds. Their plan is to send two officer to the academy in July.
Fire and Rescue
“This week is recognized nationally as public safety tele-communicators week,” Fire Chief Mike Maes announced. “a time set aside to honor the men and women who serve as the first point of contact for every emergency. Before firefighters arrive, before law enforcement engages, and before EMS begins patient care, our tele-communicators are already at work. They are the calm voice in chaos, gathering critical information, providing life-saving instructions, and ensuring the right resources are sent where needed most. Every successful response we have in the field begins with their professionalism, training, and ability to make rapid, accurate decisions under pressure.” He recognized the team at the Cibola Regional Communication Center (CRCC) and specifically PSAP Manager Mindy Cunningham, who leads the personnel. Their work often goes unseen but it is essential to public safety in Grants and throughout Cibola County. Mindy, thank you for your leadership and please extend our appreciation to your entire team.”
Mindy Cunningham added, “I’m the director of the CRCC, the 911 center for Grants and the primary public safety answering point for Cibola County. We answer every 911 call in the county. All 17 employees are certified in emergency medical dispatch and complete 45 hours of continuing education biannually. Dispatchers are trained in 33 medical disciplines allowing them to provide pre-arrival instructions, including CPR, bleeding control, and even childbirth. Just last year, dispatchers guided callers through three full births before responders arrived. Beyond EMS, CRCC dispatches for all county fire services, law enforcement, and animal control agencies, requiring rigorous training and certification through the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.”
Next, Chief Maes recognized Lietenant Brian Speck, Firefighter/Paramedic Shauna Lassoloop, and Firefighter/Paramedic Antonio Garduno for their life-saving efforts. Over the past month, Grants Fire and Rescue crews responded to two separate cardiac arrest calls. “Because of their actions, both patients regained a pulse on scene,” Chief Maes explained. “Getting a pulse back is one of the most critical benchmarks in emergency medicine. It represents not just skill, but composure discipline and commitment to saving lives. Tonight, we are recognizing these individuals with a CPR, save pins and certificates in honor of their life-saving efforts and dedication.”
Additional team members also contributing to these calls include Firefighter EMT Basic Benito Otero, Firefighter EMT Josh Aragon (also on two calls), Firefighter Manuel Ross, Firefighter Koi Maze, and Lieutenant Rudy C. DeBaca.
“I'm very proud of my staff. I'm very proud of what we've been able to accomplish.” Chief Maes said.
Lastly, Chief Maes noted that plans for the new fire building are nearly complete and fully funded, with a projected groundbreaking in about three months.
Appointment of Board Members
The Senior Citizens Advisory Board saw the reappointment of Dorothy Pouges for a two-year term, alongside the appointment of Denise Hanson, who expressed her passion for helping the elderly and her commitment to the senior center.
In the Animal Services Board, Janene Waymack and Alayna Burton were appointed for a twoyear term, with the latter expressing her love for animals and volunteer work at the Animal Care Center.
Jenna Rodriguez was appointed to the Golf Course Board for a two-year term, and Madison Brewer Windhorst was appointed to the Cemetery Board for the same duration.
For the Rockin’ 66 Express Transit Board, Caroline Ramirez and Dorela Chavez were appointed as board members, while Kallie Rochlitz was appointed as an alternate member.
Approvals
Wilson & Company Construction Admin Fees amount to $140,525.28 for the Roberta’s Place site work and water line extension. Perimeter Ironwork Fence & Block LLC is responsible for $387,595.80 for the water line extension. Resolution 26-1943 grants a time extension for project HW2LP60034 to June 30, 2027. A 2025 Wagner backhoe loader has been purchased for $124,958.46 for cemetery equipment. Resolution 26-1945 mandates that the council will meet on the second and last Wednesdays of each month at 4:00 PM. Additionally, City Hall improvements have been made at a cost of $59,672.43, which includes ADA compliance, exterior doors, and ceiling tile replacement.