GRANTS, NM – This month’s coffee with the managers was held on September 7 at the Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course in Grants, New Mexico. The meeting mainly focused on updates regarding road construction, but other discussions including water, private property complaints, and updates regarding projects.
County Manager Kate Fletcher began the meeting by talking about how they were working with their auditors and getting all the necessary financial documents. She also spoke about how there was some conflict within the offices, and that it’s important that they acknowledge that it is common for things like that to happen. Village Manager Linda Cooke chimed in to say that it not only happens at the county level and it happens because of the high stress environment. Fletcher went forward to speak about the road projects that they are working on. They are working on getting materials for various projects. There are currently three bridges being worked on. Fletcher also introduced Acacia Gardner who is the GIS Specialist/Floodplain Manager for Cibola County.
Fletcher and Gardner spoke about how they deal with complaints regarding private property and property lines. Fletcher said, “We can’t give private people legal advice. When it’s a civil matter we can’t get involved, we don’t get involved. Because we don’t have any jurisdiction or any rights on private land.” Gardner said that what they try to do is reiterate what their documents state and educate them. Fletcher said the first thing that individuals should do is survey their lands because it will assist them in their civil matter.
Currently for the county right now the road in Candy Kitchen is the number one priority for construction. Following Candy Kitchen is the road in Timberlake. Following both of these is Zuni Canyon Road. Concerning Zuni Canyon road, the City of Grants owns part of the road, but the county owns the road where the gravel begins. Fletcher said that they will be working on upgrading the gravel road and instead using chip seal. Fletcher also said that the petitions and the letters of support to upgrade or fix roads isn’t what makes the decision on which roads they will work on. Fletcher said what makes the decision is data, knowing the priorities, and how much the road is being used. Fletcher said, “It’s all about prioritizing the money to the right places.
So, even if we had a hundred letters, if we don’t have the data to support that we can’t do it.”
Cooke brought Village of Milan Mayor Felix Gonzales to give updates regarding all of the projects that are being worked on as well as those that have been completed. Gonzales began by saying that he recommends that people go through Milan and see the differences after three years. They have completed the soccer field complex project; they have also finished work at Kearns Field. He said they are hoping in the near future to get some playground equipment for that area as well. In the last four years they have purchased five units for the police department. They purchased six new vehicles, four of which are for the water and pipes department, one for the finance department, and one for the IT department. They are in the process of trying to secure land for a new municipal well; they are hoping to have this within the next year. They have also secured money to renovate the pool. Gonzales said, “All of this happens because we have really good people working at the Village of Milan.”
Adam Weece from the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced that they will be hosting a meeting in Milan on October 5 in the Fun Room located next to the swimming pool. The meeting will be held in order to give an update on the Homestake Superfund Site. The meeting will give updates on what they are going to be doing and what individuals can expect for the next five years.
County Commissioner Christine Lowry came forward to say, “Is there any chance we could start planning a strategic process for down the road in taking care of what water we will have left? With the drought, climate change and all the issues around water scarcity.” Cooke said that the Village of Milan is in the process of starting their 40-year water plan. Fletcher said that they can’t plan if they don’t know the situation. She said they need to be careful with the economic base, that we don’t want large companies that use a lot of water. Fletcher said that they are also paying the COG more this year to work with the water districts in the area to help educate and assist.
Cooke spoke about their event coming up for the eclipse. They will be holding an event in Kearns Park on Saturday October 14. There will be glasses for sale at the village hall for use during the eclipse.
Both Fletcher and Cooke also briefly spoke about the situation regarding Superior Ambulance. Fletcher said, “The PRC only gives one license to an area… The city has a license for superior.” Cooke and Fletcher that Superior has never reached out to them. Fletcher said, “We never negotiated with them, never. They sent a letter in the mail asking for $45,000 a month… We can’t purchase anything over $60,000 without going out for RFP. There’s already an RFP with the city so you can’t do two… because it’s one PRC license.” Fletcher also said they are not going to negotiate anything on a subsidy level until the RFP has been finalized.
Coffee With the Managers is the first Thursday of every month inside the Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course Clubhouse, 2001 George Hanosh Blvd, Grants, N.M. The event is usually at 8 a.m., check the Cibola Citizen for updates on the time.