The Grants City Council meeting, which took place on February 19 was used to review progress and goals, reviewing data from the last year.
This meeting spanned nearly five hours, as the city council members had much to discuss and consider.
Grants Fire Department
Grants Fire Chief Mike Maes presented the data from this year and the recent addition to their department.
In January, there was a total of 99 medical calls. This is slightly higher than the usual amount. From February 1 to the 19th, there were 105 medical calls, which is much more than usual, having averaged about 80-90 a month.
From the first of the year to the 19th of February, there were six brush fires, three structure fires, two rubbish fires, and one vehicle fire.
Due to the weather conditions, it is expected that the brush fires will increase. They have three brush trucks and could be assisted by the Milan Fire Department if necessary.
Fire Chief Maes thanked everyone who worked towards getting the $1.1 million from the state and the additional $200,000 for the city. Previously, the department had to use their fire funds to buy a new truck, which took about eight years to pay off.
Because of these generous donations, the full amount was paid, and the fire funds will have money which they will be able to use for something else.
They had planned to give their old ladder truck to the Village of Milan Volunteer Fire Department, but after talking with the New Mexico State Fire Marshal, they are considering giving it to the aerial operations class for additional training at the state fire academy. In training, the truck would last longer than if it were to continue being used at a fire department, due to its age.
Chief Maes hopes by Friday their new truck will be fully operational.
Grants MainStreet
The redesign of Santa Fe Avenue is currently in the works.
The great blocks initiative survey will end this month, while the tree risk assessment has been completed. A $40,000 grant has been awarded to Grants MainStreet to assist in these efforts, and in the spring, professionals will come to start work. These two projects will complement each other, as they will focus on the blocks and trees.
The aesthetics project survey is currently in progress. There will be a pilot for the project, testing the new color, palette, land- scaping, bridges, and much more. This will help them decide which vacant buildings they need to work on, help with the facade, and the overall aesthetic.
The City of Grants, once the audit is given and approved, will receive a capital outlay funding of $55,000. This money will be used to improve the electricity at Fire and Ice Park, as well as improve and add to the value of the park.
The Spokes on 66 app shows the schedules car show events and additional events. There are shirts out for pre-sale and sign-up for the car show is now in progress.
Starting at TBK Bank and ending at Pizza Hut, there will be eight new banners focusing on Spokes 66.
An idea to put a plaque design and QR code on the murals will be put in effect once Spring starts. The QR code would go to a webpage that will show the other murals around town and where to find them.
Next year will be Route 66 centennial. Community champion and former executive director of the Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce, Gaines, said, “Let’s make it a big deal and enjoy it.”
Grants-Milan Airport
The Grants-Milan Municipal Airport has appointed Mark VonTorne as a member of the airport board.
A new terminal is being added and more aircraft hangars will be soon included. The airport intends to create more activities and a two-story building with a restaurant inside. The board discussed a long-held wish to make it a destination airport and a flight or maintenance school.
Terry Warner has been appointed a four-year term at the airport, and said he wants to create Saturday and Sunday events with food trucks, making it a hub for sporty aviation.
With these two men joining the airport board and having a history in aviation, Mayor Erik Garcia is confident that “Our airport is going to be something special in the next few years.”
Carlsbad Caverns & Mining Museum
One of the best visitors centers in New Mexico is Carlsbad Caverns. The chamber of commerce is going to make changes to the Grants Visitor’s Center looking for it to be improved in various aspects, if all goes as planned.
The new executive director of the Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce and the New Mexico Mining Museum, Ryan Waterbury, wants to make the items and goods sold at the Grants Visitor’s Center to be locally sourced, which will help the community and local businesses. Make the exhibits more interactive, educational, and fun. The large building will also have some of the space in the museum shifted and repurposed. Other improvements will include staffing and operating hours. He hopes to add a scavenger hunt in and around the building.
This museum is seeking funding so they can expand, which is still being planned. They have a grant that they will use for small improvements, specifically the air circulation system. Several of the exhibits are going to be changed and it is possible that there will be more to come.
City Councilwoman Beverly Michael asked about small business development from the chamber, saying that she just renewed her membership with the chamber, and does not feel a return on investment. Former director of the Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce Les Gaines invoked John F. Kennedy, which councilwoman Michael said, “I might disagree.” Golf Course
The Golf Course is getting new equipment and furniture.
They hope to hire more people as well, believing that making the restaurant successful will make the golf course successful. Volunteers will assist in cleaning the road that leads to the golf course. They also hope to create a walking trail around the entirety of the golf course. To bring more to the golf course, they have set up 10 golf tournaments this coming season and plan to have a kids summer golf clinic June 16-19.
Event Idea
Mayor Garcia suggested a “Trail system & fun run for public safety” event, during this meeting. The mayor has been pushing to make Grants the “Cleanest and Safest Community” in the state of New Mexico. Mayor Garcia said this event would promote community health and wellness.
This event would include a 24-hour run, beginning at the arch, through the park trail above Grants High School, and back. This would be a timed event, and pledges could be made to each lap. At night, it would be a glow stick run.
He also suggested there be music at Fire & Ice Park or the amphitheater, as well as a chili cook off on Saturday or Sunday.
Aerial drone footage could capture the community being united.
If this event happens, it would take place in August or September.
Closing the meeting, Mayor Garcia told the council and the citizens, “Grants is moving in a great direction.”