On March 31 the Grants City Council held a special meeting lasting approximately 30 minutes. During this meeting, a Fire and Rescue update was discussed, and approvals were made concerning the Second Street Shared Loop Trail, purchase of a new breathing air compressor, and repairs needed for Well 1 and 3.
Second Street Trail
The Second street shared loop trail is doing a compass train, due to additional needs.
An extra curb and gutter had to be removed and replaced due to rainstorms, particularly the bad storm that hit when they had already started on this project. There is an increase of concrete required for the east end of Grants High School. The trail on the south end of campus was in need of a drainage pipe, to replace the one that was collapsing.
The sidewalk on Roosevelt Avenue was replaced due to drainage and safety issues, despite their plans to leave it. The trail is higher than the sidewalk, which is the safety issue. Gravel will be added to the sidewalk in order to level it out.
These additional repairs and replacements, including NMGRT is a total of $110,992.95. The project is near completion, with leftover funds. So these funds are not wasted, ideas as to what they should use this extra money for is being discussed. Some of these ideas include extending the hand railing, adding benches, or trash bins. Mayor Erik Garcia suggested adding a fence and added that he is excited to ride his scooter on the trail.
When this trail is completed, there may be a ribbon cutting and a “fun run.”
Fire & Rescue Update
According to Grants Fire and Rescue Chief Mike Maes they have been very busy. On the 31st, they had two people in Socorro taking a hazardous materials awareness and operations class.
In April, they will have a five-day in-house training.
Chief Maes requested a new breathing air compressor from Siddons-Martin emergency group. The cascade system they are currently using is located at station 1 and was made in 2000. Due to its age the device has issues, despite being repaired multiple times. Finding the proper parts to repair it is difficult and may be unnecessary, since it is uncertain how much longer it will last. Chief Maes said there is a chance that it could last a couple more years, but also a chance it may only last several weeks.
A new breathing air compressor is very much needed to ensure the workers receive quality air. Milan and the County have new systems and have been helping the Grants fire department fill their bottles. However, that requires them to drive to Milan in order to get the bottles filled every time they’re empty, which is inconvenient for the department, especially if there were to be an emergency.
The Grants City Council approved the $59,416.99 purchase, because, as Chief Maes put it, “Safety first and foremost that we’re breathing quality air.”
Councilor Zach Gutierrez said “I like your positivity.
You’re not scared to ask [or] make a plan and be proactive… keep it up.”
The ladder truck they received recently was being operated when it broke a sensor, which caused it only be able to turn one way. It was sent to be repaired and was picked up on the same day as this meeting.
This truck, like the heavy rescue truck that has a pirate painted on it, will have a unique design. “I’m [going to] surprise you, I won’t tell you who it is, but its’s a unique design, it’s pretty cool.” Chief Maes told the board.
EMS has been helping Cibola General, taking transfers to Albuquerque or Santa Fe. An ambulance truck was donated to them from Rio Rancho. This ambulance is a very big one and will be used as “the backup to the backup ambulance.”
Mayor Garcia recalled how long Chief Maes has been in his position and asked how he feels from several years ago to now, adding “It feels like the department is growing. Financially it seems like it’s working.”
Chief Maes agrees “It’s working. It’s a struggle, but I love it. I’m having a little bit of fun.”
The department, as of March 31, was waiting for the governor to sign off on a bill so they can have an additional station.
“We have some pretty big plans for that money. I guarantee it’s not [going to] go to waste.” Chief Maes assured them, also adding that he has a design in mind.
“Thats nice.” Mayor Garcia said “You guys going up and advocating for Grants is huge. Where you guys [want to] put it I’m 100 percent… You’re putting that construction tax money back into our community so its three times over better.” Mayor Garcia went on to say “Chief, I appreciate what you’ve done since you’ve been there- well since I’ve known you. You’ve been around here for five years and you’re a pain, but you’re a good leader, chief.”
Well Repairs
Alpha Southwest Water has run into an issue with Well 1.
This particular well has lost approximately 70% of its production, no longer being able to produce enough to fill the San Jose storage tank. This affects the primary well, Well 3, too.
Well 1 requires a week long repair which will include the removal of the current pump and then replacing it. The pump that will be removed is to be rebuilt, if possible, so it can be used as a backup pump. This will cost $162,699.85 with NMGRT, which will be paid with the $500,000 infrastructure money.
Well 3, once Well 1 is repaired, needs to be shut down and have the transformer replaced, which will help either the survey that has been causing problems for some time.
To ensure that the wells get their job done, they will be alternating and repaired as soon as possible, due to the vitality of getting it up and running.