‘Citizens deserve better’

MILAN, N.M. – All five Village of Milan Board of Trustees commented about the Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation funding request.

Vivian Brumbelow, mayor pro tem, expressed concerns about Milan contributing $44,359 annually to support the CCEDF because of budgetary shortfalls that have resulted from the pandemic plus the village is dealing with the operating condition of one municipal well.

“The village has spent more than $254,000 in the past six years without seeing any economic development,” said Mayor Felix Gonzales.

“The citizens deserve better.”

He suggested that Milan commit to $20,000 or $25,000 annually.

Eileen Chavez Yarborough, CCEDF director, acknowledged that compared to the village Cibola County is currently contributing $20,000 and the City of Grants provides $30,000.

Eighty area residents have been employed through the Solo Works program since March, reported Director Yarborough. The initiative, which has a separate budget, provides employment opportunities for people to work from home via the internet.

The director predicted that five of the nine businesses that are considering locating in the Milan Industrial Park will move forward with their plans before March 2021. Each prospective enterprise’s final plan is dependent on receiving grant funding. Two of the nine projects hope to locate on private property within the village limits.

Yarborough urged the trustees to continue funding CCEDF at the previous rate. The director emphasized that she plans to continue working on the current nine projects but pointed out that reduced financial support from Milan means she will have to devote more time in researching additional funding sources.

Trustee Chris Archuleta recommended tabling any action until the board’s November meeting.

The mayor responded that the trustees must decide on the CCEDF request because the current twoyear contract expires on Oct. 31.

Trustees Roseanne Lopez and Vivian Brumbelow voted in favor of the motion to contribute $25,000 annually to CCEDF; Trustees Ellen Baca and Chris Archuleta voted “no.”

Mayor Gonzales cast the tie-breaking vote of “yes.”

The CCEDF request was the only action item on the Oct. 15 agenda.

Fire department

Fire Chief Keith Austin reported the department has received 33 calls; they responded to three fires in Milan and two brush fires in the past 30 days. The chief acknowledged that he would present information on updating several ordinances at the November meeting.

Police department

Police Chief Lionel Desiderio said the department issued 41 citations between Sept. 15 and Oct. 14. The animal control officer picked up 33 animals, mostly feral cats, that were roaming at large. Seven pets were returned to their owners; they were given warnings, but no citations were issued.

Manager’s report

Sarah Austin, village manager, reported that Rockin’ 66 transit service stats included 875 trips in September, which translated into 4,524 vehicle miles, compared to 757 trips in August. The IT staff have installed computer workstations including software, printer, and telephone access for the CARES Act personnel in the designated office space.

The Milan Natatorium generated $556 in revenue and had 470 people used the indoor pool during September. The lowest number of participants during lap swim sessions was nine and the highest daily number was 39.

Employee of the month

Victorya Diaz Aragon was recognized for her dedication to maintaining safe work environments for village employees. Manager Austin thanked Aragon for her excellent job performance.

Upcoming meetings

• No trustees’ workshop for November

• Planning and zoning commission, Thursday, Nov. 12, village hall, 623 Uranium Ave., Milan, 5:30 p.m.

• Trustees’ monthly meeting, Thursday, Nov. 19, village hall, 623 Uranium Ave., Milan, 5:30 p.m.

(The Village of Milan relies on technology to make meetings accessible to the public. Recorded meetings are available at https://www.facebook.com/ villageofmilannm/)