City Council Meeting

GRANTS, N.M. – The February 23 Grants City Council Meeting started with the appointment and reappointment of members to various boards, committees, and commissions for the City of Grants. At this meeting, councilors discussed public safety, and implemented new rules for the city parks.

Appointing Board Members

Margie Marez was appointed to the Cemetery

Board.

Seth Ward was appointed to the City Charter Advisory Committee.

Smiley McKinnon was appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Jamie Holton was re-appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Sylvia Anzures Gonzales was re-appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Addressing Public Safety

Public safety was addressed with Mayor Garcia stating the topic is brought up to try and find solutions to combating crime in Grants. The mayor said he wants everyone to challenge City Manager Donald Jaramillo and staff to keep finding ways to find money – which Mayor Garcia says he has. “They have made headway on where to cut cost and see where we can actually try and do something. When it comes to public safety we are moving forward and it is happening.”

Councilwoman Beverly Michael mentioned citizenbased solutions and ideas. Councilwoman Michael stated an increase in crime in the neighborhood across from Los Alamitos Middle School has citizens concerned. One of the residents recommended a street light be installed to perhaps deter criminals. The councilwoman also stated that perhaps law enforcement can give input on where more street lights can be used to discourage criminal activities.

Another issue concerning crime was brought up by Councilor George Garcia. He stated one of the biggest frustrations of police officers is seeing criminals they arrest back on the street in a couple of days. “I know it’s above our pay grade, but maybe we should pressure our legislators to change the laws.”

Councilman Fred Rodarte spoke on the issue stating cost is looked at more than the benefit of keeping inmates in jail and stricter punishments are needed to deter criminals from reoffending. Councilman Rodarte said it may cost the city more money, but in the long run, if punishments were stricter, it would be a deterrent and criminals would talk among themselves which would also be a preventive measure.

“We’re looking at issues with manpower, and we need to look at long-term and short-term goals, but we are headed in the right direction,” Councilman Zach Gutierrez said.

New Plans for Grants

City Manager Donald Jaramillo brought up the Golf Course Advisory Board and its inactivity. The question Mr. Jaramillo asked city council is if they even wanted to continue the board. “We are requiring activity from these boards now,” he stated. Councilman George Garcia challenged the legality of the Golf Course Advisory Board by stating there is no ordinance in place for them, just a resolution that is only for one year. This issue will be addressed at the next city council meeting.

The discussion then turned to “Yard of the Month.” This is a new competition open to all residents who live in Grants city limits. Each month starting in April, a house in each of the four districts will be awarded a yard sign and a certificate signed by the mayor. A resident can only claim one award in a 24month period. The criteria for winners are they must reside within the city limits of Grants, and understand pictures will be taken and published on the city’s social media site but the address of winners will not be published. It was stated this contest is to help beautify the city and inspire others to transform their yards. The first nominations will start on March 1 and must be submitted by March 15 for the first award in April. Anyone can nominate a yard. The person nominating the yard must add their name, phone number, and photo of the yard. If a photo cannot be taken the city will take one. Forms will be available at City Hall or email specialprojects@ grantsnm.com

Fire Chief Hays gave more positive news by stating a new ladder fire truck has joined the department as well as four new crew members. The new ladder truck was purchased through a grant. The fire chief also asked the city council to update the fire burn restrictions for safety – it was approved. City employees who spent their Saturday helping with the recent 40th Mt. Taylor Winter Quadrathlon on February 18 were given certificates of appreciation for helping make the event a success. Isaac Atencio, who was the race director this year, spoke about the quad before handing out awards. He stated the quad is in dire need of a new snowcat because without one the race may not be able to happen. ‘We are looking for funding now,” he said.

Ordinances for all city parks were also updated. No smoking of tobacco or cannabis in any form or method will be allowed. Hours were updated and are now 5 am-11 pm; permits now allow up to 50 people or more, and fees have been updated regarding the usage of water and electricity.

The Roosevelt Avenue Bridge Project was reviewed and the groundbreaking should start close to March 16 of this year. It was stated project completion is slotted for sometime in May before the monsoon season starts.

Another upcoming project will be the Lobo Canyon Intersection. The time frame to start this project is still in the works, but it may start this Fall.