GRANTS, N.M. — Residents do not have to run for mayor or City Council to take part in shaping the future of Grants.
The City of Grants currently lists 12 vacant positions across six municipal boards and committees responsible for advising city leaders on matters ranging from animal services and recreation to tourism, library services and the municipal airport.
The openings provide residents with an opportunity to participate in local government, learn how municipal decisions are made and bring community concerns directly into discussions that can influence city policy.
Under the City Charter, the Grants City Council may establish advisory boards, committees and commissions when city leaders determine that they would benefit the conduct of municipal government. The governing body also determines each advisory body’s purpose, authority and scope.
Boards expected to operate for more than one year must generally be created by ordinance, while shorter-term advisory bodies may be established through a resolution.
Except when another process is established by the charter or city ordinance, the mayor appoints members to the city’s advisory bodies, subject to confirmation by the City Council. The charter directs the mayor to begin the appointment process within 30 days of a vacancy. Advisory board members generally serve at the pleasure of the governing body.
City Council members, appointed city officers and city employees may not serve as voting members of municipal advisory bodies, with a specific exception for an employee committee established to advise the city on personnel matters.
The City Charter also subjects advisory body members to conflict-ofinterest rules. Members must remove themselves from an official action directly affecting a business in which they have a financial interest and disclose that interest so it can be recorded in the meeting minutes.
Twelve Board Positions Vacant
According to the city’s current boards and committees listings, the following vacancies are available:
Airport Board — one vacancy
The Airport Board meets quarterly at 6:30 p.m.
Current members are Dick Cochran, Mark Van-Torne, Terry Warner and Rory Butterfield, with one position listed as vacant.
The board provides residents interested in aviation, transportation, economic development and the future of Grants-Milan Municipal Airport with a way to participate in discussions affecting the facility.
Animal Services Board — three vacancies
The Animal Services Board meets at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.
Current members are Debbie Petree and Janene Waymack. Three of the board’s five positions are listed as vacant.
The number of openings means a majority of the board’s listed positions are currently unfilled, creating a significant opportunity for residents concerned about animal welfare, shelter operations and community animal-control policies to become involved.
Library Advisory Board — two vacancies
The Library Advisory Board meets at 3 p.m. on the third Monday of every other month in February, April, June, August, October and December.
Current members are Jae Luree King, Allyson Dvery Aldaz and Shelby Alexander. Two positions are vacant.
Library advisory boards commonly provide public input concerning library services, programs, collections and community needs. The city’s establishing ordinance would provide the precise authority and duties assigned to the Grants board.
Lodger’s Tax Board — one vacancy
The Lodger’s Tax Board meets at 9 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month.
Current members are Rocky Mistry, Alene Joyner, Aaron Dean and Kenneth Polk. One position is vacant.
The board advises city leaders on the use of lodgers tax funding associated with tourism advertising, promotion and tourist-related activities. Its work can affect how Grants markets itself to visitors and supports events intended to generate overnight stays.
Recreation Committee — two vacancies
The Recreation Committee meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month.
Current members are Reyes Jaramillo, Tanner Bond and Alex Ramirez. Two positions are vacant.
The committee offers an avenue for residents interested in youth activities, parks, athletics and community recreation to help advise the city about local needs and priorities.
Senior Citizen’s Advisory Council — three vacancies
The Senior Citizen’s Advisory Council meets at 2 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month.
Current members are Dorothy Pouges, Elven “Ray” Clemons, Audrey Jacquez, June Lorenzo, Bernadette Hiles, Denise Hanson and Sally Zamora. Three positions are listed as vacant.
The council gives older residents and community advocates a formal opportunity to provide input on programs, services and issues affecting Grants’ senior population.
Several Boards at Capacity
The city also lists four advisory bodies without vacancies: the Cemetery Board, City Charter Committee, Golf Course Committee and Planning and Zoning Commission.
The Cemetery Board’s five members are Cecelia Murrieta, Madison Windhorst, Marvin Bustos, Delores Meador and Bill Jacquez.
The Grants City Charter Committee includes Robert Hays, Carol Peterson, Elven “Ray” Clemons, Richard Morgan, Seth Ward, Thomas McGaghie and Sean Erice.
The Golf Course Committee includes Arnold Valdivia, Jenna Rodriguez, Lizardo Jaure, Stephanie Rivard and John Phillips.
The Planning and Zoning Commission includes Josephine Hurtado, Sylvia Anzures Gonzales, Smiley McKinnon, Bruce L. Prichard and Joann Martinez.
Planning and Zoning is treated separately within the charter. The five-member commission must include one member from each of Grants’ four City Council districts and one city resident appointed at large. Commission members representing a district must live within that district during their term.
The charter requires appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission to be made within 30 days of a vacancy or the expiration of a member’s term.
Advisory, but Influential
Although these groups generally do not hold the same legislative authority as the City Council, their recommendations can influence spending priorities, public programs, land-use decisions and municipal policies.
They can also provide a training ground for future civic leaders.
Serving on a board allows residents to review agendas, hear public concerns, study city policies and make recommendations in an official public setting.
The charter makes clear, however, that ultimate authority remains with the governing body, consisting of the mayor and four city councilors. The Grants City Council may also investigate the conduct of any city department, office, agency or board.
Residents interested in a vacant position should contact the City of Grants or the City Clerk’s Office to ask about applications, eligibility requirements, terms of service and the appointment schedule.
With 12 positions currently listed as vacant, residents have multiple opportunities to move from watching local government to taking part in it.