By Scott Ford Managing Editor
During the last Grants City Council meeting which took place on October 21, Grants Mayor Martin “Modey” Hicks announced that he would not be running for a third term as the mayor of Grants.
“I will not be running for a third term. I will not do it. I swore an oath to our old charter, and I swore to my God and that’s why I will not run for a third term,” Hicks said. “I promise to the three of you [ pointing to Councilors Fred Padilla, Fred Rodarte and Rick Lucero] I will be there every step of the way to make sure the people know that you didn’t do your oversight and didn’t do your job and almost bankrupted the city with what you guys were doing behind closed doors.”
Business that council acted on
The council voted 4-0 to approve the observance of a new federal holiday called Juneteenth. Juneteenth (officially Juneteenth National Independence Day and also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves. It is also often observed for celebrating African American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. The day was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth's commemoration is on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865, announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army general Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas, which was the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery. (Wikipedia)
The council approved the First quarter financial report, resolution 21-1739, the first quarter budget adjustments, resolution 21- 1740 both with 4-0 votes by the council.
The council approved resolution 21-1736, an infrastructure capital improvement plan for the Senior Center in Grants which includes; a roof sealing, flooring replacement [carpet] and parking lot repair and sealing.
The council approved the Grants-Milan Municipal Airport hangar feasibility study. The Cibola County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) has approved $30,000 to help fund the Airport Hangar Feasibility Study. The Feasibility Study will focus on how a new hanger may serve as a catalytic capital project allowing for the Municipal Airport to transition into multi-stream profit center and regional business hub. Drawing from New Mexico’s aviation industry (i.e., department of defense and private aerospace industry), the feasibility will focus on the viability of an airport hangar and how it can support future transportation logistics, training, and future needs of the aero industry. The objective is to drive economic development and job creation including air related manufacturing and support services, foreign trade zone, mobility, and passenger services.
The Council approved the task order in the amount of $34,854.96, including NMGRT. Considering CCEDC’s amount, the City’s actual cost would be $2,180 plus tax in the current fiscal year which is not in the budget.
The council approved First Street Pond and Pump Station. The pond and pump station serves as a drainage outfall and is a result of a land transfer made available by Cibola County.
In late 2019, an application to the NMFA Water Trust Board was made with a “shovel ready” project. The improvements are funded by WPF-5095, $1.6 million. The council approved resolution 21-1734 a New Mexico Department of Transportation agreement for Washington Ave.
On Sept. 3, 2021, the City of Grants was offered by letter an award for the Washington Avenue Drainage Project in the amount of $2,179,312.00. The project scope includes full depth roadway construction, new storm drain system that varies from 24” dia. to 36” storm drain, new sidewalk, and curb and gutter, ADA wheelchair ramps and a multi-purpose trail along the south side of the roadway.
Resolution 21-1735 is a NMDOT fund agreement for Sakelares Boulevard in Grants. On Sept. 3, 2021, the City of Grants was offered by letter an award for Sakelares Boulevard “Planning” in the amount of $575,000. The project scope includes a full corridor study in accordance with NMDOT’s Location Study Procedures and Environmental Documentation, 14,100 ft. from Route 66 to Lobo Canyon Road. The council approved resolution 21-1735.
Resolution 21-1737 is to extend the deadline for the NMDOT Local Government Road Fund Agreement CN L600169 from December 31, 2021, to December 31, 2022. These funds are to be utilized for the reconstruction of Washington Avenue Ph. III. Construction is anticipated to begin 2022 and the council approved the resolution.
The City of Grants was awarded $2.97M for the Roosevelt Bridge Replacement under a direct 2021 capital outlay appropriation. Representative Harry Garcia appropriated the funds. The funding will be employed for construction and construction management of the Roosevelt. Ave. Bridge Replacement, new grade separated Grants Ar royo Trail, and new sidewalk connection from 1st Street to NM 547/Roosevelt intersection.
The City has $152,475.37 in available funds from LGRF MAP CN L600187. Staff is asking Council to fund the gap for design in the amount of $143,944.06 ($296,419.43 - $152,475.37 = $143,944.06). The council approved the resolution.
The council also approved resolution 21-1738 concerning elections for 2022.
Two items on the agenda were removed from the council meeting and they were the Ordinance No. 21-1257 Land use code amendment and Ordinance 21-1258 cannabis.