‘Rock and a hard place’

GRANTS, N.M. - City of Grants councilors opened the Jan. 19 regular meeting at 6 p.m. Just prior to calling the session to order, Mayor Martin “Modey” Hicks asked an audience member to offer a prayer.

After roll call and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, but before approving the agenda, a motion by Mayor Hicks was approved to remove items #7 and #8 concerning the transit system and financial decisions to be made. The reason for the change was that the mayor wanted to postpone actions on these items until Councilman Erik Garcia of District 1 (who was absent) and the Rockin’ 66 Transit staff could be present, as well as waiting until the council could discuss “financial cuts across the board.”

Following approval of the revised agenda, a discussion about charter compliance, and approval of meeting minutes, the council moved on to two important upcoming city projects — the first was Phase II of the First Street Roadway and Drainage Reconstruction from Washington Avenue to Roosevelt Avenue. Construction Operation Manager Christopher Perea, Wilson & Company, went through the bidding process for the project, presented the Bid Tabulation document. Perea recommended that the council award the bid to Compass Engineering, Inc. for the First Street Infrastructure Improvements project. Mayor Hicks voiced some concerns about the project — those being that the drainage would be dealt with after completion of the roadway, that the road would be raised up by about six inches in height, and that the project contractor be aware and cautious about affecting the toxic pollution plume that exists under First Street.

This chemical plume has been around for years and is a result of spillage from the nearby dry cleaners years ago, according to Hicks. Most of it has been removed over time and monitored, but there is still a risk to the surrounding water if the plume were to be hit during the construction process. This would be a major cause of concern for the New Mexico Environmental Department and the city.

The mayor claimed that his time as an elected official and experience as mayor have made him familiar with drainage, flooding, and the way infrastructure projects work. After much discussion, the council agreed to approve the total award of $5,414,414.52 to Compass Engineering, contingent upon a steady flow of communication between the contractor and the city officials, making sure that everything is running smoothly, and concerns are being addressed every step of the way. Construction should begin around February/March and completed around October/November.

The council then discussed the second important project - Well #3, which has been an issue “off and on” for about two years, according to the mayor. Actions regarding issues with that city well and possible alternatives were constantly delayed. Various city councils throughout the years cited a lack of money, said Hicks. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic also made communication and action difficult in relation to the well situation.

“Now, we’re out of alternatives,” said the mayor.

The well’s condition has become more urgent so critical that the council approved a recommendation to award $1, 480,625.91 to Smithco Construction, Inc., a family-owned business headquartered in Caballo, N.M., to drill a new well without the guarantee of funding. Councilman Fred Rodarte referred to the council and the situation as a “rock and a hard place.” The New Mexico Water Trust Board is expected to provide most of the funding but because of difficulties resulting from COVID-19, city officials have not received funding confirmation.

The mayor said that he contacted State Representative Harry Garcia and State Senator Joshua Sanchez about the situation.

“I’ve already been on the phone with both of those gentlemen; and they’ve both assured me to move forward and we’ll get the money,” said Hicks.

The council also approved an emergency purchase order of rehabilitation for Well #3, which will be completed by Alpha Southwest Inc. for $27,169.76. City water restrictions could be a possibility if Well #3 is not taken care of by summertime, said the mayor.

Grants Fire & Rescue Chief Robert Hays presented the 2020 annual report, which can be found on the City of Grants website under the Jan. 19 meeting agenda.

Lastly. the council approved a service agreement amendment with the Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation, which will be receiving some financial cuts, as well as the CCEDF board appointments of Mayor Hicks and Councilor Rodarte.