Violations?

MILAN, N.M. – The Village of Milan May 12 workshop ended with comments about “leaks.”

Trustee Ellen Baca spoke passionately about ongoing litigation and named a previous village manager as she referred to legal concerns.

Trustee Baca claimed that someone was leaking information from closed session meetings and making material available to the attorney and a former manager.

“We have a mole,” said the trustee.

“They [attorney and client] are flashing around a contract.”

Trustee Chris Archuleta asked if Trustee Baca was accusing him.

“No, I know it’s not you,” she responded. Trustee Baca continued, “I went to HR [human resources] and there is no copy of the previous manager’s contract. The meeting minutes say we all four voted for a 30- day contract extension. I never voted for that.”

Manager Sarah Austin and Clerk Denise Baca (who is not related to Trustee Baca) explained the recordkeeping process which includes maintaining separate folders for minutes, resolutions, contracts, et cetera.

Mayor Felix Gonzales ended the discussion by reminding trustees that state statute prevents the board from talking about personnel issues in Open Session including workshops.

The trustees discussed several topics earlier in the meeting.

Phunware Inc.

Daryl Singleton, Phunware Inc., and Chief Engineer Eddie Gillis made a presentation via Zoom. They explained the benefits that the company provides including a fully integrated Cloud platform for mobile devices.

Singleton emphasized that most people rely on the numerous apps available on a smartphone. (This is a cell phone that includes additional software functions such as e-mail or an Internet browser.)

He described how the available apps will allow Milan officials to improve communication with community members.

Singleton noted that strategic and integrated partners worldwide utilize Phunware apps. One out of ten devices globally use the company’s services.

“Our key is to get your citizens engaged,” he said.

“You can let people know ‘on the fly’ when something happens like a broken water main or an accident that closes a road.”

Chief Engineer Gillis talked about several options and services such as Way Finding and Mapping Navigation. These apps allow users to locate the simplest route both indoors and outdoors.

Singleton said that the communications’ app works well for various population groups including small, medium, and large towns.

He promised to provide officials with program and pricing options prior to the May 20 meeting. The engineer stressed that the company’s encryption program prevents the unauthorized collection of users’ personal data.

(Phumware Inc. is an Austin, Texas based mobile application, location tracking, and advertising software company founded in 2009. It is traded on NAS-DAQ, according to phunware.com.)

Mirabal Park

Manager Austin described some of the options for protecting Mirabal Park from unauthorized motorized vehicle activity. The board talked about potential solutions such as chainlink fencing and installation of curb and gutters to discourage 4-wheelers from accessing the track.

Manager’s update

Manager Austin said that she and the finance department are working to resolve some software issues. She explained that the board may need to hold a special meeting later this month to finalize the Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget.

The manager announced that the May 20 meeting will include presentations by Rockin’ 66 Transit, Grants/Cibola Chamber of Commerce, and the Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation.

Trustee Roseanne Lopez did not participate in the May 12 workshop.

Upcoming meeting

• Trustees’ teleconferencing monthly meeting:

Thursday, May 20, 5:30 p.m., village hall, 623 Uranium Ave., Milan. Visit villageofmilan.com or call 505-285-6694 for more information.

Public access is available at https://www.facebook.com/villageofmilannm/

Meeting notices and agendas are available at https://towncloud.io/go/milan-nm/