MILAN, N.M. – The Village of Milan March 18 meeting included a presentation on water rights, adoption of one ordinance, and discussion on vandalism.
Water rights
Larry Carver, who serves on the Rio San Jose Flood Control District board, commented on recent changes made by Homestake Mining Company of California, which is a subsidiary of Barrick-Gold Corporation. (The parent company is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and operates 16 copper and gold mining sites in 13 countries.)
Carver, who owns property near the defunct uranium milling facility, said that Homestake has been buying up real estate and offering sellers the option of a five year-rental lease if they choose to continue living in their homes. Homestake officials based their decision on information from the EPA that predicted it would take 200 years for the groundwater contaminated by the uranium mill to reach the federal clean water standards, according to Carver. (The Grants Reclamation Project is 5.5 miles northeast of Milan. The facility was a conventional uranium mill site that processed uranium between the late 1950s until 1990, according to www.nrc.gov › uranium › homestake.)
Carver talked about the two sources of water – surface water such as Bluewater Lake and groundwater which includes the area’s aquifers. Water rights are deemed as personal property and can be transferred separately from real estate. The Office of the State Engineer oversees water rights and usage, according to the Milan business owner. He pointed out that Tri-State Generation and Transmission announced closure of the Escalante Generating Station last year. Tri-State was a major industrial water user and the closure will affect regeneration of this area’s aquifers, said Carver. He added that the Milan Industrial Park, often referred to by village officials as “The Farm,” is entitled to 2,400- acre feet of water annually for agricultural purposes.
Carver referred to the ongoing lawsuit pertaining to Rio San Jose water rights and emphasized how water usage affects area residents.
RIO SAN JOSE ADJUDICATION (State of New Mexico, ex rel. Eluid L. Martinez, State Engineer v. Kerr-McGee, et al., Nos. CB-83-190-CV and CB-83-220-CV, Thirteenth District, Cibola County, New Mexico). This general stream adjudication was initiated in 1983, and a previously filed federal action to determine the rights of the Pueblos of Laguna and Acoma was dismissed. The Navajo Nation statement of claims was filed in 1987. The Pueblos, the State of New Mexico, the United States, and major water users in the [Rio San Jose] Basin are engaged in settlement negotiations and the Nation monitors the settlement negotiations concerning the Pueblo claims to determine if a settlement of the Navajo Nation’s claims could be achieved as part of a Pueblo settlement, according to https://www.nnwrc.navajonsn.gov/.
New ordinance
The five trustees unanimously approved the Off-Highway Vehicle ordinance that was discussed during the March 10 workshop. Cibola County and City of Grants had previously adopted similar ordinances.
Vandals damage park
The Parks Department provided photos of recent vandalism at Elkins Park on Berryhill Street. The unknown perpetrators removed a bench from one picnic shelter and damaged the drinking water hydrant.
Fire department
Chief Keith Austin, Milan Fire Department, described the costs for the proposed renovation to the Motel Drive fire station. The estimate was for $1,215,820; Chief Austin noted several smaller items that he felt were not necessary at this time. The village could opt to complete the ground level renovations and delay work on the upper story until a future date.
Milan is eligible for $1 million in New Mexico Finance Administration funding. The MFD has $170,000 in capital outlay funding plus $220,000 in state fire fund carry-over from the previous budgeting cycle. The trustees directed the fire chief to continue pursuing the project.
The village has another facility on Febco Street that provides storage space for fire trucks, equipment, and machinery.
Police department
Chief Carl Ustupski, Milan Police Department, acknowledged that this was his first monthly report to the trustees. The chief explained that his management style tends to focus on thinking outside of the box. He has been working on updating procedures, becoming familiar with MPD routines, and has revised Use of Force form. Chief Ustupski, who began his duties earlier this month, emphasized the department’s policy on uniforms; he said having officers in uniforms helps community members recognize law enforcement personnel. The department is advertising to fill one vacant officer position.
Department reports
Manager Sarah Austin noted that the Milan Natatorium welcomed 489 swimmers and generated $586.50 in revenue last month. The Rockin’ 66 Transit provided 632 passenger trips and traveled 3,864 miles in January; February recorded 773 passenger trips with 4,542 in mileage. The Mechanic Department reported 16 barrels (750 gallons) of used oil and waste oil had been removed by Safety Kleen. The village will rely on this company to regularly collect three drums of the waste petroleum products twice a year. Manager Austin explained that water department employees had to rebuild the booster pump for Well B-35; the heater had failed, and all the plumbing froze during the wintry weather.
Village cleanup day
Milan is hosting a spring cleanup day on Saturday, March 27. Two rolloff dumpsters will be available at 407 Airport Road for residents to dispose of trash, yard waste, appliances, vehicle tires and other items. Milan employees will assist elderly and disabled residents by providing curbside pickup, according to Manager Austin. She thanked the Northwest New Mexico Regional Solid Waste Authority and two board members Carver, who represents Milan, and Robert Windhorst who represents Cibola County.
Carver acknowledged that the SWA was in good financial condition which allows them to provide the free dumpsters for cleanup activities.
Employee of the Month
Public Works employee Julian Aldaz, who works in the water and sewer section, was recognized.
“He worked on a citizen’s water break in the blowing winter storm, laying on the ground while getting snowed on,” recalled Manager Austin. She added that Aldaz is a reliable employee who rarely takes a vacation.
Upcoming meetings
• April 7, trustees’ workshop, 623 Uranium Ave., Milan, 5:30 p.m.
• April 8, Planning & Zoning Commission, 623 Uranium Ave., Milan, 3:30 p.m.
• April 15, trustees’ monthly meeting, 623 Uranium Ave., Milan, 5:30 p.m.
Visit villageofmilan.com or call 505-285-6694 for more information.