Silver City -- From grant awards for a new living history program at the museum and significant infrastructure improvements, to greatly expanded computer and digital library services and the hiring of new police officers, 2023 was a year of many accomplishments by Town of Silver City government. Reflecting on 2023, staff recently noted several key accomplishments over the past year:
The Silver City Museum, under the direction of Bart Roselli, was awarded a $100,000 grant from the New Mexico Economic Development Department to create a living history theater program for it's main exhibit, "Silver City 101." Funds will also support collaboration with local theater groups, and enhance the museum's attraction as a tourist destination, supporting local economic development.
The museum's partnership with Silver Consolidated Schools continues to flourish, creating curriculum-based, interactive opportunities for Kindergarten through fourth-graders to learn about local history.
Museum staff also launched a major new exhibition, "Nuestra Voz: The Chihuahua Hill Story." This interactive exhibit is the culmination of three years of research into the town's earliest, settled neighborhoods, particularly Chihuahua Hill. Visitors with smartphones can scan QR codes to listen to excerpts of oral histories of Chihuahua Hill residents, past and present.
Programs at the Silver City Public Library's expanded significantly in 2023. The variety of offerings for the annual summer reading program benefitted participants of all ages, and new collaborations with community members and organizations resulted in a record 267 programs for both adults and youth, hosted by the library, which were attended by more than 4,600 people. The Friends of the Library funded the majority of library programming. The library is directed by Ken Dayer and Lillian Galloway.
New digital services were added to the library's offerings, including GrantStation, a research database to help nonprofit organizations find funding sources. This service is paid by the Grant County Community Foundation. Kanopy was also added, which is a digital streaming service for narrative and documentary films. A complete list of digital resources can be found at the library’s website, https://silvercitypubliclibrary.org/resources-and-services/digital-services /. Computer options also expanded last year, including the addition of an AWE computer for ages 8-12, and nine Playaway launchpads, both of which provide educational activities to promote early literacy. In the teen room, GIMP (image editing software) and Krita (painting software) were added to the computers.
To support ease of computer, use, internet speed increased to 500 mbps, making the library one of the area's fastest public internet options, and two computers are available for customers to check out for use while in the library. Also, a new ecard option was created for library users who want to access digital services from home.
Public Safety
Throughout the spring and summer months, Silver City Police Chief Freddie Portillo and town administration focused on staffing, and hired new officers to enhance safety patrols throughout the community, and provide more service to residents. Currently there is just one vacancy in the department. Over the summer months, a special operation was conducted in the Southeast area of town, primarily in the Brewer Hill Neighborhood, after citizens complained about various problems in the area, including criminal trespass, property theft, property damage and loitering.
Five new undercover police cars are now being leased for use by the investigations division, and plans are underway to add 11 marked patrol cars to the patrol division. In addition, information technology staff played a key role in making software and equipment upgrades to computers in the department, aiding in data reporting and analysis, which is key to identifying where to staff patrol officers and conduct special operations to reduce crime and protect town residents.
The fire department also upgraded its equipment in the last year. "Engine 21" replaced a 2008 engine, and the training tower located at station #2 on 32nd Street was repaired, and is now back in service for the first time since 2010.
Infrastructure improvements were significant in 2023. Under the direction of Peter Peña, Public Works director, the third phase of a multi-year roadway and drainage improvement project on approximately 1,200 feet of roadway north of Chavez Lane on Little Walnut Road was completed, which includes the installation of new paving, curb and gutter, sidewalks on the west side of the road, drive-pads, ADA ramps at the intersections, signage and striping to include bike lanes.
Little Walnut Road improvements will continue this year, thanks to the town's successful application for more than $3.6 million in Colonias Infrastructure and state transportation funds to begin Phase IV improvements up to Jack Frost Drive, which will include new pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalks on the west side of the road, drainage improvements at Cottonwood Creek, drive-pads, ADA ramps at the intersections, signage and striping to include bike lanes. A multi-modal road, this key roadway supports drivers, walkers and bikers, and is an important economic development asset for the town, given its connection to town services and amenities for outdoor recreation enthusiasts on the Continental Divide Trail, as well as within the Gila National Forest.
Construction on 32nd Street began in June of 2023 and will be completed in the first quarter of this year. This project includes paving, replacement of sections of curb and gutter, sidewalks, ADA-compliance intersections, drainage improvements, drive-pads, signage and striping to include bike lanes, from Swan Street east to Pinos Altos Road.
The Utilities Department, under the direction of Robert Esqueda, completed the Indian Hills sewer extension project in November, which was funded entirely by grant funds from the New Mexico Office of Natural Resource Trustee. The project extended sewer service to 29 homes along both Cain and Arrowhead drives, and residents are asked to contact the Utilities Department to connect to the new line, and abandon their septic systems. Connection fees will be waived, given that the Town of Silver City is using those fees to meet match requirements of the grant.
Utility staff also completed the extension of approximately 3,200 feet of eight-inch water line along Mountain View Road from Agave Street south to the termination point near Ranzo Way. The extension of water allows for improved fire protection in the Mountain View area, and provides a second water source for residents currently using domestic wells.
Finally, executive department staff, which includes Town Manager Alex Brown, Assistant Town Manager James Marshall, Maria "Tina" Sublasky, personnel officer, administrative staff, the town clerk and town attorney, were busy overseeing all town departments and projects, as well as working with the Silver City Town Council, and handling questions and concerns of local business owners and residents, as well as civic and other nonprofit organizations.
Town Manager Brown manages the municipal budget, along with finance department staff, which has grown to $72 million from $18 million in 2001, when he became acting town manager and finance director. He also is leading the development of the new multi-million-dollar Grant County Recreation Center, for which groundbreaking will be happening in February. Staff are also preparing for the relocation of town hall to the Washington Federal Building, at the corner of 12th Street and Hudson, where the town annex is currently located. Brown is also director of the Grant County Water Commission, which is hard at work developing a regional water system to support economic development throughout the county, and ensure that all Grant County residents will have a safe and reliable source of water well into the future.
For more information about the Town of Silver City, please visit the town's official website at townofsilvercity.org, or call (575) 538-373