By Roger Lanse

Grant County resident James Baldwin came before the Silver City Town Council at its Monday, Nov. 17, meeting and questioned how the new plastic bag ordinance will be enforced, asking if the nut and bolt plastic bags at local hardware stores and the small plastic bags some electronic devices are shipped in will be banned as well as the larger single-use, carry-out plastic bags in use at local grocery and other chain stores. Baldwin also questioned the need for the ordinance, citing the use of false bottoms in canvas and paper shopping bags, which can be used to easily hide shoplifted items.

Mayor Michael Morones in reference to plastic bags said, "We're still working on that, but most of those questions that are asked can be answered very strongly by staff. Many of the major vendors who would be affected have already worked toward finding ways of being in compliance. Now, that that's been clarified with the businesses we'll probably start working with and educating the consumers more."

Adrienne Booth, representing the Tamal Fiesta scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., spoke to the council saying the fiesta will promote local food, businesses and entrepreneurs.

Jamie Newton told councilors Gila/Mimbres Community Radio, KURU, 89.1 FM, has a new transmitter capable of sending a full-power signal throughout its listening area.

Incentive Review Committee Chairman Robert Donnelly explained they are ready for someone to call on the committee for help in developing a business plan. Due to attrition, the committee is down to two members, he said.

District 1 Councilor Cynthia Bettison commented that some issues with the current animal control ordinance need to be looked at. She also stated that she would run again for the District 1 seat in March.

District 2 Councilor Lynda Aiman-Smith complained about motorists in Silver City not being respectful of others on the road, namely walkers, runners and bicyclists.

Western New Mexico University will be allowed to paint on the two water tanks off of W. Highway 180 at Chloride Flat as long as the university keeps it looking good, District 3 Councilor Jose Ray said, citing talks with WNMU President Joe Shepard and Town Manager Alex Brown. Ray said he also would be on the March ballot as a candidate for District 3 councilor.

According to James Marshall of the town manager's office, a recent site on Facebook by Home Security Shield.org, ranked Silver City seventh of what it called the 10 Most Dangerous Cities in New Mexico. In a report to the council Marshall said that publication "is irresponsible reporting and unreliable for anyone to consider making a decision about retiring, developing a business, raising children, etc." Continuing, Marshall said in his report to council, "The numbers that are reported on the Internet do not take into consideration any other factor than crime reported or known to have occurred in an area. There are a multitude of factors that may influence the value of the numbers to the point the Federal Bureau of Investigation warns about using these rankings."

Silver City Police Chief Ed Reynolds stated, "This community is safe," before telling councilors about the coat and other winter wear collection and Thanksgiving and Christmas food basket programs his department is conducting, adding that clothes and food items for needy families can be dropped off at the department office on Hudson Street.

Residents were warned by Reynolds to keep items out of sight in vehicles as vehicle burglaries go up this time of year, he said. He stressed that several mental health and counseling facilities are available in town and encouraged those, who may need help, to "pick up a phone."

Brown told councilors the Prospectors will be holding the Prospectors Legislative Forum on Dec. 2, and they want to get the council's ideas on which projects to move forward with. Brown recommended the most important was to fix the "hold harmless," referring to the state reimbursing municipalities for the gross receipt taxes not collected on food and other items as mandated by the state. Brown mentioned other projects for the council to consider, including sidewalks and chip-sealing and work on Little Walnut Road and Swan Street.

The council approved a special dispenser permit application for the Mimbres Region Arts Council's Black Tie Ball on Dec. 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Lawley Toyota.

Town Attorney Robert Scavron recommended the council approve a notice of intent ordinance granting a franchise for cable services to Comcast. The main points of the agreement would be that Silver City retain the present three Albuquerque television channels, restore any excavation sites to current code, and honor the town's parks and open spaces. The council approved the NOI.

Town Clerk Ann Mackie introduced a resolution to remind councilors of the upcoming March 3, 2015 municipal election. "We'll have one voting location—at the Woman's Club," Mackie said. Voting will be for Districts 1 and 3 councilor positions. Absentee ballots will be available at the town clerk's office from Jan. 27 through Feb. 27, Mackie said. Early voting will be in the town clerk's office from Feb. 11 through Feb. 27, and residents may register to vote in the election anytime through Feb. 3. The resolution was approved.

District 2 Councilor Aiman-Smith introduced a resolution in support of interest fee caps on small loan companies in New Mexico. Residents Art Martinez and Gary Stailey spoke in favor of the resolution, which the council approved.