By Roger Lanse

At its Wednesday, Jan. 21, meeting the Silver City Town Council approved, as amended, a notice of intent ordinance adopting the restoration of the Silco Theater as an economic development project and authorizing the town manager to secure funding for the project from any and all available sources, including grants from the New Mexico Economic Development Department. Town Manager Alex Brown recommended to the council, White Sands Construction of Alamogordo to complete the project, step by step, as funds become available.

Patrick Hoskins, Silver City MainStreet Board President, introduced Lucy Whitmarsh as the new Silver City MainStreet Director.

District 1 Councilor Cynthia Bettison reminded the community of her "Conversation with a Councilor," Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6-8 p.m. at Western New Mexico University in the Student Memorial Building.

Three bills have been filed in the state Legislature regarding limiting the interest that can be charged at title loan companies, District 2 Councilor Lynda Aiman-Smith said.

District 3 Councilor Jose Ray asked constituents to send him written comments and suggestions on what needs to be done in Silver City. He also proposed considering a park underneath the soon-to-be constructed Highway 90/ Hudson Street Bridge. Ray also stressed that residents should keep their dogs secure, as a pitbull had to be killed by police last week.

District 4 Councilor Guadalupe Cano stated that the new Disability Resource Center is opening in February. She suggested contacting LifeQuest for information on becoming involved.

Mayor Michael Morones gave credit to 30 years of MainStreet, which has accomplished much in making downtown more vibrant than it was in 1985. He also appreciated the comments made by some WNMU students about making Silver City more of a college town.

A grant proposal has been submitted to the New Mexico Department of Transportation for funds to designate Silver City, as a trailhead city for the Continental Divide Trail and other area attractions with an outdoor kiosk, a map of the area, and updating signs to trailheads, according to George Dworin of the Silver City Arts and Cultural District. He also reported that Silver City and Grant County have been receiving much play in magazines and newspapers across the country and in Canada.

Aiman-Smith suggested in addition to the ACD's list of "101 Things to Do in Silver City," lists of "101 Things I Love in Silver City" and "101 Things to Eat in Silver City" might also be considered. She also asked if there was any plan to correlate amount of advertising with spending by tourists. After a pause, Dworin responded, "I would love to set up a meeting. When would you like to talk?"

Brown stated, regarding gross receipts tax revenue, "over the first seven months of the fiscal year, we've been seeing a lot of downward trends, and it gets right into the retail portion of the gross receipts taxes. I've been working with Tax and Rev and up until two months ago we were at nine and one-half percent below projection, which is a really big number, and I was getting concerned. I knew it couldn't be that big. So, I've been working with them and we're turning back around and I think they're starting to fix some glitches in their software, so that we're getting some more accurate information - accurate numbers. There's been so many staff changes in Santa Fe, they're still learning what they're doing.

"Our biggest expense in the general fund is personnel costs. So, I prioritize which positions we're going to fill once they become vacant. I'd rather not fill a position than drag somebody off or cut hours. We're always filling sensitive positions such as police and fire, and water and sewer could also go in public safety because that's health, safety and welfare. Those positions are always filled as they come open.

"Infrastructure such as roads and parks and things like that, it depends on how important the position is. It's sad to say, but the museum and the library, they're at the bottom of the totem pole.

"Over the years, we've actually expanded operations substantially, and now we have to do a little bit less. It's fiscal responsibility first."

Town Clerk Ann Mackie told the council that the town's regular election to fill the District 1 and 3 councilor spots for two-year terms would be on March 3. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Silver City Woman's Club. Voters must be registered by Feb. 3, at 5 p.m. Absentee voting begins at City Hall on Jan. 27, and ends Feb. 27, while early voting will take place at City Hall on Feb. 11.

In other action, the council approved an extension of water service outside town limits to a single residence about one-quarter mile north of the intersection of Highway 15 and Remuda Road. According to staff and applicant, the existing well for the residence went dry and drilling a new 700-foot well turned up dry as well.

A pawnbroker bond in the amount of $5,000 for Dee Charles DBA Pawn a Lot, 1775 E. Highway 180 was approved.

Brown reported the Silver City Museum Society and the Silver City Library Foundation are working together on recommendations regarding a bequest to the library from the Fred S. Norton Estate. He stated he would be better able to report on what they're thinking at the next council meeting.

The council approved Mackie's list of March 3, 2015 municipal election workers.