Approves budget in regular session
By Mary Alice Murphy
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Bayard Cemetery, city officials held a City Council work session and a regular session.
Bayard Clerk/Treasurer Kristina Ortiz gave an overview of the budget, which was to be approved at the regular session.
"The only items removed from the first budget were two vehicles," Ortiz said. "Salaries are the same. Those on the agenda are in the budget. Those hired and serving on an introductory basis are included with the increase when they go to full time.
"We had an audit and will have an exit on that," Ortiz said. "We did make some changes, because of the audit, but the budget is ready to go. This is the interim budget. We have until July 1 for the state to return it. Once we get the approval of the preliminary budget, we will bring it back to the City Council for approval or changes."
She said salaries made up 58 percent of expenditures, and were 63 percent against revenues.
On another topic, Ortiz said the water well project is underway, with the water line crossing Cameron Creek complete with the tie-in done. "We're waiting for the inspection. For the well part, we are still doing evaluation and as soon as we draw up the scope, we will put it out for bid. We have asked for an extension and are waiting on specs for the water meters."
She said Phase 2 of the Regional Wastewater Plant is almost done. "The environmental portion is almost done. We are also compiling documents to go out for bid for a Welcome sign for town."
The McKee Street drainage is in progress, as is security for the wastewater plant. "We will put out bids this week or next for cameras."
Councilor Chon Fierro asked if any more work had been done on McKee, to which Ortiz said: "No, it's up to scheduling when we can remove the Chinese elms and do a clean up."
LuÃs Terrrazas, owner of Terrazas Funeral Chapels, had questions about the cemetery. "I had intended to help when you were developing the rules and regulations for the cemetery, but I had to be out of town on a family matter. There are national standards for cemeteries as well as what is the norm for the area. I see that a family can purchase only four plots at a time."
Ortiz said that it would be on a case-by-case basis, but rules allow for additional purchases.
"We will set up our own chairs," Terrazas said. "How will be get our lowering device to the gravesite? And how will the casket get to the gravesite?"
"We are still working out the bugs," Mayor Charles Kelly said. "I don't see a problem with using the church truck to get to the site or the pall bearers can carry it. We don't want everyone at the gravesite."
Terrazas said some denominations want to bless the grave, so Kelly said a few might go to the site, "without bringing everyone out." He also said the grave markers would be bronze or granite, and samples could be shown to the family at the funeral home. "We will not allow homemade markers."
Ortiz said, when a casket is interred, up to two cremains could go on top of it.
"We know things will come up," Kelly said. "We will look at each variance, and if it's legal and reasonable, we'll do it."
Terrazas also had a concern about the flush to the ground markers, because he said many people prefer upright monuments.
Ortiz said the markers would be at least six inches high and the top would be at the level of the mowed grass, so dirt and mud could not cover them.
During the regular session, the councilors approved the consent agenda, including minutes, accounts payable, police report, clerk's report and approval of the attendance of Ortiz at the Colonias Infrastructure meeting in Socorro on June 4.
The fiscal year 2016 budget was approved. Revenues are projected at $5,378,900, with projected expenditures at $5,641,115, cutting into the city's cash balance by $262,215. The one-twelfth reserve is set at $74,960 in the General Fund.
Lori Gabaree was approved as a new member of the Beautification Committee.
A resolution was approved to send the preliminary budget to the state for approval.
In action for personnel, Lucia Lucero, was approved for a 25 cent per hour increase in salary. Edward Castillo was approved for an increase for taking on additional duties.
Councilor Zeke Santa Maria said the Library Board had had a couple of resignations. He said the librarian has a couple of issues-the first of which is three kids who go into the library at 7 a.m. and stay there all day. The mother leaves and doesn't bring them food, and during school, the children are not in school. Kelly said it sounds like a Children, Youth and Families Department issue.
Santa Maria said books are also missing or stolen. Ortiz said she had received quotes for extra cameras, which can be aimed at individuals when looking at books. "It will take monitoring by the staff."
Santa Maria said the children were not causing trouble at the library, but they are not getting proper schooling and not getting fed.
Fierro asked about two trailers on Bridge Street. Ortiz said Mrs. Hanson wants to move her trailer there, but another not approved trailer is in her spot. "She can't move until the other is gone. She is approved for the site." Ortiz said code enforcement could cite the illegal trailer.
Kelly asked an attending police officer to take care of the issue.
The meeting was adjourned.