Commissioners also hear opposing views on CAP Entity JPA and hold a public hearing

By Mary Alice Murphy

At Thursday morning's regular Grant County Commission meeting, during public input, Gabe Holguin, Gila National Forest fire and aviation staff officer, gave an update on fire season.

"We had a fire on Monday, which burned 2 ½ acres in Dry Blue Canyon, south of Luna," Holguin said. "It's been a slow season. The temperatures and precipitation for the next eight to 14 days are for above-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation."

He talked about the trends, such as the energy release component, which this year is at 50, with the average this time of year usually 80, and last year, was 90. The one thousand hour fuels are at 40 percent to 70 percent this year, with them being in the teens last year.

"We have resources, with 11 lookout towers, engines and hand crews, who are itching and ready to fight a fire," Holguin said. We have an aviation type-3 helicopter and a type-1 helicopter, plus a single engine air tanker and a lead plane at the Grant County Airport. If we need a heavy tanker we can get one quickly from Phoenix or Fort Huachuca. We have 20 smokejumpers from Idaho, Montana and California. They are doing a practice jump at Fort Bayard this morning. We have 100 southwest firefighters trained and on call for when needed. Next week, we'll train 28 from Cobre High School, aged 16-18 years, for camp crew. It's a new part of our program."

Commissioner Ron Hall asked about Silver High School students. Holguin said he was unable to connect with them in time, because it takes 30 days notice to take the pack test. "Next year, we will shoot for Silver, Cliff and Reserve high schools, too."

He noted that southeastern Arizona is experiencing a fire season, "with a new fire today at 75 acres."

According to Inciweb, one prescribed fire is in the Coconino National Forest and three wildfires have been reported this month in the Coronado National Forest ranging from 33 acres to 2,023 acres.
Donna Stevens, Upper Gila Watershed Alliance executive director, said she had several comments. "I would ask you to take a hard look at the deadline to sign on to the (New Mexico Central Arizona Project Entity) JPA. I have lots of questions. I hope you are taking your responsibility seriously. Has the county attorney reviewed it? Does it have sovereign immunity? You think you can easily get out of it. The escape clause is not much of an escape."

She read a portion that states members, when withdrawing must pay for their obligations, with no refunds if they withdraw. "What are the county's commitments?"

Stevens asked if the county has expertise in the design, construction, operations and maintenance of such a project. She again read from the JPA. "What will be Grant County's share of the costs? The estimates are up to a billion dollars, which could bankrupt the county and you may not even receive any benefits from the water, if there is any. The Interstate Stream Commission will control the purse strings. The JPA reveals how bad a deal it is. Once the New Mexico Unit Fund is exhausted, you, by signing the JPA, will be signing a blank check. Sixteen percent of county homeowners are already delinquent on their property taxes. So many live in poverty. These are serious questions. I hope you are doing your due diligence. I urge you to refuse to be part of the madness."

M.H. "Dutch" Salmon, county resident, said: "She covered it and I agree with her. I don't think the ISC is our friend. They want to put all the responsibility on local government and leave themselves out of the backlash that is sure to come. There are simple solutions. Remember you have $66 million, which is up to about $80 million now. You could give equal amount to the four counties. They could invest it and get $1 million a year for any water project."

James Baldwin, county resident, echoed the sentiments and said: "It is extremely important that you realize it would be so easy for this project to go awry." Then he switched topics. "At the Feb. 26 meeting, for the Eco-Watershed Committee, you did not appoint Michael Deubel, but I see you will appoint him now. He is over-qualified and is a most capable person. I have a concern about the Southwest Solid Waste Authority. I've been attending meetings. My complaint is that there are no recycle bins here in the parking lot on Saturdays and Sundays, nor on the past Monday. Recycling is 24/7, just like trash collection in the home. I demand containers be here seven days a week. Keep the area for recycling and keep it clean.

"When I came on Sunday, a prominent businessman just shrugged his shoulders when he saw the bin was not there," Baldwin continued. "He followed me to the bin behind The Shoe Department. I spoke to Alex Brown and Mr. Kasten last week and they said they 'would see' but nothing was there. I suggest that salaries for those responsible be reduced for every day the bins are not here."

Scott Terry, Silver City-Grant County Chamber of Commerce president, said: "I thank you for having serious deliberations on issues brought to you. I think the fact you're considering a five-man commission is great. I commend you and hope you add the districts. People forget how much time it takes to get from one part of the county to another, and they forget you also have jobs."

Assessor Raul Turrieta said he wanted to acknowledge his friends, including senior Olympians, those in the Trails Association and in the Community Theater Group. He also commended several senior softball teams including the New Mexico Boomers, aged, 60-65, who took first in the competition. He also recognized The Gospel Mission, where he volunteers, for their volunteer dinner, where they gave awards. He held up a DVD and said the film premiere included the mayor, councilors and the assessor. Turrieta said the 101 Things for Youth to Do in Grant County would kick off at noon at the Courthouse. "I just want to recognize these people."

A public hearing on the Loma Verde improvement district was held. Attorney Abigail Robinson said it was a routine public hearing and that Ordinance Officer Ray Castillo had the numbers. Castillo said the subdivision has 44 lots and will be assessed an estimated $2,585.43 per lot to improve the roads.

County Planner Anthony Gutierrez said pursuant to state statute, each party has 30 days to take a protest to District Court. After the 30 days, they waive their right to protest. The county assumes the equipment and labor costs for about $92,994. "After 30 days, I will bring a resolution to the county to provide the legal documents for the assessment district. The cost also adds engineering costs and advertising. We will have all costs then, and we will send an application to the Finance Authority for a loan, so the county doesn't have to encumber the costs, but can pay it back with the assessments."

Robinson noted it was an estimate, but Gutierrez said the road superintendent's estimates are general pretty accurate.

Baldwin asked if the subdivision had been reviewed by the Subdivision Review Committee. Commission Chairman Brett Kasten said the subdivision was 30 or 35 years old.

Lonnie Sandoval, who has represented the Loma Verde residents said: "We appreciate all the help you've put in to get to this point."

Kasten asked about the 30 days, because the next meeting will be before the 30 days are complete and then not another one for almost 30 days. "I don't want to delay this anymore." Gutierrez said the next meeting toward the end of June would suffice. Kasten suggested a special meeting might be needed.

Financial Officer Linda Vasquez gave the financial report, which showed expenditures for $547,549.21 since the last report. It included about $23,000 to Wright Express for fuel; $32,536 for the annual volunteer fire departments insurance; $17, 740 for chip sealing; and $14,000 to Engineers Inc. for the North Hurley sewer project. One payroll was paid out for $206,673.98.

Commissioners approved:
€¢ The appointment of Michael Deubel to the Eco-Watershed Committee;
€¢ A memorandum of understanding with the town of Silver City for the county purchase and sale of gasoline and diesel fuel; and
€¢ An agreement for a grant of $73,161 for the restorative justice program at Children, Youth and Families Department.

During the discussion on the fiscal year 2016 preliminary budget, County Manager Charlene Webb said the expenditures for the General Fund are budgeted at almost $9.7 million, with projected revenues at $12, 512, 000. The ending balance of $2.4 million meets the reserve requirement. The Road Fund will have expenditures of $1.6 million and revenues of 1.18 million, with transfers of about $558,000, and a reserve of $139,000, which meets the requirement. Corrections will have revenues of about $1.6 million, expenditures of about $2.6 million, with transfers of abou5 1.04 million, and no required reserve.

"This is the preliminary budget, and we will have a couple of months to fine tune it," Webb said. "We have met the reserves and all criteria for approval of the preliminary budget."

Kasten commented that it was a "good conservative budget."

As the Grant County Health Plan Claims Board, the commissioners approved 86 claims for a total of $56,068.26.

During commission comments, District 1 Commissioner Gabriel Ramos said he wanted to let the public know that "we are here to oversee the county. We oversee the county manager, who is doing a very good job. We are not here to oversee every elected official's office. They are elected to do a job and we do not micromanage."

Hall said he always enjoys attending the Gila Economic Development Alliance Roundtables, because "it is a way to put your finger on large and small businesses and organizations in the community."

He said he and a committee continue working on the animal control ordinance. "Abby, it's going to be thick," he said to the county attorney.

Hall said he thought it might be good to let the public know what the Dispatch Authority meeting entails. "We, as the county, meet with county emergency services, talk about improving communications and plan for events, such as the Blues Festival and the upcoming Rodeo."

The group working on Tu Casa, the Substance Abuse Treatment Center, continues to look at locations.

"Congratulations to the task force for behavioral health," Hall said. "With the departure of La Frontera, Hidalgo Medical Services is stepping up."

He also noted that the community lost a good friend, Manny Aragon. "I send condolences to his family."

Kasten said he wanted to assure the public that "we are taking the JPA seriously. Our attorney had reviewed it, and we will do it right, whatever that turns out to be. We are diligent on it."

He also congratulated all the graduates. "I urge your kids to be safe."

The commissioners went into executive session to discuss the manager's goals and adjourned following the session.