By Mary Alice Murphy

Grant County commissioners held their July regular meeting Thursday, July 23, 2015, at the Grant County Administration Center. Addressing a long agenda, they gathered input for expansion of the commission from three members to five, heard about the Gila National Forest Plan revision process, had a request from members of the American Civil Liberties Union to form a Detention Center Advisory Committee, and addressed Sheriff's and jail policy changes.

During public input, George Julian Dworin, Silver City Arts and Cultural District and Town of Silver City Tourism director, gave the end of year report on tourism.

He presented to the commissioners publications from Tucson, in which advertising and/or articles appear about Grant County and the area.

"We continue to focus on the primary drivers of our tourism—outdoor recreation, Gila National Forest and the Cliff Dwellings," Dworin said. Secondarily, people come to visit historic downtown, for festivals and events, and for food and culture."

He said the same imagery that can be seen in the magazines is wrapped on an electric streetcar in Tucson. He was out walking one morning in Tucson, and saw "our" trolley wrapped with a photo of the Cliff Dwellings.

In his yearend report, Dworin said: "It has been a wonderful year. Our metrics are going in the right direction across the board."

For the recently completed fiscal year 2015, the Visitor Center saw a 20 percent increase in traffic. "We work closely with the Grant County Tourism Board and the Town of Silver City for media planning and placement. We are consistently drawing tourists from New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, which are our premier drive markets, and also from California and Colorado."

"People are coming from all over the country and from all over the world," Dworin said. "We had 291 from Canada, 164 from Mexico, and a number from Germany and the UK. We had one each from Bavaria, Morocco and Russia. Friends and family are the driving force for bringing people here."

He said the Visitor Center has postcards of 101 Things to Do in Grant County that can be mailed to let people know what can be done in the area. Also a reprint of a multi-page spread in New Mexico Magazine can be shared.

"It's interesting about Canada," Commissioner Ron Hall said. "Do we know why?"

Dworin said: "We hosted a Canadian writer, and we got press from that in a magazine for seniors. And the state is advertising in Chicago, especially in airports. I think it's the fascination with the Old West. The whole world knows about Geronimo and Billy the Kid."

The next report came from the Gila National Forest. Matt Schultz, forest planner, and Diane Taliaferro, Silver City District Ranger, invited the commissioners and all citizens to the revision of the forest plan meeting to be held Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 5-7 p.m. at the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center.

"We are in the assessment phase of revising the plan," Schultz said. "The public is invited to contribute input on ecological, social and economic conditions and trends related to the Gila National Forest. The purpose of the meetings is to create shared understanding of the plan and its key assessment topics; to provide opportunities for stakeholders to share knowledge, plans and data for the assessment; to identify values, uses and concerns communities have related to the forest; and strengthen links between the forest and nearby residents, users and interested parties."

A second meeting in Grant County will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Thunderbird Lodge in the Mimbres.

Schultz told commissioners that the Forest Service had received the county's request for coordinating status in the process. "We will send a response."

Taliaferro said that the new Forest Supervisor, Adam Mendonca, would be at the meeting. Schultz noted that Mendonca grew up in Silver City.

Raul Turrieta announced a Monday hike at 5:30 p.m. for kids as part of the 101 Things for Youth to Do in Grant County. "We will meet at the Little Walnut Picnic Area."

Daniel Henry said a film had been shared with Community Access Television of Silver City. The four-minute-long film had been briefed by Homeland Security. "It's a matter of when, not if. It is inevitable that we will lose the total power grid. It could be for days, weeks, months or even decades. Ninety percent of the population will perish within 360 days. If nine of the major components of the grid go down, the entire 350 will go." He said the National Association of Counties had called off a conference on the issue. The National Geographic produced a film, called 'Cosmic Fire' that can be viewed on the magazine's YouTube channel. We have to learn how to decentralize. I will be glad to help."

He said interviews on Fox News and CNN and questioned why there has been no traction on the issue. "I ask you to raise the same question with NACO. I wanted to let you know you need to be thinking about it."

Luís Pérez said he was interested in seeing a five-person commission. "It's a great burden for three people to handle all these responsibilities—financial matters, economic development, the industrial park south of the airport, water, law enforcement. I have a concern about tourism and the lack of a convention center for large meetings. With five commissioners, citizens of Grant County would have more representation."

"That is a nice segue to the next agenda item," Commission Chairman Brett Kasten said. "This is the fourth public hearing on whether the commission should expand from three members to a five-member commission. We will make our decision at the Aug. 27 meeting.

"Why are we doing this?" Kasten asked and answered. "Because when we were campaigning, it was one of the main things we were asked. The other question is how much will it cost realistically for a full year for each commission—approximately $52,000, including travel expenses. We ask for public input on the ordinance."

Art Martinez said: "It's great to be home again," and explained he had been traveling around China for more than a month to enhance his education. "I have been a resident here for more than 40 years. I am a retired university professor. One of my focus areas was international relations. The consideration of a larger commission has been of interest to me. It's one of the most critical issues to come before you. I think there is wide agreement that the proposition of basic civil rights and voting rights must not be violated."

"Most residents of Grant County seriously expect that each one of you will provide sufficient guarantees protecting these representational rights," Martinez continued. "You should move cautiously and deliberately. It's appropriate to hold four meetings. More representation does not necessarily provide more guarantees that it will automatically introduce good government or more favorable representation.

"Voters will not have a chance to vote," he said. "It will be only the three of you who will make the decision for 30,000 of us. ¡Buena suerte!"

Linda Pafford of Mimbres said one reason to favor five members is because it would allow the commissioners to futher separate tasks. "I am very much in favor of expanding to five members, but I am concerned these maps divide populations. A and B give more to Anglos and fewer to Hispanics. A and B are the worst." She questioned "lumping Pinos Altos in with the western cattle-growing area. C keeps downtown intact. I am concerned that it was a single agency that drew the maps. They may not have spoken to traditional neighborhoods. Don't think about A and B."

Anthony Gutierrez, spoke as a resident and as a county employee. "I am not necessarily in favor of the increase. There is a misconception about representation. Citizens say they want a recreation facility or road improvements. I don't see the money to satisfy those things. In 2000, I was Road Department superintendent. We had 33 staff members. Now the department has 23. We were short-handed then. I can only imagine now. Earl could use that $100,000. I feel we have excellent representation. In my opinion, as a resident, that money could better serve the residents of Grant County."

Henry Torres, resident and former commission chairman, said Grant County and a few other counties in New Mexico have a three-member commission. "I can tell you from past experience that three members is not three members. It is the one that is stronger-willed and more aggressive. The cost of five does not have to cost more. Just divide the budget for three by five. You choose to serve as an elected official or as a volunteer to serve the community, not as a livelihood, but as a matter of service."

Financial Officer Linda Vasquez gave the expenditure report for July 20, which can be viewed as part of the article at http://www.grantcountybeat.com/news/news-articles/23140-grant-county-commission-to-hold-final-public-hearing-on-possible-expansion-to-five-members

Commissioners approved:
• A proclamation naming Aug. 1 as Davila Day in Pinos Altos to honor the descendants of the original Davila family that homesteaded in Pinos Altos;
• Four Grant County Sheriff's Department policy changes—Use of Force, Policy 2; Vehicular Pursuit, Policy 7; Retention Period and Release of department records, Policy 34; and Use of X-26 Advanced Taser, Policy 47; and
• Delinquent solid waste liens, to which Commissioner Gabriel Ramos said he hoped the county would try again to get hold of those who owe.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, Southwestern Chapter, presented a request to form a Detention Center Oversight Committee.

Bill Hudson, local chapter president said: "We've been active in monitoring of the Grant County and Luna County detention centers. We were pleased when we saw the development of the new jail here.

"Once there was a Detention Center Advisory Committee," he said. "Since that time, our chapter has been active in making sure the civil liberties of inmates are upheld. We are pleased with the openness of this administration and allowing access to the jail, but we keep seeing the same problems. Yesterday I had a lengthy meeting with County Manager (Charlene) Webb and Attorney (Abigail) Robinson. We are concerned particularly about the lack of medical care. There seems to be recognition of that fact and possible future changes.

"Ongoing problems impact not just the inmates but also the staff, with the mail system," Hudson continued. "One letter I sent to Administrator (Mike) Carillo on June 10 did not arrive until June 20. I have heard from inmates that documents sent to courts have been returned to them. I realize you have no control over the U.S. Postal Service, but returning documents and their having been opened is not good.

"The pod telephones have cost and security problems," he said. "The problem is a national one. In fact, New Mexico has the lowest inmate telephone cost in the nation, but the lack of ability to get calls out, with some numbers being blocked is a concern. Inmates have tried to call the ACLU representation, for whom they have been furnished the number, or to call bail bondsmen, but some of the numbers are blocked. I think it needs to be investigated and rectified."

He also noted gender bias, with male inmates having access to classes and opportunities to become trusties. "We understand the issues with trusties, but the lack of parenting and GED classes for females is not right. The reason given is that there are not enough female inmates. That's not a reason."

Hudson said the jail has a lack of a workable grievance process. "There is no way for the inmate to track a grievance, with no numbering system. I have been told by inmates that their grievances never make it past the trash can in the control area. I believe Webb and Robinson understand and are working on it. I believe issues could be solved if a civilian committee of five to seven (I like seven) individuals could have regular access and work with the administration on policies and procedures. We could come to you commissioners with our recommendations on a regular basis."

He said there was a serious problem in the entire county in the lack of transparency. "The website has no information on the Detention Center. Luna County has a better website. Attorneys can locate people that may be incarcerated."

Hudson said, with the upcoming vote on new policies and procedures for the jail, he had looked them over. "Most are quite good, but I have a few concerns, such as the special management of inmates. Most critical is shaving and haircuts. Federal law gives exemptions for justifiable religious reasons. On the use of force and restraints, you need specificity on how often retraining is provided. Many of the issues we've been dealing with could be handled better by a committee that reports to the commission regularly."

Hudson introduced his colleague, Frank Susman of the New Mexico ACLU.

"I was appointed to oversee all jail systems in St. Louis," Susman said. "I thought it would be for about six months. It lasted 18 years. I am also a semi-retired colonel of homicide and a semi-retired attorney. I was chairman of the first iteration and the second iteration of an oversight committee. The major purposes of such a committee are, one, to decrease recidivism. In Santa Fe, 50 percent of the budget is spent on recidivism. Two, such a committee gives confidence to the community that some citizens are looking at the Department of Corrections, not just the department overseeing itself. These committees have no power or authority. All they can do is make recommendations. If this committee could do anything to lower the inmate population, you will see savings. Three, 75 percent to 80 percent of those incarcerated have serious alcohol, drug or behavioral health problems.

"A citizens' group representing factions of the county could be appointed by the commissioners," Susman continued. "Expanding the website for the jail would be a great help. You may say you don't want to list those incarcerated for fear or retribution from someone in another cell. That is somewhat fallacious, because there are no secrets in jail."

Hudson said the local ACLU chapter began a petition drive. "I have collected by mostly myself between 250 and 300 signatures approving a committee as a way of providing a means of communication with the community. We will work with Webb on drafting a resolution or we will draft one. We would like to see such a committee."

Commissioners then addressed and approved three Grant County Detention Center policies and procedures for special management inmates; use of force and restraints; and less than lethal delivery system.

The Commission approved the lease or purchase of a new ambulance for Gila Regional Medical Center Emergency Medical Services.

Commissioners approved a professional services agreement with Luis Alvarado for services with the Grant County Surveillance Program.

Under resolutions, the Commission members approved:
• An addendum to include a county maintained road to the inventory for chip sealing—Broken Arrow;
• The budget adjustments to the final fiscal year 2015 budget;
• The Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments agreements and dues for fiscal year 2016, and the designation of a voting member and alternate—Ramos as voting member and Gutierrez as alternate;
• Notice of intent to consider adoption of an ordinance increasing the size of the Board of Grant county Commissioners to five members;
• Designation of a representative—Kasten—and alternate—Gutierrez— pursuant to the New Mexico Central Arizona Project joint powers agreement; and
• The creation of the Loma Verde Estates Subdivision improvement district.

As the Grant County Indigent and Health Plan Claims Board, commissioners approved 120 indigent claims for $84,450.63.

During commissioner comments, Ramos thanked the county's fire departments for preparedness. "Thank goodness, we had no major fires." He said the Parks and Recreation Committee met and had a lot of discussion about the future of security at the conference center. He also wished "best of luck" to the 15-to-16-year-old softball girls, who will compete in Vidalia, Louisiana, and the 11-to-12-year-old girls who will play in Waco, Texas.

"We have great youth in our community," Hall echoed. "For the Tu Casa substance abuse treatment facility, we are working on a request for proposal for a provider. In September, we hope to name the site and put out the RFP about the same time."

He noted that communication is so important in law enforcement situations. "The animal ordinance is coming along. It's a brand new one we started. After review by the attorney, we will hold hearings. I went to the Chief Elected Officials conference, and now I'm working on bringing dislocated individuals into the work force and to talk about different programs. Once treatment is complete, they need a job and housing. I remind you that Saturday from 9-3 is the Tyrone Volunteer Fire Department station open house. Volunteers are special. They put a lot of time and their own money into it."

Kasten said a special meeting would be held at 9 a.m. Monday, July 27, to approve the final budget. "Our meetings for August are slated to be the work session on Aug. 25 and the regular meeting on Aug. 27. Construction on the conference center will begin in September. It has been moved back again. It will take 12 to 13 months to complete."

The meeting was adjourned.

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