By Roger Lanse

Raul Turrieta, chairperson for the 6th Annual James H. Pirtle Walk for the Heroes, 2015, told the Silver City Town Council at its Aug. 11 meeting, the event would be held on Sept. 26. The Walk is a community-driven fundraiser in support of local military families, a news release said, and honors James H. Pirtle, Army Specialist, who was killed in Iraq on Oct. 4, 2003. Approximately 1,945 veterans live in Grant County, with about 25 being 100% disabled, according to Turrieta.

The Walk this year, Turrieta said, will be from Hurley to Bataan Memorial Park near Santa Clara and will start at 9 a.m., with registration beginning at 7 a.m.

Turrieta said 125-130 walkers are expected along with 50-60 motorcycle riders. Food and entertainment will be provided at BMP. Walkers and riders will be assessed a $20 registration fee to cover expenses.

Additionally, Turrieta invited all of Grant County, especially veterans, to meet at BMP under the canopy near the helicopter, for a photo op on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 2:30 p.m.

Jane Papin stated that she wanted to be sure the town knew that smart watermeter technology may be dangerous and wanted more research done before the town installed these meters.

District 2 Councilor Lynda Aiman-Smith gave some examples of cause and effect where an effect may not be caused by the first thing thought of.

District 3 Councilor Jose Ray Jr. compared the small amount of radiation from a smartmeter to phosphorus contamination by eating bananas and to everyday radon radiation.

District 1 Councilor Cynthia Bettison, acting as mayor in the absence of Michael Morones, said she supports the smartmeter program as part of the town’s water conversation program. She stated the town had done considerable research and is relying on the most credible sources of scientific data.

Town Manager Alex Brown told the council that they will be approving or disapproving the finances to fund the smartmeter program on Aug. 25. “We’ve already got over 60 meters that are sending out that signal, we just don’t have the equipment to read it. Arenas Valley has had the meters for over a year. So, if you drive to Bayard you’ve been exposed to it. Deming just changed both their water meters and gas meters to the radio-read system. So if you’re going to go to Las Cruces you’re going to go through a ton of meters.”

Ray also thanked the town, in particular the police, fire and public works departments for making Cooper Street safer.

District 4 Councilor Guadalupe Cano would like to take another look at the recently passed bag ordinance, possibly in September. She also emphasized that, in her district, operators of certain vehicles such as go-carts, four-wheelers and the like, must be made aware that those conveyances are not legal on town streets.

Yolanda Quintana, with Q’s Southern Bistro, came before the council to ask for permission to have a beer garden in connection with the Silver City Chicano Music Fest Car and Bike Show to be held Sept. 5-6 at Gough Park from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6. Because liquor cannot be served nearer than 300’ from a school or a church without a waiver from the school or church, the event organizers received the required waiver from the Apostolic Assembly of Faith in Jesus Christ Church. Council approved the application with a few small corrections.