By Alexis Rico (Grant County Beat Intern)

The Bayard City Council conducted a regular session meeting on Monday, December 12, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Bayard City Hall.

The first item approved at the meeting was the agenda for the meeting.

The consent agenda, which was also approved, included the minutes of the regular meeting held on Monday, November 14, 2016; the accounts payable report for Monday, December 12, 2016; the maintenance report for November 2016; the library report for November 2016; the wastewater report for November 2016; the fire report for November 2016; and the attendance at the Water/Wastewater Training and Testing in Las Cruces, New Mexico for Monday, January 23, 2017 through Thursday, January 27, 2017 for Anthony Aveles, Mike Paez, and Gerald Polk.

County Assessor Raul Turrieta provided information to the Council relating to the increase of value renditions on properties.

Under boards and committees, the Council approved Frances Gonzales to the Beautification Committee.

Later in the meeting, a motion to go into Closed Executive Session pursuant to 10-15-1 (h-2) New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) 1978 for personnel- disciplinary action for a police officer for suspension and possible termination was carried. After the closed session, Councilor Raul Villanueva made a motion to return to open session and confirmed only personnel was discussed during the closed session.

Under action for personnel, the Council approved the disciplinary action for Cesar Torres for property damage to his police unit. The disciplinary action will include a ten-day suspension without pay, an extension to his current introductory period for six months and any other department operational changes, as required by Chief Willy Kerin. The suspension for Torres is to begin upon completion of the required documentation.

Under public input, Councilor Zeke Santa Maria asked about the status of a camping trailer parked on N. Franey Street.

Mayor Pro-Tem Chon Fierro, in his councilor report, asked about the lighting and background of the Welcome Sign trees. Fierro also stated Mr. Cobb thanked the library staff for all their hard work.

The meeting was properly adjourned at 3:18 p.m.

December 21, 2016, City of Bayard Special Meeting Highlights

The Bayard City Council met for a brief special meeting on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at the Bayard City Hall. Council members Zeke Santa Maria and Chon Fierro were out of town during the meeting, but a quorum was still present.

The purpose of the special meeting was to approve the award of the Well Rehabilitation Project to Stewart Brothers Drilling for the base project amount of $136,768 and to allow the Clerk-Treasurer to contract for Task 2 (Well #12 Work) and Task 3 (Well Cap and Seal) as funds allow.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:18 p.m.