The City of Bayard Council meeting on November 14, 2017 began at 2 p.m. after a work session that was approximately 25 minutes long. Councilors Chon Fierro, Raul Villanueva, and Adrian Ortiz attended as well as Mayor Charles Kelly.

During Public Input a concerned citizen asked for assistance paving the roadway to their home. Kelly explained the roadway in question is a private driveway on private property and the city is unable to assist.

Council approved Clerk Treasurer Kristina Ortiz to attend the Colonias Infrastructure Application Workshop. Attendance is required in order to apply for funding.

Council also approved Sonya Dixon and Marivel Medel to attend the Summer Reading Program Workshop in Hatch, NM.

Municipal Judge Jose Sandoval addressed the council to respond to an article written by the Daily Press following the October 23, 2017 meeting that said the court is subsidized by the city. Sandoval asked how this is different from the other departments. He explained the court does not exist as a fundraising arm of the city however it does collect court fees. Sandoval said the court has fairly fixed expenses as far as staff and supplies go and is concerned that the municipal court be portrayed as a drag on the city.

Kelly said all parts of the city, from city hall to the court, are not expected to be making money. All areas draw on the same budget and no singular department makes enough to cover the overall budget. Kelly said he hopes the misunderstanding is just from misconstrued information.

In other action, council approved the NMFA Police Vehicle and Equipment Application. Two vehicles are needed after one was lost in an accident and another has high mileage. After the city receives funds back from the accident they will know how much they will request.

The next regular meeting for the City of Bayard Council happens Monday, December 11, 2017 at 1 p.m.