By Hallie Richwine

The Village of Santa Clara Regular Meeting took place Thursday, December 28, 2017 in the Village Hall. Trustees Olga Amador and Richard Esparza attended, as well as Mayor Richard Bauch and Mayor Pro Tem Albert Esparza.

Bauch reported excitement facing the new year as Santa Clara has a number of projects in the coming year including the grant-funded sidewalk and lighting project, the children’s library coming to fruition, and the bicycle trail project between Bayard and Santa Clara.

For new business, Neta Pope spoke to the trustees about setting aside property for the Santa Clara, NM Library Initiative. Pope reported on the progress and planning involved thus far but focused on the need for the library as a community resource and her desire to bring one to the village. Once the children’s library is in place in the back room of Village Hall, the Board of Directors will begin fundraising for the permanent structure. Until that time, Pope asked that the trustees take steps to reserve property facing Oak Street. Council M. Yvonne Gonzalez explained a resolution is needed and will be reviewed as the project progresses. Gonzalez will meet with the board and finalize language and it will be on next month’s agenda.

Trustees also voted to support the Grant County Water Commission in moving forward on obtaining funding for phases two and three of the water project. Trustee R. Esparza said, “I guess we should help them since they’ve helped us.” Bauch reminded the trustees that support at this time does not lock the village into further commitment and at this stage they are just supporting the action to apply for funding. All trustees were in favor of the decision.

Trustees passed two resolutions, one authorizing the filing of an application for financial assistance to the New Mexico Finance Authority for the Colonias Infrastructure Fund, which will be combined with USDA funding to complete the repairs on the sidewalk and street lighting project. The second resolution approved the holiday schedule for 2018.

Bauch and trustees approved the proclamation of January 21-27, 2018 as School Choice Week in the Village of Santa Clara. School Choice Week is celebrated across the country to raise awareness of the need for effective educational options.

Santa Clara adopted the amendments to the state uniform traffic code before going into closed session to discuss pending litigation. Gonzalez updated Bauch and the trustees on legal matters but the session ended with no action needed.

Bauch announced the next Regular Meeting of the Village of Santa Clara for Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 3:00 pm at the Village of Santa Clara Village Hall located at 105 N. Bayard Street.