bauch r esparzaSanta Clara Richard Bauch, center, awards Trustee Richard Esparza, right, a proclamation and plaque for his eight years of service to the village, as Trustee Olga Amador looks on.

Photo and article by Hallie Richwine

The Village of Santa Clara Regular Meeting took place Thursday, February 22, 2018 in the Village Hall. Trustees Olga Amador and Richard Esparza attended as well as Mayor Richard Bauch and Mayor Pro Tem Albert Esparza. Victor Arambula was absent.

The Safety Committee reported meeting with all new employees to explain training. They made sure everyone had vests and the proper equipment.

The Action Committee meets April 18, 2018 at 7:00 pm and looks to a new season of Movies in the Park and Music in the Park, the latter in conjunction with the Neighborhood Watch Committee.

The Cemetery Committee reported their award of capital outlay funding after trying for three years. Pending the governor's signature, they will proceed on projects such as new fencing.

No one was present from the Neighborhood Watch Committee.

During the Mayor's report, Bauch said the Fort Bayard legislation is closer than ever. They were able to get a resolution through in the House but ran out of time in the Senate. Overall, they received great feedback from legislators. Bauch also reported a savings of $1300 after the new solar system and better pumps were installed. The estimated savings per year with the new system is $75,000. He thanked the trustees for their foresight in working so hard on the project, which took about three years to complete.

Raul Turrieta, Grant County Assessor, spoke to the board about the timing of taxation. Currently the process is in the rendition period when people are able to file exemptions. The next phase is the valuation phase when the office sends owners the values of the property. Turrieta explained that people should review this correspondence carefully-if any errors are found the owner fills out a protest form and the property will be reviewed again.

Council had no old business to discuss.

Two resolutions were passed, the first to correct a bank error from last year that resulted in funds being returned to the wrong account. The error meant the general fund was 17 dollars over budget, so the amount was transferred to the water and sewer fund.

The second resolution authorized an exchange of municipality-owned land for citizen-owned land. Joseph and Virginia Grijalva owned land in a commercially zoned area and they were able to transfer their property to Santa Clara and receive a residentially-zoned parcel.

Bauch had a special proclamation for February 22, 2018, recognizing trustee Richard Esparza for his service over the past eight years. The mayor presented Esparza with a plaque. "In those eight years there have been great accomplishments in Santa Clara, and you've been a major part of that," Bauch said. Esparza will remain active in the community as a member of the Cemetery Committee.

Bauch recommended the trustees consider giving David Palomarez a wage increase after he received his water certification. Bauch said the test is very difficult, and any employees receiving such a certification are eligible for an increase. All were in favor.

There were no public comments or items for closed session.

The next Regular Meeting of the Village of Santa Clara happens Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 3:00 pm at the Village of Santa Clara Village Hall located at 105 N. Bayard Street.

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