By Hallie Richwine

The City of Bayard Council Meeting on March 12, 2018 began at 2 p.m. after a work session that was approximately 30 minutes long. Councilors Zeke Santa Maria, Adrian Ortiz, Raul Villanueva, and Eloy Medina attended as well as Mayor Chon Fierro.

Oscar Merino of Copper Little League reported to council during public input. Over the past weekend they cleaned the field. They contacted a contractor that volunteered time to paint. Dugouts were painted and more dirt was removed from the infield. Merino said things are coming along but they are still waiting on the railing. They are ready for Saturday’s opening ceremonies.

Clerk Treasurer Kristina Ortiz said fence capping arrives by the end of the week.

Villanueva said they moved bleachers and cleaned everything out and that they want to make a good impression this season.

Fierro thanked Copper Little League as well as the Maintenance and Fire Departments for their work on the field.

The pee wee field has been reseeded and will be maintained with fresh water until the city gets the go-ahead for the effluent water project.

Fierro appointed Villanueva as Mayor Pro Tem and also listed board assignments. He then re-appointed several exempt employees. First was Clerk Treasurer Ortiz who has been with the city of Bayard since 1994 when she started as a student co-op. “She has done a job that is unbelievable,” said Fierro. Ortiz’ recent accolades include winning the 2016 Clerk of the Year in the state of New Mexico.

Next, Fierro re-appointed Maintenance Manager Eddie Sedillos, who started with the city in 1979, and knows, “where every water and sewer line is in Bayard,” said Fierro. Then he re-appointed Jason Jaeger of Wastewater Treatment, who started his career in the Maintenance department before moving to his current position.

Willie Kerin was re-appointed as Chief of Police. Kerin began his career with Bayard a little over a decade ago and has been leading the police force for almost three years. Fire chief Euphemio Gonzalez was also re-appointed, with 35 years of service.

Fierro emphasized the loyalty among the City of Bayard employees.

Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 1-2018 for the wastewater dewatering system project loan. This allows the city to pursue an $11,000 loan at 0% interest.

Council also briefly discussed the intent to adopt for the franchise ordinance agreement with WNM Communications. Ortiz asked the councilors to read through the documents provided, which were based off the Santa Clara agreement with WNM Communications. Council wanted to clarify some of the terms of the agreement and continue to review it, so Santa Maria moved to table any action on the item. All were in favor.

Santa Maria reminded the council that the library board meeting happens on March 21, 2018.

Ortiz and Medina had nothing to report at this time.

Villanueva congratulated Medina on the election. “It was a tough race, five people for two seats. It’s humbling to know the community selected us.” He also congratulated the mayor.

Fierro also congratulated Medina and Villanueva and said he looks forward to working together.

The next meeting for the City of Bayard Council happens Monday, March 26, 2018 at 2 p.m. following a short work session. The public is invited to attend.