By Halie Richwine

The Town of Hurley Regular Meeting took place Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 5 p.m. Councilors Esther Gil, Freddie Rodriguez, and Mateo Madrid, as well as Mayor Pro Tem Richard Maynes and Mayor Ed Stevens attended.

Public Input was first on the agenda and resident Violet Chavarria asked council to consider putting speed bumps and stop signs in the Lee Drive and E Street area to aid in slowing traffic.

Sandra Berry was next and asked council about starting a neighborhood watch to help local law enforcement. Berry said she has tried to get on the meeting agenda in the past. Her concern is that people are not interested in having a neighborhood watch.

Acting Police Chief Mariano Fraere spoke in regard to both residents' concerns. He said he will try to post a police officer in the Lee Drive area in question to help monitor violations while other solutions are considered. Fraere then said one thing that helps the police department is reporting incidents. The police department relies on residents reporting problems. Fraere also said allegations need to be truthful.

Raul Salcido came before council to ask the outcome of the tax levy information presented previously by Raul Turrieta. Salcido said he understands council makes the decision to raise the rate rather than a vote by residents. He said he knows the town needs the funds and wants to know if the money stays in the municipality or if it goes to the county.

Manuel Pena also mentioned speeding issues on E Street.

Veronica Maynes was next and reported an incident that happened on Mother’s Day. She witnessed an impaired driver and called 9-1-1. It took four calls and then 45 minutes for the sheriff to respond. By the time law enforcement was there the driver was able to start his vehicle and leave the area.

“It’s pleasing to have a number of people come forward for public input,” Stevens said.

Tammy Gonzalez then presented the Hurley Pride Report. She said the car show was a success, drawing an estimated 1,000 people. The day was very windy and kept some people away, but it was still a success. Gonzalez said the only question from Hurley Pride was if the library was complete, and if so they would like to have an open house event. “A lot of people don’t know it exists. Three days a week it is open, run by volunteers,” Gonzalez said. The library is inside the Community Center, through the door on the left side of the dining area.

Up for discussion was concern about the Community Center. Resident Gilbert Montoya voiced concern that the building was only available to the public for use between the hours of 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Montoya was on the council when the building was donated to the town and said he worked hard to secure funding and create the Community Center. He said the main caveat regarding the building was that it be available for community use. Montoya thinks the day and time restrictions are not usage friendly.

Gil said the rules changed over the years because the neighboring church and school complained about the noise. There was also building damage and litter problems. Council had to change the rules since they were unable to regulate the usage.

Montoya said he and his family have used the facility for several occasions over the years with no problems.

Salcido said he has also used the Community Center without issue and said he realizes limited law enforcement makes evening hours more difficult to monitor. He suggested higher fees for later reservation times and holding people accountable in general.

Fraere added that the police department is willing to coordinate coverage.

Montoya suggested the reservation include a signature from a responsible party.

“The policy made at that time was based on the problems brought forth,” Maynes said. He said having a work session to compare community need with how council can support them may be an option. Maynes even mentioned creating an ordinance that would be citable if events got out of hand.

Stevens said he is willing to have a work session to discuss the situation further. He thanked Montoya for bringing up the matter. “We are not the enemy,” he said. “We are here to make the Town of Hurley a better place, and we will do what we need to do to make more people in the town smile.”

Council then approved two resolutions, one to participate in a Department of Transportation project and the other to accept 2017-2018 budget adjustments. Council also approved the attendance of Court Clerk Sonia Valerio to the Municipal Court Staff conference in Albuquerque.

Then council approved several positions to be filled. Isaiah Soliz, Ezekial Soliz, Jimmy Rico, and Fernando Sedillos are lifeguards for the swimming pool. Tammy Martinez is the Pool Manager, Charles Hubbard is the Code Enforcement Officer, and Jay Madrid is the Animal Control Officer.

Council then gave their individual reports. Maynes said he went to the semi-annual New Mexico Department of Transportation meeting where he was told the municipality is able to get 499 or 500 tons of millings at no charge. The town would be responsible for transporting the millings.

Rodriguez reminded residents and council that the special meeting on water rates happens Tuesday, January 19, 2018 at 5 p.m. in the Community Center.

Gil said the pool didn’t open on time due to equipment problems but that now it is up and running.

Madrid said the central dispatch authority is looking into updated or upgraded systems.

Stevens reported that the American Legion building is on the back burner. He also said the new water meters are being installed now and will save time, money, and water loss. The North Hurley water project is still being discussed as well.

The Next Regular Meeting for the Town of Hurley happens Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 5 p.m.