By Roger Lanse -- Courtesy of minutes from Town Clerk Ann Mackie

At the Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, Silver City Town Meeting, District 3 Councilor Jose Ray Jr. presented his thoughts about how bond issues for higher education, including unpaid student loans, are funded by only property owners. He also brought up the issue of needed trade schools, and that 3-4-year-old kids should not be going to school because teachers were not babysitters. Ray also criticized those who were ‘rude and disrespectful’ at the recent Grant County Commission meeting and how kids should act like kids and adults as adults.

District 1 Councilor Cynthia Bettison provided information to seniors over the age of 62 who wish to apply to live in the new Mountainview Senior Apartments, expected to be completed by mid-2019.

Cissy McAndrew, President, Silver City Regional Association of Realtors, reported that properties were on the market an average of 119 days in 2018 as opposed to 199 days in 2017. She stated that they were starting to see buildings occupied that had been vacant for a while and was concerned about the shortage of trades professionals to improve structures being sold.

Interim Silver City Police Chief Freddy Portillo told council that the code enforcement officer would be focusing on uncovered loads.

Town Manager Alex Brown stated that lodger’s tax revenues have increased – that 2018 was the highest ever – and that 2019 was looking to exceed 2018. He expressed satisfaction with the new marketing firm.

Brown also reported the town would be accepting applications for police chief through mid-January and hoped to have the selection finalized by mid-March.

Town clerk Ann Mackie stated the following were certified as candidates for the March 5, 2019 election: Cynthia Bettison for Councilor – District 1, and Jose Ray Jr. and Nicholas Prince for Councilor --- District 3. January 15 would be the filing day for write-in candidates, she said.

Council approved two resolutions, one regarding following the Open Meetings Act and the other involving the implementation of an Asset Management Plan needed to apply for Colonias Initiative funding.

Council also approved the list of election workers for the March 5, 2019 election as presented by Mackie.