The Grant County Board of Commissioners addressed new business, contracts and agreements, resolutions and an indigent burial.

They approved, under new business, amendments and additions to the Sheriff's Department Standard Operating Procedures Manual to address evidence handling and control, drug detector police dog and handler, and the special response team.

In a consent item, the commissioners approved three task orders for WHPacific Inc. to reconstruct the public apron at the Grant County Airport, including engineering basic services and special services of a base bid and additive alternate fiscal year 2012 project with observation and acceptance testing.

In contracts and agreements, six professional service agreements were approved for the Juvenile Probation Office.  Yolanda Manzano received an increase of $13,580, as did Randall Compton. Mary Lorraine Zunich received a continuance of services. Felix Ortega will receive $22,000 and Luis Alvarado, $16,000, for surveillance of the juvenile monitoring bracelet program. Jean Block Consulting Inc. will receive $5,000 to provide training.

Two professional service agreements for the DWI Program are to pay Chris Helgert $27,900 for the Recovery Management Center, and $4,020 to Meadow Clark for conflict mediation. Also approved was a memorandum of understanding with the Santa Clara Police Department for DWI-related services for $1,000.

A MOU for a continuum of service for adult offenders with the Adult Drug Court for $16,032 was approved.

Commissioners approved a fulfillment agreement with the Southwest Green Chamber of Commerce for $4,000 for tourism services provided by the cooperating agency, the Silver City Arts and Culture District.

The Gila Valley Library will receive a grant of $5,220.02 from the Department of Cultural Affairs, State Library Division.

Commissioners approved a membership agreement with the Southwest Council of Governments for $5,250. County Commission Chairman Kasten said the expenditure was "probably some of the best money we spend. They give us way more back." A resolution was also passed ratifying the agreement.

A joint-powers agreement with other southwest counties to form the Southwest County Commission Alliance was approved.

Resolutions approved included three cooperative agreements with the New Mexico Department of Transportation for improvements of roads within Grant County under the County Arterial Project Agreement, the Special Projects Agreement and the School Bus Routes Program Agreement.

As the Grant County Indigent and Health Care Claims Board, the commissioners approved an indigent burial of R'Onda L. O'Neal by Bright Funeral Home.

In county reports, Undersheriff Kevin Flamm said the annual firearms qualification training was being held at the department. "I also feel better about the Game & Fish Department (after a report by Ray Aaltonen covered in an earlier article). Communication is important."

Treasurer Alfred Sedillo said his office must figure out the best way to stop returned mail. "Maybe we should put their names in the paper. Please call us if you know of someone who has moved or passed way.  Most are businesses no longer in business, a person died or many are from manufactured homes."

Clerk Robert Zamarripa addressed the special election to re-authorize the 1/8 tax increment to fund Central Dispatch and E911. "We will mail the ballot out Aug. 28, and they must be returned by 7 p.m. Sept. 18. If you don't receive a ballot, call our office."

Commissioner Gabriel Ramos congratulated the teams going to state.

Commissioner Christy Miller said restaurants in the county, outside of towns, are at a disadvantage, because they cannot sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays. She asked for input to the commissioners.

Kasten suggested an ordinance allowing the sale after noon on Sundays to be put on the November ballot. He said being unable to sell on Sundays puts the facilities at a disadvantage.

County Manager Jon Paul Saari reported he had been informed by the Detention Center Interim Administrator Joseph Andazola that the certificate of occupancy for the new jail had been received. The move into the new jail will take place July 24, 25 and 26.

The next meeting of the commission will be a combined work and regular session at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, at the Grant County Administration Center.