City Council

CITY OF GRANTS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday, September 17, 2025 MINUTES MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Mayor Garcia called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Erik Garcia Councilor Beverly Michael Councilor Fred E Rodarte (via audio) Councilor George Garcia (via audio) Absent: Councilor Zachery Gutierrez PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Approval of the Agenda as is. Motion: Beverly Michael Second: George Garcia Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 DISCUSSION OF CHARTER COMPLIANCE Mayor Garcia stated that a Council member made an addition to the agenda, which violated the City Charter. Mayor Garcia asked if the Charter was being broken by the addition to the agenda; Attorney Dan Gershon stated that the Mayor was correct. Councilor Michael stated that the rule of agenda additions is governed by the Open Meetings Act Resolution. Attorney Gershon stated that he does not feel that the OMA trumps the Charter; Councilor Michael then viewed the City Charter, which states that the Charter points out the OMA is approved by the Council, which at one point was changed to allow Councilors to add items to the agenda; City Clerk Salas confirmed Councilor Michael's statement. 1  Councilor Rodarte stated that in 2020, the previous City Manager, Laura Jaramillo, initiated the resolution, which enacted the Open Meetings Act to allow the Council to add items to the agenda without a violation of the City Charter. Mayor Garcia then stated that we could put that to rest. Councilor Michael elaborated on Charter amendments, including opting in to the general elections and term limits. Attorney Gershon stated that it looks like the City was trying to be in compliance with state law with prior amendments to the Charter. Clerk Salas stated that when the Council opted into the elections, the previous City Attorney, Jessica Nixon, pointed out that Election Code Laws gave municipalities leeway to amend the election code without any stipulations, and this is why the Council agreed to opt in to the General Elections. Councilor Michael stated that, as a home rule city, she feels that it should have been voted on by the citizens. CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL John Martinez, Cibola Arts Council, took the floor, introducing the new Cibola Arts Director, Debbie Dagut. Dagut took the floor, in which she stated that the gallery will be hosting classes soon and is looking forward to working with the gallery. 1. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: 1.1 Discussion/Action -Approval of August 20, 2025, RCCM Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Approval of August 20, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Beverly Michael Second: George Garcia Ayes: 3 Nays: O Abstain: 1 FR 1.2 Discussion - Public Safety Police Chief Maxine Monte took the floor, Chief Monte stated that her department hosted training at the Golf Course; Officer Vallo is attending the CERT by waiver academy; a new highly qualified officer has been hired; her department assisted with the Wings and Wheels Event; her department participated in a MOC drill; her department participated in the Red Ribbon Run; Chief Monte went over recent crimes committed in the City which included a great bodily harm incident and a child abuse case incident which is currently under investigation, and the death of an elderly male; her department held a DWI 2  checkpoint which resulted in 13 citations, and her department has received many complaints about traffic lights and are working on the issues by purchasing new lights with radar signs. Chief Monte then asked citizens to be mindful of school zone speed limits. Councilor Michael questioned the length of the high school's speed zone; Chief Monte stated that it is currently being looked at. Mayor Garcia questioned the stats on crime; Chief Monte stated that arrests have increased, incidents have increased, accidents have decreased, and tickets have increased. Mayor Garcia questioned the PD's staffing; Chief Monte announced that her department is looking to hire additional officers. Councilor Michael questioned why most Police Departments do not hire officers younger than 18 years old. Councilor Michael questioned whether the Mt. Taylor addition is in the City's jurisdiction. Fire Chief Mike Maes approached the bench, thanking and recognizing his crew; pointing out that his crew delivered a baby; Station 1 expansion dirt work is completed, and more work is scheduled soon; Grants fire responded to 298 calls for service within one month. Mayor Garcia questioned the Fire Department's Staff status; Chief Maes stated he currently has 25 employees. 1.3 Discussion - Clean-up Projects Jorge Mendez, Public Works Director, approached the bench, updating the Council on the status of graffiti removal via a contractor. Mayor Garcia questioned maintaining the removed graffiti. Mendez stated that the ditches are being cleaned, but the aftermath of recent storms has made maintaining the streets difficult. Councilor Michael suggested that utilizing Police Bike Patrols could assist in catching graffiti vandalism crimes. 1.4 Discussion - Presentation: Cibola County Collaborative Approach to Building Economies Cibola County Joshua Gutierrez approached the bench, stating that the County recently re­ established the Economic Foundation, and he would like to focus on larger growth, which entails revitalizing the city's economy by catering to Albuquerque's metro area. Gutierrez pointed out that he would like to see long-term resilience, collaboration, and government 3  grant funding to meet this goal. Gutierrez then spoke about his meetings with stakeholders towards his initiative and asked the City to join the County. Councilor Michael questioned the status of the working group and asked how elected officials can be part of the initiative; Gutierrez stated that the Council can communicate citizens' needs. Councilor Michael pointed out a recent Affordable Housing Act Resolution; Gutierrez stated that he wrote the Resolution and explained that it provided access to utilities, which is necessary in helping with the development. Councilor Michael then questioned how a councilor can advocate for Gutierrez's initiative. Mayor Garcia stated that Councilor Michael can attend the meetings. Mayor Garcia questioned the components of economic increase that could be utilized; Martinez stated that it is logistics on the east side of town. Councilor Michael stated that constituents have advocated for a train to Albuquerque. Gutierrez stated that due to high costs in large cities, industry may be apt to build in Grants at a lower cost. Mayor Garcia pointed out that City infrastructure is the key to development, and currently Sakaleres Ave. is being developed for this specific use. Gutierrez stated he has been working with Andrew and City Engineers' 1.5 Discussion/Action -Approval of Ordinance No. 25-1292: Compensation for Elected Officials Option A, 20-40 Mayor Garcia asked for a vote on the ordinance. Councilor Michael stated that the increase in compensation was too high. Councilor Rodarte stated he was not in favor of this option. Councilor Garcia stated he feels that both options are excessive due to the City's City Manager position. Mayor Garcia called for a motion, but no motion was made. *Ordinance died due to lack of a motion. 4 1.6 Discussion/Action -Approval of Ordinance No. 25-1293: Compensation for Elected Officials Option B, 18-36 Councilor Michael pointed out that it is difficult to elaborate on giving herself a raise, but feels that Option B is more reasonable. Councilor Rodarte stated he disagrees with this option due to conversations with other municipalities. Councilor Garcia stated that due to the City Manager position, which consumes many of the roles of the mayor, he feels the amount is excessive. Councilor Michael then pointed out that the scale that the City Manager utilized to project these figures is in line with the proposed increase in compensation. Motion: Approval of Ordinance No. 25-1293: Compensation for Elected Officials Option B, 18- 36 Motion: Beverly Michael Motion: None *Ordinance died due to lack of a second. 1. 7 Discussion/Action - Approval of Elected Official Compensation Agreement Councilor Rodarte stated that in the past, the Council came to an agreement for increased compensation. He then entertained an increase of the Council at twenty thousand dollars a year and the Mayor at twenty-five thousand a year. Councilor Garcia elaborated on increased Council compensation, stating that every municipality is different, he agrees that it is time for an increase, and the increase is for the next elected officials, not the current members. Councilor Garcia then stated the increase should be reasonable, stating that some of the increases are set to be more than what some City workers are paid right now. Mayor Garcia then confirmed that Councilor Rodarte is running for Council unopposed; Councilor Rodarte stated that, as of that moment, he thinks he is. Mayor Garcia then suggested that Councilor Rodarte abstain from voting due to his vote increasing his pay; Councilor Rodarte stated he is voting on a raise for the Council and the Mayor, and his vote does not necessarily mean it is solely for him, but rather for the City and the Council. Councilor Michael asked for a Point of Order; Mayor Garcia called a Point of Order. Councilor Michael questioned whether the item had to be published prior to the vote. 5  City Attorney Dan Gershon stated that the Clerk pointed out the action was solely for the draft of an ordinance, not to pass the proposed compensation. Motion: To direct the City Manager to draft an ordinance with those figures in mind $20,000 for the Council and $25,000 for the Mayor. Motion: Fred Rodarte Second: George Garcia Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 Mayor Garcia questioned whether having the two Council members on the same line during the meeting violates the Open Meetings Act; City Attorney Gershon stated that it is a legitimate concern, but it is legal, and that the Councilors direct their business strictly to when they are on the record. 1.8 Discussion/Action - Approval of Resolution No. 25-1908: Submission of Water Trust Board Application for Water System Improvements Project Manager Nadine Jiron took the floor, asking the Council for approval of the resolution, which would initiate the Water Trust Board Application for Water System Improvements, costing $7,105,454.55, which includes a City of Grants 10% match. Project Jiron pointed out that Senator Munoz asked that the application be filled out to start the process. Project Jiron then stated that there is a possibility for a loan, which would be based on the City's financial status. Councilor Michael asked how the money would be used; Jiron stated that Santa Fe. Ave. and San Jose Drive infrastructures are the targeted areas. Councilor Michael stressed the urgency of updating the City's infrastructure, recalling past emergency expenditures. Councilor Rodarte questioned if this action was a repeat of last year; Jiron stated it is not the same as last year, although the City has received the same type of funding. Councilor Garcia stated that he has confirmed with the New Mexico Municipal League that this type of funding is imperative due to Water & Wastewater not being funded by Capital Outlay any longer due to a lack of funding expenditures, which were previously awarded throughout the state. 6  Mayor Garcia questioned funding for the large match amount; Finance Villalobos pointed out that the newly executed tax this year is estimated to bring in around $300,000, which could be used for the match. Motion: Approval of Resolution No. 25-1908: Submission of Water Trust Board Application for Water System Improvements Motion: Beverly Michael Second: Fred Rodarte Ayes: 3 Nays: O 1.9 Discussion/Action -Approval of Resolution No. 25-1909: Submission of Water Trust Board Application for Wastewater System Improvements Project Manager Nadine Jiron took the floor, stating that the resolution would give authority to apply for the Water Trust Board Application for Wastewater System Improvements for construction services for $5,065,454.55, which requires a 10% match. The Council thanked Jiron for staying ahead of the application process. Mayor Garcia questioned the number of potential services per year and the loans required for the substantial amount. Finance Villalobos stated that the City was advised that the Water Trust Board would be issuing the funding for these types of projects from here on. Mayor Garcia questioned the possibility of a waiver for the 10% match, such as in past projects; Project Jiron stated that at this point, the application has not been approved, and there may be a possibility of additional funding. Mayor Garcia stated that Capital Outlay funding is no longer available. Councilor Michael stated that Capital Outlay funding was not being spent; therefore, the state has switched funding initiatives to the Water Trust Board to be more effective. Project Jiron stated that the new application process gives the City more time to spend the award. Motion: Approval of Resolution No. 25-1909: Submission of Water Trust Board Application for Wastewater System Improvements Motion: Beverly Michael Second: George Garcia Ayes:3 Nays: O 1.10 Discussion/Action -Approval of Resolution No. 25-1910: Submission of NM DOT TPF Match Waiver Request 7  Project Manager Nadine Jiron took the floor; Jiron asked the Council to approve the resolution for the submission of the New Mexico Department of Transportation's match waiver request for the extension of Davis and Gunderson Streets, with the 5% match being $254,137.26 of the 5 million dollar project. Jiron also pointed out that the City intends to apply for a match waiver upon City Council approval. Councilor Michael questioned how Jiron found out about the match waiver; Jiron stated that the City is unsure if it qualifies, but is applying.· Councilor Garcia credited Charles Lundstrom for the knowledge of the match waiver application process. Mayor Garcia questioned a previous match waiver; Jiron stated it was an "in-kind" waiver. Motion: Approval of Resolution No. 25-1910: Submission of NMDOT TPF Match Waiver Request, in the amount of $254,137.26. Motion: Fred Rodarte Second: George Garcia Ayes: 3 Nays:O 1.11 Discussion/Action -Approval of Wilson & Co. On-Call Engineer Domestic Violence Shelter Design Services Project Manager Nadine Jiron took the floor, requesting Council approval of design services for Roberts Place, domestic violence shelter design services, bidding management, and infrastructure design, funded by grant 24-212025-0 for $347,234.84. Councilor Michael read off the proposal. Councilor Garcia questioned why the City is approving Roberta's Place funding; Project Jiron stated that the City is the owner of the property and has been awarded the grant. Motion: Approval of Wilson & Co. On-Call Engineer Domestic Violence Shelter Design Services Motion: Beverly Michael Second: Fred Rodarte Ayes: 3 Nays: O 1.12 Discussion/Action -Approval of Resolution No. 25-1911: Budget Adjustment No. 1, with Attachment Finance Director Victor Villalobos took the floor presenting the first Budget Adjustment of the fiscal year which consisted of roll over purchase orders, pipes department increases in the general fund; purchase of the old Hanosh building; utility infrastructure repairs at the Hanosh building; Senior Center Program award adjustments; Recreation Center HVAC units; NM Clean & Beautiful award; Capital Outlay allocated funds; General Government Improvement 8  projects (GGI); Water Enterprise adjustments for the Hanosh building purchase, and Golf Course test removal contracts. Councilor Michael questioned GGI Funds. Finance Villalobos stated that when the City is awarded state funding that is not Capital Outlay, it is placed in the 3 million GGI account; Councilor Michael pointed out that the funds were now in the proper place. Councilor Michael questioned the EMS, Department of Health adjustment, and asked if it was deposited; Villalobos stated it was a negative adjustment due to it being $30,000 less than projected, which was now properly reflected. Councilor Michael stated she was not happy with the $200,000 cost of wiring replacement at the newly purchased Hanosh building; Villalobos stated that the amount of the electrical work cost is projected to be around $30,000-50,000. Councilor Michael questioned the cost of the Hanosh building; Villalobos stated that the amounts were separated into two funds, one being the Water Fund, totaling $877,334. Motion: Approval of Resolution No. 25-1911: Budget Adjustment No. 1, with Attachment Motion: George Garcia Second: Fred Rodarte Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 COMMENTS Councilor Rodarte thanked the City for sending him and Councilor Garcia to Ruidoso. Councilor Michael advocated for the Pipes, Maintenance, and Parks Departments; she questioned the stability of Sakeleres Blvd., and then pointed out that the current City Council is an example of civil discourse towards the nation. Mayor Garcia stated the Council has come a long way, and Grants will become the safest and cleanest community by working together. ADJOURN Mayor Garcia adjourned the meeting at 5:59 PM APPROVED Signed: 9 ATTEST: 10