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Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 09 August 2017 09 August 2017

By Hallie Richwine

On August 8, 2017, the Hurley Town Council met for its regular monthly meeting. All councilors were in attendance as well as Mayor Fernando Martinez.

The Council heard an update from Gary Berg of Engineers Inc. regarding the improvements being done to the water system. Berg is also helping the town find contractors for the cemetery pad as there were no quotes received previously.

Councilors approved the agreement with ONSOLVE for code red emergency notification, however both Councilman Ed Stevens and Mayor Martinez expressed trepidation. “If we are requested to spend these funds, what are the specific ways to know education is working and people are enrolled in the system?” Stevens inquired. An education piece is part of the agreement with ONSOLVE, which will inform the community how to enroll in the notification system and why it is important to do so. “Informing the public is key,” stated Councilman Richard Maynes. During the discussion it became evident that the Council would like to go forward but they do want statistics.

The Council also agreed, however not unanimously, on the MOU supporting the community development of Fort Bayard. Priscilla Lucero of the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments explained that the MOU may help the county gain opportunities by teaming up. WNMU is the last entity to discuss entering the MOU.

The Council indicated they were satisfied with their involvement with the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments and they will be continuing said involvement. Their agreement to move forward includes agreeing to pay the dues for participation.

Lucero presented on the prioritization of infrastructure capital improvements, taking the time to review whether the priorities from Hurley’s last review are still relevant. It was reiterated that the top five items in the plan for 2019-2023 must match any fund requests in the future.

Mayor Martinez asked for an official ruling on the previous discussion to hire Chris Teran as he was already hired.

Council then engaged in a closed session to review personnel issues. Upon the return to a public forum, it was agreed that Martha Salas will be hired as the temporary billing clerk.

Council approved Consent Agenda and closed with the Mayor’s and Councilor’s reports, including Mayor Martinez announcing his plan to attend the quarterly Mayor’s meeting. Mr. Stevens reported on the Solid Waste meeting, and Mr. Maynes reported that he will be working with the Maintenance department regarding drainage and obtaining bids.

The next Hurley Town Council meeting will be September 12, 2017 at 5 p.m. in the Town Hall.