By Hallie Richwine

The Town of Hurley Regular Meeting took place Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 5 p.m. A quorum of members attended.

The Hurley Pride committee announced Tammy Gonzalez as the president. Gonzalez reported the second annual pumpkin patch will be held this year on October 7 at the railroad museum in the Old Hurley Store. At the one-day event, they plan for about 200 children in attendance. Councilor Ed Stevens asked if the town could do anything to help the event and Gonzalez thanked the town for the offer.

Council approved the business license for Salas Services Company as well as the transfer of the liquor license at the Hurley Bar.

Phil Bailey and Matt Astle from Southwestern Railroad presented an opportunity for the Town of Hurley to buy the old train depot for a nominal fee. Southwestern does not need the entire building and also does not have the funds or resources to restore it. Stevens had several questions about details and ultimately Mayor Fernando Martinez said the issue required further discussion.

Hurley passed the approval of intent to adopt the changes to the uniform traffic ordinance. The councilors also accepted the quotes for the cemetery pad and barbed wire fencing improvements.

They tabled the item to approve the solid waste collection contract, pending a special meeting and workshop to review terms and rates. The special meeting happens Monday, September 18 at 5 pm, with the workshop following.

Council approved training for Police Chief Michael Zamora and Police Clerk Sonia Valerio in Las Cruces, NM, as well as training for Town Clerk Lori Ortiz and Deputy Clerk Darlene McBride in Albuquerque, NM.

Ortiz also received approval to attend the 2017 NDC Academy at the end of October. The National Development Council helps nonprofit and government agencies work together to use local development finance tools. The Town of Hurley’s water project landed among the top four projects reviewed by the NDC so it is a privilege to be asked to attend the conference. Priscilla Lucero will attend with Ortiz, representing the project and the town itself. Because attendance of a representative from Hurley does not impact financial status whether a representative from Hurley attends or not, Stevens did not wish to approve the expenditure. All other members of council voted for Ortiz to attend.

During the consent agenda, Ortiz explained the purchase of the new server. The old server was so full that documents needed to be deleted daily to make room. Salas Services helped find a server at a discounted price.

During the Mayor’s report Martinez shared that he went to the Mayor’s Meeting on 8/10 in Bayard, where they discussed an intent to turn the old union hall into a “Salt of the Earth” museum. Martinez also presented on the timeline of the water project. He said he believes the Mayor’s Meetings are a good way to provide moral support for the neighboring communities as they work on projects.

The next Regular Meeting for the Town of Hurley happens October 10, 2017 at 5:00 pm in the Town Hall located at 101 Cortez Avenue in Hurley. The meeting is open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend.