By Hallie Richwine

The City of Bayard Council meeting on January 8, 2018 began at 2 p.m. after a work session that was approximately 30 minutes long. All councilors attended as well as Mayor Charles Kelly.

Mayor Pro Tem Chon Fierro moved to pass the four resolutions on the agenda, including the Open Meetings resolution. The other resolutions were to apply to Colonias Infrastructure fund for redevelopment of well #3, Resolution 3-2018 which allocates the cash match from the water and sewer project, and Resolution 4-2018 that separates the water and sewer departments into their own designations.

Clerk Kristina Ortiz wanted to clarify that the need for the city to find somewhere to dump the effluent water is not as immediate as some people have said. While it is in the near future, the mine may have a reclamation project that asks for water to be redirected to the Whitewater Creek area. The city is looking at the differences in the state and federal regulations and working toward a sustainable plan.

“We would love to send every bit of clean water to a ball field, or to recharge the aquifer, but we’re not there yet,” said Kelly.

Council approved to proceed with the New Mexico Environmental Department loan and grant for the Engineering Services of the Wastewater Dewatering System Project. This will aid in finding future solutions.

Council went into Closed Session to discuss personnel issues. Upon their return Councilor Raul Villanueva moved that Cody Dove be removed from patrol to the position of code enforcement officer, effective immediately, with all councilors in favor.

During their final reports, Villanueva stated he was seeking reelection on the council and commended all who put their names in. “It can be a thankless job but we do it for the good of the community.”

Fierro said he would be running for mayor.

Kelly said he will be running for Municipal Judge. “After three terms as mayor, fifteen or more years on city council, and four years as a county commissioner, I feel I could be a good judge for the City of Bayard.”

The next meeting for the City Council of the City of Bayard happens Monday, January 22, 2018 at 2 p.m. following a short work session. The public is invited to attend.