The Village of Santa Clara Regular Meeting took place Wednesday, July 18, 2018 in the Village Hall. Trustees Olga Amador and Harry "Rocky" Hildebrand as well as Mayor Pro Tem Albert Esparza and Mayor Richard Bauch attended.
Esparza gave the Safety Committee update. They met that morning to discuss an incident involving a runaway grader. They suspect the brakes went out. Esparza asked for signs to be ordered to put up when the barrels are out to deter people from driving through them. Esparza also reported the training for 2018 has ended and the classes for next year begin in August.
Amador said the Action Committee is working on the 150th birthday celebration as well as the lighted Christmas parade. They continue to host the movie in the park on Saturday, weather permitting.
Richard Esparza reported for the Cemetery Committee, saying there was no action other than the weeds growing. Bauch indicated a sprayer may be purchased to help with weed control. Bauch also said after the South Bellm scoping is complete they will know how the cemetery is impacted, and that when funds are available they will start on the fencing.
The Neighborhood Watch Committee was represented by Robert Padilla. "Attendance has dropped at meetings and we are reorganizing to get more interest. Everyone is invited to attend," he said. He said the 4th of July event was well attended and the music in the park concerts have been going well.
Bauch gave his report and congratulated the Village of Santa Clara and Hildebrand for receiving the Americorps Sponsor of the Year award. "Rocky represented us very well, and we're very proud to receive the award," said Bauch, "It speaks not only to the hospitality of the community but also the quality and the importance of the project we are doing." Three awards were given in Denver for the southwest district, two for individuals and one for a community.
In new business, trustees voted in favor of Raymond Chavez' request to erect a rock wall in front of his residence. They also discussed the possibility of raising fees at the cemetery. A request will be submitted to the Cemetery Committee for a recommendation.
Trustees then discussed the appointment of a new trustee to replace Victor Arambula's seat after his move to Lordsburg.
"Victor has done a wonderful job for us, and a number of people have indicated they were interested in filling the position," Bauch said, "Four people expressed interest and all four are outstanding individuals."
Bauch made the recommendation to approve Patricia Montgomery of 304 South Bellm to the seat. Montgomery is active in the community. Trustees voted in favor with only Esparza in opposition.
In New Business trustees approved the job description for a Public Safety Aide. This is a non-certified position that assists the police department in non-police matters like traffic control. The intent is for the position to cover the night shift. The mayor has identified forty points to check during the shift, approximately four times per night. This position is similar to PSAs in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and is designed to give police officers more time for official business and training.
Trustees passed an ordinance giving permission to publish the intent to adopt the Village of Santa Clara Historic Preservation Plan. The Village of Santa Clara became a certified public government and as such must adopt a historic preservation plan. At this time the plan is available for public review and comments.
Trustees had several personnel approvals; Robby Ramirez and Bill Hudman finished their six month probation periods and will be compensated. Albert Archuleta will do janitorial maintenance at the armory on a part-time basis and Krislynn Golden will be a part time utility clerk. Trustees also accepted the resignation of James Salas.
The Next Regular Meeting of the Village of Santa Clara happens Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 3 p.m. at the Village Hall.