The City of Bayard Council Meeting on July 9, 2018 began at 2 p.m. after a work session that was approximately 30 minutes long. All councilors attended as well as Mayor Chon Fierro.

Edith Lee of HMS presented, requesting financial support for the Senior Food Program. Lee oversees family support services at HMS which includes programs for seniors. The senior program has been in Hidalgo county for the past 10 years and expanded to include Cliff, Mimbres, Silver City, and Santa Clara. The program receives federal and state funds and has chosen to approach municipalities about support after receiving a 10% federal cut, with more cuts to come.

The Senior Food Program provided over 21,000 meals to seniors in the mining district last year. Their services include hot lunches served at the senior centers and delivered meals for those who qualify. They also provide rides to appointments.

The program is seeking partnership in funding to help sustain its work in the community. Other municipalities are either helping with funding or donating the use of facilities. Lee asked council to consider $20,000 annually, an amount that would be billed in two installments.

Council tabled any further action. Clerk Kristina Ortiz will review possible ways to allocate the funds.

Council also reviewed a proposal from Southern Sky landscaping of Silver City. The company previously installed an irrigation system and seeded the little league ballfield. The seeding portion has been a point of contention for months as the grass never took hold. Southern Sky offered two proposals for the reseeding, one at a higher rate that included a warranty.

Councilor Raul Villanueva asked if the city was credited for any monies already paid toward the project, “We paid for the service and are unhappy with the work.”

Ortiz said she spoke with the contractor and they were unable to determine who was at fault. She will contact them again to ask about recovering funds already spent.

Councilor Zeke Santa Maria moved to reject the proposal and seek other proposals for the project.

A closed executive session was held with no action taken.

In personnel matters, council approved an increase in wages for Michael Perez after he obtained the Water Supply Level 2 Certification. Council also approved the hiring of Johnnie Bauch as a Patrol Officer upon successful completion of all pre-employment examinations.

The next meeting for the City of Bayard Council happens Monday, July 23, 2018 at 2 p.m. after a short work session. The public is invited to attend.