Bayer Councilmen Raul Villanueva, left, and Eloy Medina listen to Ken Hughes with Mayor Chon Firo and Councilmen Francis Gonzalez and Jose Diaz.
At a public hearing before their regular meeting, the Bayard City Council voted Monday to deny M&M Auto’s request for a city business license renewal.
Steve Gabare, a resident who lives near the auto shop, opened the hearing by submitting a letter detailing his experience and the city’s zoning guidelines, asking the council to deny the permit.
M&M owner Marissa Valenzuela said the business is currently working to fix the issues.
“We don’t have to obey, but we are doing this to keep the peace. We are making it safe for people – these two people.
Matthew Valenzuela, owner of M&M, makes his living from his business to help the community. M&M employee Kenneth Martinez confirmed the business’s community value.
“You talk about helping — you guys spent over $1,500 of my money,” said resident Selina Crespin.
She objected to the business, calling it “dangerous”, informing the council of the business’ second location, saying it would bring “trash” into the city.
The Valenzuelas explained that the car surplus in their business is because the owners are unable to pay for repairs, forcing them to keep the shop in place.
The council then moved into closed session, after which they requested the presence of city code enforcement officer Joseph Carlos. They asked the official about the two citations he issued for his business, as well as what he saw during the visit. The council then adjourned the hearing and went into regular session, denying the request for permission before moving on to other matters. Councilors said that M&M Auto can reapply for a new license after verifying all the mentioned issues.
After a lengthy community discussion, the board voted to approve a notice of intent to increase utility rates, a notice of intent to increase regional wastewater service and a resolution approving the fiscal year 2023 budget.
During public comment, resident Steve Potts filed a complaint against Prosecutor Edna Reyes, who, after realizing he had seen it, failed to notify the arresting officer.
Potts said the case had not yet gone to trial, and on several occasions Reyes had not informed himself or the authorities when the trial was proceeding.
Council member Raul Villanueva said the council would be happy to write a letter to the district attorney’s office on the matter, but suggested that Potts go to the DA himself, and tell the victim of the crime to come forward to the DA.
Resident Jed Wilson informed the council of a bingo fundraiser for the Bayard Beautification Committee on Sunday, July 31st.
Ken Hughes of Sustainable Communities came to discuss the possibility of a $1,000 annual fee for Bayard membership. Councilwoman Frances Gonzales felt it would be beneficial to the community and asked to discuss joining as a task for the next meeting.
The council approved the consent agenda including the July 11 regular meeting minutes, the July 25 bill payment report and the June police report.
The consent agenda includes approval for administration staff and the council and mayor to attend the New Mexico Municipal League conference, Judy Diaz to attend a New Mexico seminar on police records, and approval for Anthony Avells, Adrian Badillo and Mikey Paez. Attend Singer Valve Training.
Approval of the consent agenda approved the resignation of Public Works Director Anthony Aveles, although council members agreed to discuss Aveles’ resignation letter at a later executive session.
The council appointed Tina Forgas to the Bayard Housing Authority board and appointed Gary Arellano as training officer for the Bayard Volunteer Fire Department. They also approved the June 30 financial report and budget adjustments, and approved the city’s uniform policy. The board also approved a 25-cent raise for Marlena Valenzuela, Tanya Ortiz and Michelle Holguin to obtain procurement officer certification effective July 30.
Council members adjourned to discuss the municipal court budget with Judge Jose Sandoval, as well as the 30-day extension for Michelle Holguin and Joseph Gomez, pending discussion in closed executive session.
All members of the council were present. City employee Tanya Ortiz filled in for Secretary-Treasurer Cristina Ortiz, who was on leave.
The next regular meeting of the council will be held on August 8 at 6 pm
