Small Town News

Hidalgo County Commission to consider road abandonment request after further research

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The Hidalgo County Commission will consider the abandonment of an 8-mile stretch road in the southern reaches of Hidalgo County.

Seth Hadley, of the Diamond A Ranch, approached Commissioners at their regular September meeting asking the County to cease maintenance on C-001 from Foster Draw Road to Cloverdale. He pointed out that this road is an alternative route and the County is now maintaining two roads to the same location. He went on to add that many cattle and antelope are hit on this road and county abandonment would not restrict Border Patrol access to the area.

Commissioner Joey Mora, who said he has visited the site, said the closure will not restrict access to any public lands.

County Road Superintendent Clarence Rudiger reminded Commissioners that granting this request may open the door to other requests to abandon roads countywide, which would ultimately result in lost income for the county.

The Commission agreed to appoint a viewer's panel from the area to look at the road and report back to the Commission at their next regular meeting.

Jail Administrator Richard Gomez was on hand at last week's meeting to discuss various jail items. Gomez told Commissioners that the jail averages 16 inmates at any given time and he would like to do some minor improvements in the facility while waiting for the new jail to be built, such as painting. Furthermore, Gomez requested a jail inspection from the Commission to get an outside perspective on his facility. The Commission will do their annual inspection of the jail prior to their October meeting at 3:00 p.m.

Gomez also said he is researching the option of having inmates do work detail outside the facility, but it is not financially feasible at this time. Detention officers are now receiving video training and he is working on an in-depth staffing analysis to present to Commissioners in the near future. Gomez informed Commissioners of the recent vacancy of the part-time Detention Administration Clerk, previously held by Marianne Stewart. Gomez asked for permission to advertise the position, but in a full-time capacity. Once the new jail facility is up and running, Gomez said, the position will have to be full-time anyway. In addition, it will be easier to fill now as a full-time position. The Commission agreed.

In other business, the Commission held public hearings on two liquor license requests, both of which were granted without opposition. The first request came from the James Villa of the Rodeo Country Store, who plans to serve beer and wine in his restaurant. The second request came from Leonard W. Besinger Jr., who is a winemaker under- the Bellanzi Winery label. The license was approved for his vineyard located 15 miles south of Hachita.

The Commission approved an amendment to the Caballos de las Estrellas Subdivision, located in Rodeo. Owner Zhenna Bouray asked the Commission to allow her to break a 40-acre commercial lot down into four 10-acre commercial lots to make them easier to market.

Commissioners agreed to pay up to $750 for a 6-foot by 40-foot banner that will be place across the top of an existing County billboard. The banner will promote Discover Hidalgo County, an even slated for October 16, 2010 that will celebrate the founding of Lordsburg.

The Hidalgo County Commission will begin meeting once again in the District Courtroom in the Hidalgo County Courthouse beginning with their next meeting.



Copyright 2010 Hidalgo County Herald, Lordsburg, New Mexico. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 Hidalgo County Herald Lordsburg, New Mexico. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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