Commission seeks traffic analysis

At Tuesday’s Curry County Commission meeting, commissioners:

• Voted to send a letter to the New Mexico Department of Transportation asking for an evaluation of traffic challenges at Wheaton and U.S. 60/84 and on N.M. 467. Commissioner Wendell Bostwick said increased traffic to and from the base is a growing concern, particularly at the start and stop of duty day. It’s causing congestion and other difficulties, and he would like to have the DOT evaluate the issue and suggest solutions.

• Heard about the Curry County Old Timers from Mike Trower. Trower said the group started in 1937 as a birthday club that recognized anyone over 65. Now the group gathers to celebrate old timers in the area. The group is hosting a recognition day Oct. 4 at the Nazarene Church, Broadview, with a potluck starting at 12:30 and activities through 3 p.m., ending with an ice cream social.

• Heard an update from Junctions about the Homeless Housing and Access to recovery grant. Della Garlitz said Junctions provides treatment services for substance abusers and their families. Out of 859 Curry County residents seen by Junctions, Garlitz said 53 percent are meth users. The Homeless grant will assist three families on the verge of being homeless for 18 months, she said.

• Heard a report from Interim Adult Detention Center Administrator Carlos Ortiz. Ortiz said he is working to reduce jail population by making sure inmates are transferred quickly when appropriate. Many inmates at the facility are just waiting to be moved to other facilities, he said. Ortiz said security was lax when he took command last week but he has a 30-day plan to fix those deficiencies and is pleased with the progress. He said he expects in one year the facility could be ready for certification by the American Corrections Association.

• Heard from County Manager Lance Pyle about the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan. The plan will be presented Sept. 29 during a special commission meeting.

• Passed a resolution requiring organizations receive prior approval before obtaining grants designating the county as the fiscal agent for legislative appropriations.

• Canceled the Nov. 3 commission meeting because several commissioners have other obligations.

• Approved a request for qualifications for engineering and survey services,

selecting Pettigrew and Associates from a group of seven engineering firms, including Lydick Engineers of Clovis, which has traditionally served the county.