Saturday's Internet Edition, July 31, 2010.
|
| "Building Bridges" Art Show opens at CCVB.... Junior High & High School art work on exhibit. |
- Culberson County Commissioners met Monday morning and dispensed with their agenda in a little over 2 hours.
Commissioners directed their attention to Darlene Elder, representing Aero Alternative Energy Industries, who spoke to them about her proposed project and how it will benefit the area.
Elder told commissioners that her proposal involves constructing wind generators, possibly 100 or more, in the eastern part of Culberson County. She further noted that it may also include construction of a transmission line since none exists to bring the electricity produced to Van Horn.
Elder went on to say that her proposed project includes a bio-methane process whereby she will produce electricity from the methane gas generated from the city’s sewage lagoons. The methane gas would fire electrical generators.
Elder told commissioners that the project will ultimately produce jobs for the area, rebates for the county, and provide a huge tax base. She further noted that the project will utilize “state of the art” technology and she asked commissioners for their support of the project.
And, she noted that the money will come from investors and grant proceeds and will not cost the city or county anything.
She concluded by noting, “This is exciting and it will put Van Horn on the map!” Judge Manuel Molinar said, “This appears to be a win-win situation for the county.”
While commissioners did acknowledge their support of the project, they did ask Elder to bring some supportive documentation to a future meeting since she offered nothing in writing at Monday’s meeting.
Hortencia Sanchez presented her monthly report on Nutrition Center operations. According to Commissioner McDonald and Auditor Cabezuela, the Center last month went into the “red” by some $2,200, largely based on an increase in home delivery meals.
Sanchez noted that she was doing things properly, however, Commissioner McDonald challenged her by saying “Aren’t folks supposed to sign in daily for meals?” to whch she replied “Yes.” Then McDonald said, “I know that is not happening!” He then stated, “I’m afraid we are taking credit for serving meals that we should not be doing.”
In the end, commissioners agreed to take a harder look at the Nutrition Center operation in the days ahead.
County Judge Molinar read a proposed proclamation designating April 27th as Conservation Day in Culberson County to recognize the contributions made here by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and it’s staff, Gary Fuentes and Chanley Turner.
Other agenda items considered by commissioners and actions taken include the following:
* Heard and accepted the monthly activity report from AgriLife Extension Agent Lainie Koch.
* Heard a representative from Liberty National Life Insurance put forth a proposal to talk to county employees about one of their products. Commissioners agreed to let him talk to employees provided the Treasurer has no problem with the payroll deductions.
* Tabled action on the adoption of the International Building Code for unincorporated areas of the county pending receipt of more information.
* Approved the purchase of the existing leased copier in the clerks office plus the lease of a new one. Funds will come out of her records management account.
* Approved the Tax Office closing for Pritchard and Abbott training.
* And, learned that the Hotel El Capitan petition for a liquor license and a call for election has been received and is valid. Commissioners will order the election at their next meeting.
* Auditor Mark Cabezuela reported that the J.P. offices collections, especially Precinct 1, have been going well. And, Commissioner McDonald cited a legal notice that said the county is not in violation by leaving that office vacant. Other J.P.’s can and will cover.
* A request from the Christian Shelter for an increased monthly allotment was tabled.
* Commissioners did approve an amended employee time sheet policy to be effective that day. The policy tightens up preparation of the time sheets.
* Commissioners denied a request from David Howard to purchase property, that did not sell, under Cause No. 4459.
* Commissioners agreed to send money back to the state which had been received for Constable, Precinct 1 use since the county did not have a constable for that precinct.
* They approved allocating $3000 to purchase materials and fix the County Barn. Money will come from Road & Bridge Contingency.
* Authorized County Judge Molinar to negotiate a hanger lease at the county airport for a man who is moving here and has an airplane he wants to hanger here.
* After approving the submitted monthly reports from various county offices, commissioners approved the payment of bills and salaries amounting to $375,047.27.
Carlsbad Caverns offers free admission to visitors
Carlsbad Caverns National Park will join national park units across the country in celebrating National Park Week, April 17 to 25, by offering free general admission and a variety of special programs, such as rope climbing demonstrations. The program schedule will be posted at the Visitor Center information desk daily. Fees for guided tours will still apply.
Park Superintendent John Benjamin said, “National Park Week is an opportunity to engage families and communities in fun activities that are available in America’s Great Outdoors. Carlsbad Caverns offers people a great variety of experiences from hiking in a desert canyon to bird watching at Rattlesnake Springs to walking in the cool depths of a cave. We invite everyone to come out and celebrate with us for a few hours or a few days.”
From April 18 to 24, staff will present activities especially for children every afternoon at 3:45 in the park Visitor Center, including regular visits from park mascot Carl S. Bat. Saturday April 24 is Junior Ranger Day. Aimed at children of all ages, participants who complete a free Junior Ranger activity booklet are sworn in as “Junior Rangers” and receive a special badge.
In the town of Carlsbad, on April 24, the park and its partners will host March for Parks from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Living Desert Zoo and Garden State Park. March for Parks is a walk event involving thousands of Americans nationwide. Every dollar raised at this event stays at the local level for projects identified by the March for Parks organizing committee. Funds raised this year will go to improvements at 8th Street Park, at the corner of 8th and Florida Streets, and to cover transportation cost for school field trips to area parks.
For more information about National Park Week and scheduled activities at Carlsbad Caverns, contact park ranger Rachel Zimmer at 575-785-3130. A listing of National Park Week activities and promotions nationwide is available at www.nps.gov/npweek.