Edgewood leaders on April 23 prepared for a training retreat, approved the purchase of a new car and worked toward installing the town’s new baby box.
At the Edgewood Commission’s regular meeting, Town Clerk Rachel Martinez said the town is moving ahead with the installation of a baby box, but it is not clear when it will be up and running.
“The Santa Fe County Fire is creating standard operating procedures,” Martinez said. “Those must be vetted by their union, the district of fire chiefs and their legal department. Once that is done, it will then go to the county manager and the Board of County Commissioners. So it is a little bit of a long process.”
In November 2023, the commission agreed to take part in New Mexico’s safe haven program and begin the process to purchase and install an infant safety surrender device. At its regular meeting Jan. 16, commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding between the Mid-Region Council of Governments for the $10,000 needed to plan, design, construct, equip and install the baby box.
Parents who are unable to care for an infant can anonymously place the child inside the box, which will be located at the county fire station on NM 244 near Venus Park. The fire department will be notified once the box has been opened and the baby will then be transported to a hospital.
New car, new retreat
In other business, commissioners approved the purchase of a new 2023 GMC Terrain to replace the town’s current vehicle with maintenance issues.
They also agreed on a location for the town’s governing body and appointed officials retreat.
Initially, commissioners and Town Manager Nina McCracken considered the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort in Bernalillo but agreed on the Courtyard by Marriott in Farmington because it is less expensive. The two-day retreat will be used for strategic planning and training and is funded through the town’s administration and commission training budget.
Commissioners also chose this location because it is close to Aztec, which is similar in size to Edgewood.
“They had a challenging period of their growth, but they have done some really great things so I think there is a lot for us to learn,” Commissioner Jerry Powers said. “I would like to set up meetings with the commissioners and the manager because they have been operating far longer than we have so it is a great opportunity.”
Cadet of the Year
Commissioners presented an Edgewood teen with a certificate of appreciation after he was named Cadet of the Year by the Civil Air Patrol’s New Mexico Wing.
Cadet Major Jason Shelton, from the Route 66 Composite Squadron, part of Civil Air Patrol’s New Mexico Wing, received the award due to his leadership skills showcased through leading his team and volunteer efforts. He has applied to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland with nominations by U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, Sen. Ben Ray Luján and Rep. Melanie Stansbury.
“By the age of 17, he had two associate’s degrees with honors and one in liberal arts and one in pre-law,” Powers said. “He’s devoted more than 2,000 hours of volunteer time to the Civil Air Patrol and community service. He has mentored as many as 15 cadets as well. Mentoring is so important.”
Get involved
The next meeting of the Edgewood Commission is Tuesday, May 14, at Town Hall Commission Chambers at 6:30 pm.