The Edgewood Commission meeting on May 13 had a packed agenda, addressing a range of issues from personnel changes to community event approvals and infrastructure updates.
Public Comments Address Transparency and Accuracy
During public comment, residents raised concerns about the town’s communication and transparency, suggesting an online comment form to improve access.
Linda Holly raised “housekeeping matters,” noting multiple instances where meeting agendas were altered within the 72-hour legal posting window. She urged the town to release supplemental materials simultaneously to ensure public transparency.
She also questioned a Lodgers Tax grant for Church Street Market, which appeared to exceed the original request. Clerk-Treasurer Michelle Jones clarified that the prior payment was a reimbursement for last year’s event.
Jones clarified that the earlier payment was a reimbursement for last year’s tournament.
“We received a reimbursement request, but .. the file got lost. We couldn’t find the file till just recently, and then we were able to process the reimbursement,” Jones said.
“So that reimbursement that’s being referenced is from the prior year, not this current year that you’re voting on right now.”
Major Personnel Changes: Jones Resigns, Archuleta Appointed
A significant moment during the meeting was the official resignation of Jones, effective immediately following the meeting. Jones is returning to her previous position in Estancia.
Following Jones’ recommendation and that of her supervisor, Trina Page, Victoria Archuleta was appointed Interim Clerk-Treasurer.
Jones praised Archuleta’s intelligence, ethics and attention to detail. Commissioners noted that check-signing authority would need to be updated accordingly.
Event Approvals and Community Engagement
Commissioners approved extended hours and permits for several upcoming events:
- Sun Valley Rides Summer Carnival (June 5–8): Operating hours extended past the 10 p.m. ordinance limit, with some nights going until midnight.
- Alcohol permits were approved for:
- Juno’s Brewery at the Fourth of July celebration (July 4–5)
- Brews on Bachelor (Sept. 27)
- Wild West Frontier Festival
- Juno’s Brewery at the Fourth of July celebration (July 4–5)
All event permits and time extensions were unanimously approved.
Commissioner Murillo acknowledged public participation and celebrated the return of local business Country Critters, which recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Mayor Ken Brennan also announced that NCRTD’s My Blue transit service will extend hours during the carnival, including weekend service.
“This will work out really good for if you if parents are dropping the kids off but can’t quite go get them, they can go ahead and get on the app to my blue and have my blue come and pick them up and take them as long as it’s within the Edgewood boundaries,” Brennan said.
“We greatly appreciate the NCRTD for extending these hours of operations with My Blue,” he added.
Infrastructure and Capital Projects
Town Manager Nina McCracken provided these updates:
- Church Street box culverts are expected by July 1, with project completion before the June 30 deadline.
- Chip sealing will continue across East Venus and other roads, and septic work at Venus Park has resumed after rain delays.
- Hail damage to the Town Hall and the library is being assessed for insurance claims.
- The ICIP (Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan) is due in July, with discussions set to begin soon.
- Eight light poles damaged by drivers will cost up to $34,000 to replace.
“For whatever reason, we have drivers who keep taking them out…We got a quote for one of the decorative light poles. It will be close to $34,000 to replace it,” McCracken said.
“We have filed an insurance claim. But just be aware that those polls are very expensive, and I don’t know if we need to paint a bull’s eye on the light poles, because maybe people will miss them at that point, since the target is to stay on the road, but it’s neither here nor there.”
Lodgers’ Tax Grants Approved
The Commission approved multiple Lodgers’ Tax Grant applications, following recommendations from the Lodgers’ Tax Board. Events receiving funding include:
- Wild West Frontier Festival
- Pirate and Viking Summer Festival at Wildlife West
- Quidditch Tournament at Church Street Market
The town also secured funding for tourism campaigns like “Discover Edgewood” and “Eat Shop Stay,” which includes a proposed billboard in Santa Rosa.
Additionally, a pavilion expansion at Venus Park, estimated at $191,000 with one-third funded by Lodgers’ Tax, aims to attract weddings, family reunions and larger public events.