The Town of Edgewood Commission approved storage space for youth soccer equipment and appointed two new members to the Animal Welfare Advisory Board during a special Saturday afternoon meeting on Aug. 16.
The commission unanimously approved allowing the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) to place an 8×20 storage container at Venus Park as part of their field lease agreement. The organization serves hundreds of children annually and had previously stored equipment at the park for over a decade before recent parking lot renovations.
“We have 300 to 400 kids every year that are out here playing,” said Randy Remold, a newly elected AYSO board member. “We really appreciate the work that the town of Edgewood does in keeping this field for our use.”
Brian McMurray, who has worked with AYSO for 20 years, told commissioners the storage would help volunteers quickly access goals and field equipment for practices and games.
Town Manager Nina McCracken said the arrangement addresses anti-donation concerns by incorporating the storage into AYSO’s existing $500-per-season lease fees for the fields.
The commission also appointed Barbara Evans and Lauren Aston to one-year terms on the Animal Welfare Advisory Board. Evans, an Edgewood resident with 33 years in New Mexico, brings experience in animal control and grant writing. Aston, who already serves on the Parks and Recreation board, worked in veterinary medicine for 15 years.
In other business, the commission approved alcohol permits for two upcoming events: the Labor Day Bash on Aug. 29 and Sunset Summerfest on Sept. 20, both to be held at Venus Park with Replay LLC providing beverage service.
Mayor Ken Brennan announced plans for a commissioner-sponsored employee appreciation barbecue, with commissioners contributing personal funds to thank town staff for their service.
The commission meeting was rescheduled from Tuesday to Saturday due to agenda posting requirements under the Open Meetings Act, drawing sharp criticism from resident Linda Holly.
“The decision to call a meeting off schedule on a Saturday in August in the middle of the afternoon I would believe was inconvenient for the commissioners. I mean, one’s absent today, not here in person. And also for the staff, you’re taking away precious time from families,” Holly said. “What inconsiderate and poor planning you’ve displayed for the public.”
Holly noted the Saturday agenda was nearly identical to the cancelled Tuesday meeting, questioning why the town couldn’t meet its regular schedule as outlined in its open meetings resolution.
All five commissioners attended, with Commissioner Filandro Anaya participating remotely.
