By Andrea Vasquez
Public comment during the Jan. 28 Town of Edgewood meeting raised a series of issues concerning transparency, which was a common denominator among the citizens who spoke at the Town Hall.
Citizen Adrian Chavez Sr. took the podium to express his feelings and concerns about former commissioner Sterling Donner’s reason for resignation.
Donner was allegedly involved in forging documents related to a USDA grant. According to Chavez, Donner presented a forged pre-approval document for $9,700,000 for a Community Center.
Chavez criticized the commission’s lack of transparency regarding the investigation and the town’s response to his premature departure.
“May I remind the public that in this country, a person is innocent until proven guilty. The investigation is still ongoing, and we cannot comment further,” Mayor Ken Brennan responded.
The chief of police also commented that criminal investigations are currently underway and that the public should remain silent until the investigation is concluded to avoid hindering the attorney’s and legal representation’s job.
The Town of Edgewood sent a press release Wednesday morning stating that, under New Mexico state law, details of any active law enforcement investigation are protected so that the investigation is not hindered and because no charges have been filed.
“Mr. Chavez Sr. had previously been advised by the investigator, and also separately by Clerk Michelle Jones, that the investigation is ongoing,” according to the release. “It is unclear what impact Mr. Chavez Sr.’s comments may now have on the investigation and law enforcement process.”
At the Nov. 12 regular town commission meeting, Town Manager Nina McCracken reported an active investigation into irregularities with a commissioner’s email account. At the Jan. 7 regular commission meeting, McCracken updated the Town Commission and the public that the investigation remained ongoing.
“Due to the nature of the investigation, the town cannot comment further at this time,” the release said. “The Town of Edgewood has fully cooperated with all law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation and will continue to do so. At the request of the law enforcement agencies involved and on the recommendation of the town’s legal counsel, the town has not released the specifics of this investigation to the public. This is not a lack of transparency but rather is to safeguard the law enforcement process and to ensure the constitutional rights of citizens to due process.”
On that same note, the upcoming Planning and Zoning quasi-judicial meeting on Campbell Ranch was also mentioned. Linda Holle mentioned the special meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. on a Thursday would limit attendance.
“Is that your intent? Where’s the transparency? I was unable to locate the approved and signed minutes of the planning and zoning meeting from Nov. 21, 2024, on the town’s website. How are the citizens supposed to inform themselves about the matter for which you called a special meeting? Where is the transparency?” Holle said.
Hours before the meeting, the Town of Edgewood announced the meeting had been postponed until March.
Aside from the extensive round of public comment, several resolutions were approved along with the approval of the fiscal year 25 second quarter quarterly report.
Michelle Jones, town clerk, updated the town’s financial status, stating that revenues and expenditures align with the budget.
“Bottom line, up front, things are going pretty good,” she said.
The commissioners established a policy of gifts to commissioners, appointees and staff. This included a $25 limit on the value of gifts and the idea of keeping a log of gifts received to ensure transparency and avoid conflicts of interest.
The town commission also agreed to accept three donated vehicles from Santa Fe County. The vehicles will be formally accepted at the next scheduled commission meeting.
A resolution supporting HB 0113, a bill related to animal welfare to help small communities improve their animal programs, was also approved.
Police Chief Roger Jimenez emphasized the importance of supporting animal welfare legislation and expressed his confidence in Christine Romero, the current shelter manager.
The commission also voted to hold a public hearing on Feb. 25 to amend the Library Advisory Board ordinance for revisions and necessary updates.
Edgewood’s town commissioners also approved the reappointment of Parks and Rec advisory board members Brian McMurtry, Robin Sampson and Diana Boyd during the meeting. They expressed their support and gratitude for their work and commitment.
“When I came into office, there wasn’t a parks and rec. Over the past three years, through the dedication and hard work of people like yourselves, I mean, we have got, I think, one of the best parks and rec groups of any small town throughout the entire state,” Mayor Brennan said.
The meeting also expressed the town’s interest in creating more open spaces and connecting trail systems within Edgewood in the near future while focusing on creating a community-based environment through events and recreational facilities.
Another important topic discussed was scheduling interviews for the vacant commission position. Commissioners emphasized the value of providing adequate dates for the candidates to interview.
On a brighter note, Linda Burke, the community liaison, presented a proposal for a Memorial Garden in the town’s Memorial Park.
“There are benefits to a community garden, and it is something where it gives the community some space to come together, to reflect, to bond and to promote a sense of togetherness,” Burke said about her proposed project.
Her concept includes a permaculture garden with native plants, water conservation methods, and a pollinator attraction. The commission supported it by advising the formation of a citizen committee to investigate the project’s future.
To pursue this project for the town’s memorial space, which was established in 2013, the details, cost, and funding will be researched.