Milan views security staff to bolster police

MILAN - “A very distinct job description, not a police officer” remarked Police Chief Jerry Stephens, referring to a current village employee's re-assigned duties. The position is Security Monitor, five hours per day, six days per week, specifically during the evening, performing basic security procedures. Citation authority resides with police officers. When violations occur, the monitor contacts the police department. Stephens' comments were part of on-going vandalism and trespassing discussions by the Board of Trustees. General consensus resulted with instructions to Village Manager Marcella Sandoval to write a job description for review by Bruce Boynton, Milan legal counsel.

Sandoval's recent letter to parents described activities near the pool and school bus stops. Chief Stephens has addressed the student body concerning inappropriate behavior and the potential consequence of pool closure. The trustees agreed a security monitor would aid in discouraging trespassing and vandalism. Mayor Tom Ortega's conclusion, “We need to protect our village property and our citizens.”

Stephens and Sandoval updated the trustees on the proposed Personnel Policy including DWI, tattoos and “casual Fridays” dress code. Referring to Personnel Policy standards, Sandoval stated, “The goal is professional appearance by employees.”

Most of the trustee's workshop meeting involved lengthy discussion of purchasing property versus requesting owner donation. Several owners have contacted Sandoval's office offering properties for village purchase. Of particular interest is the lot adjacent to the village well. The mayor outlined some advantages of village ownership. Sandoval commented it might be used for the transit system and has potential as a Greyhound garage. The trustee's decision was to contact individual owners and request property donation instead of village purchase.

The Board of Trustees meeting agenda for Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p. m., includes two ordinance items: 2009 New Mexico Compilation of the Uniform Traffic Code and 2009/2010 Cooperative Agreement Funding Program, Motel Drive from Airport Road to Sand Street.