RSS FeedCIBOLA COUNTY - On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the county commission met for the regular monthly meeting. The meeting started without commissioners Lloyd Felipe and Tony Gallegos, who both walked in later.
 Randolph Marshall Collins reviews the agenda at the county commission meeting on Wednesday,, Oct. 14. Collins’ legal services contract for the county was approved at the meeting.BEACON / JARAMILLO |
The county formerly had legal services with Joe Diaz of Albuquerque. Diaz's contract was worth $85,000 in its last year.
After a unanimous vote by the commissioners a round of applause followed.
Collins, in Cibola County since 2004, is a local private attorney in the area and is also judge for the Pueblo of Acoma. He was formerly with the District Attorney's office through May of 2009.
Collins is of New York and is a graduate of Georgetown University. His wife, Kayci, is superintendent of the El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments. The couple has one son, Sean.
Laguna 'Walk Down The Line'
The commission also approved a contribution of $2,500 for the Laguna 'Walk Down The Line' community event on Oct. 31 that is sponsored by the Laguna Prevention Coalition. The coalition is comprised of professionals, youth and members of the community who work toward improving the overall health and wellness of the Laguna community while respecting the tribe's cultural traditions and values.
The walk's purpose is to raise awareness of the harmful effects of underage drinking and to promote healthy lifestyles. See full story about the LPC event in next week's Beacon.
“I'd like to fund this in its entirety,” said commission chairman Eddie Michael.
John Alexander, acting county manager while Scott Vinson is away, said the amount was not budgeted and therefore suggested the idea of giving half of the amount requested.
“I've already spoken to Vinson and Rhetta King (DWI Coordinator), the funds are available and this is a good cause, I prefer we fund it in its entirety,” Michael said again.
The vote was unanimous.
Jaramillo talks to hospital board
During the commissioner's remarks at the end of the meeting, Walter Jaramillo spoke to hospital board members Ann Mattila and Walter Meech and hospital CEO Ken Cochran.
“I received many messages and didn't really understand what was going on, what the problem was,” said Jaramillo. “Our intent is not to run the hospital but to become knowledgeable of it. The medical field is very important to the community. My priorities are we need to be safe and we need to be healthy. We (the commission) will move forward… the chemistry is there between the commission and hospital board, we just need to communicate better. I am pleased with the hospital. My grandmother recently passed away and while she was ill your staff done a wonderful job and I thank you for that.”
See next week's Beacon for more news from the regular October county commission meeting.
The next regular meeting is on Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. All county offices will be closed n Nov. 11 in observance of Veteran's Day.
Comments
Citizen wrote on Oct 22, 2009 9:52 AM:
Concerned Citizen wrote on Oct 16, 2009 6:45 AM:
Third, he is contracted to work 36 hours a month for $67,000 a year. He is allowed to bill up to $200 per hour for anytime over the 36 hours, with no limit on the number of hours that can be billed. For the 36 hours, he only needs to provide a bill with a summary of services. This is a contract that, like our current commission, is ripe with corruption. "