Development News for Silver City, New Mexico

Citizen Testifies to Witnessing Abuse by Museum Director, Questions Hiring Practices

Roger Tree, speaking as a citizen, stated he personally witnessed Bart abuse women and informed Mayor Ladner about the incident. He questioned if Bart was adequately vetted, citing his dismissal from Seneca Zoo for mismanagement and a dismissed age discrimination lawsuit. Tree also mentioned that Gail Roselli's support for her husband is not new. He urged the council to listen to the women who have come forward. [cite: 917-968]

Resident Advocates for Protection of Turkey Vulture Roosting Site

Candace Greenley spoke about the turkey vultures roosting near the mobile station and their importance to the local environment. She criticized the cutting down of a large cottonwood tree used by the vultures and the subsequent debris left in the riparian area. Greenley also questioned the pushing of dirt against surviving cottonwood trees near the roosting site and urged the town to minimize lighting near the area, potentially affected by a new truck stop, to protect the birds. [cite: 845-915]

Union President Urges Investment in City Workers, Citing Financial Benefits of Fair Wages

Eric Spyers, Union President, addressed the council regarding city worker wages, urging them to invest in employees rather than view wages solely as expenses. He highlighted that underpaying workers leads to increased turnover, slower services, and decreased productivity, ultimately costing more. Spyers suggested reviewing spending priorities, phasing in increases, finding efficiencies, reallocating funds, and exploring new revenues as smarter approaches to budget management. He stressed that supporting city workers is crucial for maintaining reliable services and a city residents can be proud of. [cite: 600-655]

Vacancies Announced for Town Boards and Committees

Councilor Prince announced vacancies on several town boards and committees: one on the Cemetery Board, one for an architect on the Historic Design Review Committee, and one for a vendee on the Logist committee. The Economic Development Research committee is currently full. [cite: 289-298]