Portales officials hear presentation on business

Portales City Council, at their regular session Tuesday, learned of a proposal to bring an industry to the area that will provide an estimated 400 jobs.

Glenn Bell with Drought Adaptation Industries (DAI) and scientist Robert Hockaday with Tucumcari Bio-Energy gave their presentation titled, Native Soils, which went in depth about waste use savings for the City of Portales.

Based on norms and averages, Bell said their project would "save the city 45 million gallons of potable water per year." Bell added that Portales would be a great place for the project, because of its agriculture. "Cow manure is one of the primary products needed for compost," he said.

The project would be divided into two phases. Stage one would be the first year, stage two would then run into the second year, and into the third.

Hockaday said, "In the end we make carbon dioxide, which will go into the ground. We make fuel, and we're trying to fuel trucks." He said the project will benefit multiple areas. The project's grand total would be one million dollars for all equipment, infrastructure, vehicles, start-up operation, and two years operating capital. Bell said the project would provide around 400 jobs.

The duo asked the council for 30 acres to conduct the project. The council said they would look forward to another presentation once the proposal moves more through the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) process.

In other business, Portales High School (PHS) senior Katie Webb gave a presentation on protecting youth from the dangers of flavored nicotine. Webb said she is an advocate for the Evolvement organization. The educational campaign she discussed, No Minor Sale, is a New Mexico rescue agency that focuses on preventing youth commercial tobacco use.

Webb said in her presentation, "79% of youth ages 12 to 17, so high school and junior high (ages) stated that they use a tobacco product because of the flavors." She said their campaign tries to ban these flavors, because they are what make these products more marketable to youth.

Webb provided other stats to the council, along with other issues and dangers. At the end, she asked the council to sign support cards. All the members did so, and applauded Webb for her work and advocacy.

A new skate park was also a part of the discussion in Tuesday's city council meeting. The skate ramps would be placed in Rotary Park at W. 18th St. and S. Avenue I. The new equipment would replace playground equipment there now. Any remaining equipment will go to the softball complex. The council ultimately approved the ratification of Mayor Ronald Jackson's signature for the grant agreements.

"I think it will fare well, "City Manager Sarah Austin said. She said there is excitement for this project. Council members brought up concerns of lighting and location. Austin gave clarification on those concerns and reassured the council it will be a good project for the city.

At the end of the meeting, no public input was given. The council then went into executive session.