Due to the diligent efforts of ES-CA (Eastern Sandoval Citizens Association), we now have official word from Sandoval County of encouraging action on the Fisher asphalt operation. The ES-CA Chairperson has just received an email from Sandoval County Manager Phil Rios (shown below), in response to the January 27 email quoted in the previous Forum article. Mr. Rios attached a letter written by Michael Springfield, Director of County Development, to Fisher Sand & Gravel (click on link at end of article), instructing Fisher that they are in violation of zoning ordinances, and must remove all equipment from the site, along with all stock piles of material, including aggregate (gravel).
This is certainly progress. However, whether this notification to Fisher prevents the asphalt and gravel mining operations depends entirely on enforcement. To date, such enforcement has been lacking regarding this and similar properties.
This good outcome for the citizens of Bernalillo and Placitas is the result that members of ES-CA worked to achieve. This is an important outcome for us, but we need to keep the pressure on. An ES-CA director will speak to the County Commission at its Thursday, February 2 meeting, 6 PM, at the Administrative Center on Idalia Road in Bernalillo. It’s important that you attend this meeting in order to let our commissioners know that proper enforcement of ordinances is crucial to protect our communities.
Here is the email from Mr. Rios:
Mr. Gorrell
I will advise the Chairman about moving Public Comment to the front of the agenda and thank you for letting me know. Also, be aware that the Chairman will decide how much time to allow each citizen, it has always been 3 minutes but my recommendation is to have one spokes person to make the comments in regards to this issue instead of it being repetitive. It has always been my belief that staff can work with all citizens in a professional manner instead of attacking each other. In the Citizen Public Comment there is no discussion by the Commission or staff. I have attached the letter being sent to Fisher Sand and Gravel that was provided to me by our Zoning Enforcement Officer. If you and any of the concerned citizens wish to meet with me and County staff to gather more information in regards to this issue I am willing to do that. I can assure you that once County staff is made aware of County zoning violation we take them very seriously but we have to follow local, state and federal laws when it comes to dealing with any issues. On this issue we will proceed as legal advises staff.
Phillip Rios
County Manager
County Letter to Fisher Sand & Gravel
This is good news – we will be there at the Commission meeting on Feb. 2