Aztec leaders urged to fix drainage, streets and curb mounting litter

Developer Sue Current Olvera told Aztec city leaders on Jan. 7 that the Ancient Trails subdivision faces mounting infrastructure problems as more families move south from Durango seeking affordable homes. She warned the community is at an inflection point and asked for a concrete plan to protect neighborhood safety and the city's reputation.

"This is a moment of potential growth unlike anything we have seen in recent years," Current-Olvera said, noting that required infrastructure such as drainage and walking paths were built to professional standards when the subdivision was approved. She said maintenance has not kept pace and raised specific concerns about road and shoulder erosion: "The streets and shoulders are deteriorating rapidly due to unmanaged rainwater drainage or possibly past maintenance not done properly." Current-Olvera asked city leaders for a face-to-face meeting "to create a clear, actionable plan for maintenance, drainage management and long-term sustainability," and offered to "collaborate, contribute and help craft a realistic, effective solution that aligns with the city’s commitments and our shared vision for growth."

A resident, Bob Vanek, raised litter concerns and volunteered to serve on a task force. He praised the city’s trash convenience center behind the Aztec Family Center and urged that the facility remain funded during upcoming budget talks. Mayor Mike Padilla thanked speakers and indicated the concerns would be addressed; he also noted the new code compliance officer will be involved in tackling litter as a countywide issue.

City business at the meeting included personnel and project updates that matter to residents. Padilla welcomed new commissioners and announced interviews of four candidates for the city manager position will begin Jan. 20, with department heads slated to participate in second-round interviews. Interim City Manager Joe Gonzales named Jeric Jaramillo interim public works director. Jaramillo reported the state transportation department has been notified about the importance of moving the Arterial project to Phase 3; he said rerouting the project is unlikely because of cost and existing momentum. Padilla emphasized ongoing safety worries where NM Road 173 meets U.S. 550.

Community institutions also reported steady engagement. Library Director Angela Watkins said more than 2,000 people attended programs at the Aztec Library in September, announced the summer reading theme "Unearth the Story," and noted the Lions Club donated bicycles for the reading program. Commissioner Brett Lanier highlighted the Sparkles Parade and recent ribbon-cuttings for La Plate Coffee Co. and the San Juan County Extension Office.

For residents, the meeting framed near-term decisions to watch: budget debates that will determine continued funding for the trash convenience center, the city manager hiring process that will shape administrative priorities, and any timeline the city sets for a maintenance and drainage plan in Ancient Trails. With growth bringing new demands, Aztec will need clearer maintenance commitments and visible follow-through to keep streets safe and neighborhoods resilient.