Megan Cullip, Community and Social Services director, read her Vigil statement. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
Megan Cullip, Community and Social Services director, read her Vigil statement. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Recordcca

The San Juan County Commission honored the late Commissioner Mike Sullivan during Tuesday’s meeting. County Manager Mike Stark opened with condolences and a tribute to Sullivan’s legacy of service.

The session included updates on multi-million-dollar grant acquisitions, public works, and initiatives including suicide prevention and inmate rehabilitation, highlighting efforts to improve infrastructure, public health and civic engagement.

According to Sullivan’s obituary, he “found a love for Five ‘F’ words; family, farming, food, friends and fun.”

Sullivan raised four children, teaching them to ride horses, raise pigs, and take on 4-H projects. He loved his farm and the livestock he cared for. His passion for fishing, hunting and community service led him to serve on multiple boards and complete two terms as county commissioner.

Stark said the funeral would be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Commissioner Gary McDaniel was asked by the family to officiate.

“Mike, as you all know, was a very caring individual who wanted to see the best for San Juan County,” Stark said.

Behavioral health grant

Stark reminded the commission the county is applying for the Senate Bill 3 Behavioral Health grant in coordination with Northwest New Mexico and McKinley County.

“And I believe we were the first entity, first district, to submit on that grant,” Stark said.

The county has secured $49 million in grants, excluding the $7 million received for the Triage Center, Stark said. Grants are the county’s second-largest revenue source.

“So actually, gross receipts tax is number one, grants number two, and then property tax three,” said Stark.

He praised staff for teamwork in securing funding.

National and state opportunities

Public Works will join National Public Lands Cleanup Day on Sept. 27 at the Truka Rosia Day Use Area near Navajo Dam off County Road 4275, adjacent to the San Juan River. Lunch and an interpretive walk are included.

The cleanup is part of the county’s “Make Us Shine” initiative. Household Waste Day is Oct. 11.

The governor has called a special legislative session for Oct. 1-2. Stark said the agenda may address funding gaps. The county is watching for road project opportunities, including the Pinon Hills extension.

Daniel Webb, administrator of the San Juan County Adult Detention Center, reports to the commission. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
Daniel Webb, administrator of the San Juan County Adult Detention Center, reports to the commission. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Recordcca

Department head reports
Daniel Webb, administrator of the San Juan County Adult Detention Center, thanked commissioners for attending the open house on Sept. 10. The next open house is Nov. 5.

Webb is developing a program based on Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education – created by Michigan Sheriff Chris Swanson. After visiting Flint in March 2023, Webb said COVID-related staffing issues delayed implementation. His plan is to “track adjudicated folks” nearing release and connect them with Second Chance employers.

“We’ll assist with applications and interviews,” he said. “If we’re going to truly impact recidivism, we must offer hope.”

Megan Cullip, Community and Social Services director, said she and Jackie Garcia, Human Resources specialist, held a vigil at Berg Park for World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10. September is National Recovery Month.“Some of us struggle ourselves. A lot of us have lost a loved one due to mental illness, and all of us need hope.” she said, speaking professionally and personally. “Sometimes love is not enough.”

She urged people to make use of practical, helpful and good resources.

Quoting St. Paul, she said, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things.”

Public Works Director Nick Porrell, acknowledging that commissioners might be as tired of hearing about bridge updates as he was giving them, reported progress on County Road 3000 despite weather delays.

Arch assembly began, and wing wall work may take three weeks, he said. Heavy rain stalled County Road 3500, washing away last week’s progress. No form work was lost. Porrell urged residents to report road conditions at (505) 334-6622 and said funding for 5-Mile Bridge is still pending.

Deputy Parks and Facilities Director Steve Dansie, at lectern, recognized three volunteers who helped to beautify the Pig Barn at McGee Park. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
Deputy Parks and Facilities Director Steve Dansie, at lectern, recognized three volunteers who helped to beautify the Pig Barn at McGee Park. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Recordcca

Steve Dansie, deputy Parks and Facilities director, recognized three volunteers who used more than 20 gallons of paint to improve the Pig Barn at McGee Park during the 9/11 Day of Service.Larry Don-Chitty, Sheriff’s Office lead mechanic, introduced Derek Armigo, Donovan Tracy and Xander Griego, Farmington High seniors who led 30 students in logging more than 200 hours of service.Mike Mestas, emergency manager, invited the commission to a full-scale drill at the Adult Detention Center, 7 a.m. the next day.Devin Neeley, public relations and film manager, said the San Juan County Backlot now qualifies for up to a 40% film tax rebate. He said the Four Corners Film Festival drew 120 students Friday and 80 ticketed attendees over two days – a “rousing success.”

Devin Neeley, public relations and film manager. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
Devin Neeley, public relations and film manager. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Recordcca