By Hallie Richwine

The Town of Hurley Special Meeting took place Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 5 p.m. Councilors Esther Gil, Richard Maynes, Freddie Rodriguez, and Mayor Ed Stevens attended.

First on the agenda was the appointment of the vacant council position. “We have four candidates and that is a wonderful thing for the town of Hurley. Everyone should be congratulated, and we appreciate it,” said Stevens.

Gil said all four applicants are active in the community and expressed her wish that they all continue to show interest in the community after the appointment.

“It is my responsibility to make a recommendation,” Stevens said, “Council, upon my suggestion, must approve the appointment by a majority vote. I want people to understand the recommendation I am making is what I believe to be the best for this community.” Stevens said even if council did not agree with him he felt confident in his appointment, the applicant whom he believes will help the betterment of the community through youth involvement. Stevens’ appointment was resident Mateo Madrid, and council approved the appointment unanimously.

Madrid was present and accepted the appointment.

Next on the agenda was the appointment of Mayor Pro Tem. Stevens appointed Maynes and cited his knowledge of the rules of order and said he is the best individual to take over in the event Stevens is unavailable. Gil moved to approve the appointment, but the motion died for lack of a second. The appointment remains tabled until the next meeting when another voting member will be present.

Judge David J. Ramos was present for the swearing in of Madrid.

The Stevens appointed Lori Ortiz as Town Clerk/Treasurer and said, “Lori is a kind, efficient, pleasant, and competent employee for the Town of Hurley.” Stevens also appointed Mariano Fraere as the “temporary but acting Police Chief” and Robert Terrazas as Fire Chief. Stevens welcomed all regular employees and added, “Thank you, we have competent staff and hardworking people and sometimes we forget that.” Council approved all nominations.

Stevens also appointed councilors to their organizational posts. All councilors will participate in economic development. Gil will work with the cemetery committee and parks and recreation, Maynes with the street department and senior services, Rodriguez with public works and the water commission, and Madrid with Grant County dispatch and community development. Stevens will work with the police department, animal control, the fire department, solid waste, and anywhere he feels he will be of service.

Councilors will report on their appointments during monthly meetings.

Council approved an intent to amend parts of ordinance 4Q, the change of verbiage being a requirement of the USDA loan grant. The previous ordinance did not say it was mandatory for residents to be hooked up to the water lines. “Anyone within 300 feet must connect, and there is a fifty dollar per day fine if not tied in,” said Maynes. Judge Ramos asked if the ordinance would be updated and Ortiz said it will be, after the wording is changed for this part of the process.

Council also approved the project recommendations for the CDBG application after a brief discussion and clarification of their previous “wish list.” The final submission will be for improvements on three streets; on A Street from 1st to Diaz, E Street from 5th to Diaz, and Anza from Diaz to the east end.

The next Regular Meeting for the Town of Hurley happens Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 5 p.m.