Prior to new council leaders taking their oath of office tonight, Cortez leaders are slated to celebrate outgoing Mayor Dan Porter and Mayor Pro-tem Matt Keafauver.
Serving the City of Cortez since 2006, Porter and Keefauver were both elected to two consecutive terms as council members. Held at City Hall, the public recognition is slated for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22.
“Without question, Dan Porter is the best mayor I’ve ever worked for,” said City Manager Shane Hale. “He’s been fantastic.”
“And Matt, he’s wise beyond his years,” he continued. “He has a way of boiling down the issues that helps everyone to make clear decisions.”
“They’ve both been awesome,” Hale concluded.
Following the cake and ice cream reception for Porter and Keefauver, the new seven-member council will be sworn into office at 7:30. New council members include incumbents Karen Sheek, Shawna McLaughlin, Bob Archibeque, Ty Keel, Tom Butler, former Mayor Orly Lucero and new-comer Jim Price.
The first item of business for new municipal leaders includes selecting the next mayor and mayor pro-tem via an open nomination process. If more than one nomination is made, council members will vote by secret ballot.
New council members will then dive deep into several listed agenda items, including:
A conditional use permit to convert an existing garage into a dwelling unit at 506 N. Sligo.
A new hangar lease at the Cortez Municipal Airport.
A site development plan to install an Airstream catering trailer at 1401 E. Main Street (next to Big R).
A new independent contractor agreement with Chris Burkett that includes an hourly rate of $39.34 per hour.
A public hearing for a site development plan to construct an 8,320 sq. ft. Family Dollar Store on a vacant lot at 420 S. Broadway (between Sonic and the football field).
A proposal to make unauthorized dumping in municipal trash receptacles a criminal offense.
A proposal to reduce noise pollution by outlawing truckers from using “jake brakes.”
A letter of support for a Paths of Mesa Verde grant project.
A letter to state leaders regarding new Federal Aviation Administration rules for pilots.
Consider approving a modification of premises to remodel the interior of Medicine Man (a medical marijuana facility) at 310 E. Main Street.
Appointing Daniel Giannone to the Planning and Zoning Commission following Lucero’s resignation.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com