By Roger Lanse

Mayor Ken Ladner, District 2 Councilor Lynda Aiman Smith, and District 4 Councilor Guadalupe Cano announced at the Tuesday, Nov. 28, Silver City Town Council meeting that they are planning to run for re-election in the March 6, 2018 municipal election.

Town Clerk Ann Mackie told the Beat that she never knows for certain who is going to be on the ballot until filing day, which is Jan. 9. “Sometimes candidates change their minds after announcing,” she said.

District 3 Councilor Jose Ray Jr. addressed a “situation” at the Gospel Mission on S. Texas Street. According to Ray, the owner of the Jalisco Restaurant on S. Bullard Street is concerned about people from the Gospel Mission bothering his customers who park at the lot behind the restaurant and, at times, along S. Bullard, as well. “It’s an everyday thing,” the owner said, according to Ray. Ray mentioned the possibility of the Gospel Mission moving to another location, but explained it would be a while before anything would be done. Hopefully, Ray stated, a remedy can be found that will accommodate both parties.

Ladner wanted to purposely thank all the volunteers that help with various town events, including, recently, the Chamber of Commerce event, the Shop Small Businesses event, the Christmas Lighted Parade, and the Gospel Mission dinner.

Council retired for about an hour into executive session regarding a matter involving pending litigation.

Council approved an ordinance amending the town’s municipal code which, according to Town Manager Alex Brown, raises the dollar amount under which town property may be sold without passing a new ordinance. Brown said, the original ordinance was passed some time ago and property values have increased significantly since then making it burdensome to bring each small transaction as an ordinance.

Brown also stated that the new ordinance designates that any property with a town-owned trail cannot be sold. Aiman-Smith reminded everyone that this proposed ordinance still allows for cancellation of any transaction that is deemed not in the town’s best interest.

Council approved two resolutions brought forward by Mackie. One involved the regular municipal election to be held March 6, 2018, for mayor, district 2 councilor, district 4 councilor, and municipal judge. Voting will be held at the Silver City Woman’s Club, Mackie said. Absentee voting will begin Jan. 30 and early voting will begin at City Hall on Feb. 14. Absentee and early voting will end on March 2. Unregistered voters who wish to vote must register with the county clerk by Feb. 6, Mackie stated, as do voters who need to update their registration with respect to such items as name or address.
The second resolution sponsored by Mackie, included the estimated cost of recounting/rechecking of the March 6, 2018 municipal election. Estimated costs for recounting/rechecking ranged from $506-$1686 and for rechecking only from $456-$1586.

Arlan Blair Lazere was appointed to the Recycling Advisory Committee.

Council approved canceling the town meeting scheduled for Dec. 26, 2017.