By Lynn Janes
(Writers note: this article was written using the minutes provided by the Village of Santa Clara)
The Village of Santa Clara held a regular meeting October 8, 2026. Mayor Arnold Lopez called the meeting to order Mayor Pro Tem Albert Esparza, trustees, Peter Erickson, Olga Amador and Ralph Trujillo attended.
The council approved the agenda with some changes in the order and minutes from September 10, 2026. They also approved the department head reports.
Proclamations
The council proclaimed October 2026 domestic violence awareness month.
The council proclaimed November 7, 2026, as the official day of the 10th annual Tamal Fiesta Y Mas.
Mayors report
Lopez reported on the Dia de los Muertos event to be held October 30, 2026. He had an update on the Cobre workforce housing that would be in the village. On October 9, 2026, Hurley would be having a cleanup event and Bayard would be having theirs October16, 2026. Santa Clara would have their next one in April.
Public comments none currently
New business
The council approved the MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Hurley to provide police coverage.
The council approved an application from Damica Romo to move a 16 x 80 foot 1998 Redman singlewide mobile home to 904 Cleveland Street.
Resolutions
The council approved resolution 2026-19 to participate in a capital outlay program through the DOT (Department of Transportation) for a 100 percent grant in the amount of $940,000 to plan, design and construct road and drainage improvements.
The council went into closed session.
The council came back into open session.
Hiring, raises, terminations, etc.
The council approved the termination of Ronald Pena from the maintenance department. Amador had recused herself due to conflict of interest.
The council approved a $1 raise for Sergeant Ronald Martinez for completing his sergeant probationary period.
The council approved the resignation of Tomas Murillo a senior center driver.
The council approved to ratify the mayor's approval to hire Victor Andrade as a senior center driver.
The council approved the job abandonment termination of Alisha Forbito, senior center cook.
The council approved to ratify the mayor's approval to hire Kim Elliot as the senior center cook
The council approved a $1 pay increase to certified operators.
Second regular meeting will be October 22, 2026, at 6:00 pm
First regular meeting will be November 12, 2026, 2026, at 6:00 pm
Meeting Adjourned
