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 September 9, 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 and minutes from August 13, 2026

Mayor's report

Lopez announced that September 19, 2026, would be National Clean Up Day for the village and encouraged people to help neighbors. A dumpster would be provided but no large appliances would be allowed. A clean up for the cemetery will be October 1, 2026. He thanked Amador for starting the music in the park. Lopez said he and Sheila Hudman, village administrator, had been attending a lot of meetings. 

Public comments none currently

New business

The council agreed to help with October Domestic Violence Awareness month. Dolores Charon had come to present to them and ask for their help again. They will have different events and trainings during the month. 

The council tabled the commercial property lease with Open Space Brewing for another two years ending October 31, 2028. 

Proclamations

The village of Santa Clara proclaimed October as community clean up month. 

Ordinances

The council approved ordinance 26-1 amending the code pertaining to annual utility rate adjustments, landfill service rates. It will authorize the council to adjust the utility rates by resolution establishing a pass through user rate based on Southwest Solid Waste Authority’s monthly fee to the village. 

The council went into closed session. 

The council came back into open session.

Second regular meeting will be September 24, 2026, at 6:00 pm (canceled)

First regular meeting will be October 8, 2026, 2026, at 6:00 pm 

Meeting Adjourned