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By John Hernandez
At the Mammoth Town Council meeting held on Thursday, June 20, Mayor Alvaro Barcelo and the Council unanimously passed a resolution endorsing the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act. This federal land exchange includes the mesquite bosque an important birding area by Mammoth along the lower San Pedro River. The land exchange would allow Resolution Copper to proceed with its copper mining project in Superior.
In other business, Mayor Barcelo informed Glenn Hoffman, owner of the R-Jen, Inc. water dispensary in Mammoth, that his lease was not going to be renewed. Barcelo also said that the Town was looking into setting up its own dispensary. Hoffman told the council that he has a lease until 2018. He explained that this was a family business that has been there for 15 years. “Is the government going to take over free enterprise?” Hoffman asked the council in open meeting.
The decision was tabled until the Town’s attorney could look at the lease agreement.
The Council approved the hire of a new part time dispatcher for the police department. It would provide coverage for people needing time off and would not cost the Town any additional money. The new Librarian Letha Miller and Librarian Aide April Lopez were introduced.
The Dollar General store was approved by the Council to sell beer and wine. One audience member asked if the zoning restrictions of being 300 feet away from a church or school were met. The council explained that it would be a matter determined by the State.
Mammoth Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rudy Burrola asked the Council to waive lifeguard and entry fees for the annual 4th of July pool party. Council approved the waiver.
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