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By Mila Besich-Lira
Copper Basin News
A Hayden Police Officer earlier this month was terminated by the Hayden Town Council following a 30-minute executive (secret) session.
The council met with Officer Ray Van Buskirk, Town Attorney Steven Cooper and Police Chief Louie Tartaglia during the executive session and after resuming open meeting, held a brief open discussion and voted to terminate Van Buskirk. Van Buskirk was still on probation with the department.
A second executive session was held for a discussion of legal matters and consultation with Town Attorney, Town Staff and the council, concerning S.G. Gillen vs. Town of Hayden, (Public Records Litigatation). There was no action or discussion taken by the council following the executive session regarding S.G. Gillen. Gillen is the former Hayden Police Chief.
In other business, the Council approved a contract between the Town of Hayden and the Pinal/Gila Council for Senior Citizens (PGCSC) in the amount of $124,016. The Council will hear a presentation from PGCSC at a future meeting as there are some questions on an upcoming amended contract. PGCSC is the non-profit agency that allocates the federal and state dollars received for senior services.
The Council also voted to purchase a used engine for the 2008 Nissan Sentra in the amount of $4,204. The engine will be purchased from Horne Motors in Globe.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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