Martínez added to Mattawa city staff

MATTAWA - Anabel Martínez has been added to the Mattawa city customer service desk as a receptionist. She was a secretary for Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church.

Martínez came aboard on Aug. 22 as a replacement for Fernando Muñóz, who took a position with the police department. She will join Mabeline Pantaleón, who has served at the customer service desk since 2007.

In other matters before the Mattawa City Council's last meeting, Police Chief Steve Jensen reported that the civil service process for hiring a new police officer needs to be launched. He said Muñóz has decided not to be an officer after all, leaving the academy after two days.

"Some people get to the academy and find out this is not what they want to do the rest of their lives," Jensen said.

City Clerk Robin Newcomb noted four people were interviewed the last go-around but that the process does not allow the city to choose one of the other three. The entire process must be done again.

City council member Maggie Celaya, reported that the revived Mattawa Communities Day was a success. She said attendance was better than she expected, especially since Aug. 27 turned into the hottest day of the year. Celaya was the chief organizer.

Public Works Director Gary Crowder reported that he and department employee Jorge Hernandez have been attending classes related to water and sewer operations.

Newcomb noted that the council has awarded the Williams Ave.-Hoose St. overlay project to Granite Construction on a bid of $234,470. She said engineers had estimated the cost at $315,000.

The project calls for re-paving of the streets. Williams will be re-paved from Covenant to Riverview. Hoose will be re-paved from Portage to Ellice.

Newcomb reported that Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church was given an event permit for a parade through town and a Mexican fiesta on Sept. 18 at the church grounds.

- Staff report