Controversial issues go:
On the table: City working its way through open issues (part I)

Phil Silva, the Distribution Supervisor for the City of Gallup, points out where to dig while looking for a water main break on Second Street near the railroad tracks on Thursday. The break caused flooding in the area of Second and Thirds Streets, but was under control and replaced quickly. — © 2009 Gallup Independent / Brian Leddy

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Bernie Dotson
Staff writer

GALLUP — The Gallup City Council possess a tendency at “tabling” issues that are brought to its attention. The following are some issues council members are currently weighing:

• A lease agreement with the Southwest Indian Foundation: Mayor Harry Mendoza recently vetoed a vote by the full council to move ahead with a lease renewal. His “out-of-the-blue” veto took some city residents by surprise, and the matter now is in the hands of City Attorney R. David Pederson and an attorney representing the Foundation.

In vetoing the lease, Mendoza was miffed at the Foundation not having to pay utilities, which total more than $2,500 monthly. He hasn’t wavered on the stance, and the matter could drag indefinitely. The city has sued the Foundation, alleging lease violations.

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