The Cortez City Council on Tuesday approved four ballot questions for the April municipal election, awarded historic designation to two Cortez homes and accepted two new members to the Public Arts Advisory Committee.
During citizen comments, Julia Buff, secretary of the Cortez Panthers Youth Football program, addressed the council with a suggestion for naming the Seventh Street football fields.
Buff told the council about Richard Morales, a Cortez resident who was killed by a drunen driver in December. Morales was the president and coach of Cortez Panthers Youth Football and a former baseball coach who “invested countless hours into shaping the character of our local youth on and off the field.”
“He was a local city resident, devoted husband, dedicated father and a positive contributing member in our society, local and at large,” Buff said. “He lived a life of selfless service and unwavering love. His absence leaves an immeasurable void in our community.”
Buff spoke of the significance of naming the fields after Morales.
“He was known for a specific kind of kindness, a sparkle that could light the spirit after a tough loss or a long day. He taught our children that being a good person is the highest form of achievement. He taught our children that integrity matters more than a scoreboard,” Buff continued. “Rich was a constant light for our children, and I think by honoring him, we ensure that future generations of athletes and citizens are reminded of the standard of excellence and kindness he set for us all.”
Later in the meeting, the council briefly discussed Buff’s suggestion, with Mayor Rachel Medina saying she liked the idea of naming the park after Morales.
City Manager Drew Sanders said the city must establish a policy on how to choose a name and that all public suggestions should be considered.
In public hearings, the council held its second and final reading of the proposed ballot questions to appear on the April ballot. They were approved.
The first measure adds grammar corrections, spelling fixes and gender‑neutral language throughout the charter.
The second clarifies pay for council members. One part of the amendment states that members will not be paid for meetings they do not attend, whether in person or remotely. It also specifies that no elected or appointed council member can receive a pay increase until the next council is seated following an election.
Question three aligns the charter with a prior ordinance that allows council members to participate remotely in regular, special and executive sessions via telephone, online conferencing, video or other electronic means. Question four allows the city to use its home‑rule authority to modify term limits for council members if needed.
The board then unanimously approved the historic designation of two homes in Cortez with Community and Economic Development Specialist Helen West.
The first home, located on East Montezuma, was built in 1928 and is a bungalow‑style house. It was also the former home of Helen Duncan, who West said once ran a “prominent” beauty shop in the house.
The second house and its three adjacent buildings are on East Empire Street and were once owned by the Kermode family, which ran a dairy farm and confectionary. The buildings were constructed between 1913 and the 1940s.
In new business, the council accepted two new members of the Public Arts Advisory Committee for two‑year terms.
City Clerk Danielle Wells also informed the board that it must choose a designated location each year for public meeting notices in Cortez. The council approved the same area as last year. City meeting postings can be found inside the east and west entrance doors of City Hall.
At the end of the meeting, the council went into executive session to discuss the city manager’s employment contract.
