The Durango City Council appointed Dave Woodruff as mayor and Jessika Loyer as mayor pro tem during its regular meeting on April 21. The decision came after a 3-2 vote among the five-member council, with Kip Koso and Shirley Gonzales voting against both appointments.
The selection of new leadership is an annual process for the council, which does not represent specific wards or precincts but serves the community at large. According to the city’s charter, council members choose one of their own to serve as mayor each year. The role is largely ceremonial, with no regular administrative duties or veto power, but includes presiding over meetings and representing the city government.
At the same meeting held at council chambers on East Second Avenue, several other actions were taken. The council proclaimed April 19 as Ross Anderson Day in recognition of achievements by speed skier Ross Anderson and declared April Parkinson’s awareness month.
Councilors also decided not to introduce an ordinance related to a citizen-led initiative that seeks to prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks while requiring visible identification. Instead, they opted for an election on the matter while seeking judicial guidance about whether it is legislative or administrative in nature.
Other measures included ratifying a Stage 1 Water Shortage/Drought declaration due to low snowpack and water supply concerns; introducing amendments for fast-track approval of affordable housing projects in compliance with Proposition 123; and proposing changes to parking regulations regarding recreational vehicles along public rights-of-way.
