Martinez named new Jourdanton City Manager

Bobby Martinez was appointed and introduced as the new city manager for the City of Jourdanton. Martinez’ first day will be Nov. 28.
CADE ANDREWS | PLEASANTON EXPRESS
 

Bobby Martinez was appointed and introduced as the new city manager for the City of Jourdanton. Martinez’ first day will be Nov. 28. CADE ANDREWS | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

The City of Jourdanton City Council unanimously approved hiring Bobby Martinez as their new city manager at their council meeting Monday evening. The decision was made following numerous interviews with selected candidates a week ago. Council member Raul Morales motioned to approve the employment agreement and was seconded by council member Norma Ortiz. Martinez’ salary will be $92,050 annually. All council members were present.

“My first and foremost responsibility is to talk to the mayor and the council members and find out what exactly their top priorities are for the city’s public policy issues and then also spend some time with the department heads and the staff to get an understanding of their needs, and then bring that information back to the city council,” Martinez said. “I spent about 15 years in city management working in cities about two or three times the size of Jourdanton, so I hope that depth and breadth of experience is something that can be helpful for the mayor and the city council as well as the citizens of Jourdanton.”

Council also recognized Vanessa Alvarado as the city’s new financial director.

A vehicle for the Jourdanton Volunteer Fire Department was added to the city’s insurance coverage after an approval from council member Chester Gonzales. Chief Jay Fotjik stated the vehicle was donated to the JVFD by the Pleasanton VFD.

In an effort to move forward with street improvements, council members directed city staff to issue Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering services for street construction and maintenance. City Manager Lamar Schulz stated that the current city engineering firm, M&S Engineering, does not have a person designated for the role of street projects.

“We have to ensure that we partner up with the right engineer,” Gonzales said. “With the fact that our current engineer is willing to give up [streets], I think we need to take advantage of it at this time and find the right individual to help us with our streets.”

The next regularly scheduled council meeting for the City of Jourdanton will be Nov. 21 at 6 p.m.