Last Monday night, Miami’s Town Council approved a new police department policy, as well as a redesigned MPD uniform patch/logo, and voted to table agenda items related to Town Manager Alexis Rivera.

Councilmembers voted unanimously to adopt a reserve officer program policy submitted by Police Chief Louis Scichilone, who said the MPD had been operating with reserve officers without having a reserve policy. Scichilone said to council that his proposal “takes into account best practices in our industry.”

Scichilone said it had been discovered that the current MPD uniform patch and logo contained a copyrighted image, and it “was not a good idea to continue using that.” There was some discussion over his proposed redesign, with some councilmembers saying the patch’s sunburst lacked color.

Scichilone said a more colorful design had looked too bold, but Mayor Jose “Angel” Medina and Councilmember Mike Black wished to see a brighter-hued patch. The possible addition of a headframe, reflecting Miami’s mining history, was also suggested. Black moved to approve the new design with those adjustments, which the council did unanimously.

The agenda also included a possible executive session to discuss Rivera’s “employment, assignment, salary, promotion, demotion or discipline” and his contract.

Vice Mayor Dan Moat and Councilmember Don Reiman were excused from last Monday’s meeting, and Black moved to table the item until all councilmembers could be present. He also moved to table the next agenda item, “discussion and possible action with regards to the employment of the Town Manager.” Both motions were approved.

During the Call to the Public, a number of speakers stepped up in praise of Rivera.

“He wants the town of Miami to be the best place to work,” said Copper Mountain Transit Coordinator Melinda Baeza. Evelyn Vargas, the town’s economic development director, said Rivera was “responsible, accountable and committed to the town of Miami.”

In his report to council, Rivera said the Keystone Stairs project would begin in the next few months, and that work on Veterans Memorial Park will begin in 2024. 

Council also approved the April 19-21, 2024, Miami Loco Arts Festival. Black made the motion to approve “in remembrance of Michael Twenty-three.” The festival will include live music until midnight and an April 21 pancake breakfast at the Miami Senior Center.

Lob Instagon, of the Miami Arts Commission, said he wanted to start planning for the event early. A digital sign on Highway 60 will advertise the festival, and event banners will be hung at Vandal Park and Hostetler Pool. Keystone Avenue will be closed for Miami Loco, but Sullivan Street will remain open.

Turning to another item, council approved the renovation of Kelly’s Studio Square, located in the Town of Miami parking lot on Sullivan Street between Sweet Memories and Joshua Tree Lampshades. This project will remove a tree that threatens to cause issues with the concrete, sand/repaint the benches and resurface the cement.