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2026-07-01 - Mayors' Council of Guam

Summary

Built from the posted Secretary's Minutes (the text layer has recognition errors, and dollar signs were read from context). Approved at the August 12 meeting. No video is posted, so there is no transcript or timing.

  • Regular monthly meeting, called to order at 10:07 a.m. by President Mayor Alig of Piti; adjourned at 11:12 a.m. Nineteen members were present at roll call, including Mayor Gumataotao of Hagåtña.
  • Vice Mayor Blas of Yigo was appointed alternate to the Guam Education Board, by unanimous vote.
  • The Council used its revolving fund to host a fiesta for the NACD regional meeting (unanimous).
  • Long discussion of whether the Council should take over the senior citizens program from the Department of Public Health and Social Services; no vote, to return to future agendas.
  • Foster care campaign, village management system and 83rd Liberation pageant planning discussed.

Approvals and Executive Director's report

  • June minutes: moved by Mayor Ungacta, seconded by Mayor Lizama; carried. Treasurer's report: moved by Mayor Taitague, seconded by Mayor Quinata; carried.
  • Executive Director Arceo: the Council entered its fourth quarter on July 1; mayors should submit outstanding invoices promptly to avoid delays with the Department of Administration; the property inventory is nearly complete and scheduled offices should keep appointments before FY 2027.

Department of Education Relations

  • Mayor Alig repeated that the GDOE Superintendent had not replied, and proposed separate GDOE work sessions.
  • Mayor Terlaje said that with school closures under discussion the GDOE Board should treat the Mayors' Council as the community's voice and consult mayors. He nominated Vice Mayor Blas, who accepted, citing the rebuilding of Simon Sanchez High School. Motion to appoint him alternate: Mayor Hofmann; second Mayor Ungacta; no further discussion; all in favor, none opposed.

Liberation Queen Pageant

  • The brunch is tentatively Sunday, July 26. Mayors Terlaje and Alig noted participation stays low despite recent changes (no raffle ticket sales, no money-based scoring); Mayor Alig wants it as a monthly agenda item for the 83rd. Mayor Chargualaf suggested the $2,000 upfront qualifier be replaced by letting candidates sell $2,000 of tickets starting early (for example February). Mayor Ungacta asked whether the format was adopted; Mayor Alig said nothing is confirmed for the 83rd.

Liberation Day Events

  • Mayor Hofmann reported invitation samples and protocol documents for memorials being finalized with the Archbishop. Parade order and queen placement discussed (the 81st queen and court in convertibles at the front; a van to return queens to the main float). Mayor Hofmann gave the standard order of march, ending with the queen's float; entries judged in front of Adelup; canned goods preferred over perishable giveaways. The Manenggon Memorial decision on proceeding with the July 5 event depended on a storm.

Senior Citizens Program (unfinished business)

  • Mayor Alig: 11 senior centers operate; some villages (Piti, Mongmong-Toto-Maite) have none; he favors a program-based approach for all 19 villages, and asked whether to stay with the Department of Public Health and Social Services (in place since 2011) or move to a Council-run program. Facilities need repairs and hardening.
  • Mayor Lizama raised pay delays for recreation leaders under the current MOU and what a Council takeover would mean for their jobs; Mayor Alig said they could become Council employees. Mayors Champaco and Chargualaf strongly supported Council control; Mayor Ungacta stressed community-tailored programs and adequate budget.
  • Estimated budget: local funding about $1 million plus, federal about $30,000, meals about $1 million, transportation about $2.7 million (roughly $3 million local for senior programs). Mayor Alig asked whether the Legislature could be persuaded to reprogram funds, and whether all transportation money is used. No objections to continuing; the topic stays on future agendas.

Village Management System

  • Mayor Alig said all districts contributed to requirements; the centralized system should be ready at the start of the new fiscal year if cooperation continues. No objections.

NACD Regional Meeting Fiesta

  • Guam hosts its first National Association of Conservation Districts regional meeting the week of August 24. Mayor Alig requested authority to use the revolving fund for a fiesta for about 200 guests and the mayors. Motion: Mayor Taitague; second Mayor Ungacta; all in favor, none opposed.

Foster Care Initiative

  • Mayor Alig recalled the 2021 "The Gift of Family" campaign (about 500 foster children and 40 foster homes then; goal of 19 new families, 21 recruited) and said there are now over 600 children and about 60 homes. Public Health asked the Council to revive it; he suggested a year-round campaign and village support such as inviting children at the government facility (licensed for 40, recently 50) to village events.

Announcements

  • Tomatoes in cold storage await distribution (Mayor Hofmann). Mayors reminded to prepare for the coming storm: sand and coral request forms to the Department of Public Works, sandbags (Mayor Alig; see Heavy Weather Preparedness). Mayor Champaco postponed the Malesso' fiesta; Mayor Taitague announced the Banana Festival July 24 to 26. Mayors encouraged to invite Guma' Mami consumers to village events.

Sources