The more things change in Thatcher, the more they seem to stay the same.

The Thatcher Town Council had its meeting Dec. 18 and unanimously elected Mayor Bob Rivera and Vice Mayor Bill Mulleneaux to remain in their positions for another term.

The Thatcher Council, like Pima’s, holds nominations and discussion (if necessary) for the positions before deciding who the mayor and vice mayor will be.

New Thatcher Town Councilor Wayne Griffin, foreground, joins Mayor Bob Rivera in saying the oath of offfice Photo by Jon Johnson

The nominations are held every two years, and any councilor may nominate or be nominated.

New Councilor Wayne Griffin joined the incumbents in taking the oath of office. Griffin is taking the seat of outgoing Councilor Doug Hoopes, but sat in Councilor Donald In-nes’ vacant seat. When the council called Griffin to take his seat, Hoopes comically refused to step down until his last meeting was adjourned.

Hoopes has moved outside of the town and decided to retire from the council after 12 years of service. Mayor Rivera recognized him for his time on the council and presented him with a plaque with clock inlay in appreciation of Hoopes’ dedicated service.

In other council news:

• The council unanimously approved the final plat for the Frye Mesa Estates subdivision. The subdivision consists of 21 lots and will have two entry/exit ways off Valley View Road in Daley Estates.

• The council unanimously approved an amended memorandum of understanding to replace a previous agreement with regard to the annexation of land containing the Mount Graham Reg-ional Golf Course. The new agreement is an extension of the previous one for a period of six months so the three parties, Thatcher, Safford and Springbok Development, can work on a development agreement.

• Town Manager Terry Hinton announced that three new businesses are planning to open in Thatcher on Jan. 15. He said Desert Motorsports, Denny’s and Comfort Inn will open on the same day.