Town of Independence
Special Meeting
July 23, 2026
5:30 P.M.
Call to Order
Roll call was read by Town Clerk, Julie Peterson. Present was Larry Cardaronella, Gaye Guzzardo, Eric Costa, Joe Galofaro, Mike Muscarello. Quorum was present.
Prayer was led by Larry Cardaronella.
Pledge was led by Rick Sanchez.
Public Input: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. The Secretary of State’s office received the resignation of Police Chief Frank Edwards III and declared the position of Police Chief of the Town of Independence as vacant. Mayor Paine made the recommendation to appoint Luciano “Luke” Suarez as Chief of Police. Aldermen Mike Muscarello asked to make a statement to be included in the minutes before a motion was made. He read a statement asking for a resume from Officer Suarez which would include training, education and experience to be presented to the board within 15 days. A motion was then made by Eric Costa, seconded by Joe Galofaro to appoint Luciano “Luke” Suarez as Chief of Police for the Town of Independence. Voting was as follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Gaye Guzzardo, Eric Costa, Joe Galofaro.
NAYS: Mike Muscarello.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAINED: None.
Motion to appoint Luciano “Luke” Suarez as Chief of Police passed by a majority vote.
b. Resolution #2026-1147 which is the proclamation to call a special election to fill the vacancy of Chief of Police was read aloud by Town Clerk Julie Peterson. The date of the special Primary Election will be on October 9, 2027 with the special General Election set for November 20, 2027. Qualifying dates will be August 3, 4, and 5, 2027. A motion was made by Eric Costa, seconded by Joe Galofaro to adopt Resolution #2026-1147. Voting was as follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Gaye Guzzardo, Eric Costa, Joe Galofaro, Mike Muscarello.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAINED: None.
Motion to approve Resolution #2026-1147 to call a special election to fill the vacancy of Chief of Police passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. The occupational license for Little Italy Family Practice located at 312 East Railroad Ave. was discussed. Owner Malina Sibley informed the board that she purchased the Independence Family Clinic and will be reopening it under the new name. After confirming the required paperwork was in order, a motion was made by Eric Costa, seconded by Mike Muscarello to approve the occupational license for Little Italy Family Practice.
Voting was as follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Gaye Guzzardo, Eric Costa, Joe Galofaro, Mike Muscarello.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAINED: None.
Motion to approve occupational license for Little Italy Family Practice passed unanimously.
REMARKS:
Mayor Pro Tem Larry Cardaronella: Congratulated Luke on being appointed Police Chief. He also thanked him for everything he has done for the town.
Gaye Guzzardo: Congratulated Luke on his appointment as Chief of Police. She also thanked him for staying a part of his home town.
Eric Costa: Thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. Thanked Mrs. Sibley for purchasing the clinic. He congratulated Luke for being appointed as Chief of Police and thanked him for meeting the challenge head on.
Joe Galofaro: Congratulated Luke and thanked Mrs. Sibley for purchasing the clinic.
Mike Muscarello: None.
Mayor Paine: Thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and thanked Mrs. Sibley for purchasing the clinic. He also thanked Luke for everything he has done for the town.
Police: Police Chief Luke Suarez thanked the board for trusting him with this position.
Fire: Absent.
I attest that the above is a true and correct copy of the minutes taken at the Special Meeting held at City Hall on July 23, 2026.
Attest: Julie Peterson Town Clerk
Jim Paine, Mayor Julie Peterson, Town Clerk
Cost of notice: $70.50