By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton city commissioners made short work of most of the meeting agenda Tuesday evening until they went into executive session to comb through city manager applications.
Commissioners approved Raton Main Street’s Annual Cinco de Mayo event Apache Avenue street closure. They also approved the Independent Rider’s street closures for the Run for the Wall on May 17.
Commissioners finally approved the memorandum of understanding with the Raton Little League after they got their paperwork in order. They also approved Ordinance 989, which is the seventh supplement for codification of city ordinances.
Raton solid waste will now travel to the Midway Landfill in Fountain, Colorado. They were the low bid for tipping fees at $15 a ton versus $26.55 per ton bid by GGH Wagon Mound, LLC in Wagon Mound. Scott Berry indicated that GGH may challenge the bid but did not indicate on what grounds. He also noted that GGH often closes when the wind blows while Midway Landfill operated by Waste Management doesn’t close for wind events.
Commissioners then approved a budget adjustment that moves money into the proper account to purchase a third solid waste trailer and truck. The trailer is a used trailer like the two new ones Raton recently purchased and the truck will be able to provide hydraulics to operate the trailers around the yard. The cost of the trailer came in at $38,000, which includes a new bed and the truck cost $15,000.
City Manager Butch McGowen indicated that he and commissioner Ron Chavez had been asked about removing the traffic light at third and Park. The light will stay based on the need for a complete traffic study and the Department of Transportation indicated that the city’s liability would go up if the light were removed.
McGowen provided the commissioners with a budget calendar that included other important events. McGowen noted that the city received more funds from the small cities assistance fund than expected. This will help with the budget but how much is still up for debate.
Commissioners then went into executive session to discuss city manager applications. It was noted that there were several to go thru. Once done commissioners will instruct City Manager McGowen how to proceed.
There will be a budget workshop at 5:00 p.m. before the next regular meeting on April 22, at 6:00 p.m. in city commission chambers.
