By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The Raton city commission swore in their newest member, Lindé Schuster, before the regular meeting Tuesday evening with Municipal Judge Roy Manfredi doing the honors.
Commissioners then began the meeting and heard from Patience Romero, President of the Raton Little League. As new president she brought her concerns about the concession stand that they haven’t been able to fully use over the last couple of years. She added that in order to get district championships in the future the stand needs to be upgraded so they can add it to their safety plan and meet the requirements of the district committee. Commissioners instructed Romero to get with City Manager Scott Berry and see what they could work out since there have been many community members who have volunteered to do much of the work.
Commissioners then approved the name changes to the bank signature cards adding Scott Berry to the list and removing Butch McGowen as Berry takes over the city manager duties.
They also heard from Berry about the budget adjustments that included monies received from insurance claims for damage to police and fire vehicles that were damaged during a hailstorm. Other monies that were moved included funds to help with repairs and maintenance at the airport and other city buildings.
Billy Donati spoke about funding that Shuler Restoration and Raton Main Street will be seeking obtain funds to restore and upgrade the Shuler to be able to show digital movies. The Commission directed Manager Berry to draft a letter of support to be sent to NM Economic Development Dept. Raton Main Street will take the lead on the grant request.
Commissioners approved a date extension to a grant agreement that Main Street has with the New Mexico Economic Development Department. They also heard from Fire Chief Jim Matthews about mutual aid agreements with Raton Fire and Emergency Services and other county agencies that need to be upgraded and renewed.
City Manager Berry told commissioners that a Municipal Arterial Project on Tiger Drive will probably begin next spring when the weather warms up.
The money for the senior center has been released and that project will likely begin in the spring when the weather warms up in the spring noted Mayor Pro-Tem Neal Segotta.
Express Aviation is expecting to do some major upgrades, repairs and painting at the airport. Berry noted the audit is underway and the city could have a preliminary report in November.
Commissioners will meet again on October 28 for their next regular meeting and it will be aired on KRTN AM 1490.
