Raton Commissioners hear About Amtrak Meetings and Solid Waste Trailers
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The longest talked about item on the Raton city commission agenda was Amtrak and the bid for solid waste transportation trailers of which the city will acquire two in the near future.
Commissioners heard from Scott Berry, K.S. Berry Engineering, about the trailers that come highly recommended to the city to transport solid waste to Wagon Mound or possibly elsewhere depending on transportation costs. The new trailers have an expanding rear section to allow the route trucks to dump directly into the trailer and a moving floor to move the compacted waste material forward for additional loading.
City Manager Butch McGowen recommended the purchase of two trailers at a cost of $93,896.00 each for a total of $187,792.00. The company providing the trailers is Wilkins Industries from Morris Minnesota. The city has the funds to make the purchase on hand. Once the trailers are ordered it will be about 90 to 100 days before delivery. Wilkins Industries will also provide training to sanitation staff on how to operate the trailers.
The other big topic was the recent Amtrak meetings in Las Vegas and Santa Fe. According to Commissioner Sandra Mantz and Mayor Pro-tem Chris Candelario money doesn’t seem to be an object to the state of New Mexico but getting Colorado and Kansas on board seemed to be a bigger concern.
Another concern is the state’s anti-donation clause. The state constitution stipulates the state cannot give to a for profit organization for the purchase of land for a railroad. It doesn’t stipulate that the state cannot help maintain the existing track. Amtrak is a non-profit organization while BNSF is a for profit business.
Should Amtrak go away the state could stand to loose over $28 million of which includes 368 employees salary of over $9 million. Bill Sauble will spearhead an economic study.
Commissioners approved the street closure for Raton Main Street’s first annual Festival of Lights. Chris Reed explained the festival as more of a static light display instead a parade.
Commissioners also approved the third budget adjustment for fiscal year 2013-2014 and a special dispensers permit for the MCMC Christmas Party at the convention center.
Commissioners approved the appointment of Jamie Clever to the Zoning Board. Heard that the Homeland Security and FEMA Funding the city is asking for is not looking good as City Manager McGowen put it.
The next regular city commission meeting will be on November 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the city commission meeting room at city hall.
