By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton city commissioners breezed through mostly mundane but required items by approving the open meetings act and appointing a deputy clerk (Michael Anne Antonucci) and assistant municipal clerk (Christine Valentini).
Commissioners also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Raton Recreation and Education council and gave their approval for the CCJJCAB FY 15 grant application.
Danielle Esparza spoke to the commission about the CCJJCAB FY15 grant indicating that the Colfax County Juvenile Justice Continuum Advisory Board is planning to expand their grant application to cover more of Colfax County. Commissioners also heard from Erica Meadows about the program and how they are now working at prevention rather than intervention by getting students help before they reach the juvenile justice system.
Juan Sarinana, a student in the program, spoke also about how the program has helped him. Esparza noted that the Boys Council program has even provided him with leadership training that has greatly helped with his confidence.
Commissioners then approved Nancy Poe to the Parks and Recreation board. City Manager Butch McGowen informed the commission that the Weatherly Charitable Lead Trust has donated $20,000 to the aquatic center in the memory of A.D. and Moselle Weatherly. McGowen indicated that $5,000 would be used for landscaping and erosion repair with the remainder being put in a fund to go toward an amphitheater.
McGowen indicated the city would go to bid on the Old Pass Gallery roof and have a bid ready for the February 11 meeting. The auditors are to have a report done by January 31 and set an exit meeting for February 11.
RCI will be in Raton the end of January to help get the city’s capital fixed assets in order. They will be back in March to do training for the general ledger software and to get everything lined out.
McGowen noted the ballot has been set for the March 4th, 2014 municipal election. Mayor Bobby LeDoux told those candidates that were at the meeting that they had worked up a packet for campaigning information and some of the regulations that pertain to the election.
Commissioner Mantz indicated that Taos democrat Roberto Gonzales who chairs the state transportation infrastructure sub-committee will be filing a bill for $4 million for track upgrades in New Mexico and another $4 million from the capital outlay funds for track improvements.
Commissioners will meet again on January 28, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. for their next regular meeting.
