Another Short meeting for Raton City commission
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
It was another quick meeting for the Raton city commission Tuesday evening as they breezed through the agenda.
The January 2014 financials were reviewed with no discussion. Budget adjustment #5 was passed which included changes in the building maintenance funds, police and public works. Other changes included moving funds to the museum to reflect prior commission approval. Others included changes in the solid waste enterprise fund.
David Parker Builders, a local contractor, was the only bid submitted for the Old Pass Gallery roof repair. Total cost of the bid including gross receipts tax was $38,857.50. According to Jason Phillips with K S Berry Engineering, the bid requires the work to be done in 30 days dependent on weather once the bid is awarded.
Five requests for Lodger’s Tax funds were submitted with all five being approved. Raton Mainstreet received $2,700 for promotion of “Mexico Vive”. Awarded $13,000 for promotion of Raton in association with the Raton Osos. $5,000 was approved for promotion of the 2014 balloon rally and to help with the event liability insurance for the three-day event.
Rocking Wings and Wheels was awarded $5,000 to promote the event, which will include an air show, car show and music. Commissioners also awarded $5,000 to Phillips Broadcasting to promote the Southwest Regional Country showdown for a third year.
Commissioners approved special dispensers permits for Black Mesa Winery and Comanche Creek Brewing Company for the Spring Hops and Vines event at the Raton Museum sponsored by Raton Mainstreet for April 5th.
Commissioners tabled the discussion on the agreement with Andy Holman, Vera Holman, William Douglas and Vivian Douglas due to paperwork not being signed because the Douglas were out of town.
Commissioners approved the agreement with the Raton Police Officers. Officers will see a 2% pay increase this year and next year. The clothing allowance was increased for new officers to $2,000. There will also be incentives for education and longevity. The education incentive will be dependent on the degree the officer is studying for.
City Manager Butch McGowen informed commissioners about the capital outlay that is awaiting the governor’s signature. The city didn’t make out as well as hoped especially funding for the transfer station. (KRTNradio.com has a complete list of Capitol Outlay requests and approved requests.)
The city is in talks with the Colfax County to be a fiscal agent. Due to audit findings RPS and the city cannot be fiscal agent for organizations. McGowen also noted insurance increases are immanent so more financial planning will be in the works for the commission.
A special meeting will be held with commissioners and newly elected candidates to interview for the city manager’s position. The city has advertised internally and two have applied for the position.
Newly elected commissioners will be sworn in on Monday March 10 at 5:30 p.m. and commissioners will meet again on March 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the commission chambers for the first regular meeting of the month.
L to R David Butt, Jo Ozbun, Lawerence Trujillo, Sue Downing, Dennis Downing, Mona Sandoval, Randy Madison, tina Bird, Lita Sandoval, Mark Baxter, Lita Bernal and Frank Ozbun
