Raton City Commission Meets
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Land Fill, Street issues and Fire Department issues filled most of the Raton city commission meeting Tuesday evening as commissioners approved a new contract with the Raton Fire Fighter’s union.
The new contract includes a 2% raise for fire fighters and some pay incentives for additional certifications and becoming instructors. There is also a small increase for promotion to the next level of fire fighter.
Commissioners also approved the mutual aid agreement between Raton Fire and the new county fire department. The agreement will allow both departments to assist each other when needed. This agreement is also another plus for maintaining the ISO rating for Raton.
The fireworks ban ordinance was extended another 30 days and will remain in effect until after July 6th, which is, the last day fireworks are allowed to be used in Raton. The ban allows safe and sane fireworks with restriction and totally bans aerial fireworks. Safe and Sane fireworks can be used as long as they are more than 100 feet from combustible vegetation or structures.
Commissioners approved the land lease agreement with Silver Spur Land and Cattle for the tower site on Eagle Tail Mountain. The lease is for a 5-year term.
Commissioners approved the first change order for Gordon Environmental for the closure of the landfill. City Manager McGowen noted that the new convenience center is open. Scott Berry brought the commission up to date on the landfill and solid waste activities. He noted that the new convenience center has receptacles for recycling and that there are plans to step up recycling efforts at the center. The new trailers are in use and the city is averaging about 19 tons of solid waste a day. He also noted that there are new regulations coming down the pike on solid waste. Berry noted the solid waste audit is 90% complete the document generated by that audit is about two inches thick.
Commissioners introduced a new ordinance to raise the gross receipts tax by .25%. The income from the tax will go to service the debt on the Aquatic Center. It will also be used to make repairs and maintenance on the pool. City Manager McGowen noted this is not something we want to do but have to do if the city wants to keep the Aquatic Center open, as so many residents have requested.
Commissioners approved budget adjustment #9 for fiscal year 2014. They also approved the street closure for the July 4th festivities. They heard from city manager McGowen that the VFW is planning a street dance for the 4th of July and will have paperwork in soon for that event.
McGowen noted that the second street project will get underway today. It will entail milling up the asphalt on second street and relaying it. This project will go from Hart to Savage excluding the concrete blocks down town. NMDOT has also approved the MAP project on Tiger Drive and the First Street project.
The city will close the city office on June 25 at noon for an employee appreciation day.
The next regular meeting of the commission will be on June 24th at 6:00 p.m.
