By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media –
Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday evening, Sept., 12th and introduced a new solid waste ordinance which will clean up language from previous ordinances.
Before the business part of the meeting got underway commissioners heard from Roy Fernandez about miner’s health care and pensions noting that miners could lose their pensions on the federal level if legislation isn’t passed to protect it. Fernandez also informed commissioners that the Colfax County Commission will apply for and be the fiscal agent for a Tiger 9 grant for work on the railway for Amtrak.
Commissioners then approved the Oktoberfest event to be held on October 14, 2017 in the park and on first street. Raton Mainstreet had Black Smuggler Winery and Sheehan Winery scheduled to be at the event but they pulled out to attend an event in Bernallillo noted Raton MainStreet Director Brenda Ferri. Ferri noted that Colfax Ale Cellars and Red Dog Brewery will be there and they are licensed to sell New Mexico wines. Commissioners also approved the Raton PBW Domestic Awareness Walk to be held on October 7, 2017.
Budget adjustment #2 was presented to the commission that had only four items including moving $6360 for the recreation center special revenue fund. (Link to Budget Adj #2 FY18)
Commissioner then approved the introduction of a new Solid Waste Ordinance which will replace and repeal older versions of the ordinance. According to City Manager Scott Berry the new ordinances cleans up language and brings the ordinance up to date with current situations including the new transfer station and closing the landfill.
Berry noted in his report that Dan Campbell was recognized for his work as president of New Mexico Municipal League environmental quality association at a meeting held in Albuquerque. Campbell was then appointed to the board of directors of that association. This association gives communities a voice with the state. Berry noted that the State Armory board will meet on September 21 and they are still waiting on the lead abatement at the armory. Hopefully the fourth time will be the charm in getting the building transferred to the city.
The lease agreement with Amtrak for the depot is being sent to the city and will be before the commission for their consideration soon. The chip seal project is now complete with over 36,000 square yards of chips put down. The New Mexico Environment Department has issued the food permit for the community kitchen which will now open up grant money for commercial kitchen equipment. Berry noted the clean-up at the aquatic center was complete and roof work is being done on four city buildings.
Billy Donati presented the Shuler Restoration’s annual report. Donati noted that the digital theater project is nearing completion and they are hoping to have a big grand opening in November to present the digital equipment to the public. In April 2015 Cabinet Secretary Jon Barela came to Raton to award the city with a $100,000 LEDA grant for installation of the digital theater equipment.
A big part of the duties for the committee is management of the Shuler and in 2015 the committee collected $1258.00 in rental fees and this past year collected $3157.00. In the last fiscal year, there were 57 shows that totaled to 191 usage days. The committee has obtained $70,000 in Laird Foundation Grant monies for repairs, painting of the front façade, heating system, sound system and repairs or replacement of all lower level seatbacks for $8,000. Other projects include safety lighting on the stage, flyloft and loading door. The purchase of flags for the theater, a mid-stage full-size and teaser curtain.
Berry told commissioners that chief Matthews had been deployed to Houston thus delaying his retirement to the 12th of September and that Deputy Chief Chris Espinoza has been appointed as interim chief.
The commission will meet again on September 26 for their next regular meeting.
(Link to Museum Day Proclamation)
