By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners met April 9, for their regular meeting where six proclamations were handed out and Devon Barton spoke about the funding request and MOA with the Raton Country Club.
The Raton Country Club is asking for money ($25,000) to help repair and replace much of its aging irrigation system to keep the golf course watered. Since the money being requested will come from the Lodger’s Tax, Barton discussed how they would like to help repay the funds by giving golfers a free round of golf with a local hotel, motel, RV park, or bed and breakfast receipt. The idea is to get people to come to Raton and stay overnight to play a round of golf. He is also hoping to improve the facility some in order to be better prepared to host events such as reunions and weddings and use some of that money to repay the city.
The golf course is watered with reclaimed water and has been for several years. Some leaks have sprung up and need fixed as well as upgrading the system so that it can be managed remotely if needed. Barton feels that by keeping the golf course in pristine condition it can only help attract golfers. The country club is also working with disc golfers to attract tournaments and other events to Raton.
In the budget hearing it was noted that an interim budget needs to be into DFA by June 1. This year the budget process will be a tough one noted City Manager Scott Berry as gross receipts, the city’s main source of income, has been declining for the last couple of years. Berry noted that city crews are about as lean as they can get and still provide the services the city has in the past. Berry commented that he and the commissioners are open to suggestions and comments for the FY 2020 budget.
Dee Burks was appointed to the Zoning and Planning Commission Board. R.W. Butt was the low bidder for excavation and drainage maintenance for the city with a bid of $11,900 plus GRT. This is an annual renewable contract for multiple one-year terms.
Northern Mountain Constructors was one of two bidders for the Brilliant St. and Hart St. resurfacing project. Rocky Road Gravel & Well Drilling Service with a bid of over $313,000 was the other bidder. The low bid went to Northern Mountain Constructors in the amount of $196,640. The estimated cost of the project is about $200,000.
Commissioners approved the dispatch agreement with the village of Cimarron for $14,000 a year. This is a renewal of the long-standing agreement.
Commissioner approved the introduction of an amendment to Ordinance 995 Chapter 90 which deals with animals. The amendment will better define the violation of failing to vaccinate pets for rabies. The current ordinance states that violators are guilty of a misdemeanor, that language will be deleted from the ordinance. The ordinance will say violations of the ordinance will be punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days or by both fine and imprisonment.
The city is poised to implement utility payment by credit or debit card. The process is moving closer to reality for payments at Raton Water Works and RPS. There are still details to be worked out in the process before it will be implemented.
Commissioners approved a scope adjustment and associated costs with Better Cities, LLC for economic development work. The adjustment is for just over $31,000. Berry noted in his comments that Better Cities has cited several opportunities that Raton can seize if they begin the process now. The preliminary report was delivered to commissioners via email for them to look at. Commissioners agreed the city needs to jump and not wait to make this happen.
Commissioners approved the Juvenile Justice budget adjustment moving funds to the girl’s circle program noting more of a need there than the boy’s program. City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci noted in the city budget adjustment that the line item changes note the adjustment in small cities assistance monies and changes for the Homeland Security grant. (Link to Budget Adjustment #13 FY19)
City Manager Berry noted that construction on Taxiway A is underway and construction on the Water Treatment plant has begun. The Taxiway A project should conclude in about 60 days while the water plant will likely go into 2020.
Commissioners will meet again on April 23 for their next regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. which will be broadcast on KRTN 1490 AM.
