By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday evening December 17, 2019 to attend to some year-end business that includes funding requests and agreements approvals.
Commissioners postponed deliberating on Ordinance 1007 which will authorize Utility System Improvement bonds. As part of the agreement with the USDA for construction work at the municipal filter plant the city was required to obtain interim financing and then the grant for the work would kick in. That part of the process has been completed and it is now time to move the monies and loan agreement to the USDA. The final paperwork had not been received from the USDA so the commissioners were unable to act on the ordinance.
City Manager Scott Berry noted they had been trying to contact the USDA but with no response as of yet and that he would try again and would then be able to determine when the paperwork could be presented to the commissioners.
The city will apply for a grant to construct two level two charging stations on city property possibly near the Multi-Modal center. The grant money is part of a settlement that the state has received from the Volkswagon Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement. The city will add an incentive of $5000 to help improve their chances of being awarded a $40,000 grant to build the charging station.
City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci found some typos in her last budget adjustment and brought that back for the commission to approve before submitting it to DFA for their approval. (Link to Budget Adjustment #4 Amended)
The City of Raton and Raton MainStreet have received word that the $800,000 Great Blocks grant that they applied for was awarded and that Phase III of the project will be fully funded. Berry noted that the paperwork will be completed soon and they will begin the bid process to do the work. Commissioners approved the grant agreement.
The city is also applying for a grant with Aging and Long-Term Services Department for $40,000 for window and possibly door replacement at the Senior Center. Berry noted that once they get the funding, they will go out for bid and that will determine how far the money will go on the project. Mayor Neil Segotta abstained from the vote as he is the director of the Senior Centers.
Commissioners approved a contract with Envision IT Solutions for services provided to the Raton Fire Department. The agreement includes replacing and upgrading equipment and software as needed and off-site backup services.
The city manager’s report was brief with a big thanks and pat on the back to city crews for all the work they have done removing snow from the recent snow storms the city has seen. Mayor Pro-Tem Lindè Schuster echoed that thank you.
Commissioners next regular meeting will be held on January 14, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Segotta noted that city offices will be closed on Wednesday December 25, for Christmas and again on January 1st, 2020 for New Year’s Day.
