By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday evening January 26, 2021 for their second January regular meeting to approve several construction projects and hear that the budget is still in line.
Commissioners heard from Raton Fire and Emergency Services Dusty Russell with a report on the Covid vaccinations that have been given. Russell reported that 758 Raton residents have received the first dose of the vaccine at three different events. Distribution of the vaccine has been somewhat chaotic with communication issues topping the list of problems.
Commissioners reappointed Eric Honeyfield to the Labor Management Board and Pat Farmer to the Lodger’s Tax Advisory board. City Manager Scott Berry noted that Farmer is new to the area and is currently employed as manager at the Holiday Inn Express.
Commissioners approved the lease agreement with Jack Doege for hangar space at the airport. The city owns the property that the hangars sit on but each hangar is owned by an aircraft owner. The lease agreement is for 50 years with a graduated fee scale based on square footage.
Commissioners approved a task order for Molzen Corbin to begin design work on a new hangar at the airport. The city has a November deadline to use grant money to build the hangar at the airport. Once the design and construction costs are figured out the city will then put up 5% and the state aviation department will add 5% with FAA providing the final 90% for the project.
Molzen-Corbin will also begin work on Runway 2-20 and 7-25 pavement rehabilitation project. This project will cover crack seal and pavement sealing on the existing runways.
The city will begin design work to reconstruct Byron Ave and Whittier Street. The actual construction should begin this summer with milling and repaving to include curb and gutter along with culvert and water drainage work.
Commissioners tabled a decision on the magazine ad for Texas Monthly magazine. Berry noted that there were some additional costs that were discovered so he will bring back the request once a complete cost listing is obtained.
Commissioners approved Resolution 2021-5 expressing concern over House Bill 4 NM Civil Rights Act. House Bill 4 proposes to make litigation much easier against a municipality and allow for huge awards removing caps that were in place to keep from financially devastating a community. It also eliminates Qualified Immunity for police officers. Berry noted that the city is short five officers now and by removing qualified immunity will make it increasingly harder to hire police officers. House Bill 4 still has committees to go through and it is hoped the bill will be greatly amended or killed before it gets to the full house for a vote. (Link to Resolution 2021-5 NM Civil Rights Act HB4)
The second quarter financial report shows a .39% GRT above budget with a $2,677,507 cash balance which City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci noted was pretty good. She noted that department heads have been keeping a good watch on their budgets and holding expenses down. (Link to 2nd Quarter Financial Report)
Antonucci noted that city as received some additional CARES act funding which is added to the sixth budget adjustment for FY2021. She has created new line items for the Armory utilities since there is a new tenant in there that is not associated with the airport. (Link to FY2021 Budget Adjustment #6)
Berry noted in his report that the comprehensive plan final meeting will be February 2 at 6:00 p.m. In order to view the meeting individuals will have to register on the city website.
Berry commended Jared Chatterly for his almost 11 years of service to the city and the many events he has brought to the city. Chatterly will be taking a job promoting outdoor recreation in Trinidad.
Sandy Chavez will retire from RPS with 25 years of service ending her career there as General Manager. Dave Piancino has filled the position of general manager at RPS.
Commissioners then voted to go into executive session for Collective Bargaining with AFSCME Council 18.
The next regular meeting will be February 9, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the commission chambers at city hall.
