By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday August 24, 2021 for their second regular meeting of August and passed Ordinance 1014 with the necessary Cannabis changes as introduced.
Commissioners all agreed to pass Ordinance 1014 as presented last month to meet the September 1stdeadline from the state. Commissioners also agreed that revisions would probably be needed and they would tackle those at a later date possibly as soon as next month after the state begins receiving applications for cannabis licenses. (Link to Ordinance 1014 Cannabis Changes)
One of the first revisions to be looked at is what will constitute a manufacturing process and whether those baking goods will be considered manufacturing or a lesser form of production that will be allowed at a commercial location. Also, the density of retail locations will probably be considered as well.
Commissioners also approved Lodger’s Tax funding requests to help Mainstreet pay for advertising expenses. Their request is for $19,388. The costs to put on the Gate City Music Festival are being estimated at $40,888. The Center for Community Innovation is also asking for $30,000 to continue their advertising efforts with Google ads and advertising on Facebook for tourism and other. Google ads have reached upwards to 929,000 people and social media advertising has reached over 300,000 people. Patricia Duran noted that they would also be seeking partnerships with other organizations throughout the area to help draw more tourism to the area. They will also look at attracting those tourists from Colorado more specifically Colorado Springs north.
Commissioners then discussed the ICIP plan which puts the Lake Maloya Dam at the top of the list for capital outlay funding. The Bartlett Mesa Ranch acquisition is next on the list. (Link to ICIP List)
Commissioners began the process to exchange property with the Raton Public Schools. The school will give the city Kearney School and the city will give the school some property on Shepard Ave in exchange. The Department of Finance will have to give the city their approval on the deal while the school will look to the Public Education Department for approval. The purpose of the property exchange is to allow the City of Raton to have a location to create a film school. (Link to Film Promo https://vimeo.com/556614883/529df41213)
Commissioners approved the agreement with the Department of Finance and Administration for Legislative capital outlay monies to purchase and install police equipment specifically the CAD system in the Police Department. The city received $70,000 with the city adding $30,000 from the general fund for matching funds.
Commissioners approved a budget change to reflect a request from DFA noting the city only received half of the Local Fiscal Recovery Funds this year and will receive the second half next fiscal year.
Commissioners approved the July 2021 financial report. City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci noted the GRT report was late coming in but what she had seen it looked like it was about $400,000. (Link to July 2021 Fiancnial Report)
In the city manager’s report Scott Berry noted the CDBG project is underway and will continue in two block increments. He also noted that the auditors spent last week in Raton for field work on this year’s audit.
The commission will meet again on September 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. for their first regular meeting of September.
