By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners held their second regular meeting for February on Tuesday evening February 22, where City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci brought good news for the budget in increased sales online and with lodger’s taxes showing major improvement over last year.
Antonucci noted in her financial report that the GRT was up by 12.38% or $327,254 over the budgeted amount for this time of year. The small cities assistant distribution was also above expectations by a whopping $135,910. Budget adjustment #8 for FY22 included moving monies for the electrical work for the Armory and Aquatic center. (Link to FY22 January Financial Report) (Link to FY22 Budget Adjustment #8)
Lodger’s tax recommendation for three requests were approved. $5,000 was awarded to the Chief Bicycle and Comedy Festival matching the $5,000 from the city of Trinidad. $14,000 for Raton Mainstreet on behalf of the Raton beautification Coalition for the downtown flower baskets and banners. $2,700 plus tax for the 8th annual NM vacation guide for a full page add.
Commissioners approved the funding of software for Raton Fire and Emergency Services which will be purchased on a CES Contract. The software will improve addressing for the areas out of the city limits that the department responds to as well as inside the city limits. Fire hydrants will also be placed in the system upgrading from a hand drawn map booklet.
Commissioners approved a bid for electrical work to be done at the Raton Readiness facility (RNG Armory at the airport) for electrical work to improve the system from a single-phase system to 3-phase electrical power. City Manager Scott Berry was disappointed in that the city only received one bid for the work from VA Electric Inc in Albuquerque. Berry also noted the bid was a bit higher than expected as well and came in at $98,595 plus GRT of 6.0833% for a total of $104,592.83.
Commissioners approved the third annual renewal of consulting services agreement with Engineering Analytics, Inc. They also approved the agreement for engineering services with Molzen Corbin for the airport work.
Commissioners then approved the task orders with Molzen Corbin for replacing the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise plan and maintenance of the plan. This is a federal requirement that is in place to get FAA funding for projects. The other task order is for planning for Taxiway B project design phase. This is the runway that parallels the crosswind runway.
Berry will be submitting a Coop funding application for street maintenance from NMDOT for $150,000. The city will match the request with $37,500 from the gas tax. The funds will be used for work on Lopez Street, Buena Vista Street, Boundary Street, East Seventh Street and East Eighth Street. (Link to Coop Funding Project Map)
The city will also request MAP funding from NMDOT for work on Kearney Ave and Brilliant Street. The MAP request will be for $400,000 with a city match of $100,000. (Link to MAP Funding Project Map)
Commissioners approved the extension request for work being done on Whittier Street and Byron Avenue. The contractor for the project has experienced delays related to covid-19 issues as well as labor and supply chain issues.
Commissioners approved a budget adjustment for the JJAC Grant moving monies from the Girl’s Circle to the Boys Council. Part of the money moved is from travel expenses that were not incurred as a result of meetings being handled over Zoom.
