By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday evening September 12, 2023, and hired a new city manager to replace the retiring Scott Berry. Berry will hang around for a while to help transition Dr. Richard Mestas the new city manager into his new digs.
Commissioners approved the contract with a pay of $115,000 a year for the first year and a cost of living increase each year after that. The contract is a one-year contract with options to continue for up to four years.
Commissioners then heard from Raton Schools Superintendent Kristi Medina and School Board President Jason Phillips who gave a presentation about the bond issue that will be on the ballot in November and information about the new school campus the district is hoping to build.
Commissioners then acknowledged the approval by DFA for the final budgets for the City of Raton, Raton Water Works and Raton Public Service.
Commissioners approved the purchase of a new 2023 Ford F-150 from Phil Long Ford on the CES contract. The vehicle cost is $42,380 and will be used for the public works department.
Commissioners then approved Resolution 2023-55 for Raton Water Works to renovate one of the 3-million gallon potable water tank. The city will agree to budget $250,000 in matching funds while the New Mexico Water Trust Board and the New Mexico Legislature will provide $1,250,000 for a total cost of $1,500,000. The tank has recently been inspected and some corrosion was found during the inspection and will need to be repaired.
Commissioners heard about a grant for the electrical vault at the airport and this grant will be for design work on the vault. The FAA grant is for $73,988 and is 90% of the cost of the design work and the remainder is covered by another grant with the state covering 9% and the city will cover 1%.
Resolution 2023-56 was approved showing a perpetual public benefit from the purchase of the Bartlett Mesa Ranch. The Resolution is to show DFA that the money will be used for the purchase of the land and is not being used for other purposes or is in violation of the anti-donation clause. This resolution is a formality to cover the bases so the state will release the money.
Commissioners then approved the grant application for the support of recreation centers and quality of life grant. The grant will cover work on the city baseball and softball fields. The city is asking for $399,000 for the estimated $499,000 total cost and the city will match the grant with $100,000 of the city’s own money. The work would include new restrooms and concession stands along with other improvements. Bryon Nazeeri spoke to the commission once again asking for help to build pickle ball courts hoping to convince commissioners to add funds for the pickle ball courts too.
The new dispatch agreement with Colfax County was approved. The agreement is an updated version after Colfax County questioned the increase in the agreement. The cost of the agreement is set at $75,000.
Commissioners approved the body camera purchase for police officers utilizing the Axon state price agreement. The 15 cameras and associated equipment will cost $45,242.
Commissioners approved the Tower Lease agreement with Baca Valley for the tower that is located on city property near Roundhouse Park. The lease agreement is for $12,500 for the 10 year period payable at $1250 a year.
In the City Manager’s report Berry noted that the application he submitted for the economic program has been moved to the next level after being selected from over 500 other applicants. Work is ongoing on the platform redesign and the project will begin in the next 12 months. Sherri Romero has left the city for other jobs. Taryn Giacomo joined the team at City Hall in Romero’s place.
