By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday evening March 12, 2024, for their first regular meeting of the month and discussed the upcoming budget, made appointments, dealt with a personnel issue and heard about budget adjustments.
In items from citizens present Karla Morton proposed a sign coming into Raton or coming down the pass for photo opportunities and she would like to see the star on Goat Hill lit up all year not just the holiday season.
After approving the last meeting minutes, the commission began preparations for the upcoming budget season with a discussion on how they would proceed this year. The state sent a guide for the commission to begin this process. City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci recommended a budget workshop again this year to work on the budget. An interim budget is due into DFA by June 1, 2024. Antonucci didn’t have updated insurance premiums, talk is there will be big increases this year.
Commissioners held a public hearing on the adoption of fire codes for the city. The ordinance brings the city fire codes in line with the state and national fire codes. Some of the changes deal with food trucks and upgrading fire suppression systems.
Mayor Neil Segotta appointed Scott Berry to the Raton Water Board for a six year term.
Commissioners heard from the Raton Personnel Board on recommendations for payout of unused leave over the two-year maximum for the police department and water department. Because of staff shortages and the pandemic police officers and water department personnel were unable to use their vacation or sick leave and have accrued vacation or sick leave well over the two-year maximum. On a 3-2 vote the personnel board voted to recommend to the commission that they pay out those officers and water department workers for the unused vacation and sick leave they accrued during the pandemic and as a result of both departments being understaffed.
Dispatch Supervisor April Lopez spoke to the commission about what the department went through, especially through the pandemic. Despite being severely understaffed the dispatchers and officers were on duty 24/7. Captain Cory Coca noted that the department has had a roller coaster ride with employment at times with only six officers on staff. Deputy Chief James Valdez talked about the loyalty of an employee, most notably the ones who have been on the job for many years. Mayor Neil Segotta told those involved in this matter how much he and the commission appreciated the work the departments have done during the pandemic and being understaffed. He went on to say that this is a very unfortunate, very ugly situation. The city, however, is bound by the ordinance that only allows for two years’ worth of vacation to be carried over before an employee loses that time.
City Manager Rick Mestas said this issue was not budgeted for and the commission cannot cover the costs. Mayor Segotta said we can investigate and see if we can come up with some solution for this problem. Mayor Pro-Tem Chatterly noted we need to add something to the personnel policy to deal with this issue in the future. The commission voted to deny the personnel board recommendation and request City Manager Mestas to find a possible solution somewhere else. This was simply a situation that no one seen coming and the city had not planned for.
Commissioners approved the purchase of the HAAS Alert safety system at a cost of $8369.75 per year for a five-year annual contract. The system is to alert motorist of approaching emergency apparatus to prevent near misses. The fire department also plans to add responder to responder alert apparatus to help the department to prevent near misses or accidents within the department and with other departments that respond to mutual aid requests. Once the system is up and running the fire department will alert the public and have public service announcements informing the public how the system will work.
The city will apply for Coop and Municipal Arterial Program (MAP) funding through the NMDOT. The funding, if approved, will be used for street improvements or repairs. The Coop request is for $150,000 with $112,500 from the DOT and $37,500 matching funds from the City of Raton for the Coop Request. The MAP request is for $400,000 to work on the north underpass.
Commissioners approved the extension of the contract for the on-call street and infrastructure contractor. This will be the second allowable extension for this contract with Archuleta Construction. Phillips noted the costs on the contract will remain the same.
Commissioners heard from Jason Phillips about some upgrades to the restroom containers that the city is acquiring for the ball field complex. The city has requested more vandalism proof upgrades with a cost up to the amount of $9250.
Jaden Welch reported on the Vigil and Associates Environmental report finding of hazardous materials. Due to building changes and deterioration a new hazardous materials assessment, is required to be done on the building. Federal standards require abatement of hazardous materials that are found.
Budget adjustment #1 for the juvenile justice grant was presented to move $4455 from the girl’s council to the boy’s circle. Commissioners approved the adjustment.
Commissioners also heard the request for budget adjustment #10 for FY24. Antonucci noted most of the adjustments are line-item transfers. Antonucci noted that there has been some income from interest and she is moving some of that money around. (Link to Budget Adjustment #10 FY24)
Commissioners approved the transfer of a 2004 Chevy Tahoe from Raton Public Service to the City of Raton.
City Manager Rick Mestas informed the commission that the city staff has been working to get federal requests to our federal senator and representatives. The Municipal League will be in Raton to do training for the supervisory staff, police, fire, zoning and code enforcement personnel.
Mestas noted that the police department dealt with an unattended death that involved dealing with a cluttered environment as well as the animal control officer dealing with frightened pets.
In his closing remarks Mestas noted some milestones by local businesses like the Sweet Shop which celebrated its 100th anniversary, 75 years of broadcasting for KRTN and Solano’s Boots and Western Wear being recognized worldwide for its service and style. There is an exhibit in Trinidad at the A.R. Mitchel Museum of Western Art featuring “Brim; The Solano Stories” featuring in part the hats of local cowboys, cowgirls and farmers of the area. He added thanks to Sandy and the staff for bringing such positive recognition to Raton.
Commissioners will meet again on March 26 for their second monthly meeting and will plan for a budget workshop to deal with developing a new budget.
