By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday evening June 23, 2020 and heard better than expected news about the April GRT and approved several agreements after honoring the Raton Cash Mob with the “You Rock” award for its helping local businesses.
The emeeting began by taking care of some unfinished business as back in February, Bill Serazio had requested a parcel of land on the north side of Highway 555 just east of the railroad tracks be rezoned to heavy industrial. A heavy industrial zone would follow along with the zoning on the south side of 555 but the construction work he wanted to do on the property would require an air quality permit that with opposition from residents in the area, would be unlikely to be approved. So Serazio agreed to leave it a C4 zone which would still meet the other type of work to be done on the property. Commissioner Chavez noted that 85 area residents had protested the changes.
Commissioners heard from City Manager Scott Berry during a public hearing on the city budget that the GRT from April was not as bad as they had feared, so the interim budget was submitted to DFA with the changes that were the result of increased construction and a higher than anticipated GRT.
Commissioners heard from Christine Valentini, the current Raton Mainstreet President, about some of the accomplishments that Raton MainStreet had accomplished the last year. A $800,000 grant for the Great Blocks project was awarded to Raton Mainstreet. They received a NM Gas Company grant to improve facades and helped small businesses in Raton with micro loans and setup a go-fund-me page to provide even more money that was matched by IN Bank. They helped 21 businesses with $16,500 in grants.
Commissioners approved the 4-year MOU and also approved the resolution in support of Raton Mainstreet.
Commissioners approved the MOU with the Colfax County Senior Centers, Inc. They also approved the contract with Envision IT for computer services which is also covers RPS and Raton Water Works.
Commissioners approved a task order for Engineering Analytics for construction management on the Solid Waste Convenience Center. Commissioners approved the agreement for an Electric vehicle charging station at the Multi-Modal Center. The cost of the charging center will not exceed $17,005. The city will match the project with $5,000.
The city will receive $30,000 in Cares Act funding for Raton Crews Field due to Covid-19 effects on air travel. The city will use the funds for operational costs namely electric and natural gas bills.
One last agreement was approved for the waste water system grant as this project comes to a close and the loan closing approaches.
Commissioners approved the RFP for the Direct Youth Services Sub-Contract to HRDA, the current provider, for the Girl’s circle and Boy’s Council programs. Also the Sub-contract for the restorative justice program’s current provider Peace through Education.
The city will end the fiscal year .42% above budget as the April GRT came in better than feared based on the Covid crisis. City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci was cautiously optimistic about the city finances for the upcoming fiscal year based on the April GRT. Commissioners approved Budget Adjustment #16 which includes several line item adjustments. (Link to FY2020 May Financial report) (Link to FY2020 Budget Adjustment #16)
Berry’s report was rather short as he indicated the roofing projects continue with the Education Center Roof being completed. Work on the Great Blocks project has begun and the chip seal project on 5th Street will begin on July 6. He ended with a note that fire danger is high and that the fire department had been out on several smoke calls and a fire in Linton Canyon that was lightning caused.
Commissioners will meet again on July 14, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. for their next regular meeting, which will be aired on KRTN AM 1490 and streamed on the KRTN Facebook page.
