By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday, August 25th with new plexiglass guards in place to get everyone back on the bench as they discussed the ICIP, and heard about an EDA Grant.
Commissioners will do a final vote on the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan during the first meeting in September. The plan so far includes the replacement of police equipment, drainage system improvements, street improvements, along with Hwy 72 reconstruction to include bike paths/hiking paths from Raton to Sugarite Canyon State Park.
Raton Economic Development Director, Jessica Barfield informed commissioners about an EDA grant that the city will apply for which will require a 50-50 match. The screening committee will meet in late September so the application will be submitted in early September. With Leisure and entertainment down 24% in the state and health care also down there is need to help that sector recover. Another option will be to help recruit for CDL training through Luna Community College. Barfield noted that several of the communities in the county were unaware of the shortage for CDL drivers and heavy equipment operators.
Another area that will be worked on is to reestablish a workforce coordinator in the county. Commissioners approved the grant application and a match of up to $75,000.
Commissioners approved Arthur Fulkerson to be appointed to the Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board.
Commissioners approved the ordinance that will refinance loans for Raton Public Service which will benefit rate payers by greatly reducing the interest rate on the loans.
Commissioners approved the bid for new windows and door openers for the Raton Senior Center from Northeastern Construction based in Las Vegas. The low bid came in over the money approved for the project by the Department for Aging and Long Term which was $42,000. The Senior Center will provide some of the additional money with the city providing the rest. The scope of work will be renegotiated and to bring the price down. The project called for all 23 windows to be replaced. Six of those will be deleted from the scope of work, leaving a total of 17.
Commissioners approved the environmental assessment proposal from Parametrix to do an assessment of the area around the train depot building before a drainage and paving project moves forward. The project will be done with monies from the Federal Highway Administration which have been sitting in the city coffers for a few years and need to be expended.
City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci noted the city is .85% above budget thanks in part to increased GRT. It is hoped that the numerous construction projects in the area will take the city into fall with a 2% increase to carry through the winter months. (Link to July 2020 Financial Report)
City Manager Scott Berry noted in his report that several of the construction projects in the city are progressing with the crack seal project on hold for equipment issues. The crack seal project will require the closure of Tiger Drive when the crews get that far, possibly in September.
The water project on Third Street will require some street closure in the area of the Post Office so travel around that area will be restricted as needed into December.
The Great Blocks project is removing sidewalks on First Street and will close the Rio Grande intersection for repaving in the near future.
The Transfer Station foundation is almost done and floors will be poured in about 2 weeks.
Boiler replacement at the Raton Convention Center is almost complete as well.
Berry noted that the East Fork fire has consumed 108 acres and is burning above Lake Dorothy with 30% containment. The fire is burning in the Track Fire burn scar in mostly new growth Oak and Locust brush. Light winds and rugged rocky landscapes has helped contain the fire to allow fire fighters to do back burning on top of the mesa in the grassy areas.
Berry noted that Lake Maloya is about five feet below the spillway which is about as low as the city would like to see it. It is hoped that the water department will be able to use water stored in Eagle Nest Lake later this fall and winter. Use of water from the Cimarron River continues to be complicated by turbidity and silt issues. Berry is asking residents to conserve water as much as they can especially when it comes to lawn and garden watering. He is hoping for a good winter snow pack to refill Maloya but the long-range forecast is not favorable for that.
Commissioners will meet again September 8, 2020 for their next regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the commission chambers which will be broadcast on AM 1490 KRTN and streamed on KRTN Facebook.
