The Raton City Commission met in regular session on Tuesday, August 8, and heard a variety of issues from assorted organizations and private citizens and after a lengthy discussion, voted 3-2 to reject the intent that would have given Magistrate Court jurisdiction over Raton city ordinances instead of Municipal Court.
The issue was postponed from the last meeting and was prompted by a NM Legislative Senate Bill 173 which designates magistrate court jurisdiction over city ordinances and would essentially do away with Municipal Court. The statute also requires if the city were to pass the resolution it would also need to create an advisory committee to watch over this process. Current Municipal Judge Roy Manfredi addressed the commission and spoke about the bill and how it affects the city and the court. A number of issues affecting the reduced caseload including Covid and new state statutes (driver’s licenses can no longer be revoked, etc) and Raton Police are understaffed and are concerned with more serious crimes are a few of reasons for reduced caseload. Commissioner Lori Chatterly posed concerns during the previous meeting in July about the state pushing for control of the municipal courts and also noted at the last meeting that the NM Municipal League is opposed to making this change. Chatterly made a motion to reject the resolution and it passed 3-2 with Commissioners Chavez and Segotta voting against rejection. With that action, the advisory committee was made mute and that item was tabled.
The Commission also approved a proposal by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) to enter into an agreement that would indemnify BNSF from being sued by the City and release liability for any remediation work done on the Raton Train Depot. The need for the agreement came about as BNSF turns over the depot to the city, they offered to help with the environmental remediation of the facility but asked for the agreement which the Commission unanimously approved.
The Capital Outlay Agreement between the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and the City was finally approved for Kearny Film Project. The $1.1 million dollar amount was awarded in 2022, but the DFA had attached special conditions which had delayed the actual transfer of the funds. After a recent meeting in Santa Fe, to clear things up with the State, the agreement was approved by the Commission and the funds should be coming soon to jumpstart the project.
Terry Sykes, General Manager of Raton Water Works was called upon to give an update on the City’s water system. Sykes gave a brief history of the Cimarron Diversion project which was built in the 1980s and has 45 miles of pipeline, and said that technology has helped tremendously in terms of maintenance and efficiency, coupled with the 3 million dollar upgrade of the filter plant in 2020, stating “the City’s in good shape.” City Manager Scott Berry said Sykes has accepted another job and will move soon and commended Sykes for his performance and professionalism during his tenure with the City.
Public Works Director, Jason Phillips, made a presentation for the City to participate in an infrastructure revolving loan program with NMED for the purchase of a new waste collection truck. The price would be somewhere in the $250 to $275,000 range and would replace a truck that was first put into service in 1997.
Also, after a public hearing, the City Commission voted to enact an ordinance that would increase the monthly pay for a Commissioner from $300 to $1,000. The raise would affect none of the current Commission, but if a current member were to run again at the end of their current term and be elected, then it would be enacted.
During the City Manager’s report, Berry said a total of $2 million is moving forward from a US Senate appropriation for I-27, but funding for the City’s 10th Street Bridge did not make it out of committee.
Berry also announced Jaden Welch has been hired as the new City Engineer.
Other action taken by the Commission was to okay the event form for the Raton Homecoming Parade on September 15 and to okay a change in the floor plan for the Stakeout Restaurant in order to allow a change in the liquor license to allow some outdoor tables.
There were several citizens who addressed the Commission in the Items from Citizens Present. Pat Walsh, representing the Raton Humane Society, submitted a letter voicing concern over the private fireworks displays that are going on beyond the calendar and clock restrictions deemed by City Ordinance. A letter submitted to Commissioner’s said, “We believe this situation is hurting the image and reputation of the City for residents and visitors alike.” They called on the Commission to shorten the period for discharging private fireworks and for stricter enforcement to include penalties.
LouAnn Young addressed the commission on the lack of enforcement of animal codes and Bunny Bunker also has issues with code enforcement for property located near her in the 700 block of S. 3rd.
Dennis Baughman addressed the commission with accusations of rape of his disabled daughter at school and three attempts to kill him. He gave notice that he was not going to take it any longer and would do what he considered necessary to protect her and further his case and further her cause.
The next Raton City Commission meeting will be Tuesday, August 22 @ 6 pm and will be broadcast on KRTN AM 1490 and streamed on Facebook: FM93.9EnchantedAirKRTN
