By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Raton City Commissioners held their second regular meeting of the month Tuesday evening October 28, 2025, where they dealt with ordinances and change order on a construction project.
Santiago Chavez the new director of the Northcentral Economic Development District introduced himself and spoke to the commission going over some of his job experience. The City often uses the district for help with economic interests. Governor Wayne Yazza of the Picuris Pueblo was unable to make the meeting so that agenda item was removed from the agenda.
John Pesetti came before the commission to complain about the cleanup of his property at 108 Pecos which included his mechanic tools and other memorable property. They were questioning the lien on the property and how much it is also complaining about the threat of jail.
Commissioners held a public hearing on Ordinance 1034 pertaining to Adult Entertainment within the City of Raton. The ordinance is designed to control where and how such establishments are allowed. The ordinance restricts these establishments to C3 zones which are mostly along the major thoroughfares in town like Clayton Road. Commissioners voted to approve the ordinance.
Commissioners also held a public hearing on Ordinance 1035 which repeals Section 70.999 (C) which deals with Municipal court traffic safety and Community Corrections fees. Commissioners approved the ordinance.
The city presented a preliminary plat for a subdivision request at 24 Caviness Crossing Road. The property is located north of Highway 72 and east of Raton. The request will subdivide five acres into two lots of 2.5 acres in size. The commission approved the request.
Commissioners acted on a change order for the Bisconti property at 222 South Second Street for a fence along the alley way to keep people from dropping off into the property. The change order also includes the 480 cubic yards of fill dirt and demo of the south retaining wall. The total cost of the change order comes to $36.491 The backfill and demo was approved at the last meeting. Commissioner Mark Honeyfield suggested the use of concrete barriers at a significant cost saving and it would be a better barrier for vehicles than a chain link fence. Commissioners approved the new barriers in place of the chain-link fence.
Commissioners approved a grant in aid agreement from the New Mexico State Library for $10,000. The grant can be used only by the library and can be used for a variety of things such as books, staff salary and other library associated things.
Commissioners acted on a proposal from Tyler Technology utilizing then Sourcewell contract for time clock software. The total cost of the software, which includes employee mobile access, is $25,140 with recuring costs of $7208. This will bring the city more up to date and will integrate with the city payroll system.
Resolution 2025-66 is requesting approval for sponsorship funding for the Economic Development Summit expenditures. The sponsors have provided about $15,000 and this resolution covers the bookkeeping aspect of the event for those sponsorship donations.
Commissioners heard from City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci with the FY26 first quarter financial report. The city continues to see an increase in GRT this report shows an increase above budget of 5.02%. Antonucci noted that the gas tax has seen an increase that reflects levels of pre-covid time frames.
Resolution 2025-68 authorizes changes to the list of authorized personnel who can make InBank deposits and handle petty cash.
During the city manager report Mestas noted that the engineer received word of a grant award of $238,000 for work at the animal shelter to renovate eight kennels and ten runs.
The next city commission meeting will be on Wednesday November 12 at 6:00 p.m. due to the Veteran’s Day Holiday on November 11, 2025.
