By Marty Mayfield<\/p>\n
KRTN Multi-Media<\/p>\n
Raton City Commissioners met Tuesday evening June 24, 2025, for their second regular meeting of the month to listen to reports about Youth Heartline and New Hope Family counseling as well as dealing with agreements and bid awards.<\/p>\n
Danielle Archuleta and Feliz Medina gave a presentation explaining what has happened over the last year with New Hope Family Counselling and Youth Heartline and what the groups are looking forward to this coming school year. The program under Youth Heartline is in its second year in Raton and is designed to help kids\u2019 4th<\/sup>grade through 8th<\/sup> grade. New Hope deals with a wider age group and is there to help with kids that have gotten into trouble or simply having issues dealing with life.<\/p>\n Commissioners approved a grant agreement with New Mexico Children Youth and Families for the Learning Lab, which is run by New Hope Family Counselling, LLC. New Hope Family Counselling, LLC. is the subcontractor for the JJAC program and for the Learning Lab. The state has added $59,400 for a total of $118,900 for this year\u2019s program.<\/p>\n The commissioners then approved the subcontract with Youth Heartline for the direct youth services and New Hope Family Counselling, LLC. for the Restorative Justice Servies. The City of Raton is the Fiscal Agent for the grants received from CYFD for these programs. The programs are associated with the schools and help keep children in school or counsel students with mental issues and coping with life.<\/p>\n Commissioners heard from City Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci about the May 2025 Financial Report which continues to see good news with increased gross receipts of .56% however dwindling gas taxes continue to trouble the city. Antonucci is in contact with New Mexico Taxation and Revenue to see if there might be another problem that is causing the drop in gas tax.<\/p>\n The commission held a public hearing once again for the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan for FY27-FY31. The plan is a necessary item that is used to show legislators that Raton has a plan for the funding requests. The big-ticket item is work on the Lake Maloya Dam followed by drainage and storm drain work. The Raton Depot was third on the list followed by the Raton Animal Shelter and Solid Waste equipment. It was noted that this is a living document and will see changes over the year.<\/p>\n Commissioners heard from Jason Phillips about the solid waste tipping fees noting an increase to $33.28 a ton. They also approved Arthur Roll Off to transport Raton\u2019s solid waste to the regional landfill near Wagon Mound at a cost of $260 a load.<\/p>\n Commissioners heard about a service agreement and fee proposal from Chinook Landscape Architecture for the Climax Canyon Old Pass Trail project. This contract supports improvements to outdoor recreational areas, enhancing trail access and community use. The total cost of the work is just over $78,000.<\/p>\n Resolution 2025-42 sets up participation in the local government road fund program administered by the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The funding will go to the purchase of gravel and other items for general street and alley maintenance. NMDOT share is $64,570 with the city providing $21,523.<\/p>\n Commissioners approved the Lodger\u2019s Tax recommendation for advertising on KRTN Radio for $8313.15 to cover 2811 radio ads and website ads and Facebook promotions.<\/p>\n The MOU with Raton Elks Softball league was approved and outlines the shared responsibilities regarding field usage, maintenance and support for the recreational benefits of residents. With the approval of the MOU, league play will begin soon.<\/p>\n Commissioners approved the FY26 E911 grant agreement for Project #26-E-10. The agreement supports the enhancements of the emergency communications systems including upgrades to the dispatch and call center. The upgrades will not exceed $478,098.<\/p>\n In the City Manager\u2019s report Mestas noted the city is in full swing with work at the ball fields and preparations for the July 4th<\/sup> festivities. Mestas gave a shout out to Raton Fire for responding to a smoke scare at the Public Library on Friday. They were able to quickly assess the situation and minimize the threat. He noted the Fire Department is recruiting for four firemen and the Police Department is looking for three new officers.<\/p>\n The next regular meeting will be on July 8th<\/sup> at 6:00 p.m. in the commission chambers at City Hall.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n