Raton City Commission Meetings

Posted March 24, 2024

2024-03-26 City Commission Meeting Agenda Header

A regular meeting of the City Commission of the City of Raton will be held on March 26, 2024 at 6 p.m. Pursuant to City of Raton Open Meetings Resolution 2024-01 Commissioners may participate via conference call. The following subjects will be considered by the City Commission and may be considered in any order that is most convenient for the City Commission.

Call Meeting to Order by Mayor Neil Segotta
Roll Call of the Members of the City Commission and determination of quorum.
Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. Flag.
Recognition of Visitors, Citizen of the Month and/or Presentation of Proclamation, Service Award, Congratulations, Condolences, Holiday Schedules and City/Municipal events.

All City Offices will be Closed Friday, March 29^th in Honor of Good Friday
Next Regular Commission Meeting Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Proclamation: Allen Litchfield Four Decades of Service on the Raton Water Board
Proclamation: Terri Cruz, Raton Native and Two-time Women’s World Boxing Champion (IFBA bantamweight) & International Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee
Introduction of New Employees
Items from Citizens Present
Action items/Public Hearings/Ordinances/Resolutions/City Manager’s Report-The City Commission may discuss and/or take actions on the following agenda items:

DELIBERATE AND ACT on Approval of March 12, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes

DELIBERATE AND ACT on Raton Lodgers’ Tax Non-Promo Request from Raton Arts & Humanities Council Inc.
DELIBERATE AND ACT on Lodgers’ Tax Advisory Board Recommendations
DELIBERATE AND ACT on Planning & Zoning Commission Board Recommendations
DELIBERATE AND ACT on J & M Displays 2024 Fireworks Show Proposal
DISCUSSION: District Little League President
DELIBERATE AND ACT on Engineering Analytics, Inc. Fee Proposal for Design of Bridge Replacements Along Railroad Avenue and Shuler Street
DELIBERATE AND ACT on Addendum to City Manager Contract

DELIBERATE AND ACT on Resolution 2024-21: Approval of FY24 February Financial Reports

DELIBERATE AND ACT on Resolution 2024-22: Budget Adjustment #11 FY24
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Adjournment

I, the undersigned authority do hereby certify that the above notice of meeting of the governing body of the City of Raton, New Mexico is a true and correct copy of the said notice and that a said copy of this notice was then posted in cabinet outside of the City Hall of said City in Raton, New Mexico in a place convenient and readily accessible to the general public at all times, and said notice was posted on Friday. March 22, 2024 by 5 p.m. and remained so posted continuously at least 72 hours preceding the scheduled time of said meeting. Also, KRTN Radio Station and the City of Raton Website will have the agenda posted prior to respective time limits designated for regular and special meetings. Please contact the City Clerk at 445-9551 or dtrujillo@cityofraton.com if you have any questions or concerns.

/s/ Desire’e Trujillo, City Clerk

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November 14, 2023

Raton City Commission Meeting November 14, 2023

During the November 14, 2023 Raton City Commission meeting two proclamations were read and presented.

Commissioner Ron Chavez read a proclamation to former City Manager Scott Berry in which he is now designated as City Manager Emeritus. City Manager Rick Mestas, Commissioner Ron Chavez, and City Sanitation and Public Works Director Jason Phillips presented Berry with a flag of United States that has flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. the state capitol of NM in Santa Fe, and City Hall in Raton, New Mexico. Raton MainStreet presented Berry with a certificate to thank him for his cooperation with Raton MainStreet projects calling him a “Champion” of downtown Raton.

Mayor Pro-Tem Linde’ Schuster read and presented to Ann Marie Pappas a proclamation for Pappa’s Sweet Shop Restaurant Centennial Day celebrating its 100^th Anniversary. In 1973 the Sweet Shop moved to south Raton, where it has served as an anchor for visitors to Raton. The City congratulated Ann Marie for being the third generation owner with son, Mathew Rigdon for keeping the restaurant open.

On the Sunday, following the meeting on November 19, Pappa’s Sweet Shop held an Open House during which it served cake, desserts, and small sandwiches to those attending to help them celebrate and had on hand several pictures of the restaurant and the Pappa’s family over the years, along with a display of some of the menus.

City Manager Mestas introduced two new Raton Police Officers, Sean Jou from California and Dominic Stamoularas from Florida who have recently joined the force.

During the Items from Citizens Present, Bobbi Gore addressed the Commissioners to request that the City provide Miners Colfax Medical Center (MCMC) with a proclamation for the upcoming Miner’s Day that will be held on December 2, 2023, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, at the Raton Museum, 108 S. Second Street. The event, a collaboration between the Raton Museum and MCMC, is held every year to celebrate Raton’s history of coal mining.

In other action, the Commissioners voted to approve into the loan agreement with the New Mexico Environment Department for $200,000.00 for the purchase of a new sanitation truck. Other funds will be used to pay the remaining $75,000.00 needed for the full price.

The City approved the permit for Raton MainStreet for the Festival of Lights static parade on First Street as well as the contract to Highland Enterprises, Inc. for the equipment and material to provide Fog Seal over 129,000 square yards of streets that have been chip sealed.

The next City Commission meeting will be held, Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 6:00 PM in the Commissioner’s Chambers at City Hall located at 224 Savage Avenue.

October 24, 2023

Raton City Commission Meeting October 24, 2023

During the October 24, 2023, regular meeting of the Raton City Commission, City Manager Rick Mestas introduced two new city employees, Rachel Weirich, Administrative Assistant, and Jamie Powell, Financial Operations Clerk. He also mentioned a new police officer who will be introduced at the next meeting.

According to Code Enforcement Officer George Riley, about 30 sites in Raton that need to be cleaned up were identified, including the La Mesa racetrack property. The City submitted a Brownfield grant application in 2022 but was not awarded the grant, missing acceptance by only six points out of 170. We scored 161. The City is now applying for the 2024 grant, which is due on November 13, using the previous shortcomings on the 2022 grant as a guide.

The Commission passed Resolution No. 2023-68, which requires removal or repair of the property at 220 South 1^st Street owned by Brittney Lyn Armijo (formerly Carl’s Electric building). According to City Engineer Jaden Welch, the building has several structural issues, including a chimney that is falling away from the structure. It is not supported except at the base. The roof has uncontrolled drainage which is compromising the structural integrity of the buildings next to it. The chimney should be removed and gutters attached to catch the rainfall within thirty days.

The City entered an agreement with Colfax County to provide the Vigil-Maldonado Detention Facility for “the incarceration, care, and maintenance of persons charged with or arrested for violation” in Colfax County by law enforcement officials within the city at the cost of $99.75 per day for each detainee. The City of Raton will provide transportation to and from the Center as needed.

Voting on acceptance of the Pickleball court cost presented by Engineering Analytics for $117,500.00 was postponed while awaiting the outcome of the Quality of Life Grant for which the City has applied.

The City’s phone system is over 20 years old and recently required that we scour the internet for parts to keep our phone system on “life-support.” The new Voice-Over Internet (VOIP) service would save almost $700.00 per month, with no up-front costs, but require a five-year contract. Agreement for the new Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) by Spectrum (VOIP) to replace the antiquated analog system was approved.

City Manager presented the request to digitize and update the existing 2009 Map through GIS Services. Commissioners approved the agreement.

City will upgrade the plumbing and electrical systems of the Shuler Theater with matching funds from the Department of Finance and Administration for the appropriation amount of $100,000.00.

In other action, the commissioners voted to award Specialized Professional Services for Kearny School to Vigil and Associates, voted to dispose of the 1993 Ladder Truck, and provided the second required reading of Ordinance No. 1024, and voted to approve the First Quarter Financial Report as presented.

At the end of the meeting, Mayor Segotta took the usual move to close the meeting by stricking the gavel to desk, but he did it with such force, that the gavel head snapped off. Everyone had a good laugh!

October 10, 2023

Raton City Commission Meeting October 10, 2023

The Raton City Commission met in regular session on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 6 PM at City Hall, 224 Savage Avenue, in downtown Raton. This meeting was the first City Commission meeting with Rick Mestas, the new city manager present. Later, it was commented that it might have been the shortest meeting on record.

After opening the meeting, Mayor Segotta stated that there may be a potential quorum of commissioners during the upcoming Planning and Zoning and the Extra Territorial meetings on October 18, 2023 at 8 am in the City Commission Chambers. Additionally, there may be a quorum at the upcoming Economic Development Summit on Friday, October 13, 2023 held at the Convention Center.

A Proclamation recognizing the efforts and contributions of Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez in the Kearney Film Production and Workforce Facility Development Project was read, and will be presented, according to City Clerk Desire’e Trujillo, at the Economic Development Summit on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Colfax County Commissioner Si Trujillo addresses the Raton City Commission.

During Items From Citizens Present, County Commissioner Si Trujillo addressed the commissioners to welcome our new City Manager Rick Mestas and to announce that the Colfax County and City of Raton would be collaborating for the betterment of our community through monthly meetings by both managers to understand areas of shared concerns.

After approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, the Commissioners voted to approve that the City of Raton enter into a loan agreement with the New Mexico Environment (NMED) for a total funded amount of $200,00.00 – Project Loan Funds in the principal amount of $150,000.00 plus 1% accrued interest and $50,000.00 Loan Subsidy Grant Funds for the purchase of a new sanitation truck. The ordinance requires an additional public meeting before approval of the proposed ordinance.

The Commissioners voted to approve Resolution 2023-65, the acceptance of NMDOT Grant Agreement for a local road project that will provide for two concrete/box car bridges on Railroad Avenue and one on Shuler Street.

In other action, the Commissioners approved Resolution 2023-66, which authorizes Mayor Segotta, Treasurer Michael Anne Antonucci, and City Manager Rick as signatories. They also voted to approve Resolution 2023-67 which was recommended by the Raton Planning and Zoning Commission for the vacation 15 feet of the City property on Lester Avenue and Davis Street to the homeowners, by a quick claim, thereby allowing the owners to be able to sell the property. The Commissioners voted to approve the Application 23-ZH5048-66 Funding Agreement between the City of Raton and the Department of Finance and Administration for Law Enforcement/Support Positions in the amounts of $393,750.00 dispersed over three years. 100% up to $225,00.00 for first year, 50% of $112,500 the second year and $56,250.00 for the third year

The Commissioners voted to sign the lease agreement with Tascosa for the Canon Equipment for the Raton Police Department for 60 months at $180.00 and to redeem the Library Building Fund Certificates of Deposit that have matured at Bank of New Mexico into Certificates of Deposit at Inbank.

During the City Manager’s report, Rick Mestas acknowledged that the City is making progress on several fronts; the Civic Plaza site, the Coors building rehabilitation, Kearny School project, and the proposed Pickle Ball project. Mestas reported that because of the recent City of Raton audits, there is no longer a need for a fiscal agent. Mestas called on Treasurer Antonucci who explained that because of the documentation provided to DFA on recent audits showing resolution of previous audit findings, a fiscal agent is no longer required. She stated that the Raton Public Service will be undergoing an audit next week, followed by the audit at Raton Water Works. Mestas reported that work was awarded for the repairs at the Raton Regional Aquatic Center and the Shuler Theater loading dock improvements.

Mestas noted that if there were headlines for the City they would be: Treasurer Working on Upcoming State Audit; Raton Police Department Working on Recruitment of Police Officers and Dispatch; The Raton Fire Department Looking at Renovation or Demolition of Station 4; Public Works Looking at Various Projects Around Town; Engineer Attends Grant Meeting on Filter Plant project; The Kearny Project; Implementation of the Tunnel Under the Railroad Tracks; New City Website Under Direction of City Clerk, Desire’e Trujillo; and Trujillo Attending City Clerk Training. Mestas will provide time in his report at each meeting for “Mention and Dispatch,” which will provide recognition of certain city employees.

Mention and Dispatch

Eddie Romero has retired after nearly 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Raton
Adrian Mendez and Randy Trujillo were promoted to Parks Foreman
David Gallegos, Public Works Superintendent returned to work after an extended leave
Leonard Samora did an excellent job of finishing of City Hall
City Clerk Desire’e Trujillo provided first Oath of Office for City of Raton for Mestas as City Manager

Mestas went on to explain that he was very thankful for the welcome that he has received throughout the City and the time that he was given by former City Manager Scott Berry to bring him up to speed with all of the goings on. Mestas will be governed by the City Commissioners and will work for “the greatest good for the greatest number in the long run.” And, that after 27 years with the federal government, he would put this team (the City Commission and the various departments and employees) up against any that he has worked with in the past.

September 12, 2023

City of Raton Commission Meeting Septermber 12, 2023

One of the first orders of business during last week’s City Commission meeting was to hire the new Raton City Manager, Dr. Richard Mestas with a one year contract of $115,000 that would be renewable with cost of living increases for the next four years. Read more on the Featured News page.

Raton Schools Superintendent Kristie Medina and School Board President Jason Phillips

Superintendent of Raton Schools, Kristie Medina and School Board President Jason Phillips presented information to the commissioners about the upcoming school bond issue that will be on the ballot in November. They presented the commissioners and the public with a fact sheet that provided the breakdown of estimated tax increases for 2024-2027 according to home value. Medina explained that because of the schools’ condition, many of the necessary repairs would require parts that are no longer available and would need to be specially ordered and manufactured, adding to the already high cost of repairing the buildings. She went on to explain that Longfellow School condition is listed as one of the top five worst in New Mexico. She also explained that the high school has 17 doors, making security of the schools another issue that would be addressed with passage of the school bond. The recommendation is of one campus for all grades that would be separated by the way in which the buildings are constructed. Read the Fact Sheet that was presented to the Commissioners.

Valerie Secora and Brian Nazeri, members of Raton Pickle Ball Club

The Commissioners heard from the Raton Pickle Club members Valerie Secora and Brian Nazeri that the club is in agreement that the Pickle Ball Courts would be located near the Raton Regional Aquatic Center in Roundhouse Memorial Park. The Commissioners stated that the courts could be installed as early as next spring.

As a result of the Support of Recreation Centers/Quality of Life Application Grant, the Commissioners will begin the process of upgrading the Little League field with new bleachers, a new concession buiding, and sunshade. They determined that the funds that are now available would be put to good use at the Little League and softball fields because of the use the fields get throughout the year, and the tournaments that occur that bring people into Raton

In other action, the Commissioners approved the purchase of the 2023 Ford F-150 from Phil Long Ford, approved the resolution for a new stainless steel potable water storage tank to replace the aging one still in use and approved the dispatch agreement between the City of Raton and Colfax County for $75,000 per year.

Additionally, the Commissioners voted to approve the $564,000 grant to the City of Raton resulting from the Barlett Mesa Ranch Acquisition which resulted in adding 2,224 acres to the Sugarite Canyon State Park area. The city also approved a 5 year proposal for a 15 body camera bundle for $45,422.54 from Axon State in Scottsdale, Arizona, and approved the downtown tower lease with Baca Valley Telephone Company that would include the hardware and software for $9,000.00 per year for five years. The Commissioners approved the Airport Infrastructure Grant for the Raton Municipal Airport Electrical Vault, which distributes the incoming electricity to the areas of use. The Commissioners acknowledged the DFA approval of the final budgets for the City of Raton, Raton Public Service, and Raton Water Works.