City of Tucumcari

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CITY OF TUCUMCARI

MINUTES

May 13, 2010

The Tucumcari City Commission met for their Regular Meeting on Thursday, May 13, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers. Members present constituting a quorum were Antonio Apodaca, Amiel Curnutt, Robert Lumpkin, Jimmy Sandoval, and Jim Witcher.

City staff members present were Bobbye Rose, City Manager; Mike Cherry, Assistant City Manager; Christine Dougherty, City Clerk; Doug Powers, Planning and Zoning Administrator; Dennis Dysart, Contract Internal Control Specialist; Vicki Strand, Deputy Finance Director; Scott Simpson, Parks and Recreation Director; Yvette Fazekas, Planning and Zoning Administrator; Joe Ramirez, Wastewater Superintendent; Lorenzo Emillio, Police Administrative Assistant; Pat Vanderpool, Economic Development Director; Alex Madrid, Streets and Sanitation Superintendent; Veronica Sandy, Risk Manager; Clara Rey, Human Resources Director; Jessica Elebario, Senior Programs Director; and Jason Braziel, Chief of Police.

Mr. Leonard Lauriault, of the Church of Christ, gave the invocation and Commissioner Sandoval led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call

Mayor Witcher asked for Roll Call:

Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt

Yes             Yes             Yes             Yes             Yes

Consideration of Changes or Deletions to Agenda

Mayor Witcher explained that Mr. Warren Frost was running late and therefore, the Quay County Gaming Authority Update would be heard when Mr. Frost arrives.

Ms. Rose asked that item XIV, A be removed from the agenda for consideration at the next meeting.

Items from Commissioners

Commissioner Lumpkin detailed several events that have occurred recently in Tucumcari. The ASAP Coalition held a dance for students grades five and up with a theme of Tobacco is Whacko. Mr. Lumpkin stated that the event was well done and the kids that attended were impressed. Mr. Lumpkin also stated that Rattler Relays were held with over 100 athletes participating. Mr. Lumpkin stated that the District Track meet was held with over 200 athletes participating. Mr. Lumpkin stated that these athletes bring their families and friends to Tucumcari and this is good for businesses and for our youth. Mr. Lumpkin reported that the Tucumcari boys won second place and the girls were first. Mr. Lumpkin estimated that around 200 people attended the Little League Opening Ceremonies. Comcast Cares day was held recently where sprinklers were installed at two ball fields. Mr. Lumpkin also stated that Mesalands held their Cinco de Mayo celebration. The Keep Tucumcari Beautiful day was held recently and the city offered free dumping in conjunction with that effort. Mr. Lumpkin also stated that the science and arts assembly was held at Tucumcari Elementary 3-5 where the recent accreditation visit occurred and the visiting team of educators called our elementary school phenomenal. Mr. Lumpkin also stated that a dedication was held for historical matriarch Yetta Kohn of the T-4 Ranch. Mr. Lumpkin thanked all those in attendance for coming to the meeting.

Commissioner Sandoval congratulated the THS graduates, especially those who have chosen to attend Mesalands. Mr. Sandoval also encouraged citizens to attend the City Commission meetings and to speak their minds.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca stated that he was in attendance at a budget workshop for the New Mexico Municipal League in Santa Fe on Saturday. Mr. Apodaca also mentioned that the City has beautiful softball fields however; the road to the field is rough. Mr. Apodaca asked that something be done about the road. Mr. Apodaca asked for the purpose of the Executive Session. Mayor Witcher responded that the topic will be limited personnel matters.

Commissioner Curnutt had no comments.

Mayor Witcher thanked all those in attendance for coming to the meeting. Mr. Witcher also stated that at every meeting the Commission hears items from citizens. He also stated that citizens are welcome to call City Hall and leave a message for their Commissioner and it will be received by them.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (ASAP) Presentation

Claude Peterson of the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition introduced the Youth in Action Task Force. The students were: Kyle Lease, Courtney Sandy, and Dominic Lopez. Mr. Peterson stated that new Food and Drug Administration laws regulating the sale of tobacco have gone into effect and the students will present those changes to the Commission. The sale of flavored tobacco is no longer allowed.

Following the presentation, Commissioner Lumpkin inquired if the City needs to pass an ordinance along these lines. Mr. Peterson responded in the negative explaining that the law is a Federal one that City residents must comply with. However, Mr. Peterson stated that passing an ordinance would add teeth locally. Mr. Peterson also stated that the funding for the ASAP Coalition will not be continuing making this the last presentation by the organization to the Commission.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca stated that he was sad to hear that the funding was lost for the program. Mr. Apodaca asked if the funds are Federal or State. Mr. Peterson responded that there are two streams of State funding. Mr. Peterson added that funding for prevention efforts are down by half nation wide. Mr. Apodaca stated that the program has been wonderful to help teach youth leadership skills.

Ms. Rose thanked the ASAP group for their presentation and explained that the sample ordinance placed in the Commission packets was included by her. Ms. Rose went on to explain that it is not against the law for youth to possess cigarettes, only for them to purchase them. Ms. Rose stated that it would make a strong statement if the Commission were to pass an ordinance making it unlawful for youth to possess cigarettes.

Mayor Witcher asked Chief of Police Braziel if a violation of law, even a federal law, can be enforced by our police officers. Mr. Braziel responded in the positive.

Commissioner Sandoval asked if battery cigarettes were impacted by the change in legislation. Mr. Peterson indicated that because there is no tobacco in the battery cigarettes, they are not impacted by this legislation.

Commissioner Apodaca asked if the federal mandate bans the sale of cigarettes but provides no penalty for smoking. Mr. Peterson responded in the positive stating that the intention is to minimize the supply.

Altrusa Presentation

Nancy McNabb, Merlinda Turner, and Lois Sappington of the Altrusa organization gave a presentation regarding the award recently received by their organization. Ms. McNabb began by explaining that the club is a non-profit organization designed to improve the economic well being of the community. The club was recently awarded the top environmental prize in their district for their work on gardens in the community and clean-up projects along Route 66.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve the minutes of the, April 22, 2010 Regular Commission Meeting. Commissioner Curnutt seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher

Yes             Yes             Yes               Yes             Yes

Approval of Vouchers

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve the vouchers for payment. Commissioner Curnutt seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher     Lumpkin

Abstain         Yes             Yes             Yes           Yes

Items From Citizens

Mayor Witcher asked if there were any citizens wishing to address the Commission. Being none, the meeting continued.

Ordinances and Resolutions

Mayor Witcher called upon Ms. Rose to present Resolution 2010-19, a resolution revising the 2009-2010 budget of the City of Tucumcari. Ms. Rose explained that these budget transfers have been approved over the years, however funds have not always been transferred. This resolution cleans up all the outstanding transfers that need to be done. Commissioner Lumpkin asked what the cost of this is. Ms. Rose stated that the total is $631,834.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve Resolution 2010-19, a resolution revising the 2009-2010 budget of the City of Tucumcari. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Curnutt. Roll Call:

Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca

Yes               Yes             Yes             Yes         Yes

Mayor Witcher called upon City Clerk, Christine Dougherty to present Resolution 2010-20, a resolution repealing resolution 2010-17, establishing new copy, fax and notarization fees. Ms. Dougherty explained that the resolution passed recently establishing new fees did not include a price for color copies. Additionally, if the governmental gross receipts tax rate is not cited, the resolution will not have to be re-done each time the tax rate changes.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve Resolution 2010-20, a resolution repealing resolution 2010-17, establishing new copy, fax and notarization fees. Commissioner Curnutt seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Curnutt     Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval

Yes             Yes             Yes             Yes           Yes

Mayor Witcher called on Mr. Steve Stephenson, Airport Manager to present Resolution 2010-21, a resolution confirming requirements for State Grant Agreement for Airport Projects. Mr. Stephenson explained that he is submitting a grant to the State in order to purchase a bat wing mower, tractor and loader bucket and needs the Commission to pass a resolution confirming that the matching funds are available for the grant.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca asked if the purchase will be made in this fiscal year. Mr. Stephenson stated that more than likely the purchase will not be made until next fiscal year. Ms. Rose added that there is $3300 budget in capital outlay in the 2010/2011 budget to cover the match.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve Resolution 2010-21, a resolution confirming requirements for State Grant Agreement for Airport Projects. Commissioner Curnutt seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt

Yes             Yes             Abstain         Yes            Yes

Mayor Witcher called upon Mr. Scott Simpson to present Resolution 2010-22, a Resolution Establishing New Swim Fees. Mr. Simpson explained that in the ten years he has been in the recreation department, the rental fees to use the swimming pool after hours have not been raised. Mr. Simpson also explained that renters have paid lifeguards out of their own pockets however, now the lifeguards will have to be paid through payroll. Mr. Simpson also explained that a deposit will be taken to hold the pool for the renter. Mr. Simpson went on to say that the addition of the slide at the pool increases the cost to run the pool as it uses more water and an additional lifeguard is required.

Commissioner Sandoval asked when the rates were last raised. Mr. Simpson explained that it has been at least ten years since the rates were changed. Commissioner Sandoval suggested that the rates be reviewed annually so that they can be increased slowly rather than increasing them significantly every so often.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve Resolution 2010-22, a Resolution Establishing New Swim Fees. Commissioner Curnutt seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher

Yes             Yes             Yes              Yes             Yes

Mayor Witcher called on Ms. Rose to present Resolution 2010-23, a Resolution Approving Participation in the Programs of the Eastern Plains Council of Governments (EPCOG) for 2010-2011. Ms. Rose suggested that the Commission table this issue as EPCOG has had trouble completing their audits.

Commissioner Lumpkin stated that EPCOG’s recommendation helped the City of Clovis obtain Ute Lake water. Mr. Lumpkin stated that tabling the issue would not change that, but if we are a member of EPCOG we would have a vote. Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca asked what services EPCOG has provided for the City of Tucumcari. Ms. Rose responded that they have not provided very much. She stated that EPCOG did provide some energy efficiency staff to help with our energy efficiency grant application.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca asked if the EPCOG has an employee as a consultant. Mayor Witcher responded in the negative. Mr. Apodaca wondered how EPCOG can hire a director without dues paid by the entities. Ms. Rose agreed with Mr. Apodaca that it will be difficult for EPCOG to do this. Mayor Witcher explained that EPCOG has lost most of their funding and their audits are incomplete back to 2005.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to table Resolution 2010-23, a Resolution Approving Participation in the Programs of the Eastern Plains Council of Governments for 2010-2011. Commissioner Curnutt seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher     Lumpkin

No                 Yes             Yes             Yes             Yes

City Managers Report

Ms. Rose directed the Commissioners to the Department Head reports that were included in their packets.

Ms. Rose also informed the Commission that staff will be attending a CDBG class being held by the DFA on May 26th.

Ms. Rose also reminded the Commission to submit recipes for the cookbook fundraiser for Main Street.

Ms. Rose asked Mr. Braziel to discuss the ordinance governing the closing time of the parks. Mr. Braziel stated that the City Code states that no one is allowed in the parks from 11 pm until daylight. Mr. Braziel stated that there has never been a problem enforcing this ordinance nor does he recall a citation ever being written. Mr. Braziel stated that when people are found in the parks, they have simply been asked to leave and there have not been any problems. Mr. Braziel stated that it would be beneficial to have signage stating the closure time of the parks.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca stated that he feels section 11.16.060 regarding behavior in the parks needs to be evaluated as there seems to be contradictions regarding proper clothing.

Ms. Rose went on to went on to discuss the landfill and stated that current ordinance requires loads to the landfill be covered. Ms. Rose said that there have been lots of complaints regarding trash being blown by the wind near the landfill.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca stated that he has had a problem with loads not being covered and is glad that the ordinance will be enforced.

Quay County Gaming Authority Update

Mr. Warren Frost of the Quay County Gaming Authority stated that there have been some dramatic developments recently regarding the race track. Mr. Frost stated that there have been two important meetings held recently. The Gaming Control Board and the Racing Commission each held meetings. Mr. Frost said that the Gaming Control Board met first regarding Racing Raton and determined that Mr. Mouldenhauer did not have the funding to finish the project and had also not extricated himself from Mr. Carrera. Subsequently, Mr. Frost stated that the gaming license was revoked from Racing Raton.

Mr. Frost went on to explain that the Racing Commission then met and they determined that in order to maintain their racing license, Racing Raton must have a gaming license. The Racing Commission revoked Racing Raton’s racing license contingent upon a disciplinary hearing to be held next week. Mr. Frost reported that in order to maintain a racing license, Racing Raton must have a gaming license and is required to hold 60 days of racing beginning in two weeks. Mr. Frost stated that he feels the hearing will be just a formality.

Mr. Frost stated that he hoped the Racing Commission would simply review the applicants from the previous round of applications. However, Mr. Frost stated that the application process will be opened to anyone. Mr. Frost also speculated that Mr. Mouldenhauer will appeal the decision.

Mr. Frost stated that Tucumcari’s application still has all the supporting players from the previous round of applications. Mr. Frost said that Quay County Gaming Authority is waiting to see what the procedures for application will be and identifying who are friends and foes of the effort.

Commissioner Lumpkin stated that the Commission appreciates the initiative of the Gaming Authority and that they have confidence that he will make a good presentation.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca stated that he is cautiously optimistic. Mr. Apodaca asked if the Downs at Albuquerque’s request to move to Moriarty was approved and what the ramifications of that request might be on the application. Mr. Frost stated that he felt the Downs at Albuquerque’s request to move was a contributing factor to Tucumcari not getting the final racing license. Mr. Frost also speculated that the move to Moriarty by the Downs at Albuquerque is not going to happen as the funding is gone. Mr. Curnutt stated that Albuquerque had opted to lease the track at the State Fair Grounds for another two years.

Mayor Witcher thanked Mr. Frost for his report.

At 7:15 pm, Mayor Witcher called for a ten minute break.

The meeting re-convened at 7:27 pm.

Bids and Contracts

Mayor Witcher called on Ms. Rose to present the contract with Mr. Jack Smith for the sale of wastewater. Ms. Rose stated that the City has a contract with Mr. Smith that is soon expiring in which he pays $10 per acre foot for wastewater and she would like to propose a one year extension of the contract.

Commissioner Sandoval suggested that the contract will be renewed annually. Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca asked if the only change to the contract was the dates. Ms. Rose responded in the positive.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve the contract for the sale of wastewater between the City and Jack Smith for one year. Commissioner Curnutt seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca

Yes               Yes             Yes           Yes            Yes

Mayor Witcher called on Mr. Steve Stephenson to present the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Small Equipment Space Lease. Mr. Stephenson explained that the FAA leases space from the Municipal Airport for small equipment and the current lease has expired. Mr. Stephenson went on to explain that the FAA will require two fewer rooms but is willing to increase the amount they pay to lessen the financial impact on the airport. Mr. Stephenson stated that the contract will be renewed in five years.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve the FAA Small Equipment Space Lease Number DTFASW-10-L-00264 at the Tucumcari Municipal Airport and Commissioner Curnutt seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Curnutt     Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval

Yes             Yes             Yes             Yes           Yes

Mayor Witcher then called upon Ms. Christine Dougherty to present the advertising contract with the Quay County Sun Newspaper. Ms. Dougherty explained that the advertising representative from the newspaper provided her with a contract that could save the City money in advertising expenses. The contract requires a commitment of a certain amount of dollars of advertising each year. Ms. Dougherty researched the amount purchased by the City over the last three years and determined that the City spends at least $2500 in advertising each year and therefore recommended that a contract be signed pledging that the City would spend at least that much over the next year which would decrease the price per column inch by 50 cents.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve the advertising contract with the Quay County Sun at $2500 per year and Commissioner Curnutt seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt

Yes             Yes             Yes             Yes             Yes

Mayor Witcher called on Mr. Lorenzo Emillio to present the New Mexico Traffic Safety Protection Grant Number 10-PT-05-105. Mr. Emillio explained that there is no match required with this grant and that the funds will be used for traffic patrols during the 100 critical days and nights of summer. Commissioner Lumpkin asked if the grant is for $1506 with no pay back. Mr. Emillio responded in the positive.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve New Mexico Traffic Safety Protection Grant Number 10-PT-05-105. Commissioner Curnutt seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher

Yes             Yes             Yes              Yes             Yes

Mayor Witcher called on Ms. Jessica Elebario to request permission to submit the application for sponsorship of the Foster Grandparents/Senior Companions program. Ms. Elebario explained that at one time the City sponsored the program and relinquished it due to non-compliance. At that time a non-profit agency in Albuquerque took over management of the program. Ms. Elebario explained that the state would prefer a local entity to manage the program. The program is designed to assist seniors in the community to stay active or in their homes as long as possible. Ms. Elebario explained that the grant will be in the amount of $81,395 and will enable the Senior Programs to hire one additional person.

Mayor Witcher stated that he has dealt with the seniors and that those that serve as grandparents love their jobs and the senior companions provide much needed services in the community. Commissioner Lumpkin asked if there is any match requirement. Ms. Elebario responded in the negative.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve the request to submit the application for sponsorship of the Foster Grandparents/Senior Companions program and Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher     Lumpkin

Yes             Yes                Yes             Yes         Yes

Old Business

Mayor Witcher acknowledged reading the May 3, 2010 minutes of the Museum Advisory Board.

Mayor Witcher then stated that the public hearing regarding street lighting on the west end of Route 66 had been held and the Commission heard pros and cons of the options. Commissioner Lumpkin stated that he would like to see the Lodgers’ Tax Board look into the possibility of installing welcome signs at either end of Route 66.

Commissioner Curnutt made a motion to approve option number three to resolve the lighting issue at the west end of Route 66. Mr. Curnutt stated that option three involves the abandonment of 70 street lights and 36 lights will be retained. All the lights in front of the Convention Center are to be kept; all the lights from the Highway 54 intersection to Camino del Coronado and three lights in front of each existing business will be retained. Commissioner Lumpkin seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca

Yes               Yes             Yes          Yes             Yes

Mayor Witcher then called on Mr. Pat Vanderpool of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Mr. Rex Kirksey of the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Agricultural Science Center to present a wastewater re-use proposal. Mr. Vanderpool explained that a $1.4 million grant can be used to provide infrastructure to get the re-use water to the NMSU Agricultural Science Center just outside of Tucumcari. The grant would also come with a loan in the amount of $350,000 that will have to be repaid. Mr. Vanderpool stated that NMSU has committed to purchase 150 acre feet of water annually. Tucumcari Feed Yard has also committed to purchase re-use water via a contract with the City. Mr. Vanderpool explained that with these two commitments, half of the annual loan payment can be generated. Mr. Vanderpool proposed that the economic development tax fund could be utilized to pay the other half of the loan payment. Mr. Vanderpool stated that the Economic Development Board has approved this expenditure.

Mayor Witcher stated that there was a possibility that the Agriculture Science Center could be lost due to budget cuts. He speculated that providing this water to them year round could help to secure the status of the center.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca asked why there are disparities in the price per acre foot between customers. Mr. Kirksey responded that NMSU is able to afford $30 per acre foot. Mr. Kirksey went on to say that Mr. Gable from the feed yard has proposed to pay more per acre foot for the water he receives. Mr. Apodaca went on to say that he supports the research center in Tucumcari.

Commissioner Lumpkin asked if there are different infrastructure needs of each customer. Mayor Witcher responded in the positive explaining that the City is only burdened with getting the re-use water to the customer and then they must provide the infrastructure from the meter.

Commissioner Sandoval suggested that NMSU use the opportunity to partner with the College in their agricultural studies.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve the Wastewater Re-Use Proposal to use Economic Development Tax to repay the loan that will provide the infrastructure necessary to sell the re-use water to NMSU. Commissioner Curnutt seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Curnutt     Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval

Yes             Yes             Yes          Yes             Yes

Mayor Witcher then called on Ms. Yvette Fazekas to present the engineering agreement with Wilson and Company for lighting at City Hall. Ms. Fazekas explained that American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant funds have been secured to provide energy efficient lighting at City Hall. The agreement is with Wilson and Company for engineering services involved with the project. Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca asked if the grant had any match requirements. Ms. Fazekas responded in the negative.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve the engineering agreement with Wilson and Company for lighting at City Hall and Commissioner Curnutt seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt

Yes             Yes             Yes             Yes             Yes

New Business

Mayor Witcher called on Ms. Jessica Elebario to present the increase in SAIP Funding for the Senior Programs. Ms. Elebario requested that this funding be accepted as it is $35,000 in grant funds to be used to purchase US grown foods, in particular meats and dairy products.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve acceptance of the NSIP funding for the Senior Program. Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher     Lumpkin

Yes               Yes             Yes             Yes          Yes

Mayor Witcher then asked Ms. Elebario to continue and present the ARRA funding Revenues/Expenses for the Senior Programs. Ms. Elebario explained that this money is American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money and it will need to be placed into the appropriate line items but the allocation has been approved by the state.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve the ARRA funding revenues/expenses for the Senior Programs. Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca

Yes                Yes           Yes             Yes             Yes

Ms. Elebario continued to explain changes to the Senior Programs Budget. Ms. Elebario explained a one time allocation of $13,900 has been made to the program due to improvement in the program.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve the changes to the Senior Programs budget. Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Curnutt     Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval

Yes             Yes             Yes             Yes             Yes

Mayor Witcher then called on Ms. Christine Dougherty to present the discussion regarding the official minutes of the Commission meetings. Ms. Dougherty referenced a memo she provided to the Commission explaining that state statute requires only a review of what was discussed at each meeting, what was voted on and how the Commission voted is required to be kept in the minutes. It has been tradition in the City to keep verbatim minutes of the meetings. Ms. Dougherty explained that at the last two meetings of clerks across the state, speakers asked if anyone is still keeping verbatim minutes and she has been the only clerk to raise her hand. Ms. Dougherty also stated that verbatim minutes take significant time to prepare.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca stated that he feels the verbatim minutes are important for transparency in government and that he often refers back to minutes to refresh his memory regarding what was said at a particular meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca made a motion to continue keeping Commission meeting minutes as they have been. Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt

Yes             No             Yes             Yes              Yes

Mayor Witcher called on Ms. Dougherty to present the appointment of Advisory Board members to the Museum Advisory Board. Ms. Dougherty explained that there are four openings on the board and four applications have been received.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca made a motion to appoint Joy Young, Lynn Moncus, Dorothy Randals and Lucy Nials to the Museum Advisory Board. Commissioner Lumpkin seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher

Yes             Yes             Yes               Yes           Yes

Mayor Witcher then called on Mr. Phillip Griggs to present the Elks Lodge request for funding to assist in providing the fireworks display for Independence Day. Mr. Griggs asked if the City could provide $5000 in funding to assist in the purchase of fireworks.

Commissioner Lumpkin made a motion to approve funding assistance in the amount of $5000 to the Elks Lodge and Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Witcher     Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt

Yes             Yes            Yes             Yes              Yes

Items From Commissioners

Mayor Witcher asked each Commissioner if they had any comments.

Commissioner Sandoval had no comments.

Commissioner Curnutt had no comments.

Commissioner Lumpkin thanked those in attendance for coming to the meeting and thanked Mr. Lauriault for giving the invocation.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca stated that the ordinance regulating the parks needs to be re-visited.

Mayor Witcher had no comments.

Executive Session

Mayor Witcher asked for a motion to convene in executive session. An audience member, Ms. Catherine Bugg stated that she did not feel the addition of the executive session to the agenda was allowable at the time of the meeting. Ms. Rose stated that the executive session did not have to be held.

Adjournment

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca made a motion to adjourn and Commissioner Lumpkin seconded the motion. Time noted 8:05 pm. Roll Call:

Lumpkin     Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher

Yes             Yes             Yes               Yes             Yes

                                                                                                    ________________________________

                                                                                                    James L. Witcher, Sr., Mayor

ATTEST:

____________________________

Christine Dougherty, City Clerk