City of Tucumcari

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CITY OF TUCUMCARI

MINUTES

June 24, 2010

The Tucumcari City Commission met for their Regular Meeting on Thursday, June 24, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers. Members present constituting a quorum were Antonio Apodaca, Amiel Curnutt, and Jimmy Sandoval.

City staff members present were Bobbye Rose, City Manager; Mike Cherry, Assistant City Manager; Christine Dougherty, City Clerk; and Marty Garcia, Finance Director.

Deacon Bob Welch, of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, gave the invocation and Commissioner Sandoval led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca asked for Roll Call:

Sandoval     Curnutt     Witcher     Apodaca     Lumpkin

Yes                 Yes            No             Yes             No

City Clerk, Christine Dougherty then told the audience that there was an error in a legal advertisement which stated that there would be a public hearing this evening regarding the adoption of Ordinance 1077. Ms. Dougherty explained that the date in the advertisement was incorrect and that the actual public hearing will be held on July 8, 2010. However, if anyone was here this evening to speak either in favor or opposition of the ordinance, their comments will be heard during items from citizens.

Consideration of Changes or Deletions to Agenda

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca asked if there were any changes or deletions to the agenda. Being none, the meeting continued as planned.

Items from Commissioners

Commissioner Sandoval stated that he would like to apologize to city staff. He stated in a previous meeting that he was concerned that some employees were arriving late to work, leaving early and taking unapproved time off. Mr. Sandoval went on to say that Ms. Rose reported employees coming in on their time off, working late and coming in to work early.

Mr. Sandoval expressed concern that the alley behind the Sands Dorsey building has been closed for three years. He stated that he hopes to see this situation rectified this year.

Additionally, Mr. Sandoval stated that he was saddened by the news of the fire at landmark Five Mile Park. He recalled swimming there as a child. Mr. Sandoval stated that he hoped to see work done to bring the park back to life.

Commissioner Curnutt stated that he agrees something needs to be done about the issues at the Sands Dorsey building. Mr. Curnutt also stated that he hopes to hear a report soon on the building.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca stated that at the next meeting he will bring the resolution he is working on regarding the resident preference. Mr. Apodaca stated that he presented the resolution at the New Mexico Municipal League Resolutions Committee meeting recently.

Mr. Apodaca went on to say that he recalled in 2005 the Commission amended the personnel ordinance and he would like to ensure that it reads that a majority of the City Commission can, in the best interest of the city, hire any employee.

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Curnutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 10, 2010 Regular Commission meeting and Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Curnutt     Apodaca     Sandoval

Yes             Yes             Yes

Commissioner Curnutt made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 10, 2010 Public Hearing. Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt

Yes               Yes             Yes

Approval of Vouchers

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

Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt

Yes                 Yes             Yes

Items From Citizens

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

City Managers Report

Ms. Rose called on Marty Garcia to give the finance report. Mr. Garcia stated that business activity was up in the month of April. Mr. Garcia also stated that the retail tax looks promising.

Mr. Garcia went on to say that there are several departments in the negative on the cash balance report. Mr. Garcia stated that budget amendments and reimbursements are pending which will rectify many of these negative balances.

Mr. Garcia stated that the joint utility fund showed a negative balance. Investments were cashed in to cover the shortfall. Mr. Garcia also stated that other funds are in the banks so that checks do not bounce.

Mr. Garcia then gave the budget report for the period ending May 31. Mr. Garcia stated that the majority of funds are ok. He stated that some departments appear to be over spent. Mr. Garcia added that he has until July 31 to clean up funds with a budget amendment request.

Ms. Rose reported that she found the Chamber Newsletter to be impressive and was glad to hear that there are five new businesses on Route 66.

Ms. Rose reported that there was a fire at Five Mile Park, however the bathhouse is still standing. Ms. Rose contacted the historic preservation office and they have given the authority for the City to tear down the structure.

New Business

Ms. Rose reported that in order to rectify an audit finding, a Fixed Asset Policy needs to be in place. Ms. Rose asked that the Commission approve the policy in their packets in order to take care of this issue.

Commissioner Curnutt made a motion to approve the Fixed Asset Policy and Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Sandoval     Curnutt     Apodaca

Yes               Yes             Yes

Ms. Rose stated that there is an opening on the Senior Center Advisory Board. The members on the existing board received several applications and recommended that Mr. M.L. Kuykendall be appointed to the board.

Commissioner Curnutt made a motion to appoint Mr. M.L. Kuykendall to the Senior Center Advisory Board and Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Sandoval     Curnutt     Apodaca

Yes               Yes             Yes

Christine Dougherty presented the recommendations from the Lodgers’ Tax Advisory Board for advertising assistance. Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca asked why the library’s request was not recommended for funding. Mr. Richard Talley, a member of the Lodgers’ Tax Board, was in the audience and offered his explanation. Mr. Talley stated that the board felt that because the Museum is funded through the City, has a budget for advertising, and has two billboards advertising the facility that are funded through the Lodgers’ Tax, their request was not justified.

Commissioner Curnutt made a motion to approve the Lodgers’ Tax Board recommendations for advertising funding and Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Curnutt     Apodaca     Sandoval

Yes              No              Yes

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca then called on Pat Vanderpool to present the funding request from the Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation (GTEDC). Mr. Vanderpool stated that there are three areas for which the GTEDC is requesting funding. The first is for the Main Street program for which they are requesting $30,000. Although the Main Street program has already requested these funds, Mr. Vanderpool felt it was beneficial for the Commission to see that the GTEDC backs the Main Street program. The second funding request from the GTEDC is $40,000 to pay the mortgage on the Miel de Luna property. Mr. Vanderpool stated that he is attempting to maintain the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Vanderpool stated that several investors have reconsidered the property due to the mortgage. The third funding request from the GTEDC is in the amount of $10,000 to sponsor the Renewable Energy Conference. Mr. Vanderpool reported that the Renewable Energy conference this year will be held in concurrence with the Channel 10 from Amarillo news broadcast from Tucumcari. Mr. Vanderpool stated that the total request is for $80,000.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca asked if the funding is through the 1/8% Gross Receipts Tax. Mr. Vanderpool responded in the positive.

Commissioner Curnutt made a motion to approve the GTEDC request for funding in the amount of $80,000 and Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. Roll Call:

Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt

Yes              Yes               Yes

Items From Commissioners

Commissioner Sandoval had no comments.

Commissioner Curnutt thanked all those in attendance for coming to the meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Apodaca had no comments.

Adjournment

Commissioner Curnutt made a motion to adjourn and Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. Time noted 6:28 pm. Roll Call:

Apodaca     Sandoval     Curnutt

Yes              Yes             Yes

                                                                                ________________________________

                                                                                Antonio Apodaca, Mayor Pro Tem

ATTEST:

____________________________

Christine Dougherty, City Clerk