CITY OF TUCUMCARI
MINUTES
AUGUST 23, 2007
The Tucumcari City Commission met for their regular meeting on Thursday, August 23, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers. Members present constituting a quorum were Jim Lafferty, Antonio Apodaca, Mary Mayfield and Jim Witcher. Commissioner Christopher Maestas was absent.
City staff members present were John R. Sutherland, Jr., City Manager; Jeannette Maddaford, City Clerk/Assistant Finance Director; Clara Rey, Administrative Assistant; Doug Powers, Community Development Director; Mike Cherry, Fire Chief and Acting Public Safety Officer; Yvette Fazekas, Grant Writer; Joe Ramirez, Waste Water Superintendent; and Keith Henderson, Deputy Emergency Manager.
Mayor Mary Mayfield called the meeting to order and Brian Haines, Preacher of the Third Street Church of Christ, gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Lafferty.
Consideration of Additions/ Deletions
It was announced by the Mayor that under Section VIII Bids and Contracts Item B. New Mexico Department of Transportation - Aviation Division Grant Agreement for the Environmental Assessment of Runway 8/26 Extension was postponed until the next meeting as well as Item D. Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Water - Tucumcari Feed Yard.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Lafferty to approve the minutes of the August 9, 2007 regular Commission meeting. Roll Call:
Lafferty Apodaca Mayfield Witcher Yes Yes Yes Yes
Approval of Vouchers
A motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Mayor Protem Apodaca to approve the vouchers. Roll Call:
Apodaca Mayfield Witcher Lafferty Yes Yes Yes Yes
Items from Citizens
Katherine Priddy-Bugg, General Manager of Quay Broadcasters located at 902 South Date Street, presented the problems that the radio station had been experiencing due to the Date Street Lift Station causing sewer to back up twice in the radio station. She expressed her displeasure at having to clean up the mess, but was more displeased that the City did not have the foresight to spend the money necessary to correct the problem rather than trying to get it fixed on the “cheap”. She pointed out that in the next six weeks the Flying J and the new Love’s Truck Stop will be coming on-line to join a large number of businesses from Mountain Road and First Street plus the two new hotels planned for the near future. She expressed that the City needs to do something permanently about the problem now before the additional businesses add more to the overburdened lift station. Bugg asked what the City was going to do to fix the problem. She reported that every time the electricity is “messed with” at the pump station, she is not forewarned so the power can be lower on the radio’s transmitter, which in turn costs her $500 to have a repair man come from Roswell to retune the AM transmitter. A bill was presented to the City for the cost of cleaning up the radio station and the expense for the AM repairman. The Mayor noted that the City Manager had visited with her earlier in the day and she was sure that the Manager and the Wastewater Superintendent were working on a remedy, but the problem did not develop overnight and would not be resolved overnight either. She stated, as elected officials, they should take these things very seriously and want to take care of the health and welfare of all the citizens of Tucumcari. Commissioner Witcher noted that at the last meeting, the City Manager addressed the Date Street Lift Station and so it is on the radar of the City.
C.J. Weigel, representing Dr. Dan C. Trigg Hospital and the Hospital Board, reminded the Commissioners and the citizens of the upcoming county-wide special election and how important the revenue from the tax is for the continuation of the hospital as well as the economic development and the future of the City. There will be two questions on the ballot; one to renew the Hospital Gross Receipts Tax and a second question to adopt a new Ľ% Gross Receipts Tax, recently approved by the New Mexico Legislature for Union and Quay County hospitals, for approval by the voters. It was a consensus of the Commissioners to write a letter in support of the passage of the two gross receipts tax initiatives.
Ordinances and Resolutions
ORDINANCE NO. 1050 - AN ORDINANCE RE-OPENING AND RECLASSIFYING A STREET FOR TWO-WAY TRAFFIC BETWEEN BLOCKS 1 AND 14 OF THE BARNES ADDITION TO THE CITY OF TUCUMCARI. Yvette Fazekas, Community Development Grant Writer, presented Ordinance 1050 for the reclassifying the 200 block of West Hines (between Third and Fourth Street) from a one-way street to a two-way street. She reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing and there was no opposition also the landowners in the area were contacted and three responded in the affirmative and one did not respond. A motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Apodaca to approve Ordinance 1050. Roll Call:
Mayfield Witcher Lafferty Apodaca
Yes Yes Yes Yes
ORDINANCE NO. 1051 - AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE SUBDIVISION OF LOTS 1-13 OF THE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF THE WHITTINGTON SUBDIVISION, UNIT 2, ALSO KNOWN AS THE NE/4 OF SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP 11 NORTH, RANGE 31 EAST NMPM IN TUCUMCARI, QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT POINT S.88°53’ W. 92.90 FEET FROM THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP 11 NORTH, RANGE 31 EAST; THENCE S.00°04’ W. A DISTANCE OF 1237.96 FEET; THENCE S.89°24’12” W. A DISTANCE OF 661.19 FEET; THENCE N. 00°04’53” E. A DISTANCE OF 1241.00 FEET; THENCE N. 89°40’ E. A DISTANCE OF 660.19 FEET TO THE POINT AND PLACE OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING 13 TRACTS IN 18.808 ACRES MORE OR LESS, ALSO KNOWN AS THE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF THE WHITTINGTON SUBDIVISION, UNIT 2, TRACTS 1-13 QUAY COUNTY WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF TUCUMCARI, NEW MEXICO. Yvette Fazekas reported that an application had been received for the preliminary plat of Whittington Subdivision Unit 2 and public hearing was held and no opposition was received concerning the request. A motion was made by Commissioner Lafferty and seconded by Commissioner Witcher to approve Ordinance 1051 on the preliminary plat of Unit 2 of Whittington Subdivision. Roll Call:
Witcher Lafferty Apodaca Mayfield
Yes Yes Yes Yes
RESOLUTION 2007-27 - A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF NEW MEXICO CONSERVATION RE-LEAF PLANTING PROGRAM APPLICATION. Yvette Fazekas reported that the application was to plant 20 Rocky Mountain Junipers at Wailes Park along the drainage ditch starting behind the basketball court between the radio station and the park to curve around with the drainage ditch. The City is requesting $875 from the State with an in kind match of 20% from the City. A motion was made by Mayor Protem Apodaca and seconded by Commissioner Witcher to approve Resolution 2007-27 for the Re-Leaf Planting Program application. Roll Call:
Lafferty Apodaca Mayfield Witcher
Yes Yes Yes Yes
RESOLUTION 2007-28 A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COMMISSION, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF TUCUMCARI, NEW MEXICO, WHEREBY THE CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZES THE ADOPTION AND SUBMISSION OF AN INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (ICIP) TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO. Yvette Fazekas presented Resolution 2007-28 listing the following top five priorities:
2009-01 – Water Production/Delivery System Improvements
2009-02 – Wastewater Treatment Improvements
2009-03 – Solid Waste Landfill and Equipment
2009-04 - Street Projects
2009-05 – Date Street Lift Station & Line Renovation
Other needs of the City over the next five years were listed in priority order as well. Community Development Director Doug Powers reported that at anytime during the year the plan may have projects added. The Mayor asked that a joint meeting be held with the staff, City Commission, and the City Manager prior to the ICIP coming up in a Commission meeting, so the Commission is on board with all the top priorities. Commissioner Lafferty stated that at some point the Commissioners needs to be involved in the process of determining the top priorities as the document should reflect the City Commissioners’ top priorities. Commissioner Lafferty made a motion and it was seconded by Commissioner Witcher to adopt Resolution 2007-28 with the understanding that the Commissioners in the near future will review the top five priorities. Roll Call:
Lafferty Apodaca Mayfield Witcher
Yes Yes Yes Yes
City Manager’s Report
City Manager John R. Sutherland, Jr. reviewed the July 2007 Water Production Report stating that eleven of the City’s wells produced 57,784,000 gallons of water utilizing 163,000 KWH of electricity. The City delivered 3.6 million gallons to RAD and 1.2 million gallons to Liberty Water. Wastewater Superintendent Joe Ramirez gave an update on the Date Street Lift Station and the problems that have plagued the City over the last six to eight weeks. He reported they have been working continuously to find the problems and fix them. He explained that the lines have been flushed, pumps replaced; and also repairs have been done to the electrical control system. Now the problem has been found, but not before it backed up and affected the radio station. He apologized for the occurrence since it was his responsibility. He reported that a crew was contracted to run a television camera through the line to determine the problem along with utilizing the expertise of HDR engineers. The City’s crew has been monitoring the lift station and has got it working and he assured that it will work until the lift station is fixed properly. He reported that the crew was opening manholes so the camera crew can get access to the sewer line.
Sutherland reported that the City had received eight applications for the Chief of Police position. Interviews of the top ranked candidates will be held on Friday, August 24, and Monday, August 26. Officer Patty Lopez has agreed to be Acting Police Lt. while the department is shorthanded. Also Mike Cherry has agreed to step up at the request of the City Manager as Senior Manager in charge of Public Safety while a new police chief is hired.
Doug Powers attended an opening meeting of the Construction Bureau of the New Mexico Environment Department regarding financing of water and wastewater projects and garnered some very useful financing information that increases the City’s financing options.
On Wednesday, August 22, the City Manager had the opportunity to meet at the request of Senator Bingaman with Lynn Ditto, Bingaman’s local field representative, and Bingaman’s Chief of Staff, Steven Ward. The purpose of the meeting was for his staff to hear directly from the City about the infrastructure needs and the City’s infrastructure financing needs. Bingaman’s staff committed to providing as much help as they possibly could in solving problems and they looked forward to working with the City. He noted that the Date Street Lift Station and the entire sewer line to the next lift station was discussed with the Senator’s staff which is a major priority for the City. Lynn Ditto has been actively engaged in finding financing for that project. Sutherland reported that the City is committed to getting the project completely done and would not apply a band aide solution, as the lift station is critical to the City’s future.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the First Street Project was announced for 7:30 p.m. after the City Commission meeting at the North Side Park and if there should be rain, it will be relocated to the Del Norte Center.
Mr. Sutherland recognized the personal commitment of both the City’s Water and Wastewater Departments, from management down to the most junior employees to find the problem with the Date Street Lift Station all the way to the Elder Street main sewer line.
In response to Commissioner Lafferty question about whether the money from the police vehicles had been returned, Mr. Sutherland reported no. Lafferty also inquired whether the firearms had been returned to the vendor and Mr. Sutherland reported that this would be a slower process due to the paperwork bureaucracy. Mr. Lafferty also inquired about the railroad depot fencing money and Doug Powers explained that he had attended an RPO meeting in Raton and the Depot Project was discussed. Currently they are waiting for the commitment from the Federal Government and the paperwork to come back to the City. Commissioner Lafferty noted that the fencing had been offered to the City at no cost and he inquired if the City could get started at erecting the fence. Powers reported that he had visited with the County Manager and the fence would be a construction type fence, but he could go ahead and get it started.
Fire Chief Mike Cherry thanked the officers and staff at the Police Department who have stepped up and noted that he appreciated their efforts. He introduced Keith Henderson of Amarillo who was hired as the Deputy Emergency Manager. Henderson reported he had spent thirteen years in emergency management and will be bring updates to the Commissioners on a regular basis.
Mayor Protem Apodaca asked who had applied for the position of Police Chief. Mr. Sutherland reported that he would compile a list of the names and make them available to the Commissioners and the press.
Bids and Contracts
In the absence of Suzann Mullenix, Senior Citizens Director, Clara Rey presented the Contract #2008-3666 from the State of New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department for Legislative Capital Outlay for renovations at the Tucumcari Senior Citizen Center in the amount of $94,500. The money will be used to put in the stove hoods over the stoves and to install handicap accessible doors at the Tucumcari Center. Mayor Mayfield inquired about replacing the steam table and Mrs. Rey reported that one of the prior agreements was for equipment. A motion was made by Mayor Protem Apodaca and seconded by Commissioner Witcher to approve Contract #2008-3666 with New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services for $94,500. Roll Call:
- Apodaca Mayfield Witcher Lafferty
- Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yvette Fazekas presented the 2007-2008 New Mexico Tourism Cooperative Marketing Grant Agreement #08-418-3002-0036 for billboard advertisement in the amount of $13,000 and a monetary match of $13,000 by the City. A motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Lafferty to approve the New Mexico Tourism Cooperative Marketing Grant for $13,000. Roll Call:
Witcher Lafferty Apodaca Mayfield
Yes Yes Yes Yes
New Business
Clara Rey shared a letter from Non-Metro New Mexico Area Agency on Aging that acknowledged the City of Tucumcari exceeding program goals for the home delivered meals program. A check for $5,527 was received in recognition. She thanked the program directors and all the staff for the excellent job they did to receive the commendation. A thank you letter was drafted for the Commissioners to sign to Non-Metro New Mexico Area Agency on Aging.
Mayor Mayfield noted that there was one applicant for the vacancies on the Community Development Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Apodaca to reappoint Ronny Sanders to the Community Development Advisory Board. Roll Call:
Apodaca Mayfield Witcher Lafferty
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Items from Commissioners
Commissioner Witcher gave his condolences to John Sutherland on the loss of his father.
Commissioner Apodaca extended his condolences.
Mayor Mayfield gave her condolences and noted that it was great to have him back. She concluded by inviting everyone to the North Side Park for the Ribbon Cutting for the First Street Project.
Adjournment
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Mayor Protem Apodaca. Time noted 6:50 p.m. Roll Call:
Mayfield Witcher Lafferty Apodaca Yes Yes Yes Yes
- ______________________________
- Mary Mayfield, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Jeannette Maddaford, City Clerk
