CITY OF TUCUMCARI
MINUTES
JUNE 14, 2007
The Tucumcari City Commission met for their regular meeting on June 14, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers. Members present constituting a quorum were Antonio Apodaca, Jim Lafferty, Chris Maestas and Jim Witcher.
City staff members present were Marty Garcia, Asst. City Manager/Finance Director, Clara Rey, Deputy City Clerk, Doug Powers, Community Development Director, Mike Cherry, Fire Chief, Larry Ham, Police Chief, and Ron Wilmot, Convention Center Director.
Mayor Pro-tem Apodaca called the meeting to order and Pastor Jim Witcher of First Christian Church gave the invocation, with the Pledge of Allegiance following.
Consideration of Additions/Deletions
Mayor Pro-tem Apodaca stated that the word “agreement” in agenda item VII-D needed to be changed to read “application”.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner Maestas and seconded by Commissioner Witcher to approve the minutes of the May 24, 2007 minutes, with the addition of who made and who seconded the motion to approve Grant Agreement No. 08-418-6001-0054. Roll Call:
Maestas Lafferty Apodaca Witcher
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Commissioner Maestas stated that on page 8 of the minutes that the Mayor said that it is the Commission’s policy not to read letters from citizens, and he would like to see a copy of the policy, if it exists.
Approval of Vouchers
A motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Maestas to approve the vouchers. Roll Call:
Lafferty Apodaca Witcher Maestas
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Items from Citizens
Mark Hodge addressed the commission and directed his question to Clara Rey, asking when the street sweeper was going to take care of the gravel on the corner of Evans and 1524 S. 2nd. He stated that he has had surgery, and is considered disabled, and was concerned that he might slip and fall. He also stated that he has been told that A.S. Horner had told the City that they would be back to take care of the problems they left behind on the 1st Street Project, and wondered when that might be. He went on to state that his house is cracking due to the construction. Clara Rey stated that work orders have been issued regarding the gravel, and that she would follow up with Alex Madrid, Streets Superintendent.
Proclamation
Mayor Pro-tem Apodaca read the “Dee Johnson Clean Indoor Act” and presented it to Angie Starkspear of Quay County.
Ordinances and Resolutions
Ordinance 1046 – An ordinance amending ordinance 917 (Tucumcari Municipal Code Chapter 17.48) adopted May 22, 1997 pertaining to Planning and Zoning Commission, and repealing Ordinance 1041 or portions of ordinances in conflict therewith was presented by Asst. City Manager Garcia. He stated that this ordinance establishes the commission, as a seven member commission, with 6 members as qualified electors and one member from the extra territorial zone.
A motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Lafferty to approve Ordinance 1046. Roll Call:
Witcher Maestas Lafferty Apodaca
Yes Yes Yes Yes
RESOLUTION 2007-19 – A RESOLUTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT NEW MEXICO YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS APPLICATION was presented by Community Development Director Powers as an the application which would continue the YCC program. He stated the youth have done several projects, including gazebos, parks, playgrounds, and improvements at the ball fields. He stated that next years project would
be for shelters at the parks. He stated that Max Jimenez and Chris Gries, from the Parks Department do an excellent job with the youth.
A motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Maestas to approve Resolution 2007-19. Roll Call:
Witcher Maestas Lafferty Apodaca
Yes Yes Yes Yes
RESOLUTION 2007-20 – A RESOLUTION AMEDING RESOLUTION 2002-57 REGARDING PROCUREMENT PROCESS OF THE MUNICIPALITY PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENT OF THE PROCUREMENT CODE (SECTIONS 13-1-66.1 AND 13-1-125 NMSA AS AMENDED BY CHAPTER 315 NMSA) was presented by Asst. City Manager Garcia. He stated that the City had previously adopted the NM Procurement Code, however, the NM State Legislature had recently adopted an updated code. Resolution 2007-20 would allow us to utilize the same procurement as the state.
A motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Lafferty to approve Resolution 2007-20. Roll Call:
Maestas Lafferty Apodaca Witcher
Yes Yes Yes Yes
RESOLUTION 2007-21 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF TUCUMCARI ESTABLISHING A GRANT PROGRAM COOPERATIVE (AIP) APPLICATION WITH THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION was presented by Community Development Director Powers. He reported that this application is requesting funding to do an environmental assessment for the area where there is no runway, and has not had any construction. The city has a $2,500.00 match and he requested approval.
A motion was made by Commissioner Lafferty and seconded by Commissioner Witcher to approve Resolution 2007-21. Roll Call:
Lafferty Apodaca Witcher Maestas
Yes Yes Yes Yes
City Manager’s Report
Assistant City Manager, Marty Garcia, stated that City Manager John Sutherland was not able to be at the meeting, as he is completing his move to Tucumcari and that Mayor Mayield had a death in the family, and that Clara Rey is filling in for City Clerk, Jeannette Maddaford. He stated that Mr. Sutherland had left several items to report, including a report from Fire Chief Cherry on the Sands Dorsey building fire. Fire Chief Cherry reported that a called was received at 5:04 p.m. and that 6 units were on scene within 2 minutes. He stated that crews entered the building and could see only smoke. He arrived on scene 21 minutes after the call, as he was out of town. Bard/Endee, Quay and Logan all offered mutual aide. They utilized 5 hydrants and approximately one million gallons of water. They worked very hard and successfully to keep the business to the west from sustaining severe damage. They continued to monitor the building until 9:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. Fire Chief Cherry thanked the Tucumcari Police Department, Street Department and Water Department for their assistance, as well as all those who offered volunteer help, as well as the outpouring of food and drinks from the local restaurants and citizens. Asst. City Manager Garcia stated that Mr. Sutherland also expressed his appreciation as well. Fire Chief Cherry stated that the status of the building is still unknown, and 2nd Street in front of the structure is still blocked off, at his request. A state inspector, and a structural engineer have been contacted and should be here soon to inspect the building and issue a report.
Asst. City Manager Garcia reported that Joe Ramirez, Wastewater Superintendent, has reported that all is going well at the wastewater treatment plant.
He also reported that Police Chief Ham has submitted statistical reports for the months of April and May. Mayor Pro-tem asked Chief Ham whether there is a decrease or increase in crime. Chief Ham stated that it is stable. Asst. City Manager Garcia stated that Mr. Sutherland has some concerns regarding the false alarm calls and perhaps an ordinance or resolution should be drafted to address the issue.
He called on Community Development Director Doug Powers to give a project update. Mr. Powers reported that the GRIP2 application, which included Adams St., was submitted about a month ago, and he was happy to report that we were fortunate to make the first round of funding. He also reported that he was hoping to report that the pool had passed final inspection, however, there are still some issues, which need to be addressed. The electrical and general building inspectors have approved the pool, however, there is still and issue with the back flow valve in the wading pool, and there are still some items which need to be installed before the final inspection. They are willing to give a conditional permit to open the big pool, with 30 days to correct the issues in the wading pool.
Commissioner Witcher stated that the side streets off Adams definitely need some work, and Mr. Powers stated that they need to look at the area.
Asst. City Manager Garcia reminded everybody that the Rte. 66 Celebration, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce would be held at the Convention Center on the weekend. Convention Center Director Ron Wilmot stated that the Mother Road Rally, Rotary Club Car Show and Pinata Festival would also be held as part of the celebration. He also expressed his appreciation for the assistance received from the Parks Department and Streets Department in preparation. Commissioner Witcher stated that the celebration would actually start on Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. with free watermelon and hot dogs for sale at Kvols Park.
Asst. City Manager Garcia reminded the Commission that there would be a public meeting regarding transportation issues on June 19th at 10:00 a.m. at the Quay County Courthouse.
Mayor Pro-tem Apodaca requested that an update on the landfill project be given at the next commission meeting.
Commissioner Witcher inquired as to when the false alarm and wastewater issues would be brought to the commission. Asst. City Manager Garcia stated that they will be looking at an industrial water rate, and that he would find out about the false alarm issues.
Commissioner Maestas stated that he would like to revisit the agreement with Father’s Forge, and that he would like the city attorney to be present. He also stated that we are late on the renewal of this contract.
BIDS AND CONTRACTS
NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT – PROJECT #TPE-7737(1) – TUCUMCARI RAILROAD DEPOT
was presented by Community Development Director Powers. He stated that there has been alot of interest from various groups since the MainStreet designation. He stated that this was submitted almost seven years ago, in connection with the rail spur request. He stated that the next step is to get a professional on board to get the process started. Commissioner Lafferty stated that when Mr. Kampfer was still with EDC he thought that he may have received some bids. Mr. Powers stated that City Manager Sutherland has shared some documents with him, and they will be looking into them. Commissioner Lafferty inquired about the fencing, which was donated to put around it, and Mr. Powers
replied that he has heard the fencing mentioned, and that he will find out more information. Commissioner Lafferty stated that he understood that the area needed to be fenced off before starting remediation.
A motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Lafferty to approve NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT – PROJECT #TPE-7737(1) – TUCUMCARI RAILROAD DEPOT. Roll Call:
Apodaca Witcher Maestas Lafferty
Yes Yes Yes Yes
NEW BUSINESS
Asst. City Manager Garcia stated that a letter had been received from Relay for Life, requesting to use the trees in front of City Hall for a fund raising effort. Due to the fact that there was no representative from Relay for Life, a motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Maestas to table the request until a representative can be present. Roll Call:
Witcher Maestas Lafferty Apodaca
Yes Yes Yes Yes
George Wallace, Executive Director of the Quay Council for Arts and Humanities requested that final negotiations for the agreement of the lease of the Princess Theater be
finalized. Deputy City Clerk, Clara Rey stated that the commission did not have the agreement in their packet, due to the fact that when the agreement was drafted in 2005, that the Quay Council for Arts and Humanities were not able to comply with the insurance and security requirements, so it had not been placed back on the agenda. She sated that Mr. Wallace actually needs to meet with the City Manager to ensure that the criteria can be met, and then it will be placed on the agenda for approval.
A motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Maestas to table the request until Mr. Wallace could meet with City Manager Sutherland. Roll Call:
Witcher Maestas Lafferty Apodaca
Yes Yes Yes Yes
A motion was made by Commissioner Lafferty and seconded by Commissioner Witcher to appoint Darryl Farmer as the extra-territorial member to the Community Development Advisory Board. Roll Call:
Maestas Lafferty Apodaca Witcher
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Approval of Cooperative Grant Agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration – Environmental Assessment Services – Runway 8/26 was presented by Community Development Director Doug Powers. He stated that this is the actual application from Resolution 2007-21, which is a breakdown of the environmental assessment.
A motion was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Maestas. Roll Call:
Lafferty Apodaca Witcher Maestas
Yes Yes Yes Yes
ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Witcher thanked all the department heads and citizens for all the hard work with the fire.
Commissioner Maestas stated that he likes the idea of having an open form type meeting for the public to attend.
Mayor Pro-tem stated that he would like to discuss the pros and cons of the annexation of the landfill and surrounding city property at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Witcher and seconded by Commissioner Maestas. Time noted 6:50 p.m. Roll Call:
Apodaca Witcher Maestas Lafferty
Yes Yes Yes Yes
- ______________________________
- Mary Mayfield, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Jeannette Maddaford, City Clerk
