Police contract approved

Tucumcari city commissioners approved an employment contract by the Tucumcari Police Department during the Thursday city commission meeting.

The contract will require new officer recruits to work two years after they are certified at the academy or reimburse the city for the cost of the academy.

The contract was presented by TPD Chief David Lathrom, who said a similar contract is being used by the Portales Police Department.

Lathrom explained to the commissioners how the contract will help the department retain the officers after they are certified at the New Mexico State Police Academy and will help to prevent a newly certified officer from leaving the department for a higher paying job.

“This contract will help the department to save money and keep certified officers on the streets,” Lathrom said.

The city's attorney has reviewed the contract and sees no legal problem with applying the contract to the department, said City Manager Jared Langenegger.

"What if the contract has a negative impact on the recruitment of officers?" asked Robert Lumpkin, district 4 commissioner.

Lumpkin said the commissioners should have the option to revisit the contract and its language should they need to make a change. He said commissioners will review how the contract impacts the department’s attempts to recruit new officers.

Commissioners also approved the change of the city's health insurance plan from the Municipal League's plan to the State of New Mexico's Group Insurance Plan.

Langenegger said several employees had mentioned the increase of deductibles and co-pays on the current system. He said after a review, the rates from the state's plans were lower and offered several plans for employees to choose from.

Other action taken by commissioners at the meeting:

• Approved the grant submission to New Mexico Tourism and use of $32,200 from the Lodger's Tax Advisory Board's Executive fund to move forward with constructing a disc golf course at Five Mile Park. The total cost of the project will be $64,400.

• Approved further negotiation by the city manager for the purchase of 316 acres of land to establish a wastewater reuse project. The project would aid the city's compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's regulations.

• Approved the combination of two part-time positions of risk manager and administrative assistant into one full-time position, which will be held by Alyssa Reveles. Langenegger said the combination of the positions will cost the city more on health insurance coverage but will be worth filling both positions.

• Approved contracting with an engineering firm to manage grants for the city. The contract would be on an as needed basis and could be terminated at any time. The city has advertised for the employment of a third grant writer but have had no qualified candidates.

• Appointed Rachel Burch, Janie Bahrs, Merlinda Turner and Noreen Hendrickson to the Library Board.

• Appointed Alfred Johnson, M.L. Kuykendall Jr. and Barbara J. Stallcup to the Senior Advisory Board.

• Appointed Edward Pera to the McMullen Foundation Board

• Approved the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan

• Went into an executive session to discuss the city manager and former Tucumcari Fire Chief Shane Warner

No action was taken.