Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Mark Martinez is the interim city manager for Tucumcari following Thursday's decision by the Tucumcari City Commission.
Mark Martinez became Tucumcari's interim city manager during a special meeting of the Tucumcari City Commission Thursday, agreeing to serve in that position until a new city manager is hired.
The commission also appointed Mayor Ruth Ann Litchfield, District 3, and Mayor Pro Tem Robert Lumpkin. District 4, to another two-year term in those positions.
Thursday's meeting also marked new terms for Lumpkin and District 5 Commissioner Todd Duplantis, who maintained their commission seats after the March 6 election.
Duplantis began his first elected term Thursday. He was appointed on March 29, 2017, to complete the term vacated by the death of Commissioner John Mihm in December 2016.
While he is the city manager, Martinez's salary will be raised by 20 percent, from $66,8099.60 per year to the equivalent of $80,171.52 annually, or $6,680 per month.
Martinez's contract calls for him to be restored to his current project manager position when a new city manager is hired.
The commission also approved contracts with Gordon PSC Environmental, a Bernalillo environmental services firm, to conduct environmental monitoring of the city's current and former landfill sites. The firm will received $26,900 to monitor the existing landfill northeast of the city site for a year and $31,600 to monitor the old site north of the city's west side, according to agreement documents.
The firm will monitor the sites for pollutants and acidity in water near the sites, the documents state.
The commission also authorized the city's police department to apply for $26,600 in funds from the Law Enforcement Protection Fund of the New Mexico Public Safety Department.
Police Chief David Lathrom said that if the grant is approved, the police department would use the funds to buy new equipment.
The commission also named Nicole Manley, manager of the Fairfield Inn motel in Tucucmari, to the city's cemetery advisory board.
Martinez recognized Frances Lopez, payroll specialist in the city's personnel department, as employee of the quarter.
Tucumcari High School Rattlers and Lady Rattlers basketball teams were congratulated for their performances in the 2017-2018 season with proclamations from the city.
The Lady Rattlers made it to the quarterfinals in the Class 3A state tournament, and the Rattlers scored well in District 5-3A play.
