Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The Tucumcari City Commission authorized the use of about $9,600 in lodgers tax executive funds to help pay for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display at the Elks Lodge, but it didn’t pass a ban on some types of fireworks as anticipated.
City Manager Mark Martinez said during the meeting Thursday the $9,629.29 cost for fireworks shipped from the El Paso area will be partly reimbursed by a $1,000 contribution from Quay County and $4,000 from Elks Lodge 1172. That would make the city’s share about $4,500.
Martinez said he was told this year’s display would use fewer 3-inch shells but more multi-rocket shells. Some types of commercial-grade fireworks have been in short supply this year.
He said interim fire chief Casey Mackey said firefighters would conduct a controlled burn around the Elks Lodge before the holiday to lessen the chance of a brush fire from those fireworks.
Mayor Pro Tem Ralph Moya expressed misgivings about the purchase, noting the city’s lodgers tax fund advisory board should have a say. Martinez responded there wasn’t enough time to schedule such a meeting.
Commissioner Mike Cherry, a liaison for the board, pointed out the use of executive funds typically is left to the discretion of commissioners.
Moya continued to grumble about the lack of board participation but approved the use of such funds.
Regarding a proposed fireworks ban, Martinez said he decided against recommending it because such resolutions require 20 days before the July 4 holiday. Thursday’s meeting was within 18 days. The city was considering a ban on certain types of fireworks due to fire danger.
In 2018, the city banned missile-type rockets, helicopters, aerial spinners and stick-type rockets due to drought conditions.
Other action
• After a one-hour closed executive session, city commissioners approved a new employment agreement for Martinez, serving as interim city manager until a new one is hired.
• On Martinez’s recommendation, commissioners set a special meeting for June 27 to address a few items, including a new contract with lobbying firm Clinton D. Harden & Associates, an interim contract with the city attorney and a work-change order for new water lines at the Hoover Tank project.
• Commissioners approved several agreements involving Tucumcari MainStreet, including a professional services contract for $60,000 — an increase of $5,000 from the previous year.
Commissioner Christopher Arias suggested an additional $10,000 to empower Tucumcari MainStreet executive director Connie Loveland to make smaller repairs on the depot that houses her office and the Tucumcari Railroad Museum. Finance director Rachelle Arias and Martinez discouraged it, noting a portion of gross-receipts tax revenue can be used for such purposes.
• Commissioners approved a two-year contract with M&M Golf to manage Tucumcari Municipal Golf Course that comes with a $5,000 increase. Golf professional Charlie Maciel said the extra money will cover rising costs in fuel prices and materials. He said he’s seen an increase in the golf course’s use, especially by retirees and women. He said the course also is getting more use from Mesalands Community College’s golf team.
Martinez said he would look into tourism campaigns to highlight the golf course more for out-of-town visitors.
• Commissioners approved participation in and a contract with New Mexico Department of Transportation COOP funds for street work at Aber Addition, near the Tucumcari Recreational Center. The $73,333 requires a 25% match from the city, or $18,333.
• Commissioners approved renewed a contract with Robyne Beaubien Consulting as the city’s marketing, advertising, promotions and public relations services director.
• Commissioners again approved Dr. Ronald Carver of Lovington as medical director for the city’s emergency medical services program.
• Commissioners approved a contract renewal with Egolf+Ferlic+
Martinez+Harwood law firm of Santa Fe as water-rights attorney for no more than $25,000.
• Commissioners approved an agreement for YLAW of Albuquerque as the city’s personnel and human-resources attorney for no more than $20,000 a year.
• During commissioner comments, Mayor Ruth Ann Litchfield suggested a meeting with the Tucumcari school board and perhaps Mesalands Community College about a possible bond issue to build an indoor swimming complex within five to 10 years. In the meantime, Martinez has said he hopes to have Tucumcari City Pool repaired and reopened by summer 2023.