Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The Tucumcari City Commission on Thursday voted 3-1 to approve a change order for construction of a new cell at the landfill, but not without grumbling from the dissenting commissioner.
The cost to the city is not to exceed $32,560, though project manager Ralph Lopez said that sum would be negotiated downward.
The change-order document states an engineer’s error in a liner location at the landfill led to the excavation of an additional 2,400 cubic yards of material.
The order replaces that material and requires a survey to ensure the project is done correctly.
Lopez urged the approval of the change order to get the project’s contractor, CBKN Dirtworks, back to work as soon as possible.
He said construction of the new cell is on a tight schedule, with workers putting in 10- to 12-hour days.
The existing landfill is full or overfull, Lopez said, but the project was on time or ahead of its 145-day schedule. Construction began shortly after the new year.
Commissioner Mike Cherry, who voted against the change order, said it was “unacceptable” the city is footing some of the bill when it was the engineer’s error. He said change orders often are used by contractors to acquire additional funds.
“I think the engineer should have caught that sooner,” he said.
Other action
— The commission approved two quitclaim deeds from the city to Quay County and Tucumcari Public Schools for land near the baseball-softball redevelopment project. Surveys on the site revealed small parcels at the fairgrounds and Tucumcari Convention Center that are being transferred to the appropriate entities.
— The commission approved an intergovernmental agreement with the New Mexico Department of Aging and Long-Term Services to continue the city’s foster grandparent and senior companion programs for $68,355.50.
— The commission approved an airport maintenance and consumables grant where the state pays up to $20,000 and the city no more than $2,200. Lopez said the grant money is used to pay for wind socks, hoses, oil, lightbulbs for the runway and other items at Tucumcari Municipal Airport.
— The commission approved the purchase of about $14,300 of equipment for the convention center from Brady and Specialty Surface Supply Co., both of Albuquerque, for floor maintenance.
— The commission approved a resolution to commit to updating the city’s asset management plan. The resolution is a requirement for updating the Hoover water-transmission line and the 11th Street water tank.
— In the consent agenda, the commission approved a park-use permit for the Pure Elegance Car Club for an Easter egg hunt on April 1 at Dunn Park and renewed David Absher to the planning and zoning board.
— The commission voted to table a decision on the appointment of a liaison for the city’s cemetery board.
Manager’s report
Items from city manager Paula Chacon:
— She said she was consulting with Tucumcari Public Schools and the county on improving a potholed section of South 14th Street near the baseball and softball diamonds.
— Chacon said the city had to reschedule a plumber’s inspection of the city pool’s plumbing system after a winter storm last week forced a cancellation. The city several weeks ago received a $216,000 grant from the state to repair the pool, which has been closed since 2019.
— Chacon said she still was exploring options on rebuilding the doors to the city commission chambers using the same materials. She said it would be less expensive than replacing the doors.
— Chacon said the next meeting on the long-closed Princess Theatre was scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 2 at city hall.
— She said a report on possible improvements or repairs to the Tucumcari Recreation Center would be presented at the next commission meeting.
Work session
Commissioners came to a consensus during a work session Thursday to place on a future meeting agenda to appoint a Route 66 centennial committee.
The item was prompted when David Brenner, owner of the Roadrunner Lodge Motel, asked to be on such a committee if it was organized. The 100th anniversary of Route 66 will be in 2026.
The New Mexico Route 66 Association is working with state Sen. Pete Campos to form a New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Commission. A few other states and the U.S. government already have formed such commissions.
Scott Crotzer, director of the Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce, said he wants to organize a Route 66 centennial celebration, as well.
Comments
During public comments, Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation director Patrick Vanderpool said he is accepting proposals through Feb. 15 from community-based nonprofit organizations to use the vacant Trinity Baptist Church in the 800 block of South First Street.
He said he’s also accepting housing-development proposals for vacant land at 10th Street and Washington Avenue due to the lack of housing the city.
Jackie Duplantis, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, said she noticed several flags on city property that need to be replaced and that she can offer help with that.
During commissioner comments, Moya urged city officials to press for cleanup of several neglected properties, including the closed KFC restaurant on South First Street.