The focus of Thursday’s City Commission meeting was economic development and community pride, including a discussion about swimming pool renovations with a target date of having the swimming pool up and running by Senior Week 2006. The sweeping agenda included: • Accepting a grant from the Federal Aviation Authority for Runway 8-26 reconstruction; • Supporting a business plan from Ken Newton of Saddlebrook Park for building a “racino” — a horse racing track enhanced by a simulcast, a slot gaming venue, and a performance center for live entertainment and concerts; • Accepting $61,000 from the Department of Transportation along with $20,333.333 city matching funds for street and drainage improvements on Sixth Street from Charles north to Gamble; • Accepting a $200,000 grant from the New Mexico Environment Department to plan, design, and construct water and waste water system improvements in Tucumcari and Quay County and another $100,000 from the New Mexico State Legislature for the same purpose; • Entering into a joint powers agreement between the City of Tucumcari and Quay County to establish the Tucumcari/Quay Enhanced 911 Regional Emergency Communications Center to improve fire department, EMS, and law enforcement response; • Approving a professional services agreement with signatories of the joint powers agreement regarding Ute Lake Reservoir — including the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, the Village of Logan, the City of Tucumcari, and Quay County — and by Bohannan Huston, Inc., a professional consulting firm; • Arranging for temporary lighting with Xcel Energy for the First Street project; • Approving bids and notice of award on Tucumcari Landfill Construction; and • Accepting the recommendation for an ongoing process for property clean-up in the city. As a finale following the meeting, new Tucumcari Police Chief Larry Ham and his wife Jennifer were honored and welcomed into the community. Compiled by Quay County Sun staff writer Martha Frost.