Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
QCS Staff
The Tucumcari City Commission held a brief meeting Thursday with a shortened agenda and only three of the five commissioners present.
First District Commissioner Dora Salinas McTigue resigned from the commission on March 25, citing family health concerns. Second District Commissioner Amy Gutierrez had a previous commitment, which she announced at the March 13 commission meeting.
The commission also held a special meeting Friday to discuss how to fill the vacancy left by Salinas-McTigue’s resignation and talk about a request for proposal to hire an auditor to review the city’s financial records. No decision was made on either matter.
On Thursday, the three commissioners unanimously approved:
∞ A $27,800 grant from the New Mexico Law Enforcement Protection Fund (LEPF) to the Tucumcari Police Department. Chief Jason Braziel said the money will be used toward the purchase of a new vehicle for the department. The fund is financed by taxes received from insurance businesses collected by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, according the LEPF website.
∞ A lease for a lightning monitoring station at the Tucumcari Municipal Airport. The station monitors lightning strikes for a scientific measuring device company called Vaisala, based in Finland. It is part of a nationwide North American Lightning Detection Network and provides data that enhances air safety for Tucumcari Airport, as well as others in the area, according to Steve Stephenson, airport manager.
∞ The first reading of an ordinance to change zoning on property at 424 E. High St. from residential to commercial to allow a dance studio. The zoning request comes from Christian and Krista Mericle of Tucumcari. A second reading is required before the ordinance can be adopted.
∞ The appointment of Leon Logan, Jannie Bahrs and Noreen Hendrickson to the Tucumcari Library Board.
The commission delayed action related to the 2014 Rockabilly on the Route event scheduled for June 5 to June 8, and a new public comment policy for the next meeting.