Serving the High Plains
Staff Report
Roger Bargas, a Tucumcari attorney, will represent defendants facing charges that could result in jail or community service sentences in the city's municipal court.
The contract with Bargas fulfills part of a settlement last summer that concluded a class-action lawsuit against the municipal court and the city of Tucumcari.
The settlement orders orders that an attorney will be provided for indigent municipal court defendants who are facing jail time for offenses, failing to pay fines or failing to appear for community service.
The case, originally filed in Tenth Judicial District Court in Tucumcari last September, was moved to U.S. District Court in Albuquerque under Judge Robert C. Brack in November 2013, due to civil rights issues.
Bargas will be paid $350 per case, according to the contract the commission approved unanimously on Thursday. Bargas will also be paid $350 per case upon appeal to district court, contract terms state.
At Thursday's regular meeting, the commission also:
Approved a $12,840 contract with Souder, Miller and Associates for additional planning for updates to the city's landfill plan.
Discussed a reinstatement of the Airport Advisory Board to develop ideas to increase use of the airport.
“People are saying the airport is underused,” city manager Jared Langenegger said, “We could use it more for economic development. The board can assist us in getting better use from the airport.”
The five-member board consists of residents who live within three miles of the city limits, Langenegger said. The commission did not vote on the matter.
Approved the appointment of John Dugger, owner of the Trade Station store, to the city planning commission.
Langenegger reported to the commission that
the city is advertising to find a Human Resources manager.
The city has hired code enforcement officer, Michael Ray, but still has three openings for the police department.
The city is looking for volunteers to join a tourism working group.
City staff is putting final touches on a new compensation plan for city employees.
Langenegger had conferred with U.S. Department of Agriculture to plan to make grants and loans available to homeowners for home improvements to comply with building codes and enhance energy efficiency.