Charles Miller Jonni Valdez-Silva
Chris Morris Howard Lackey
Rich Kuhns Roy Pillmore
Gerald Osborn Penny Peryatel
Gilbert Vigil Carol Crary
Todd and Chris Wildermuth Jerry and Pat French
Nancy Robertson Barbara Bonahoom
Diana Best George Dominguez
Cindy Montoya Sam Hughes
S. Fleming Alan K. Lackey
Jim Mullings Marisa Aguirre
Mary O'Neil Debbie Purvines
Charles Hyde Lucia Hyde
Marvin Newton Janis Stuart
Denise Romero Deena Sisneros
Linda Hale Buddy Springer
Roger Edmondson Mike Litt
David Segura Andy Pacheco
Kris Segura Mike Oderman
Matt Floyd Stephen Segura
Bob and Nancy Denigris Kandi Barks
Leslee Valdez – City Staff Melissa Goetsch-Medina

On January 21st, 60 residents of Raton gathered at the Convention Center to vote on and prioritize goals and objectives to be included in the Comprehensive Plan. Consensus Planning’s Jackie Fishman and Lynée Busta facilitated the event that began with a 30 minute presentation about the Comprehensive Plan’s components. Components include sections dealing with Infrastructure, Economic Development, Community Design, Arts, Housing, Transportation, Land Use and Recreation, as well as an Implementation section that speaks to practical tools for reaching the goals, objectives, and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. The Implementation section is a critical component that will help to ensure the Plan’s success.

Following the presentation and Q & A, participants were asked to vote and prioritize goals and objectives. The room was organized into a large meeting space with 7 tables for each Plan section. At each table, sheets of goals and objectives were available for voting, and green, yellow, and red dots were placed on the table to allow participants to vote on each objective. Green was meant to signify, “go ahead, favorable”, yellow was meant to signify, “need more explanation, moderately favorable” and red meant, “not a priority at this time.”Next, each participant was asked to select his or her 5 favorite goals by placing a star next to each.

Jackie Fishman explained that the next public meeting would be held in February. The purpose of the meeting will be to present draft land use scenarios and to present the results of the second public meeting. Notice of the meeting will be posted on the City’s web site (www.raton.com), the Raton Range, the radio and in a newsletter that will be sent to everyone on the mailing list.

The results of the goals and objectives exercise are summarized below. Note that several people opted not to vote on some of the objectives, and conversely, some people placed both stars and dots on some of the objectives. Thus, the tally of dots on any given objective fluctuates. Note that the written comments are included at the end.

The top ranking goals include:

1. Recreation
Provide a diversity of passive and active recreational activities and opportunities for all residents, regardless of age. 25 votes.

2. Economic Development
Diversify the City’s economy by attracting, promoting, and supporting stable and sustainable industries. 19 votes.
Promote and support tourism in Raton. 15 votes.
Provide and support workforce and educational training programs in Raton.12 votes.

3. Community Design
Develop an education program aimed at promoting community pride and appearance. 12 votes.

4. Arts
Maintain a wide variety of arts programs and promote Raton as an art community. 10 votes.

5. Infrastructure
Maintain the City’s excellent water quality and supply in order to sustain community development in the future. 11 votes.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Goal 1: Diversify the City’s economy by attracting, promoting, and supporting stable and sustainable industries. 19 votes.

a. Explore funding resources to market the City’s unique geographic location on I-25 and between Denver, Albuquerque, and Amarillo and promote the City as a regional distribution center.
Green 24
Yellow 5
Red 1

b. Work with the Raton Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council, and the State to provide technologically advanced telecommunications infrastructure.
Green 18
Yellow 6
Red 2

c. Work with the Raton Chamber of Commerce on recruiting new retail businesses.
Green 24
Yellow 1
Red 2

d. Determine and plan for community infrastructure needed by companies and businesses in appropriate locations.
Green 21
Yellow 5
Red 0

e. Coordinate with the State Department of Economic Development on promoting job opportunities in Raton.
Green 23
Yellow 5
Red 1

f. Explore regional economic development opportunities with other communities, counties, and organizations.
Green 19
Yellow 10
Red 0

Goal 2: Promote and support tourism in Raton. 15 votes.

a. Maintain the historic district by creating an historic overlay zone that includes design standards and controls, and coordinate with the Historic Downtown Merchants Association.
Green 23
Yellow 7
Red 1

b. Develop a brochure that highlights the City’s cultural, historic, and recreational assets.
Green 22
Yellow 4
Red 2

c. Design and develop gateways to Raton that welcome visitors to the City.
Green 21
Yellow 7
Red 1

d. Develop an overall signage program that directs visitors to community attractions.
Green 23
Yellow 6
Red 1

e. Develop a shuttle system to link hotels on the north and south sides of Raton.
Green 10
Yellow 8
Red 9

f. Coordinate with the State Department of Tourism on joint marketing opportunities.
Green 19
Yellow 4
Red 3

Goal 3: Provide and support workforce and educational training programs in Raton.
12 votes.

a. Support programs to increase educational attainment and develop occupational and technical skills needed by employers in order to build the quality of the Raton labor force.
Green 26
Yellow 3
Red 0

b. Work with the Northeastern New Mexico Educational Center to establish a small business development program.
Green 23
Yellow 4
Red 1

c. Identify and apply for State, Federal, and other economic development funds and grants that pertain to workforce development.
Green 25
Yellow 2
Red 0

d. Work with Raton Public Schools and local businesses on providing vocational and technology training to students.
Green 24
Yellow 4
Red 0

Goal 4: Create opportunities for business development and retention in Raton.
11 votes.

a. Recruit and attract industries and businesses to complement industries that already exist in Raton (i.e. NRA Whittington Center, Miners Colfax Medical Center, arts community).
Green 27
Yellow 2
Red 0

b. Support the growth and development of small businesses and work with lending institutions to provide access to capital for small businesses that want to expand, for start up businesses, and for home-based businesses.
Green 26
Yellow 3
Red 0

c. Evaluate the current tax structure and determine methods for restructure to make it more business friendly.
Green 17
Yellow 7
Red 0

d. Promote a “Buy It In Raton” program to urge local residents to keep their dollars in the local community.
Green 11
Yellow 11
Red 4

LAND USE

Goal 1: Provide sufficient land for commercial and industrial sites in appropriate locations. 10 votes.

a. Identify and rezone, if necessary, those areas that are appropriate for non-residential development.
Green 26
Yellow 6
Red 1

b. Resolve the conflict between residential and industrial development by creating buffer areas and design standards, and encourage the relocation of residential development in those areas which have land use conflicts.
Green 21
Yellow 10
Red 0

c. Pursue annexations in areas appropriate for industrial development in order to increase the tax base in Raton.
Green 19
Yellow 10
Red 4

d. Seek the re-use of dilapidated and/or abandoned structures that could be used for commercial and industrial purposes.
Green 23
Yellow 6
Red 2

Goal 2: Increase the amount of multi-family and single-family residential land use inventory. 2 votes.

a. Rezone the area adjacent to the Race Track to create a mix of residential development and densities.
Green 15
Yellow 16
Red 3

b. Identify and rezone, if necessary, areas which are appropriate for residential development.
Green 18
Yellow 10
Red 1

c. Encourage infill development by working with developers on creating an incentive program.
Green 11
Yellow 17
Red 4

RECREATION

Goal 1: Provide a diversity of passive and active recreational activities and opportunities for all residents, regardless of age. 25 votes.

a. Develop a series of multi-use trails that connect existing or planned local and state parks, community facilities, and neighborhoods.
Green 23
Yellow 6
Red 1

b. Plan and develop a skate park that will accommodate rollerblades, skateboards, BMX, etc.
Green 23
Yellow 4
Red 9

c. Explore the feasibility of developing an ice skating rink.
Green 8
Yellow 6
Red 12

d. Develop new community facilities and expand existing facilities such as the convention center, community centers, pool, library, and senior center.
Green 25
Yellow 6
Red 0

e. Complete the development of the Roundhouse Memorial Park.
Green 20
Yellow 6
Red 1

Goal 2: Support recreation and education programs directed at children and youth.
6 votes.

a. Work with Raton Public Schools on making school athletic facilities available to all residents and creating after school activities.
Green 25
Yellow 4
Red 0

b. Coordinate with youth organizations (RREC, SOY) to ensure that the City is meeting youth recreation needs.
Green 27
Yellow 4
Red 1

C. Develop a summer recreation program that provides a variety of recreational opportunities.
Green 23
Yellow 3
Red 0

HOUSING

Goal 1: Increase the City’s housing stock and support the development of affordable housing for residents. 6 votes.

a. Increase the number of multi-family housing units at appropriate locations.
Green 7
Yellow 14
Red 6

b. Facilitate the formation of locally based community housing development organizations.
Green 7
Yellow 15
Red 6

c. Identify and utilize incentives, loans, grants, and tax abatement programs that could be used for the development of new housing projects.
Green 17
Yellow 6
Red 4

d. Work with developers on providing affordable housing through an incentive program that may include fee reductions, streamlined development approvals, etc.
Green 14
Yellow 10
Red 5

Goal 2: Create a “senior-friendly” community. 5 votes.

a. Work with the State Agency on Aging on providing assisted living facilities and senior support services.
Green 27
Yellow 1
Red 1

b. Explore the feasibility of developing a shuttle transportation service for seniors.
Green 20
Yellow 7
Red 1

c. Provide assistance to seniors and low-income residents on maintaining and weatherizing their homes.
Green 15
Yellow 10
Red 2

COMMUNITY DESIGN

Goal 1: Develop an education program aimed at promoting community pride and appearance. 12 votes.

a. Encourage all new development to follow design standards that address landscaping, parking, provision of public open space/common areas, and recreational amenities.
Green 28
Yellow 6
Red 4

b. Maintain and improve property values through enforcement of zoning and building codes, and restoration and rehabilitation of existing blighted structures and properties.
Green 25
Yellow 5
Red 1
c. Encourage property owners at the City’s gateways to enhance their properties through landscape improvements, visual screening, building and site maintenance.
Green 26
Yellow 7
Red 2

Goal 2: Enhance the appearance of the City by promoting façade improvements and maintenance of existing commercial buildings. 1 vote.

a. Work with the State on Main Street and Façade Beautification programs to assess feasibility of establishing such programs in Raton.
Green 26
Yellow 6
Red 3

ARTS

Goal 1: Maintain a wide variety of arts programs and promote Raton as an art community. 10 votes.

a. Work with the local arts community on establishing a series of arts related festivals (music, film, multi-ethnic).
Green 29
Yellow 3
Red 1

b. Promote cultural tourism by improving and supporting the Arts and Education Museum, Shuler Theater, Amphitheater, and the Wylie Foundation.
Green 31
Yellow 2
Red 0

c. Coordinate with the State Department of Tourism on arts available in Raton.
Green 26
Yellow 3
Red 1

d. Study the feasibility of developing a public arts program that would allow local artisans to display their work in public places.
Green 22
Yellow 6
Red 2

INFRASTRUCTURE

Goal 1: Maintain the City’s excellent water quality and supply in order to sustain community development in the future. 11 votes.

a. Coordinate the Comprehensive Plan effort with the City’s Water Plan.
Green 20
Yellow 5
Red 2

b. Project the City’s water supply needs for the next 50 years to ensure adequate supply.
Green 21
Yellow 5
Red 2

c. Continue maintenance and operational improvements to the overall water system.
Green 26
Yellow 4
Red 0

d. Develop a detailed database and mapping system utilizing Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Geographical Positioning System (GPS) for inventory, maintenance, and operations.
Green 9
Yellow 15
Red 4

e. Prepare a System Hydraulic Model to analyze the existing water system. Utilize the Model to develop a Capital Improvement Program and for budget requirements.
Green 10
Yellow 13
Red 3

f. Construct a new water filter plant at the Booster Station No. 3 site to treat water from the Cimarron River.
Green 13
Yellow 13
Red 3

Goal 2: Provide sanitary sewer services in order to protect groundwater and environmental quality. 2 votes.

a. Determine and prioritize where sanitary sewer services should be extended to accommodate existing development and future growth.
Green 17
Yellow 10
Red 0

b. Develop a detailed database and mapping system utilizing GIS and GPS for inventory, maintenance, and operations.
Green 10
Yellow 15
Red 3

c. Determine the hydraulic capacity of the existing system and develop a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for future improvements and upgrades.
Green 12
Yellow 12
Red 2

d. Analyze the existing sanitary sewer treatment plant and identify future improvements and/or plant replacement.
Green 20
Yellow 7
Red 0

Goal 3: Provide solid waste disposal services that are economically sound and environmentally sensitive. 1 vote.

a. Coordinate the Comprehensive Plan effort with the City’s Landfill Study.
Green 17
Yellow 10
Red 0

b. Provide a landfill facility that is cost effective for the City to operate, has adequate capacity for existing development and future growth, and is convenient for residents to use.
Green 22
Yellow 5
Red 1

Goal 4: Provide stormwater services that will prevent flooding and protect property values. 0 votes.

a. Develop a Stormwater Drainage Master Plan that includes future stormsewer improvements, possible ponding areas, and diversion channels.
Green 12
Yellow 13
Red 1

TRANSPORTATION

Goal 1: Provide a multi-modal transportation system that enhances the community and supports the safety of residents. 8 votes.

a. Improve City streets and expand the road network as needed to accommodate future growth.
Green 23
Yellow 9
Red 0

b. Provide sidewalks to connect neighborhoods, trails, parks, and community facilities.
Green 17
Yellow 13
Red 3

c. Identify and utilize funding sources for street improvements and maintenance to assist in meeting the existing and anticipated needs.
Green 20
Yellow 8
Red 0

d. Work with Amtrak in order to maintain the existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe line to Raton and explore the feasibility of acquiring the train depot for development of an intermodal center.
Green 26
Yellow 2
Red 1

e. Develop and maintain a pavement maintenance management program.
Green 13
Yellow 13
Red 1

f. Develop and maintain a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) of upgrades, maintenance, rehabilitation, and new construction for the City’s Roadway System.
Green 17
Yellow 13
Red 0

g. Coordinate with New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department (NMSH&TD) regarding signalization, signing, striping, speed limits, and traffic flows through the City.
Green 13
Yellow 12
Red 1

h. Coordinate with NMSH&TD to maintain rights of way on State and Federal roadways as they traverse the City to accommodate non-vehicular traffic, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles.
Green 14
Yellow 12
Red 0

Goal 2: Maintain the integrity of existing neighborhoods and residential areas through improvements to transportation systems. 2 votes.

a. Mitigate existing transportation impacts through signalization, signage, and appropriate traffic speeds.
Green 9
Yellow 15
Red 1

b. Study the need for traffic calming devices such as cross walks, traffic signals, stop signs, and yield signs on residential streets and the historic district.
Green 12
Yellow 9
Red 6

Goal 3: Coordinate transportation system improvements on a regional basis. 6 votes.

a. Coordinate with the NMSH&TD, the Northeast Regional Planning Organization (RPO), and other regional communities on upgrades and improvements to the existing roadway network including the widening of US 64 from Clayton to Raton.
Green 22
Yellow 5
Red 2

Goal 4: Maintain the City’s airport and improve air service to Raton. 3 votes.

a. Establish regularly scheduled commercial and passenger air service.
Green 17
Yellow 5
Red 7

b. Develop a General Aviation hangar on airport property.
Green 12
Yellow 12
Red 2

c. Provide facilities for air ambulance services.
Green 26
Yellow 2
Red 0

QUALITATIVE RESPONSES:

Economic Development
“Tourism, more web promotion, instead of brochures”
“Support/grow existing businesses”
“Continue to support the widening of HWY 87”
“Encourage the remodel/repair of older, historic structures to maintain the feel of the community”
“Signs”
“Promote a business program that rewards customers to stay at home”

Land Use
NONE

Recreation
“Recreation center, build it!”
“Recreational opportunities for all ages”
“Support the library, maintain or increase funding”
“Indoor rec. center and pool”
“Skate Park: Skate borders are feeling that they are being picked on “harassed” for skating on streets, sidewalks and private areas.”

Housing
“Senior and retirement development also”
“Support the remodel/rehab of historic neighborhoods, buildings and houses”
“Work on developing senior, retirement housing (multi-family)

Community Design
“Shelter for abused women”
“Create an art museum showing both distinctive cultures of New Mexico and West, as well as of other important cultural regions. Museum is distinct from historic museum. Has permanent collection.”
“Todos votan sí”
“Yeah!”
“Amen on the Art Museum”
“Many private and public art works without a home here-a great tourist potential!!”

Arts
NONE

Infrastructure
“Develop a recycling program for all types of waste, glass, paper, plastic, etc.”

Transportation
“Hasn’t the feasibility study for the intermodal center been explored beyond this preliminary stage?”