1. Opening Items
Subject
A. Call to Order by the Honorable Mayor Daniel R. Barrone.
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
1. Opening Items
Type
Discussion, Procedural
Subject
B. Roll Call
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
1. Opening Items
Type
Procedural
Subject
C. Pledge of Allegiance
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
1. Opening Items
Type
Procedural
Subject
D. Moment of Silence
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
1. Opening Items
Type
Procedural
Subject
E. Approval of Agenda
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
1. Opening Items
Type
Action
Recommended Action
Recommend approval.
2. Approval of Minutes
Subject
A. February 16, 2021 Minutes of Town Council Special Meeting
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
2. Approval of Minutes
Type
Minutes

Summary/Background:

 

Subject
B. March 9, 2021 Minutes of Town Council Regular Meeting
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
2. Approval of Minutes
Type
Minutes

Summary/Background:

 

Subject
C. March 16, 2021 Minutes of Joint Workshop Session Between El Valle de Los Ranchos Water & Sanitation District Board of Directors & Town of Taos Council
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
2. Approval of Minutes
Type
Minutes

Summary/Background:

 

3. Awards and Recognitions
4. Presentations
Subject
A. Coronavirus update by Town Manager Richard Bellis, GIS Analyst Tim Corner, Facilities and Special Events Director Mitch Miller, Human Resources Director Tamara Chavez, and Public Affairs and Tourism Director Karina Armijo.
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
4. Presentations
Type
Discussion

 

The situation remains stable in Taos County with the case count last week identical to the prior week. Statewide, the weekly case count crept up by 2%. Nationally cases increased 6%, case rates in the northern and eastern states are generally higher than in the southern and western states.

 

54% of Taos County residents have received at least one shot and 68% of Taos County residents have registered to receive the vaccine. Last week an additional 5% of residents received their first shot. This means that in around 4 weeks’ time, all registered residents should have received at least one shot. It appears we are close to a tipping point, moving from a situation where vaccine demand exceeds supply to the opposite.

 

Summary:

 

 

5. Citizens Forum
Subject
A. Citizens who wish to comment before or during the meeting may submit comments or questions to Town Clerk Francella Garcia at fgarcia@taosgov.com. No action may be taken.
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
5. Citizens Forum
Type
Discussion

Summary/Background:

 

6. Consent Agenda - The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed by the Mayor and the Mayor has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote. The items listed are for the Council's consideration and approval.
Subject
A. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 21-15 approving the hiring of Jeremiah D. Martinez, an immediate family member of Town of Taos employee, Joseph Dominic Martinez.
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
6. Consent Agenda - The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed by the Mayor and the Mayor has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote. The items listed are for the Council's consideration and approval.
Type
Action (Consent)

Summary/Background:

Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 21-15 to hire Jeremiah D. Martinez on a full time basis as a Public Services Specialist within the Facilities Services Department.  Jeremiah is the son of Town employee Joseph Dominic Martinez who works for the Public Works Department.

 

The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed by the Mayor and the Mayor has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote. The items listed are for the Council's consideration and approval.
Subject
B. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of purchase orders and requisition for interim legal services, in the amount of $100,475.94, inclusive of NM GRT awarded to The Law Offices of Stephen C. Ross under a request for quotes process.
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
6. Consent Agenda - The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed by the Mayor and the Mayor has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote. The items listed are for the Council's consideration and approval.
Type
Action (Consent)
Fiscal Impact
Yes
Dollar Amount
$28,000.00
Budgeted
Yes
Budget Source
11-29-44005 and 64-22-44005
Recommended Action
Approval

Summary/Background:

Purchase order 21-59768 was opened in the amount of $5,000 in order to start interim services for a contract attorney, an additional $500.00 was needed for affordable housing and an additional $25,000.00 was needed for general matters and water matters which was Purchase order number 21-60027 and 21-59888. Purchase order number 21-60143 was to cover general matters through the month of February.  

 

 

Procurement Review/Comments:

A Request for Proposals (RFP) 20-21-03 was issued on 9/10/2020 and closed on 10/27/2020, which resulted in one proposal. Due to the limited amount of submissions received, I determined that it was in the town's best interest to cancel the RFP and reissue the solicitation. The original close date of this RFP was 10/6/2020.

 

Due to the Town Attorney Contract expiring 10/9/2020, the town issued a request for Interim Legal Services quotes. The initial intent was to bridge the gap until we completed a formal RFP process or hire an in-house attorney and not exceed $60,000. The estimated term was until 12/31/2020.

 

RFP 20-21-03-(Reissue) for Legal Services was issued 1/14/2021 and closed on 2/3/2021. The town received three responses to this RFP; however, it is in the evaluation phase.

 

Please note that this process has taken longer than anticipated due to factors associated with COVID-19, town office closures, etc.

 

To pay the outstanding invoices and finalize the RFP process, we recommend approval of the purchase orders and requisition listed below.

 

Purchase Order Numbers                    Date Issued:       Amount

21-59768                                              10/09/2020         $5,000.00            General Matters

21-59887                                              11/24/2020         $500.00               Affordable Housing

21-59888                                              11/24/2020         $24,500.00          General Matters and Water Matters

21-60027                                              01/27/2021         $25,000.00          General Matters and Water Matters

21-60143                                              03/23/2021         $10,382.78          General Matters (through February 2021)

Requisition                                                                      $35,093.16          General Matters and Water Matters (March and April 2021)

Total                                                                                $100,475.94, inclusive of NM GRT

 

 

 

The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed by the Mayor and the Mayor has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote. The items listed are for the Council's consideration and approval.
Subject
C. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 21-14; Mid-year budget adjustment request for various funds and departments.
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
6. Consent Agenda - The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed by the Mayor and the Mayor has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote. The items listed are for the Council's consideration and approval.
Type
Action (Consent)
Preferred Date
Apr 13, 2021
Absolute Date
Apr 13, 2021
Fiscal Impact
Yes
Budgeted
Yes
Budget Source
Current operating budgets throughout the Town of Taos; additional grant funding for the Airport Construction Fund and Public Works projects
Recommended Action
Recommend Approval

Summary/Background: The second phase in the mid-year budget adjustment process allows departments to review their expenditures from the first six months of the fiscal year, in order to plan their budget needs for the remainder of the year taking into consideration any changes in priorities, revenues, unexpected projects, etc. The first phase was to take immediate action on needs of certain departments as identified with Resolution 21-08 on February 23, 2021, with the understanding that we return and identify in a second phase any justification of costs savings between all the departments in order to cover the $1.00 essential pay increase for all non-management employees. Also, during this time, are needed changes to the Airport Construction Fund for additional funding that was received as well as corrections from the original budget along with adjustments to several Public Works projects that need additional funding.

The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed by the Mayor and the Mayor has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote. The items listed are for the Council's consideration and approval.
7. Public Hearings - Citizens who wish to comment or have questions on a public hearing matter may submit comments or questions in writing to Town Clerk Francella Garcia at fgarcia@taosgov.com, and comments will be read during the meeting. If you wish to participate as an attendee during the virtual public hearing, please contact Town Clerk Francella Garcia before the meeting's commencement at (575)751-2004 or via email at fgarcia@taosgov.com
Subject
A. Discussion, consideration and possible approval to continue the following item to the April 27, 2021, Regular Town Council Meeting: Appeal by Conroad Associates, LP, with Agent, Alex Abeyta of Abeyta Engineering petitioning the Town of Taos Town Council to overturn the denial decision by the Town of Taos Planning and Zoning Commission for a Preliminary Plat approval for a 49 lot Subdivision on Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Parcel #1074149331365. The subject property is approximately 15.778 acres and is in an R-14 "Multi-Family Residential" Zone located within the Town limits of the Town of Taos. (Planning and Zoning Director Nathan Sanchez) Note: Continued from the March 23, 2021, Town Council Regular Meeting.
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
7. Public Hearings - Citizens who wish to comment or have questions on a public hearing matter may submit comments or questions in writing to Town Clerk Francella Garcia at fgarcia@taosgov.com, and comments will be read during the meeting. If you wish to participate as an attendee during the virtual public hearing, please contact Town Clerk Francella Garcia before the meeting's commencement at (575)751-2004 or via email at fgarcia@taosgov.com
Type
Action
Fiscal Impact
No

Summary/Background:

Interactive Property Map

8. Matters from Staff
Subject
A. Presentation, acceptance and possible approval of Resolution 21-16; Annual Financial Audit Report for Fiscal Year End 2020 for the Town of Taos prepared by Cordova CPAs LLC. (Presented by Marietta Fambro)
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
8. Matters from Staff
Type
Action, Discussion
Preferred Date
Apr 13, 2021
Absolute Date
Apr 13, 2021
Recommended Action
Recommend Approval

Summary/Background: Section 12-6-3(A) NMSA 1978 mandates that the financial affairs of every agency be thoroughly examined and audited each year by the State Auditor, personnel of his office designated by him, or by independent auditors approved by him and the audits be conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and rules issued by the State Auditor.  Section 2.2.2.10.M(4) NMAC, the agency (Town of Taos) and the IPA ​​​​shall arrange for the IPA to present the report to the governing authority of the agency, at a meeting held in accordance with the Open Meetings Act, if applicable. Due to COVID uncertainty, the firm of Cordova CPAs LLC conducted phase I interim fieldwork in June, all remotely and by transmission of electronic documents.  The firm came on-site during the week of October 5th-9th to complete their audit work.  The report was submitted to the State Auditor's Office prior to the December 15, 2020, deadline and in accordance with State Statue, we have completed our 2019-2020 audit with an Unmodified Opinion on the Financial Statements and a Qualified Opinion on the Federal Single Audit.  The Independent Auditors' Report and summary of findings can be found on pages 128-135, which are noted on the Financial Statements.

 

Subject
B. Discussion, consideration and possible approval to continue the following item to the April 27, 2021, Regular Town Council Meeting: Discussion, consideration and possible action with regards to implementing and/or enforcing the term of a standardized rate agreement for the provision of sewer service by the Town to governmental customers. (Town Attorney Stephen Ross) Note: Continued from the March 23, 2021, Town Council Regular Meeting.
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
8. Matters from Staff
Type
Action

Summary/Background:

 

Subject
C. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 21-17 a resolution of the Town of Taos declaring a civil and health emergency and authorizing public health and safety measures. (Town Manager Richard Bellis)
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
8. Matters from Staff
Type
Action, Discussion

Summary/Background:

 

9. Matters and Reports from the Town Manager
Subject
A. Matters and Reports from the Town Manager.
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
9. Matters and Reports from the Town Manager
Type
Discussion

Summary/Background:

 

10. Matters and Reports from the Mayor
Subject
A. North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) update by Mayor Daniel Barrone.
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
10. Matters and Reports from the Mayor
Type
Discussion

Summary/Background:

 

Subject
B. Matters and Reports from the Mayor.
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
10. Matters and Reports from the Mayor
Type
Action

Summary/Background:

 

11. Matters and Reports from the Council
Subject
A. Matters and Reports from the Council.
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
11. Matters and Reports from the Council
Type
Discussion

Summary/Background:

 

12. Closed Executive Session
Subject
A. The Council may conduct a Closed Executive Session to engage in a discussion of matters subject to the attorney-client privilege pertaining to threatened or pending litigation in which the Town is or may become a participant pursuant to NMSA 1978 Section 10-15-1(H)(7); to discuss purchase, acquisition or disposal of real property or water rights pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 10-15-1(H)(8); and/or to discuss limited personnel matters limited to discussion of the hiring, promotion, demotion, dismissal, assignment or resignation of a Town employee or the investigation or consideration of complaints or charges against a Town employee pursuant to NMSA 1978 Section 10-15-1-(H)(2).
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
12. Closed Executive Session
Type
Discussion

Summary/Background:

 

Subject
B. Attorney's Report Concerning Closed Executive Session
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
12. Closed Executive Session
Type
Discussion

Summary/Background:

 

Subject
C. Action on items discussed in Closed Executive Session (as necessary, by motion.)
Meeting
Apr 13, 2021 - Town Council Regular Meeting
Category
12. Closed Executive Session
Type
Action

Summary/Background:

 

13. Adjourn