1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DARREN M. CORDOVA
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The Regular Meeting of the Taos Town Council was called to order by the Honorable Mayor Darren M. Cordova at 1:35 p.m.
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Ms. Renee Lucero, Town Clerk, called roll and a quorum was present.
Those present were:
Mayor, Darren M. Cordova
Mayor Pro Tem, Rudy C. Abeyta
Councilmember, A. Eugene Sanchez
Councilmember, Amy J. Quintana
Councilmember, Michael A. Silva
Youth Councilmember, Feliz Vigil
Also present were:
Town Manager, Daniel Miera
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero
Town Attorney, Allen Ferguson
Absent was: Assistant Town Manager, Abigail Adame
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Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
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Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
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Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve the Minutes of December 22, 2009 as presented. Councilmember Sanchez seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta, and Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve the Minutes of December 29, 2009 as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta, and Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva. |
6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
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| Loretta Trujillo, Human Resources Director 2010 Service Pins 5 Years of Service
Archuleta, Mary
Atencio, Gilbert
Fernandez, David
Garcia, Delilah
Greer, Brian
Lucero, Roger
Martinez, Vanessa
Mondragon, Valorie
Ortega, Dennis
Perez, Cyndee
Romero, Rachel
Vasquez, Reynold
Vigil, Melissa 10 Years of Service
Brodsky, Ellen
Fratrick, Mark
Morgas, Lupita
Padilla, Elias
Trujillo, Loretta
Yuma-Romero, Barbara 15 Years of Service
Evans, Jonathan
Montoya, Annette
Montoya, Eric 20 Years of Service
Jeantete, Tommy
Valerio, Raymundo 25 Years of Service
Gonzales, Felix
Trujillo, Marbella
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Recognition of Employee of the Year
Mayor Cordova and The Awards and Recognition (ART) Team recognized Tammie Romero from Building Safety Division and Sharon Padilla from Finance Department as "Employee of the Year".
Recognition of Team of the Year Mayor Cordova and The Awards and Recognition (ART) Team recognized Taos Public Library staff and volunteers as "Team of the Year".
Recognition of Outgoing and Incoming ART members Mayor Cordova and The Awards and Recognition (ART) Team recognized the outgoing members of their team and would like to thank all for the dedication and hard work they have devoted to the Team. ART would like to recognize and welcome their new members.
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| Presentation Fritz Hahn, presentation regarding Taos Men Engaged in Nonviolence.
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| Crispin Clarke presented on behalf of Fritz Hahn. He thanked the Mayor and Council for the funding they received two years ago. He explained the funding enabled them to have 75 adult men mentoring boys in the school system and has also allowed them to continue educating the mentors. He further stated the funding has spurred the gang prevention program at Ranchos Elementary School. They have also been able to facilitate a mentorship program with UNM students working with high school students on a friendship basis. He again thanked the Mayor and Council for the investment of taxpayers' dollars.
Councilmember Sanchez thanked Men Engaged in Nonviolence for the important services they provide the community.
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Renee Lucero, Town Clerk, provided an update on the Regular Municipal Election and stated absentee voting began today and Early Voting with the vote tabulator begins February 10, 2010, both at the Office of the Town Clerk. She also stated the last day to register to vote for the Regular Municipal Election, which is March 2, 2010, is February 2, 2010.
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| Presentation by Taos County Economic Development Corporation | |
| Terrie Bad Hand and Pati Martinson gave a brief overview of programs offered by Taos County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC). Ms. Martinson stated the Food Center is a huge success and 1,258 individuals were served in 2009.
Ms. Bad Hand gave a briefing on future endeavors and a long-term strategy to generate income to support their programs, but unfortunately the downturn in the economy has affected their budget and they are experiencing a shortfall in personnel and operating costs. She stated they need financial support from the community to maintain their programs.
Councilmember Sanchez asked how the Town can help. Ms. Bad Hand stated they will need at least $50,000 to carry them through the end of June, 2010.
Councilmember Silva thanked Ms. Bad Hand and Ms. Martinson for their contributions to the community and stated he supports assisting TCEDC. Councilmember Quintana also stated she supports assisting TCEDC as they offer a great service to the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta thanked TCEDC for their services and asked the Mayor, Town Manager and Finance Director to review the budget closely to identify where funds can be allocated to assist TCEDC.
Mayor Cordova asked Ms. Bad Hand and Ms. Martinson to schedule a meeting with him and the Town Manager to further discuss their needs. He stated he is confident the Town can allocate funds to help them.
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| Allen Ferguson, Town Attorney Consideration and approval of a Facilities Use Agreement, Contract No. TT-10-179 to permit the Taos Farmers' Sunday Market to use the Town Hall Parking lot for a Sunday morning market from mid-May to the end of October for four years. The agreement in content is almost identical to the agreement the Town has with the Saturday Farmers' Market. This item is closely related to the public hearing item for Farmers' Market Ordinance 10-04, scheduled for the same meeting.
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| Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta stated he is pleased to see a Farmers' Market on Sundays because he believes it is good for the economy. He stated the Saturdays Farmers' Market has a requirement that a grower must be local in order to participate and asked if the Sundays Farmers' Market has the same requirement. Mr. Ferguson stated Sundays Farmers Market's requirements are more lenient and allows growers to be from out of town. Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta stated more Taosenos will be allowed to participate whether or not they are local growers.
Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta made a motion to approve Facilities Use Agreement, Contract TT-10-179, as presented. Councilmember Silva seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta, and Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva. |
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| Cathy Connelly, Public Relations Director Town of Taos Marketing Update, Joan Griffin: Update on Tournament of Roses, American Airlines, Quarterly Marketing Meeting and deadlines for community content for the 2010 Taos traveler education program.
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| Joan Griffin briefed the Mayor and Council on recent promotional activities and stated there were 40 million viewers of the Rose Bowl Parade and the float received the Grand Marshal's Award. She also stated American Airlines is promoting Taos Express in Dallas and Los Angeles.
The Mayor and Council thanked Ms. Griffin and Cathy Connelly, Public Relations Director, for their enthusiasm and outstanding work.
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| Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director Consideration and approval to purchase a John Deere 5105M Tractor from U.S. Tractor & Harvest, Inc. under the HGAC purchasing contract. U.S. Tractor & Harvest is located in Alamosa, Colorado and will be the service center as well. The total cost for the tractor and a front end bucket delivered to Taos is $57,200 plus any applicable taxes. The tractor will be used for the composting facility located at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
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| Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director, stated the cost of the tractor is $58,000 as opposed to $57,200 as presented in the agenda item. He asked that Council amend the amount.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve the purchase of a John Deere 5105M Tractor as amended. Councilmember Silva seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta, and Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva. |
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There was a lengthy discussion regarding a handout which was distributed to the Mayor and Council at the Council meeting entitled "Proposal regarding craft fairs in Kit Carson Park and the Plaza during three (3) day holiday weekends". Attached to the proposal were several emails and letters from merchants.
Mayor Cordova asked Matthew Spriggs, Community & Economic Development Director, to read the letter aloud for the record.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding concerns raised by the merchants due to the arts and crafts fairs being allowed on holiday weekends such as: loss of tax revenue to the Town; loss of income to merchants; and non-locals participating in the craft fairs.
Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta made a motion to direct Town staff to draft an ordinance that will restrict arts and crafts fairs from occurring on Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend and the four-day Thanksgiving weekend at Kit Carson Park, Taos Plaza and the Town of Taos Convention Center; further, the ordinance shall allow the Council to add to the ordinance or subtract from the ordinance in reference to dates and locations of the arts and crafts fairs and any other issue that the Council may deem appropriate. Councilmember Silva seconded the motion.
Mayor Cordova stated the ordinance will also have to define the "any other issue" as mentioned in Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta's motion. Mr. Miera added that the ordinance should also include the definition of "arts and crafts fairs".
The motion was confirmed by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta, and Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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Lieutenant David Maggio and Police Chief Rick Anglada presented Ordinance 09-39 to the Mayor and Council.
Lieutenant Maggio stated the way the law currently reads, an officer must actually witness an individual drinking alcohol before taking action; however, if this ordinance is adopted, the officer would be allowed to take action on an individual for having an open container of alcohol in their car or in public places.
Public Opinion
Mayor Cordova opened the public hearing.
David Fernandez, a bus driver for the Chili Line, stated he has witnessed individuals at bus stops who have open containers and he is pleased this issue is being addressed.
After closing the public hearing, Mayor Cordova asked for questions from the Council.
Councilmember Sanchez asked if an individual is at an establishment which is licensed to dispense alcohol can they drink outside if there is a patio or an enclosed alley. Lieutenant Maggio explained that if the patio or enclosed alley is covered under the license, then alcohol can be served in those areas; however if the license does not cover those areas, then the individual is not permitted to have an open container. Lieutenant Maggio further clarified that the individual cannot leave the premises with their alcoholic beverage.
Chief Anglada explained that licensed establishments are exempt from this ordinance.
Allen Ferguson, Town Attorney, recommended amending the ordinance as follows: under Paragraph A., replace the last part of the paragraph which reads "this section shall not apply to drinking inside an establishment having a license to dispense alcoholic beverages" with "this section shall not apply to drinking within the licensed area of an establishment having a license to dispense alcoholic beverages".
Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta made a motion to approve Ordinance 09-39 as amended. Councilmember Silva seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta, and Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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Lieutenant Maggio and Chief Anglada presented Ordinance 09-40 to the Mayor and Council. Lieutenant Maggio stated the purpose of this ordinance is to protect police department animals from harassment and agitation and also to protect the canine equipment from interference.
Chief Anglada stated persons convicted of interfering with Police Department animals will be ordered to make restitution for veterinary bills or replacement of the animal.
Public Opinion
Mayor Cordova opened the public hearing. No one came forward.
After closing the public hearing, Mayor Cordova asked for questions from the Council.
Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve Ordinance 09-40 as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta, and Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| Allen Ferguson, Town Attorney Consideration and approval of Ordinance No. 09-42; Telecommunications Ordinance concerning use of public rights-of-way for telecommunications services and the granting of non-exclusive franchises to providers of such services with terms and conditions for the granting of such franchises. This item was continued from the December 22, 2009 Special Town Council Meeting. Staff recommends tabling this item. | |
| Mayor Cordova explained that due to the complexity of the next two ordinances, he recommends tabling them to allow staff to conduct further research.
Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta made a motion to table Ordinance 09-42 to allow staff to conduct further research. Councilmember Silva seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta, and Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva. |
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| Allen Ferguson, Town Attorney Consideration and approval of Ordinance 09-43; A Franchise Ordinance granting TaosNet, LLC, a New Mexico Limited Liability Company, authority to rent, use and occupy rights-of-way in the Town of Taos, New Mexico, and fixing the terms and conditions thereof. This ordinance would grant TaosNet a non-exclusive franchise to use public rights of way within the Town for TaosNet's telecommunications network. This item was continued from the December 22, 2009 Special Town Council Meeting. Staff recommends tabling this item. | |
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Councilmember Quintana made a motion to table Ordinance 09-43 to allow staff to conduct further research. Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta seconded the motion.
Mayor Cordova stated TaosNet needs this ordinance approved in order to comply with their grant application for stimulus funding for broadband; however, he believes that there are other creative ways to assist them, perhaps by giving them a commitment that the Town will work with them. He asked Mr. Ferguson if he has researched this idea. Mr. Ferguson stated he spoke to TaosNet's attorney and offered to provide a Letter of Intent along with a draft of a proposed ordinance; however, nothing has been finalized. He further stated he has scheduled meetings with attorneys from the City of Santa Fe and the City of Albuquerque to discuss how they handle a situation such as this.
Mayor Cordova stated first and foremost, the Town must protect their interests; however, the Town must also ensure that TaosNet's ability to obtain funding is not jeopardized.
The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta, and Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| Mr. Ferguson presented Ordinance 10-03 to the Mayor and Council and stated the ordinance adopts the 2009 changes to the New Mexico Uniform Traffic Ordinance and ratifies the complete ordinance as revised.
Lieutenant Maggio stated the ordinance, if adopted, will allow the Police Department to use Municipal Court rather than Magistrate Court and will allow revenues from the fines to go to the Town of Taos.
There was a discussion regarding Section 12-7-9.10 - Penalties - and Mayor Cordova asked if the Town can adopt stricter penalties than the State Statute. Mr. Ferguson stated he believes the penalties as presented are sufficient and the Town should not be in a position to adopt stricter penalties than other municipalities throughout the state. He recommends approval as presented.
Public Opinion Mayor Cordova opened the public hearing. No one came forward.
After closing the public hearing, Mayor Cordova asked for questions from the Council.
Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve Ordinance 10-03 as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta, and Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva. |
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| Allen Ferguson, Town Attorney Consideration and approval of Ordinance 10-04; An ordinance to amend Title 5 of the Town Code to extend existing exemptions from certain business application, registration and permitting requirements to any farmers' market belonging to the New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association and setting certain guidelines for such farmers' markets. The ordinance would eliminate references in the Town Code to there being only one allowable farmers' market, thereby permitting other farmers' markets that belong to the Farmers' Marketing Association to operate in the Town. It also requires all farmers' markets to carry liability insurance and to comply with all applicable Environment Department and other regulations.
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Mr. Ferguson presented Ordinance 10-04 to the Mayor and Council and stated this ordinance is closely linked to the next item on the agenda. He stated the amendments are minor and include eliminating references in the code to there being only one allowable farmers' market and permitting other farmers' markets belonging to the Farmers' Marketing Association to operate in the Town.
Mayor Cordova stated this would enable the Sunday Farmers' Market to operate.
Public Opinion
Mayor Cordova opened the public hearing. No one came forward.
After closing the public hearing, Mayor Cordova asked for questions from the Council.
Councilmember Sanchez asked if the Sunday's Farmers' Market is going to be a different organization than the one on Saturdays. Mr. Ferguson stated the Sunday's Farmers' Market is a different organization and will have to follow the same provisions of the Saturday's Farmers' Market.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Ordinance 10-04 as presented. Councilmember Sanchez seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta, and Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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10. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
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- Mayor Cordova and Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director, informed the Council that the State Municipal Arterial Map (MAP) applications for funding are due March 15, 2010. Mr. Espinoza stated 3 projects are being considered for submittal as follows: 1) NM 68 and Este Es Road Signalization; 2) Este Es Road Reconstruction; and 3) Upper Ranchitos Road Improvements. Mr. Espinoza recommends the first project due to the high volume of vehicular accidents caused by illegal traffic movement. Mayor Cordova directed Mr. Espinoza to apply for the NM 68 and Este Es Road Signalization project and attempt to get as much funding as possible in order to expand the project.
- Youth Councilmember Vigil stated a youth leadership conference is being scheduled for February of 2011 in Taos. The conference usually brings in excess of 1,000 people. She stated she will have more details at the next Council Meeting.
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A motion was made by
Councilmember Quintana and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 4:34 p.m.
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APPROVED: | ________________________________________ |
Darren M. Cordova, Mayor
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Renee Lucero, Town Clerk
| PLEASE NOTE: The Town of Taos records most Town Council Meetings via audio, however, only Regular Town Council Meetings and some Special Town Council Meetings, with controversial issues, are video recorded. Copies are available upon request at the Town Clerk's Office located at 400 Camino de la Placita (575-751-2005) at a fee of $5.00 for audio recordings and $10.00 for video recordings. |
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