| 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 1:40 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
Assistant Town Manager, Abigail Adame
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero
Town Attorney, Allen Ferguson
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Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
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Move Item 9.A. to the end of the agenda before Item 11.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve the Agenda as amended. Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
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Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve the Minutes of January 26, 2010 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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| 6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
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| A.
| Presentation of Chief's Challenge Coin
Mayor Cordova and Chief Rick Anglada presented to the following individuals a Chief's Challenge Coin: Officer Bill Hubbard, Officer Gavin Wallach, Security Officer Roberto Molina, Dispatch Supervisor Shirley Lujan, Fireman Erik Oiesen Vreeke, Fireman Robert Coss and Angel Reyes.
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| Presentation of Proclamation to Stray Hearts Animal Shelter | |
| | Mayor Cordova presented a proclamation proclaiming February 23, 2010 Spay Day in Taos and thanked Stray Hearts Animal Shelter for their outstanding commitment to the animals of the community. He asked Town Manager, Daniel Miera, to review the budget and try to locate additional funds for Stray Hearts.
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| | Richard Leirer, a candidate for the office of Councilmember, came forward and explained his disappointment in his opponents' refusal to have a challenger appointed for the 2010 Municipal Election on March 2. He stated he is happy to hear that the Mayor has requested an observer from the Secretary of State's Office; however, the issue could have been resolved by appointing a challenger. He also stated according to public records he received from Renee Lucero, Town Clerk, he believes voters in Precinct 21 were allowed to vote illegally in the 2006 Municipal Election which is why he feels a challenger should be appointed.
Mayor Cordova stated due to the misguided and misleading information being discussed by certain candidates, he felt, as Mayor of Taos, it was in the best interest of the Town to request the assistance from the Secretary of State's Office. Mayor Cordova is a mayoral candidate and was asked by his opponent to challenge voters who do not live in the Town limits and he feels challenging voters violates their right to vote. He stated he has full confidence in Ms. Lucero and Elaine Montano, Taos County Clerk, as well as the precinct workers who were appointed by the Governing Body, to run a fair election and explained that the Secretary of State's Office will be at the polling place merely as a resource for all workers involved in the election process.
Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta stated, as a candidate for Councilmember, that he supports the Secretary of State's Office being asked to oversee the election due to the misguided information from some of the candidates. He also stated he has full confidence in Ms. Lucero and Ms. Montano and does not support challenging a voter's right to vote.
Councilmember Silva, also a candidate for Councilmember, stated he does not want to challenge the integrity of the voter.
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Carol Dunning-Mirabal, Program Coordinator with Taos County Juvenile Justice, informed the public of the Gang Awareness Summit on March 24, 2010, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Taos Youth & Family Center and extended an invitation to the Mayor and Council to attend.
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| | David Behrstock, owner of Taos Plaza Theater, stated there has been confusion about the lease agreement between the Town of Taos and Taos Plaza Theater and requests that Council act on a settlement as soon as possible. He described how the project he proposed at Taos Plaza Theater affects economic development and could provide 15 - 30 jobs.
Mayor Cordova asked Daniel Miera, Town Manager, to bring this issue as an Executive Session item at the Regular Meeting on March 9, 2010.
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| D.
| Francisco "French' Espinoza, Public Works Director | |
| | Mr. Espinoza announced that, at the direction of the Mayor and Council, a recycling drive has been scheduled for March 19th and 20th at the Recycling Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for #1 and #2 plastics.
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| A.
| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Crystal Cordova, Grants Administrator)
Approval and acceptance of Grant Agreement No. 360280856000178 in the amount of $30,153. This grant was awarded to purchase and equip a police unit for the Town of Taos Police Department from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Housing Service. The maturity date for this grant is February 5, 2015.
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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Crystal Cordova, Grants Administrator)
Approval and acceptance of Grant Agreement Number 03786 for the continuation of the original Grant Agreement Number 07-L-G-5598 in the amount of $34,044.51; to plan, design and construct the Alexander-Gusdorf eco-park, including an environmentally interactive wastewater recycling system in Taos in Taos County. This agreement replaces the Grant Agreement Number 03574 that was approved at the Town of Taos Regular Council Meeting on January 12, 2010 in the amount of $7,076.22, which was incorrect. This agreement shall be effective retroactive to October 31, 2009 and shall terminate on August 29, 2011.
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Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda 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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| A.
| Cathy Connelly, Public Relations Director
Consideration and approval of Amendment No. 1 to Contract TT-10-04 with Griffin & Associates. This is the first amendment to Griffin & Associates' 2009-2010 contract for Taos marketing. Council voted at the beginning of the fiscal year to budget/fund $400,000 for Taos marketing, however, the Town was unable to fund it in its entirety at the beginning of the fiscal year. Knowing how important this program is for Taos, management has identified funding to allocate to this contract. This amendment will increase compensation for this contract by $75,375 inclusive of GRT ($50,000 from the Town and the remaining from the State of New Mexico Co-op funding, a segment of which is specifically directed by the Taos Gallery Association for art related marketing). Total amount for this contract after this amendment will be $375,375 inclusive of GRT. | |
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Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta made a motion to approve Amendment No. 1 to Contract TT-10-04 with Griffin & Associates. 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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| Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 10-10 establishing a Cooperative Agreement with the New Mexico Department of Transportation for Project No. SP-5-10(119); Control No. HW2 M500150. Project Scope will include the paving of Este Es Road East of Maestas, which shall include drainage improvements, and widening of the existing roadway. The Town Share is $11,206 (25%) and the State Share is $33,618 (75%) for a Project Total of $44,824.
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Mr. Espinoza stated this project was awarded by the State under Resolution 09-42; however, due to a funding shortfall at the State level, the amount has been decreased from $42,865 to $33,618.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Resolution 10-10 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.
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| Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Consideration and approval to allow staff to revise the Chile Line red line service which will include the elimination of bus stop number 9 (located on private property within the Loma Parda apartments) for safety reasons at the request of residents.
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Mayor Cordova read a letter from Edward Lobb regarding the elimination of bus stop number 9 within the Loma Parda Apartments. Mr. Lobb stated in his letter that he and other residents rely on the transportation service.
Mr. Espinoza stated he has requested input from residents at Loma Parda apartments and has not received a response. He asked Mayor and Council to allow him time to evaluate the safety issues. He stated he would like to go door to door to speak to the residents.
Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta made a motion to table the item. 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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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Approval of Resolution 10-11; Budget Adjustment Request: 1) General Fund (11) - Decrease the unreserved fund balance from the 1/12 reserve requirement in the amount of $225,000 and increase interfund transfer out temporary to Fund 50 to cover the remaining balance needed to complete the Pediatric Clinic project; 2) Facilities Improvements Fund (50) - Increase interfund transfer in as a temporary loan in the amount of $225,000 to cover the remaining balance needed to complete the Pediatric Clinic project, the amount coming from 1) above.
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Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve Resolution 10-11 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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| E.
| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Crystal Cordova, Grants Administrator)
Approval and acceptance of Contract No. 2010-006 between the State of New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department and the Town of Taos in the amount of $27,000. These funds are for emergency improvements/equipment for the Ancianos Senior Center located in Taos County. This contact shall terminate on 6/30/2010.
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Councilmember Silva made a motion to accept Contract No. 2010-006 between the State of New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department and the Town of Taos. 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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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 10-13; Budget Adjustment Request: 1) Facilities Improvement Fund (50) - Increase revenues and expenditures in the amount of $27,000 for emergency improvements/equipment (renovations) at the Ancianos Senior Center. The Town is acting as fiscal agent for this grant from State of New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department. | |
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Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta made a motion to approve Resolution 10-13 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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| Matthew Spriggs, Community Economic Development Director (with Rudy Perea, Senior Planner & Allen Vigil, Chief Planner)
Consideration and approval of Town of Taos Ordinance 10-01; An ordinance amending a previously approved Planned Unit Development Overlay Zone for Dos Arroyos Subdivision. The Planning & Zoning Commission at their regular meeting on December 2, 2009 voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Dos Arroyos, LLC request for an amendment to their previously approved Planned Unit Development Overlay zone with conditions. This matter was continued from the Regular Town Council Meeting on February 9, 2010. | |
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Allen Vigil, Chief Planner, presented Ordinance 10-01 to the Mayor and Council and explained that residents of Dos Arroyos Subdivision have asked that the sidewalks in their neighborhood be eliminated and stated there is a trail in the neighborhood that residents currently use.
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 Quintana stated she would like to promote more walking trails, hiking trails and sidewalks in Taos in an effort to make Taos a pedestrian friendly environment.
Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta supports this amendment and stated he reviewed the plans for Dos Arroyos and believes that requiring the developer to place sidewalks would create more of a hazard because many of the lots are small with insufficient space to park cars on the road.
Councilmember Silva stated he is in support of this amendment; however he does not want this project to set precedence for other projects in the future where other developers would change their plans after development of their subdivisions.
Mayor Cordova confirmed with Allen Ferguson, Town Attorney, that by amending this PUD, the Town does not set precedence for other projects in the future. Mr. Ferguson stated each case is handled on an individual basis.
Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve Ordinance 10-01 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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| 11. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
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| Mayor Cordova stated he has asked staff to meet with all stakeholders and the Arts & Cultural District in regards to the Arts & Crafts Fairs. He asked that a resolution be brought to Council within 45 days. | |
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| Councilmember Sanchez asked for an update on Salazar Park. | |
| | Matthew Spriggs, Community & Economic Development Director, explained that due to revisions to the geotechnical contract the project has been delayed; however, the plan is still to proceed with the advertisement of bids. He also stated he expects the fields to be completed by September of 2010, at the latest.
Mayor Cordova asked Mr. Spriggs to do everything possible to stay within that timeline.
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| Mayor Cordova congratulated the Taos Coyotes Pee Wees Hockey Team for achieving 1st place at the State Championships. | |
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A motion was made by
Councilmember Sanchez and seconded by Councilmember Silva to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 3:26 p.m.
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| APPROVED: | | ________________________________________ |
Darren M. Cordova, Mayor
| | | ATTEST: | | ________________________________________ |
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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