Kathleen Burg provided information on programs available thru Chesed Project which offers support to the elderly and seniors, individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers in Taos County.

Matthew Spriggs, Community Economic Development Director advised Mayor and Council the process has been very difficult and unfortunately an agreement has not yet been reached. Because a decision would not be reached he and his staff did their best in providing a fair process to give everybody an opportunity to give their opinion and put forward their creative ideas and try to come to a reasonable accommodation.  He stated since that did not happen he and his staff are presenting their best possible recommendation which would be fair to all parties involved. 

He read the following staff recommendations for the record:

Pass an ordinance that will enable the Town Council to annually set the calendar for major events on holiday weekends on Town owned properties. The calendar would be set in January for the calendar year by resolution. This provides the Council with flexibility to adjust to economic conditions and any additional data that is provided.

• For the calendar year 2010 we recommend that Kit Carson Park be reserved for use by the public for family oriented events on Labor Day weekend and that no major or commercial event permits be issued for that weekend. We believe that this should be continued in 2011 and that the Town examines the impact of this action. Should Labor Day weekend be made available in the future, it would be appropriate to provide the current Arts and Crafts Fair promoter, Blue Skies Productions, with the right of first refusal for the permit on that weekend.
• We recommend that this calendar remain consistent for at least 2 years. This would allow for incremental change if the Council desires to move events off of other major holiday weekends. This would mean permitting events for Memorial Day and 4^th of July during this period of consistency.
• The Yuletide Festival plays an important role in the celebration of the winter holidays and the proceeds from this event pay for decorations throughout the community and particularly the historic district, the farolitos, and the annual tree lighting. It also is a very different kind of event that is geared toward local and visiting families and is mostly composed of local entrepreneurs and merchants. This event includes public performances by various children’s performing art groups. Arts and crafts are only one element of this multi-faceted family event. We recommend that the Yuletide Festival continue its tradition of providing this family event over Thanksgiving weekend.
• We strongly recommend gathering factual data to support any future decisions. That data should examine the past 5 years of economic activity to provide a baseline to measure the effect in future years.
• We have a concern that the fees charged for these public spaces do not equal the cost bourn by the public. Steps should be taken to ensure that public benefit exceeds public cost. Some additional consideration should be given to charging lower fees to charity events than for-profit events.
• It would be a loss for all involved if some of the creative ideas forwarded by the Arts and Crafts Fair representatives and the public were not acted upon. Joint advertising, the provision of a hospitality booth, and other concepts could reduce further deterioration of the local economy. We are very appreciative of the efforts of the general public and the Arts and Crafts Fair representatives.
• In the event that Arts and Crafts Fairs cannot be held on Town property during holiday weekends, it has been suggested that the Fairs be relocated to another suitable site. Suggestions of new sites have included:
  • Fred Baca Park
  • Filemon Sanchez Park
  • The new County Administration Park
  • Parr field
    • Of the suggested alternate sites, both groups agreed that Parr Field would be the best of the potential sites if Kit Carson Park were unavailable.

Mr. Spriggs stated the Arts and Cultural District Steering Committee is hopeful and believes that this recommendation will allow the community to move forward in a positive manner and will accommodate all concerned. He further stated the direction of the Arts and Cultural District is to revitalize Taos and reaffirm Taos’ rightful place as a world class Art Colony.  He believes Arts and Crafts Fairs and other cultural and artistic events are an important aspects of artistic entrepreneurial activity in addition to the established galleries, downtown businesses, and entertainment and cultural facilities. 

Mayor Cordova advised the audience he would allow ten minutes for public comment under the Citizens Forum since a decision was not going to be made today. He further stated the recommendation presented by Mr. Spriggs had not been reviewed by Council until today and time was needed to analyze it. The following people came forward to speak:

- John Staple, an artist and the owner of Touchstone Inn and Gallery stated that a number of people, not just the galleries, depend on art as an entrepreneur spirit.

- Jalmar Bowden, coordinator of the August Annual Summer Arts and Crafts Festival, stated the proceeds benefit the Community Against Violence Shelter. Mr. Bowden made a recommendation that no festival be removed from its customary location and that it be afforded protective status in issuance of permits on traditional use basis. 

- Jean Verheyden, a Spring Arts participant, urged to keep the  Arts and Crafts Fairs because less visitors means less money for everyone.

- Vikki McFadden, a shop owner in Town, and also a show organizer for the Arts and Crafts Fairs, stated the fairs are a family friendly environment. Ms. Mcfadden recommended keeping the dates as is and work together.

- Judy Terra, a sixteen year resident and a owner of a studio gallery in Ranchos, stated Art Shows provide the opportunity for hard working artists to make a modest living and be able to continue to reside in Taos.

- Robert Nightingale, owner of a small business for nineteen years, stated if more events get cancelled it could really backfire.

Mayor Cordova instructed the Town Manager to review the recommendation submitted by staff; meet with each councilmember individually to discuss their point of view on the issue; and then brief him on his findings. Mayor Cordova further added before a decision is made there will be a fair and open process for public comment.

Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta challenged both sides to work with each other. He clarified the intent of the Town is not to do away with the Arts and Crafts Fairs. Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta thanked Mr. Spriggs and Ms. Spray for their recommendation and stated he liked their recommendations.