| 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
Also present were:
Town Manager, Daniel Miera
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero
Jack Clough, Assistant Town Attorney
Those absent were:
Assistant Town Manager, Abigail Adame
Town Attorney, Allen Ferguson
Youth Councilmember, Brooke Cisneros
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Councilmember Quintana led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
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REMOVE Item 10.A.; Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner - The Mayor is recommending Mr. Mario Suazo to be re-appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a two year term. The Land Use Development Code allows the Mayor to appoint individuals to the Commission with the consent of the Town Council.
Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve the Agenda as amended. 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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| 5. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
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| A.
| Loretta Trujillo, Human Resources Director
Introduction of new Planning Director. Ms. Trujillo introduced and recognized Mr. William (Bill) Morris as the new Planning Director. She stated Mr. Morris comes to the Town with a wealth of knowledge and work experience that will be an asset to the organization; the Town is looking forward to our work relationship with him. The position of Planning Director is a classified position (not at-will) and the competitive hiring process was followed in accordance with Town practice. | |
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Ms. Romero, Dave Maxwell - CEO of Engineers Inc, and Wayland Oliver - Project Manager with Engineers, Inc., introduced themselves to the Mayor and Council.
Mr. Maxwell gave a history about the company and stated they operate throughout New Mexico. Additionally, he stated they are a small firm and are focused on serving mid-sized clients. He also described the various services they provide.
Councilmember Silva asked if Engineers Inc. deals with composting projects. Mr. Maxwell stated he does not recall any projects that deal with composting; however, some engineers on staff may have experience.
Mayor Cordova thanked Engineers Inc. for their presentation.
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Mr. Northrup spoke about racism and bigotry by Hispanics in Taos. He stated hiring practices at Kit Carson Electric, the Town of Taos and Taos County excludes non-Hispanics. He also spoke about his trial for criminal trespassing and the abuse of the elderly, women and children.
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| Candyce O'Donnell, Taos Local Television Board Member | |
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Ms. O'Donnell gave a history on Taos Local Television and thanked the Town for activating local television. She asked the Mayor and Council to consider adding funds to the contract with Taos Local Television and stated the contract was reduced by $8,000 in the last six months. She also stated the equipment is aging, the website needs to be more user friendly and requested that they return to a one-year contract.
Councilmember Sanchez asked when their contract was reduced by $8,000. Ms. O'Donnell clarified that the reduction took place within the last six months and was an $8,000 reduction for the full year.
Mr. Miera stated staff is reviewing a number of Town contracts, including this one. He also stated Taos Local Television operates almost solely off funds from the Town of Taos and in addition to the contract they have with the Town, office space is also provided to them at the Council Chambers.
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| Steve Gonzales, Manager at Dahl Plumbing | |
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Mr. Gonzales stated he came before the Council in the past to request that the Town consider purchasing supplies from Dahl Plumbing instead of purchasing from a company in Albuquerque. He also asked that the Town consider breaking down bids to give local companies the opportunity to be more competitive.
Councilmember Silva stated he continues to advocate keeping business local and if bids are broken down, the Town can accomplish this.
Mr. Miera explained there has been discussion at the state legislature as to clarification about what local preference may mean, and at this time, local preference may be given to any New Mexico contractor. He stated he, Ms. Adame and the Mayor plan to address the New Mexico Municipal League Policy Committee to propose legislation which would allow local governing bodies to give local preference to contractors within the County where the municipality is located.
Mr. Miera further explained the Town has been breaking down bids in an effort to allow local businesses to be more competitive. For instance, he stated the plumbing materials bid and the construction and materials bid were awarded almost only to local bidders.
Councilmember Silva stated the Town needs to determine how to define "local" businesses as being a business that is established locally, rather than businesses that are registered locally, but are established out of town and have employees who live out of town.
Mayor Cordova stated the message is clear that the Council wants staff to do everything possible to purchase locally.
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Ms. Hernandez asked that the Council consider relocating the Annual Fireworks Display from its current location, which is near the Animal Shelter. She stated every year during the fireworks display the animals really suffer and she believes relocating it would be the humane thing to do.
Mayor Cordova asked Mr. Miera and Ms. Adame to coordinate with the Animal Task Force to provide suggestions about where to relocate the display. Ms. Hernandez recommended relocating to the area around the Youth and Family Center, depending on how the residents in that area feel.
Ms. Hernandez also stated she has heard that the dog park, which is proposed to be constructed next to the Animal Shelter, has a budget of $7,000. She further stated she does not believe this is sufficient funding to complete the dog park and is planning a fundraiser at Kit Carson Park in July to benefit the project. She plans on requesting a waiver from the Town for the use of the park.
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| George Jaramillo, Library Director
Consideration and approval to allow Los Jardineros Garden Club of Taos to plant a tree and install a memorial stone plaque, in honor of Rose Martinez who recently passed away, on the Taos Public Library grounds. Ms. Martinez was an active member of the community and an avid library user as well as being a member of the Friends of Taos Public Library. The garden club would organize a dedication ceremony and reception inviting the Martinez Family, the Taos Garden Club Members, Taos Library Staff and those in the Town of Taos who knew her.
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Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta made a motion to allow Los Jardineros Garden Club of Taos to plant a tree and install a memorial stone plaque in honor of Rose Martinez. 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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| Loretta Trujillo (with Amy Seidel and Officer David Weaver)
Presentation of Town of Taos Emergency Action Plan. Amy Seidel, Safety Coordinator for the Town has worked diligently during the past year on creating an emergency action plan. The plan is now complete and is presented to the Council for informational purposes. Ongoing training for Town employees will be provided throughout the year. | |
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Ms. Seidel stated the final draft of the Emergency Action Plan has been approved by Ms. Adame and the Finance Department. She plans on providing training to the Town's Department Heads next week, then will provide training to the remaining staff members.
Officer Weaver stated he and the Taos County Emergency Manager have scheduled a Weapons of Mass Destruction Exercise Drill on June 7 - 10, 2011 which will deal with an all-hazards approach.
Councilmember Quintana stated she read the plan and is interested in reviewing the results after the drill.
Ms. Seidel stated the Town is hoping to identify the needs of the organization after the drill takes place. She specified the plan is a living document and will need to be updated on a yearly basis.
Councilmember Silva stated the plan is a valuable tool, not only to employees, but also to the public. He suggested making the plan available on the Town's website.
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| Eric Montoya, Administrative Fire Chief (with Tina Torres, Procurement Officer)
Authorization and approval to enter into a contract with Siddons-Martin Emergency Group in the amount of $345,185 for the purchase of an Urban Interface Engine. This purchase will be made through HGAC contract pricing with partial funding from the Fire Protection Grant Fund ($100,000 - line item 51-24-45004), Fire Protection Fund ($193,563 - line item 21-15-45004) and Capital Projects Fund ($51,622.00 - line item 51-19-45004). | |
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Mr. Montoya explained the request is for a Pierce fire apparatus mid-size truck which will allow easier access to smaller roads. He also stated the truck has a compressed air foam system.
Councilmember Silva asked Mr. Montoya how the fire trucks handle on roads with speed humps. Mr. Montoya stated driving the fire trucks through the speed humps is difficult and would like to be involved in the approval process of speed humps. He stated it is very challenging to maneuver a truck carrying 2,500 gallons of water through the speed humps which can affect the response time to a fire.
Mayor Cordova directed Mr. Miera to draft a resolution requesting that officials at Taos County seek the advice of the Administrative Fire Chief prior to installing speed humps. He also stated more law enforcement is needed on the streets to curb the speeding, rather than installing speed humps.
Mr. Miera stated he will prepare a resolution for action at the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to enter into a contract with Siddons-Martin Emergency Group in the amount of $345,185. 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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| Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director
Consideration and approval of Amendment #4 to Contract TT-94-301 with Souder Miller & Associates for the amount of $18,120 plus NMGRT for a total increase of $19,603.58. This amendment is for the increase of project time due to unexpected delays in the construction services. The well driller has encountered several deficiencies while setting in the pre-packaged screen. | |
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Mr. Torres explained the total cost of the project will net a savings due to a reduced scope of work from the well driller. He stated the repairs to the deficiencies are not additional costs to the Town since the well was previously drilled by the same company (under a different name).
Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve Amendment #4 to Contract TT-94-301 with Souder Miller & Associates. 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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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-18; Budget Adjustment Request: 1) Community Grants Fund (30) - Increase revenues and expenditures in the amount of $2,766 for additional money received from the State Grant in Aid program for the Library; 2) Utility Improvements Fund (81) - Transfer funds from two capital projects and increase interfund transfer out to fund 63 in the amount of $40,000 to cover additional money needed to purchase chemicals for Wastewater Treatment Plant compliance; 3) Wastewater Enterprise Fund (63) - Increase transfer in from (Fund 81) capital outlay to operating expense to purchase chemicals for Wastewater Treatment Plant compliance. | |
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Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Resolution 11-18 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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| Renee Lucero, Town Clerk
Consideration and approval of Ordinance 11-08; An ordinance amending Chapter 4.08, Section 4.08.020 of the Town of Taos Code with respect to Imposition of Liquor License Tax. Amendments include adding language regarding the proration of municipal liquor license tax on a quarterly basis for new licenses and adding language regarding refunds of municipal liquor license tax. | |
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Ms. Lucero presented Ordinance 11-08 to the Mayor and Council and stated the amendment to Town Code will allow Town staff to prorate municipal liquor license taxes on a quarterly basis. She also stated the amendment adds language stating a licensee will not be entitled to a refund if their license is revoked or suspended.
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 made a motion to approve Ordinance 11-08 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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| Daniel Miera, Town Manager
Consideration and approval of Ordinance 11-06 amending Title 5, Chapter 12, Article III of the Taos Town Code with respect to pushcart vendors on public property. | |
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Daniel Miera, Town Manager, presented Ordinance 11-06 to the Mayor and Council and stated he would like to add language to address utility usage fees in the event a vendor uses the Town's utilities. He stated the ordinance should also include language requiring applicants who use propane heating sources to pass an inspection by the State's LP Gas Inspector. Furthermore, he stated language should be added to address pushcarts that have not been in operation for more than fourteen days, giving the Town authority to revoke the license and make it available to another pushcart vendor.
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 referred to 5.12.170.A. and asked that "spoke or wagon type wheels" be changed to "wheels". She also asked that language be added allowing pushcart vendors to utilize a 10 x 10 cover during inclement weather.
Mayor Cordova stated the language will need to clarify that the cover shall be secured.
Mr. Miera asked that the motion allow the legal staff to make the appropriate changes to the ordinance.
Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve 11-06 and allow the legal staff to make appropriate changes as discussed. 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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| 9. MATTERS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER
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| Annexation
To seek direction from Mayor and Council regarding the annexation of Este Es Road and territory between Este Es Road and the current Town boundary, including infrastructure and roadway improvements for several other roads in that territory. | |
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Mr. Miera stated staff needs direction from Council to move forward with annexation by realigning and cleaning up the southern boundary and moving it to just south of Este Es Road. He stated the Town has made several improvements to the roadway and utilities in the area. Furthermore, Mr. Miera stated El Valle de los Ranchos has given the Town authorization to adjust their service boundary if the area is annexed.
Mayor Cordova clarified the reason for the annexation is to clean up the boundaries since the Town has invested so much into Este Es Road. He stated the Town Manager has sent a letter to Taos County notifying them of the Town's intent to annex.
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| Possible Action
Possible action to be taken on Resolution 11-20; A Resolution authorizing and affirming the action of the Mayor, Town Manager and Town Attorney to present to and pursue a petition for annexation of certain territory commonly known as the Este Es neighborhood into the Town of Taos in the Municipal Boundary Commission. | |
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Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Resolution 11-20 as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote.
For discussion, Councilmember Quintana stated she also wants the Town to annex the islands that are within the municipal boundaries. Mayor Cordova stated that staff has already met to address those areas.
Mr. Miera stated the Town will move forward with the annexation of this area first because of the improvements that have been done to Este Es Road. He further stated other annexations will be brought back to the Council under separate resolutions.
Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta, and Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| Gas Tax Debt Service
Discussion regarding Gas Tax Debt Service and possible approval of new Gas Tax Debt Service proposal. | |
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Mr. Miera stated the Town of Taos previously secured a loan through the New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA) for street improvements. He stated the debt is scheduled to retire upon the last payment due October 1, 2012. He also stated the Town made this year's scheduled payment of $195,152.50 and continues to carry the required reserve amount of $195,500. Mr. Miera proposed utilizing the excess amount of gross receipts taxes collected to date from the General Fund State Shared GRT to make the next payment for FY 2011-12 (due October 1, 2011) by the end of this fiscal year; then use the amount in reserve to make the last payment that would ordinarily be due in October, 2012. He explained this would allow the Town to relieve this revenue source of the commitment it has today and re-leverage that same revenue source moving into the future through another NMFA loan. Mr. Miera requested approval from the Mayor and Council to proceed to utilize the monies in Fund 12 to retire the current debt on the Gas Tax bond and secure another ten year loan from NMFA with future Gas Tax revenues to be used for roadway improvements including Del Norte Lane and milling and inlay of roadways within the historic district such as areas from Civic Plaza Drive and Bent Street, areas of Taos Plaza and additional roadway reconstruction to Town Hall Drive and Quesnel Street. He further stated the projects would be brought back for Council approval at a later date. Mayor Cordova recommended approving the payment of the debt, securing another loan and bringing the proposed projects back for Council consideration. Councilmember Silva made a motion to allow staff to move forward with paying off the current debt, securing another loan and bringing back the proposed projects for Council consideration. 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. |
| 10. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
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| Water Trust Board Funding | |
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Mayor Cordova stated he attended a Water Trust Board preliminary hearing with Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director. He explained the Town applied for $2.4 million for the final completion of Phase 4 of the Wastewater Treatment Facility and $1.9 million for Weimer Foothills Water and Sewer. He indicated the Water Trust Board wants the Town to use the funding which has already been awarded before receiving more funding. He believes this is challenging because the Town cannot use all of the funds without getting more funding to complete the project, which he has explained to the Water Trust Board. Furthermore, Mayor Cordova estimates the Town will only be granted a few hundred thousand dollars for each project.
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Councilmember Sanchez stated Mr. Miera did a walkthrough of the Command Center with officials from Kit Carson Electric. He asked if Mr. Miera has anything to report to the Council about the walkthrough. Mr. Miera stated he does not have anything as of yet to report.
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Councilmember Silva stated he attended an Egg Hunt at Kit Carson Park and noticed the baseball fields are quite deep. He asked Mr. Miera to give a report as to the status on the fill material for the infield.
Mr. Miera stated the material was ordered from Texas and should have been here yesterday; however, due to the heavy rainfall the contractor will deliver it tomorrow. He stated representatives from Taos Little League are well aware of the situation. He also stated the fill will be laid out so that Little League may begin May 2nd.
Councilmember Silva stated the park is slowly deteriorating and asked what the plans are for improvements. Mr. Miera stated there are currently 2.5 employees that cover all the Town parks and, with the reorganization, resources will be added to address the issues at all Town parks.
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| Our Lady of Guadalupe Gym | |
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Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta asked Mr. Miera if the Town is renewing the lease for Our Lady of Guadalupe Gym. Mr. Miera stated there have been discussions about balancing the budget and in the past the Town used $16,000 from the Cigarette Tax to pay for the lease of the gym. He explained the tax will no longer be coming in as revenue to the Town. He believes the gym can still be provided to the community through Our Lady of Guadalupe Church instead of the Town. Furthermore, Mr. Miera stated staff has also discussed the option of using Don Fernando Hall, Rio Grande Hall and Bataan Hall for groups who used the gym on a regular basis.
Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta asked Mr. Miera to discuss the issues with the pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
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Mayor Cordova asked for staff and Council support in conserving water. He stated he has recently noticed property owners watering their lawns on windy days and he believes the water is being wasted. He asked that an ordinance be prepared addressing water restrictions and encouraging water conservation by the end of May. He further directed Mr. Miera to research other municipalities that have passed similar ordinances.
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A motion was made by
Mayor Pro Tem Abeyta and seconded by Councilmember Quintana to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 3:49 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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