| 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 1:34 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
Councilmember, A. Eugene Sanchez
Councilmember, Amy J. Quintana
Councilmember, Michael A. Silva
Also present were:
Town Manager, Daniel Miera
Assistant Town Manager, Abigail Adame
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero
Interim Town Attorney, John Clough
Absent/Excused was:
Mayor Pro Tem, Rudy C. Abeyta
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Councilmember Silva led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
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* Move Matters from Mayor and Council after Citizens Forum; * Add to Executive Session: Discuss limited personnel matters regarding the Airport Manager. 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: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva. |
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Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve the Minutes of June 3, 2011 as presented. Councilmember Sanchez seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| 6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
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Mayor Cordova stated it is an honor to recognize Allen Ferguson and thanked him for his service to the Town of Taos and the community. He further stated Mr. Ferguson brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Town.
Mr. Ferguson thanked the Mayor, Council and management for the recognition. He stated he was very impressed with the dedication of the Town of Taos employees. He also thanked his wife for her love and support.
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Mayor Cordova read the Police Commission and Judge Richard Chavez administered the Oath of Office to Steven Ortega, Police Cadet for the Town of Taos and Ronald Montez, Police Officer for the Town of Taos.
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| A.
| Stephanie Stynes, Taos Youth Soccer League Vice President | |
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Ms. Stynes read a letter, on behalf of the Taos Youth Soccer League, recommending that the Town build artificial turf fields during next two phases of the Eco Park expansion rather than grass fields. She went on to read the various reasons for supporting artificial turf including the ability for artificial turf to withstand daily use
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David Hernandez, Taylor Montoya, Aleksandra Polic and Mike Winer gave a presentation entitled The Main Determinants of Health to promote healthy behaviors and physical activity. They specifically emphasized the importance of providing safe cycling lanes, which would increase the likelihood that residents will participate in physical activity.
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Mr. Northrup spoke about the dangers of using fireworks during the drought conditions and stated Wal Mart and Smith's have volunteered not to sell fireworks. He requested that the Town be proactive and direct the Police Department to patrol the use of illegal fireworks and punish those who violate the law.
Mayor Cordova directed Daniel Miera, Town Manager, to prepare a letter for his signature requesting that any stores that are selling fireworks to voluntarily stop selling fireworks for the safety of the community.
Mr. Northrup further stated that gas prices at Smith's have dropped to $3.25 per gallon and Allsups dropped their prices shortly after Smith's. He believes these prices are among the lowest in the state with the exception of about thirteen gas stations in Albuquerque. He feels the Town should recognize Smith's for helping the community.
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Mr. Lea stated there is a strong support for artificial turf fields at Taos Eco Park and he too initially supported the idea; however, after traveling to Mexico City with the Rwanda team and after visiting with the Vice-President of the U.S. Soccer Federation and other dignitaries, he is convinced the fields should be grass fields. He believes the grass fields will be better for the good of the economy and will also be better in the long term.
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| E.
| Michael Hensley and Casey Tonrey, Taos High School Soccer Coaching Staff | |
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Mr. Henlsey provided recommendations for repair and improvements to the Eco Park including fixing of the fence that punctures soccer balls due to sharp points at the top; repairing gates; providing walkways near smaller gates; correcting field turf damage repair; grooming according to recommended schedule; locking restrooms when the groups are not using the park; picking up trash; weeding and watering trees; removing the makeshift press box on bleachers; locking entrance gate after a certain hour; and building two additional FIFA 2 Star fields.
Mr. Tonrey stated he supports fields being turf as the use of grass fields is limited.
Mr. Miera stated the Town is working on capping the fence and further stated the Town has accounted for maintenance of the grounds in the upcoming budget proposal, which is to be considered later in the agenda. He further stated the Town will take each recommendation into consideration.
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Mr. Savinelli stated he owns a business, Native Scents, Inc. at 1040 Dea Lane which is south of the Recycling Center. He stated trucks have continuously broken or knocked down his chain link fence and he cannot continue repairing it. He further stated cars drag-race on this street and requested that the area be monitored more frequently by the Police Department.
Mayor Cordova requested that staff ensure that speed limits signs are posted and also directed Rick Anglada, Chief of Police, to have his officers patrol the area.
Mr. Miera stated, in addition to increased police patrol, Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director is working on a long-term plan to address this issue.
Councilmember Sanchez expressed his concern about speeding, not only in this area, but also on Kit Carson Road. He stated speeding has become prevalent in Taos and must be addressed as soon as possible.
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Mr. Bucanon read a letter signed by merchants on La Dona Luz Street which states that traffic on La Dona Luz Street is for the most part reasonable and safe; however, there is a consistent and daily use of the street by drivers who wish to bypass the traffic light at the junction of Camino de la Placita and Ranchitos Road. The letter states drivers regularly exceed the speed limit which has resulted in danger to pedestrians on the street. Furthermore, the letter states that merchants are offering to assist the Town with the purchase and installation of portable speed bumps in an effort to address the safety hazard.
Mayor Cordova stated installing speed bumps will affect the response time of emergency responders; instead, he would like for the Police Department to monitor this area, as well as all other areas of the community. He also stated the Town needs to do public service announcements informing drivers that the Police Department plans to take measures to ensure that speeders are prosecuted.
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Mr. Trujillo stated he is a business manager and owns the buildings on Salazar Road where the Magistrate Court and District Attorney's Offices were located prior to relocating to the Taos County Judicial Complex. He stated his buildings are now vacant and suggested that the Town consider housing the Police Department at the old Magistrate Court building. He stated the building is 10,000 square feet and already has two holding cells for prisoners.
Mayor Cordova directed Mr. Miera to have Chief Anglada meet with Mr. Trujillo and do a walkthrough of the facility and evaluate whether the Police Department could benefit from the use of this building.
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| A.
| Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director
Consideration and approval of Change Order No. 7 to Contract TT-10-192 with AUI Inc. for additional work to be completed at the Taos Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. The amount of Change Order No. 7 is $68,757.60 plus NMGRT for a total of $73,656.58. The amount of additional days will increase by 32 days. The items covered by this Change Order are: framed wall on CMU, Blower Room exhaust re-piping, additional roof warranty, link seal size increase, crane disconnect, angle iron on roof edge, wiring modifications, and additional time. | |
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| Daniel Miera, Town Manager
Consideration and approval of Contract TT-11-230 Amendment No. 3 to Taos Sports Alliance in the amount of $5,507 inclusive of GRT, for reimbursement costs associated with the purchase and delivery of soccer equipment from KWIK Goal LTD for the Taos Eco Park. Contract amount of Contract TT-11-230 will now be $42,870.83 inclusive of GRT. | |
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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Carol Valade, Fixed Assets Clerk)
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-19; Approving the disposition of obsolete electronics, vehicles and miscellaneous building materials owned by the Town of Taos. The items of property identified will be auctioned and if not successfully sold will be disposed of at the landfill and have a current resale value of $2,500 or less: CPU's, monitors, light fixtures, ceiling tiles, sofa, police vehicles and miscellaneous materials. | |
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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Miranda Quintana, Grants Administrator)
Consideration and approval to accept Amendment No. 2 to Grant Agreement 11-6901-12421 with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department in the amount of $32,750, and authorization for the Mayor to enter into a grant agreement. This grant will be used for operations of Taos County Juvenile Justice Program for the months of July, August and September, 2011. There is no cash match for this project. | |
| E.
| Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner
Consideration and approval of an amendment to the existing Grant Agreement (TT-11-176) with the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs - Historic Preservation Division to increase the grant amount by $5,384 for the development of an Acequia Preservation Plan in the Historic Overlay Zone. No additional match funding from the Town is required. | |
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Items 8.A. and 8.E. were removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion.
Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Councilmember Sanchez seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
Item 8.A.
Councilmember Silva asked why a change order is needed. Mr. Torres stated the change orders are saved so that they can be proposed to Council at once instead of bringing them several different times. He also justified each item on the change order.
Councilmember Quintana 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: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
Item 8.E.
Councilmember Sanchez asked if this is for a study of existing acequias. Mr. Miera stated the Town appointed the Acequia Task Force and they are working on a plan to preserve the historic acequias. He further stated this plan will enable the Town to educate the public about the historic acequias as well.
Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| A.
| Daniel Miera, Town Manager
Consideration and possible approval of new proposal from Doug Bachtel and Teresa Bertoncin for the Taos Gymnastics Academy. | |
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Ms. Bertoncin presented a proposal from Taos Gymnastics Academy (TGA). She believes the Council agrees TGA is a successful program and understands the Town's economic situation. Therefore, she is requesting that the Town provide financial support to continue the program for twelve months and in return TGA will provide $25,000 in scholarships. She stated TGA is requesting $14,000 to purchase equipment and an additional $6,000 to offset operating costs.
A discussion ensued regarding the legal ramifications of this request. Council expressed that TGA does provide a valuable program to the community.
Mayor Cordova directed Mr. Miera to evaluate the budget to determine whether the Town can accommodate this request and bring a proposal to the Council.
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| Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director (with Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director)
Consideration and approval of Change Order No. 2 (Final Quantity Adjustment) to Contract TT-11-123 with Advantage Asphalt for Este Es Road Project. Change Order No. 2 is to adjust all over-runs and under-runs of the entire project which will include sewerline and services, water line and services, and roadway improvements. The amount of the final quantity change order is in the amount of $44,968.95 plus NMGRT for a total of $48,172.99 with a contract time increase of 24 calendar days. | |
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Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve Change Order No. 2 (Final Quantity Adjustment) to Contract TT-11-123 with Advantage Asphalt for Este Es Road Project. Councilmember Sanchez seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-34; Budget Adjustment Request: 1) Water Rights Fund (64) - Decrease unreserved fund balance and increase interfund transfer out in the amount of $57,500 to cover Change Order No. 2 - (final quantities) to Advantage Asphalt for Este Es Water/Sewer/ Road Improvements; 2) Utility Improvements Fund (81) - Increase transfer in from (Fund 64) and increase capital outlay in the amount of $57,500 to cover Change Order No. 2 - (final quantities) to Advantage Asphalt for Este Es Water/Sewer/Road Improvements. | |
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Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve Resolution 11-34 as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-29; Authorizing and approving submission of a completed application for financial assistance and project approval to the New Mexico Finance Authority. The amount being authorized for the application is $1,500,000 for the project, plus any fees and debt service reserve amount estimated to be a total amount of $1,694,457. The purpose of this loan will be for construction, re-construction and improvements to several streets within the Town of Taos. The revenue source for repayment will be from the Gasoline Tax (Municipal Road Fund and State-Shared Gas Tax). | |
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Mayor Cordova asked if the gas tax is based on the price of gas. Ms. Fambro stated it is based on each gallon of gas sold. Mr. Miera stated he believes the increase is due to the low price of gas at a couple of gas stations in Taos and more people may have bought gas in Taos.
Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve Resolution 11-29 as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| Reuben Martinez, IT Manager
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-24, Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy, replacing all previous Computer Use Policies. | |
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Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve Resolution 11-24 as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| 10. MATTERS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER
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Mr. Miera presented the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Budget Message and stated the budget was presented in accordance with the requirements of the Town Code. He explained the budget was crafted with the following goals: the budget is a balanced budget and the Town does not spend more than is it can afford; the budget meets all financial policies of the Town Council; and the budget addresses Council's priorities to the greatest extent possible.
Mr. Miera stated the total budgeted expenditures for all funds for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 are estimated at $33,964,961, from an overall estimated revenue total of $40,123,689. He explained this is a decrease of $5,663,963 when compared to the total budgeted expenditures of $39,628,924 in the previous fiscal year.
Mr. Miera thanked the Mayor, Council, Finance Department and Management Team for their commitment to being accountable to the public
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| Resolution 11-30
Approval of Resolution 11-30; Compensation and Benefits for Fiscal Year 2011-2012. | |
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Mr. Miera emphasized the one time lump-sum has been reinstated.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Resolution 11-30 as presented. Councilmember Silva seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| Resolution 11-31
Approval of Resolution 11-31; Budget Policies for Fiscal Year 2011-2012. | |
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Mr. Miera explained Resolution 11-31 reaffirms the Town's fiscal responsibility and provides budget procedures for staff to follow.
Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve Resolution 11-31 as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| Resolution 11-32
Approval of Resolution 11-32; Capital Improvements Program for Fiscal Year 2011-2012. | |
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Mr. Miera reviewed the changes that were made to the Capital Improvements Program since the May 19, 2011 tentative budget approvals.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Resolution 11-32 as presented. Councilmember Silva seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| Resolution 11-33
PUBLIC HEARING: Approval of Resolution 11-33; Annual Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012. | |
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Mr. Miera stated, depending on the Council's decision with regard to Phase I and Phase II of the Eco Park, staff may bring Budget Adjustment Requests at a later date. He also explained the changes that were made since the May 19th tentative budget approval to accommodate Council's requests.
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.
A discussion ensued regarding the Taos Gymnastics Academy (TGA) proposal. Mr. Miera stated Taos Municipal Schools has given the Town authorization to use their gyms at no cost. He further stated the gyms can be available on a regular basis to accommodate the high demand of users. In addition, he stated if the Town does use Taos Municipal Schools gyms instead of entering into a lease agreement with Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for the use of their gym, then the Town could possibly fund TGA'S request.
Mayor Cordova directed Mr. Miera and Brian Greer, Youth & Family Center Director, to meet with school officials to ensure the Town can use their gyms to accommodate the programs that have been held at the Guadalupe Gym.
Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve Resolution 11-33 to include funding Taos Gymnastics Academy's $20,000 proposal from the Recreation Fund - Guadalupe Gym Lease. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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| 11. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
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* MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL WAS HEARD AFTER CITIZENS FORUM
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| Eco Park
Discussion and possible approval of direction to pursue funding for Eco Park Phase 2 and Phase 3. | |
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Mr. Miera requested direction from Council as to whether they want staff to bring a financial plan for Phase II and Phase III of the Eco Park. Mayor Cordova stated one of the Council's priorities is to do everything possible to complete the Eco Park. He informed Council that they can either direct staff to move forward with the completion of the Eco Park with funds from the budget or with funds that will need to be borrowed. Councilmember Sanchez stated he would like for Mr. Miera to evaluate what it will cost to complete Phase II and Phase III. Councilmember Silva agreed and also requested a cost comparison on building turf fields as opposed to grass fields. Councilmember Quintana made a motion to direct staff to move forward with providing two financial plans for Council approval. Councilmember Sanchez seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva. |
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| Mayor Pro Tem Appointment | |
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Councilmember Sanchez proposed that Councilmember Silva be appointed as Mayor Pro Tem in order to give other councilmembers the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
Mayor Cordova directed staff to add this proposal to the next Town Council agenda since the change must be done by Council action.
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| C.
| Little League District Tournaments | |
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Councilmember Silva stated the Mayor and Council have made it a priority to make Taos a high altitude sports destination. He asked Mr. Miera how the Town has assisted Taos Little League in preparing for the upcoming District Tournament which is being held at Kit Carson Park.
Mr. Miera explained the Town has placed new dirt at the ball fields and also has plans to install padding around each field, including the dugouts. Furthermore, the Town will be flooding the fields in order to prepare the grass for play during the tournaments. In addition, the Town plans several other improvements to the park and fields before the tournament begins and into next year. Mr. Miera further stated the Town plans to assist with transportation during the tournament.
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| Public Fireworks Display | |
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Mayor Cordova stated, in light of the extreme drought the Town is experiencing and the Las Conchas Fire burning in Los Alamos, he has talked to Eric Montoya, Administrative Fire Chief, about the possibility of cancelling the Annual Fireworks Display scheduled for the 4th of July. He asked the Council for their input in regards to this situation.
A discussion ensued with regard to the benefits of having a fireworks display conducted by professionals; however, there was still a concern because of the drought conditions. There was also discussion about how limited municipal governments are when they want to place restrictions on fireworks, even during a drought.
Chief Montoya stated the Fire Department is having a meeting tonight to discuss whether a fireworks display should be conducted on the 4th of July and he will follow up with Mayor Cordova to inform him of their decision.
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Councilmember Sanchez
made a motion to go into Executive Session Pursuant to NMSA 1978 10-15-1-H(2) to limited personnel matters regarding the following: 1) the reorganization of employees in the following departments: Facilities Services Department, Human Resources Department, Public Affairs and Tourism Department, Planning Zoning and Building Department, Finance Department, and Executive Department; and 2) the Airport Manager.
Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was confirmed by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
At 6:25 p.m., Councilmember Quintana made a motion to come out of Executive Session and stated discussion in the Executive Session was limited to the item as it was called for. Councilmember Silva seconded the motion. The motion was confirmed by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez, Quintana and Silva.
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A motion was made by
Councilmember Quintana and seconded by Councilmember Silva to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 6:25 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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