Meetings
 

AGENDA
August 9, 2011
Regular Meeting
Town Council Chambers - 120 Civic Plaza Drive
1:30 PM
 
 
1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DARREN M. CORDOVA
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. MOMENT OF SILENCE
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. July 12, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
B. July 26, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
7. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
A. Recognition of Claudette Lucero
Mayor Cordova will recognize Claudette Lucero - Municipal Court Clerk of the Year.
B. Loretta Trujillo, Human Resources Director
Retirements (July 2011)

Joseph Rodriguez - Communications Equipment Operator.  Effective August 1, 2011
Johnny Vasquez - Public Works Operator III.  Effective August 1, 2011
Raymundo Valerio - Buildings Superintendent.  Effective August 1, 2011 
8. CITIZENS FORUM - Citizens wishing to speak shall have the opportunity to do so for 5 minutes. No action may be taken
The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed by the Mayor and the Mayor has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote.
9. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Consideration and approval to allow the Public Works/Transit Division to apply for financial assistance under USC Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act.  Funding for Rural Transportation Services in the approximate amount of $926,290.08 for Federal Fiscal Year 2012/2013.  Federal Share will be $611,186.66 and the local match will be $315,103.42.
B. John Thompson, Airport Manager
Consideration and approval of Contract TT-11-304 with Armour Pavement, Inc. in the amount of $112,252.23 plus GRT in the amount of $7,997.97 for a total of $120,250.20 to provide seal coat and pavement maintenance on Runway 4/22, Asphalt Shoulders on Runway, Blast Pads and East Hangar Area. The contract amount for scope of work is based on State Price Agreement No. 00-805-00-05986. This contract will be funded through FAA Grant Agreement No. 3-35-0041-023-2011 (95%), NMDOT Grant Agreement No. SKX-11-002 (2.5%) and Town of Taos match (2.5%) per Resolution 11-43.
C. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-47; A resolution of the Town Council authorizing signature authority for designated bank accounts of the Town of Taos.
D. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-46; Budget Adjustment Request for Fiscal Year End June 30, 2011.  This budget adjustment request balances all line items and funds to end of year final expenditure amounts.
E. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Francisco Espinoza, Public Works Director)
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-45 entering into a cooperative agreement with the State of New Mexico Department of Transportation.  The total project cost of $64,775 will be funded proportionally by the New Mexico Department of Transportation at 75% or $48,581 and the Town of Taos at 25% or $16,194 for Project Number SP-5-12(169) for reconstruction, drainage improvements and pavement rehabilitation/improvements of various local streets within the control of the Town of Taos in Taos, New Mexico.
10. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Resolution 11-44 (with Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director)
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-44: Waiver of employee or immediate family member contracting with the Town of Taos. This waiver would permit the Town to contract with Ron Salazar dba Upper Ranchitos Excavation, related by to James Salazar, an employee of the Town, to perform compost and woodchip hauling services for the Town of Taos Public Utilities Department.  Upper Ranchitos was the sole proposal to request for bid 10-11-13 for the transporting of compost and woodchips.
B. Rick Anglada, Chief of Police
Presentation of study for new police department facility by Rohde May Keller Mcnamara Architecture.
C. Eric Montoya, Administrative Fire Chief
Discussion regarding the Town of Taos rescinding fire restrictions that were imposed on June 14, 2011 through the adoption of Resolution 11-28.  New Mexico State Forestry Division has lifted its smoking, firework, campfire and open fire restrictions and Carson National Forest has downgraded its fire restrictions to Stage 1 fire restrictions.
D. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Consideration and approval to install wide speed humps with pedestrian crossing on Carabajal and Doña Luz streets.
E. Ron Yachinich, Facilities Services Director
Consideration and approval to close Civic Plaza Drive from the intersection of Camino de la Placita to the intersection of Bedford Street for the Arts and Wine Festival on August 20, 2011. Staff recommends the closing of the roadway to vehicular traffic to protect and ensure the safety of the expected pedestrian participants during the Arts and Wine Festival in Bataan and Rio Grande Halls on August 20, 2011 from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm.   Anticipated attendance is 500 people.
F. William Morris, Planning, Zoning and Building Director
Presentation and status of the code enforcement process that is being implemented as a result of the recent reorganization. 
11. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
12. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
13. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR
14. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE COUNCIL
15. ADJOURNMENT
 
• To request details on an agenda item please contact the Town Clerk at 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos New Mexico, 87571 (575) 751-2005.
• If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of aid or service to attend and/or participate in a meeting of the Town of Taos Council, please contact the office of the Town Clerk at 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos New Mexico, 87571 (575) 751-2005 at least 24 hours in advance.
•For copies of this agenda please pick-up at Town Hall. You may also view the agenda and the agenda packet at http://public.taosgov.com/.
 
Meetings
 

MINUTES
August 9, 2011
Regular Meeting
Town Council Chambers - 120 Civic Plaza Drive
1:30 PM
 
 
1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DARREN M. CORDOVA
  

The Regular Meeting of the Taos Town Council was called to order by the Honorable Mayor Darren M. Cordova at 1:34 p.m. 
2. ROLL CALL
  

Ms. Renee Lucero, Town Clerk, called roll and a quorum was present.  

Those present were:      
Mayor, Darren M. Cordova      
Mayor Pro Tem, Michael A. Silva
Councilmember, Rudy C. Abeyta            
Councilmember, Amy J. Quintana


Also present were:      
Acting Town Manager, Abigail Adame
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero

Interim Town Attorney, John Clough

Absent/Excused was:
Councilmember, A. Eugene Sanchez       
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  

Councilmember Quintana led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
   ADD to agenda:  Executive Session to discuss limited personnel matters regarding the Town Attorney position pursuant to NMSA 1978 10-15-1-H.2.

Councilmember Abeyta 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 Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta and Quintana. 
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. July 12, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
 

Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the Minutes of July 12, 2011 as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta and Quintana. 

B. July 26, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
 

Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve the Minutes of July 26, 2011 as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Silva seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta and Quintana. 

6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
A. Recognition of Claudette Lucero
 Mayor Cordova recognized Claudette Lucero for being awarded Municipal Court Clerk of the Year by the New Mexico Municipal League Court Clerk's Association, and presented her with a certificate. 

Municipal Judge Richard Chavez commended Ms. Lucero and stated she is a very dedicated employee and a true professional. 

Ms. Lucero thanked everyone for their support and stated she is very proud to work for the Town of Taos.
B. Loretta Trujillo, Human Resources Director
Retirements (July 2011)Joseph Rodriguez - Communications Equipment Operator.  Effective August 1, 2011Johnny Vasquez - Public Works Operator III.  Effective August 1, 2011Raymundo Valerio - Buildings Superintendent.  Effective August 1, 2011 
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Consideration and approval to allow the Public Works/Transit Division to apply for financial assistance under USC Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act.  Funding for Rural Transportation Services in the approximate amount of $926,290.08 for Federal Fiscal Year 2012/2013.  Federal Share will be $611,186.66 and the local match will be $315,103.42.
B. John Thompson, Airport Manager
Consideration and approval of Contract TT-11-304 with Armour Pavement, Inc. in the amount of $112,252.23 plus GRT in the amount of $7,997.97 for a total of $120,250.20 to provide seal coat and pavement maintenance on Runway 4/22, Asphalt Shoulders on Runway, Blast Pads and East Hangar Area. The contract amount for scope of work is based on State Price Agreement No. 00-805-00-05986. This contract will be funded through FAA Grant Agreement No. 3-35-0041-023-2011 (95%), NMDOT Grant Agreement No. SKX-11-002 (2.5%) and Town of Taos match (2.5%) per Resolution 11-43.
C. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-46; Budget Adjustment Request for Fiscal Year End June 30, 2011.  This budget adjustment request balances all line items and funds to end of year final expenditure amounts.
D. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-47; A resolution of the Town Council authorizing signature authority for designated bank accounts of the Town of Taos.
E. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Francisco Espinoza, Public Works Director)
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-45 entering into a cooperative agreement with the State of New Mexico Department of Transportation.  The total project cost of $64,775 will be funded proportionally by the New Mexico Department of Transportation at 75% or $48,581 and the Town of Taos at 25% or $16,194 for Project Number SP-5-12(169) for reconstruction, drainage improvements and pavement rehabilitation/improvements of various local streets within the control of the Town of Taos in Taos, New Mexico.
 

Councilmember Abeyta 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: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta and Quintana. 

8. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Rick Anglada, Chief of Police
Presentation of study for new police department facility by Rohde May Keller Mcnamara Architecture.
 Don H. May, AIA, Principal Architect with Rohde May Keller McNamara Architecture, P.C. gave a PowerPoint presentation and reviewed the three concepts that were studied for a potentially new Police Department Headquarters.  He explained the three concepts evaluated are as follows:  1) Upgrade/Renovate Mary D. Medina Building which is estimated to cost $1,972,415; $; 2) Occupy/Lease at Kit Carson Command Center which is estimated to cost $1,175,000; and 3) Develop a new facility specific to the Taos Police Department's needs which is estimated to cost $3,000,000. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Jeff Northrup stated the Town needs to conduct further studies and look at other facilities before making a decision.
B. Eric Montoya, Administrative Fire Chief
Discussion regarding the Town of Taos rescinding fire restrictions that were imposed on June 14, 2011 through the adoption of Resolution 11-28.  New Mexico State Forestry Division has lifted its smoking, firework, campfire and open fire restrictions and Carson National Forest has downgraded its fire restrictions to Stage 1 fire restrictions.
 

Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to lift the fire restrictions that were imposed on June 14, 2011. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta and Quintana. 

Chief Montoya asked the Mayor and Council to lobby the Legislators and the Governor to introduce and support legislation that would give municipalities the authority to prohibit the sales and use of fireworks when faced with drought conditions.  Mayor Cordova asked Chief Montoya to meet with Ms. Adame on this issue.

C. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Consideration and approval to install wide speed humps with pedestrian crossing on Carabajal and Doña Luz streets.
 

Mr. Espinoza recommended placing a speed hump on Carabajal Street due to a blind corner drivers encounter when exiting Oakley Street onto Carabajal Street.  He stated he has consulted with the Town's emergency responders.  Mr. Espinoza also stated he received a petition from 75% of the residents on Carabajal Street about four months ago.

Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve placing a speed hump on Carabajal Street. Mayor Pro Tem Silva seconded the motion. 

Councilmember Abeyta stated for the record he does not approve of speed humps in general; however, Carabajal has extenuating circumstances due to the blind spot.  For that reason he stated he supports the speed hump.

The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta and Quintana. 

Mr. Espinoza stated he has reviewed the stretch of road at Doña Luz Street.  He recommended providing more police presence on the road to address the problem of drivers exceeding the speed limit.

Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to table the request to place speed humps on Doña Luz Street. Mayor Pro Tem Silva seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta and Quintana. 

D. Ron Yachinich, Facilities Services Director
Consideration and approval to close Civic Plaza Drive from the intersection of Camino de la Placita to the intersection of Bedford Street for the Arts and Wine Festival on August 20, 2011. Staff recommends the closing of the roadway to vehicular traffic to protect and ensure the safety of the expected pedestrian participants during the Arts and Wine Festival in Bataan and Rio Grande Halls on August 20, 2011 from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm.   Anticipated attendance is 500 people.
 

Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve the road closure on August 20th as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta and Quintana. 

E. William Morris, Planning, Zoning and Building Director
Presentation and status of the code enforcement process that is being implemented as a result of the recent reorganization. 
 Mr. Morris stated, due to the Town's reorganization, the Building and Code Enforcement sections of the Buildings and Grounds Department was combined with the Planning and Zoning Department.  He further stated Buildings and Code Enforcement is comprised of 3 personnel and each has been assigned a specific area of responsibility.  In addition, he explained that Code Enforcement will be focusing on signage along NM 68 and 64, A-frame signs along the corridor, graffiti and any other types of issues.
9. MATTERS FROM THE TOWN ATTORNEY
A. Resolution 11-44 (with Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director)
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-44: Waiver of employee or immediate family member contracting with the Town of Taos. This waiver would permit the Town to contract with Ron Salazar dba Upper Ranchitos Excavation, related by to James Salazar, an employee of the Town, to perform compost and woodchip hauling services for the Town of Taos Public Utilities Department.  Upper Ranchitos was the sole proposal to request for bid 10-11-13 for the transporting of compost and woodchips.
 

Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve Resolution 11-44 as presented. Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta and Quintana. 

10. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
  

Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to NMSA Section 10-15-1.H(2) to discuss to discuss limited personnel matters regarding the Town Attorney position.
  

Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion.    The motion was confirmed by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta and Quintana. 

 

At 3:11 p.m., Councilmember Abeyta 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. Mayor Pro Tem Silva seconded the motion.   The motion was confirmed by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta and Quintana. 

12. ADJOURNMENT
  

A motion was made by Councilmember Abeyta and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Silva to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 3:11 p.m.

 
 
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.