Meetings
 

AGENDA
October 25, 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. October 5, 2011 Special Meeting Minutes
7. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
A. Certificate of Recognition for Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner
Mayor Cordova will present Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner of the Town of Taos with a certificate of recognition for his role in securing the Global Energy Grant and overseeing its accomplishments. 
B. Presentation of Proclamation
Mayor Cordova will present a proclamation to the Taos Fair Trade Committee designating October, 2011 as Fair Trade Month.
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. Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-62; Acceptance of dedication of land from ABM Gonzales Enterprises, LLC for the purpose of conveying title and creating an extension of water, sewer and roadway. Property is located at the proposed Este Es roadway Extension. ABM Gonzales Enterprises, LLC will dedicate approx. 1.349 acres and the Town of Taos will provide water and sewer stub-outs to adjacent properties owned by ABM Gonzales Enterprises, LLC.
B. Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-61: Acceptance of dedication of approx. 1.828 acres of land from Roy Cunnyngham for the purpose of conveying title and creating an extension of water, sewer and roadways. Property is located at the proposed Este Es Roadway Extension. Roy Cunnyngham has agreed to dedicate this property to the Town of Taos in exchange for a water and sewer connection to an adjacent property owned by Mr. Cunnyngham.
C. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Approval of Memorandum of Agreement TT-12-135 in the amount of $30,000 between the Town of Taos and the Village of Taos Ski Valley for the purposes of providing transportation service for the 2011-2012 Ski Season which will commence on December 16, 2011 and sunset on April 8, 2012.  This MOA is renewed on an annual basis.
D. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Approval of Fare Agreement TT-12-136 in the amount of $2,000 between the Town of Taos and Taos Ski Valley, Inc. for the purpose of providing transportation service to the employees during the 2011-2012 Ski Season.  Service will commence on December 16, 2011 and sunset on April 8, 2012.  This agreement is renewed on an annual basis.
E. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Approval of Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Taos and New Mexico Department of Transportation Transit and Rail Division in the amount of $579,790.08.  Administrative and Operating funding for FY12 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012) Chile Line and Taos Express services.  Local match is $245,803.42 and the Federal match is $333,986.66.  
F. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-59; Budget Adjustment Request: 1) 1994 GRT Affordable Housing Fund (56) - Decrease unreserved fund balance in the amount of $2,421 and increase operating expense to cover the final amount due for the Affordable Housing Plan;  2) 1999 Gasoline Tax Acquisition Fund (59) - Decrease $25,357 from Salazar Road Extension (59-67 TM) and increase Capital outlay for Morgan Road Improvements (59-11 TM) to cover Change Order No. 1 (final quantity adjustments & elevate gate valves) to Road Construction Southwest, Inc.  
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Renee Lucero, Town Clerk
Consideration and approval of new Restaurant Beer & Wine Liquor License Application No. 783519 for Yu Garden Asian Cuisine located at 1033 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite J.
11. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Taos Sports Alliance Invoice
The Interim Town Manager is seeking direction from the Governing Body regarding an invoice in the amount of $16,228.13 inclusive of GRT received by Taos Sports Alliance for work performed without a contract.
B. Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner
Report on the projects and accomplishments of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant awarded to the Town of Taos. The Town was awarded $490,490 to install a solar photovoltaic system at Town Hall, provide staff training to implement the High Performance Building Ordnance, public education, complete a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, and make energy efficiency improvements to town-owned buildings.  
C. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Discussion, consideration, and action of the Town Council for expenditure of funding earmarked for the rehabilitation of local roadways and streets with the corporate limits of the Town of Taos.
D. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Consideration and approval of Change Order No. 1 to Road Construction Southwest in the amount of $23,340.07 for work performed under Contract No. TT-11-154, Bid No. 10-11-02. This is the final adjusting Change Order for the Morgan Road project. 
E. William Morris, Planning, Zoning and Buildings Director
Discussion regarding the following: 1) potential issues and changes to the Land Use Development Code (Chapter 16) and to Title 5, Itinerant Vendors to better address future development situations; 2) vendors within or near local area roadways.  Both issues will only be for discussion and providing direction to staff.
12. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
13. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
14. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR
15. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE COUNCIL
16. 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
October 25, 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 1:48 p.m. 

2. ROLL CALL
  

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


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

Those absent/excused were:
Mayor Pro Tem, Michael A. Silva
Councilmember, Rudy C. Abeyta

Mayor Cordova stated for the record Councilmember Abeyta is absent because his wife was scheduled for a medical procedure today and Councilmember Silva had a project to complete before the weather turns colder.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  

Councilmember Quintana led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
  

Mayor Cordova explained Resolutions, Ordinances and Public Hearing items require approval of the majority of the Governing Body and not just the majority of those members present; therefore, due to a lack of the  majority needed for approval, he recommended continuing the items listed below to a Special Town Council Meeting on November 1, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.:

8.A. Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director

Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-62; Acceptance of dedication of land from ABM Gonzales Enterprises, LLC for the purpose of conveying title and creating an extension of water, sewer and roadway. Property is located at the proposed Este Es Roadway Extension. ABM Gonzales Enterprises, LLC will dedicate approx. 1.349 acres and the Town of Taos will provide water and sewer stub-outs to adjacent properties owned by ABM Gonzales Enterprises, LLC.

 

8.B. Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director

Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-61: Acceptance of dedication of approx. 1.828 acres of land from Roy Cunnyngham for the purpose of conveying title and creating an extension of water, sewer and roadways. Property is located at the proposed Este Es Roadway Extension. Roy Cunnyngham has agreed to dedicate this property to the Town of Taos in exchange for a water and sewer connection to an adjacent property owned by Mr. Cunnyngham.

 

8.F. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director

Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-59; Budget Adjustment Request: 1) 1994 GRT Affordable Housing Fund (56) – Decrease unreserved fund balance in the amount of $2,421 and increase operating expense to cover the final amount due for the Affordable Housing Plan; 2) 1999 Gasoline Tax Acquisition Fund (59) -

Decrease $25,357 from Salazar Road Extension (59-67 TM) and increase Capital outlay for Morgan Road Improvements (59-11 TM) to cover Change Order No. 1 (final quantity adjustments & elevate gate valves) to Road Construction Southwest, Inc.

 

10.A. Renee Lucero, Town Clerk

Consideration and approval of new Restaurant Beer & Wine Liquor License Application No. 783519 for Yu Garden Asian Cuisine located at 1033 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite J.

 

Furthermore, since the following items are directive items and in order to discuss between the entire Governing Body, Mayor Cordova recommended continuing the items to a Special Town Council Meeting on November 1, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.:

 

9.D. William Morris, Planning, Zoning and Buildings Director

Discussion regarding the following: 1) potential issues and changes to the Land Use Development Code (Chapter 16) and to Title 5, Itinerant Vendors to better address future development situations; 2) vendors within or near local area roadways. Both issues will only be for discussion and providing direction to staff.

 

11.A. Taos Sports Alliance Invoice

The Interim Town Manager is seeking direction from the Governing Body regarding an invoice in the amount of $16,228.13 inclusive of GRT received by Taos Sports Alliance for work performed without a contract.


In addition, Abigail Adame, Interim Town Manager, requested consideration to continue the following item to a Special Town Council Meeting on November 1, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.:

6.A. Certificate of Recognition for Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner

Mayor Cordova will present Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner of the Town of Taos with a certificate of recognition for his role in securing the Global Energy Grant and overseeing its accomplishments.


Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve the Agenda as amended and continue the items recommended by Mayor Cordova and Ms. Adame to a Special Town Council Meeting on November 1, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. Councilmember Sanchez seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were:  Councilmembers Sanchez and Quintana. 

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 5, 2011 Special Meeting Minutes
 

Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve the Minutes of October 5, 2011 as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez and Quintana. 

6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
A. Presentation of Proclamation
Mayor Cordova presented a proclamation to the Taos Fair Trade Committee designating October, 2011 as Fair Trade Month.
7. CITIZENS FORUM
A. Jeff Northrup
 
Mr. Northrup expressed his concern that Mayor Pro Tem Silva and Councilmember Abeyta have missed today's meeting. He also discussed several issues including the low pay of police officers and the dog park.
B. R.G. Wells
 
Mr. Wells discussed his disappointment in the Town's police department and believes the cops are crooked.  Mayor Cordova asked Mr. Wells to refrain from making false allegations.
C. Hank Friedman
 
Mr. Friedman, Taos High School Soccer Coach and Taos Sports Alliance Board Member, thanked the Town for building the Eco Park and stated Taos is the envy of the state.
D. Pavel Lukes
 
Mr. Lukes stated his interactions with the Planning and Zoning Department have always been professional.  He also stated he is pleased to see that Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner, will be recognized for contributing to the success of the Planning Department.
E. Judy Cantu
 
Ms. Cantu discussed parking issues in the Town and encouraged dialogue between Town officials and the McCarthy's.  She stated the Guadalupe Parking lot will soon be for sale and she believes the Town should consider purchasing it.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Approval of Memorandum of Agreement TT-12-135 in the amount of $30,000 between the Town of Taos and the Village of Taos Ski Valley for the purposes of providing transportation service for the 2011-2012 Ski Season which will commence on December 16, 2011 and sunset on April 8, 2012.  This MOA is renewed on an annual basis.
B. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Approval of Fare Agreement TT-12-136 in the amount of $2,000 between the Town of Taos and Taos Ski Valley, Inc. for the purpose of providing transportation service to the employees during the 2011-2012 Ski Season.  Service will commence on December 16, 2011 and sunset on April 8, 2012.  This agreement is renewed on an annual basis.
C. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Approval of Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Taos and New Mexico Department of Transportation Transit and Rail Division in the amount of $579,790.08.  Administrative and Operating funding for FY12 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012) Chile Line and Taos Express services.  Local match is $245,803.42 and the Federal match is $333,986.66.  
 

Councilmember Sanchez requested that Item 8.C. be removed from the Consent Agenda.

Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez and Quintana. 

Item 8.C.
Councilmember Sanchez asked Marietta Fambro, Finance Director, if funding is currently allocated in the Town's budget.  Ms. Fambro stated the funding is currently allocated in the Town's budget.

Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve Item 8.C. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez and Quintana. 

9. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner
 
Report on the projects and accomplishments of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant awarded to the Town of Taos. The Town was awarded $490,490 to install a solar photovoltaic system at Town Hall, provide staff training to implement the High Performance Building Ordnance, public education, complete a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, and make energy efficiency improvements to town-owned buildings.

Mr. Foster presented his report and thanked the Finance Department for their daily support throughout the project.

Councilmember Sanchez asked Mr. Foster if energy efficient light bulbs have been placed in all Town facilities.  Mr. Foster stated the grant was used to place energy efficient light bulbs only at the Ice Rink and the Police Department.
B. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Discussion, consideration, and action of the Town Council for expenditure of funding earmarked for the rehabilitation of local roadways and streets with the corporate limits of the Town of Taos.
 
Mr. Espinoza recommended utilizing funding earmarked for roadway rehabilitation for the following roadways:

1. Del Norte Lane - 880 feet of roadway reconstruction;
2. Quesnel Street - 1,000 feet of roadway reconstruction; and
3. Des Georges Lane - 110 feet/500 feet Cantu Hill sidewalk replacement.

In addition, Mr. Espinoza recommended utilizing funding for the following asphalt overlay/mill and fill projects:

1. West Plaza Exit - 200 feet x 18 feet;
2. West Plaza Entrance - 200 feet x 18 feet; and
3. South Plaza Road - 275 feet x 28 feet.

Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve the projects as recommended by Mr. Espinoza. Councilmember Sanchez seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez and Quintana.

C. Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Consideration and approval of Change Order No. 1 to Road Construction Southwest in the amount of $23,340.07 for work performed under Contract No. TT-11-154, Bid No. 10-11-02. This is the final adjusting Change Order for the Morgan Road project. 
 

Mr. Espinoza clarified the change order is in the amount of $23,340.07 exclusive of GRT.

Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve Change Order No. 1 to Road Construction Southwest in the amount of $23,340.07 exclusive of GRT. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Sanchez and Quintana. 

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

A motion was made by Councilmember Quintana and seconded by Councilmember Sanchez to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 2:48 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.