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. Francella Garcia, Clerk's Assistant, 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, A. Eugene Sanchez Councilmember, Amy J. Quintana
Also present were:
Interim Town Manager, Abigail Adame Contract Attorney, Marcus Rael Clerk's Assistant, Francella Garcia
Absent/excused was:
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero
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Mayor Pro Tem Silva led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
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Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve the 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, Sanchez, and Quintana. |
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Councilmember Sanchez requested that his comments made during the citizen’s forum (page 3, item 7C) be included in the minutes. Mayor Cordova directed staff from the Clerk's Office to prepare this section of the minutes verbatim.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve the Minutes of December 13, 2011 as amended. 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, Sanchez, and Quintana.
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6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
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| A.
| Loretta A. Trujillo, Human Resources Director Retirements: Marie Pacheco - Records Technician - Effective December 31, 2011; Carol Valade - Fixed Assets Clerk - Effective January 1, 2012; Richard Anglada - Chief of Police - Effective January 1, 2012 | |
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Mayor Cordova extended his appreciation to Marie Pacheco and Richard Anglada who were not able to attend the meeting. Mayor Cordova presented a proclamation proclaiming January 1, 2012 as "Carol Valade Day in Taos."
Ms. Valade stated it has been a pleasure working for the Town of Taos and further stated she believes she has worked with one of the finest supervisors, Marietta Fambro, Finance Director. Additionally, she stated she plans to enjoy her retirement and intends to stay involved in the community.
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Mr. Northrup thanked Mayor Cordova for successfully negotiating with Taos Pueblo on the authorization of the crosswind runway at the Taos Regional Airport and for his continued support of progressive talk radio.
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Mr. Lukes expressed his gratitude regarding the Memorandum of Agreement recently signed by the Town and Taos Pueblo to allow expansion to proceed at the Taos Regional Airport. Mr. Lukes proposed the Town, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, provide customer service training to local small businesses.
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Mr. Hall spoke of his concerns in regards to pending attachments to resolutions, improvements to the Town's website and the equipment on top of intersections. Mayor Cordova recommended Mr. Hall meet with Interim Town Manager, Abigail Adame to discuss his concerns.
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Councilmember Sanchez stated although he and the Mayor and several of the Councilmembers have not agreed on issues in the past, he would like to commend and congratulate Mayor Cordova on the excellent work he accomplished in regards to the Taos Regional Airport. He further added Mayor Cordova achieved something very significant for the Town of Taos.
Councilmembers Quintana and Mayor Pro Tem Silva concurred with Councilmember Sanchez. Mayor Cordova stated although he and Councilmembers have not always agreed it is still their responsibility not to lose focus on the important issues.
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Chuck Landgraf, representing High Altitude Athletics (HAA) briefed the Mayor and Council on the status of the forthcoming proposal and requested direction as to what should be included in the proposal.
Mayor Cordova stated the proposal should include the services being offered, the proposed amount based on the appraised value, the portion of space which will be utilized by HAA, and the amount HAA was willing to pay in hard cash. He indicated, in order to comply with the New Mexico State Procurement Code, the value of the proposed services should equal the appraised amount. He further added any repairs to bring the facility into compliance and proposed abatement of rent should be under a separate proposal.
A discussion ensued in regards to the New Mexico State Procurement Code requirements.
Mayor Cordova directed HAA to work closely with Abigail Adame, Interim Town Manager, and the legal staff to ensure legal requirements are met. Councilmember Sanchez requested HAA’s proposal include a plan specifying final goals and estimated costs.
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| B.
| Ron Yachinich, Facilities Services Director Consideration and approval to amend Rental Agreement TT-12-119 with High Altitude Athletics increasing the monthly rent for the month of February 2012 from $1,500 to $2,000. | |
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Ron Yachinich, Facilities Services Director, asked the Mayor and Council whether rent should be increased until a long term lease agreement has been negotiated. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the fair market value regarding Don Fernando Hall, complying with the Anti-Donation Clause and other lease agreements for Town owned properties.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the amended Rental Agreement TT-12-119 with High Altitude Athletics 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. Voting NAY was: Councilmember Sanchez.
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Councilmember Quintana made a motion to accept the completion of the Community Development Block Grant Project 11-C-NR-11-I-01-G-11 for the Chamisa Area Infrastructure Improvements Phase I. 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, Sanchez, and Quintana.
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Councilmember Quintana made a motion to accept Grant Agreement 12-418-3002-0051 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, Sanchez, and Quintana.
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| E.
| Francisco Espinoza, Public Works Director (with Miranda Quintana, Grants Administrator) Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-03; Authorizing the submission of a 2012 Community Development Block Grant application to the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration Local Government Division in the amount of $500,000 for Chamisa Area Infrastructure Improvements Phase 2 and authorization for Mayor Darren Cordova to act as the Town of Taos Chief Executive Officer and Authorized Representative in all matters pertaining to this program. | |
| Mayor Pro Tem Silva asked for details as to what Phase 2 entailed. Francisco Espinoza, Public Works Director, explained Phase 2 would be the completion of the civil work for the roadways which would include subgrades prep, base course, asphalt, curbs and gutters and drainage infrastructure. Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve Resolution 12-03 authorizing the submission of a 2012 Community Development Block Grant application to the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration Local Government Division in the amount of $500,000 for the Chamisa Area Infrastructure Improvements Phase 2 and authorization for Mayor Darren Cordova to act as the Town of Taos Chief Executive Officer and Authorized Representative in all matters pertaining to the CDBG program. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. |
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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 $293,265 for the replacement of the cab and chassis for Rescue 12 which is the Service & Technical Rescue truck. This purchase will be made through HGAC contract pricing with the majority of funding from the Fire Protection Fund ($244,887-line item 21-15-45004), and the remainder from the Capital Projects Fund ($48,378-line item 51-new-45004). | |
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Eric Montoya, Administrative Fire Chief, explained Rescue Truck 12 is a 1989 Pierce Fire Engine which is the Town’s service and technical rescue truck. He further explained in 2005 the Town replaced the body with a new Pierce Encore body which extended the life of the truck. Mr. Montoya recommended it would be cost effective for the Town to purchase a new cab and chassis to place on the existing body, which is in good condition.
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to authorize the Town to enter into a contract with Siddons-Martin Emergency Group in the amount of $293,265 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, Sanchez, and Quintana.
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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-04; Budget Adjustment Request: 1) Capital Projects Fund (51) - Transfer from Quick Attack Truck (51-19) to STR12 Cab & Chassis Replacement in the amount of $48,378 (51-new); 2 ) Fire Protection Fund (21) - Transfer from Quick Attack Truck (21-15) to STR12 Cab & Chassis Replacement in the amount of $94,887. | |
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Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Resolution 12-04 as presented. Mayor Pro Tem seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana.
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9. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
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Mayor Cordova welcomed Julia Espinoza and Sabrina Dominguez as the Town of Taos Youth Council Representatives. Sabrina Dominguez stated as a representative for Taos High School she hopes to be the link between the students and Town Council on a wide range of issues. Julia Espinoza stated she believes she can accurately represent the students from Vista Grand High School and other charter schools. She further added she feels her determination and perseverance will positively add to the Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve Julia Espinoza and Sabrina Dominguez as the Town of Taos Youth Council Representatives. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana.
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Councilmember Quintana made a motion to go into Executive Session
pursuant to NMSA 1978 Section 10-15-1.H(7) to discuss pending litigation regarding the following cases: 1) the potential of settlement negotiations and litigation strategy of the Federal State v. Abeyta, No. 69cv07896-BB; 2) state court Spring Ditch Acequia v. Town of Taos, No. D-820-CV-2010-624 and the interrelationship between the two, etc.
Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was confirmed by an affirmative vote.
Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana.
At 3:22 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. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was confirmed by an affirmative vote.
Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana.
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A motion was made by
Councilmember Abeyta and seconded by Councilmember Quintana to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 3:22 p.m.
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APPROVED: | ________________________________________ |
Darren M. Cordova, Mayor
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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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