| 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 1:33 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, Michael A. Silva
Councilmember, Rudy C. Abeyta
Councilmember, A. Eugene Sanchez
Councilmember, Amy J. Quintana
Also present were:
Interim Town Manager, Abigail Adame
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero
Contract Attorney, Marcus Rael
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Councilmember Sanchez led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
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- Amend Item 7.D. by replacing "Maija West" with "Dennis Garcia";
- Continue Item 8.A. to the Regular Council Meeting on February 14, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.; and
- Add to Executive Session discussion regarding possible land acquisition pursuant to NMSA 1978 10-15-1-H.8.
Mayor Pro Tem 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 Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana.
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| A.
| December 13, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
Mayor Cordova requests approval of the minutes as presented and recommends that an audio CD be attached to the actual minutes with the portion where Councilmember Sanchez spoke during Citizen's Forum. | |
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Mayor Cordova stated at the Regular Council Meeting on January 10, 2012, Councilmember Sanchez asked that his presentation to the Council under Citizens Forum be transcribed verbatim. Considering this process would create a tremendous amount of work for the Clerk's staff and also considering that the Clerk normally does not create verbatim minutes, especially for items under Citizens Forum, Mayor Cordova requested that a DVD of the meeting be physically attached to the minutes. He also reminded the Council state law requires that minutes contain only a brief summary of the meeting along with actions taken at the meeting. Councilmember Sanchez stated he does not believe attaching a DVD is acceptable and requested this section of the minutes be transcribed verbatim. He stated he will type that section of the minutes and provide it to the Town Clerk to verify for accuracy. The minutes will then be placed on the agenda for action at the next Regular Council Meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to continue the approval of the Minutes of December 13, 2011 to the Regular Town Council Meeting on February 14, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. 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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Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the Minutes of December 27, 2011 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, Sanchez, and Quintana.
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Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve the Minutes of December 30, 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, Sanchez, and Quintana.
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Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the Minutes of January 10, 2012 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 stated he recently had discussions with a representative from Motorola and discovered the move of Dispatch to the Command Center will consist of Motorola handling all E911 equipment, another company will move the recording equipment, the National Crime Information Center will be involved and the E911 telephone lines will be moved.
In addition, Councilmember Sanchez stated the representative indicated that consoles and furniture would move to the new building; however, the antenna and tower would stay at the present location. He further indicated Motorola has no guarantee that the antenna could handle the coverage that E911 presently covers. Furthermore, Councilmember Sanchez stated in order to address this issue, the Town can either install a landline from the present location to the new location or install a microwave broadcasting system; which could cost approximately $200,000.
Councilmember Sanchez stated he does not agree with the move as he believes that Kit Carson Electric will be the only entity to benefit from the move. He further stated the Council must seriously consider this issue when it comes for approval and vote no.
Mayor Cordova stated Councilmember Sanchez has raised valid concerns. He emphasized the governing body will make the final decision when the issue is presented for approval. Mayor Cordova also clarified the Town, along with several other entities, actively participated during the development of the design of the Command Center. He further stated the Council will have the opportunity to fully discuss the issue at the next Regular Council meeting.
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Mr. Rael stated Spring Ditch representatives have tried three times to negotiate with the Town and unfortunately they had to resort to litigation in order to resolve issues. He stated the Spring Ditch is historic and must be saved.
Mayor Cordova stated the Town is committed to preserving the acequias.
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Mr. Lucero recommended moving dispatch to the Command Center and expanding the current Police Department building instead of constructing a new one. He stated with the economy as it is, the Town should not be considering constructing an additional building.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva thanked Mr. Lucero for respectfully sharing his concerns and ideas.
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Mr. Northrup discussed the low gas prices at Smith's Gas Station and stated the Town still has not thanked Smith's for their low gas prices, which are among the lowest in the state. He further stated Town officials have confiscated his signs and he demands that they be returned to him. He also began discussing allegations regarding Mayor Cordova's personal life. Mayor Cordova stated he will not comment on Mr. Northrup's statements.
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Mr. Rodriguez referred to a letter which contained an estimated cost of $300,000 to relocate dispatch to the Command Center and stated the Council may have voted "No" on the issue had they been provided a copy of the letter. He also stated the Command Center was built in an arroyo making it dangerous to drive into and out of the Command Center during inclement weather.
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Mr. Israel, Executive Director of Taos Sports Alliance, presented a brief update regarding events that will take place at Taos Eco Park in the coming months. The events are as follows:
April 14, 2012 - Women's NCAA Event
April 21, 2012 - Men's NCAA Event
Summer 2012 - US Olympic Team Youth Soccer Camp (dates to be determined)
Summer 2012 - Women's Canadian Soccer Team (dates to be determined)
November 20, 2012 - Taos Triathlon
He also stated Taos Rush Soccer Club is expected to be formed by this summer.
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Ms. Lokey discussed the First Annual Taos Celebration for Youth event which was held in September, 2011. She stated she has a space at Taos County Economic Development Corporation and many people throughout the community have contributed to the program which is staffed with volunteers. She invited the Mayor and Council to visit and stated she will be requesting financial support from the Town during the next budget cycle.
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Mr. Fuhlendorf, Public Information Officer for Kit Carson Electric, stated Los Alamos National Laboratories (LANL) will be conducting an evaluation for a cost analysis to relocate Dispatch to the Command Center. He further stated LANL will set aside $20,000 in order to do an unbiased evaluation which will occur within the next few days. In addition, Mr. Fuhlendorf clarified that there is no reason to move the tower from its' current location to the Command Center. He stated a radio can be placed on top of the Command Center with a line of site to the tower. Mayor Cordova thanked the citizens for speaking during the Citizens Forum without making false accusations. He stated the Council's decisions are based on information provided to them. He further stated it is a shame Mr. Northrup would make false allegations against him without considering the individuals he hurts.
Mayor Cordova stated for the record he is deeply ashamed of the individuals who would resort to such frivolous, erroneous, and downright disgusting allegations that were made today. |
| A.
| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-07; Budget Adjustment Request: 1) Capital Projects Fund (51) - Increase interfund transfer in from Fund 32 and capital outlay in the amount of $7,500 to cover the purchase of the software program Lama for the Planning Department (new project); 2 ) 1/4 GRT Capital Improvements Fund (32) - Increase revenues and interfund transfer in the amount of $7,500 from additional GRT received for the first six months to purchase the software program Lama for the Planning Department. | |
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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-11; A resolution amending Resolution 11-59 which was originally approved in Special Session on November 1, 2011 with an incorrect amount of $2,241 rather than $2,421 under Fund 56 Expenditures. Department of Finance & Administration has approved the amendment; however, Council must take action on the amended resolution for future researching purposes. | |
| C.
| Renee Lucero, Town Clerk
Approval of appointment of Precinct Officials for the March 6, 2012 Municipal Elections:Presiding Judge: Jim Fambro
Precincts 12, 14, 15, 17, 19 Judge: Evangeline C. MartinezClerk: Susan EstesClerk: Ernestine Quintana Precincts 16, 18, 35 Judge: Bernadette MaestasClerk: Catherine RalstonClerk: Bobbie Gonzales Absent Voter Precinct Judge: Carol AngladaClerk: Elma Torres Alternates Judge/Clerk: Frances MartinezJudge/Clerk: Evelyn Anaya | |
| D.
| Mayor Darren Cordova
Appointment of Dennis Garcia to replace Jim Thompson on the Town of Taos Planning & Zoning Commission for a two year term. | |
| E.
| Mayor Darren Cordova
Appointment of Rachel Prinz to replace Judith Cantu for a two year term, and the reappointment of Cynthia Spray to another two year term, on the Historic Preservation Board. | |
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Councilmember Quintana requested that item 7.D. be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda 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.
Item 7.D.
Councilmember Quintana stated she requested that this item be removed in order to officially recognize Dennis Garcia.
Mr. Garcia stated he appreciates the confidence the Mayor and Council have shown in him. He plans to use his expertise to carry out his duties as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner.
Mayor Cordova stated Mr. Garcia comes with a wealth of knowledge and is pleased to see him serve in this capacity.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the appointment of Dennis Garcia 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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| A.
| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Review and approval of Annual Audit Report for the Town of Taos 2010-2011 Fiscal Year prepared by Accounting & Consulting Group, LLP. | |
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This item was continued to the Regular Town Council Meeting on February 14, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.
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Ms. Adame stated Debbie Friday Jagers could not attend today's meeting and explained many details still need to be discussed. She further stated the Town is requesting a proposal detailing cash and in-kind services.
Councilmember Quintana stated she would like to see a report on how in-kind services were estimated.
Councilmember Sanchez asked whether scholarships will be accepted as in-kind services. Marcus Rael, Contract Attorney, stated scholarships can be accepted as in-kind services as long as they are provided to low income families.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the legalities of the proposal.
Councilmember Abeyta stated he measured the rooms in the building and his estimate of the square footage was a bit higher than the square footage in the appraisal.
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| William Morris, AICP, PZ&B Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-08 which would authorize Town of Taos staff to pursue all necessary code enforcement actions for a dilapidated structure located at 110 Siler Road, up to and including the total abatement of the site. | |
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Mr. Morris explained approval of this resolution allows staff to proceed with the removal of this hazardous building which is located at 110 Siler Road, owned by Dane Bigby and Bigby Productions, Inc.
Councilmember Abeyta clarified the property owner will receive notice and will have ten days to rectify the matter and if the owner does not rectify the matter, the Town will proceed with the removal process.
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve Resolution 12-08 as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. Mayor Pro Tem Silva abstained due to a potential conflict of interest as he may be contracted to demolish the building. He explained there are only a few demolition contractors in Taos and his business is one of them.
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| D.
| William Morris, AICP, PZ&B Director
Consideration and action to approve Resolution 12-09 which would authorize Town of Taos staff to pursue all necessary code enforcement actions for a dilapidated structure located at 625 Paseo del Norte, up to and including the total abatement of the site. | |
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Mr. Morris explained approval of this resolution allows staff to proceed with the removal of this hazardous building which is located at 625 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, known as "El Pueblo Cafe". He stated the property owner is in the process of selling the property and the building needs to be removed.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Resolution 12-09 as presented. Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. Mayor Pro Tem Silva abstained due to a potential conflict of interest as he may be contracted to demolish the building. He explained there are only a few demolition contractors in Taos and his business is one of them.
Councilmember Abeyta asked when the process will begin to demolish the Hacienda Inn building. Mr. Morris stated, at the advice of the attorneys, an additional structural engineer will need to be hired in order to demolish that building.
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| E.
| Jerry Hogrefe, Interim Chief of Police
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-06, creating a new Pay and Classification plan specifically for the Police Department Certified/Non Certified personnel. | |
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Interim Chief Hogrefe stated the need to address the salaries of the Police Officers has been in the process for many months. He further stated this resolution gives incentives to retain officers and officers must meet certain requirements in order to advance.
Loretta Trujillo, Human Resources Director, reviewed the benefits that will be offered to the Police Officers.
Ms. Fambro explained the salary adjustments will cost the Town about $42,000 per year and stated funding is currently available for the adjustments.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the development of the plan and how it was prepared in comparison to other municipalities.
Mayor Cordova thanked Ms. Trujillo, Interim Chief Hogrefe, Ms. Fambro and Ms. Adame for their commitment to completing this Pay and Classification Plan. He believes this is a step in the right direction and informed all Town employees that this action does not diminish the Council's appreciation for their commitment to the Town.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Resolution 12-06 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, Sanchez, and Quintana.
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Mr. Foster presented Ordinance 12-02 to the Mayor and Council and explained the boundaries of the Arts & Cultural District.
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.
Mayor Pro Tem silva made a motion to approve Ordinance 12-02 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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| 10. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
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Mayor Pro Tem Silva
made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss the following: 1) Limited personnel matters regarding the Interim Town Manager pursuant to NMSA 1978 10-15-1-H.2; and 2) possible land acquisition pursuant to NMSA 1978 10-15-1-H.8.
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.
At 4:04 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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| B.
| Possible Action
Possible action to be taken to extend the terms of Town of Taos Municipal Code 3.84.060: CATEGORIES OF APPOINTMENT, Section 3, which allows for an interim appointment for a period not to exceed six (6) months. | |
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Mayor Cordova stated Ms. Adame's appointment as Interim Town Manager expires February 1, 2012 and recommended extending her appointment for an additional six months.
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to extend the Interim Town Manager's appointment for an additional six months. 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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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 4:08 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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