| 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 1:36 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
Youth Councilmember, Sabrina Dominguez
Also present were:
Interim Town Manager, Abigail Adame
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero
Contract Attorney, Robert White
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Councilmember Quintana led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
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DELETE Item 10.A. Discussion regarding water issues.
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, Sanchez, and Quintana.
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Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the Minutes of December 13, 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, 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 Quintana made a motion to approve the Minutes of January 24, 2012 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 January 26, 2012 Mid Year Organization Meeting 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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Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the Minutes of January 26, 2012 State of the Town Meeting 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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| 6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
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| A.
| Recognition of Taos Middle School Cheerleaders
Mayor Cordova recognized the Taos Middle School Cheerleaders for achieving 1st Place at the Spirit of Hope Cheer Competition which was held at La Cueva High School in Albuquerque on February 4, 2012. | |
| | On behalf of the Town of Taos, Mayor Cordova commended the cheerleaders for their outstanding excellence and hard work toward becoming the leaders of tomorrow.
Taos Middle School Cheerleaders
Spirit of Hope Cheer Competition Champions:
Alex Varos
Anjelica Fresquez
Arriana Gallegos
Ashley Chavez
Ashlynn Silva
Daniella Abeyta
DiAnna Madrid
Donnie Lovato
Felicity Tafoya
Gabbie Perez
Gabriela Winter
Haley Ickes
Heaven Valdez
Mariah Chacon
Marissa Brown
Marissa Gallegos
Miranda Lucero
Moneigh Avalos
Myranda Cordova
Naticia Lucero
Noel Totman
Savannah Leon
Coaches:
Coach Valerie Apodaca
Assistant Coach Rhonda Vernon
Assistant Coach Robyn Vernon |
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Ms. Larson stated the Free Box was a service to assist the poor people in the community and is an essential resource. She further stated she believes the Free Box should remain next to the recycling center and hopes all parties can work together. In addition, Ms. Larson stated she would like to make a PowerPoint presentation at a Town Council Meeting to share her concerns and ideas regarding the Free Box.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva stated it is apparent that all parties are in favor of the Free Box and further stated he would like to see Ms. Larson's PowerPoint presentation on the next Council agenda.
Mayor Cordova stated there are several people signed up to speak under Citizen's Forum; therefore, he will limit each speaker's time to two minutes.
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Mr. Northrup stated he believes there is no need to move Dispatch to the Command Center as the current location is sufficient.
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Ms. ODonnell stated she is disappointed the Free Box no longer exists and further stated many individuals depended on the Free Box to acquire many different types of essential items.
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| D.
| Lucy Perera and Siena Siena Sanderson, Harwood Museum | |
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Ms. Perera and Ms. Sanderson gave an update on the Neighborhood Arts Program and stated the goal of providing the program is to present creative art activities and opportunities for children, youth and families through a positive, accessible, community strengthening program. Ms. Sanderson stated the funding for the program comes from small grants, private donors, family members and businesses within the community as well as throughout the United States. Ms. Perera and Ms. Sanderson requested the continued use of the Town's van for this summer's program.
Mayor Cordova thanked Ms. Perera and Ms. Sanderson for their phenomenal program and sees no problem with using the Town's van. He requested that they contact Abigail Adame, Interim Town Manager, so that she can handle their request administratively.
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Ms. Lokey stated she has received positive feedback regarding the United Space Program which is housed at the Taos County Economic Development Business Park. She further stated she appreciates the community's interest in the youth. She will schedule an appointment with Mayor Cordova to discuss support from the Town.
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Mr. Gusdorf questioned whether services will be improved if Dispatch moves to the Command Center. He stated there may be security problems by subdividing the facility and believes citizens should know the total cost before Council takes action.
Mayor Cordova asked Mr. Gusdorf to schedule a meeting with him so that he can explain the details. Councilmember Sanchez stated he would also like to meet with Mr. Gusdorf.
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Councilmember Sanchez referred to the Design Program which was a study completed for the design of the Command Center. He stated the Town was supposed to get a turn-key, state of the art facility; however, this study indicates the Town will still need to make all adjustments to the building, such as running conduit and fiber. He believes the Town needs to evaluate their current facilities before building new facilities.
Mayor Cordova stated an RFP is being prepared for the analysis of moving dispatch to the Command Center.
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Mr. Lucero stated he is pleased the Town is evaluating the cost to move dispatch to the Command Center. He stated the move should make sense financially and economically. He also stated he believes the surrounding entities must support the move to the command center; otherwise, dispatch should not move.
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Ms. Denevan stated she wants to know how much it will cost to move dispatch to the Command Center and how it will be paid for. She believes the cost will be more than the citizens can afford. She further stated she has not heard the reasons as to why dispatch needs to move.
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Mr. Rodriguez explained that other entities pay a certain percentage for dispatch services and he believes they should have a say as to whether dispatch should move. He further stated he has heard that the other entities do not want dispatch to move.
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Mr. Hall explained he has orally requested public records and has been told his oral requests will not be accepted. He further stated the Assistant Town Attorney has informed him that his requests must be submitted in writing. He stated it is absurd that his oral requests are not being honored. Mayor Cordova stated Mr. Stephens must disclose who he is and submit his requests in writing. He also stated he is well aware of Mr. Stephens demeanor toward the Town Clerk's Office.
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Mr. Girsinham asked that the Mayor and Council be as open as possible when making decisions regarding the Command Center. He believes the Town should not lease the Command Center for dispatch.
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| Valerie Espinoza, Santa Fe County Clerk | |
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Ms. Espinoza introduced herself and stated she is a candidate for Public Regulations Commissioner. She further stated she is familiar with the functions of elected officials as well as the Town Clerk and appreciates everyone support.
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| B.
| Jerry Hogrefe, Interim Chief of Police
Consideration and approval of E-911 Grant Amendment in the amount of $33,782. The Department of Finance and Administration is amending the E-911 Grant due to purchasing a new recording system for the Communications Center. | |
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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval to amend language on the January 24, 2012 Regular Meeting Agenda approving Resolution 12-07 (Budget Adjustment Request). Amendment is as follows: 1) Capital Projects Fund (51) - Increase capital GRT revenues 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. (Actual Resolution was submitted and approved correctly) | |
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| Reappointment of Lodgers Tax Advisory Board Members
Consideration and approval of Mayor's reappointment of Town of Taos Lodgers Tax Board Members Rey Deveaux (tourist/business), Morris Witten (tourist/business) and Chris Smith (lodger) to two year terms. These members’ terms expired December 31, 2011. Note: No meetings of the Lodgers Tax Board have occurred during this expired timeframe. | |
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Councilmember Quintana requested that Item 8.B. removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion.
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 8.B.
Councilmember Quintana asked when the grant will expire. Chief Hogrefe stated June 30, 2012.
Councilmember Quintana stated she is concerned about the costs for Century Link and the 911 Equipment Maintenance. Shirley Lujan, Communications Supervisor, stated those costs are paid by the State of New Mexico.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve item 8.B. 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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| 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. (Continued from the January 24, 2012 Regular Meeting) | |
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Ms. Fambro introduced Bobby Cordova with Accounting and Consulting Group LLP.
Mr. Cordova reviewed the process of conducting the Annual Audit Report. He stated the objective during the process was to ensure the Town's Financial Statements can be relied upon.
Mr. Cordova stated he believes the Town has correctly resolved the four findings from the prior year. He further stated, during the exit conference, staff identified ways to resolve the remaining two findings.
The Council congratulated Ms. Fambro for a job well done.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the Annual Audit Report for the Town of Taos for 2010-2011 Fiscal Year. 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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Debbie Friday Jagers and Chuck Landgraf presented an update regarding the process of the long term lease for Don Fernando Hall. In addition, Ms. Friday Jagers stated HAA has provided numerous in-kind programs to the youth of Taos. She also explained all of the accomplishments of the programs thus far.
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Mr. Foster recommended continuing Resolution 12-12 to the Regular Meeting on February 28, 2012. He stated the plan has received a great deal of public input; however, he would like more time to receive additional public input.
Elmo Baca, Quixote Productions Consulting Company, explained the process in developing the plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva asked if the plan can be amended prior to February 28th if there is an idea or project that the Council would like to add to the plan. Mr. Foster stated the plan can certainly be amended.
Councilmember Quintana stated she believes the plan is a living document and can be easily amended as needed.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to continue Resolution 12-12 to the Regular Council Meeting on February 12, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. 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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| Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-15; approving an application to the State of New Mexico Main Street Program for the development of a Downtown Master Plan. | |
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Mr. Foster stated the grant requires a 10% match and is allocated in the Planning and Zoning Budget.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Resolution 12-15 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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Mr. Yachinich stated the contract will exceed the $25,000 minimum due to major mechanical problems at the ice arena.
Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to authorize spending on Phoenix Mechanical Contract TT-11-202 up to $115,000 for Calendar Year 2012. 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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| F.
| Jerry Hogrefe, Interim Chief of Police
Approval and consideration of emergency purchase of radios and equipment for the Central Communications department (E-911 dispatch) from Val Comm, Inc. Central Communications is in need of purchasing radios and equipment to replace the antiquated equipment that is there now. This purchase is needed immediately to eliminate any chance of the system going down. The purchase amount is $74,162.65. | |
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Chief Hogrefe explained the serious need for the purchase of radios and equipment. He recommended purchasing from Val Comm, Inc. in the amount of $74,162.65 inclusive of GRT.
Ms. Adame clarified Val Comm's bid was on State Contract and expired, which is the reason the purchase is now being presented as an emergency purchase.
Councilmember Sanchez expressed his concern that Motorola's bid was approximately $120,000 higher than Val Comm's. He also stated he is uncomfortable with this purchase being considered an emergency purchase. Mr. Hogrefe stated the equipment is in dire need of an upgrade and he does not want E911 services to be compromised.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the discrepancy between the two quotes and the emergency purchase determination. Mayor Cordova asked Robert White, Contract Attorney, if this purchase can be determined an emergency purchase. Mr. White explained the determination is made by the Town's administrative staff and the Council has the authority to approve it.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the emergency purchase of radios and equipment from Val Comm, Inc. in the amount of 74,162.65 for the Central Communications department (E-911 dispatch). Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion.
For discussion Councilmember Quintana stated she did a walk-through at the dispatch center and observed how antiquated the current equipment is. She further stated it would be detrimental to E911 if the equipment went down.
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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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-13; Budget Adjustment Request: 1) Communications Fund (34) - Decrease unreserved fund balance and increase capital outlay in the amount of $80,000 to make upgrades to the console and radio room equipment at the existing dispatch center. | |
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Ms. Adame asked how much will remain in the unreserved balance after this decrease. Ms. Fambro stated approximately $135,000.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve Resolution 12-13 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 Sanchez. Councilmember Quintana was absent for the vote.
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Mr. Morris stated the purpose of this resolution is to ensure that local businesses will not be negatively impacted by other events occurring during these two holiday weekends.
Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve Resolution 12-02 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. Morris explained Phase II of the Eco Park will include a second soccer field, an additional access off Salazar Road and an additional parking area. Mr. Morris stated the plan includes drainage improvements to the entire site as well as landscaping. Furthermore, Mr. Morris stated the second field will be a synthetic field and it is his understanding it will be identical to the first field.
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve the preliminary design for Phase II of the Eco Park 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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| Councilmember Sanchez
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-16; expressing opposition to the United States Supreme Court ruling in Citizens v. Federal Election Commission concerning corporate campaign spending and requesting Congress to propose and amendment to the United States Constitution. | |
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Councilmember Sanchez introduced William E. Ziranski, Ph.D. Mr. Ziranski stated he represents Move to Amend Group, and explained that the resolution requests the reverse of Citizens United. He thanked the Council for their consideration.
Councilmember Quintana recommended amending the second to the last paragraph by removing the word "and" in the second line.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Resolution 12-16 as amended. Councilmember Sanchez 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 the minutes over the past four years have indicated that he has voted 95% of the time. He stated the only time he has had issues is with regards to Valverde Commons, the Command Center Lease and High Altitude Athletics. He believes he has been very compatible with this Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva thanked Councilmember Sanchez for his expertise during the initial development of the Eco Park. He further stated Councilmember Sanchez has been an asset to the Town.
Mayor Cordova stated this Council took office during the most challenging time; during the economic downturn. He stated the Council has made significant progress and has accomplished many projects together.
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| Resolution 12-01A
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-01A; Amending Resolution 12-01 - Open Meetings Resolution - changing notice requirements from twenty-four hours to seventy-two hours. | |
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Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Resolution 12-01A as amended. 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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Mayor Pro Tem Silva requested that Ms. Adame conduct an internal review to evaluate any wrongdoings that he has done. He requested that she review the votes with regard to the Command Center building and lease. Furthermore, Mayor Pro Tem Silva requested a review of the broadband project to determine whether there were any wrongdoings.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva explained the purpose of this review is to clear his name of the perception that has been created which can affect peoples' livelihoods. He stated if it is determined that he has done wrong he will step down from his position as Councilmember.
Mayor Cordova directed Ms. Adame to work with the Contract Attorney to review the issues as requested by Mayor Pro Tem Silva.
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Councilmember Abeyta stated he would like staff to move forward with the demolition of Hacienda Inn.
Councilmember Abeyta also asked that a Workshop Meeting be scheduled within the next few weeks to evaluate how funds can be obtained to pay for the Eco Park. Mayor Cordova agreed with scheduling a Workshop Meeting separate from a Council Meeting.
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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 4:39 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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