| 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 1:32 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, Frederick A. Peralta
Councilmember, Andrew T. Gonzales
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 Peralta led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Mayor Cordova requested that Item 12, Executive Session, be moved to the Executive Session scheduled after Approval of Agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the Agenda as amended. Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
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Councilmember Peralta
made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss limited personnel matters regarding appointment of the five at-will positions pursuant to NMSA 1978 10-15-1-H.2. and possible land acquisition or development of the Taos Gravel Pit pursuant to NMSA 10-15-1.H.
Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was confirmed by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
At 3:10 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Silva
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 Abeyta
seconded the motion. The motion was confirmed by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
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Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the Minutes of February 14, 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, Peralta and Gonzales.
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| 6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
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Due to concerns with the Town Code relating to the appointment of officers , Mayor Cordova recommended tabling this item until the ordinance is amended. He further stated, this will allow him time to negotiate the terms of the appointees based on the amendment. Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to table the item. Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
Mayor Cordova stated he will present names of the appointees at a future date and directed Ms. Adame to work on amending the ordinance as soon as possible. |
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| APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR PRO TEMPORE
Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem pursuant to 3.32.040 of the Town Code which states: the town councilors shall, at the organizational meeting after the regular municipal election, elect from their own body a mayor pro tempore to act in the absence of the mayor, except as may otherwise be provided by law or ordinance. | |
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Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to appoint Michael S. Silva as Mayor Pro Tem. Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
Mayor Cordova clarified the appointment may be changed at any time through Council action.
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Due to the number of citizens signed in to speak under Citizens Forum, Mayor Cordova limited comments to two minutes per person.
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Ms. Weil stated she is representing a group of Taosenos who are against the use of tire crumbs in the Town's playgrounds. She further stated she will not go back to the playground unless they are removed because the tire crumbs get stuck in her child's clothes and is eaten by the child. She asked that it be removed.
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Ms. Anaya spoke in favor of the Free Box and stated many people need it desperately, especially those who do not have jobs.
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Ms. Reeve stated she is concerned about the safety of the children who play in tire crumbs. She believes there is not enough information regarding the long-term effects. Furthermore, she is concerned that the wetlands and watershed at Fred Baca Park could be negatively effected by the tire crumbs.
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Ms. Johnson stated she is concerned about her young child who went to the playground on a daily basis. She stated the tire crumbs smell bad and indicated that there is not enough information regarding the long-term health effects. Furthermore, she stated hundreds of signatures have been collected from people who are opposed to use of tire crumbs.
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Mr. Northrup stated it is inconsiderate for the Governing Body to conduct an Executive Session at the beginning of a Council Meeting and decrease the time for citizens to speak during Citizens Forum from five minutes to two minutes. Furthermore, he hopes the new Council takes a fresh approach when deciding whether to move dispatch to the Command Center.
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| F.
| Youth Councilmember Espinoza | |
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Youth Councilmember Espinoza welcomed the two new Councilmembers and discussed the Senior Graduation Project. She stated she would like the Council to assist with public service announcements and a short documentary regarding the wants and needs of the youth in Taos. She also requested the Council's support by emailing contacts and other ideas to her.
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Mr. Hall requested that a Special Meeting be scheduled to allow him the opportunity to defend himself because he was called a liar. Furthermore, he discussed his difficulties in acquiring public records at the Town Clerk's Office.
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Ms. Cortez stated her job is to connect young people with the outdoors. She does this at the national level and at the local level. She is concerned about the tire crumbs and further stated due to the epidemic in childhood obesity and diabetes, children need safe places to play outside.
Mayor Cordova thanked the citizens for voicing their concerns regarding the tire crumb issue. He assured the citizens that their concerns are being considered as the Town is evaluating the issue.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva also assured the citizens that their concerns are not being taken lightly which is the reason the installation of tire crumbs at Fred Baca Park has been halted until further research is conducted.
Councilmember Gonzales stated he is committed to addressing these concerns for the benefit of the children of Taos.
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| A.
| Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director
Consideration and approval to purchase 3 vehicles from Bob Turner Ford. Bid request 11-12-12 was advertised on February 9, 2012 and bids were opened on February 29, 2012. Requests for bids was for two types of vehicles. Three bids were received, with Bob Turner being the low bidder on both types of vehicles. Request is to purchase 2 4X4 pick-up trucks F-150 with a price of $24,824 per vehicle and 1 4X4 SUV Ford Escape with a price of $26,532. for a total award amount of $76,180 to Bob Turner Ford. Vehicle pricing shall be good for up to a one year period from date of bid opening allowing the Town to utilize pricing for future purchases. | |
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Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
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Christopher Heron, on behalf of Friends of the Free Box, gave a Power Point Presentation and discussed the need for a Free Box in Taos. Mr. Heron presented a new design for the Free Box which includes a drop-off box to be used after hours. Furthermore, Mr. Heron proposed that the Free Box be housed at the Town's Recycling Center and be staffed by volunteers.
Francisco "French" Espinoza, presented data he has collected with regard to the condition of the Free Box prior to closing. He believes the Free Box is a health hazard and provided photos indicating that staff has found syringes, prescription medication, people sleeping, and stray dogs at the Free Box. He further stated the unfortunate death of a child occurred at the Free Box. In addition, Mr. Espinoza stated the Free Box has absorbed an enormous amount of staff time maintaining it.
Furthermore, Mr. Espinoza recalled several times when he was told that the Free Box would be staffed with volunteer's; however, on several occasion staff called the police either on the volunteers or during times when volunteers were staffing the Free Box.
Councilmember Peralta asked if the Town has considered baling the textiles and shipping them out. Mr. Espinoza stated the Town's baler does not bale textiles. He further stated over the last several years, he has attempted to deal with the textiles in many ways. He tried to send the textiles to Taos' sister-city in Mexico and was met with resistance; he tried contacting UNICEF but they had no interest in it; and he attempted to use the textiles as rags for the fleet mechanics only to discover that the textiles needed to be laundered and sanitized before utilization.
Councilmember Gonzales asked if the photos which were presented were taken on a regular basis. Mr. Espinoza stated the photos were taken during a two month period on a daily basis.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva stated it is clear from the photos provided that the Free Box was not maintained and is unsafe. He further stated he had requested that Melissa Larson provide solutions during the presentation; however, solutions were not provided. Furthermore, he recognizes there is a need for a Free Box; however, it cannot continue to operate in the manner it was.
Ms. Adame recommended keeping the Free Box closed and requested clear direction from the Mayor and Council.
Mayor Cordova stated he believes the Free Box is needed; however, he does not believe the Town should take the lead. He stated perhaps the Town could provide funding on a yearly basis to a private entity. Councilmember Gonzales agreed.
Councilmember Peralta stated he does not see a clear solution from the Friends of the Free Box and would like to see a definite plan with solutions to the problems at the Free Box.
Melissa Larson stated she believes the Free Box should be placed on public land and has proposals that provide solutions.
Mayor Cordova directed staff to continue with the closure of the Free Box and stated the Town would like to see a non-profit agency take the lead on re-opening it.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva stated he sees the need for the Free Box and would like the Town to further explore options and find solutions with the Friends of the Free Box. Mayor Cordova asked Ms. Larson to schedule a meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Silva to discuss solutions.
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| B.
| Ron Yachinich, Facilities Services Director
Briefing from Ron Usherwood, Executive Director, on the Taos Community Auditorium's request to apply for a Government Liquor License through the Town of Taos for alcohol service at the Taos Community Auditorium. | |
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Mr. Usherwood stated the space at Taos Community Auditorium (TCA) has become a premiere space and many patrons have asked to have wine served during events. He stated serving wine would also generate money toward their budget. Furthermore, he stated TCA constantly loses bookings to other venues that serve beer and wine during events. He assured the Council that if TCA were allowed a Governmental Liquor License under the Town of Taos, the TCA would only serve beer and wine (not alcohol) and would also not serve during children's events or during movie series.
Councilmember Peralta asked whether a distinct outline has been prepared indicating the responsibility of both parties. Mr. Yachinich stated an outline has not been prepared; however, all details will be worked out if the Council was in favor of allowing TCA to move forward with exploring the details.
The Council was in favor of the concept and directed Mr. Usherwood to provide additional details at a later date.
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Staff recommends the following closing of Civic Plaza Drive from the intersection of Camino de la Placita to the intersection of Bedford Street and the Taos Plaza to vehicular traffic to protect and ensure the safety of the expected pedestrian participants:
-16th Annual Children's Halloween Party at Rio Grande Hall and Bataan Hall on Saturday, October 27, 2012 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Staff would like to close the roadway from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
-26th Annual Yuletide Caroling and Tree Lighting at Taos Plaza on Friday, November 30, 2012 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Staff would like to close the Taos Plaza to vehicular traffic from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
-Taos Auto Enthusiasts Car Club Autumn Run Street Dance at Taos Plaza on Saturday, August 25, 2012 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. They would like to close the Taos Plaza to vehicular traffic from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- University of New Mexico Graduation at Rio Grande Hall and Bataan Hall on Friday, May 11, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. They would like to close the roadway from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve the road closures 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, Peralta and Gonzales.
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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-18; A resolution of the Town Council authorizing signature authority for designated bank accounts of the Town of Taos. This change will remove Councilmember Amy Quintana and replace with Councilmember Rudy C. Abeyta. | |
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Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve Resolution 12-18 as presented. Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-17; Mid-year budget adjustment request for various departments. The mid-year budget adjustment process allows us to view what we have spent in this case the first seven months and what we need to budget for the next five months of the fiscal year. Our gross receipts revenues have seen an increase of 2.60% through the first seven months of the fiscal year based on actual budgeted numbers. All other general fund revenues are on track as estimated at the beginning of the fiscal year. | |
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Councilmember Peralta referred to the transfer of funds in the Water Rights Fund for Capital Outlay (Land) and stated the Water Rights Fund was created for the sole purpose of purchasing water rights. He asked whether it was permissible to use those funds for land. Ms. Fambro stated the previous Town Attorney provided a legal opinion indicating it was permissible to use the Water Rights Funds for land. Mayor Cordova directed Ms. Adame to provide the Town Attorney's legal opinion to Councilmember Peralta.
Councilmember Peralta expressed concern that the car wash (located at Public Works) is again being remodeled and a lengthy discussion ensued with regard to whether there is a benefit to keeping the car wash in operation.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva stated he believes the car wash is a good investment and explained that the car wash serves at least 100 vehicles on a weekly basis saving the Town approximately $5 per car per week for a total of $26,000 per year.
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve Resolution 12-17 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, Peralta and Gonzales.
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| Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Consideration and approval to purchase a Two Ram Auto Tie Baler to be housed at the Town of Taos Recycling Facility. Purchase will be made off of GSA price agreement Contract # GS-07F-5447P (ends: Nov. 23, 2013), in the amount of $170.936.89. Purchase will be made out of Line Item 65-31-44-005 (budgeted amount $171,000.00). | |
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Councilmember Gonzales asked how much the existing baler is worth. Mr. Espinoza stated he believes the baler will be appraised at approximately $35,000 to $45,000. He further stated he plans to place the baler on public auction.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the purchase of a Two Ram Auto Tie Baler to be housed at the Town of Taos Recycling Facility. Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
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| Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Approval to purchase a new Skidsteer Loader from Adobe Truck and Equipment, Skidsteer will be used at the Town of Taos Recycling Facility. Purchase will be made through HGAC Contract EM06-1, the purchase amount for the new Case SV250 $43,810.00, budgeted amount is $45,000.00. Purchase will be made out of Line Item 65-31-44005. | |
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Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the purchase a new Skidsteer Loader from Adobe Truck and Equipment, Skidsteer will be used at the Town of Taos Recycling Facility. Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
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Mr. Morris stated Ms. Spray would like the opportunity to meet with Councilmembers Peralta and Gonzales and present at another Council Meeting.
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Mayor Cordova recommended continuing Ordinance 12-04 to another meeting to allow the newly elected Councilmembers to review the ordinance and receive input from their constituents.
Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve continue Ordinance 12-04 to the Regular Town Council Meeting on May 22, 2012. Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Peralta and Gonzales.
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| 11. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
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Councilmember Peralta stated he would like the Council to consider changing the meeting times to 6:30 p.m. to benefit both the Council and the citizens of Taos. Mayor Cordova directed Ms. Adame to amend the Open Meetings Resolution and bring it back to Council for consideration.
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Mayor Cordova stated Taos County Economic Development District, Ancianos and the Hospital Board would like a Governing Body member to sit on their boards. He asked Ms. Adame to send an email to the Council informing them of the details so that they can decide whether they will be able to sit on one of the boards.
In addition, Mayor Cordova announced that May 11, 2012 is Town of Taos Clean Up Day in which all Town employees and Governing Body members clean and beautify the Town.
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A motion was made by
Councilmember Peralta and seconded by Councilmember Gonzales to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 5:08 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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