| 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. 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 Julia Espinoza
Also present were:
Interim Town Manager, Abigail Adame
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero
Contract Attorney, Marcus Rael
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Councilmember Gonzales led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. |
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Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve the 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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Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the Minutes of February 27, 2012 as presented. 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 Abeyta made a motion to approve the Minutes of March 8, 2012 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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| 6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
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| A.
| Recognition of Mystic Dance Team
Mayor Cordova recognized the Mystic Dance Team who took two 3rd places in the Tinys and Youth Category and the All Stars who took 1st place, naming them the 2012 International Champions. | |
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| The following individuals spoke during Citizens Forum: | |
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- Jerome Lucero
- Jeff Northrup
- Stephens Hall
- Richard Kuska
- Fritz Hahn
- Matthew Spriggs
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| A.
| Jerry Hogrefe, Interim Chief of Police
Consideration and approval of New Mexico Department of Homeland Security Sub Grant Agreement 2010-SS-TO-0011-Town of Taos. Total award amount of $75,000 to purchase equipment for Central Communications. | |
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| John Thompson, Airport Manager
Consideration and approval to allow the Airport to apply for a Federal Aviation Administration grant in the amount of $94,846 (90%) and apply for and accept a New Mexico Department of Transportation Aviation Division grant in the amount of $5,270 (5%) to cover additional cost to complete the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding the pending airport expansion plans. The Town match for this grant will be $5,270 (5%). The total additional cost to complete the EIS is $100,248 plus 5.125% NMGRT of $5,138 for a total of $105,386. | |
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| John Thompson, Airport Manager
Consideration and approval to allow the Airport to apply for a Federal Aviation Administration grant in the amount of $28,384 (90%) and apply for and accept a New Mexico Department of Transportation Aviation Division grant in the amount of $1,577 (5%) for design only of a two-bay building to house the Airport’s Snow Removal Equipment. The Town match for this grant will be $1,577 (5%). The total cost for the building design is $30,000 plus 5.125% NMGRT of $1,538 for a total of $31,538. | |
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| John Thompson, Airport Manager
Consideration and approval to allow the Airport to apply for and accept a New Mexico Department of Transportation Aviation Division grant in the amount of $4,485 (90%) for airport consumable items. The Town match for this grant will be $499 (10%). The total cost for the needed consumable items is $4,984. | |
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| Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner
Approval of a grant agreement with the NM Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School program. The grant agreement provides engineering assistance to design and prepare cost estimates for infrastructure improvements which are recommended in the Safe Routes to School Action Plans for Enos Garcia Elementary, Taos Charter School, and the Taos Middle School. The purpose of the Safe Routes to School program is to provide safe conditions for school children to walk and ride a bike to and from school. The engineering services will enable up to $250,000 in additional funding for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. | |
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Councilmember Peralta requested that item 8.E. be removed from the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the consent agenda as amended. 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.
Councilmember Peralta asked why the Safe Routes to School Program grant goes to the Town of Taos and not Taos Municipal Schools. Mr. Foster stated after meeting with several different agencies it was decided having the Town manage the grant would be in the best interest of all parties involved.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the grant details.
Item 8.E. Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve a grant agreement with the NM Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School program. 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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| Ron Yachinich, Facilities Services Director
Presentation by Taos Sports Alliance regarding Taos Eco Park programming for April 2012. Highlights include the 2nd Annual NCAA and Club Soccer Showcase on Saturday, April 14, 2012 and Saturday, April 21, 2012, as well as the Taos Rush 3 v 3 Soccer Tournament on Sunday, April 29, 2012. | |
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Mr. Israel informed the Council about several upcoming events planned at Taos Eco Park. The Councilmembers thanked Mr. Israel for a job well done and for his work on coordinating such events at Taos Eco Park.
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Mr. Reyes presented a very detailed report regarding the Broadband Project and other projects. He stated the goal of Kit Carson Electric is to create jobs and to create one of the most successful wireless systems in the country.
Furthermore, Mr. Reyes stated the Regional Command Center is in operation and all back-ups are in working condition. He also stated Los Alamos National Laboratories will soon begin an independent study to determine relocation costs. When the study is complete, it will be provided to Kit Carson Electric. Mr. Reyes requested that Council consider the move of dispatch to the Command Center based on the needs of the public while setting politics aside.
The Mayor and Council thanked Mr. Reyes for his presentation and for having the foresight to address the needs of the community.
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Ms. Connelly informed the Council that the Public Affairs & Marketing Department, Town of Taos, has been awarded a $100,000 grant by Google Adwords for the 2012 traveler education theme, The Remarkable Women of Taos & Northern New Mexico, general Taos tourism, and our Museum Association of Taos. The $10,000 per month online positioning funds ($329 a day) will be spent on online Google ads (pay-per-click positioning) to drive even more , targeted potential visitors to Taos' official visitor site, www.Taos.org. In this way new online visitors will explore all the various reasons they should visit Taos, educating them about all we offer. The type of adword terms that can be used are tightly focused by the grant guidelines, and different campaigns are being run to appropriately take advantage of this wonderful new grant. Mayor Pro Tem Silva thanked Ms. Connelly for her hard work in obtaining the grant for the Town of Taos. |
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| Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Consideration and approval to award Bid No. 11-12-10 to Vigils Contracting Services, Inc. for the construction of the Recycling Center expansion. Award of contract will be in the amount of $222,866.25 inclusive of NMGRT. Award includes the base bid in the amount of $146,000, alternate #1 in the amount of $19,000, and alternate #2 in the amount of $41,000 and NMGRT of $16,866.25. Project supported out of line item 65-31-45002 (budgeted amount $230,000). | |
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Mr. Espinoza stated the project will include the construction of an additional bay, upgrades to the electrical system to accept the installation of a solar array structure and renovations to the existing building. He further stated the contractor is from Española, New Mexico and indicated no local bids were received. In addition, Mr. Espinoza made an attempt to personally contact local bidders and was unsuccessful.
Councilmember Peralta asked where the funding for the project will come from. Mr. Espinoza stated funding will come from the Solid Waste Fund.
Councilmember Abeyta encouraged local contractors to submit bids for these types of projects.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to award Bid No. 11-12-10 to Vigils Contracting Services, Inc. for the construction of the Recycling Center expansion. 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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Mayor Pro Tem Silva asked what is the mileage of the truck. Chief Montoya stated the truck has 3,697 miles and has warranty for up to 39,697 miles.
Councilmember Gonzales asked if the truck will meet the needs of the Fire Department. Chief Montoya stated yes.
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to enter into a contract with Grande Truck Center in the amount of $125,000 for the purchase of a Skeeter Brush Truck. 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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| 10. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
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| Resolution 12-01B
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-01B; Amending Resolution 12-01A - Open Meetings Resolution amendment - changing the time of Regular Town Council Meetings from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | |
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Mayor Cordova explained that members of the Council have expressed their desire to move Regular Town Council meetings from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. He stated after the last election a survey was mailed to the Town's utility customers asking them whether they preferred meetings at 1:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. He asked Ms. Adame to elaborate on the results of the survey.
Ms. Adame recalled the result of the survey was to keep the meetings at 1:30 p.m. She further indicated that she directed Renee Lucero, Town Clerk, to research the number of attendees during Council Meetings that were held at 6:30 p.m. and at 1:30 p.m. and it appears that attendance has remained the same; she further indicated that perhaps even more citizens attend at 1:30 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva and Councilmember Peralta stated they believe having meetings at 6:30 p.m. is more convenient for their constituents. Councilmember Peralta further stated he believes attendance was better when meetings were held at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmember Abeyta stated he believes attendance has been better since moving the meetings to 1:30 p.m. He also expressed his concern about the welfare of the employees who will be required to stay for the meetings at 6:30 p.m. and are then required to go to work the next morning at 8:00 a.m. Councilmember Gonzales shared Councilmember Abeyta's concerns about the welfare of the employees.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the time change.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve Resolution 12-01B as presented. Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Peralta and Gonzales. Voting NAY was: Councilmember Abeyta.
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Mayor Pro Tem Silva stated it has come to his attention that a particular individual has been making public records requests at the Town Clerk's Office and because of his actions, he has made the two employees uncomfortable. He asked whether there is a way to monitor the Clerk's Office for their protection.
Ms. Adame stated the issue has been discussed with the Contract Attorney and consequently, this individual must comply with certain procedures when requesting records. Furthermore, she stated if the two employees continue to feel uncomfortable with the individual then police presence will be requested.
Mayor Cordova stated for informational purposes, the Town Clerk's Office receives more public records request than most municipalities in the state including the City of Las Cruces. He emphasized that citizens must abide by the Town Clerk's protocol when requesting records. He further stated the employees in the Town Clerk's Office fully comply with the Inspection of Public Records Act and go above and beyond to provide records in a timely manner.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva asked if it would be appropriate to evaluate whether a security clearance is needed at Town Hall in an effort to protect all Town Hall employees. Mayor Cordova stated the issue can be evaluated.
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Councilmember Abeyta stated, as a public safety issue, the Hacienda Inn building needs to be demolished. He further stated it is long overdue, there is graffiti all over the building and the structure of the building is unsafe. Councilmembers Peralta and Gonzales agreed.
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| Youth Councilmember Espinoza | |
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Youth Councilmember Espinoza stated she is concerned about the economy and job availability in Taos, which has forced many young citizens to leave Taos.
Mayor Cordova stated during the upcoming budget cycle, the Town will be evaluating funding for non-profit organizations who provide youth initiatives.
Councilmember Gonzales stated there is a program through the Department of Labor in partnership with many businesses using stimulus funds to employee the youth.
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Councilmember Peralta
made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss threatened or pending litigation regarding a contract between the Town of Taos and AUI, Inc., pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, NMSA 10-15-1.H(7).
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 4:45 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 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.
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| Possible Action regarding Executive Session Item
Consideration and approval of Change Order Request 12C to contract #TT-10-192 with AUI, Inc. Change Order Request 12C is for the scope changes of the GE equipment that was owner provided. Change Order request is in the amount of $73,258.94 plus NMGRT for a total of $78,477.94. Included in this Change Order request is 76 calendar days added to the contract. This item is to be paid out of Line item 81-45-45001. | |
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Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve Change Order Request 12C to contract #TT-10-192 with AUI, Inc. 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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A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Silva
and seconded by Councilmember Gonzales to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 4:54 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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