| 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 6:37 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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Mayor Pro Tem Silva led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Mayor Cordova requested that Item 10.A. be moved to Item 6.C.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the 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.
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Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve the Minutes of April 10, 2012 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 April 19, 2012 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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| 6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
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| | Mayor Cordova presented certificates of Achievement to the High Altitude Athletics Gymnastics Team who qualified and placed in the 2011-2012 State Championships. Team members are as follows:
Level 3- 3rd Place at State Championships
Ciara Salazar
Karyssa Gutierrez
Arianna Gutierrez
Iliana Archuleta
Zoe Landgraf
Lexi Gordon
Maddy Steinberg
Ksha Crowfeather, Level 3- Vault State Champion
Alyx Mastor, Level 3- All Around State Champion
Kaira Romero, Level 3- All Around State Champion
Level 4-
Maya Forte
Chloe Bouchie-Muller
Ali Gersten
Kristianna Garcia
Chloe Rojas-Grainger
Lilith Lewis
Ciara Murphy, Level 4- Vault State Champion
Level 5- 5th place at State Championships
Emily Espinoza
Lucia Shorr
Shaylee Miera
Level 6-
Lena Heino
Jackie Jagers, Level 6- Floor State Champion
Abby Gunther, Level 6- All Around State Champion |
| | Mayor Cordova presented certificates of recognition to Leo Valencia, Henry Sandoval and Michael Torrez from the Town of Taos Transit Division who participated and placed in the Annual New Mexico Passenger Transportation Association ROAD-E-O at Buffalo Thunder on April 15, 2012. |
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- Hank Friedman
- Jeff Northrup
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| A.
| George Jaramillo, Library Director
Consideration and approval to allow the Taos Public Library to accept from the Universal Services Administrative Company, a federal granting agency of the Federal Communications Commission, the following E-rate grant allocations: Telecommunications Service $2052 (90%), Internet Access $ 4572 (90%), Internal Connections $80,595.48 (90%). The grants will supplement the library’s cost for telecommunications, internet access (including wireless), and provide funding to upgrade the technology infrastructure of the library to meet current and future demands for internet connectivity. The total town match, budgeted in 2011 – 2012, for all three grants is $8,721.95. | |
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| George Jaramillo, Library Director
Consideration and approval to award the Universal Service Administrative Company, granting agency for the Federal Communications Commission, grant of $72,535.93 to Harris Technology Services, Inc. out of Rio Rancho, NM. Harris Technology will provide upgrades and new installations in the following areas: installing and programming new switches, mount controller and access points, wireless configurations to latest controller version, configure security, configure and install latest version of the firewall, test internet access, and Install 150 Cat 6 network drops. The library followed the Federal RFP process in its search to award the contract. | |
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| Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director
Consideration and approval of the purchase of a Genie lift Model No. Z-45/25, 4WD RT Articulating Z Boom Lift in the amount of $60,222. This purchase will be made off of HGAC Contract No. CM02-11 as awarded to Equipment Depot LTD. This purchase will be made out of Line Item 51-11-45008. | |
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| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Approval of Resolution 12-25 Budget Adjustment Request: 1) Facilities Improvements Fund (50) - Decrease capital outlay from Convention Paint/Plaster project (50-64) and increase interfund transfer out to Fund 51 in the amount of $60,500 for the purchase of a new Genie Lift; 2) Capital Improvements Fund (51) - Increase capital outlay and interfund transfer in from Fund 50 in the amount of $60,500 for the purchase of a new Genie Lift; 3) Vehicle Replacement Fund (51) - Decrease capital outlay and increase operating expense in the amount of $12,711 for the purchase 2 in Car-cameras and 1 Stalker radar for the older units. | |
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Councilmember Peralta requested that more supporting documentation be placed in the agenda packets in order to assist him with his decisions when acting on items.
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda 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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| A.
| Abigail Adame, Interim Town Manager
Consideration and approval of Ordinance 12-05; An Ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of Taos authorizing and approving a Lease Agreement with High Altitude Athletics (HAA) for 124 Civic Plaza Drive. | |
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Ms. Friday Jagers explained that the Town's Contract Attorney and HAA's attorney have agreed to a few minor changes to the lease. She further explained the lease includes language referencing the fact that HAA has made lease payments during the past two months in the amount of $2,000 per month which is $500 over the amount set forth in the lease of $1,500. Therefore, due to this overpayment, HAA requests that the lease amount during the months of May and June, 2012 be in the amount of $1,000 instead of $1,500.
Ms. Friday Jagers continued and stated HAA would like to be advised of any modifications to the building to ensure the modifications fit the needs of HAA.
Ms. Adame asked whether the space will be used only for the gymnastics program or will it also include space for spectators. Ms. Friday-Jagers stated HAA has requested that their architect submit a Spectator Use Egress Plan which was approved in accordance with Town Code. Therefore, in addition to the gymnastics program, Ms. Friday-Jagers stated the space will be used for spectators.
Eric Montoya, Administrative Fire Chief, stated HAA has submitted a plan for spectator use; however, it has not gone through all the approvals. He further stated staff needs to evaluate the occupancy of the spectator space and ensure it will be in compliance with the Town Code.
A lengthy discussion ensued with regard to the spectator space requested by HAA and the Town's Development Review Committee's assessment of the plan. The Mayor and Council gave direction to staff to ensure that they do everything possible to assist HAA with providing spectator space while keeping in compliance with Town Code.
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.
Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve Ordinance 12-05 to include Exhibit C - Terms of Improvements and Exhibit D - Egress Plan. 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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| B.
| Loretta Trujillo, Human Resources Director
Consideration and approval of Ordinance 12-06; An ordinance adopting changes to Town of Taos Municipal Code(s) 3.64.050-Compensation and Benefits; 3.64.110-Termination and Severance Pay; 3.88.060-Personal Leave; and 3.124.080-Vehicle Allowance. | |
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Ms. Trujillo presented Ordinance 12-06 to the Mayor and Council.
The Mayor and Council discussed proposed changes to the Ordinance for further clarification. On page 2 of 7, the Council requested 3.64.110 Paragraph B. be separated into two paragraphs; the first paragraph will outline the severance pay benefits for the Town Clerk, Finance Director, and Chief of Police. The second paragraph will outline the severance pay benefits for the Town Manager and Town Attorney.
The Council also directed staff to include clarifying language as to how the Town Manager and Town Attorney accrue their severance pay.
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to accept the amendments as discussed. 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.
Ms. Trujillo requested the following typographical errors be changed:
- Page 3, first paragraph, last sentence: sentence should read "Payment shall be made to this employee by the town within thirty (30) calendar days....";
- Page 7, paragraph F.: change amount from $6,500 to $6,600.
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.
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve Ordinance 12-06 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, Peralta and Gonzales.
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| C.
| William Morris, AICP, PZ&B Director
Consideration and approval of Ordinance 12-08; Amending Town of Taos Code Section 9.28, Property Offenses, specifically Section 9.28.110, Graffiti. | |
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Mr. Morris presented Ordinance 12-08 and stated the proposed modifications separate criminal activities from civil issues. Furthermore, Mr. Morris stated the time for a property owner to abate graffiti is proposed to be reduced from 15 days to 7 days, after which staff will cover the graffiti and charge the property owner.
Additionally, Mr. Morris stated the proposed modifications also include assigning duties to the "Town" rather than any certain employee because individual titles change.
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.
Councilmember Gonzales referred to the memorandum attached to the ordinance outlining the Code Enforcement Process and requested that the memorandum be posted on the Town's website to notify constituents.
Councilmember Peralta stated the memorandum does not outline a process on how reports are sent to the Police Department so that they can create a criminal case to be prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office. Interim Chief Hogrefe stated the memorandum will be amended adding a process outlining how cases are prosecuted.
Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve Ordinance 12-08 amending the memorandum which outlines the Code Enforcement Process as discussed. 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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| 10. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
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| A.
| Airport Advisory Board Appointment
Appointment of Tim Cottam to the Airport Advisory Board (AAB) to replace resigning member Richard Nichols for the remainder of Mr. Nichols’ term in accordance with Town Code 2.12. Term will expire in October, 2013. | |
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THIS ITEM WAS MOVED TO ITEM 6.C.
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve the appointment 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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| B.
| Out of State Travel Request
Consideration and approval of Out of State Travel for Mayor Darren Cordova and Councilmember Andrew Gonzales to attend the NALEO Annual Conference on June 21 - 23, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. Total estimated travel expenses are $4,045 ($2,022.50 each); Registration fees are $1,000 ($500 each). Request to travel on actual expenses. Moneys are budgeted in Fiscal Year 2011-12 budget under Line Item 11-24-42001. Issues to be discussed are education policy, health policy, financial policy and immigration issues. | |
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Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel Request 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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Councilmember Abeyta directed Ms. Adame to ensure that the Bigbee Building demolition is moving forward.
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| D.
| Councilmember Gonzales | |
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Councilmember Gonzales thanked staff for their work in moving the Graffiti Ordinance forward.
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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 8:39 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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