| 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:
Town Manager, Oscar Rodriguez
Assistant Town Manager, Abigail Adame
Town Attorney, C. Brian James
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero
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Councilmember Gonzales led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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ADD Item 5.E. Briefing by Jim Fambro, Volunteer Fire Chief, regarding the recent fire at an old historic building in Taos.
ADD Item 9.A. Executive Session to discuss pending litigation regarding the Affordable Housing lawsuit pursuant to NMSA 1978 10-15-1-H(7).
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve the 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, Peralta and Gonzales.
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Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve the Minutes of July 10, 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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Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve the Minutes of July 17, 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 July 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, Peralta and Gonzales.
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Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the Minutes of July 31, 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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| E.
| Jim Fambro, Volunteer Fire Chief | |
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Mr. Fambro stated the fire at the Holy Cross Convent, which is an historic building in Taos, was started intentionally and took ten hours to extinguish. The fire is still under investigation. He further stated there was a great response from area fire departments, but unfortunately, two firefighters were injured in freak accidents while fighting the fire. Furthermore, he stated the effort between the thirty-four fire fighters was amazing and they did their best.
Mayor Cordova complimented the volunteers and staff for their level of commitment. He stated it was painful to see all the water (900 gallons) that was used to extinguish the fire.
Each Councilmember expressed their appreciation to the firefighters for their dedication to the community.
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| A.
| The following individual spoke during Citizens Forum: | |
| A.
| Contract TT-13-31 with Humane Society
Approval of Contract TT-13-31 with the Humane Society dba Stray Hearts in the amount of $90,000 for the intake and care of all animals taken to their facility by the Town Animal Control Officer. (RFP 08-09-12; Line item 11-14-44005) (By Jerry Hogrefe, Chief of Police) | |
| B.
| New Mexico Clean and Beautiful Grant
Consideration and approval to accept New Mexico Clean and Beautiful Gant No. 13-418-6001-0052 in the amount of $6,900, from the New Mexico Department of Tourism, and authorization for the Mayor to enter into a grant agreement. This grant will be used for litter eradication and beautification projects in Taos. There is no cash match for this project, in-kind services are valued at $19,600. (By Ron Yachinich, Facilities Services Director with Miranda Quintana, Grants Administrator) | |
| C.
| Resolution 12-46
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-46 to accept Federal Aviation Administration Grant No. 3-35-0041-025-2012 in the amount of $94,846 for the completion of the Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision for Taos Regional Airport and authorization for the Mayor to enter into the contract. (By John Thompson, Airport Manager with Miranda Quintana, Grants Administrator) | |
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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.
| Presentation by Taos Little League
Presentation by Taos Little League regarding the positive economic impacts, through generation of gross receipts and lodgers’ taxes, of the Major League State Baseball Tournament held July 20-28, 2012. Tournament was held at AJ Martinez Baseball Field in the Town of Taos Kit Carson Park. (By Cathy Connelly, Tourism and Marketing Director) | |
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Miguel Quintana, President of Taos Little League, stated Taos Little League was host to the annual Major League State Baseball Tournament from July 20, 2012 through July 28, 2012. He stated visitors traveled from all over the state and stayed in Taos and many even attend the Annual Taos Fiestas. Furthermore, according to a survey conducted by Taos Little League, the total expenses incurred by visitors in the community were $253,296.
Mayor Cordova stated this tournament is a great economic boost for Taos. He explained Little League International schedules the tournament and he has been informed by the Taos Fiesta Council that they are willing to change the date of the Fiestas to accommodate this tournament.
Mr. Quintana asked the Mayor and Council to consider providing funding to Taos Little League during the next funding cycle as the league serves all communities throughout Taos County, with the exception of Questa.
The Council expressed their support of Taos Little League and thanked them for their dedication to the children of the community.
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| B.
| Resolution 12-44
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-44; Budget Adjustment Request for Fiscal Year End June 30, 2012. This budget adjustment request balances all line items and funds to end of year final expenditure amounts. (By Marietta Fambro, Finance Director) | |
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Ms. Fambro reviewed the Year End budget adjustment summary.
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve Resolution 12-44 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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| C.
| Resolution 12-47
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-47 entering into a Cooperative Agreement with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT). The total project cost of $58,155 will be funded proportionally by the NMDOT at 75% of $43,616 and the Town of Taos at 25% or $14,539 for Project Number SP-5-13(194) for the reconstruction, drainage improvements and pavement of various local streets within the control of the Town of Taos. (By Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director) | |
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Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve Resolution 12-47 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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| D.
| Resolution 12-48
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-48; Waiver of employee or immediate family member contracting with the Town of Taos. The waiver allows the Town of Taos to contract with Alex R. Abeyta of Abeyta Engineering Inc., for engineering services. Alex R. Abeyta is related to Councilmember Rudy C. Abeyta. (By Francisco "French" Espinoza, Public Works Director) | |
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Mayor Pro Tem Silva asked how long the resolution will be in effect for. Mayor Cordova stated a resolution is presented to the Council every time there is a new contract or a new scope.
Councilmember Peralta asked if the contract has been negotiated. Ms. Adame stated the contract has not yet been negotiated.
Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve Resolution 12-48 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 Peralta and Gonzales. Councilmember Abeyta abstained because his brother is Alex R. Abeyta.
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| E.
| Resolution 12-49
Consideration and approval of Resolution 12-49; Approving the final quarterly report year ending June 30, 2012. (By Marietta Fambro, Finance Director) | |
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Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve Resolution 12-49 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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| F.
| Resolution 12-50
Consideration and possible approval of Resolution 12-50: Budget Adjustment Request to 1) Decrease personnel services - Police Department in the General Fund by $10,000 and increase interfund transfer out to Community Grants Fund in the same amount to cover an additional amount for the Eco Park Management contract; 2) Decrease personnel services - Police Department by $34,691 and revert to the General Fund unreserved fund balance; 3) Increase via interfund transfer from the General Fund to the Community Grants Fund by $10,000 for the above stated purpose. (By Marietta Fambro, Finance Director) | |
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Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve Resolution 12-50 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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| G.
| Contract TT-13-49 with Taos Sports Alliance
Consideration and approval of Contract TT-13-49 with Taos Sports Alliance (TSA) in the amount of $85,000.00 inclusive of GRT. This contract is for the purpose of marketing and management of the Taos Eco Park in conjunction with the Mayor and Council's priority of economic development through sports and event related tourism and the infrastructure development for our community. (By Brian Greer, Director of Taos Youth and Family Center) | |
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Councilmember Peralta stated it was his understanding the funding for the contract had been approved at $75,000 rather than $85,000 that is being proposed. He asked whether the additional amount of $10,000 is for the maintenance of the interior of the field. Mr. Rodriguez explained during the budget approval, the Council approved $75,000 for the TSA Contract and it was assumed, at the time, that an additional $10,000 had been allocated to pay for the special maintenance of the field in order to maintain the FIFA Certification. Upon further evaluation of the budget, Mr. Rodriguez discovered the $10,000 had not been allocated but has since been identified in another budget. He recommends the special maintenance of the field be provided by TSA.
Councilmember Peralta stated he believes the use of the $10,000 should be outlined in the contract so that it is not spent elsewhere. Mr. Rodriguez explained the contract allows TSA to use the $10,000 elsewhere (such as marketing of the park) if they obtain donations for the maintenance of the field.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the requirement to keep the field FIFA Certified.
Councilmember Gonzales asked if the town is going to maintain the exterior of the field. Mr. Rodriguez stated the Town is responsible for the maintenance of the exterior of the field.
Councilmember Abeyta stated this contract moves the Town in the right direction in assisting with economic development and promoting the health and wellbeing of the youth.
Mr. Rodriguez stated this contract makes it clear that the Town wants TSA to grow and do well and generate any activity that they can create.
Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve Contract TT-13-49 with Taos Sports Alliance 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 and Gonzales. Voting NAY was Councilmember Peralta.
Councilmember Peralta stated, although he agrees with the contract and its purpose, he voted nay because he does not agree with the structure of the contract.
Councilmember Abeyta requested that staff evaluate whether the Town can fund Add Alternates 1, 2 and 3.
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| 9. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
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Councilmember Peralta referred to Item 7.B. and stated Appendix A does not indicate how the funding from New Mexico Clean and Beautiful can be utilized. Ms. Adame stated in the past, the Town has used the funding for litter control; however, she will research whether the funding can be used for other projects.
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| B.
| Councilmember Gonzales | |
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Councilmember Gonzales expressed his concern about the increase in graffiti and indicated he would like to see more stringent laws for dealing with graffiti.
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Councilmember Peralta
made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation regarding the Affordable Housing lawsuit pursuant to NMSA 1978 10-15-1-H(7).
Mayor Pro Silva 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 8:32 p.m., Councilmember Gonzales 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 Peralta 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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Councilmember Peralta requested an update on the liquor license application for Taos Community Auditorium. Mr. Rodriguez stated he will follow up on the matter and provide an update by email.
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A motion was made by
Councilmember Gonzales and seconded by Councilmember Peralta to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:35 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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