Meetings
 

AGENDA
June 11, 2013
Regular Meeting

Town Council Chambers - 120 Civic Plaza Drive
6:30 PM
 
 
1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DARREN M. CORDOVA
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. MOMENT OF SILENCE
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. May 14, 2013 Regular Meeting Minutes
B. May 20, 2013 Special Meeting Minutes
7. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
A. Retirement Proclamation
The Mayor and the Town Council would like to recognize George Jaramillo for his service to the Town of Taos.  George retired effective June 1, 2013.  His dedicated service as Library Director for the past 5 years 5 months is greatly appreciated.
B. Recognition of Newly Appointed Department Heads
The Mayor and Town Council will recognize the following employees who have recently been appointed by the Town Manager as Department Heads for the Town of Taos:
  • Leroy Gonzales, Fire Chief - appointed on May 18, 2013
  • Shirley Fernandez, Library Director - appointed on June 1, 2013
8. CITIZENS FORUM - Citizens wishing to speak shall have the opportunity to do so for 5 minutes. No action may be taken
The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed by the Mayor and the Mayor has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote.
9. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Contract TT- 13-241 with Northern Mountain Constructors
Contract TT-13-241 with Northern Mountain Constructors Inc., in the amount of $491,560.64 exclusive of applicable taxes for the construction of Old Talpa Cañon Road. The bid opening was held on May 8, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.
B. Contracts for Construction Materials and Services
Consideration and possible approval for the award of contracts for road and construction materials to be provided by multiple contractors and suppliers. Bidders are as follows: RL Leeder, S&S Concrete, Northern Mountain Constructors Inc., and A&S Construction.  
C. Resolution 13-01A Amending Open Meetings Resolution
Consideration and possible approval of Resolution 13-01A; Open Meetings Resolution. Due to changes in the Open Meetings Act by the 2013 New Mexico State Legislature, agendas may be amended seventy-two hours prior to a meeting, instead of twenty-four hours prior to a meeting as stated in the current resolution. 
10. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Presenation by Regional Coalition of LANL Communities
Regional Coalition of LANL Communities will provide a PowerPoint presentation regarding various topics such as major milestones, economic development, and Federal and State Legislative outreach and membership.
B. Presentation by Armstrong Consultants, Inc.
Armstrong Consultants will present an update on tasks that have been accomplished on Taos Regional Airport's Runway 12/30 Design Phase 1, which will bring the design to 30% completion. Armstrong Consultants will also outline the tasks in Design Phase 2 which will bring the design from 30% to 100% completion.
C. Contract TT-14-13 with Engineers Inc.
Consideration and possible approval of Contract TT-14-13 with Engineers Inc, for general engineering service for public works projects which would be under the threshold of $60,000.00 per project; each project will be a stand-alone project.  A task order will be issued for each project and will be supported out of each respective budget.
D. Resolution 13-34 Budget Adjustment Request
Consideration and possible approval of Resolution 13-34; Budget Adjustment Request to various budgets to cover the one-time lump sum benefit.  The total increase in expenditures for General Fund will be $80,698; in Special Revenue Funds the increase will be $16,094 and in the Enterprise Funds the increase will be $14,343. 
E. Debriefing of Mumford and Sons Concert
Town staff will give a debriefing of the Mumford and Sons Concert which took place at Kit Carson Park on June 6, 2013.
F. Resolution 13-33 Authorizing a One-Time Lump Sum Benefit
Consideration and possible approved of Resolution 13-33; Authorizing a Fiscal Year ending 2013 earned payment to specified employees of the Town of Taos for attendance at and completion of safety training.  This includes an earned benefit payment in the amount of $650 inclusive of taxes to be paid to each regular full-time employee and $325 inclusive of taxes to be paid to each regular part-time employee. 
11. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
12. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
13. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR
14. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE COUNCIL
15. EXECUTIVE SESSION
  Management Performance Evaluation
The Council will adjourn to go into Executive Session to discuss limited personnel matters relating to the Town Manager's performance evaluation, pursuant to NMSA 1978 10-15-1-H(2).
16. ADJOURNMENT
 
• To request details on an agenda item please contact the Town Clerk at 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos New Mexico, 87571 (575) 751-2005.
• If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of aid or service to attend and/or participate in a meeting of the Town of Taos Council, please contact the office of the Town Clerk at 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos New Mexico, 87571 (575) 751-2005 at least 24 hours in advance.
•For copies of this agenda please pick-up at Town Hall. You may also view the agenda and the agenda packet at http://public.taosgov.com/.
 
Meetings
 

MINUTES
June 11, 2013
Regular Meeting

Town Council Chambers - 120 Civic Plaza Drive
6:30 PM
 
 
1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DARREN M. CORDOVA
 

The Regular Meeting of the Taos Town Council was called to order by the Honorable Mayor Darren M. Cordova at 6:35 p.m. 
2. ROLL CALL
 

Ms. Renee Lucero, Town Clerk, called roll and a quorum was present.  

Those present were:      
Mayor, Darren M. Cordova      
Mayor Pro Tem, Andrew T. Gonzales
Councilmember, Rudy C. Abeyta           
Councilmember, Frederick A. Peralta       

Youth Councilmember, Michael Landgraf


Also present were:      
Town Manager, Oscar Rodriguez

Assistant Town Manager, Abigail Adame

Town Attorney, C. Brian James
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero

 

Absent was: 

Councilmember, Michael A. Silva
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  Councilmember Gonzales led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
 
Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve. Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. May 14, 2013 Regular Meeting Minutes
 Item Result:Approved
 Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve. Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
B. May 20, 2013 Special Meeting Minutes
 Item Result:Approved
 Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve. Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
A. Retirement Proclamation
The Mayor and the Town Council recognized George Jaramillo for his service to the Town of Taos.  George retired effective June 1, 2013.  His dedicated service as Library Director for the past 5 years 5 months is greatly appreciated.
B. Recognition of Newly Appointed Department Heads
The Mayor and Town Council recognized the following employees who have recently been appointed by the Town Manager as Department Heads for the Town of Taos:
  • Leroy Gonzales, Fire Chief - appointed on May 18, 2013
  • Shirley Fernandez, Library Director - appointed on June 1, 2013
7. CITIZENS FORUM
A. The following individuals spoke during Citizens Forum:
 
  • Melissa Surfling
  • Jeff Northrup
  • Jeannie Moretti 
  • Yamuna Devi and Liz Fox 
  • Stephens Hall
  • Jeanne Greene
  • Marilyn Hoff

    • 8. CONSENT AGENDA
    A. Contract TT- 13-241 with Northern Mountain Constructors
    Contract TT-13-241 with Northern Mountain Constructors Inc., in the amount of $491,560.64 exclusive of applicable taxes for the construction of Old Talpa Cañon Road. The bid opening was held on May 8, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.
    B. Contracts for Construction Materials and Services
    Consideration and possible approval for the award of contracts for road and construction materials to be provided by multiple contractors and suppliers. Bidders are as follows: RL Leeder, S&S Concrete, Northern Mountain Constructors Inc., and A&S Construction.  
    C. Resolution 13-01A Amending Open Meetings Resolution
    Consideration and possible approval of Resolution 13-01A; Open Meetings Resolution. Due to changes in the Open Meetings Act by the 2013 New Mexico State Legislature, agendas may be amended seventy-two hours prior to a meeting, instead of twenty-four hours prior to a meeting as stated in the current resolution. 
     Item Result:Approved
     Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve. Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
    9. MATTERS FROM STAFF
    A. Presentation by Regional Coalition of LANL Communities
    Regional Coalition of LANL (Los Alamos National Laboratories) Communities provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding various topics such as major milestones, economic development, and Federal and State Legislative outreach and membership.
     

    DeAnza Sapien, Executive Director, explained that the Regional Coalition of LANL Communities is comprised of eight entities including cities, counties and pueblos.  She reviewed the priorities of the Regional Coalition which include environmental remediation, regional economic development, site employment, and ensuring consistent federal funding for LANL.  She also reviewed LANL’S investment in Taos County.

     

    Mayor Cordova thanked Ms. Sapien for her informative presentation. Youth Councilmember Landgraf thanked Ms. Sapien for the scholarships that are given to the youth and for supporting youth in Taos.
    B. Presentation by Armstrong Consultants, Inc.
    Armstrong Consultants presented an update on tasks that have been accomplished on Taos Regional Airport's Runway 12/30 Design Phase 1, which will bring the design to 30% completion. Armstrong Consultants will also outline the tasks in Design Phase 2 which will bring the design from 30% to 100% completion.
      Michael Garcia, Engineer with Armstrong Consultants, Inc., stated the new runway has been approved by Federal Aviation Administration and State Aviation Division.  He further stated the construction phase will take place from October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014.  
    C. Contract TT-14-13 with Engineers Inc.
    Consideration and possible approval of Contract TT-14-13 with Engineers Inc, for general engineering service for public works projects which would be under the threshold of $60,000.00 per project; each project will be a stand-alone project.  A task order will be issued for each project and will be supported out of each respective budget.
     Item Result:Approved
     Mr. Rodriguez explained this contract is for general engineering services for public works projects at a threshold of $60,000 per project.  He also stated each project will be a stand-alone project.  Furthermore, Mr. Rodriguez stated his goal is to streamline public works projects by contracting with one engineer, saving time and money.
    Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve. Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
    D. Resolution 13-34 Budget Adjustment Request
    Consideration and possible approval of Resolution 13-34; Budget Adjustment Request to various budgets to cover the one-time lump sum benefit.  The total increase in expenditures for General Fund will be $80,698; in Special Revenue Funds the increase will be $16,094 and in the Enterprise Funds the increase will be $14,343. 
     Item Result:Approved
     Mr. Rodriguez stated this resolution is being presented pursuant to the Council’s direction to provide a one-time lump sum benefit to Town employees.  He explained this resolution authorizes the use of funds for said purpose.  
    Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve. Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
    E. Debriefing of Mumford and Sons Concert
    Town staff gave a debriefing of the Mumford and Sons Concert which took place at Kit Carson Park on June 6, 2013.
     

    Mr. Rodriguez briefed the Council on the Mumford and Son’s concert which took place at Kit Carson Park on June 6, 2013.  He explained approximately 8,000 visitors came to Taos for the concert and left with a very memorable impression of Taos.  He further stated the Police and Fire Departments received calls for very few incidents, none of them serious.  Additionally, Mr. Rodriguez stated the Town spent approximately $17,000 on the event in overtime and other expenses; however, the revenue that is expected to be generated through Lodgers’ Tax and Gross Receipts Tax will greatly outweigh the expenditures.  He thanked all who were involved and especially to Taos Solar Music Festival for bringing a world renowned band to Taos!  

     

    Mayor Cordova thanked Mr. Rodriguez for leading this effort and ensuring that all tasks were efficiently carried out.  He stated this turned out to be a phenomenal success and he is so proud to be the Mayor of Taos.  He emphasized that Mumford and Son's chose Taos as a venue because of the beauty and scenery Taos has to offer. 

     

    The Councilmembers also thanked staff for their hard work and for doing so in such a professional manner.  

     

    John Abeln, President of Taos County Lodgers' Association, stated Taos needs to continue supporting cultural events.  He further stated perhaps a committee can be created to handle such events.


    F. Resolution 13-33 Authorizing a One-Time Lump Sum Benefit
    Consideration and possible approved of Resolution 13-33; Authorizing a Fiscal Year ending 2013 earned payment to specified employees of the Town of Taos for attendance at and completion of safety training.  This includes an earned benefit payment in the amount of $650 inclusive of taxes to be paid to each regular full-time employee and $325 inclusive of taxes to be paid to each regular part-time employee. 
     Item Result:Approved
     Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve. Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
    10. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
    A. Ancianos Senior Center
     

    Discussion ensued regarding compliance issues at Ancianos Senior Center.  The Town has been notified that Ancianos has been placed on a probation status from the State of New Mexico due to some questionable practices.  Considering that Anciano's receives funding from the Town on a yearly basis, the Mayor and Council discussed sending a letter to Ancianos informing them that the funding will be jeopardized if they do not come into compliance and change their practices.


    11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
      Management Performance Evaluation
     

    Councilmember Peralta made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss limited personnel matters relating to the Town Manager's performance evaluation, pursuant to NMSA 1978 10-15-1-H(2).

     

    Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers: Abeyta, Gonzales, and Peralta.

     

    At 9:00 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 Passed. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers: Abeyta, Gonzales, and Peralta.


    12. ADJOURNMENT
     

    A motion was made by  Councilmember Abeyta and seconded by Councilmember Gonzales to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.


     
     
    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 and video recordings. Additionally, video recordings can be viewed at www.mediataos.org. You may also view agendas, agenda packets, and minutes at http://public.taosgov.com/.