| 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 6:32 p.m.
|
| |
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, Michael A. Silva
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
|
| |
Councilmember Silva led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
|
| |
Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva.
|
| | Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta.
Those who ABSTAINED were: Councilmembers:
Silva. |
| | Councilmember Silva abstained from the vote because he was not present at the meeting.
|
| | Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Silva seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| | Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| | Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| 6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
|
| | Mayor Cordova stated it has been a great pleasure to work with Captain Hogrefe as his leadership is commendable and he achieved many accomplishments for the
police department.
Captain
Hogrefe thanked the Mayor and Council for giving him the opportunity to
serve the Town.
|
| | Mayor Cordova stated this is an example of how the parents have guided these youth athletes into the future. He further stated the Taos High School Football Team surpassed all expectations of them and congratulated the team on their stellar year as District Champions.
|
| C.
| Recognition of New Human Resources Director | |
| | Mayor Cordova stated the Town of Taos is proud to announce the hiring of the new Human Resources Director, Morris Madrid. He further stated Mr. Madrid comes with extensive experience and knowledge in city government and human resources and with his expertise, he will be a valuable asset to the Town of Taos.
|
| | The following individuals spoke during Citizens Forum:
- Jeff Northrup
- Paul Figueroa
|
| A.
| Approval of Contract with L.N. Curtis & Sons
Consideration and possible approval of Contract TT-14-151 in the amount of $104,186 inclusive of gross receipts tax with L.N. Curtis & Sons for purchase of 42 full sets of National Fire Protection Association compliant firefighting personal protective equipment (helmets, hoods, jackets, pants, and boots). | |
| B.
| New Mexico State Library Grant in Aid
Consideration and possible acceptance of grant from New Mexico State Library in the amount of $6,853 which is the annual State Grant in Aid grant that libraries receive. | |
| E.
| Resolution 14-05 Budget Adjustment Request
Consideration and possible approval of Budget Adjustment Request (Resolution 14-05); to the Facilities Improvements Fund - Transfer funds from the Don Fernando/Bataan Hall Roof project to the Airport Terminal Roof Replacement project $9,600. | |
| F.
| Appointment of Precinct Officials for March 4, 2014 Municipal Election
Consideration and possible approval of appointment of Precinct Officials for the March 4, 2014 Municipal Elections:
Presiding Judge: Jim Fambro
Precinct 15
Judge: Merlinda James
Clerk: Charlene Cain
Clerk: Cindy Jeantette
Precincts 14, 16, 18
Judge: Catherine Ralston
Clerk: Frances Martinez
Clerk: Ernestine Quintana
Precincts 12, 17, 19, 35
Judge: Bernadette Maestas
Clerk: Phyllis Nichols
Clerk: Brenda Romero
Absent Voter Precinct
Judge: Carol Anglada
Clerk: Elma Torres
Alternates
Judge/Clerk: Sandra Lamendola
Judge/Clerk: Bobbie Gonzales | |
| | Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| A.
| Approval of the promotion of Officer Ronald Montez
Approval of the promotion of Officer Ronald Montez to Sergeant. This approval is necessary since his son Officer Jacob Montez is also employed by the Taos Police Department. Ronald Montez will not be in a position to supervise Officer Jacob Montez. | |
| | Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| | Mr. Rodriguez stated among the many things the Town has done to address the tight housing market in Taos, the Town has also requested proposals for affordable housing for artists. He further stated the Town is now in the process of finalizing the low income housing tax credit application.
Sharon Welsch, with The Housing Trust, stated an application has been prepared and part of a good application is having a significant local government contribution. She further stated the resolution indicates that rather than donating property, the Town will make a substantial donation to the project with cash and the reduction of acquisition costs of the property by waiving building permit fees, providing water rights to the project, reducing the cost of extending the utility lines and meter charges, providing the use of Town facilities, and providing furnishings for the La Posta Affordable Housing community buildings for a total of approximately $1.26 million.
Councilmember Gonzales stated he is concerned about the Town committing to $1.26 million. Mr. Rodriguez emphasized that this action does not approve any kind of plan. He also reminded the Mayor and Council of the gross receipts tax revenue that will be generated as a result of this project.
Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| | This item was heard after Approval of Minutes.
Debbie Friday Jagers, President of High Altitude Athletics, explained that the program has grown so much that they are in need of expansion. She explained donors have come forward to assist with capital improvements to expand and serve more children. However, she indicated the donors are not willing to invest in a short-term occupancy and therefore, she requests a ten year lease with an automatic renewal for another ten years.
The Mayor and Council thanked Ms. Jagers and High Altitude Athletics for their devotion to the youth of Taos.
Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| | Mr. Rodriguez stated management has been working with George K. Baum & Company to implement a refunding scenario of our current USDA Bonds with a shortened maturity and cost savings of 8.994% (Department of Finance and Administration requires at least a 3% savings) due to the current interest rate being lower than when these bonds were issued. He further stated if the resolution is adopted, the Town will proceed with the adoption of an ordinance authorizing and approving the issuance and sale of the Town of Taos Joint Water and Sewer System Refunding Revenue Bonds. Mr. Rodriguez also stated the fees associated with the issuance are approximately $65,000.
Luis Ramos, Analyst with George K. Baum & Company gave a presentation detailing the current outstanding loans.
A lengthy discussion ensued and Councilmember Peralta requested that staff evaluate the issue more and provide the Council with additional comparisons to ensure the Town is getting the best possible deal. Councilmember Gonzales agreed.
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to table.
Councilmember Silva seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Gonzales, Peralta, Silva.
Those voting NAY were: Councilmembers:
Abeyta. |
| | Mr. Rodriguez recommended the following projects for legislative priorities:
-
Camino del Medio Road Rehabilitation - $580,000
-
Building Roof Replacement - $825,000
-
Water/Irrigation Line Replacement at Kit Carson Park – $385,000
Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| F.
| Taos Main Street
Consideration and possible direction to staff to prepare an application to the New Mexico MainStreet Program. | |
| | Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the structure of the Arts and Cultural District (ACD) and the Mainstreet Program and concerns that the ACD is not a corporation in good standing with the Secretary of State's Office, Business Services Division. Concerns were also raised as to ACD's reports that have not been made available to the public.
Upon discussing the Mainstreet Program and the Arts and Cultural District, the Mayor and Council directed the Town Manager to appoint a task force to provide preliminary recommendations. Councilmember Peralta requested that the original stakeholders be included as members of the task force and that the task force be required to provide the Council with a solid plan of action.
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve with conditions.
Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| | Martha Perkins, Planning & Zoning Director, presented Ordinance 14-03 to the Mayor and Council. She also provided a script for quasai judicial hearing procedures, which was read for the record by Mayor Pro Tem Gonzales.
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 Peralta asked if the Planning & Zoning Commission recommends that this be approved. Ms. Perkins stated yes.
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Silva seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| B.
| Ordinance 14-01 Amending the Zoning Map
Consideration and possible approval of Ordinance 14-01 to change the zoning on approximately .65 acres located at 402 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte from C-2 to R-14 to make the entire property, approximately 1.5 acres, R-14 within the Historic Overlay Zone in the Town of Taos. | |
| | Martha Perkins, Planning & Zoning Director, presented Ordinance 14-01 to the Mayor and Council.
Public Opinion
Mayor Cordova opened the public hearing.
Mark Yaravitz, John Tarleton and Judy Cantu were sworn in.
Mr. Yaravitz gave a presentation and explained this is for a zone change to R-14 to accommodate the residential purpose for this property.
Ms. Cantu asked Council to consider this change as the area is the Historic Overlay Zone and modern houses should not be allowed. Mr. Yaravitz clarified that the applicant has received approval from the Town's Historic Preservation Commission.
After closing the public hearing, Mayor Cordova asked for questions from the Council.
Councilmember Peralta stated the two commercial properties are very old residences that were converted to businesses. By changing the zoning, the architecture will be preserved.
Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| | Martha Perkins, Planning & Zoning Director, presented Ordinance 14-02 to the Mayor and Council. She stated the purpose of the amendment to the ordinance is to streamline the application process to enable applicants to receive approvals in a more timely manner.
Public Opinion
Mayor Cordova opened the public hearing. No one came forward.
Mark Yaravitz stated he believes the proposed amendment to the procedures is for the better.
Pavel Lukes, Planning & Zoning Commissioner, commended the hard work of Ms. Perkins and Mr. James as he has been requesting this change for two years.
After closing the public hearing, Mayor Cordova asked for questions from the Council.
Councilmember Gonzales asked if this amendment will assist the Town with rezoning newly annexed properties. Mr. James stated this amendment will assist with rezoning those properties that are required to be rezoned. He further stated if this ordinance is passed, applicants will be provided with a much better application process.
Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Silva seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| 11. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
|
| | Councilmember Peralta stated the Town needs to establish a Temporary Certificate of Completion to determine how close a project is to completion to assist builders with their financing needs. Councilmember Peralta requested that staff evaluate the ordinance and provide a recommendation to the Council.
|
| | Councilmember Silva made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Abeyta, Gonzales, Peralta, Silva. |
| | A motion was made by Councilmember Gonzales and seconded by Councilmember Silva to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 11:10 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.taos22.com. You may also view agendas, agenda packets, and minutes at http://public.taosgov.com/.
|
|
|