| 1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DANIEL R. BARRONE
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Ms. Renee Lucero, Town Clerk, called roll and a quorum was present.
Those present were:
Mayor, Daniel R. Barrone
Mayor Pro Tem, Frederick A. Peralta
Councilmember, Andrew T. Gonzales
Councilmember, George “Fritz” Hahn
Councilmember, Judith Y. Cantu
Also present were:
Town Manager, Richard Bellis
Assistant Town Manager, Abigail Adame
Town Attorney, Jacob Caldwell
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero
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John Thompson, Airport Manager, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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| 6. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
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| A.
| WORK STUDY
Discussion regarding the process and structure of the Town of Taos Budget. | |
| | Marietta Fambro, Finance Director, explained the budget process including monthly reports that are presented to the Council and how the priorities of the Council were selected. She also reviewed the 2014-2015 budget assumptions and priorities based on a 2% revenue growth and 1.6% inflation increase. No new programs were added, nor were there any increases to current programs. Furthermore, Ms. Fambro explained the Town must catch up with deferred maintenance and address employee compensation and infrastructure needs.
Morris Madrid, Human Resources Director, stated employees have not received raises in four or five years and most employees' salaries are below the industry average.
Ms. Fambro also reviewed all revenues and expenditures of the Town of Taos.
DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS:
Public Works - Francisco Espinoza, Public Works Director, gave an overview of the department to include the duties and responsibilities as well as a work plan for the Public Works Department.
Discussion ensued regarding the Town collaborating with Taos County to apply for Community Development Block Grant funding for improvements for Camino del Medio. Mayor Barrone directed Mr. Espinoza to contact the County as soon as possible to discuss this project.
Airport - John Thompson, Airport Manager, gave an overview of the department to include the duties and responsibilities as well as a work plan for the airport.
Mayor Barrone asked if the airport will be required to allow certain flyovers from the military since grant funding will be used for the expansion. Councilmember Gonzales stated if the military found a need for flyovers they can do it anywhere, but there is not a good chance it will happen in Taos. Mr. Thompson explained there are established grounds for flyovers; however, some helicopters do refuel at the airport and most people are unaware because the airport is so far away from Town.
Mr. Bellis explained in the next few weeks the Town will be collaborating with Taos County for regionalization. He stated Taos County is in the process of finalizing their land use code which will result in joint zoning for Town and County use.
Facilities - Steve Kennebeck, Facilities Services Director, gave an overview of the department to include the duties and responsibilities as well as a work plan for the Facilities Services Department.
Councilmember Gonzales asked what the savings are in maintenance for leasing Rio Grande Hall and Bataan Hall to UNM Taos. Mr. Kennebeck stated the savings are mainly on utility costs; however, once the building is sold, there will be a major savings in capital improvement costs.
Planning Department - Martha Perkins, Planning Director, gave an overview of the department to include the duties and responsibilities as well as a work plan for the airport.
Councilmember Peralta asked if the increase in permits were for remodels or new constructions. Ms. Perkins stated they are for new construction. She further stated there will be a $1 million project in Town and the contractor is going to need to obtain building permits for that project.
Councilmember Gonzales asked if citizens will be able to pay for their permits and registrations online. Ms. Perkins stated the department is evaluating their processes and will consider accommodating citizens with online payments.
Councilmember Hahn stated the community believes that Ms. Perkins inherited a department that is in disarray and requested that a study session be scheduled with Ms. Perkins to discuss the department as well as animal control, nuisance abatement, department staff, acequias, annexation, and possible collaboration with Taos County. Mayor Barrone recommended Councilmember Hahn meet with Mr. Bellis and Ms. Perkins to discuss the issues, then schedule a study session if needed.
Police Department - Chief Weaver gave an overview of the department to include the duties and responsibilities as well as the work plan for the Police Department.
Councilmember Gonzales stated the safety of our elementary schools needs to be a priority. Chief Weaver stated there is a need for all entities to collaborate and work on grants for schools.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the need to provide additional training to officers to ensure they have the necessary tools to carry out their duties. The Council also discussed how the citizens are concerned about the increase in drug use, alcohol use, gangs and murders in the community. Chief Weaver stated the Town needs to continue to invest in police programs or the crimes will continue to increase.
Finance Department - Ms. Fambro gave an overview of the department to include the duties and responsibilities as well as a work plan for the Finance Department.
Councilmember Hahn stated he would like to spend time with Ms. Fambro to discuss the required cash reserve and procurement procedures. Mayor Barrone stated he would like more information about the procurement cards. Ms. Fambro stated she and Mr. Bellis will schedule meetings with individual governing body members who are interested in learning more about the functions of the department.
Fire Department - Leroy Gonzales, Administrative Fire Chief, gave an overview of the department to include the duties and responsibilities as well as a work plan for the Fire Department.
Councilmember Peralta asked how many false alarms the Fire Department responds to. Fire Chief Gonzales stated there were 154 false alarms in 2013, including many that were outside of the Town limits. Discussion ensued regarding the need to fine those whose structures repeatedly set off false alarms.
Councilmember Hahn stated it was reported to him that there are problems with maintenance of fire hydrants. He asked if the hydrants can be flushed and tested as the summer months approach. Fire Chief Gonzales stated the annual flushing of hydrants begins this coming Monday morning. The hydrants that have issues will be tested first.
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| | At 12:45 pm. Councilmember Peralta made a motion to continue the meeting to Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at the Town Council Chambers. Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
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| APPROVED: | | ________________________________________ |
Daniel R. Barrone, Mayor
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| | | ATTEST: | | ________________________________________ |
Renee Lucero, Town Clerk
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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/.
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