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
Youth Councilmember, Michael Landgraf
Also present were:
Town Manager, Richard Bellis
Assistant Town Manager, Abigail Adame
Town Attorney, Jacob Caldwell
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero
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Jacob Caldwell led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Richard Bellis, Town Manager, requested the following changes:
- Switch Items 7.B. and 7.C.;
- Add Item 7.D. to recognize Transportation Employees;
- Add Item 9.G. to discuss marketing and tourism contract with Griffin and Associates; and
- Add Item 9.H. to discuss possible lease for Old Police Department and E911.
Councilmember Hahn made a motion to approve with conditions.
Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta. |
| Councilmember Hahn requested the following change:
- On page 3, Line 36 replace the word "Lean" with "Lea."
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve with conditions.
Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta. |
| Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta. |
| Councilmember Hahn requested the following changes:
- On page 3, line 19, change the word "disarray" to "decimate."
- On page 4, line 12, after the word "flushed" add the words "and tested."
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve with conditions.
Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta. |
7. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
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| Youth Councilmember Landgraf presented certificates of recognition to the Taos Ice Tigers Hockey Team - High School State Champions 2013-2014. He commended the players on their outstanding excellence and hard work and stated they are the leaders of tomorrow.
Mayor Barrone congratulated the Taos Ice Tigers on a job well done and for representing Taos at the state level. He stated he is proud of how well the team worked together.
The Council also congratulated the hockey team on their outstanding achievements.
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| Mayor Barrone proclaimed April 13th through April 19th National Telecommunicator Week in Taos in honor of the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep the Town and citizens safe.
He thanked them for being the link between the caller and the emergency responder.
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| Mayor Barrone commended the dispatch employees for the outstanding job they do keeping the community safe.
Mr. Bellis thanked the employees for their continued dedication to public safety dispatching. He stated lives are saved every day because communications are always kept open even during difficult circumstances such as repeater and internet outages. He also informed the dispatchers that $1.4 million will be allocated for software to assist them with their jobs.
The following dispatch employees were recognized:
- Christopher Calhoun
- Karen Fresquez
- Shirley Lujan
- Angel Martinez
- Leonard Ortiz
- Rebecca Rodriguez
- Jacklyn Romero
- Brenda Struck
- Laurie Weathers
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| Transportation Division Employees Recognition | |
| Mayor Barrone recognized the following Transportation Division employees for competing in the Annual New Mexico Transit ROADEO which tests the skills of transit drivers throughout the state.
Brandon Gutierrez 1st place Van Category
Madelyn Barney 3rd place Van Category
Leo Valencia 2nd place Bus Category
In addition to the ROADEO, during the conference the Chile Line was awarded the “2013 New Mexico Section 5311 Rural Transit System of the Year”, an award that is given for increased ridership, stellar record management, reporting and safety. The Chile Line also received this award in 2007.
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| The following individuals spoke during Citizens Forum:
- Eric Gladstone stated he lives on Herdner Road across from the Taos County Road Department's yard. He stated there is a need to preserve the beauty of Taos by creating green space. He heard the Town may acquire the land where the yard is located and requested the space remain open for public use.
- Gail Viola objected to the Taos Pueblo Water Settlement. She stated the settlement does not address private wells in the valley and urged the Council to reevaluate the agreement and protect our water.
- Roberta Salazar stated she is supportive of settling Taos Pueblo's water rights; however, she is concerned about how the settlement will affect the water quality of the Town of Taos. She stated the Town needs to request financial accommodations in the settlement for the treatment of other substances in the water. Mayor Barrone stated he is trying to set up a meeting with state officials to review the settlement.
- Jerome Lucero stated the Town needs to come to a solution regarding the Spring Ditch lawsuit. He explained previous administrations would not settle and he hopes the new Mayor and Councilmembers follow through with their promises to settle as there has been irreparable harm done to the ditches.
- Chris Pieper stated he has had discussions with lawyers and experts in water law regarding the Taos Pueblo Water Settlement and not one of them can thoroughly explain the settlement, nor did they understand the settlement. He further stated Albuquerque and Santa Fe are out of water and will have to rely on the Rio Grande. He further indicated there is no language in the settlement that this water will remain in Taos County.
- David Rael stated the Spring Ditch was in use before New Mexico became a state and he believes the acequia probably explains why Taos Plaza is located where it is. Furthermore, he stated there was a fish hatchery the area of the Spring Ditch which is the reason there is a road named “Hatchery”. He believes the Town should have been involved with preserving the acequia and asked that the Town correct the issue.
- Jim Peterson, Executive Director of Taos Community Health Plan, explained a situation where a man was having an emotional outburst as a cry for help and Taos Police officers talked to the man for eight hours and basically saved his life. He believes the officers went way above and beyond their call of duty and would like for the officers to be commended in public. Additionally, he stated the officers have been nominated for an award for Behavioral Health Awareness month in May. The Mayor and Council thanked Mr. Peterson for taking the time to inform them of this incident involving Taos Police officers.
- Paul Christie expressed concerns about the cost to operate the airport. He stated it is his understanding the airport doesn't generate revenue. Given this information, he does not understand why the Town is expanding the airport. The Town should focus more on providing bus service to Santa Fe and Espanola. He also believes the Town should begin a pilot program for electric buses, which would affect more people in Taos than the airport does.
- Jeff Northrup discussed the infrastructure needs at the Youth and Family Center and stated sports are very important for children. He requested that the Town relocate the 4th of July fireworks show to protect the animals at the animal shelter. He stated there is plenty of space to have the show at the UNM Campus or near the airport. He also discussed the $15,000 contract between the Town and the Fiesta Council and stated he believes this expenditure violates the constitution because the Taos Fiesta is a religious event.
- Councilmember Hahn requested that the Town honor students for their hard work and doing a fabulous job on their science fair projects. He also asked that the Town consider collaborating with Taos County to celebrate Earth Day, which is April 22 through May 1. He further added he has talked to Eduardo Martinez, with the Taos County Solid Waste Department, and he would like to have a cookout and a band to celebrate Earth Day . Mr. Bellis stated a meeting has been scheduled for April 24, 2014 from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. at the Old County Courthouse to discuss many issues, including recycling efforts, global efforts, community cleanups and water issues.
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| Presentation from Elizabeth Palacios Elizabeth Palacios, with Taos Community Foundation, gave a presentation on Give Grande New Mexico, a statewide day of giving sponsored by Community Foundations of New Mexico. | |
| Ms. Palacios stated this initiative is a partnership with five community foundations in New Mexico in addition to partnerships across the nation. She further stated this event will directly support important causes and community needs right here in Taos and Western Colfax Counties through local and national donations.
Ms. Palacios also asked the Council to consider, through a proclamation, designating May 6, 2014 as Give Grande Day New Mexico and allow employees to take time off to go to their computers to give.
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| Taos Aviation Services Lease Extension Consideration and possible approval to extend a lease with Taos Aviation Services as provided in original Lease Agreement Contract TT-87-065 to provide Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services at Taos Regional Airport, including aircraft fueling, aircraft storage and other matters typical of a fixed base operator, for a period of 4 years. | |
| Jacob Caldwell, Town Attorney, stated as part of negotiations, the contractor was interested in a longer lease and ultimately it was agreed that the lease needed to be limited because of the improvements that will take place at the airport; therefore, a four year term was deemed appropriate.
Councilmember Hahn stressed the importance of having a master plan to ensure the viability of the airport and requested that the Planning & Zoning Director be given assistance and resources to complete it. Furthermore, he is concerned that this long term lease will exclude other proprietors and requested that the master plan carefully consider that because free enterprise and small businesses are essential. He also expressed the importance of collaborating with the Taos County, Taos Ski Valley, Red River, Costilla and Questa on issues regarding the airport.
Councilmember Gonzales stated he is concerned about the five cents the Town makes on fuel purchases which is minimal compared to what the Town will be expending on the expansion. He discussed the Town running the FBO in the future. Tim Wooldridge, owner of Taos Aviation, stated five cents is typical. He also indicated New Mexico Risk Management will not insure an FBO operated by Town employees and further stated his insurance bill is $36,000 per year.
Mr. Caldwell recommended adding language to Article 11, Page 9 as follows: "...except for a car rental operation and helicopter emergency medical transportation services)."
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve with conditions.
Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Cantu, Gonzales, Peralta.
Those voting NAY were: Councilmembers:
Hahn. |
| Marietta Fambro, Finance Director, explained that changes are necessary for signature authority on all Town of Taos bank accounts as follows: Replace Oscar Rodriguez, former Town Manager, with Richard Bellis, Town Manager; Replace previous Mayor Pro Tem, Andrew T. Gonzales, with Mayor Pro-Tem Frederick A. Peralta. The following remains as signature authority: Mayor Daniel R. Barrone and Marietta S. Fambro, Finance Director. Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Cantu seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta. |
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| Resolution 14-20 Hiring of an Immediate Family Member of Town Employee Consideration and possible approval of Resolution 14-20 to hire Justine J. Sandoval as a Lifeguard I on a temporary basis within the Pool Department/Youth and Family Division Center. Ms. Sandoval is the granddaughter of current employee Henry Sandoval who is a Lead Transit Operator in the Public Transportation Department. | |
| Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta. |
| Doug Patterson, Architect for Taos Municipal Schools, stated the MOU is for the improvements to Town Hall Drive, the extension of Manzanares Street through Taos Municipal School property, and a park facility that will be built around the Taos Schools Administration building, which is located in the old Enos Garcia Elementary School. He further stated the MOU is in draft form and if the Town approves it tonight, he will take it to the School Board for approval and bring the final back to the Town. He further indicated the School Board has seen the draft and agrees with the terms.
Mayor Pro Tem Peralta asked if easement agreements have been completed. Mr. Caldwell stated easement agreements have not yet been completed but will be after the MOU is finalized. He stated the school and Town currently have plans to make the improvements to the property and the intent of the MOU is to align the timing and management of the project. He further stated the plan is to collaborate and package the construction documents so that the project can go out to bid in one package.
Extensive discussion ensued regarding the timing of the project and the importance of having it complete before school begins in August, 2014. Mr. Patterson stated currently there are safety concerns with the amount of traffic during drop-off and pick-up times for school.
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve.
Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.
Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers:Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta. |
| Mr. Bellis stated he recommends that the Town serve as Fiscal Agent for Questa's legislative funds under the condition that the Town has complete control over the project to include the expenditures and reimbursements.
Councilmember Peralta made a motion to direct the Town Manager, Town Attorney and Mayor to prepare an agreement with the Village of Questa and Department of Finance and Administration to protect the legislative funds and protect the Town's relationship with Department of Finance and Administration and the auditors. Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed. Those voting AYE were:Councilmembers: Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta.
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| Marketing and Tourism Contract with Griffin and Associates | |
| Mr. Bellis stated he will be bringing the contract with Griffin and Associates for Council to decide whether or not to renew for another year. He stated many have people expressed concerns about the marketing contract. Furthermore, he stated an RFP needs to be developed soon. Additionally, he would like to hold a public forum for input on how to improve the Town's marketing efforts. Mr. Bellis also expressed concerns about the possible closure of the forests as early as May due to the drought and emphasized the Town needs new marketing ideas to attract visitors.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding music events that can attract visitors to Taos, such as the successful Mumford and Sons concert held at Kit Carson Park last summer.
The Council also discussed how members are appointed to the Marketing Committee. There was concern that half of the committee members are employed by Griffin and Associates. Councilmember Gonzales stated he believes the Marketing Committee should be appointed by the Mayor and ratified by the Council.
Mr. Bellis stated he wants the opportunity to involve lodgers and those that are affected by tourism to evaluate the current marketing efforts and bring recommendations to the Council.
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| Lease of Old Police Department | |
| Mr. Bellis stated discussions are taking place regarding the Town leasing the old Police Department to Taos County for the Anciano's program while the current Anciano's building undergoes maintenance for mold remediation. Additionally, the Area Agency on Aging subleases from Anciano's and is also interested in leasing space at the same location. Taos County has offered a lease of $800 to $1,200. Furthermore, Mr. Bellis stated Taos County is interested in leasing space for its Juvenile Court staff which will be displaced soon. He stated the County is interested in leasing the building as-is and no renovations would take place.
Councilmember Peralta believes this is a good idea; however, for health reasons he requested that there be no disturbance of the carpet as the tile underneath has asbestos. He stated he also believes there is asbestos in the ceiling.
Mr. Bellis was directed to bring an item for Council action when all the details are finalized.
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10. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
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| Town Boards and Commissions Discussion and direction to staff regarding appointments to Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Lodgers' Tax Advisory Board. | |
| The Mayor and Council directed staff to send out a notice to the public that the Town is seeking members to serve on the boards and commissions.
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| Councilmember Hahn reported on the Landfill Board Meeting and stated the landfill fund is currently in a deficit and Ms. Fambro believes the fund will be in the black by the end of the fiscal year. However, it is projected that there will be a deficit next fiscal year by approximately $138,000. He stated there has not been a fee increase for services at the landfill in thirteen years. Furthermore, he stated Landfill Board members are considering increases in fees to address the deficit. At the next Council meeting, he will bring the Landfill Board's recommendation.
Councilmember Gonzales stated, rather than starting another cell at the landfill, he would like to see recycling initiatives between the Town and the Taos County. The Council discussed the need for curbside recycling throughout the county to promote recycling.
Councilmember Gonzales stated the Regional Coalition for Los Alamos National Laboratories (LANL) Communities is becoming more of an economic development driven organization via LANL rather than a lobbyist for LANL. They are ready to begin negotiations for collaboration of broadband initiatives through the Eight Northern Pueblos and into the Santa Fe areas. The coalition wants to use Kit Carson Electric's model as well as their contractors, to include several local contractors, for this initiative.
Councilmember Gonzales further stated the Holy Cross Hospital Nominating Committee is expecting to receive applications for the Holy Cross Hospital Board of Directors which are due May 11, 2014. He will update the Council at a later date.
Mayor Barrone sits on the Taos Health Study Committee and stated the Holy Cross Hospital Board of Directors is preparing to approach Taos County to request a gross receipts tax increase for the hospital. The committee made a recommendation to advise the hospital to hire a financial specialist to determine if there are other options besides increasing gross receipts tax.
Councilmember Hahn asked for a status on the landlocked properties at the airport. Mr. Caldwell stated he has a meeting with Sam Martinez tomorrow regarding the issue.
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| Councilmember Peralta made a motion to go into Executive Session. Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers: Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn and Peralta.
At 12:45 a.m., Councilmember Peralta made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Councilmember Cantu seconded the motion. The motion was Passed. Those voting AYE were: Councilmembers: Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn and Peralta.
Mr. Caldwell stated discussion in the Executive Session was limited to the items as they were called for and no action was taken.
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| Set Date for Special Meeting Discussion regarding setting a date for a special meeting or work-study regarding Spring Ditch and Abeyta water rights lawsuits. | |
| The Mayor and Council discussed scheduling a Special Meeting regarding the Spring Ditch and Abeyta Water Rights cases on either April 22nd or April 23rd, depending on the availability of the water rights consultants who will also be in attendance. Mr. Caldwell stated the date will be confirmed and a notice will be published at a later date.
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| A motion was made by Councilmember Gonzales and seconded by Councilmember Cantu to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 12:50 a.m.
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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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