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
Town Attorney, Jacob Caldwell
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero

·Walter Brennan, Vice President of the Holy Cross Hospital Union, stated there are issues at the hospital that need to be worked on collaboratively. He further stated there are decisions being made behind closed doors and the outsourcing of several jobs has decreased the number of doctors serving patients. He believes the hospital needs to be run efficiently or the structure and financial aspect needs to be changed.  He also believes there is a need for an independent study on the operations of the hospital. He invited the Council to attend the Hospital Task Force meeting on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.

·Gina O’Hara, with Holy Cross Hospital, stated she is concerned about the hospital outsourcing services over the past several years.  She would like more people to be involved to ensure the hospital is going in the right direction. Councilmember Gonzales stated hospitalists need to provide more than just health care and should know the demographics of the community as well. 

·Gabriel Chavez stated he is a lifelong resident of Taos and is retired from the United States Air Force.  He further stated he is disturbed and appalled by the Council's decision to rename Kit Carson Park.  He stated Kit Carson was a great American and a great General.  He further stated when the Council accepted the information about Kit Carson being a killer and murderer they branded all military as murderers and killers, including him.  He explained the good things Kit Carson did and the expeditions he led and asked for reconsideration of renaming the Park and restoring Kit Carson’s name.

· Martin Jagers, President of the Board of Directors of Kit Carson Home and Museum, read a statement on behalf of the museum and stated the mission of the museum is to inform the public about the life experiences of Kit Carson and preserve his family home for future generations.  He also stated Kit Carson became bigger than life in his time and was a resident of Taos as well. One cannot get a handle on this man with just a few sentences. The Museum would like to have a free public viewing of a video portraying the life of Kit Carson at the TCA or another venue.  Councilmember Hahn asked if it would it be possible for the video to be broadcast on Channel 22. Mr. Jagers stated he will work with UNM to determine whether the video can be broadcast on Channel 22.

· Fabby Romero thanked the Council for changing the name of the park.  She is disturbed that people are saying Kit Carson opened the way to the west as Native Americans and the Spaniards opened the way to the west.  She stated she has a problem with naming anything after a person because all people are complex.  She proposed naming the park in honor of the Mexicans and Native Americans who rebelled against the American Army and who were hung in the park trying to defend their land.

·Rivera Sun handed out red willow branches and asked people to hold up their branches.  She stated many people have been honored, but an important part of the community has not been honored.  She read a statement from Chrystalline Concha that said the new administration aims to work together as a whole community which requires taking steps together.  She applauds the Council for taking steps towards healing.  The goal of change was not to hurt anybody but to move forward in a healthy way. 

Mayor Barrone stated he received a phone call from Taos Pueblo Tribal Officials who wanted to be here tonight, but because of the Feast of San Juan celebration they were unable to attend.

-Dave Kozial stated red willow is about renewal and growth and the Town needs to recognize the original people from Taos.  He further stated Kit Carson was a scorcher and a scalper.

·Dariel Garner stated his family has been in Taos for many generations.  He further stated changing the name of the park from someone who has been involved in wars to a symbol of peace is the best decision.  He thanked the Council for their support and believes everyone needs to move together in peace and reconciliation. 

· Julie (last name was not provided) stated her children are from Taos Pueblo and she is from Jemez Pueblo.  She stated she has read many books about Kit Carson and people interpret the books differently.  She stated he was loyal to the military but she believes he was two-faced in that he lived amongst the Native Americans.  She further stated she is thrilled with the name change because it not only affects the community of Taos, but all pueblos in America.  People are barely starting to heal and this is a small step toward healing.

·Jeanne Green commended the Council for changing the name of the park.  She stated to know the history of Kit Carson and see his name at the park is insulting to Native Americans.  She appreciates that the Council is paying attention to this issue as she is sure they did not think this would be so controversial.

·Robbie Romero thanked everyone for sharing their views on this issue.  He stated he suggested the name Red Willow to the Mayor and Council because the red willow is sacred to the indigenous people and is used in ceremonies in so many ways.  It is also a symbol of coming together.  He believes the era of misconceptions and stereotypes is over. 

·David Fernandez stated he is a native Taoseño and is here as a descendent of a Navajo grandmother.  He stated his great grandmother and her brother were out in the fields and were kidnapped by Comanches and made the circuit to the Taos Trade Fair and she became a resident of Taos Pueblo. Furthermore, he stated he has been a part of Taos in many ways as a writer, a newspaper columnist and is very familiar with all the different eras of Taos history.  Many people have the impression that the Council moved too fast on their decision to change the name of the park. He suggested in the future the Council ask a historian for assistance when dealing with historical issues and offered his assistance to the Council.

-David Cortez stated he believes the Washington Redskins having to change their name is very important and the decision the Council made was crucial.

·Judge Richard Chavez stated he has always known the park as Kit Carson Park.  He stated if the Council wants to pay tribute to the people of Taos Pueblo they should name the park after a true hero and name it Tony Reyna Park.

· Michelle Concha stated she is here with an open mind and open heart.  There is a lot of controversy regarding a place where everyone congregates.  She asked the Mayor to reschedule this important discussion because today is the Feast of San Juan celebration at Taos Pueblo. Furthermore, she stated her father, Mike Concha, said back in the 1940's when the Bataan Death March warriors came back to Taos there was talk about naming the park Veterans Park, which includes all races. 

·  Christian (last name inaudible) thanked the Mayor and Council for considering changing the name of the park.  She stated red willow is a medicine and is used by the red willow people.  These people have suffered so much.  She is happy that Taos is an example to other towns.

·  David Van Epps stated he is concerned with the way the name change happened. He believes there would be no public comment today if there was no public outcry.  The people of the Taos have a right to know when something is going to change and they have a right to have input. He further stated historians know the era that Kit Carson lived in and who he was.  He further stated Veterans Park is an excellent name.  He asked that, in the future, the Council include the citizens when making decisions.

· Nina Matishek expressed gratitude to the Mayor and Council for their decision to rename the park.

Mayor Barrone stated the idea of changing the name of Kit Carson Park was not to rewrite the past, but instead to start the discussion about working together to build one community and one future for all Taoseños. 

Councilmember Gonzales stated in the past two weeks he received many emails from people who were for and against the Council's action.  He believes that the Council had the right intentions in mind; however, they may have acted too expediently without involving the public.  He read a statement that indicated he feels he may have left out the majority of the general public in a democratic process. He apologized to those he may have offended by the action the Council took, and to those he may offend with his desire to redact his vote. He feels he made his vote in an uninformed and extremely improper manner and did not take proper advisement of his own accord.  For that he reason, he requested that the Council hold a proper public meeting with proper notice to be given with date certain so that this issue can be heard, discussed, and debated by the majority of the community.  

Mayor Barrone stated the Town will place this issue on the next Council agenda.

Police Chief David Weaver explained this application is for a two year, non-matching grant, to create a community mediation program.  Furthermore, the grant will provide funds to train ten additional community mediators, and supply CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) to the patrol staff of the Taos Police Department.  Chief Weaver further stated the final goal is to have this program be converted into a private entity at the end of the second year.

Councilmember Peralta asked if funds from the grant can be used to educate officers to not use deadly force. Chief Weaver explained crisis intervention assists with that issue and puts an emphasis on de-escalating situations. 

Mayor Barrone thanked the Chief for applying for the grant. 

Extensive discussion ensued on the sustainability of the program.  Chief Weaver stated he has coordinated with several police departments and entities, including Tri-County, to ensure that the program will be sustainable.   

Mr. Caldwell stated this is a one year renewal/extension of the current lease for the Loretto Parking Lot.  He stated he placed an additional provision which allows a 30 day termination notice in the event that the Town is able to make substantial changes to the parking plan.  Additionally, the church will use the parking lot for three days during Fiestas for fundraising efforts.

Councilmember Hahn asked if there is a standard rate for parking leases. Mr. Bellis stated the rates are negotiated.  Mr. Caldwell added that there are some historical rates that have been adjusted to today’s market price; however, with all the properties the Town leases to or from other properties, appraisals will need to be completed soon. 

Councilmember Hahn asked who paved the parking lot. Councilmember Peralta stated the Town paved the parking lot. Councilmember Hahn asked if the Town received compensation for paving the parking lot.  Councilmember Peralta stated he believes the Town was compensated by paying a lower lease for a few years.  Mr. Caldwell stated he could research that issue and report his findings to the Council.  Steve Kennebeck, Facilities Director, stated the current lease is $30,000 and ten years prior to this year, it was $20,000.

Marietta Fambro, Finance Director, stated the audit report was prepared by Accounting and Consulting Group in accordance with the Town Code and the Lodger's Tax Act which requires audits of vendors in municipalities that collect in excess of $250,000 in occupancy tax.  She also indicated that the findings are on page 33 of the report and responses are on page 34 of the report. 

Councilmember Gonzales expressed his concerns about lodgers who are extremely behind on paying their tax and asked if there is an established procedure to place liens on properties when they are delinquent.  Mr. Caldwell stated staff is in the process of establishing procedures.  He further stated the Town does do a good job of enforcing the ordinance, but it is difficult to control because the Town collects tax based on what the lodgers report.  Staff education on enforcement needs to be routinely scheduled. Furthermore, Mr. Caldwell stated the Town has a right to claim a lien; however, the procedures can be very burdensome.  

Councilmember Peralta stated according to the report, there were several properties that did not provide information for the audit.  He further stated these are properties that are paying their lodgers tax, but in looking at the report, it appears as though the properties have not paid any tax because the report was left blank.  Ms. Fambro stated she believes the report was blank because the auditors did not have sufficient information to compare with what has been received. 

Councilmember Hahn expressed concern about the auditors' recommendations and asked whether there is dedicated staff in the Finance Department to implement the recommendations.  Ms. Fambro stated she currently has a Fixed Assets/Finance Assistant position that works on lodgers tax reports and with the Legal Department on collections if lodgers are delinquent.   She further stated the new Business Manager position will oversee the lodgers tax collections and work with the Legal Department on ensuring that the ordinance is enforced.   

Councilmember Gonzales asked if there is a likelihood of making one taxing agency in collaboration with Taos County.  Mr. Caldwell stated that may be possible through a Joint Powers Agreement or a Memorandum of Agreement with Taos County.   He stated that issue could be added as a discussion item at a joint meeting; however, he cautioned that there may be a potential for overlapping audit findings which could become very complicated.

Francisco Espinoza, Public Works Director, stated this contract was awarded under an RFP for operational and maintenance services for the Taos Valley Regional Treatment Facility.  He further stated this will be the seventh year of an eight year contract and there is an increase of 3.75% over the base amount of the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 contract.  The increase is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is permissible under the original contract.        

Councilmember Gonzales stated using the CPI for increases is the best way to conduct business.  He believes it is very important for the Town to consider the CPI when budgeting and contracting with vendors. 

Councilmember Peralta asked which CPI was used to determine the contract increase.  Mr. Caldwell explained the indexes used to determine the increase. 

Councilmember Hahn asked how often an RFP for services goes out.  Mr. Caldwell stated contracts of this amount can be extended for up to eight years.  Councilmember Hahn stated he has a number of issues with this contract and has requested a copy of the contract and has not received it. He would like a complete breakdown on all costs including labor, chemicals, expenses, etc.  He would prefer that this contract be on a month to month basis. 

Councilmember Gonzales asked why Councilmember Hahn has not seen the contract.  Mr. Caldwell stated the contract is available and is a public record. 

Councilmember Gonzales asked how the Town would be affected if the contract was approved on a month to month basis.  Mr. Espinoza stated he believes the rate would probably increase accordingly. He further stated approving Amendment No. 5 for 12 months gives staff the opportunity to prepare for the RFP process.  Councilmember Gonzales stated he believes it would be irresponsible for the Council not to renew the contract.  

Mr. Caldwell stated he interprets the contract to read that it automatically renews unless the Town gives 120 days notice not to renew.  Additionally, Mr. Caldwell stated there is a provision that allows the Town to give 90 days notice of termination and as of this moment, he believes the Town is bound by the terms of the existing contract.  Mr. Caldwell further stated the purpose of this amendment is to address the price adjustment based on the CPI and he does not believe the Town has the right to engage in a month to month contract. 

Councilmember Peralta asked, if the Town gave a 90 day notice of termination, would an RFP have to go out for operations of the treatment plant.  Mr. Caldwell stated yes, there would be that risk.  Mr. Caldwell also stated in the annual price adjustment, there is a provision for both parties to negotiate the price adjustment and if they cannot achieve an agreement, then it would automatically use the CPI formula. 

Councilmember Hahn stated he has a problem with approving this without all the information he has requested.  He also stated he believes the Town has the expertise to bring the operations in house.   

Anthony Martinez, Project Manager for CH2MHILL-OMI, stated his company is here to help and support the Town.  He explained several ways that they provide services to the Town to protect the Town from liability. He further stated CH2MHILL-OMI employs lawyers, grant writers, and chemists who work to assist the Town and provide support 24 hours per day. 

Councilmember Hahn stated he wants to meet with Mr. Martinez and learn everything possible about the treatment plant as he has many issues with the management of the treatment plant and the price increases.  Mr. Espinoza stated he will contact Councilmember Hahn to schedule a walk through.

Councilmember Peralta stated if Councilmember Hahn has any issues after his investigation of the treatment plant, then he can come back and request that the Council reconsider the contract.

Councilmember Hahn stated in the future he would like for the Town Manager to notify the Council when a contract is 120 days from expiring so that they can decide whether to renew it.

Mr. Caldwell stated this is a one year renewal of the contract for recording of Town Council meetings. He stated the previous two contracts were for $35,000 each year which included $10,000 for equipment. This year, the contract does not include $10,000 for equipment.  If additional equipment is needed, either the Town will pay for it and keep the equipment or UNM will pay for it and keep the equipment.

Councilmember Gonzales asked if UNM can evaluate compatibility issues so that those with Apple devices can view live streaming of the Council Meetings.  Bill Knief, with UNM Taos, stated he will relay that question to Mr. Loius Moya, Director of Development at UNM Taos. 

Councilmember Hahn stated he has received complaints about Council Meetings and other Town events not being rebroadcasted on Channel 22.  He also stated he would like to know what other programs are being recorded, as he wants to ensure that the Town gets the best deal possible.  In addition, Councilmember Hahn expressed concern that he has not seen interns learning the broadcasting system.  Mr. Knief stated Francis Santistevan, who is currently filming this meeting, is a student.  He further stated, regarding rebroadcasting programming, UNM has no problem repeating meetings and events. 

Councilmember Hahn stated he wants to table this item until he has time to review the contract and the cable franchise agreement.  Mr. Caldwell emphasized the contract expires June 30th and explained there is a termination provision with a 30 day notice. 

Councilmember Cantu expressed her concern about receiving copies of contracts with just a few days to review prior to Council meetings.  She stated it would be helpful to receive the contracts sixty days in advance. Mr. Bellis assured Councilmember Cantu that management shares her frustration as they only recently found out that several of these contracts are set to expire on June 30^th.   In order to provide continued services while management studies the contracts, a 30 day termination clause has been added to contracts.  He further stated staff will set up a series of meetings on these individual contracts and will inform the Council of those meetings so that they can attend if they wish.

Mayor Barrone recommended the following members to the Lodgers Tax Advisory Board:

1.     Chris Smith (Representing Lodging) (Taos Inn) (Taos County Lodgers Association)
2.     Tina Harlow (Representing Lodging) (Monte Sagrado)
3.     Judi Cantu (Town resident ) (Town Council)
4.     Cisco Guevara (Representing Tourist businesses) (Los Rios River Runners)
5.     Kara Williams (Representing Tourist businesses) (Taos Mountain Outfitters and Good Sole)

Councilmember Gonzales asked if there is a conflict of interest with Councilmember Cantu serving on the board.  Mr. Caldwell stated because it is an advisory board and only makes recommendations to the governing body, he does not see a conflict of interest; however, it would be appropriate to disclose the fact that a councilmember sits on the board.  Councilmember Gonzales stated she can give her opinion even if she is not on the board.  Councilmember Cantu asked if she would have to recuse herself from any decisions.  Mr. Caldwell stated he does not believe she would have to recuse herself from any decisions.  Councilmember Cantu stated she has been attending Lodgers Tax Advisory Board Meetings since last fall. 

Mr. Bellis stated staff intends to inform a number of the committees that deal with marketing to begin consolidating efforts and use the Lodgers Tax Advisory Board as the official board to deal with tourism and marketing issues and with the proposed Tourism and Marketing Director.   

Mr. Bellis further stated the two remaining commissions to be appointed are the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission. He further stated the criteria for appointing members to the Historic Preservation Commission is extremely limited making it difficult to find people to serve.

Councilmember Hahn stated last week the Landfill Board voted to add a minimum charge of $5 per load. 

He also stated the elders at Ancianos, Taos Retirement Village and Taos Pueblo would like the Mayor and one or two Councilmembers to meet with elders at Ancianos once per month.  He provided the following names of individuals that will be contacting the Council to request attendance at the monthly meetings:

- Bonnie Golden at Taos Retirement Village, 779-8975;
- Mike Trujillo at Ancianos, 758-4091;
- Sean Duran at Taos Pueblo,758-8626.

Councilmember Peralta stated the DH Lawrence Ranch should be opening next week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Also, he will be attending a Hospital Board Meeting tomorrow night and will give an update at the next Council meeting.

A motion was made by Councilmember Peralta and seconded by Councilmember Gonzales to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 11:13 p.m.