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

Those present were:      
Mayor, Daniel R. Barrone 

Mayor Pro Tem, George “Fritz” Hahn

Councilmember, Frederick A. Peralta

Councilmember, Judith Y. Cantu       

Youth Councilmember, Shay Moon

Also present were:      
Town Manager, Richard Bellis
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero

Town Attorney, Floyd Lopez

Absent was:

Councilmember, Andrew T. Gonzales

Move Item 11.C. Finance Update to the next item on the agenda.

Ms. Fambro presented the following report:

General Fund

Revenues - Gross Receipts Tax - February's tax distribution (December's activity) was down 3.4% compared to 2013-2014. The most significant categorical decreases were in Accommodation & Food Services at $14,175 (11%) and Other Services at $5,649 (9%). The most significant categorical increases were in Retail Trade at $21,248 (5%) and Construction at $10,548 (22%). The current year-to-date growth rate increased 0.92% using last year's actuals for comparison. Overall, General Fund revenues are down 1.1% from last year. March's tax distribution (January's activity) was down 11.67% from 2013-2014. Staff will closely monitor the revenues to determine whether any adjustments will be necessary.

Expenditures – There is nothing substantial to report this month in regards to the expenditures. Once again, most departments continue to stay within 10% of last year's expenditures. This report reflects the adjusted budget figures from the mid-year budget adjustment by $212,297 of overall personnel and operations savings which were redirected to additional priorities through the remainder of the year. Overall, General Fund expenditures are down 1% from last year at this time and 6% under the proposed budget to actual expenditures.

Ending Balance – Reserves continue with a state mandate of 1/12th along with an additional 37 days of a reserve balance. It is important to keep the reserve in place as a conservative plan. The recommendation is to try and build the reserves up to 3/12ths - an additional 23 days.

Capital Projects

In the month of February $706,154 was expended on the first and final payment for construction of Chamisa Phase III Improvements, $10,999 for architectural services for the locker rooms at the Eco Park and $27,000 for a progress payment for overflight stipulators at the Airport.

Ms. Fambro stated Councilmember Peralta had requested information showing actual year-to-date totals.  She noted an extra column was added to the spreadsheet disclosing this information.

Ms. Gustafson addressed concerns that have been raised by members of the community regarding the new banners that were installed promoting 100 Years of Taos Art.  She invited all citizens to come together to make this a good year for Taos.  She emphasized Taos is an art colony that is dependent on tourism.  She also reviewed the milestones and events planned during the celebration week from July 9th through July 19th of 2015.

Mayor Barrone thanked Ms. Gustafson for working on this multi-generational and multi-cultural event.  He stated art is very important and is a reason why many people visit Taos.

Anthony Mortillaro, Executive Director of NCRTD, reviewed the average salary of Taos bus drivers compared to NCRTD drivers.  He stated if employees transferred to NCRTD they would receive an increase in compensation.  He further stated the cost to the Town for the transfer would be the payout of employees' personal leave balances.  Mr. Mortillaro explained the savings to the Town would be administrative oversight of the program by Town employees, not to mention the Town would be relieved of grant match requirements for federal funds. He emphasized the Town will continue having representation on the NCRTD Board.

Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the possibility of transferring the Town's transit system to NCRTD. No action was taken.

The following individuals spoke during Citizens Forum:

• Don Peters and Phillip Econom discussed the Not Forgotten Outreach Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on April 6, 2015 for the newly purchased military family respite center.  They also explained the program and how it helps military families.  Additionally, they requested that the property's zoning stay as agriculture if the Town rezones.
• Phillip Econom stated the roads south of Velarde are being taken care of by the New Mexico Department of Transportation.  He believes all DOTs funding is going to the South and emphasized that Taos' roads need improvements.
• Bill Knief, with UNM Taos, stated he was surprised about NCRTD's presentation and stated UNM Taos has increased ridership.  He hopes if the Town does transfer the transit services to NCRTD, that the routes are kept the way they are. 

Mr. Bellis requested that Council direct staff to work with NCRTD and continue negotiations on the potential transfer of assets as well as route responsibilities and enter into a separate agreement for fleet and maintenance services for current and future vehicles under the fleet.

Councilmember Peralta stated he wants to see the agreement at some point because he is concerned about the Town losing control of transportation services in the community.  Mayor Barrone stated the agreement will come to the Council for final approval.

Councilmember Hahn made a motion to direct staff as requested by Mr. Bellis.  Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Hahn, Peralta.

Leroy Gonzales, Administrative Fire Chief, stated this resolution includes amendments as directed by Council at the last Council Meeting.

Councilmember Peralta requested an amendment as the fees should be listed after "Therefore, be it resolved."

Mr. Bellis stated he and Floyd Lopez, Town Attorney, recently met with representatives of TSA  and each entity explained their financial situation.  He explained the current TSA contract is funded at $75,000 and it was discussed reducing the amount to $50,000.  Funds for the contract come from the reserves which is projected not to have a carry-over balance for next fiscal year.  Since the contract includes marketing of the Eco Park, and marketing funds are a more stable source of income, he recommended using a portion of marketing funds towards the contract.  Additionally, Mr. Bellis stated TSA plans to take steps to becoming a recreational district which would become a permanent source of operation funds.  TSA is currently analyzing their expenses to determine how much of the contract could be paid from marketing funds.

Councilmember Peralta stated the Town and TSA needs to work on a plan to get TSA self-sufficient.

Mark Yaravitz, TSA Board Member, stated the process to become a recreational district will take some time as it needs to be approved by the Taos County Commission to have a referendum allowing voters to vote on the issue.  If this does happen, TSA hopes the Town will no longer have to contribute funds to TSA.

Councilmember Peralta made a motion to continue negotiations toward a new contract.  Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Hahn and Peralta.

• Mayor Barrone asked Youth Councilmember Moon to provide his perspective on the impact of The Paseo event on the youth of Taos. 

Youth Councilmember Moon stated a lot of his friends and high school students attended The Paseo event and the Kongos concert.  He fully supports the event and he believes it was very successful. In addition, he requested that the Council support these types of events in the future.

 

Mr. Bellis thanked Youth Councilmember Moon for his involvement and participation in the Council meetings. 

• Mayor Barrone stated he has met with key staff at Town Hall and proceeded to read a letter for the record regarding the state of the Town, the community and the economy.  He listed the priorities he wants staff to focus on for the next 90 days to include road improvements, budgeting for infrastructure improvements, working on a budget for next fiscal year to include no growth for all departments and programs, funding for events and marketing, and promotion of business and jobs by reviewing and amending, if necessary, the land use code.

• Councilmember Peralta informed staff that during the legislative session there were adjustments to the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) and asked staff to review the adjustments prior to the Special Meeting on Thursday in which Council will act on amending the Town's LEDA Ordinance. Councilmember Peralta also provided updates on other legislation that will affect municipalities.

Additionally, Councilmember Peralta requested that historic maps and the final annexation map be posted on the website.

• Councilmember Cantu asked who is doing code enforcement.  Mr. Bellis stated complaints are being taken by Dinah Gonzales, Planner I, and she also works with the Animal Control Officer and the Town Attorney on some issues.  Additionally, Julie Skanse, with the Facilities Department, is serving as the Building Official. Councilmember Cantu stated enforcement is needed to regulate sandwich boards and she would like to see the businesses comply voluntarily. 

Councilmember Cantu also asked for an update on Toolbox using the old Police Department building since it was reported that the building has asbestos.  Mr. Bellis stated the delay is due to issues with the anti-donation clause and he has asked the Toolbox representatives to simplify their proposal.