The Regular Meeting of the Taos Town Council was called to order by the Honorable Mayor Daniel R. Barrone at 1:09 p.m. 

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, Judith Y. Cantu       
Councilmember, Andrew T. Gonzales
Councilmember, Frederick A. Peralta         

Also present were:      
Town Manager, Richard Bellis

Town Attorney, Floyd Lopez
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero

Carl Colonius led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Delete the following items:

• 6.A. - May 26, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes
• 10.C. HUD/Community Against Violence Contract

Move the following items:

• 8.E. to 8.A.
• 13.A. to 7.A.

NEW HIRES:

Gilbert Lopez, Public Utilities Operator

Full-Time Employee

Public Utilities Department

Effective Date: 06/15/2015

Jason Struck, Public Utilities Operator

Full-Time Employee

Public Utilities Department

Effective Date 06/15/2015

Jose Vigil, Public Utilities Operator

Full-Time Employee

Public Utilities Department

Effective Date:06/15/2015

Karen Thibodeau, Taos Children's Theater, gave a presentation on how funds were used for their program. The students provided a short production of performances they have been working on. 

Greg Hiner and Breece Robertson, representatives with Trust for Public Lands, explained this is a community driven conservation plan with plenty of input from the citizens.  He requested that the Town consider a $15,000 match toward the plan. They stated the Green Print process usually takes about one year.

Kristina Ortez de Jones invited the Mayor and Council to a Community Meeting on July 29th and 30th at KTAO Radio.

Councilmember Gonzales stated he fully supports this initiative and would like to see the Town assist with funding.  Mayor Barrone directed Mr. Bellis to assess whether the Town has sufficient funds to assist and bring an action item back to the Council for action.  Councilmember Peralta stated he would also like to see the terms for the Town to provide assistance.

Rose Vargas provided background and highlights of the creation of Taos Arts and Cultural District (ACD). The deadline to sign the MOU is July 1st.  She asked the Town to partner with ACD and invest financially in the amount of $45,000. 

Councilmember Gonzales expressed concern about providing funding to a program that will not be self-sustaining.  Ms. Vargas was unclear as to the sustainability of the program.  She stated the investment would be for services that ACD would provide.

Mayor Barrone requested a Special Meeting to take action on this.  Councilmember Gonzales requested that information be provided detailing how the program's issues have been corrected. 

Ms. Legere and Peter French provided an update on the thirteen regional college pro and club teams that utilized the Eco Park this spring. Ms. Legere also discussed programs being proposed for the upcoming summer and fall season.

Mayor Barrone discussed how adding more soccer/multi-purpose fields would accommodate larger sporting events promoting economic development.

Ms. Cady provided a list of merchants who are in support of the partial closure of Taos Plaza for the Taste of Taos.  They plan to secure a beer and wine tasting area by providing fencing and security personnel. Ms. Cady requested approval to host this event with partial closure of the Plaza so that they can continue planning and secure the venue. The event is scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the roads would need to be closed for the entire day for set up on October 11, 2015.  They plan to have thirty food vendors and five to six beer and wine tasting vendors.

Councilmember Cantu expressed concern about closing Taos Plaza.  Ms. Cady stated she does not believe it is fair that other events are held on the Plaza with the streets closed.  It should be fair to everyone else who has an interest.

Councilmember Hahn made a motion to approve having the Taste of Taos on Taos Plaza on October 11th.  Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion for discussion. 

Councilmember Gonzales stated the agenda did not read that the Plaza is requested to be closed.  Ms. Cady explained the backup material indicates they had requested the Plaza to be closed.  Extensive discussion ensued.

Councilmember Peralta amended Councilmember Hahn's motion to authorize the event on the Plaza without closure of the Plaza. Closure can be determined at another date by July 1st.  Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta. 

Councilmember Hahn's motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta. 

Mr. Figueroa announced that Giovanna Paponetti has been selected as the Artist of the Month.

Ms. Paponetti explained her piece, which is displayed in the Council Chambers next to the dais, illustrates the first permanent Spanish settlers to Taos led by Don Juan de Onate. She further explained the original painting sits outside of Town Hall along with other paintings (Taos Historical Timeline Murals)  depicting a specific period in Taos' history dating from 1300 A.D. to 1696 A.D. She stated the paintings have been used in many documentaries, history books and magazines.

The Mayor and Council commended Ms. Paponetti and thanked her for sharing her talent.

The following individuals spoke during Citizens Forum:

• Harvey Yokum, Executive Director with Stray Hearts Animal Shelter, informed the Mayor and Council that they have a plan in place to take care of the animals at the Animal Shelter during the Annual Fireworks Display. 

Leroy Gonzales, Administrative Fire Chief, stated plans to hold the display will go on as normal.  He emphasized this is the department's largest fire prevention measure during 4th of July.  Councilmember Peralta asked that staff make announcements requesting that citizens attend the display rather than lighting their own fireworks.

• William Smith handed out a poster regarding a Reggae Music Festival at Kit Carson Park August 29th and 30th.

• Stephens Hall read from a book by Wendell Berry, entitled "Sex, Economy, Freedom and Community."

All items were removed from Consent Agenda except Item. 9.D.; Resolution 15-10.

Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as amended.  Councilmember Peralta seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta.

9.A. Lodgers Tax Agreed Upon Procedures.

Ms. Fambro stated the first finding from last year was resolved.  She further stated the second finding was repeated and modified and incorporated in the report.  She reviewed the response for this year's finding. Fifteen lodging establishments were audited to determine if they were maintaining adequate records of occupancy taxes collected and remitted to the Town. Ms. Fambro further stated the Finance Audit Committee recommends that the Town amend its ordinance to clarify reporting requirements.

Councilmember Peralta requested that Mr. Lopez prepare a letter regarding compliance for the establishments.  Mr. Lopez stated he will take care of this.

9.B. Resolution 15-24 Budget Policies

Ms. Fambro stated the small purchase threshold has been changed to $0 to $2,500 based on best obtainable price.  Additionally for purchase from $2,500.01 to $10,000, two quotes must be obtained; if not, a memo must be placed in the procurement file detailing the steps taken to diligently solicit the best obtainable price. 

Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve.  Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta.

9.C. Contract TT-15-82 Amendment 2

Miranda Quintana, Public Works Department, presented the contract amendment to the Mayor and Council.

Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve.  Councilmember Cantu seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta.

9.E.Amendment No. 5 to Waste Management of New Mexico

Ms. Fambro presented the contract amendment to the Mayor and Council. 

Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve.  Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta.

9.F. Amendment No. 6 to Waste Management of New Mexico

Ms. Fambro presented the contract amendment to the Mayor and Council.

Councilmember Hahn made a motion to approve.  Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta.

Tamara Chavez, Human Resources Director, presented the Collective Bargaining Agreement to the Mayor and Council which will go into effect on July 1, 2015.

Chris Armijo, Staff Representative with AFSCME Council 18, indicated the CBA is a great base contract and he supports it. Mr. Bellis thanked Mr. Armijo and all the employees efforts during the negotiation process. 

Mr. Bellis stated the Personnel Board has been abolished and replaced with a detailed timeline and process for mediations.

Public Opinion

Mayor Barrone opened the public hearing.  No one came forward.  

After closing the public hearing, Mayor Barrone asked for questions from the Council.

Ms. Chavez presented Ordinance 15-05 to the Mayor and Council.  

Mr. Bellis stated this consolidates multiple documents and policies.  Language from the CBA was also merged into this document. He indicated the only exempt employees are the five required by state statute: Town Manager, Town Clerk, Finance Director, Police Chief, and Town Attorney.

Public Opinion

Mayor Barrone opened the public hearing.  No one came forward.  

After closing the public hearing, Mayor Barrone asked for questions from the Council.

Ms. Fambro, presented Resolution 15-26 to the Mayor and Council and reviewed the summary of changes that were made after the May 26, 2015 Budget Hearing. She indicated the total amount of revenue sources are $63,088,098 and the total expenditures are $10,593,653.

Public Opinion

Mayor Barrone opened the public hearing.  No one came forward.  

After closing the public hearing, Mayor Barrone asked for questions from the Council.

Sharon Voigt, Procurement Officer, reviewed changes she made since her last presentation on June 10, 2015 and provided a breakdown of the proposals.

Councilmember Peralta stated he does not support funding $4,000 to Taos Pueblo Tourism because it has not been approved by the Taos Pueblo Tribal Council.  He also does not support funding $15,000 for Michael Hearne's Big Barn Dance because he believes the program was going to change and if that is the case, then they should submit another proposal.

Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the two events.

Councilmember Gonzales made a motion to approve the recommendations with the exception of Taos Pueblo Tourism and a reduction in funding for the Big Barn Dance to $7,000.  Councilmember Cantu seconded the motion.

For discussion, Councilmember Hahn stated staff advertised for proposals and tried to take the politics out of the process. Proposals were received and a committee reviewed and scored the proposals.  He doesn't agree with the Council circumventing the process by changing what has been recommended.  Councilmember Gonzales stated the Council has fiduciary responsibilities and the documents provided do not justify the amount being awarded. 

Mr. Lopez expressed concern that this agenda item is listed as a presentation from staff and not as an action item.  He stated the RFP indicates that recommendations are contingent on approval of the Council; therefore, an action item should be placed on the June 30th Regular agenda. 

No vote was taken on the motion made.

Mayor Barrone circulated a letter drafted to Taos County regarding the Town utilizing the property currently used for the County Public Works Yard near Walmart for a 60 unit affordable housing project through NM Mortgage Finance Authority.

Councilmember Gonzales stated he approached the County Manager to determine whether there was a way for the County to jointly take over the affordable housing plan.  He asked if the County's contribution for the affordable housing project would be the land.  Mayor Barrone stated yes.

Lengthy discussion ensued regarding specifics of the affordable housing program and funding needs to move forward. The Council also discussed supporting Taos County in taking over the affordable housing project.

Councilmember Peralta recommended a letter inviting Taos County to cooperate with the Town to pursue affordable housing opportunities.

The Mayor and Council provided updates on events and meetings.   

A motion was made by Councilmember Gonzales and seconded by Councilmember Peralta to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m.