The Regular Meeting of the Taos Town Council was called to order by the Honorable Mayor Daniel R. Barrone at 1:02 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, Frederick A. Peralta         

Also present were:      
Town Manager, Richard Bellis

Town Attorney, Floyd Lopez
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero

Absent/Excused was:

Councilmember, Andrew T. Gonzales

David Fernandez led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

MOVE Item 8.C. to 8.A.

NEW HIRES:

Byron Bill Ervin

Full-Time Employee

Systems Network Administrator

Effective Date: 06/29/2015

Mark Fiedler gave a presentation on the economic benefits of having a Town-Wide Yard Sale.

Mr. Fiedler explained he is very experienced with organizing community yard sales.  He emphasized he does not have an interest in this event; he only wants to share his knowledge.  He provided a presentation on successful neighborhood yard sales in Rio Rancho.  He explained procedures he has implemented to make a successful event.  The most recent community yard sale involved forty-two households. He believes a city-wide sale is too large for shoppers to be able to see everything. Mr. Fiedler estimated the average household earns between $300 to $400 per yard sale. 

Mayor Barrone asked where the funding comes from to do this.  Mr. Fielder stated he personally funds about $10,000.  Councilmember Peralta asked if licenses are required. Mr. Fiedler, stated not in Rio Rancho.

Peter Vigil, Taos Soil and Water Conservation District Manager, stated an intern from UNM Taos is working on mapping the acequias within the municipal boundaries.  He explained a grant will be used to employ additional interns to map acequias.  Once that is accomplished the interns will visit private land owners to assess conditions of the acequias to determine what programs are available to remedy problem areas. He explained that the district would like high school students to become more involved in revitalization projects. 

Councilmember Peralta recommended adding a resolution to the next agenda in support of the grant.

Mr. Vigil stated there is currently an MOU between the Town and the district which states both parties agree to work together on projects such as this. 

Ben Thomas, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps Executive Director,  discussed a proposal to do improvements on the wetlands trail at Fred Baca Park to assist with safety to the public.  Mr. Thomas requested a match from the Town in the amount of $15,000.

The crew members introduced themselves and discussed how RMYC has helped them receive training to improve Taos' natural resources.

Mayor Barrone stated the youth are very important and they need to take ownership of projects within the community. He believes this project is essential and he would like staff to determine whether the budget would allow for this.  Mr. Bellis stated Council would need to give approval to provide funds without going through a competitive process given the urgency of the grant. 

Councilmember Peralta recommended placing this on the agenda as an action item on the July 28th Council Meeting.

Chris Weathers, with Taos Alive, gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding how increasing alcohol taxes can save lives. The presentation indicated that a twenty-five cent increase per drink in the state alcohol tax would save 52 lives, prevent 306 violent acts, decrease underage drinking by 13%, and decrease alcohol dependence in New Mexico every year.  He further stated alcohol problems in New Mexico cost $1.876 billion per year.  Mr. Weathers asked the Mayor and Council for support of this tax increase by approving Resolution 15-29.

Councilmember Peralta expressed concern about the amount of tax "per drink" and asked what constitutes a drink.  He does not understand whether the tax would be the same on a bottle of wine as a single drink at a bar.  He further stated other studies have indicated that social trends were not changed by increasing alcohol tax.  He believes people need to learn prevention measures rather than increasing tax. 

Mr. Weathers stated the numbers presented are based on a report used by Bernalillo County.  The report was endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and they have stated the decrease in tax does reduce harm. 

Councilmember Hahn stated he believes this is an initiative of the New Mexico Governor's Office to cover the shortfall in Medicaid. He does not believe the entire revenue created from the increase would go into treatment and reimbursing municipalities for alcohol related costs. He would like to sit with the Taos Alive representatives to address several issues with the resolution.

Mr. Weathers stated the resolution was drafted by the statewide coalition and the incentive is coming from the coalition and not the Governor's Office.  However, if the tax does pass, a portion will be dedicated to the state's Medicaid match.

Councilmember Peralta believes a resolution is needed that would provide more accurate numbers.  The revenues generated are not accurate based on an increase of twenty-five cents per drink.  He believes in order to generate the revenues presented, the tax would need to be a lot higher.  Furthermore, Councilmember Peralta stated twenty-five cents cannot be applied for every drink as they all come in different sizes. 

Mr. Weathers thanked the Council for their feedback and asked for the opportunity to conduct further research and provide additional information.

Councilmember Hahn made a motion to table Resolution 15-29 until Taos Alive has been able to conduct research and provide additional details and a work study will then be scheduled. Councilmember Cantu seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Hahn, Peralta.

• David Fernandez thanked the Chief for helping with the Corpus Christi procession in June.  He informed the Council that he has decided not to work with North Central Regional Transit District and offered his time and expertise to the Town of Taos if needed.

• William Smith stated he moved to Taos six years ago.  He organized the reggae festival scheduled to take place in August and has asked for approval from the Council since June.  He has been waiting to hear from Mitch Miller as to whether his event is ready to come to Council for formal approval; however, Mr. Miller disapproved his application. He asked the Council to override Mr. Miller's decision as thousands of people are planning to travel to Taos for this event.

Councilmember Cantu stated she understood Kit Carson Park was available for this event.  Mr. Smith stated the park was available and later Mr. Miller stated there was a large event planned next to the park.  Councilmember Cantu inquired about a graphic email Mr. Williams sent to Mr. Miller on July 9th.  Mr. Williams explained the email and his frustration. Councilmember Cantu asked if the Town has money to lose by allowing this festival.  Mr. Bellis stated no.  Councilmember Cantu stated she is in favor of cultural events and she would like to meet with Mr. Smith.

Discussion ensued regarding Mr. Williams being turned down for another venue because his credentials could not be verified.  Mr. Williams stated he has the authorization of everyone listed as sponsors on his flier. Mr. Bellis clarified that he had Mr. Miller contact the sponsors and the artists and many have not confirmed. 

Mayor Barrone asked what would be the liability if the Town allowed this.  Mr. Bellis stated it would make the Town look very bad if people bought tickets to this show and no one showed up to perform.  They would probably blame the Town for it. 

Mr. Williams provided the Mayor with a check and his credentials for the event.

• Stephens Hall discussed records he requested regarding the airport and was informed that no records exist; however, he is certain they do exist. Mr. Lopez stated the engineer for the airport has informed him that the records do exist and he will provide them.

Mr. Lopez stated the attachment on Item D will be amended by adding at the end of Paragraph 1.a): ..., provided the Town may withhold such quantity waters it may require for its own purposes. 

Councilmember Cantu removed item 10.C. for discussion.

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

Item 10.C.

Councilmember Cantu asked if this is going out for bid. Steve Kennebeck, Facilities Services Director, stated this is an extension to last year's contract and procurement has been met in accordance with the RFP.  Mr. Bellis added that it was bid as a multi-year contract. 

Councilmember Peralta made a motion to approve Item 10.C.  Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Hahn, Peralta. 

Rose Vargas provided a detailed presentation on the Main Street program.  She provided the organizational goals and potential projects. She further stated a nine member board will prepare project work plans and initiate fundraising efforts to match the Town's funds.  The board will also engage in Main Street coaching activities and the hiring of an Executive Director. Furthermore, Ms. Vargas discussed the deliverables and reviewed the proposed projects along with the budget that was prepared as requested by the Council.

Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the budget and fundraising efforts.

Councilmember Peralta raised concerns about the salary of the Executive Director at $44,000 this year and $50,000 next year.   Mr. Bellis stated if the Town funds the position and advertises it, it might attract a better level of candidates.  Discussion continued. 

Ilona Spruce, Taos Pueblo Tourism Director, was also present with Ms. Vargas.  Councilmember Cantu asked Ms. Spruce what her involvement is with the Main Street program.  Ms. Spruce stated she is a board member and she wants to learn how the ACD and Main Street Program can benefit Taos Pueblo and the Town, as the programs successfully benefited Zuni Pueblo.

Councilmember Cantu referred to the presentation which indicates there are thirty-five communities in New Mexico involved in the Main Street program and stated she would like a list of those communities.  She further stated she would like to study the presentation more.  Ms. Vargas stated this model has been proven in many other communities and she believes it is a good fit for the community.

Councilmember Peralta stated he is uncomfortable with the budget and grants take a long time to be processed.  He cannot support this resolution at this time without documentation to support the funding. 

Councilmember Hahn stated there seems to be many committed grantors listed who can supplement the budget in  the beginning stages. Councilmember Peralta believes resources need to be available from the start to make it successful and he feels the budget, at $95,353, is short at least $30,000.  Councilmember Hahn agreed that the budget needs additional funds.  Mr. Bellis stated at least $150,000 is needed to begin a program like this.  Ms. Vargas stated she does not believe that is realistic as it can take two years for the budget to get to that amount. 

Mr. Bellis stated he can assist with preparing a realistic budget that matches the work plan.  He would also like to meet with the entities who have committed to funding. 

Councilmember Peralta made a motion to continue the item at the July 28, 2015 Regular Council Meeting at 1:00 p.m. Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Hahn, Peralta.  Nay: Cantu.

Harvey Yokum, Executive Director of Stray Hearts, stated getting the shelter to operate successfully has been a priority of the staff and the board. He stated the costs to run the shelter continues to rise without an increase in funding.  The Town contributes about 15% of the cost of running the shelter and the County contributes about 20%.  Furthermore, Mr. Yokum stated donors and fundraisers contribute about 65% of the government's responsibility to run the shelter.  He explained shelter workers are constantly fighting the battle to run the shelter. 

Mr. Yokum requested a three month extension to the contract to allow the Town sufficient time to send out a new RFP for animal shelter services. He stated the shelter cannot afford to continue the way it has been.  He has become impatient with the perceived idea that the shelter is another organization asking for a handout. 

Lengthy discussion ensued and the Council expressed concern about Mr. Yokum's proposal.  

Mr. Bellis stated he believes there have been many discussions regarding alternatives to operate the animal shelter.  He stated the first step of improving operations was to prepare a new animal control ordinance.  Many advocates and officials worked on a proposed ordinance and he will bring a draft ordinance at the next meeting for the Council's approval to publish. The ordinance would include mandatory spay and neutering, licensing and chipping to track animals back to their owners.  He also asked one or two Councilmembers to accompany him on a visit to the shelter to evaluate whether a new building is needed (reducing overhead costs) and other costs associated with operating the shelter.  An RFP will then be created based on the findings. 

In addition, Mr. Bellis complimented Mr. Yokum and the shelter staff on how the shelter is currently being operated. 

Councilmember Peralta made a motion to extend the contract for six months in the amount of $48,000.  Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion. The motion was passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Hahn, Peralta.

Mayor Barrone stated the Town allocated $7,500 for this event and asked the Council to reconsider the amount as the Town needs to ensure that events are supported since a lot of money is spent having them.  He emphasized this event is being moved to Taos from another community.  He further stated the other community tried to get the event back in their town; however it had already been advertised.

Councilmember Peralta stated he understood the Big Barn Dance changed their program and he believes they should submit a new proposal.  Mr. Bellis clarified that only the coordinator of the event changed.

Councilmember Cantu stated she believes there is a conflict of interest because Mitch Miller is a Town employee and he works closely with Solar Music Festival as well as the Big Barn Dance.  She believes there is a lack of transparency.  She further stated she would like to receive a letter from Mr. Miller stating that he is not benefiting financially from these events.  Mr. Bellis stated the Human Resources Department has a disclosure statement in Mr. Miller's personnel file.  He also stated Mr. Miller has worked for every event that has been approved by the Council.

Councilmember Peralta requested a copy of the proposal.

Councilmember Peralta made a motion to continue to the July 28th Regular Council Meeting at 1:00 p.m.  Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Hahn and Peralta.  Nay: Cantu.

Mayor Barrone thanked the staff for their hard work on the airport appeal. He also thanked Jim Fambro for his involvement in bringing the Little League District Championships to Taos.

Councilmember Cantu read a letter from Plaza merchants requesting that the Council reconsider the timeline for resurfacing Taos Plaza between late March and May of 2016. Mr. Bellis stated staff has already considered doing the work at night and minimally during the day and plans to work with the merchants on this.

Councilmember Peralta made a motion to go into Executive Session.  Councilmember Cantu seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Cantu, Hahn, Peralta.

At 7:07 p.m., Councilmember Hahn made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Councilmember Cantu seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Cantu, Hahn, Peralta.
 
Mr. Lopez stated discussion in the Executive Session was limited to the items as they were called for and no action was taken. Councilmember Peralta made a motion to accept Mr. Lopez's report.  Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Cantu, Hahn, Peralta.

A motion was made by Councilmember Cantu and seconded by Councilmember Hahn to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.