The Regular Meeting of the Taos Town Council was called to order by the Honorable Mayor Daniel R. Barrone at 1:06 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

Remove the following items:

• 9.B - Out of State Travel for Councilmember Gonzales
• 13.A. - Appointment to Airport Advisory Board

Presentation of a certificate of acknowledgement to Lupe Lopez - Town of Taos August Employee of the Month.

Tamara Chavez, Human Resources Director, stated the Employee Recognition Team selected Ms. Lopez as the Town of Taos August Employee of the Month due to her energetic effort and professionalism which are perfect examples of excellent public service to Taos.

Mayor Barrone thanked Ms. Lopez for her dedication to her job and the Town of Taos. 

The following citizens spoke during Citizens Forum:

• Matthew Thomas, Director of the Paseo, thanked the Town for their support of the festival on September 25th and 26th. He detailed the events that are planned for the weekend.  Furthermore, Mr. Thomas requested closure of Civic Plaza Drive on September 25th and 26th to accommodate their festivities.

Mr. Bellis stated the Town's Development Review Committee has already met on this event and the street closure.  He will add an item on the August 25th agenda for Council action.

• Bill Patten, CEO of Taos Health Systems, discussed the proposal submitted to Taos County Commissioners to raise taxes for upgrades at Holy Cross Hospital.  He stated the Commissioners did not vote on the proposal; however, they requested that the hospital provide additional information to assist with their decision on whether to support the tax increase. 

• Julie Daw discussed bicycle and walking paths that are needed in Taos.  The conditions are very dangerous, especially for children.  She's received a lot of feedback on a post she made on Facebook and she would like to see plans for street projects showing that sidewalks and bike paths are included in plans.

Mayor Barrone explained that the Town does have plans to connect paths throughout the Town that will lead into the County.  The Town also received funds from the State for improvements to Paseo del Pueblo which will include sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

• Matthew Rivera discussed bicycle safety in Taos.  He stated drivers are not paying attention and are not courteous to those on bicycles.  The sidewalks and roads are in such bad condition making bicycling very challenging. Mr. Rivera also discussed the unsanitary conditions of the restrooms at Kit Carson Park.

• Stephens Hall asked when the Town was notified that Governor Martinez would be here last week.  Mayor Barrone stated he was notified one day before she came.  He also discussed Councilmember Gonzales' out of state travel request.  Mayor Barrone clarified that item was removed from the agenda.

Mayor Barrone requested that Item 13.B. (Big Barn Dance) be moved to the next item on the agenda.

Councilmember Hahn made a motion to move Item 13. B. to the next item on the agenda.  Councilmember Gonzales seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta.

Sarah Hearne, Michael Hearne's daughter, stated the Big Barn Dance is scheduled September 10-12, 2015 at Kit Carson Park and more than thirty artists are scheduled to perform. They have received a lot of positive feedback since moving the event to Kit Carson Park and their ticket sales are up by fifty percent. She further stated to date, sixty percent of ticket sales are coming from Texas, twenty-five percent from New Mexico, ten percent from Colorado and the remainder from other areas around the United States. This is their 13th year doing the event. 

Michael Hearne stated there is an article in New Mexico Magazine about the festival and most of the hotels are already full.  The people who attend are older and have a lot of money to spend.  Ms. Hearne added 320 of the 3-day tickets have been sold and 80% of ticket sales happen at the time of the event. They are expecting to sell 1,000 tickets this year. Mr. Hearne stated they have been considering moving this event into the Town for the past three years and he hopes to have a long term relationship with the Town of Taos. 

Mr. Bellis stated part of the reason the Governor awarded the Town funding for Paseo del Pueblo was because of the importance of enhancing tourism. This event in particular is the type of event that marketing efforts have been trying to draw. He believes this event will continue to grow.

Councilmember Gonzales stated the event draws 1,000 people and he does not believe $15,000 is justifiable. Mayor Barrone stated when an event comes to the community, everyone benefits. 

Extensive discussion ensued regarding the funding request.

Councilmember Peralta asked what the original request was.  Mr. Bellis stated it was $15,000 for marketing and $5,000 for production.  He further stated the Council previously approved $7,500 and staff is now asking for approval of at least $15,000. 

Councilmember Hahn stated he supports this event at $15,000 as this is a proven event having been successful for several years.  He supports the Mayor in this investment.  He further stated other events that the Council has supported were more risky.

Councilmember Gonzales stated he looks forward to a continued relationship with Mr. Hearne; however, at this time, he does not support increasing the amount from $7,500.

Councilmember Hahn made a motion to approve the original procurement recommendation of $15,000.  Councilmember Cantu seconded the motion.

For discussion Councilmember Cantu stated she is personally familiar with Michael Hearne and his band because he has a proven following and is well known all over the world.  She believes people will spend the money to come to Taos for the event. 

The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes: Cantu, Hahn, Peralta.  Nay: Gonzales.

Renee Lucero, Town Clerk, presented the liquor license application to the Mayor and Council. She stated all publication and zoning requirements have been complied with in accordance with Alcohol and Gaming Division requirements.

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.

Francisco Espinoza, Public Works Director, presented Task Order 2 to the Mayor and Council.  He reviewed the breakdown of the schedule and estimated costs. 

Mr. Espinoza stated the Town has received the preliminary drainage report and the geotechnical report.  He further stated 7/8 of Camino del Medio was developed on unsuitable material, especially around Fred Baca Park; therefore, he expects construction to be more in depth than what was expected. The engineer on record is Souder Miller & Associates. 

Mr. Bellis requested that Mr. Espinoza prepare a detailed report for presentation at the Joint Town County Meeting to be held in September.

Councilmember Cantu provided a report on the Cesar Chavez event and she believes it was well attended.  The event provided several excellent speakers and educational sessions.

She also discussed the Town's fixed assets and the need for cameras at Taos Plaza.

Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the animal shelter.

Councilmember Hahn provided an update on the Hospital Health Study Committee meeting last month. 

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, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta.

At 3:45 p.m., Councilmember Peralta made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Cantu, Gonzales, 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 Gonzales seconded the motion. The motion was Passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta.

Councilmember Peralta asked if any parciantes who have not signed the settlement agreement can sign in the future.  Mr. Lopez stated they can join in the settlement and sell their water rights in return for their signatures and a full and complete release of all claims against the Town.

Councilmember Peralta made a motion to ratify the amended settlement agreement as currently signed by the parties in the Spring Ditch Case.  Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  The Councilmembers voted as follows:  Ayes:  Cantu, Gonzales, Hahn, Peralta.

Councilmember Hahn congratulated the Barrone Administration for resolving the years long Spring Ditch litigation.

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 3:58 p.m.