Meetings
 

AGENDA
September 27, 2011
Regular Meeting
Town Council Chambers - 120 Civic Plaza Drive
1:30 PM
 
 
1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DARREN M. CORDOVA
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. MOMENT OF SILENCE
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. August 26, 2011 Special Meeting Minutes
B. September 13, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
C. September 13, 2011 Special Meeting Minutes
7. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
A. Presentation of Photo to Mayor and Council
Taos Youth Hockey League will present a framed 2011 State Championship hockey photo for permanent display at Town Hall.
8. CITIZENS FORUM - Citizens wishing to speak shall have the opportunity to do so for 5 minutes. No action may be taken
The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed by the Mayor and the Mayor has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote.
9. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Loretta A. Trujillo, Human Resources Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-55; Waiving the provisions of Town Code 3.80.070 with respect to hiring of an immediate family member of a current Town of Taos employee.  The Town proposes to hire Brenden Miera as a Recreation Specialist I (temporary status) within the Recreation Department/Youth & Family Center.  Mr. Miera is the son of Town employee Matthew Miera who works in the Public Works Department.  The employment of Brenden Miera will not create a direct or indirect supervisor/subordinate relationship nor a conflict of interest.
B. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Approval of Resolution 11-54 Budget Adjustment Request: 1) Facilities Improvements Fund (50) - a) Decrease unreserved fund balance in the amount of $3,952 and increase capital outlay in the amount of $9,500 to cover the Change Order No. 4 (Final) for the Pediatric Clinic. b) Increase transfer in from (Fund 51) in the amount of $5,548 to cover the balance needed for Change Order No.4 (Final). 2) Capital Improvements Fund (51) - a) Decrease unreserved fund balance in the amount of $5,548 and increase interfund transfer out to (Fund 50) to cover a partial amount of Change Order No. 4 (Final) for the Pediatric Clinic. 
C. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Miranda Quintana, Grants Administrator
Consideration and approval to accept Amendment No. 3 to Grant Agreement 11-691-12421 with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department in the amount of $98,250, and authorization for the Mayor to enter into a grant agreement. This grant will be used for operations of the Taos County Juvenile Justice Program from October 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012. The total grant amount, which covers fiscal years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 is $277,700. The Town of Taos does not need to provide a cash match for this project as we are the fiscal agent.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Marietta S. Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Ordinance 11-18; This ordinance amends the preamble language specifically the amount of the loan funds from $1,000,000 to $1,200,000.00. In October of 2009 the original amount of this loan was $1,000,000 and ARRA Grant was $2,100,000 for Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project.  In February 2010 the amount of the loan grant subsidy was amended from $2,100,000 to $4,490,241.  The additional $200,000 in loan proceeds will be used for the SCADA programming, SCADA integration, band screen chain replacement and pending change orders.
B. Marietta S. Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Town of Taos Ordinance 11-20; Authorizing the execution and delivery of a Loan Agreement and Intercept Agreement by and between the Town of Taos, New Mexico (The Governing Unit) and the New Mexico Finance Authority evidencing a special, limited obligation of the Governmental Unit to pay a principal amount of $1,694,457, together with interest thereon, for the purpose of financing the costs of various road projects with the Governmental Unit.  Projects included but are not limited to Del Norte Storm Drain/Road Improvements, Quesnel Street & Town Hall Drive Reconstruction, Mill & Fill Roadways in the Historic District and Engineering for various Town projects.
C. Rick Anglada, Chief of Police
Consideration and approval of Ordinance 11-19 - Animal Control Ordinance; An ordinance that establishes regulations, requirements and procedures for the care and control of animals in the Town of Taos and Taos County; and repealing Title 6 of the Taos Municipal code and replacing it with this new ordinance where violators will receive penalties when violations occur. (Staff will recommend continuing this item to the Regular Meeting on October 11, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in order to further review and revise the ordinance)
11. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. William Morris, Planning Director
Cynthia Spray, Arts and Cultural District Coordinator, presentation regarding Plaza cleanup weekend.
B. Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner (with Rachel Prinz, Historic Architect)
Presentation of the 2011 Architecture Inventory in the Historic Overlay Zone. The town was awarded a grant from the Historic Preservation Division to conduct a comprehensive inventory of the architectural details of 210 buildings. Staff will report the findings and recommendations of the inventory.
C. Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-50; Adopting the Fiscal Year 2013 - 2017 Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan. The ICIP is a list of unfunded or partially funded infrastructure projects. It includes cost estimates and anticipated funding sources for each project. The total cost of all projects is $75,862,154. The Town Council will be asked to identify their top five priorities for requesting funding from the state legislature. The ICIP is necessary for the Town to be eligible for Community Development Block Grant funding. (This item was continued from the September 13, 2011 Regular Meeting)
12. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
13. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
14. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR
15. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE COUNCIL
16. ADJOURNMENT
 
• To request details on an agenda item please contact the Town Clerk at 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos New Mexico, 87571 (575) 751-2005.
• If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of aid or service to attend and/or participate in a meeting of the Town of Taos Council, please contact the office of the Town Clerk at 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos New Mexico, 87571 (575) 751-2005 at least 24 hours in advance.
•For copies of this agenda please pick-up at Town Hall. You may also view the agenda and the agenda packet at http://public.taosgov.com/.
 
Meetings
 

MINUTES
September 27, 2011
Regular Meeting
Town Council Chambers - 120 Civic Plaza Drive
1:30 PM
 
 
1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DARREN M. CORDOVA
  

The Regular Meeting of the Taos Town Council was called to order by the Honorable Mayor Darren M. Cordova at 1:31 p.m. 
2. ROLL CALL
  

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

Those present were:      
Mayor, Darren M. Cordova      
Mayor Pro Tem, Michael A. Silva
Councilmember, Rudy C. Abeyta           
Councilmember, A. Eugene Sanchez       
Councilmember, Amy J. Quintana


Also present were:      
Acting Town Manager, Abigail Adame
Town Clerk, Renee Lucero

Contract Attorney, Marcus Rael
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  

Councilmember Abeyta led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
  

Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Silva seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. August 26, 2011 Special Meeting Minutes
 

Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to approve the Minutes of August 26, 2011 as presented. Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 

B. September 13, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
 

Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 13, 2011 as presented. Councilmember Sanchez seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 

C. September 13, 2011 Special Meeting Minutes
 

Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of September 13, 2011 as presented. Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 

6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
A. Presentation of Photo to Mayor and Council
 Annette Bowden, with Taos Youth Hockey League, presented a framed 2011 State Championship hockey photo for permanent display at Town Hall.

Mayor Cordova thanked Taos Youth Hockey League for their commitment to the youth.  He also congratulated the team for their continued success. 
7. CITIZENS FORUM
A. Kris Edwards
 
Ms. Edwards invited the Mayor and Council to attend and participate in a rally for public education on October 22, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. She requested consideration of a waiver for use of the park and for the banner permit. 

Mayor Cordova stated this is a very viable initiative and directed Abigail Adame, Acting Town Manager, to handle the request administratively.
B. Carla O'neal
 
Ms. O'Neal stated she has several concerns with the draft Animal Control Ordinance she received. 

Mayor Cordova asked Ms. O'Neal to send her concerns to Ms. Adame to be considered when the ordinance is being finalized. 
C. R.G. Wells
 
Mr. Wells discussed police corruption.  He stated fourteen years ago he was harassed for a two year period by Taos Police officers.  He warned the community that police officers are corrupt.

Mayor Cordova stated he is concerned that police officers today are being accused for something that happened fourteen years ago.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Loretta A. Trujillo, Human Resources Director
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-55; Waiving the provisions of Town Code 3.80.070 with respect to hiring of an immediate family member of a current Town of Taos employee.  The Town proposes to hire Brenden Miera as a Recreation Specialist I (temporary status) within the Recreation Department/Youth & Family Center.  Mr. Miera is the son of Town employee Matthew Miera who works in the Public Works Department.  The employment of Brenden Miera will not create a direct or indirect supervisor/subordinate relationship nor a conflict of interest.
B. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Approval of Resolution 11-54 Budget Adjustment Request: 1) Facilities Improvements Fund (50) - a) Decrease unreserved fund balance in the amount of $3,952 and increase capital outlay in the amount of $9,500 to cover the Change Order No. 4 (Final) for the Pediatric Clinic. b) Increase transfer in from (Fund 51) in the amount of $5,548 to cover the balance needed for Change Order No.4 (Final). 2) Capital Improvements Fund (51) - a) Decrease unreserved fund balance in the amount of $5,548 and increase interfund transfer out to (Fund 50) to cover a partial amount of Change Order No. 4 (Final) for the Pediatric Clinic. 
C. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director (with Miranda Quintana, Grants Administrator
Consideration and approval to accept Amendment No. 3 to Grant Agreement 11-691-12421 with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department in the amount of $98,250, and authorization for the Mayor to enter into a grant agreement. This grant will be used for operations of the Taos County Juvenile Justice Program from October 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012. The total grant amount, which covers fiscal years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 is $277,700. The Town of Taos does not need to provide a cash match for this project as we are the fiscal agent.
 
Marcus Rael, Contract Attorney, recommended removing Items 8.A. and 8.B. so that they can be voted on separately since they are resolutions.

Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Mayor Pro Tem Silva seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 

Item 8.A.

Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Resolution 11-55 as presented. Councilmember Sanchez seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 


Item 8.B.

Mayor Pro Tem Silva made a motion to approve Resolution 11-54 as presented. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 

9. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. William Morris, Planning Director
Cynthia Spray, Arts and Cultural District Coordinator, presentation regarding Plaza cleanup weekend.
 
Ms. Spray gave an update on new events that have taken place on the Plaza.  In addition, she reviewed plans for changes and the cleanup of the Plaza including improvements to the gazebo, installation of a horseshoe pit, additional signage, improvements to the stage, and pedestrian crossing in front of the Old County Courthouse.  She invited the Mayor and Council to attend the Taos Plaza Curb Appeal workshop on Friday, October 14, 2011 at 10 am - 5 pm at the Taos Convention Center.  She also requested their attendance at the Curb Appeal work-weekend on October 15th and 16th at the Plaza.

Councilmember Quintana stated she still wants to see more benches installed at the Plaza. 

Mayor Cordova stated the stage needs to be redone as it is not adequate for entertaining.
B. Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner (with Rachel Prinz, Historic Architect)
Presentation of the 2011 Architecture Inventory in the Historic Overlay Zone. The town was awarded a grant from the Historic Preservation Division to conduct a comprehensive inventory of the architectural details of 210 buildings. Staff will report the findings and recommendations of the inventory.
 
Mr. Foster stated that Ms. Prinz and Ed Ramsey, GIS Planner, have done a tremendous amount of work on the database for the inventory.

Ms. Prinz stated as of this Friday there will be 232 buildings within the Historic Overlay Zone documented and there will be 203 historic reports.  She has done a lot of research to determine what Taos' architecture looks like.  She further stated some buildings that were considered historic no longer will be.

Mayor Cordova thanked Ms. Prinz for her outstanding work.

Mayor Pro Tem Silva asked how old a building must be before it is considered historic.  Ms. Prinz stated a building must be 45 years old; however sometimes it can be newer depending on the architecture and location.
C. Matthew Foster, Long Range Planner
Consideration and approval of Resolution 11-50; Adopting the Fiscal Year 2013 - 2017 Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan. The ICIP is a list of unfunded or partially funded infrastructure projects. It includes cost estimates and anticipated funding sources for each project. The total cost of all projects is $75,862,154. The Town Council will be asked to identify their top five priorities for requesting funding from the state legislature. The ICIP is necessary for the Town to be eligible for Community Development Block Grant funding. (This item was continued from the September 13, 2011 Regular Meeting)
 

Mr. Foster reviewed the grading system that was used in determining the Council's top five priorities.  He stated it is important to identify the top five priorities in order to apply for CDBG funds. 

A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the Council's priorities and how they should be ranked. At the conclusion of the discussion the Council identified the following priorities:

1. Eco Park Phases II & III
2. Chamisa/Este Es Sewer line and Roadway Improvements
3. Salazar Road Extension
4. Convert Existing Ice Rink into Outdoor Field Surface and Build New Ice Rink
5. Crosswind Runway

Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve Resolution 11-50 as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Silva seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 

10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Marietta S. Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Ordinance 11-18; This ordinance amends the preamble language specifically the amount of the loan funds from $1,000,000 to $1,200,000.00. In October of 2009 the original amount of this loan was $1,000,000 and ARRA Grant was $2,100,000 for Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project.  In February 2010 the amount of the loan grant subsidy was amended from $2,100,000 to $4,490,241.  The additional $200,000 in loan proceeds will be used for the SCADA programming, SCADA integration, band screen chain replacement and pending change orders.
 

Ms. Fambro, presented Ordinance 11-18 to the Mayor and Council.


Amos Torres, Public Utilities Director, stated the additional $200,000 will be utilized for the SCADA programming, SCADA integration, band screen chain replacement and pending change orders.

Public Opinion

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

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

 

Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve Ordinance 11-18 as presented. Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 

B. Marietta S. Fambro, Finance Director
Consideration and approval of Town of Taos Ordinance 11-20; Authorizing the execution and delivery of a Loan Agreement and Intercept Agreement by and between the Town of Taos, New Mexico (The Governing Unit) and the New Mexico Finance Authority evidencing a special, limited obligation of the Governmental Unit to pay a principal amount of $1,694,457, together with interest thereon, for the purpose of financing the costs of various road projects with the Governmental Unit.  Projects included but are not limited to Del Norte Storm Drain/Road Improvements, Quesnel Street & Town Hall Drive Reconstruction, Mill & Fill Roadways in the Historic District and Engineering for various Town projects.
 

Ms. Fambro, presented Ordinance 11-20 to the Mayor and Council.

Mayor Cordova stated this was discussed during the budget approval process.  He explained the loan will be utilized to repair several Town roads.  He asked staff to ensure that the life of roads is longer than the term of the loan.

Ms. Fambro stated Francisco Espinoza, Public Works Director, plans to start the design of the roads and construction will begin in Spring of 2012.  She further stated the Town has three years to utilize the money.

Public Opinion

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

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

Councilmember Sanchez asked if consideration had been taken regarding citizens who have not yet hooked up to Town water prior to repairing the roads.  Mr. Torres stated he and Mr. Espinoza will work together to ensure citizens are either hooked up to Town water prior to construction or that they do not hook up within two years after construction.

Councilmember Abeyta stated he does not think the Town should limit the mill and fill to only roads in the historic district as there are several roads within the municipal boundaries that need repair.  He requested that all roads be evaluated. Mayor Cordova directed Ms. Adame to identify several roads within 30 days for Council to decide on.

 

Councilmember Abeyta made a motion to approve Ordinance 11-20 to include mill and fill of roadways, not only in the historic district, but throughout the Town limits as well. Mayor Pro Tem Silva seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 

C. Rick Anglada, Chief of Police
Consideration and approval of Ordinance 11-19 - Animal Control Ordinance; An ordinance that establishes regulations, requirements and procedures for the care and control of animals in the Town of Taos and Taos County; and repealing Title 6 of the Taos Municipal code and replacing it with this new ordinance where violators will receive penalties when violations occur. (Staff will recommend continuing this item to the Regular Meeting on October 11, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in order to further review and revise the ordinance)
 

Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to continue Ordinance 11-19 to the Regular Town Council Meeting on October 11, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.. Councilmember Quintana seconded the motion. The motion was approved by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 

11. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL/YOUTH COUNCILMEMBER
A. Town Manager Hiring Update
 
Mayor Pro Tem Silva requested an update in regards to the hiring of the Town Manager.

Ms. Adame stated Loretta Trujillo, Human Resources Director, has finalized the announcement for her review.  She will review the announcement and advertise by October 15th.  She further stated the advertisement will be displayed immediately on the ICMA and Municipal League's websites.
B. High Altitude Athletics (HAA) Lease Update
 
Councilmember Sanchez requested an update on the HAA Lease and asked whether they are in compliance with all requirements, etc.

Mayor Cordova stated as far as he understands, there are concerns with the long-term use of the facility which is why an appraisal is being completed rather than a cost analysis.  He asked Ms. Adame to elaborate.

Ms. Adame stated staff is in the process of obtaining an appraisal in order to prepare a lease and to her knowledge, HAA is in compliance with all requirements.  She further stated she believes HAA is not going to be able to accommodate the Town's Yuletide Arts and Crafts Fair, which is one reason a lease is being proposed.

Councilmember Sanchez expressed his concern that HAA originally agreed to accommodate the Yuletide Arts and Crafts Fair.  He asked that staff ensure that HAA has the proper type of insurance specifically for gymnastics.  Mayor Cordova stated HAA was required to provide proof of insurance when they entered into the Rental Agreement naming the Town as an additional insured; however, he is uncertain as to the specific type of insurance that is required.
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION
  
Mayor Cordova suspended the rules to add Executive Session to discuss limited personnel matters regarding the Town Attorney position.

Councilmember Quintana made a motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to NMSA Section 10-15-1.H(2) to discuss limited personnel matters regarding the Town Attorney position.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Silva seconded the motion.    The motion was confirmed by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 

 

At 3:27 p.m., Councilmember Sanchez made a motion to come out of Executive Session and stated discussion in the Executive Session was limited to the item as it was called for. Councilmember Abeyta seconded the motion.   The motion was confirmed by an affirmative vote. Those voting AYE were: Mayor Pro Tem Silva, and Councilmembers Abeyta, Sanchez, and Quintana. 

13. ADJOURNMENT
  

A motion was made by Councilmember Sanchez and seconded by Councilmember Abeyta to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 3:27 p.m.

 
 
APPROVED:
________________________________________
Darren M. Cordova, Mayor

ATTEST:
________________________________________
Renee Lucero, Town Clerk

    PLEASE NOTE: The Town of Taos records most Town Council Meetings via audio, however, only Regular Town Council Meetings and some Special Town Council Meetings, with controversial issues, are video recorded. Copies are available upon request at the Town Clerk's Office located at 400 Camino de la Placita (575-751-2005) at a fee of $5.00 for audio recordings and $10.00 for video recordings.