News from the Town of Taos

Thanks to Cathy Connelly

Is No News Good News?

October 12, 2007

Breaking News According to the Journal North, Friday, Oct. 12, "Report Reveals Polluters," reporter Raam Wong writes that "in Taos, during the last quarter of 2006, fecal coliform discharges were nearly 1,000 percent higher than allowed under its permit, according to the EPA. The Town of Taos paid a $1,000 federal penalty in May." The Duran-Benavidez administration was fined $220,000 by the NMED for violations of the Taos Regional Landfill permit a few years ago. The Town and Regional Landfill board ended up settling for a $10,000 fine and corrected most of the deficiencies. I guess that's why they gave Benavidez a $10,000 raise last spring. (We've been hearing about the Waste Water Treatment Plant for sometime but we can't investigate every scandal at the town.) It's particularly distressing that the Town pollutes what amounts to the tributaries of the Rio Grande, given its importance as one of the state's most important conduits of water. Los Alamos, Espanola, and Santa Fe were also docked. But that's no excuse. Just because everyone's doing it, doesn't mean the Town should.

Thanks to the Town of Taos's indefatigable Cathy Connelly, we are posting news from the town for local news junkies. Once we have put the Oct. issue of Horse Fly to bed and distributed it on Monday, we'll get back to the local politicos. The movidas are coming thick and fast during this the run-up to next year's elections.

Meanwhile, two local entities appear to be imploding fighting with each other, while two others are moving steadily forward and upward. Taos has been invaded by nefarious forces, who are intent on separating the locals from their water even as another is trying to separate us from our cash, when we turn on the lights. Local bookies say the bets are being placed on whether or not Applebee's, the latest corporate juggernaut to invade the neighborhood, can survive in an increasingly decimated labor force. In short, will the corporatists follow in the footsteps of Denny's or Shadows? Quien sabe? Gene Sanchez, Mr. Issues, is back from visiting the Holy Father's home in the Eternal City. He's fired up for a run at town council against the two incumbents. A couple of terriers, Jeff Shannon and Carlos Gutierrez are nipping at Bulldog Donald's heels in the DA's race. Bobby and Carlos appear to be running unopposed for Roundhouse seats.

The real action appears to be in Albuquerque's House Race and the state campaign for U.S. Senate. So far, the big big names are taking a by and demos look as apathetic at home as they do in Washington D.C. Has anybody seen hide nor hair of the Chamber of Commerce? We hear the Visitor's Center is flourishing.

Rumsfeld's Rules

We hear a new company from India has inquired about whether or not several local government and quasi-government entities might be interested in out-sourcing administrative chores to Bengal. Apparently, out-sourcing saves tax-payers millions of dollars, while vastly improving service, according to a spokesperson, whose name I can't spell. Given the labor market, it might be a way to free up government employees to work in the private sector. According to the "The Shock Doctrine," those who play by Rumsfeld's Rules want to privatize everything. It's the wave of the present and future. Out-sourcing is also a solution to nepotism, about which so many complain. The promoters from Bengal claim they will answer the phones 24/7.

Planners are coming!

The following individuals have been short-listed to be interviewed the week of October 15th for the Town of Taos Director of Planning.

1) Dale Osborn, Albuquerque NM
Masters in Community Regional Planning and Public Policy, 3 years experience in county planning, tribal planning; 17 years community regional planning experience

2) Michael Hershman, AICP, Anderson IN
BS Public Administration, 10 years experience in building/planning/zoning

3) Owen M. Rock, Stillwater, OK
MS Regional and Urban Planning, 10years experience Planning/Economic Development

4) Walter E. Reeves, Jr. AICP, Farmington, NM
24 years planning and development -- lead planner, senior planner, development services administration

News Brief #9

Marketing Taos Discussion with Griffin & Associates 10/3/07
Today's marketing meeting was well attended by a broad spectrum of Taos business/nonprofit constituents. It was productive and positive. A wrap up will be written and forwarded for comment. A second meeting is scheduled for 3-5 p.m., Wednesday, October 17th. This session will focus exclusively on honing our key strategy, and the tactics that will implement it.

Oc.t 17. Chambers: 8:30 - 10 a.m. - Taos Regional Landfill Meeting; followed by Enchanted Circle Intergovernmental Commission at 10 a.m. 6:30 p.m., October 23, Regular Council Meeting, Town Council Chambers (this is a week later than usual due to scheduling conflicts)

October 31: 9 a.m. -Joint Town/County Meeting, Town Council Chambers. 1:30 p.m., November 6th - Council Briefing Meeting, Town Council Chambers

November 13. 9:30 am. - Council Workshop Meeting, Town Council Chambers
December 11. Town of Taos Council Public Forum

Alexander Gusdorf Eco Park - Request for Proposal for Conceptual Design - Sites Southwest is the firm being recommended by the selection committee to the Council for awarding of the contract to provide the initial conceptual design for this 20-plus acre multipurpose sports complex. Recommendation will go to Council at the upcoming

Regular Council meeting of October 23rd. Consideration of the purchase of existing bowling alley plans to potentially be included in this design is an item now referred to the Recreation Advisory Board for consideration and comment. Their next meeting is tentatively set for 12 noon, October 25th, at the Youth & Family Center.


Chile Line Transportation: A new stop near ATC and Kit Carson Electric has been added for the Chile Line. Chile Line management is producing a new time schedule to include this stop. Details soon. In addition, fall hours for the Chile Line will start October 13th - operation will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

#585 Round-Abouts - New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) currently is constructing changes/improvements to Highway #585/Canon. Given no delays in construction, December is the month slated for completion. Three European style round-abouts are planned for this stretch of highway to accommodate traffic flow/management at current stop sign intersections. The Town is preparing to assist motorists with their negotiation of these new elements as they come online. Reports indicate that the centers of the round-abouts will be xeri-scaped - but only to a certain height given driver line-of-site considerations.

Kit Carson 'Highway' and NMDOT - State representatives met with constituents along Kit Carson between Quesnel and Taos Plaza to discuss their plans for further mitigating traffic along this stretch of state highway where several accidents, including fatal crashes, have occurred. Part of their proposed plan is to do-away with the intermittent metered parking along this stretch, widening the street and sidewalks to improve safety in several locations. Citizens concerned with NMDOT's plans should contact them by October 8th.

Regional Transportation District (RTD): Public Works Director French Espinoza indicated that the Town of Taos is in support of the new North Central RTD, and is still evaluating how best to provide direct support and interconnectivity for this system. Part of the discussion centers how whether the Town is best serving the interests of its constituents by formally 'joining' the NCRTD, establishing a second RTD with interested Enchanted Circle communities such as Red River, Angel Fire and Eagle Nest, or partnering informally in other ways. The Director understands the urgency of establishing a relationship with NCRTD in whatever ways the Town of Taos can support it. Toward this end he is meeting the New Mexico Department of Transportation executives this week, along with Enchanted Circle and NCRTD leadership. Recommendations by Espinoza will be brought to Council later this month for action.

Taos Regional Landfill: Public Works Director French Espinoza indicated that issues concerning the removal of 'spoil' (gravel/dirt material piled up and needing removal from previous cell completion) has been completed in compliance with all state, federal and local regulations. He will present a review of this compliance at the upcoming landfill board meeting, and then report out to Council at its upcoming meeting as to specifics.

Tomas Benavidez, Town Manager, will be at a national conference for city managers all next week in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

"Clean Up Taos" - A program to improve the cleanliness of our Town has been launched by Council. Key dates include October 20th Trek for Trash program, including free drop off at the Town of Taos Pubic Works yard on Dea Street from 9 a.m. to 12 noon; and first week in November free curbside pick up/disposal of organic yard material from throughout the Town.

Crack down on graffiti: Business owners selling spray paint will be visited by Town representatives to emphasize their need to aggressively comply with the law that allows spray paint only to be sold to those 18-years and older.

Taos Plaza Public Restrooms: a) All State Builders, providers of the structure for the bathrooms/Police annex to be located behind the Old County Courthouse have received their contract from the Town, but are still in negotiations with Public Works about the elements of this document. Public Works is awaiting their specific reply as to final issues. It is hoped the contract will be finalized within the coming week and work may begin. b) Plaza Theater's progress has been delayed somewhat by owner/operator issues, but it is anticipated to be back on track soon. c) Progress toward a County/Town agreement has occurred for the construction of public restrooms in the Old County Courthouse - the Town has received a architect quote of $9,600 to design these and once the agreement is signed with the County (a draft was reviewed last week), this project will move forward. d) Portable toilets currently located on the Plaza will be discussed at the upcoming regular Council meeting (public hearing item) to determine if they should be left where they are currently or moved to another location (back of side alley between the La Fonda and Plaza Theater), behind the Old Courthouse, or another location). Considerations include ADA access, the ability of visitors to easily locate the portable restrooms, safety (reality and perception during winter early-darkness hours), and business impacts should the restrooms be moved closer to any commercial interests. Public Works has received approval from the County, and has a contractor beginning work next week, to clean up the area behind the Old Courthouse, placing weed-block sheeting and gravel once cleaned up to help improve this area and keep it up on an ongoing basis.

Charter High School Agricultural Class: A local teacher has received a grant to teach agriculture at the charter school. This involves the Town since a permit must be issued to enable this agricultural activity to move forward at this location within the Town limits. Town of Taos Planner Rudy Perea is expediting.

Parking meter 'hooding' pilot project at Taos Plaza: The "official" printed hoods are in and will soon appear on parking meters at the Plaza for the pilot program that is providing two-hour free parking to area visitors. Acting Police Chief Daron Syling reported out that the program seems to be moving forward positively with motorists and area business representatives pleased. Some employee parking abuse is occurring, but contact will be made with those individuals to encourage them to park in the all-day free parking provided nearby by the Town of Taos.

Director of Planning search results in short list: A short list of candidates will be interviewed beginning the week of October 15th.

The Town Planning & Zoning Commission has requested that the Town search for and contract with a private consulting attorney with planning expertise to assist them on an ongoing basis with their responsibilities. This will be pursued. Town counsel has had two briefing sessions with the new P&Z commissioners about their responsibilities, with a third scheduled in the near future. A new construction mitigation plan will be before P&Z for consideration - the new proposal does not require an architect's involvement. It is more of a checklist of items to be addressed/filed with the Planning department with further action required only if certain thresholds are exceeded. Following the P&Z meeting of October 3rd, more information will be out concerning the direction this plan is taking.

CHDO: The formation of this nonprofit designated by the Town to work with them to create affordable housing opportunities for constituents has resulted in a duplication of the Affordable Housing Task Force (same membership). Therefore there is an item on the upcoming Council meeting agenda to dissolve the Task Force to avoid duplication of effort/organization. The CHDO is holding an affordable housing qualification workshop/public outreach fair October 20th at the Youth & Family Center.

Central emergency command center: The Town secured $175,000 to complete the design of a Taos area central emergency command center. It is working with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative to do this. Kit Carson has currently committed $50,000 toward this project. Given architectural considerations, it is anticipated another $50,000 will be required to complete the full design of this project ($40,000 has already been spent on conceptual design). The Town is meeting with Kit Carson within the week to see if another $50,000 can be designated and this project move forward.

The Town has interviewed two bond counsels in a move to consider retaining one to assist with such issues, improving the Town's bond rating and lowering its/constituent's costs. More information on this will be forthcoming.

The continuing Human Resources Director vacancy with the Town has resulted in the Town Manager suggestion that a contract service firm be retained to assist with recruitment and other issues until a permanent, qualified candidate can be hired. This issue, and other Human Resource recruitment issues, will be discussed at the upcoming Council workshop meeting. Currently the Town has multiple vacancies available for employment.

Youth & Family Pool Patio Design: November should see the completion of this final landscape architect design.

Youth & Family ice rink: Further study into advanced treatment systems for improving public ice rink water is being undertaken. The point of this is to improve the longevity of the rink's expensive operating equipment/systems, along with further improving the actual quality of the rink's ice for recreation/sports.


Taos Regional Airport runway extension proposal: Environmental Impact Study (EIS) 106 hearings are being scheduled by the Feds. Specific dates to be announced soon.

New Mexico Airlines: The move to again potentially have direct air service of a commercial nature into the Taos airport is still alive, but there has been no new information to report for the last couple of weeks.

Applebees - moving along quickly, with opening scheduled for late October/early November.

Bigbees - The Town continues to monitor the demolition of the burned building next to Smith's and the construction of Bigbees. There is a six month deadline for this activity. The Town will take action should that deadline pass and no action/demolition has occurred.

Police Recruitment/Retention: Acting Chief Syling indicated that refreshed recruitment is doing well with new recruitment tools in development to assist with this on an ongoing basis. Council discussed various other ways in which to assist with recruitment and retention including pay scale parity considerations and ways to make this happen. The Chief is also working on accreditation with documents due later this year to move this process along.

Library expansion: The conceptual design elements report from Hidell has been received and evaluation will occur. Next step by the Town is to have recommendations turned into Request for Proposal language to be publicly advertised/issued for design.

Taos Balloon Rally: The Town has worked to clear/level 11 acres of land off of Salazar owned by the School District for use by the balloon rally organizers this year. The private land owners of the lot next to the Taos News, which has been previously used have asked that the rally move elsewhere - thus the 2007 location on Salazar.

Plaza merchants are expressing displeasure with the multitude of Arts & Crafts Fairs occurring at Kit Carson Park and elsewhere, complaining of too much competition. They have indicated a desire to discuss this with the Town of Taos in an effort to determine how to better mitigate this issue.

Plaza trash cans: Lids for these cans have been replaced to clean them up for visitors. The old trash can lids have been kept and cleaned/rehabilitated for future replacement use. Area business had this as an issue due to cigarette burns on lids, along with gum and other residue that they believed made them unsightly.

Taos Plaza ADA ramp redo: This should be completed in the next few days, with delays caused by two business owners who have been repeatedly and aggressively attempting to micro-manage/expand the activity of the contractor. Business owners are asked to leave this contractor alone to finish his work. Any requests/problems should be addressed to Public Works Director French Espinoza.

Waste water cost/disposal: The Town continues to seek new ways in which to reduce costs in this area. Reduction of consulting costs, fertilizer program phase out (this program didn't pan out), landfill permits to dispose of sludge locally rather than trucking it, and pursuit of permits for local composting are all part of the solutions being pursued. The Town of Taos Public Utilities Director, Patrick Vigil, is retiring the end of this year and all these issues are also being examined in the context of this change.


Trek for Trash: Saturday, Oct. 20th is the Taos fall trash drive. Volunteers/groups are invited to participate by calling Dennis Martinez, Parks Division Supervisor, 758-8234. Everyone can participate by legally/safely collecting and disposing of trash, appliances, and other items by bringing them FREE to the Town's Public Works Yard, 1030 Dea St., from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on the 20th. Week of November 5th - FREE curbside pick up of organic 'green' yard material is scheduled by the Town - just bundle or bag material curbside and have it ready for pick up. For scheduling of alternate address-specific pick up, and further details, contact Joseph Valerio, Streets Superintendent, 751-2047. These efforts are part of Town's Clean Up Taos program launched by the Mayor/Council.

Sat., Oct. 20th, 9 a.m. to 12 noon -- Housing Fair, Youth & Family Center - Come and pre-qualify for new affordable and work force housing with the Town of Taos Housing Corp. Call 758-7827 for details.

New Town Parking Fines: While by Santa Fe and other area standards Taos' fines are not high, regular overtime parking fines have now been doubled. The new, current rates:


Overtime/Double Parking $10
Improper Parking $15
Blocking Alley, Street or Roadway $30
Parking by Fire Plug, in Fire Lane $55
Parking in Handicap Zone $80
Violations Not Enumerated Above $15



National Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Community Against Violence (CAV), a Town of Taos community partner, reminds everyone of this national awareness month. Express your support for ending domestic violence and sexual assault by contributing during CAV's Oct. 25th annual fund drive on KTAO. Call 758-8082 for more details. www.taoscav.org.

Want to get Town of Taos agendas, alerts, news briefs via email? Send an email to Cathy Connelly, new Town Public Relations Coordinator, cconnelly@taosgov.com or call 751-2001.


Thanks

Thank you all for your outstanding work yesterday in assisting KCCI TV, the CBS affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa, with their travel piece on Taos. It will air toward the end of October, 2007, during the television rating 'sweeps week'.

We're sorry the crew couldn't get everywhere we had scheduled, but they had their own time constraints and had to be back in Albuquerque in the late afternoon. However, we did complete footage that included Taos Pueblo; historic Taos Plaza and Ledoux Streets; our area's history, dining, entertainment and lodging; our vibrant fine art, weaving and shopping offerings/areas; and our outstanding outdoor beauty and adventure/recreation activities.

The team was impressed with our community's friendliness and ability to articulate what is loved about Taos, what people seek/find here, and highlight the positives - diverse cultures, art, history, beauty, relaxation, outdoor/eclectic activities, and that 'special something' that is Taos.

KCCI captures over a 40% share of the evening news viewers in its market, and sweeps week will have even higher viewership given stations' orientation to heavily promote that time period so their ratings increase even more. Steve Karlin, the news anchor/journalist who completed the piece, also did some “Where In The World is Steve Karlin� teasers while they were here - promotional shots of him in Taos that will air as part of the station's own marketing campaign for their news. Karlin has committed to send copies of the pieces - and we'll pass them on when they're received. The story will also be online on the station's web site to view/download, http://www.kcci.com.

As an added media note, Taos has also been contacted by a new National Geographic publication, National Geographic Adventure, about an article for March, 2008 in which we hope to be included; a media delegation from Belgium visited last weekend to write-up the area for travel - thank you Steve Fuhlendorf; Village Tours (bus tours) is refreshing their Taos itinerary for next year; and we topped 1,000 tourists coming through the Taos Visitor Center Tuesday of this week - one of the highest single visitor days at the Center in some time.

Again, thank you to all who participated, and for everything all of you do to further the economic vibrancy of Taos.




JAMES KELLY CONTEMPORARY - PRESS RELEASE
1601 Paseo de Peralta - Santa Fe, NM 87501 - 505.989.1601
Oli Sihvonen
Ellipse Paintings from the 1960's


Opening Reception: Friday, October 19, 2007, 5:00-7:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: October 19 - December 8, 2007
Contact: Hannah Hughes: hannah@jameskelly.com