Town and County Agendas

News From Yesterday

On The Streets

April 15, 2008

Pay your taxes. The pesky insect is out delivering the print edition of Horse Fly, picking ups bit and pieces of shocking local news, some of which will be revealed. Don't forget Friday night's reception for big-time statewide dems at El Monte. On Sat. local dems will elect delegates to this summer's convention. Support your candidate. Issues include war, torture, civil liberties, plutonium pits, energy, a declining economy, and western U.S. competition for water resources. We had peace and prosperity under a democratic administration. Now we have war and tough times. Is there a correlation? We're only asking.


Cathy Conelly's Desk.

1) Taos Spring Clean Up - 8 a.m. to 12 noon, this Saturday, April 19th is the Annual Town of Taos ‘Trek for Trash’ Clean Up, headed by Parks Division Supervisor Dennis Martinez.  Town staff work with nonprofit groups, which receive a small grant contribution to assist, on this Town-wide trash clean up effort, and the public is welcome to participate – just contact Dennis Martinez at 751-2020, dmartinez@taosgov.com.  As part of this clean up effort, Town residents are also encouraged to bring their trash, yard waste, old appliances, and other items to dispose of for free from 8 a.m. to 12 noon that day to the Town of Taos Public Works yard, 1030 Dea St. (near Walmart).
 
2)Revised Time Frame: 

A new policy has been approved by the Town of Taos for any organization asking for the Town to function as their fiscal agent for State appropriations, grants and other funding.  Time frame promoted previously for application by organizations was May 2008 for the coming fiscal year – but now the time frame has been extended given one last revisit of policy by Council later this month.  For a copy of the new application form and other guidelines, including a copy of the final policy resolution, contact Francella Garcia, Grants Administrator, Finance Department, 751-2029, fgarcia@taosgov.com at the very end of April.  The policy will be advertised/communicated in a variety of ways, but this is a second ‘heads up’ for representatives of organizations requiring the Town as a fiscal agent participant anytime during 2008-09.  Public application period for groups is now anticipated to be May through early June, 2008, with all fiscal agency requests going before the Town Council for public review and council approval during June 2008.
 
3)Town of Taos Human Resources Director Brenda Cordova has submitted her resignation today, April 14, 2008, with her last day at the Town to be May 2, 2008.  Ms. Cordova has taken a contractual part-time position back with the U.S. Forest Service to provide them with human resources services.  Ms. Cordova retired from U.S. Forest Service prior to joining the Town of Taos a few weeks ago.  The Town is now recruiting for a new Director of Human Resources, Town Manager, and Town Attorney.  Recent successful recruitments for senior positions have included the hiring of a new Assistant Town Manager (currently serving as Interim Town Manager) and Director of Planning, with recruitment of a Community & Economic Development Director in its final phase (three finalists have been recommended to the Town Council).  Check the Town of Taos web site for current recruitment/job description information, http://www.taosgov.com.
 
4) Town/County Joint Meeting earlier today (ask for further information on any of these items for which you’re interested):

Recycling

The Taos Recycling Community has requested a ‘place’ to store plastics and their bailer so they can ‘get started’ with a volunteer/nonprofit-based plastics recycling program.  Town and County are researching how they might accomplish this prior to supporters securing a ‘permanent’ location/facility.  In addition, tomorrow night the Town of Taos Council will discuss a potential plastic bag ban ordinance.  Lots of proposals submitted/discussed as to how to improve the underwriting of/participation in recycling programs from tightening up the County’s ‘punch card’ system at the landfill, to charging more for non-recyclable items at the landfill and increasing fines/enforcement of illegal dumping.
 

Signalization of Albright St. and NM 68 at Taos County complex (the Super Save intersection)

NM Department of Transportation, the Town and the County all agree that this intersection currently needs work/signalization to improve its safety – even before construction of the expanded, 125,000 sq. ft. Taos County Offices/Judicial Complex, slated for completion around May 2010 (18 month build out).  However, according to NMDOT, a complete permanent realignment/signalization effort is somewhere over $1M in cost; a temporary solution involving a signal, but no realignment is approximately $200-$300,000.  Lengthy discussion about amount, what might be included, and who might pay for such an undertaking resulted at today’s meeting (State or County?; if costs are shared, how much each?).  In addition, there is the State’s ‘signalization priority list’ which must be negotiated for a project ranking.  The result of today’s meeting was the State’s commitment to treat this intersection as a priority and return to document exactly what, how much might be done, and what funds might be allocated in the short-term to help with the situation.
 
North Central Regional Transportation District (NCRTD)

Today a second comprehensive presentation was made by the proponents of the NCRTD on the potential continued participation by Taos County in this ‘blue bus’ transit system.  To date this transportation service has been paid for in four Counties during its two year start up by Los Alamos County Gross Receipts Taxes/State and Federal support, with a small contribution by riders.  There are many issues about whether and/or how to continue Taos County regional transportation services, one being whether the County will continue its NCRTD participation and place an item on the November 2008 General Election ballot to increase local GRT by 3/16ths of a percent.  Other NCRTD participation issues revolve around the inability of Taos County to readily drop out later without a vote of the very board they’re on, and similar abilities to out-vote Taos County on their own future services, and potential GRT increases up to ½ percent; required future matching funds; other technical issues that seem unresolved.  Of course there is a need for increased, connecting, affordable public transportation in the area for the workforce and medical services, and an Enchanted Circle RTD is being explored separate from NCRTD.  Taos County received recommendations/information from the joint meeting participants and will vote tomorrow at their regular Taos County Commission meeting on whether to be ‘in or out’ of NCRTD in for immediate future.  If they drop out, their next opportunity to ‘join’, and have a no-cost ballot for Taos County residents to determine their acceptance of a GRT increase, would be during the General Election of 2010.
 
Public Restrooms in the Old County Courthouse

Town and County are now actively focused on a short-term delay for the immediate two-public restroom construction in the County’s Old County Courthouse in order to try and negotiate a lease by the Town of the Courthouse and a total renovation that would include many more restrooms and improved access during phase one; and might include a historic/cultural/visitor center during phase two.  Both government bodies committed to try and move this forward during May with an agreement and architectural review/plan.  Given his interest in the issue, knowledge of the structure, and background as an architect, Town of Taos Council Member Gene Sanchez presented a preliminary plan at the meeting to explore the plan’s feasibility.  NOTE:  Public restrooms and a Taos Police Department field office are currently under construction just behind the Old County Courthouse and this project is NOT delayed (structure being manufactured off-site currently; to be moved on site and completed in May 2008).  These manufactured restrooms are designed to be readily relocated to another Taos Historic District location when the Old County Courthouse public restrooms materialize.
 
5)NM Historic Preservation Conference in town this week.  Welcome them!

6)Reminder #2:  Public Relations Coordinator for the Town of Taos will be out of the area April 18th through 28th, 2008; no news briefs from the Town will be issued during this time period.
 
I
TAOS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2008
9:00 A.M.
TAOS COUNTY COMMISSION CHAMBERS

AGENDA

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Approval of Agenda
A. Amendments
B. Withdrawn Items

V. Minutes – Discussion, consideration, and decisions regarding the following:
A. March 18, 2008 – Special Meeting
B. March 24, 2008 – Joint Meeting (Town of Taos)
C. March 25, 2008 – Regular Meeting
D. April 1, 2008 – Regular Meeting

VI. Public Hearing (9:00am)- Discussion, consideration, and decisions regarding the following:
A. Request for a Beer and Wine Restaurant Liquor License, Application No. A-547214 for Mono Chico, LLC., d/b/a El Meze Restaurant, located at 1017 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, El Prado, NM 87529 – Annette Kratka, General Manager

VII. Presentations – Discussion, consideration, and decisions regarding the following
A. A Proclamation Declaring the Week of April 13-19, 2008 as National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week – Julia J. Valerio, County Manager
B. A Request for the use of Felimon Sanchez Park for the Annual Mother’s Day Celebration to be held on May 10th & 11th, 2008 - Darren Cordova, DMC Broadcasting
1. Acknowledgment of a Special Dispenser Permit for Mother’s Day Event – Antonia Santistevan, Shadows Lounge & Grill
C. Approval of a Special Dispenser Permit for a Cocktail Party and Dance at the Stakeout Bar and Grill on Sunday, May 18, 2008 at the Anglada Building – Mauro Bettini, Licensee
D. An Oral Presentation regarding On-Going Projects at Kit Carson Electric Coop., Inc. – Luis Reyes, CEO
E. Presentation of a Petition Regarding the High Price of Fuel - Juan Roybal, Concerned Citizen

VIII. Resolutions Discussion, consideration, and decisions regarding the following:
A. No. 2008-21, A Resolution Authorizing and Directing Publication by Title and a General Summary in accordance with Section 4-37-7, NMSA 1978 of Proposed Ordinance No. 2008-3 Adopting a County Regional Transit Gross Receipts Tax equal to three-sixteenth of one percent (.1875%) subject to the approval of the electorate – Sammy L. Pacheco, County Attorney
B. No. 2008-22, A Resolution Authorizing and Directing Publication by Title and a General Summary in Accordance with Section 4-37-7, NMSA 1978 of Proposed Ordinance No. 2008-4 Calling for a County Regional Transit Gross Receipts Tax Election on November 4, 2008 – Sammy L. Pacheco, County Attorney
1. Review of North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) Amended Intergovernmental Contract and Scheduling of Public Hearing on May 20, 2008
C. No. 2008-23, A Resolution in support of HR 4598, Removing the Inmate Limitations from Medicaid, Medicare, and SSI benefits for persons in custody pending disposition of charges – Sammy L. Pacheco, County Attorney
D. No. 2008-24, A Resolution on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) – Ron Gardiner, Consultant
E. No. 2008-25, A Resolution Re-affirming Support of the Taos Regional Water Plan – Sammy L. Pacheco, County Attorney
1. Final Version of Public Welfare Statement
F. No. 2008-26, A Resolution Granting the County Manager the Authority to sign Contracts and Other Agreements of up to $20,000.00; To Sign Grant Applications; and to Sign Amendments or Modifications of Existing Contracts and Other Agreements

IX. Contracts and Agreements- Discussion, consideration, and decisions regarding the following:
A. Grant Agreement between the State of New Mexico, Department of Finance and Administration Local Government Division, Grant Agreement No. 03-T-052 to be used for the Purchase and Installation of Play Ground Equipment at the Peñasco Community Center – Anita Padilla, Grants Administrator
B. Request for Approval of a Contract between the County of Taos and Sembrando Semillas for Operating Costs- Anita Padilla, Grants Administrator
C. Request for Approval on a Contract between Taos County and Tri-County Community Services to Serve as a Fiscal Agent for their Legislative Appropriations – Anita Padilla, Grants Administrator
D. Contract between Talpa Community Center and Taos County as fiscal agent for purchase of supplemental library resource acquisitions – Anita Padilla, Grants Administrator
E. Acceptance of the Time Extension Amendment to CDBG #04-C-NR-I-G-6 for the Amalia/ Costilla Senior Citizens Center – Francisco Rael, Grants Administrator
F. Acceptance of a Molzen-Corbin Time Extension Amendment for Amalia/Costilla Senior Citizens Center – Francisco Rael, Grants Administrator
G. Lease agreement between Taos County and Trust In God, Inc. – Francisco Rael, Grants Administrator

X. Budget Matters- Discussion, consideration, and decisions regarding the following:
A. Indigent Fund Matters – Julia Valerio, County Manager
1. Sole Community Provider Claims
2. Indigent Hospital/Ambulance Claims
3. Indigent Burial Claims
B. DFA Resolution No. 35, A Resolution Requesting to Adjust the Amended Final Budget for the Hondo Seco Fire Department Projects – Susan Trujillo, Finance Director
C. DFA Resolution No. 36, A Resolution Requesting to Transfer Cash from General Fund- Cash Balance to NMLA Hondo Seco Fire Department – Susan Trujillo, Finance Director
D. DFA Resolution No. 37, A Resolution Requesting to Transfer Cash From General Fund – Cash Balance to NM DPS CO Office of Emergency Management FEMA – Susan Trujillo, Finance Director
E. Review of Budget Calendar for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 – Susan Trujillo, Finance Director

XI. Bids/RFP’s/RFQ’s - Discussion, consideration, and decisions regarding the following:
A. Request for action on Bid #B-2008-27 Rio Lucio Community Center – Warming Kitchen Addition – Jeanna Elam, Purchasing Officer

XII. Administrative/Judicial Complex - Discussion, consideration, and decisions regarding the following:
A. Authorization to Publish an RFP for a Contract Manager at Risk – Victor Robles, Project Manager & Sammy L. Pacheco, County Attorney

XIII. County Manager’s Report-Discussion, consideration, and decisions regarding the following:
A. National Association of Counties (NACo) 2008 Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference to be held May 21-23, 2008 in St. George, Utah (Potential Attendees)
B. National Association of Counties (NACo) 2008 Annual Conference and Exposition to be held July 11-15, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri (Potential Attendees)
C. Safety Training to be held May 8, 2008 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Wells Fargo Auditorium, 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Potential Attendees)
D. Rescheduling of June 17, 2008 Regular Commission Meeting to June 24,2008 due to NMAC Annual Conference being held from June 16-20, 2008
E. Other

XIV. Commissioner’s Report- Discussion, consideration, and decisions regarding the following:
A. Discussion on Montoso Road (Rio Grande to Hwy 64) Petition- Nicklos Jaramillo, Commissioner
B. Andres Vargas, Taos County Probate Judge Report
C. Other

XV. Legal Matters - Discussion, consideration, and decisions regarding the following (Executive and Public Session) Informational Items/Action Items:
A. For discussion in executive session regarding Arturo Henry Peralta-Ramos v. Taos County, 8th Judicial District Court, 2007-440 CV. This Matter may be discussed in closed session under Open Meetings Act exemption 10-15-1(H)(7), which allows for pending or existing litigation
B. For discussion in executive session regarding purchasing or leasing real property in Taos County for the purpose of relocating existing County office buildings. This matter may be discussed in executive session under Open Meetings Act exemption 10-15-1(H)(8), which allows for discussion of the purchase or acquisition of real property.
C. For discussion in executive session regarding Membership Statues with North Central Regional Transit District (N.C.R.T.D.) and Taos Counties participation in the purposed GRT Election. This Matter may be discussed in closed session under Open Meetings Act exemption 10-15-1(H)(7), which allows for pending or existing litigation

XVI. Adjournment

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the meeting, contact the Taos County Administration Office located at 105 Albright Street, Suite A, Taos, New Mexico as soon as possible or call (505) 737-6300.


REGULAR MEETING
Taos Town Council
Town Council Chambers
120 Civic Plaza Drive
Taos, New Mexico
April 15, 2008
6:30 p.m.

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR BOBBY F. DURAN
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Staff Briefing and Special/Workshop Meetings
March 4, 2008 Briefing Meeting
March 11, 2008 Special/Workshop Meeting
March 13, 2008 Continuation of March 11 Meeting
B. Regular Meeting
March 20, 2008
C. Special Meetings
March 6, 2008
March 17, 2008
March 27, 2008
6. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
A. Employee Appointments, Brenda Cordova, Human Resources Director

APPOINTMENTS:
Allen Vigil
Planning Department
Planning Director
Full-Time
4/07/2008

NEW HIRES:
Amy Alanis
Library
Administrative Assistant
Full-Time
3/17/2008

Lauren Felts
Police Department
Records Technician
Full-Time
3/31/2008

Gavin Wallach
Police Department
Police Officer II
Full-Time
4/07/2008
PROMOTIONS:
Thomas Medina
From: Public Works Foreman
To: Public Works Superintendent
3/08/2008

B. Star Department Presentation
Mayor Duran will recognize Awards and Recognition Team, to assist in the presentation of a trophy to the Star Department – Transportation.
7. CITIZENS FORUM
A. Jeff McElroy and Dennis Hedges – update on RFP for Youth Violence; Taos Knighthawks Chess Team
B. Carl Colonius – update on RFP for Youth Violence; Rocky Mountain Youth Corps
C. Patricia Martinez – update on RFP for Youth Violence; Amigos Unidos
D. Rich Sanders, Lions Club – Informational Presentation regarding Operation KidSight
E. Presentation of Proclamation for “Foster Parent Month�.
8. MAYOR’S YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed and discussed in detail by the Mayor and Council at their Monthly Workshop Meeting on April 8, 2008. By consensus the Governing Body agrees to place these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote.
9. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Ron Yachinich, Convention Services Director
Approval for Jeanne Kitzman to travel to Long Beach, CA for 12th Annual HSMAI Affordable Meetings West Trade Show June 10-12, 2008 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Total estimated cost of trip: $4,001.00
B. Francella Garcia, Grants Administrator
Approval and acceptance of Memorandum of Understanding TT-08-47 between the Town of Taos and the Dream Tree Project to act as the fiscal agent for legislative appropriation 07-L-G-5602 for the purpose of purchasing and equipping a van. The fair market value on the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander Mini-Van to be purchased with the legislative appropriation amounts to $17,179.00 with a fair market rental value of $238.60 per month.
C. Francisco “French� Espinoza, Public Works Director
1. Review and approval to enter into signalization and lighting agreement between the Town of Taos and NMDOT for NM585. This agreement would target the intersection of NM585 an NM68 for signalization. Pedestrian crossing beacons and advanced hazard identification beacons will be installed at Gusdorf Road, Weimer Road, and Camino de Colores intersections. Lighting would be installed for all four intersections.
2. Review and approval to amend existing contract to authorize additional term, between Woolpert Inc. and the Town of Taos. Woolpert was awarded the contract from RFP 04-05-22 to be renewed up to four years. This will be the fourth year of the contract. Amount in budget is $53,607.54.
3. Approval and consideration of Out of State travel for Delilah Garcia, Transit Superintendent to attend the 3rd Annual FTA Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference in Orlando, FL between April 30th and May 2nd. Based on actual expenses. Expenses will be reimbursable by the state as Administrative expenses. Estimated cost of trip: $1077.53
D. Eric Montoya, Administrative Fire Chief
Recommendation to approve purchase of a new Air Compressor with Purification System in the Amount of $43,600.00 from Fire Service Equipment. It is a Two Bottle Charging Station and a Horizontal Six Bottle Cascade System with all Required Plumbing and Storage Rack to be Delivered and Installed at the Taos Fire Department. Items needed are required by NFPA and ISO for firefighter safety and for the filling of our current air packs. As per bid 07-08-17 advertised in the Albuquerque Journal on March 16-17, 2008 and the Taos News on March 20, 2008.
E. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
Approval of Resolution 08-19 Budget Adjustment Request - 1) General Fund (11) - Increase Interfund Transfer Out and decrease Unreserved Fund Balance in the amount of $20,000 to cover expenditures for Taos County Courthouse Restrooms and $15,000 to cover additional costs for EIS. 2) Community Grants Fund (30) - Increase Interfund Transfer In by $20,000 and transfer from Economic Development - CIDirect project in the amount of $50,000 to the Taos County Courthouse Restrooms project - total amount $70,000. 3) Airport Improvements Fund (52) - Increase Interfund Transfer In by $15,000 and increase expenditures for additional costs for the EIS. 4) Capital Improvement Fund (51) – a). Increase revenues and expenditures in the amount of $100,000 for a donation received from Taos Center of the Arts for TCA Improvements, b). Transfer from Airport Substation Project to TCA Improvements for $172,000 to cover award amount of the project.
F. Mark Fratrick, Airport Manager
NDB (Non-Directional Beacon) deactivation; proposal to take the NDB out of service.

10. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Tina Torres, Purchasing Agent
Consideration and action to approve the purchase of a Spacesaver High Density Storage System from Spacesaver Storage Systems Inc c/o Improve Group in the amount of $59,731.72 inclusive of GRT under GSA Contract # GS-28F-1003C. This system is being purchased under line item 51-21-45002 – Town Hall Expansion and will be to be used at the new records center to be located at the Town Clerk’s office. (With Renee Lucero, Town Clerk)
B. Marietta Fambro, Finance Director
1. Request approval to award contract for Taos Community Auditorium Improvement project to MSR (Michael S. Rich Contractors, Inc) in the amount of $1,263,003, NMGRT $100,250.86 for a total amount of $1,363,253.86.
2. Approval of Resolution 08-20 Budget Adjustment Request - Wastewater Treatment Fund (63) - Decrease Unreserved Fund Balance in the amount of $10,000 to cover expenditures to purchase purification system at treatment plant.
C. Renee Lucero, Town Clerk
Consideration and approval of a special dispenser permit application for Liquor License No. 2660 (Shadow’s Lounge & Grill) for DMC Broadcasting, Inc. for the Mother’s Day Music on the Park celebration to be held at Filemon Sanchez Park on May 10 & 11, 2008 from Noon to 10:00 p.m.. Up to 4,500 people are expected to attend.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Renee Lucero, Town Clerk
Consideration and approval of Transfer of Location of Club Liquor License #8186/Application No. 548158 for Taos Yacht & Sports Club, Inc located at 1109 Paseo del Pueblo Sur.
12. MATTERS FROM THE TOWN ATTORNEY
A. Discussion on proposed Ordinance banning plastic bags.
B. Discussion and approval of Resolution 08-21 appointing a voting member and alternate to the Taos Regional Landfill Board and Intergovernmental Council.
C. Discussion and approval of a modification to an existing JPA on membership on the Taos Regional Landfill Board.
13. MATTERS FROM TOWN MANAGER
A. Consideration and approval of Resolution 08-08 - Council Rules of Procedure.
B. Discussion regarding the Farmers Market.
C. Discussion regarding Ledoux Street Neighborhood Business Association.
14. MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Discussion regarding the purchase of art in public places.
15. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Council will adjourn to go into executive session to discuss the following:
A) Pending litigation regarding Abeyta Adjudication; B) personnel matters regarding the Youth & Family Center Director; and C) personnel matters regarding the Airport Manager. Pursuant to NMSA 1978 10-15-1-H.7. and 2.
16. ADJOURNMENT

APPROVED:

Bobby F. Duran Mayor