1) Taos Regional Water Plan – including Public Welfare Statement – moving toward resolution May 6^th before the County; May 20^th before the Town.

2) Due to a variety of factors, County and Town each passed a formal resolution objecting to the proposed expansion of Los Alamos National Laboratory.  One reason included the Laboratory’s, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s, unwillingness to hold public hearings/information sessions specifically in Taos about the proposed expansion and its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  The resolution objects to, “proposed nuclear weapons complex ‘transformation’ activities…including expanded plutonium pit production.”  Electronic copies of the Town’s resolution should be available by tomorrow.  Email should you wish a copy.

3) Negotiations continued about a new, expanded Town/County agreement for lease of, or a joint program to address, renovation and use of the Taos Plaza Old County Courthouse for expanded public restrooms, a visitor center and/or museum, and other potential uses.  The County owns the Courthouse; the Town owns land near the Taos Regional Landfill that in trade the County proposed to use for recycling along with potential back offices as the Town’s Taos Visitor Center’s (at #64 and Canon/#585) while County offices are under construction.  All proposals, and alternative options, were tabled to be brought back May 28^th for Joint Executive Session examination, and hopefully for a decision.

4) Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) between the Town and County to formally put in writing the Fire and EMS ‘traded’ coverage that currently is verbally in place (Town provides Fire service in the County where it is otherwise not provided; EMS is provided by the County in the same fashion).  Approved.

5) North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD):  Came back with a reduced proposal for bus service requiring a 1/8^{th %} GRT increase in Taos County vs. previously proposed 3/16^{th %}.  Proposed future bus services also reduced.  Taos County will make a decision about their ‘membership’ in the NCRTD after a public hearing, 9:30 a.m., May 20^th, Taos County Commission Chambers.  If the County elects to remain in the NCRTD, the tax increase would go before voters on the general election ballot November 4^th, 2008.  Potential for future GRT Taos County increases could go up to ½% if the County elects to be part of the NCRTD.  Discussions about a more local, Enchanted Circle RTD continue.

6) Next Joint Town/County meeting, 9 a.m., May 28^th, Taos County Commission Chambers.

Cathy Connelly, Public Relations Coordinator

Town of Taos

400 Camino de la Placita

Taos, NM 87571

http://www.taosgov.com

cconnelly@taosgov.com

505-751-2001 office

Fax 575-751-2026

505-779-1013 cell

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