Taos Real Estate

1) Fiscal Agent Policy - Approved.  To guide organizations in the application for the Town to function as their fiscal agent when applying to the State for funding.  Representatives should apply by July each fiscal year.  Administrative fee may be charged if allowed by type of grant.  Complete resolution and application form NOW AVAILABLE from Francella Garcia, Grants Administrator, Finance Department, Fgarcia@taosgov.com.

2) Parking Meter Pilot Program extended to entire Town of Taos Historic District.  Approved.  As soon as decals can be secured, all meters in the Town will allow for two hour free parking through December, 2008.  Parkers will also be able to feed meters after the two hour mark.

3) Sludge - by product of sewage plant that under current EPA regulations must be trucked to the Rio Rancho Landfill.  Public Utilities did a cost analysis for alternatives as to how to manage and save money.  Composting won out -- and Council voted to act on it.  Costs will be reduced for the Town, and constituents can readily use the finished compost product -- which will be available for free.  Applications in gardens, area parks, landfill cell cover when closing a cell, and other applications for the compost will be actively pursued.

Sludge management annual cost comparions:

Haul to Rio Rancho by contractor $174,552 (scenario currently in place)

Haul to Rio Rancho by Town of Taos $115,000

Composting at Taos facility - water and waste management treatment plan $42,000

Modify Taos Landfill Permit to accept sludge (prior to composting) $83,000 (this does not include permit costs that would have to be voted on and incurred by the Taos Regional Landfill Board)

4) Plastic Bag Ban, Ordinance 08-08 -- Tie vote; Sanchez and Abeyta yes; Cordova and Quintana no (both 'nos' wished for an improved approach on managing this issue; want issue to come back later in year after further work).  Mayor Duran out of Town on official Town business; tie could not be broken.

Ordinance proposed a ban on use of non-biodegradable plastic carry-out bags at point of sale by retail establishments in the Town of Taos and providing education and incentives for shoppers to use reuseable bags at affected retail establishments in the Town of Taos.  Ordinance starts January 1, 2009.  Fines for violations -- $100 first time, $200 second, $500 third and future violations.

New Mexico Grocer's Association representing 500 grocers statewide.  Requested time to work with Town on issues and not pass immediately.

Representatives of Wild Earth Youth Alliance, Wholly Rags, and Rivers and Birds supported ban.

Individual constituents supported ban.

Council discussion included whether this is the vehicle to make proper impact; what about incentives?; need to improve plastic recycling locally/alternatives; need to get Taos County on board to have greatest impact; 'Plas-Tax' alternative?; other issues.

5) Catering work at the Town's Convention Center - opened up to all qualified catering vendors.  Contact RYachinich@taosgov.com to apply and for more information.

6) Town of Taos Youth & Family Center -- received funding for purchase and installation of ultra violet light filtration system for the swimming pool (kiddie pool first -- positive impacts to be examined for future expansion at facility).

7) Approval to allow the Vista del Canon Condominiums to connect to the Town of Taos wastewater collection system (at their own cost).  These condos are located just outside the Town limits.  Issue is that area must get off their septic system per State of New Mexico Environment Department.

Classification of Town Department Heads (except five senior staff with positions that cannot be classified per State of New Mexico law).  Passed.

9) Appeal of a P&Z denial (ability to approve not available to P&Z given percentage change proposed exceeded authority) -- appeal filed by Judith Loretto, Cantu Plaza, concerning a sign variance request.  Sign for pedestrian tourist traffic.  Cantu businesses are south of plaza - pedestrian access between buildings that need greater directional signage.  Staff recommended approval with two conditions.  Some council discussion about revisiting overall Town sign ordinance in future.  Appeal approved; variance granted.

10) Move to do away wtih 'Workshop' meetings for Council given new agendizing technology/software that will enable expedited review and disposition of items.  Approved.

11) Item to support for the New Mexico Department of Transportation's plan, Option 1, to upgrade Kit Carson Road, State Highway 64.  Approval sought in order to NMDOT to fund project on STIP; approx. $800,000.  Tabled - Council wants further public/NMDOT dialogue to find mutually acceptable solution.

Public hearings have taken place previously with public comment incorporated into State's amendment of the plan.  Elements to Option 1 include: driving lanes to be widened and could accommodate bicycle lane; sidewalks to be improved/widened and include ADA compliance; drainage improved; seven on-street parking spots would be eliminated but loading zones would be added (issues right of way to right of way).

Although item not a public hearing on the agenda, public invited to speak on issue -- majority wanted to keep on street parking. Various merchats, building owners and a resident spoke - supported retention of on street parking; Option 2.  McCarthy spoke, representing five properties on Kit Carson - didn't want any changes to Kit Carson Rd. except maybe sidewalk clean up.  Old World Fine Art, Kimberly Weber, supported Option 2 - keeping on street parking.  Taos County Chamber of Commerce also supported retention of on street parking.  Resident of Kit Carson highlighted series of auto fatalities -- represented that in none of these cases were cars parked on the street contributing to these situations; real problem is speed, driver intoxication and negotiating curve heading from Canon/east into Town/Taos Plaza just before Casa Benavidez B&B.  Mayor Fred Peralta provided some background on earlier improvements to Kit Carson Rd., Highway 64.  Council debated public input process conducted by State and how input reflected in options.

12) Temporary stage extension off of Taos Plaza gazebo to be provided free by Taos Plaza Live supporters for duration of summer 2008.  Approved.

13) MOU between Village of Questa, Village of Red River, Town of Taos and County of Tao to apply for grant funding from the NMDOT Traffic Safety Bureau for Community DWI funding.  Approved.

14) Bill Soares requested that more be done about enforcement of school bus safety for children boarding the buses or disembarking.  Issue being examined for possible courses of action with regard to enforcement.

20) Executive session.

Public Relations Coordinator

Town of Taos

office 751-2001

cell 779-1013