Joint Action Consideration:

Consideration of proposals for the Town to lease the Old County Courthouse on Taos Plaza (planned for expanded public restrooms, visitor center, retail and museum space following rennovation), linked to leases by the County of existing Town of Taos Visitor Center for housing displaced staff during construction of the new County complex and 5 acres near Taos Regional Landfill (adjacent to the Kit Carson Electric Cooperative Propane Storage Yard) for proposed County Solid Waste Services location. Proposed 25 year terms.

Extensive discussion occurred about the variety of factors that play into these proposed scenarios, and the connected needs for both the Town and County. Some of this discussion focused on Town representatives indicating that it will take a minimum of $1.5 million to rennovate Old County Courthouse building; lease would probably be contingent on funding. Concern expressed about keeping existing Town of Taos Visitor Center up and running until other facility ready to be occupied so there is no down time for tourists. Representatives also discussed unlinking leases and simply having the Town work to find existing space to assist County with their staff housing issues, and finding money jointly to rennovate and run the Old County Courthouse. County indicated that right now searching for room for approximately eight staff — primarily the planning department. Town said might have room in existing Visitor Center’s back offices to accommodate these staff right now; other locations also possible. More discussion by Town about financing realities, etc.; County discussion about again examining combination of Town and County planning departments moving forward. Discussion moved to doing what is best for all constituents; possiblity of trading properties vs. leases or purchases.

Town and County ultimately voted to shrink current plans to more immediately workable scopes. These included pursuit of immediate plans/agreements for:

*
Town to find/provide County staff offices in Town of Taos Visitor Center, and
*
County to allow Town to have access to the Old County Courthouse with the focused intent of installing new public restrooms.

* Issue of five acres near the Landfill for the County’s relocation of all its Solid Waste Services — vote was taken to enter into agreement (no fees to be charged), term and details to be determined; form may take that of a deed with a reversionary clause; if County uses property for solid waste department location/activities, then County may continue to use it in perpituity; if use changes, then property reverts back to Town of Taos. Exact location of five acres and what would be included are to be worked out between Town and County staff.

Staff were directed to move these projects/agreements forward and immediately work on details.

Citizens Forum:

Duane Turan, Green Energy Housing, Las Vegas, New Mexico, introduced themselves and briefed the Town/County representatives about their pursuit of building ‘green housing’ in the Taos area, particularly for lower income households. One of their stated missions is to try and identify purchasable land for this purpose. The County’s 37.1 acres out near Taos Country Club is of interest; perhaps for solar farm, which would only require as little as five acres. Land near Holy Cross Hospital is also being examined. Town of Taos - another 35 acres going through legal process right now - perhaps entertain use later for ‘green homes’? The elderly are also a population target for Green Energy Housing; particularly those with alzheimers and dementia; searching for 40 acres for optimum assisted living project for this target. The group is asking for local jurisdictions to consider parcels that might work in the area; also asking for letters of support for objectives to assist with Green Energy Housing’s priorities. Part of discussion focused on local need for affordable work force housing. Town representatives encouraged group to explore possibilities in and out of the affordable housing Chamisa Verde Subdivision and directed staff to meet and explore possibilities.

Council Member Darren Cordova, as a citizen and leader in the organization of DMC radio’s successful Mother’s Day Concert, held at Filemon Sanchez Park, came and briefed representatives about this year’s free event. He indicated that the growth of the event is tremendous each year, and shared photos of the thousands who attended in 2008. Cordova is searching for more funding to support this event from a variety of sources, which is free to the public and books musicians who donate their time. Overall, DMC looses around $3,000 - $4,000 a year on this event, but realizes the benefit to eveyone and wishes to continue its organization and growth. From the event, hotels are booked, entire families attend, and gross receipts are increased through all the in-area spending volume. Local business sponsors have been loyal and support the event each year, but Cordova desires to continue to increase the event’s attendance and efficiencies, potentially paying musicians in the future and underwriting the approximate $10,000 price tag of the rental stage and sound equipment. Some discussion focused on need to collaborate with schools to spread out holiday weekend beneficial promotional/signficiant attendance activity (graduation not on Memorial Day Weekend, rodeo not on Solar Fest weekend, etc.), in addition to desire to work to have businesses stay open on big holiday weekends and not close on the Sunday or Monday in question. There ultimately was discussion and support for working with DMC to figure out ways in which to assist on these fronts.

Town of Taos Council Members Rudy Abeyta and Gene Sanchez were not present at this joint meeting.

Proposed next meeting date July 2, 2008.

Cathy Connelly
Public Relations Director
Town of Taos
office 751-2001
cell 779-1013

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