Taos Real Estate

1) Town of Taos Council meeting – just a few administrative issues – 1:30 p.m.; items approved.  If you have questions off the previously sent agenda, let this office know.

2) Matthew Spriggs, Director, Community & Economic Development, Town of Taos --welcome reception 2:30 p.m. – well attended.

3) Town/County Joint Meeting focused on Recycling – Discussion of ideas, priorities, etc.

Town has donated (free) five acres near Taos Regional Landfill to Taos County for their solid waste needs, including the establishment of an expanded/new recycling processing/storage location.

County listed new 2008 actions in the direction of recycling – progress such as the grant-underwriting for the acquisition of new recycling bins, anticipation of receiving funds for new bailer, potential recycling facility, etc.

Town/County actions at conclusion of meeting –

• Joint motion to have Town/County management meet with Taos Recycling Committee to collectively ID key stakeholders’ master list and assemble them for meeting focused on recycling policies, action items, assignments, potential new funding, etc. – ‘how best to move forward’.

• Mayor Pro Tem Darren Cordova, Town of Taos, requested staff to meet with Taos Recycling Committee and examine how best to formally work with the Taos Recycling Committee on recycling; examine appointment of formal advisory committee on recycling for Town.

• Town Council Member Rudy Abeyta asked that the Town again put a proposed plastic bag ban on agenda; Council Member Gene Sanchez indicated that he would prefer to pursue education, further research, and behavior changes rather than vote on a ‘ban’ at this point, Council Member Amy Quintana also supported further research/education over ban at this point – Abeyta withdrew his proposal given these statements.

Citizen presentations/commentary –

Presentation by Taos Recycling Committee.  Six specific requests --

• Put back on agendas and pass plastic bags ban – Town and County.
• Ask Town to appoint specific person for gathering and sharing info on environmental issues – attend recycling committee meetings, etc.  Enhance joint communication, action, etc.
• Formal letter acknowledgement from both Town and County of the group as an advisory and education group; knowledgeable, valuable community resource.  Reference on this issue: Melissa Larsen, Wholly Rags (nonprofit; recycling of textiles), a member of the committee has already helped to raise past monies – and potentially much more – specifically for recycling.
• Pass resolution in conjunction with Landfill Board that designates part of landfill fees for recycling; actively pursuing new actions on this front.
• Mount a campaign to approach MolyCorp and others to underwrite funding for major recycling separation bins for homeowners and others to use.
• Subscribe to free magazine, Recycle – start a reference library to help government and community representatives to stay up with new developments in the field of recycling, including new ways to turn ‘trash into cash’.

Polly Raye, John Dunn Shops, and other downtown businesses –

• Historic overview of Taos Plaza area/John Dunn Shops’ recycling station – its start up and ultimate success.  Went from 8 to 5 dumpsters and cardboard recycling station.  38% reduction of downtown trash (50 shops) going into landfill.  $9,200 net per year saved by new program; seven years old (savings X7) = over $64,000 saved.
• ‘Ask’ is to set up recycling station in each commercial neighborhood so same type of program can be successfully implemented.  Would like ordinance to say if this system available, must use; particularly food & beverage establishments.  Many do, but others need a directive.

Other community commentary about youth’s enthusiasm about recycling – willingness to help, so involve them; desire to involve new Community & Economic Development director in providing underpinning for new area businesses to get involved in recycling enterprises; Recycling Taos Collection (private hauler) – take care of numerous recycling private pick ups here – offer assistance; way to get recycling in the Post Office – Federal initiative?; etc.

Town/County: Point made that Waste Management and School District(s) need to be directly involved in discussions/programs.  Questions asked about how to provide increased incentives for recycling expanded types of items (other than cans)?

Town of Taos Recycling Center currently handles –

Aluminum

Cardboard

Tin cans

Paper

Phone books

Carpet padding

Glass

E-waste

More.

At Taos Regional Landfill itself, white goods (kitchen appliances), tires, green waste currently recycled.

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