Taos Real Estate

1) Approval of joint Town/County resolution to support Taos Municipal School District $40M General Obligation Bond(s) (election Tuesday, September 23, 2008).

a) Points of clarification presented by supporters –

• Proposed bond length, 20 years;
• Passage of this initiative would renew an existing tax percentage approved over a decade ago, so not technically going to increase anyone’s existing tax rate/base;
• flow of funds from bond cannot be spent ‘all at once’, so management of bond ‘taxation’ issue will be actively managed over the twenty year period;
• bond capacity will be maintained/reached by passage of this item, and so other funds can be legitimately pursued with state representatives (other sources of funding can be pursued since bond capacity will be tapped out);
• funds from bond will only go to buildings/infrastructure – none will go into salaries, etc.

b) Discussion –

Public outreach/info about education infrastructure needs is essential – last decade of growth has been enormous; future growth is projected to be great; need is great; 1967 high school graduating 200 – now around 500,,.need to build for the future; need for updated sports facilities – like indoor, close-by restrooms, etc.

2) Sports Authority – Discussion of disposition of Town/County – not an action item for this evening’s meeting.

Bill Whaley presented initial comments -- Local and visitor popularity of sports/outdoor recreation here part of equation; in addition to sports for schools/youth which have extensive benefits; all come together to create need for an organized effort to maximize outdoor sports/recreation and facilities/offerings to support; many others from community joined in highlighting various needs, benefits, and reasons for creating (and funding) this effort.

Other comments –

Feeder facilities - Need programs that help youth participate and learn about team sports much earlier on than high school

Field improvements badly needed

National outreach has resulted in possibility of having pros/retired pros come here to help with fund raising, plans, education

Engaging youth in sports/recreation, and attracting visitors oriented that way, will build community for the future – provide reasons and incentives for youth to stay and ways to prosper

Taos Hockey is example of the type of success that can be achieved – both for youth as well as Taos marketing; expanding annually; providing opportunities not here previously; Youth & Family Center and facilities like it benefits everyone in Northern New Mexico – Town funds to $1.2 M a year now – and well worth it

Investment is tremendous thing for our community

Score board – raised $45,000 in community for board – but still needs to be finished – ongoing effort; needs support sustained

Initiative will benefit all – including lodgers and other merchants – and need to include them in the Sports Authority

Mark Yaravitez presented Economic Study completed by himself and the Town of Taos Parks & Recreation Board for the Town about positive impacts of sports/recreation initiative for area (including mental gymnastics such as chess, bridge competitions, etc.) – copies can be obtained from Mark at mpy@taosnet.com.

Collective pledge to have staff check out ‘how’ to form a potential Sports Authority – under state law, how best to do so – nonprofit, etc.

Focus of Town/County/District discussion was to coordinate actively so don’t duplicate efforts/services/resources, but each contribute to whole to make more happen than can separately, and in a more expeditious manner. Each agreed to designate point person to work with schools and Sports Authority so this can be accomplished.

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