Taos Real Estate

Town Public Library Old Spanish Trail Lecture Series:  Each Saturday in November -- corrected time of coming lectures is 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Due to Town Hall construction, and having to accommodate existing office changes, as of tomorrow, 11/4/08, the Town of Taos Utility Billing Division will be located in the Town Hall Executive Conference Room.  This is the same general location as the existing Utility Billing Office, 400 Camino de la Placitas.  Still go to Town Hall to pay your bills if you do this in person.

The Town of Taos Finance Department, Marietta Fambro, Director, as of next week, 11/11/08, will be located in the El Taoseño Room, at the Town of Taos Convention Center, on Civic Plaza Dr.  This does NOT include the Utility Billing Division’s PUBLIC WINDOW, which will remain at Town Hall, as noted above.

Town of Taos Special Council Meeting notes, 10 a.m., 11/3/08 --

1) Eric Montoya, Administrative Fire Chief/Approved – Purchase of 6 modular work stations and other changes to improve productivity at the Taos Volunteer Fire Department – purchase through New Mexico Corrections Industries, $21,958.14.  Discussion of prior year comparisons with regard to cost/potentially purchasing locally.

2) Approved, with Town Manager authorized to finalize should DFA have final changes – Item was the revisited lease agreement between Town and Taos Community Auditorium (TCA), based on the State’s Finance Authority’s (DFA’s) comments/requirements.  Changes are designed to ultimately allow the Town and TCA partnership added fund-finding capabilities with the state in addition to meeting the DFA’s requirements.  One of the changes required is to reduce the lease to an eight year term -- matching state term requirements; changes in language regarding ‘rent’ and its in-kind equivalent were mandated so state would acknowledge ‘fair rental monthly value’ ‘paid’ by TCA to the Town.  Had to also accommodate expanded construction ‘value’ that current improvements will result in.  Town Attorney had not definitively heard back from DFA as of this meeting regarding the most recent lease draft.

3) Three budget adjustment requests, previously left out of the Finance Department’s adjustment wrap up – Approved.  This is primarily moves funds from one category to another (grant matching funds, etc.).

4) Manuel Pacheco – Buildings and Grounds Director -- permanent appointment (previously interim).  This is management oversight of the Town’s approximately 65 properties.

5) Addition of Executive Session to discuss ‘pending litigation’ pertaining to land acquisition; item B1 on special meeting agenda postponed until after Executive Session – Town Attorney indicated that Executive Session obviously was with regard to item B1 -- “…regarding David Sperry Tract A Salazar Rd., Offer of Sale and Fulfillment of Conditions of Dedication Agreement”.  Back in from Executive Session, Council tabled the item for Town Attorney’s recommendations, and a possible public hearing on the item.

6) Questions from Council:

• Pursuit of Eco Park contract with Sites Southwest – received signed copy from contractor late Friday, 10/31/08; 9 a.m. meeting tomorrow with contractor and Town representatives, 11/4/08 (first part of the contract is for conceptual design to be completed so a ‘plan’ can be visually presented to the state legislator for their January 2009 session; deadline is January 12, 2009).  Loan also being pursued through MFA by Town to potentially have park happen sooner rather than later; other forms of financing also being pursued per Town Manager.
• Proposal letter from Executive Management to Taos County about proposed Taos County Courthouse direction(s)?  Drafted and ready to go out.
• Taos Plaza security cameras?  Town of Taos Police Department Chief Syling will be presenting bids after meeting at 2 p.m. today.  Will undoubtedly require budget adjustment request (BAR) per Town Manager.
• Comments from Council about State’s annual audit commentary from last meeting, and reported about in the Taos News – PLEASE know that Taos’ local banks, and the state’s investment program in which the Town participates with deposited assets/reserves, are SAFE – and will be continuously checked by the Town’s Finance Department for safety/professional ratings.  The annual state audit consistently points up a short-list improvements any municipality can make – sort of like recommendations form one’s doctor or dentist at an annual check up – it does not mean that there are major flaws or problems in the Town’s current procedures with regard to these deposits.

7) Council entertained ‘Citizen Forum’ comments given that there was a person present to requested – constituent presented an update on Boys & Girls Club progress, and discussion about possible upcoming fund raising.

As always, wish more information on any of these items, let this office know.

Cathy Connelly

Public Relations Director

Town of Taos

400 Camino de la Placita

Taos, NM 87571

575-751-2001

cconnelly@taosgov.com

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