Town of Taos News Brief 6/9/09

Posted by Cathy Connelly • June 9, 2009 • Printer-friendly

1) Stray Hearts Animal Shelter welcomed the evaluation by out-of- area, third party experts proposed by the Town of Taos in order to assist everyone in improving our animal management in the area. The Town is among the contractors who have an annual agreement with Stray Hearts. Attached is the evaluation. Questions about the evaluation should be directed to Assistant Town Manager Abigail Adame, 575-751-2003.

2) Regular Council Meeting Highlights --

Taos Diner beer and wine license approved with specific conditions to help protect residential neighbors from customer parking violations that are a problem for their community’s access.

Valverde Commons items – minutes approved; zone change and planned unit development approved; and appeal denied on final plat approval.

Follow up requested with Smith’s to make sure one of the conditions of their approval for their redesign/gas station addition is implemented – the construction behind Smith’s of a block ‘sound wall’. Current fencing does not meet this condition.

Citizen Forum: Update about Bridges project for education – college counseling for over 1760 students/families since Nov., 1997. Over 60% of clients are from the first generation in their families to attend college, and over 75% represent minority populations. Success rate around 93% with graduating high school students who work with the program. Variety of projects/programs, including a college fair this November. For more info. 751-7196 info@bridgesproject.net.

Smart Code and Comprehensive Land Use Plan -- update from Community & Economic Development Director Matthew Spriggs: Seeking $50,000 grant to fund completion of Comprehensive Land Use Plan – hope to have in place during 2010. Smart Code’s T&D District approved, but its implementation in the community had conditions – 1) utilities manual; in the works with consultant – final by end June, 2009; 2) have Comprehensive Land Use elements done and in place – before put T&D into place in specific areas. Council asked Spriggs to return with a specific time line for completion of all elements so public can be update. Spriggs indicated delivery of time line in July, 2009.

David Sperry legal issue with Town of Taos – proposed settlement agreement approved. Basically property returned to Sperry, with a lien on it promising to pay the Town for $92,459.18 when the property is sold to reimburse them for the landfill placed on the property by the Town. Want details? Email this office for a copy of the settlement agreement.

Town “Beautification Program” is continuing. Taos Plaza was target for activity this last month – two full mornings of special scraping, cleaning, painting, clipping, planting, polishing, etc. All Town elected officials as well as departments participate. This team approach to focused clean up is next slated for Ledoux Street June 18^th, 7 a.m. to approximately 11 a.m. (cars are asked to not park on the street for this time period so ultra-street cleaning applications and curb painting may occur). Then on to Kit Carson Park, Paseo Norte, etc. If you represent an association in an area that would like specific dates entertained, please contact the Manager’s office, 751-2003, or tchavez@taosgov.com.

3) Film New Mexico Outreach

For Immediate Release

Contact: NM Film Office

(505) 476-5600

New Mexico Film Office & IATSE Local 480 Kick Off Tour to Meet with Native American and Hispanic Residents

SANTA FE-The New Mexico Film Office is teaming up with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 480 for a series of presentations designed to inform Native American and Hispanic residents about potential careers in the movie industry. The first five presentations begin this Thursday, June 11^th and will include the personal stories of current employees in the industry, as well as discussions about training opportunities available for New Mexicans.

“We are working to make sure that all New Mexicans have a chance to be a part of this exciting and growing industry,” said Lisa Strout, Director of the New Mexico Film Office. “Through these presentations we are reaching out to interested Hispanic and Native American New Mexicans who may not otherwise be exposed to the opportunities that are available.”

“The state’s efforts to build the state’s movie industry have helped boost the economy and provide good jobs for all New Mexicans,” said Jon Hendry, business manager for IATSE Local 480. “Our members are giving back to their communities by educating others about the business and helping to keep the momentum going.”

The first series of these presentations will be held in communities across central and northern New Mexico:

Thursday, June 11^th 2:00p - Navajo Nation visit @ Shiprock | PHIL Theatre
Friday, June 12^th 2:00p - Acoma/Laguna visit @ Sky City Cultural Center
Saturday, June 13^th 2:00p - Espanola visit @ NNMC Nick Salazar Center for the Arts
Wednesday, June 17^th 7:00p - Navajo Nation 2^nd visit @ NMSU-Grants Martinez Hall
Friday, June 19^th 3:00p - South Valley visit @ Nat’l Hispanic Cultural Center

4) "It's happening. The 1st Annual Taos Mountain Music Festival will take place at the Ski Valley August 15, 2009. It sounds like there is going to be a great line up with music for everyone. Bands will be announced shortly so mark your calendar and plan on attending."

Alyson Hyder

Executive Director

Taos Ski Valley Chamber of Commerce

P.O Box 91

Taos Ski Valley NM 87525

1-800-517-9816

(575) 776-1413

www.taosskivalley.com