Taos Real Estate

1) Timing being critical to meet federal deadlines, the public hearing was successfully concluded for the Town’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2008 program activities and project close-out submission for grant funding.  The completed project included $430,300 for Reed/Alexander Road Storm Drainage Improvements.  Mayor/Council thanked Public Works Director Francisco Espinoza, and his entire staff, for ensuring that this project was completed before the deadline.

2) Foster Care and Adoption Month in New Mexico – reminder that there is a reception about this issue in the Town Hall lobby tonight at approximatly 4-5:30 p.m.  Come on down, see the photos from the “Heart Gallery”– photos of fostered and adopted children in New Mexico.  Taos needs more families to participate in fostering and adopting children in Northern New Mexico, and a month long program of heightened outreach will be occurring.

3) The Council completed the issuance of proclamations and certificates to many deserving individuals and organizations.  The most important was a memorial plaque for Mr. David B. DiCicco, architect and Taos community leader who recently passed away.  The plaque focused on all that Mr. DiCicco did for the Taos community, particularly in the area of supporting affordable housing.  Other honors included thank yous to all those who helped make the Town’s annual Halloween haunted house such a success this year, enabling it to be offered for free to area youth.  The featured ‘Star’ Department this month was the Town of Taos Youth & Family staff, the team that spearheads daily, free activities for area youth, including special programs such as the annual haunted house, “Terror on Civic Plaza Drive”.

4) Under Mayor/Council agenda item - sewer/waste water work by Public Utilities – Director Amos Torres provided update on projects; soccer field brief update by Director of Economic and Community Development Matthew Spriggs (this winter trying to complete design/elements that can be completed during inclement months), so can break ground in March, 2010, making sure can accommodate “international play”, etc.

5) The Big Read in Taos has begun with incredible support – over 500 community members participated at the kick off at the Town of Taos Public Library this last weekend.  But wait, it doesn’t stop there – activities, readings, lectures and other fun events continue throughout the month.  For more info., please connect with Summer Wood, The Big Read Program Coordinator, 575.758.0081, or go to the web site, www.taosbigread.org.

6) At the conclusion of the Council meeting, Mayor asked for rules to be suspended for 10 minutes for a brief Executive Session concerning “personnel issues” related to the resignation of Town of Taos Police Chief Daron Syling and pending search for a new Police Chief.  No action taken.

7) Rudy Perea, Senior Planner, Town of Taos, has provided the attached results from the most recent Town Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on 11/4/09.  Please email Rudy should you have questions or need further information, rperea@taosgov.com.