Taos Real Estate

1) Taos Ice Hockey Coyote Classic schedule for this weekend – attached.  This annual tournament at the Town’s Youth & Family Center brings several hundred visitors to Taos each year – welcome them.  Also, if you get a chance, stop by to see some great hockey – played by our state champions from Taos!  For more information, contact Brian E. Greer, 575-758-4160, www.TaosYouth.com.

2) Attached is Taos Ski Valley/Town of Taos enhanced shuttle schedule for Spring Break, March 13-21.

3) Council Meeting highlights:

• Mayor Darren Cordova, with the support of the Town Council, approved the reappointment of the Town’s five at-will employees.  Each was sworn in by Municipal Judge Richard Chavez.  This process is required every four years following election of a Mayor.  At-will employees are Town Clerk Renee Lucero, Town Attorney Allen Ferguson, Police Chief Rick Anglada, Finance Director Marietta Fambro, and Town Manager Daniel Miera.  These positions are required to be at-will appointments based on state law.  Mayor Cordova was elected March 2, 2010.

• Approval to close Civic Plaza Drive Friday, May 14, 2010, for UNM-Taos Graduation Ceremonies.

• Town of Taos Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Members – reappointed.  This thirteen member board advises the Town about all recreation issues.  Currently, the Town has five open positions should anyone like to serve – email this office with suggested representatives.  Following are the eight reappointed members who, as the Mayor indicated, have accomplished much for the Town and its youth in the area of improved sports and recreation offerings - Shelley Bahr, Ezra Bayles, Annette Bowden, Ramona Chavez, Debbie Friday-Jagers, Michael Hensley, Randolph Pierce, and Mark Yaravitz.

• Town of Taos Police Officers Jani Davis and Jaime Hurtado were acknowledged by the Mayor and Council as they become Police Officers, Level I, and leave their Cadet status.

• Mayor Cordova presented a memorial plaque in honor of Marcia Weimer Cunnyngham, and proclaimed today Marcia Weimer Cunnyngham Day in the Town of Taos.

• Presentation of Proclamation for Danza Azteca de Anahuac of Taos.  February 20^th was proclaimed Dia de Cuauhtemoc Day in Taos, but the group was unable to accept the proclamation at that time.

• Approval of Ordinance 10-10, approving the rezoning of a 10 acre property located at 204 Chamisa Rd. from the Rural-Agricultural zoning district (R-A) to the Neighborhood-Commercial zoning district (C-1), with conditions.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval at their meeting February 3.  Rezoning request by ABM Gonzales Enterprises, Inc.

• Approval of bid for New Mexico 68 sidewalk enhancement project to Advantage Asphalt. Lots of discussion about ‘quality control’ and emphasis on independent oversight given ‘bargain’ nature of bid; concern that costs do not escalate through change orders, and that materials are monitored for high quality composition.  Note: Public Works Director indicated that this contractor did complete another project for the Town of Taos (Reed and Alexander) and the work was on time, under budget and all punch list items corrected in a complete and timely manner.  They were also the lowest bidder for the Reed and Alexander project.  Bid award is $466,289.42 inclusive of GRT.  Questions?  Contact Public Works Director Francisco Espinoza, fespinoza@taosgov.com.

• Approval to purchase 5 Chevrolet Impala police units (front wheel drive, V-6 cars) from Reliable Chevrolet.  This out-of-town provider was only accessed after local dealers indicated that they could not meet the specific needs of this request. Front wheel drive is needed for improved driving in the snow (without studded tires or chains, which increase costs when required); these vehicles also hold up better than other alternatives under police-use conditions, and get better gas mileage.  These units are pre-wired/outfitted as police vehicles (oversized alternators, oversized brakes, police harnesses, factory installed spotlight, etc.).  Total amount is $106,165, financed through two grants and from the vehicle replacement fund.  Questions?  Contact Police Chief Rick Anglada, ranglada@taosgov.com.

• Discussion and approval of improvements to be implemented in the ‘McCarthy Parking Lot’, the section adjacent to the Taos Plaza bathrooms, which were added behind the Old County Courthouse, between the John Dunn Shops and Alley Cantina.  Improvements include slight relocation of the refuse/recycling bins already located in that area, creation of a one way drive/slanted parking are to improve flow, and creation of police parking, a bike rack, and added seating.  Contact Francisco Espinoza, Public Works Director, for more information, fespinoza@taosgov.com.

4) UNM Harwood Museum of Art – new newsletter, new web site

5) A message passed on from Kit Carson Electric for area residents and businesses --  

Help Kit Carson save the environment, natural resources & help the economy:

• E-bill

This option offers you the convenience of viewing your bill via email the day it is computed.  This reduces the use of paper, postage, and costs which allows us the opportunity to operate more efficiently for the benefit of all our members.  In order to utilize this option you must contact a Customer Service Representative to add your email address to your account. 

• Online Bill Pay

This option will allow you to view and or pay your bill over the Internet.  To access the proper account(s) you will be asked to provide you account number and password.  If this is your first visit to this site, you will use your member number as the login and that same number as the password.  For example if your account is #1111-01, your login is 1111 and the password is 1111.  At the time you log in, you will be prompted to change your password to one that is meaningful to you.  To utilize this option go to www.kitcarson.com to get started!

• Credit Card Draft

Credit Card Draft payments can be made using the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.  A signed authorization form will allow the Cooperative to automatically charge your credit card for your electric payment.  This transaction will take place on the due date of the bill. No more checks to write or stamps to buy! The form to authorize this can be printed from our website at www.kitcarson.com.

• Bank Account Draft

Electronic Transfer or Draft can be made if your bank is a member of the Automatic Clearing House (ACH).  A signed authorization form will allow the Cooperative to automatically have your electric bill deducted from your checking or savings account.  An electronic transfer will allow you the freedom and convenience of not having to mail in a check every month.  This transaction will take place on the due date of the bill.  The form to authorize this can be printed from our website.

• Check or Credit Card by Telephone

Payment can be made by providing your credit/debit card or checking account information over the telephone to one of our friendly Customer Service Representatives.  This allows your account to be credited immediately and is fast and convenient!   

• Budget Billing

This option requires the account to begin with a zero balance.  A set amount will be paid monthly based on a 12-month average of the account.  In July the “settle-up” occurs and at that time the account is reviewed to ensure that the amount being paid is sufficient and benefits the member.  It is very convenient because the member pays the same amount every month and this is especially helpful in budgeting your hard earned money!

Kit Carson Electric hopes these ideas are helpful.  Please do not hesitate to contact the Customer Service Department at (575)758-2258, (575)751-9064 or (800)688-6780 for more information.