Taos Real Estate

Matt Foster, Long Range Planner, presented updated draft MAP of the Land Use element of the new Town of Taos Comprehensive Plan.  Want a detailed overview of this new draft element?  Want to book a presentation before your group?  Contact Foster, mfoster@taosgov.com.  Special Note:  The new plan, and draft element, does not change property zoning.  A Council workshop will be scheduled to go through the draft map in greater detail.

Ordinance 10-16 passed – amending Town Land Use Development Code regarding Hearing Officers.  Ordinance streamlines the code regarding applications that need not require a public hearing.  Want details/a copy?  Contact Rudy Perea, Planner, rperea@taosgov.com.

Items from Mayor/Council:  Discussion initiated by Councilmember Gene Sanchez about possible closure/re-use of the Town of Taos Convention Center and Taos Visitor Center.  Town Manager Daniel Miera will bring back options in September, 2010, on these facilities (or part of each of these facilities, i.e. Bataan and Rio Grane Halls).

Mayor mentioned that UNM/Taos has expressed interest in a first-right-of-refusal to possibly purchase the buildings they currently lease from the Town of Taos in the downtown area.  UNM/Taos would like to continue their downtown Taos presence.

Councilmember Michael Silva brought up possibly revisiting new Arts & Crafts Fair pricing for Kit Carson Park, following further study.  He also requested updates about: sidewalk project/timeframe, Eco Park, and Sewer Plant Project; County coordination with Albright intersection; and update on code enforcement streamlining.

Representatives of the Town of Taos Parks & Recreation Board, including input from the Taos Sports Alliance, met with Mayor Cordova this morning and provided the Mayor with suggested input about new potential members to fill vacant seats on the Board, and to increase community representation.  This list was provided to Town Management and Councilmembers for future consideration.  These names will be provided at the next Council meeting.

Approval of the following projected road and plaza street closings for the calendar year of 2010 & 2011 (staff recommends the closing of the roadway and plaza to vehicular traffic to protect and ensure the safety of the expected pedestrian participants):  Note: Taos Fiestas and Lighting of Ledoux Street are not on this list.

• 14th Annual Children's Halloween Party: Event will be held at Rio Grande Hall, Bataan Hall and Don Fernando Hall on Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.  Staff requests to close Civic Plaza Drive from the intersection of Camino de la Placita to the intersection of Bedford Street from 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM. 
• 28th Annual Yuletide Arts & Crafts Fair: Event will be held at all three halls on Friday, November 26th and Saturday, November 27th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Sunday, November 28th from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.  Staff requests to close Civic Plaza Drive from the intersection of Camino de la Placita to the intersection of Bedford Street on Friday, November 26th and Saturday, November 27th from 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM and on Sunday, November 28th from 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
• University of New Mexico Graduation: Event will be held at the Rio Grande Hall and Bataan Hall on Friday, May 13, 2011 from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM.  Staff requests to close Civic Plaza Drive from the intersection of Camino de la Placita to the intersection of Bedford Street from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM.
• 24th Annual Yuletide Caroling and Tree Lighting: Event will be held at the Taos Plaza on Friday, December 3, 2010 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM.  Staff requests to close the Taos Plaza to vehicular traffic from 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM.
• Taos Auto Enthusiasts Car Club Autumn Run Street Dance: Event will be held at the Taos Plaza on Saturday, August 28, 2010 from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM.  Staff requests to close the Taos Plaza to vehicular traffic from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM.

Citizen Forum –

• Written/formal complaints (public nuisance), about large, open gravel/dirt piles on Paseo del Pueblo Sur, between Floyd’s Yard and Guadlajara Grill South.  Following today’s commentary, Mayor Cordova reported that he has negotiated remediation for these piles that is scheduled to be completed by August 22, 2010 (30 days).  This remediation by the owner includes: moving the piles to the back of the property; containing/covering them; reducing their size.  Other remediation regarding this site was also proposed through constituent commentary and will be pursued.
• Jeff Northrup commented, requesting that the town submit its budget for a complete audit prior to passing the pending gross receipts tax increase of a quarter percent.  Council explained that the Town goes through such an audit every year.

Executive Session:  Annual evaluation of Town Manager.