There are a number of tax credits for energy efficiency upgrades, including solar and wind power, which we in Taos should find interesting.  There's an informative article explaining all of the current tax credits here.  Here's their infograph to help in working your way to which might be useful in your situation.

Click the image to enlarge

Source: FixR

Related articles by Zemanta

• 10 Great 'Green' Home Improvements for 2010 (usnews.com)
• How stimulus saved renewable energy (money.cnn.com)
• Do You Qualify for These 4 New Tax Breaks? (moneyning.com)

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As a freelance writer, I wish I had the skill for travel writing.  I'd hardly consider it work to stay and eat at the resort with an assignment for 400 words.  Good article though for Taos and for El Monte Sagrado.

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Even better, as I take new photos, they're added to a great mapping site, and you can view maps by items of interest in the Taos area.  As each map has the links to the others at the top, I'll just take you here to the Taos Arts Map as an example.  All are easily accessed from the Maps tab at the top of every page.  You can zoom, change map type, and mouse over the icons or the images for more information.

I'm trying to map every hotel, motel, b&b, business, building, restaurant, gallery, studio, horse trail, hiking trail and campground in the Enchanted Circle area.  To do that, I need to take a photo at the site, but I don't mind, and it's free.  I want this to be the best site on the Web for Taos area information.  So, if you have a business or favorite location you want mapped, email it to me, and I'll move it up higher on the list.  These maps will get more on them as quickly as I can take the photos.

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1)

2) Illegal Substances: Yesterday, the Town of Taos Police Department’s Canine Officer, Brady, effectively found a small amount of marijuana, allegedly (and creatively) stashed by a student in a restroom at Vista Grande Charter High School.  The student is facing charges.  Brady’s handler, Officer Mark Archuletta, participated in the successful search.  Officers Brady and Archuletta have been visiting area schools to discourage just such illegal drug activities, and to put students on alert that Brady (and her nose) are on the job.  The marijuana was found by Brady in a stash hidden inside a feminine sanitary products box nested among many other such boxes of actual products in the restroom.  Brady was purchased for the Department through the actions of an anonymous donor.  Questions about the incident, and Brady, should be directed to the Town of Taos Police Department, 575-758-4656.

3) Tourism: Below are three ‘e-magazine’ blasts from Taos tourism entities.  As you find their content useful for your own efforts, please use/forward them as you do Griffin’s on behalf of the Town of Taos.  Note: Through Griffin & Associates’ efforts, Taos finally made it into the State of New Mexico’s Tourism Departments’ email by Secretary Cerletti.  Congrats to all.

BELOW - Griffin & Associates has done great work in getting us featured in the State of New Mexico’s Tourism Department newsletter.  Congrats to all.

New Mexico Tourism Department December 2009

Having problems viewing this e-mail? View the online version here. To ensure delivery to your inbox, please add enchantment@newmexico.org to your address book or spam filter approved list.
Unsubscribe information is located at the bottom of this page.

Photo courtesy of Jim Orr

In this issue

• Ski Season is here
• New Mexico State Parks Light Up the Holidays
• Celebrate Holidays with Baumann Marionettes
• Taos Winter Wine Festival
• Rock of Ages Event at Carlsbad Caverns
• Taos Lights Ledoux Street December 12
• Fun for Everyone at Museum of New Mexico, State Monuments
• Holiday Celebrations on Tap
• Escape to the Crossroads - Las Cruces, New Mexico - Vacation Giveaway
• Upcoming Events

Welcome

As Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department, I welcome you to New Mexico, a truly diverse destination. Winter is upon us and holiday festivities are right around the corner. Come celebrate a season like no other in a place like no other: New Mexico, your Land of Enchantment.

Michael Cerletti

Ski Season is Here

Move over fall, winter is here. New Mexico's ski season is cranking up, and excitement is in the air.

High altitudes, coupled with New Mexico's light, fluffy snow and brilliant sunshine, create some of the finest ski conditions in the West. There is no reason to spend an extra five or six long hours in the car heading further north to stand in long lift lines when you could already be skiing New Mexico's incredible ski slopes.

Make your reservations now. Come ski and ride the Winter Sun.

Please read the entire story...

New Mexico State Parks Light Up the Holidays

Holiday traditions sparkle at New Mexico State Parks as farolitos light up walkways, beaches and riverfronts in parks from Raton to Deming. Hot cocoa, caroling, holiday bells and luminaria await visitors seeking a festive return to old-fashioned customs or modern-day star gazing.

Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Carlsbad celebrates Holidays with the Animals, 1- 3 p.m., December 12, when children make holiday cards and treats for their favorite Living Desert animals. The event is free, but regular admission fees apply or each visitor may donate a new book, toy, or nonperishable food item to be distributed to local charities. Call 575-887-5516 for details.

Please read the entire story ...

Celebrate Holidays with Baumann Marionette Performance at NM Museum of Art

The Gustave Baumann marionettes have entertained generations of Santa Feans every Christmas since 1935 and they will do so again this year on Sunday (December 20, 2009), 1 to 4 p.m., in the St. Francis Auditorium at the New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe.

Originally intended to amuse their daughter Anne in their home, Baumann's marionettes quickly became well-known in the Santa Fe community and performances were soon offered annually.

The puppets used today are exact replicas of the originals on view in the Museum's second floor gallery exhibition, "Pulling String: The Marionettes and Art of Gustave Baumann."

Please read the entire story...

Taos Winter Wine Festival Offers Fine Wine, Incredible Skiing

One of the most highly respected festivals in the wine industry, the annual Taos Winter Wine Festival is January 20-25, 2010.

The Festival has evolved into one of the premier wine events in the in the region. Drawing more than 3,000 wine enthusiasts, the festival is filled with spectacular wine and food events throughout Taos Ski Valley and the Town of Taos, where restaurants host wine dinners and chefs pair dishes that compliment the wines they are featuring. Daily seminars give the participants an opportunity to meet and interact with the winemakers and vineyard owners on a personal basis.

"Skier, wine connoisseur or gourmet, the Taos Winter Wine Festival has something for everyone," said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. "Perhaps best of all, during the day you can ski Taos, where the conditions are nearly perfect."

Please read the entire story ...

Holiday Tours, Rock of Ages Event Offered at Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns National Park will celebrate the holiday season by offering special tours in addition to the regular schedule.

The most popular of these is the Rock of Ages Tour on Saturday (December 19) and Sunday (December 27), 5 to 6:30 p.m. Limited to 60 people. Fees are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 4-15. Children under age 4 are not allowed. Park Rangers will lead the group by lantern light through the Big Room and provide a black out experience reminiscent of the Rock of Ages Ceremony as it was conducted on guided tours during the 1930s and 40s. Also, the tour will be visited by historical characters from Carlsbad Cavern's past.

Please read the entire story ...

Upcoming Holiday Events

Taos Lights Ledoux Street December 12

Celebrate the beauty of Taos and ring in the holiday season with the annual Lighting of Ledoux Street off Taos Plaza on Saturday (December 12), 5-7:30 p.m.

Visit the shops, galleries, salons and museums located along one of Taos' most picturesque streets as they throw open their doors to music, food and fun. Experience a centuries-old tradition with farolitos lining the street and luminarias burning in courtyards. This free event is sponsored in part by the Town of Taos and the members of the Ledoux Street Association.

More information ...

Fun for Everyone at Museum of New Mexico, State Monuments

There are holiday events that occur at all of our state monuments.

Monument grounds are lit with hundreds of flickering farolitos and thousands of Christmas lights. Activities start at 5:30 p.m. with Santa's Workshop, where children, assisted by a few kindly elves, make ornaments. Following are music, traditional Pueblo dancing, and Native American storytelling. Enjoy biscochitos and hot apple cider around a bonfire. Free. 505-867-5351

San Jose de los Jemez Mission Church and Giusewa Village shine with hundreds of traditional farolitos. Festivities include traditional Native American flute music, a Jemez Pueblo dance performance, free cookies and cider, and a visit by Santa Claus. Free. 800-426-7850

Be a part of the annual candlelight procession of Las Posadas as it moves around the Santa Fe Plaza and into the Palace courtyard. Stay for caroling, cookies, and refreshments. Free. 505-476-5100

Click for a complete list of events at the state monuments...

Holiday Celebrations on Tap

Canyon Road Christmas Eve Walk (Santa Fe) - Walk up Santa Fe's Canyon Road, stopping off at bonfires to catch a bit of warmth and perhaps sing a few carols. Businesses and friends along the way offer hot cider, hot chocolate and posole (a traditional Christmas stew).

Christmas in Madrid (Madrid) - Christmas in Madrid started in the 1920s, when Madrid was a mining town run by Oscar Huber. The whole town would decorate homes and businesses with more than 100,000 lights and create a winter wonderland filled with decorations and blinking lights at the ballpark. That tradition continues today with lights and a Christmas Parade.

Las Posadas (statewide) - Under the glow of colored lights strung in trees on the Santa Fe Plaza, several hundred spectators cradled candles Sunday as they watched an annual re-enactment of a story on which the Christian faith is founded.

Click for more events...

Department News, Announcements & Links

Escape to the Crossroads - Las Cruces, New Mexico - Vacation Giveaway.

Las Cruces is perfect for your next getaway. Enter the "Escape to the Crossroads Getaway" and be our guest.

This package includes a two night stay at Meson de Mesilla, New Mexico's finest boutique hotel; dining at Meson de Mesilla, La Posta de Mesilla, and the Texas Roadhouse; and lunch at the Sunset Grill at Sonoma Ranch.

Activities include two treatments at the Fountain of Youth Day Spa; two rounds of golf with cart at the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course; two rounds of golf with cart at the New Mexico State University Golf Course; admission for two to the Rio Grande Theater; a walking tour of Old Mesilla with La Morena Walking Tours; complimentary day passes at White Sands National Monument; and one new sled and wax at the White Sands Trading Company.

ENTER NOW!!!

Shop New Mexico
New Mexico Apparel

Events Calendar
Activities in New Mexico

Contact Us
New Mexico Tourism Department Information

Upcoming Events

Dont forget to mark you calendar for these upcoming events:

December 2009 Events

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Train Rides, Chama - cumbrestoltec.com

Christmas in Madrid, 12/6-7, 13-14 and 20-21 visitmadridnm.com
12        Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day, Pojoaque Pueblo - indianpueblo.org
Riverglow, Farmington - 800-448-1240
Floating Lights Parade, Elephant Butte - elephantchamberofcommerce.com
Navajo Nativity, Farmington - 800-448-1240
20        New Mexico Bowl, Albuquerque newmexicobowl.com
Farolito/Luminaria Tours, Santa Fe & Albuquerque - newmexico.org
Lighting of Luminaria, Carrizozo - townofcarrizzo.org
Christmas Carols & Luminarias, Old Mesilla - 575-524-3262
24-28   Dances at various pueblos indianpueblo.org
28-29   Santa Fe Spanish Market ' www.spanishcolonial.org
31        New Year's Eve Dances at various pueblos - indianpueblo.org
Torchlight Parades at various ski areas - skinewmexico.com

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Thank you from the New Mexico Tourism Department.

And the last one from Ojo Caliente –

From: Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs [mailto:waters@ojospa.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 1:33 PM
Subject: Spa La-La-La-La!

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Today’s Town of Taos Council Meeting highlights -

1)      Lodgers Tax Advisory Board, Town of Taos – ratified by Council -- Mayor Cordova has led the Town on aligning the Board’s role with what they should be doing under State statute, which is contributing substantive input to the Mayor and Council on how the Town’s lodgers tax funds ought to be spent on helping tourism in Taos.  Two meetings a year will be designed to focus on this input.  Other ‘elective’ meetings may include quarterly marketing meetings with the community.  The refreshed Board, and their designated representation on the Board, includes (list with contact information attached):

Chris Smith, Lodger

Rey Deveaux, Jr., Tourist Business

Morris Whitten, Tourist Business

Merly James, General Public

Ken Blair, Lodger

2)      Town of Taos Recycling Advisory Committee – appointments ratified – appointees include Joseph Godfrey/Recycle Taos, Uvaldo Olonia/Taos County, Barb Wiard/Landfill Board Chair and TSV Council Member, Steve Fuhlendorf/Taos County Chamber of Commerce, Melissa Larsen/Wholly Rags, Francisco Espinoza/Director, Public Works, Town of Taos, Jean Nichols/Art for the Heart

3)      Council member Abeyta highlighted Council’s need to focus and move forward on the ‘clean up’ of the Bigbee building.  There was some discussion of the other ‘nuissance properties’ in Taos, and agreements with owners that are being negotiated.  Action on properties is being actively pursued.

4)      Town of Taos revised Sign Code/public hearing – approved with extensive recommendations made today in Council. Matthew Spriggs, Director, Community & Economic Development Dept. presented the draft new code, which he indicated had changes made to it as late as yesterday.  Council reviewed it and had many of their own.  A final version of the ordinance passed today and can be secured in a couple of days from Director Spriggs, dspriggs@taosgov.com.  This office will also send it out as soon as a final version is secured.

5)      ‘Star’ Department this month – the Town of Taos Legal Department, comprised of Town Attorney Allen Ferguson, Assistant Town Attorney Jack Clough, and Administrative Assistant/Legal Assistant Cindy Perez.  This Department completes over 300 contracts per year, consults constantly with the Council, Management and all Departments, has initiated new programs over the last year including work to improve nuisance properties, litigation work, and a variety of other town-wide tasks.  Charlie Sanchez, Buildings Dept., was also honored for his dedication to serving town constituents above and beyond his regular assignments.

6)      Presentation by Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) – presentation concerning the Learning Lab Students’ involvement in assisting the Taos Coalition to End Homelessness.  http://youthcorps.org/contactus.html This help includes $100 and 26 ‘care packages’ presented to the Taos Coalition to End Homelessness at today’s Council meeting by the RMYC. Upcoming December ‘art event’ to help the Coalition - http://www.wnightingale.com/events.

7)      Taos Artist Organization (TAO) presentation was postponed due to Whitehawk’s inability to attend today’s meeting.

8)      Accrued annual leave policy (this is combined vacation and sick leave) at the Town of Taos was today amended to do away with some problematic issues.  The new policy encourages use of the elective time off, rather than its unlimited accrual for ‘sell back’ purposes.  Of course adequate sick leave will still be maintained.  No staff will loose accrued annual leave hours, but the sell back component is now restricted.  Want a copy of the new policy?  Contact Loretta Trujillo, Director, Town of Taos Human Resources, ltrujillo@taosgov.com.

9)      Ordinance was passed by Council approving the 2010 holiday schedule for the Town of Taos – dates are listed below.

Monday, January 18, 2010                      Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday

Friday, April 02, 2010                             Spring Day

Monday, May 31, 2010                           Memorial Day

Monday, July 5, 2010                              Independence Day

Friday, July 23, 2010                               Taos Day (1/2 day 1-5 p.m. – Fiestas de Taos)

Monday, September 6, 2010                   Labor Day

Thursday, November 11, 2010                Veteran’s Day

Thursday, November 25, 2010                Thanksgiving Day

Friday, November 26,

2010

In lieu of Presidents Day

Thursday, December 23, 2010                 In lieu of Columbus Day

Friday, December 24, 2010                     Christmas Day

Friday, December 31, 2010                     News Year’s Day

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• Wednesday, 12/2 from 1:45 - 2:30 p.m. at the Enos Garcia Elementary School Auditorium, 305 Don Fernando Rd.  When you arrive at the main office, please sign in and get a guest badge.  What is Safe Routes to School?  The program is a federally-funded program established in 2005 by a federal transportation bill.  It is being administered through the NM Department of Transportation and through our local agent, Matt Foster, Long Range Planner for the Town of Taos.  Matt applied for the grant and was awarded Phase I funding to hire a Coordinator.  Rose Bauhs is the SRTS Coordinator for Enos Garcia Elementary School, Taos Middle School and Taos Charter School.  What are the purposes of SRTS?  To enable and encourage children of all abilities in K-8th grades to walk and bike to school.  To make bicycling and walking to school safe and appealing, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age.  To assist communities and schools with projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic congestion, fuel consumption and air pollution in the vicinity of schools.  Find out more at the presentation, or email Matt Foster, mfoster@taosgov.com.

• Multipurpose Sports Fields on Salazar: As previously reported, the Town of Taos has entered into a lease agreement with the Taos Municipal School District to build much needed multipurpose artificial turf sports fields on the District’s acreage on Salazar.  The Town received initial planning/design funds from the State of New Mexico, and has arranged to borrow $2.1 million from the State, to make these fields happen sooner rather than later.  Doug Patterson’s Taos-based architecture firm, LDG, has taken the initial conceptual design and hammered out preliminary details – with input from many in the community, including the Taos Sports Alliance.  At a lengthy workshop meeting yesterday, the plans were presented and discussed with the Town of Taos Mayor, Council and Senior Management, and interested members of the public including the Taos Sports Alliance.  Currently, with the funds in hand, the plan is to build one multipurpose, high-quality (regulation soccer size) field, and full amenities sized for the complete build out of the site.  This is in lieu of two lower quality fields built immediately with smaller and/or by-passed amenities.  The interim designs (for complete build out) discussed yesterday are attached.  Questions should be directed to Community & Economic Development Director Matthew Spriggs, mspriggs@taosgov.com.

• 12/4 This Friday - Town of Taos Tree Lighting followed by Festival of Wreaths & Trees: A special note to those requiring ADA access to this special event on Taos Plaza this Friday, Dec. 4 from 4-6 p.m. – the Town of Taos Police Department and the Town of Taos Youth & Family Center will make sure you have easy auto access onto the immediately adjacent Plaza parking areas so the distance to the lighting itself is minimized.  Although the Plaza will be closed to through auto traffic, just let officers stationed at access points know of your ADA needs and they will let you into the area to park.  A reminder for all – shops will be open, so plan on holiday shopping too!  Santa, The Grinch and free holiday treats are also part of this annual, festive event.  And after the Town event, make sure you attend the Festival of Wreaths & Trees – described below in a great news release distributed by the State of New Mexico Tourism Department --

Taos Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths

Helps Those Who Help Others

The annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths is all about community giving — a silent auction that benefits those most in need — wrapped up in holiday cheer. For the annual event, area businesses decorate wreaths and trees in honor of a favorite area nonprofit. The event takes place at the El Monte Sagrado Resort and Spa. December 3, 2009, 6-9 p.m.

“Over the years, the Festival of Trees and Wreaths has become one of the largest family-oriented holiday traditions in Taos County,” said Chris Baker, publisher of The Taos News, sponsor of the event. “The event — now in its ninth year — has raised more than $200,000. This year’s goal is $25,000.”

Sponsors also include El Monte Sagrado Resort, which has taken a leading role; the Town of Taos; Taos County Chamber of Commerce; Museum Association of Taos; Taos Community Foundation; Twirl Toy Store and Activity Center; and Walmart.

“Taos is a town dedicated to bettering the lives of those who call it home,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “Community leaders who seek creative ways to keep Taos a vital community with events, such as the Festival of Trees and Wreaths, are to be commended.”

“I wanted to find a holiday event that would let local businesses get involved with nonprofits and help educate the community on what these wonderful organizations do for Taos and Northern New Mexico,” Baker added.

The holiday creations remain in place through the week so bidders can view them at their leisure. Bidding closes 8 p.m. on the night of the festival, when the celebration kicks into high gear with hors d’oeuvres and wines amid music by Jimmy Stadler. Door prizes are given away every 20 minutes. Winning bidders may keep the tree or wreath, give it away or donate it to Community Against Violence, which will see that it goes to a needy family in the Taos area.

Admission is $20 per adult; children are free. All admission proceeds go to the Museum Association of Taos to support its educational programs.

• Ancianos Senior Center is hosting a Breakfast Benefit this Saturday, 12/5 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Center on Allbright, owned by the Town of Taos and operated by Ancianos.  Tickets are $5.  Menu includes: pancakes, eggs, hash browns, sausage, juice and coffee.  For info and tickets contact Tamara Romero, tromero2@taosgov.com.

• Advertising and Editorial Opportunity – Sent as a courtesy for Veteran’s View: “Connecting Veteran Organizations in Print and Online”.  “Dear Taos:  The market we reach is mostly 100% Veterans which we feel is the most stable area of the economy currently. Our website was recently rated in the top 10% of all websites and it receives over 19,000 hits a month. The veterans' View is distributed nationally to VA hospitals, American Legion Halls and VFW Halls. Our media kit is at the top right hand corner of our homepage at www.veteransview.com under the word "advertise".  We would like to feature the Taos, New Mexico in our upcoming Spring Travel Guide.  I know we’ll do a great job of generating interest and getting your name out in front of 100s of key Veteran groups in the area. If you have color artwork available, we will be able to highlight Taos so it stands out on our website.  Below summarizes our special travel guide rates:
  -          1/8 page ad,
  -          March, April & May print editions
  -          5 x 4 ad size
  -          Complimentary ad design (with your logo and a photo or image)
  -          6 months on www.veteransview.com + 6 months bonus (1 year)
  -          Specially reduced rate of $795 (one time cost)
  -          also, 3 months of January, February and March 1/2 page ad (10x 7 3/4 ) with 12 months online only $1,295 one time cost.”

If any Taos entities have interest in advertising with Veteran’s View, please contact Patrick Jennings director (contact info below) and he will assemble a Taos co-op ad, potentially reducing the per-entity cost.
Patrick Jennings, Travel Editor veteransview@gmail.com Tel: (815) 725-1180

Cathy Connelly, Public Relations Director

Town of Taos

400 Camino de la Placita

Taos, NM 87571

http://www.taosgov.com

cconnelly@taosgov.com

575-751-2001 office

Fax 575-751-2026

575-779-1013 cell

Quad Erat Demonstratum

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-- Gov. Bill Richardson, 505-476-2200; Office of the Governor, 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Rm., 400, Santa Fe, NM, 87501

-- Sen. Carlos R. Cisneros carlos.cisneros@nmlegis.gov, 505-986-4362 or cell phone 505-670-5610

-- Rep. Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales, roberto.gonzales@nmlegis.gov, capitol phone 505-986-4425, office phone 575-758-2674

• The Taos Express: This Town of Taos sponsored $10 round trip weekend nonstop bus service between Santa Fe and Taos will not run on Christmas Day, Fri., Dec. 25, or New Years Day, Fri. Jan. 1. On all other surrounding weekend dates over the holidays it will follow its regular schedule of Thursday through Sunday.  See the complete schedule and details at www.TaosExpress.com.  The Taos Express will connect with Taos Ski Valley $1 shuttle service that begins December 19.  Reservations for the Taos Express are now required (winter closures in the canyon being a concern) and can now be made at www.TaosExpress.com or by calling 575-751-4459.

• 12/1 Town of Taos Mayor/Council workshop meeting at 1:30 p.m. regarding Taos as a recreation/high altitude training destination and the Salazar multi-purpose fields.  See attached agenda.  Meeting at Council Chambers, 120 Civic Plaza Dr.

• 12/1 The Big Read continues -- "Do you ever wonder how writers come up with ideas?  Or what it takes to bring a story along the path from initial inkling to finishes, published product?  Come ask this panel of Taos authors how they got started, and what keeps them going.  "Ask an Author" will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Embudo Valley Library.  Visit www.taosbigread.org.  The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.  It is sponsored here in Taos by SOMOS in collaboration with the Town of Taos Public Library.  For those folks who signed up for a copy of "Bless Me, Ultima" - the books have arrived!  Please stop by the Taos Public Library to pick one up.  There will be a list at the circulation desk with your name on it.  The library is open M-F 10-5, and on Saturday 10-6.  It is closed on Sunday.

• 12/1  Taos’ literary society, SOMOS, hosts a book discussion 6:30 – 8 p.m. on Willa Cather’s epic classic, “Death Comes for the Archbishop” at the Somos office, 229 Paseo del Pueblo Sur.

• 12/02  Town of Taos monthly Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, 5:30 -10:30 p.m., Council Chambers, 120 Civic Plaza Dr.  For more info. call Allen Vigil 737-2646.

• 12/4   Kick off the holiday season with the 23rd Annual Yuletide Caroling and Tree Lighting, 4 - 6 p.m., Historic Taos Plaza, hosted by the Town of Taos and its Youth & Family Center.  Join us for some great free entertainment, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, The Grinch, hot chocolate and cookies --and of course the lighting of the giant live Christmas Tree! Taos Plaza will be open to foot traffic so that you can shop for your holiday gifts. Need more info, call Judy at 758-4160.

• Taos County Chamber of Commerce events calendar can be seen by clicking the following link,  The events calendar through December 6, 2009  is available to View/Print here.  Also from the Chamber and the Town of Taos as a Fair Trade in Taos supporters – “As a collaborative effort between the Fair Trade Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and The Taos Project, we will be serving Free Fair Trade cocoa & coffee from the plaza kiosk on Friday & Saturday evenings from 5 - 7p.m. all December.  Many thanks to Taos Roasters and Cid’s Food Market for donating the coffee and cocoa, to Steve Gloss for helping coordinate the donations and to the Town of Taos for allowing the use of the kiosk.  What we need now is to promote it…so please help spread the word!  Also, we’re looking for volunteers to help staff it so If you or someone you know is willing to help out, please let me know.”  Anita Bringas, Taos County Chamber, 575-751-8800 Ext 2, member@taoschamber.com.

• 12/05 Big Read Wrap-Up Celebration, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, Town of Taos Public Library Community Rm.  Join us to celebrate the end of this fantastic reading program.  We'll pass out prizes for the best book-jacket-design and the best essay, and share stories of our favorite Big Read occurrences.  For more info. Call the Library at 758-3063.

• 12/5  There will be an open casting call at 1 - 5 p.m. for extras for the movie "Let Me In,"  at the Town of Taos Youth and Family Center, 407 Paseo del Canon.  The film is looking for ice skaters (adults and teens), police officers, and paramedics to appear in non-speaking roles for filming mid-January in Red River (skating outdoors on a lake).  "Let Me In", starring Kodi Smit-McPhee  from "The Road"  and  Chole Moritz from "The Eye", will be directed by Matt Reeves who directed "Cloverfield."  "Let Me In" is a story about a bullied young boy who befriends a young female vampire who lives in secrecy with her guardian.  Casting director Elizabeth Gabel is known for her work on "No Country For Old Men" and "Terminator Salvation" among others.

• 12/08 - Regular Town of Taos Council meeting, 1:30 - 5 p.m., Council Chambers, 120 Civic Plaza Dr.  For more info call Town Clerk Renee Lucero 751-2005.  Also, reminder that you can ‘listen on line’ via your sound enabled computer and internet connection.  Just go to www.taosgov.com and look at info/link on lower right of home page.

• 12/09 - Monthly Boys & Girls Club Meeting 12:15 - 2:15 pm Los Angelitos, 120 Civic Plaza Dr.  For more info. call Susan Crowley 758-8785.

• 12/12 - Become a part of the 2010 Census.  This is a paid volunteer assignment.  U.S. Census Bureau Testing,

1- 4 p.m., Los Angelitos, 120 Civic Plaza Dr.  For more info call Juliet Garcia 587-3653.

• 12/15 - Tony Hillerman”s Landscape: on the Road with Chee and Leaphorn, $25 book signing fundraiser graciously offered by Anne Hillerman and Don Strel to benefit the expansion of the Town of Taos Public Library, 7 - 9 p.m., Bataan Hall, 121 Civic Plaza Dr.  The author and photographer will give a talk and slide presentation on the book.  A book signing and reception will follow the presentation with a limited number of books available for purchase at the event.  “Taos Love Songs” music CDs will also be on sale that night to benefit the Library – only $5 (great holiday gifts/stocking stuffers).  For more info. call Library Dir. George Jaramillo 737-2587.

• 12/18 – Town of Taos Mid-Year Organizational Meeting, 4 p.m., Council Chambers, 120 Civic Plaza Dr.

• 12/18 - Make it a special Christmas for your little one.  Angel Tree’s Visit By Santa, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., El Alcalde Room, 120 Civic Plaza Dr. For more info. call Shirley Lujan, 758-2216.

• 12/19 – Town of Taos Youth & Family Center’s 10^th Anniversary – and the 8th Annual Christmas Carnival, 1-4 p.m., Town of Taos Youth & Family Center. Admission is free, but some offerings will require purchase with proceeds benefiting youth and community groups through out Taos.  Offerings include arcade games, pool, skating, and a visit with Santa Claus (photo with Santa is $3).  Christmas gift bags are free to the first 600 children.  For more info. call Judy at 758-4160.

• 12/22 - Special Town of Taos Council meeting, 1 p.m.- 5 p.m., Council Chambers, 120 Civic Plaza Dr.  For more info call Town Clerk Renee Lucero 751-2005.

• 12/29 - Quarterly Public Forum with the Mayor and Town Council. 5:30 - 9:00 p.m., Council Chambers, 120 Civic Plaza Dr.  All members of the public are encouraged to attend.  This is an opportunity for the public, Mayor and Council to communicate with each other without the restrictions of a set agenda.

• 1/7 of 2010 - Eco Tourism Seminar, State of New Mexico Tourism Dept., 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a 90 minute lunch break, El Taoseno Rm., Coronado Hall, 120 Civic Plaza Dr.  Limited to 80 participants, this how-to seminar is aimed at all key operators, conservation organizations, outfitters, guides ranch and lodge owners and Native American communities whose tourism and culturally related businesses are focused in and around Taos, Questa and Red River.  Take advantage of this newest trend in tourism.  Please contact Sandy Cunningham at 505-795-7711 or sandy@eco-newmexico.com.  Space is still available; first come basis.

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2)       Pulled for redraft due to incorrect language: Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Taos and Kit Carson Electric Cooperative concerning the shared use of the new central dispatch facility; incorrect language has to do with Kit Carson not being a government entity/rewrite required.

3)       Tourism:  Presentation by Griffin & Assoc. on conclusion to 2009 outreach theme, discussion of direction for 2010, and status of Taos as a destination in the context of overall travel during current recession.  Griffin submitted a short report – copies available, just email this office.

4)       Transit:  Town of Taos’ local Chile Line Transit service (fixed route) rated as first in the state by NMDOT (this is significant since funding is leveraged based on this state designation).  Approval of revised ADA complimentary paratransit policies and procedures plan as outlined, in accordance with the Federal Transit Admin.  Approval of new design for the 20 bus stops throughout Town, funded by federal stimulus funds awarded for the purchase of vehicles and design/fabrication of ADA compliant bus shelters.  After vehicle purchase of $408,083, the balance to be spent on shelters is approximately $99,417 (and yes, the new shelters will have wonderful new, attached trash receptacles too).

5)       Nonprofit Artspace Developments http://www.artspace.org/media/reports.html, and the Town’s work toward more affordable housing for artists, takes another step forward with Council approval of $36,500 for an updated Taos market survey in English/Spanish.  This market study, step two, will enable Artspace’s own potential approximate $16 M development of housing here, which also enables attraction of public and private funding/participation.  Artspace completed a feasibility study in the Spring of 2009 that demonstrated that a project was possible in Taos – which was step one.  Artspace has done this type of work throughout the U.S. for the last 35 years, but never before in NM.  Step three, should it be taken, would be the Town’s involvement in enabling land for an Artspace project.  Want more detail?  Contact Matthew Spriggs, mspriggs@taosgov.com.

6)       Election Resolution:  Town of Taos Mayor Cordova, Councilmembers Abeyta and Silva, and Judge Chavez are up for reelection this March 2, 2010 – the resolution was passed enabling the Town Clerk, Renee Lucero, to properly move forward with election actions.  A few highlights: Early vote Feb. 10 – Feb. 26; voter registrations must be complete by February 2 to vote in this March 2; declarations of candidacy must be filed with the Clerk on January 5 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.  Other questions?  Contact Renee Lucero rlucero@taosgov.com or 751-2005.

7)       Council issues: Bigbee Building update – Community & Economic Development Dept. and Legal Dept. of the Town are evaluating how best to move forward on this situation with legal action; FAA negotiations continue with progress being made concerning the cross-winds runway at the Taos Regional Airport.

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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING

NOVEMBER 4, 2009, 5:30 p.m.

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CORONADO HALL

AGENDA

1. ROLL CALL

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

4. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES of OCTOBER 7, 2009

5. Call to order: Historic Preservation Commission

Preliminary Public Hearings

No preliminary presentations

Public Hearings

No public hearing presentations

6.         Adjournment: Historic Preservation Commission

7. Call to Order: Planning and Zoning Commission

8. CONSENT AGENDA

Recommendation from staff for final approval on application before the Hearing Officer held on October 15, 2009, Alcalde Room, Coronado Hall.

A. Special Use Permit, to locate a Men’s Homeless Shelter at 225 Albright Street. Roy Cunnyngham, property owner; Tom Blankenhorn, agent.

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS

A. Case No. SUB / ZC 2009-13 – Vista Primavera II

Santa Barbara Builders, Inc., property owner, Abeyta Engineering, Inc., Agent; is requesting Final Plat approval of a 5-lot Subdivision and Zone Change from

R-2 to R-6. The 1.110 acre property is located at Primavera Court, off Vista Primavera Drive, within the Town limits of the Town of Taos.

(applicant requesting a continuance to the December 2, 2009 hearing,

staff concurs)

B. Case No. PUD 2009-19

Dos Arroyos LLC, property owner, Mark Yaravitz, agent; requesting an amendment to an existing Planned Unit Development, which includes setbacks, trail alignment, sidewalks, CC&R revisions, subdivision plat amendment.  The subdivision is located off Maestas Road in the R-4 zone of the Town of Taos. (applicant and staff are requesting a continuation)

10. Planning and Zoning Commission – Action Items

A. Consideration of the merits of the application for Flea Market, as per section 5.12.190 A. of the Municipal Code, to be located at the Pueblo Alegre Mall,  223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Ian Knife, Sole Proprietor.

(continued from October, Staff is recommending removal from the agenda due to incomplete application)

11. INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS FROM STAFF

Staff may provide information to the Commission and the public regarding any matter that pertains to the Commission however no substantive discussion will occur unless the matter is listed below.  While no formal action will be taken on any items, the Commission may provide direction to staff or request that an item be placed on a future agenda for consideration.

A. Review of Draft Sign Code ordinance 15.08

12. INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS

Commissioners may provide information to staff and the public regarding any matter that pertains to the Commission however no substantive discussion will occur unless the matter is listed below.  While no formal action will be taken on any items, the Commission may provide direction to staff or request that an item be placed on a future agenda for consideration.

13. PUBLIC COMMENT

14. ADJOURNMENT

To request details on agenda item please contact the Senior Planner at Taos Town Hall, 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos New Mexico, 87571 (575) 751-2035. If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of aid or service to attend and participate in the meeting , please contact the Planning and Zoning Division at 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos New Mexico, 87571 (575) 751-2016 at least 24 hours in advance. Copies of this agenda may be picked-up at the Community and Economic Development Department; Planning and Zoning Division at Town Hall.

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P&Z Agenda

Nov. 4, 2009

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