LIQUID WASTE SUMMARY

(Flows under 2,000 gallons per day)

Permits:  Any person in the State of New Mexico who does not have access to a community sewer system must obtain a Liquid Waste Permit issued by the New Mexico Environment Department before building or transporting a home onto a property.   A permit is also required for any modification to the system or property i.e. change the disposal method, change the design flow, replace part or all of the system, or change the lot size of the property.   A permit can be obtained by completing the application form and providing the Department with the following items: floor plans, recorded warranty deed, Uniform Property Code, and a soil analysis.  A test hole may also be required if you are building in an area where it is suspected that a high water table or bedrock problems exist.   Permits may be cancelled by the Department if the system is not completed within one year or it is found that information provided in the application is false or inaccurate.  All installations must be performed by a licensed contractor i.e. MM1, MM-98, MS1, MS3.  A homeowner can also do the installation provided he/she completes the homeowner training and passes a homeowners test.   All installations must receive a final inspection by the Department before it is activated.  Any unpermitted existing systems must apply for a Certificate of Registration from the Department.

Lot Size Requirements: The lot size requirements apply to conventional systems that discharge to the soil.

A conventional system shall not be installed on a lot less than 0.75 acres where there is not an established on site disposal system, except as provided under Section 301.F.

The design flow for a conventional disposal system shall not exceed 500 gallons per acre.  Lot size X 500 = design flow allowed for that piece of property.   For lots that exceed 500 gallons per acre or lots that do not meet minimum lot size, advanced/alternative systems that reduce Total Nitrogen (TN) per Section 603 may be approved.

On-site systems installed after the effective date of the Regulations (9/1/05) on lots recorded prior to February 1, 1990 shall:  If between 0.5 and .075 acres and the depth to groundwater exceeds 101’, may be approved until Sept1, 2007.  If the lot is between 0.5 and 0.75 acres and the depth to ground water exceeds 600’ may be approved until September, 2010.

* Date of record is the date of legal recording in the county clerk’s office or for subdivision having received                      final approval date of record shall be 2 ½ years from the date of final governmental approval.

* Roadways easements cannot be included as part of the lot size.

*43,560 square feet = 1 acre

Design Flow: The design flow established for residential homes is as follows:

1 bedroom = 150 gallons per day

2 bedroom = 300 gallons per day

3 bedroom = 375 gallons per day

4 bedroom = 450 gallons per day

5 bedroom = 525 gallons per day

Any room that meets the definition of a bedroom (door which provides for privacy and a window that can be utilized as a fire escape) will be considered a bedroom and calculated into the design flow.  Bathrooms are not calculated into the design flow.

For multiple units on a property such as a duplex or guest house, the flow for each home must be added together to determine the total flow.

For commercial discharges refer to Table 201.1 of the New Mexico Liquid Waste Regulations.

Rental spaces for mobile homes will be calculated as three bedrooms.

Setback Requirements: Setback distances apply to any part of the on-site liquid waste system and its designated replacement area:

Table 302.1: Minimum setback and clearance requirements

(1) * Applies to privy pits, enclosed systems, other liquid waste treatment units.

(2) ** Plus depth of channel.

(3) *** Unlined privy pits shall provide clearance of at least 4 feet.

(4) **** Plus 2 feet for each additional foot of depth in excess of 1 foot below perforated pipe.

(5) ***** May be 5 feet when Schedule 40 PVC/DWV pipe is used.

(6) ******Or applicable plumbing code.

B. Setback distances to watercourses, canals and arroyos shall be measured from the edge of the seasonal high water flow to the on-site liquid waste system component. Setback distances to artificially controlled lakes or reservoirs shall be measured from the closest projected shoreline at the maximum controlled water level.

[20.7.3.302 NMAC - Rp, 20.7.3.303 NMAC, 9/1/05]

Clearance Requirements: 4 feet of suitable soil is required between the bottom of an absorption area and high water table or bedrock.   A reduction in this clearance may be allowed with appropriate advanced treatment or alternative disposal such as a mound system.  Holding tanks (no discharge) may be allowed in these circumstances.

Treatment Units: Conventional treatment units must be certified by the Department for use (ask for a list).   All tanks shall be watertight.  Tanks installed after 1976 must have a baffle.  All manholes on new installations must have risers to grade with secure lids.  A secure lid shall consist of the following:  A pad lock, a twist lock cover requiring special tools for removal, covers weighting 58 pounds or more, and a hinge and hasp mechanism, other mechanisms approved by NMED.  All new installations require effluent filters.  Tanks must be 2.5 times the design flow of the home.

All advanced treatment units must be approved for use by the NMED.  Ask for list. Advanced treatment units installed to meet a lot size constraint will be permitted with conditions such as maintenance contracts, monitoring of effluent etc.

Holding tanks must be 4 times the design flow of the home, be water tight, have alarm systems, and pumping records must be provided to the Department.

All installations must be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements.

Absorption Field: Conventional drain fields/leach field shall be allowed in suitable soils only.  Suitable soil is determined by a ribbon test or percolation test.  Square footage required for residential units are calculated as follows:  Design Flow X 2 = Required Square Footage.  For example a one bedroom home (150 gpd) requires 300 square ft.  A two bedroom (300 gpd) requires 600 square ft.  etc.  Extremely clayey soils shall be calculated as follows: Design Flow X 5 = Required Square Footage. Soils that percolate too fast (course sand) will require secondary treatment/disinfection provided the water table is greater than 30 feet.

Trenches:   Shall be no longer that 150 ft.  Total depth to trench bottom can be no more than 6 feet.  4’ of suitable soil below the trench is required.   End caps must be placed on all distribution lines.  Capped inspection ports are to be installed at the end of each trench and brought to grade.  If more than one trench is being installed a T must be utilized.  A distribution box is required if more than two trenches are being installed. Pressure dosing shall be utilized if more than 500 linear ft of leach line is required.  Pipe/Infiltration shall be level.  Aggregate shall be ¾ in to2 ½ inch in size.  A maximum of 3 ft of aggregate is allowed below the pipe.  Trenches shall to 4 ft apart edge to edge.  For any additional ft of gravel (in excess of 1 ft) 2 ft of separation must be added.  Infiltrators must be 7 ft apart center to center.

The length of a trench for pipe and gravel can be calculated by dividing the square footage required by the credit given per sq ft/linear ft.

Trench is:        1’ wide trench              2’wide              3’wide

Gravel under pipe is:               1’                     2 credits                      3 credits          4 credits

1.5                   3 credits                      4 credits          5 credits

2                      4 credits                      5 credits          6 credits

2.5                   5 credits                      6 credits          7 credits

3                      6 credits                      7 credits

For example a trench that 2 ’wide with 2’ of gravel under the pipe requiring 750 sq ft of absorption would be calculated:  750(sq ft required)  divided by 5 (credits) = 150 linear feet of trench.

A trench that is utilizing chamber units varies in credit given per unit.  (Ask for list)  Infiltrators (High Capacity Quick 4) are awarded 19.3 sf/unit.  High Capacity 6 ft units are awarded 30 sf/unit.  Divide square footage required by 19.3 or 30 to calculate the number of units required.

It is recommended that liquid waste systems not be placed underneath roadways.

Two residences can discharge into one liquid waste system provided lot size requirements are met and the system is designed accordingly.   Well splits must be registered with the State Engineers Office (827-6120).

Liquid waste shall be disposed of on the same piece of property on which it is generated.

Grey Water Systems: Gray water with discharges less than 250 gallons per day of private residential gray water will be allowed if it can meet required conditions of the Regulations.

Split flow systems are credited with an 80 percent nitrate reduction.

Property Transfer: An inspection of the system must undergo a Transfer of Ownership inspection by a licensed installer or a NAWT certified party at time of sale.

In Conclusion: If you have further questions or concerns you may contact the Taos Field Office staff at (505) 758-8808 or our Liquid Waste Specialist at (505) 753-7256.  You may also obtain information or forms from our website:  www.nmenv.state.nm.us under the liquid waste tab.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

2)* Town of Taos Public Library Children’s Librarian Wins National Reading Award*

Annette Montoya, Children’s Librarian at the Town of Taos Public Library, is the recipient of the Anne Richardson National Award, presented by the *Reading is Fundamental (RIF) *program. The annual Anne Richardson RIF Volunteer of the Year Awards (VOYA) program, presented by Macy's Department Stores, celebrates the dedication and service of truly outstanding volunteers and coordinators. It recognizes the inspiring work of RIF coordinators, parent volunteers and community volunteers who donate their time, talents, and energy to motivate children to read. These individuals share a common goal of fostering children's literacy through their efforts at over 17,000 RIF sites across the country.

There were 3,000 nominations for the awards in three categories and Ms. Montoya won in the RIF Coordinator of the Year category, coordinating the library’s program for the last six years. The distribution of books through the RIF program is tied in with four separate programs throughout the year: Summer Reading Program, Halloween, Holiday Season, and Dr. Seuss Birthday. Ms. Montoya along with her staff member and volunteers has worked tirelessly to plan and implement the four, seasonal programs. Over 900 Taos area children annually receive books during the four events.

In addition, Ms. Montoya has worked with the Friends of Taos Public Library to secure more funds to supplement the RIF grant to support the many activities planned during the year. It is through Ms. Montoya’s hard work, commitment to improve literacy, and her strong desire to get books in the hands of children that the program has been successful. Ms. Montoya along with the Library Director was flown out to Washington, DC where she received her award at an evening Gala attended by 300 Washington dignitaries celebrating the importance of reading. While in Washington she also met with Senator Tom Udall, Senator Jeff Bingaman, and Representative Ben R. Lujan to promote the importance of funding reading initiatives. Congratulations to all! For more information, go to: http://www.rif.org/gala2010/home.mspx

3) One of this week’s traveler education news releases about *Taos** as a “pet friendly destination” has been run by Yahoo.com and 8,520 other web news/tourism outlets, totaling well over 38 million readers. * Click through for the release, and many of the online stories, below:

Pet friendly story utilized on Yahoo.com http://search.yahoo.com/search?&p=%22Taos%2C+NM%3A+The+Most+Pet-Friendly+Destination+in+the%22

Pet friendly story utilized online by 8,520 outlets: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22Taos%2C+NM%3A+The+Most+Pet-Friendly+Destination+in+the%22

Joanie Griffin, Griffin & Associates, jgriffin@griffinassoc.com, www.griffinassoc.com

(505) 764-4444 ext. 222, (505) 261-4444 cell

4) First Town of Taos Animal Task Force advisory meeting is this coming Wednesday, June 23, 10:30 a.m. at Town Hall’s Executive Offices Conference Room. Contact Abigail Assistant Town Manager Adame for details, aadame@taosgov.com.

5) Also on Wednesday, 6/23 - 7:30 am to 8 pm, *Albuquerque Aquarium & Rio Grande Zoo Field Trip*, 6-12 year olds, $15.00 per person includes entry fee. Sponsored by the Town of Taos Youth & Family Center. For info call Judy 758-4160.

6) *Storytyme - *Youth media summer camp 2010. Free introductory presentation Saturday, June 26th at the Town of Taos Taos Public Library, 3 p.m. Presentation will feature

Ø Discussion of details for upcoming Summer Camp July 12 – 30.

Ø Viewing Youth media project shorts from previous programs.

Ø What will our story be?

For further information contact: James D Cederlof, Tymely Productions, tymely@taosnet.com, www.tymelyproductions.com, (575) 751-1322

7) *Volunteers Needed for Taos Labyrinth Sacred Spaces program*: Contact: Living Labyrinths for Peace, Inc.

Sandra Wasko-Flood, waskoart@comcast.net, 575-377-6369 (home), 703-217-6706 (cell)

a. Build a Classic 7-circuit turkey feather labyrinth:

El Monte Sagrado Living Resort, 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos, NM 87571, Sunday, June 27

b. Build a Santa Rosa gravel labyrinth:

Blumenschein Home and Museum, 222 LeDoux St., Taos, NM 87571, Friday, July 2

c. Build a Hopi Mother Earth labyrinth:

Kit Carson Park, 211 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taso, NM 87571, Saturday, July 17

*New ICEC Board of Trustees Officers:* Kit Carson Electric Coop announces the newly-elected officers for the Board of Trustees.

Bobby Ortega of Questa was re-elected to serve as President, Chris Duran of Penasco is Vice President, Bruce Jassmann of Angel Fire is Treasurer, and Jerry Smith of Black Lake is Secretary.

Contact: Luis Reyes, CEO, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, lreyes@kitcarson.com, 575-758-2258

Cathy Connelly, Public Relations Director

Town of Taos, 400 Camino de la Placita

Taos, NM 87571

cconnelly@taosgov.com

*www.taosgov.com* http://www.taosgov.com

575-751-2001 office

Escape the Modern Day.

Rejuvenate in Taos.

Return to Sacred Places.

*www.TaosSacredPlaces.com* http://www.TaosSacredPlaces.com

6-22-10 Agenda.pdf

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

In this article on funding of rural NM transportation systems

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

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)

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

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.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

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.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

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

Unsubscribe from this Newsletter

You are receiving this e-mail because you requested to receive our monthly newsletter

If youd prefer not to receive a periodic e-mail like this from us click the link below and follow the instructions.

>>PLEASE CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE<<

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!

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

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

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

• 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

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

-- 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.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.