HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-15 Town Council Special Minutes �r
I
MINUTES
Town Council Special Meeting
Virtual Meeting
June 15, 2021
4:00 p.m.
(Note: Meeting was conducted in accordance with the Attorney General's guidelines and
observed the Governor's executive orders and the Secretary of Health's public health
orders.)
1. Opening Items
A. Call to Order by the Honorable Mayor Daniel R. Barrone.
The Honorable Mayor Daniel R. Barrone called the Special Meeting of the
Taos Town Council to order at 4:02 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Ms. Francella Garcia, Town Clerk, called roll and a quorum was present.
Those present were:
Mayor, Daniel R. Barrone
Mayor Pro Tem, Nathaniel Evan
Councilmember, George "Fritz" Hahn
Councilmember, Pascualito Maestas
Absent/Excused was:
Councilmember, Darien D. Fernandez
Also Present were:
Town Manager, Richard Bellis
Town Clerk, Francella Garcia
Town Attorney, Stephen C. Ross
C. Pledge of Allegiance
Councilmember Evans led the Pledge of Allegiance.
D. Moment of Silence
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Moment of Silence was observed, and a brief period of reflection was made by
Mayor Barrone.
E. Approval of Agenda
Councilmember Hahn made a motion to approve. Councilmember Evans
seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as
follows: Ayes: Evans, Hahn, Maestas.
2. Consent Agenda - The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed
by the Mayor and the Mayor has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the
purpose of voting on all items with one vote. The items listed are for the Council's
consideration and approval.
A. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of Amendment No. 3 to
contract TT-19-126 (TT-21-90) with the Humane Society of Taos, Inc. dba Stray
Hearts Animal Shelter for animal sheltering and care services in the amount
of $100,000.00 inclusive of gross receipts tax, effective July 1, 2021 through
June 30, 2022. (Police Chief John Wentz)
B. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Amendment No. 3 to
contract TT-19-164 (TT-21-89) with Gizmo Productions, LLC for $64,000
inclusive of gross receipts tax for administration and meetings, website
development and maintenance, and multimedia creative content production.
(Marketing and Tourism Director Karina Armijo)
Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve. Councilmember Hahn
seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as
follows: Ayes: Evans, Hahn, Maestas.
3. Matters from Staff
A. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of full closure of Taos
Plaza on Saturday, June 26, 2021, for The Paseo Project to conduct a
crosswalk project during the same time as the Farmers Market from 7:00 a.m.
- 4:00 p.m. (Facilities and Special Events Director Mitch Miller)
The Paseo Project Executive Director Matt Thomas stated he is requesting full
closure of the Taos Plaza on the weekend of June 26, 2021. The Paseo Project
has been making creative, artful additions to the plaza with crosswalk murals with
the assistance of Facilities and Special Events Director Mitch Miller and the Taos
Police Department without the closure of the plaza; however, after further
discussion with Police Chief John Wentz, a full closure of the plaza is required to
complete two additional crosswalk murals. It was suggested to combine the closure
with the Farmers Market.
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Mr. Thomas stated The Farmers Market agreed to include The Paseo Project in
their Saturday morning activities; Therefore, they created a Community Day event.
Nonprofit organizations will be invited to set up booths at the north side of the
plaza. Mr. Thomas requested Town Council's permission to utilize the plaza, and
he believes The Paseo Project event will be finished by 1:00 p.m.
Taos MainStreet Executive Director Charles Whitson stated on June 10, 2021,
every merchant on Taos Plaza who is open for business was informed of the
proposed closure. Furthermore, merchants were asked how the Town and the Taos
MainStreet can support their business when an event is at the plaza. Merchants
were satisfied that they were personally given advance notice of the event.
Furthermore, flyers were left with merchants to serve as a reminder of the event.
Mr. Whitson confirmed there were no objections to the plaza's closure on June 26,
2021.
Councilmember Hahn thanked Mr. Thomas and Mr. Whitson for the extra effort to
establish a dialogue with the merchants at the plaza. He further added he hopes
that businesses will have promotional activities to publicize their business.
Mr. Whitson stated the Taos MainStreet would be more than happy to facilitate in-
person communications with the downtown businesses.
Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve. Councilmember Hahn
seconded the motion.
Facilities and Special Events Director Mitch Miller stated the Town does not have a
permanent application, no insurance, and he does not know who the vendors are;
therefore, he cannot support the plaza's closure for this event.
Mr. Bellis stated due to time restraints, Mr. Thomas can provide a statement to Mr.
Miller. In addition, the Taos Farmers Market can write a statement indicating this
event is their activity which will be covered under their permit and insurance policy
for that day.
The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Evans,
Hahn. Masetas.
B. Discussion, consideration and possible approval for the partial closure of
the Taos Plaza every Thursday between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. beginning
July 8, 2021, through August 26, 2021, for the Taos Plaza Live Summer Music
Series. (Facilities and Special Events Director Mitch Miller)
Mayor Barrone stated in the event restrictions are not lifted, the Council's approval
of this item will be null and voided.
Mr. Miller concurred. He further added there could be more stringent policies on
mask wearing and social distancing depending on the public health order. Mr. Miller
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clarified the closure of the plaza is for the eastern and southern sections of the
plaza.
Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve. Councilmember Hahn
seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as
follows: Ayes: Evans, Hahn, Maestas.
C. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of a change order for the
purchase of the new Pierce Enforcer Class A Pumper from Siddons Martin
Emergency Group in the amount of$70,902.37. These changes will be made
through HGAC contract#FS12-19 pricing and paid with Fire Protection Fund
carryover. (Fire Marshal Erik Oiesen-Vreeke)
Fire Marshal Erik Oiesen-Vreeke briefed the governing body on the change order to
purchase a pumper that will operate more efficiently for the Taos Fire Department.
Mayor Barrone stated staff in the Taos Fire Department are knowledgeable on what
is needed when responding to emergencies. He thanked the Taos Fire Department
for their work to the entire community.
Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve. Councilmember Maestas
seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as
follows: Ayes: Evans, Hahn, Maestas.
D. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 21-27;
budget adjustment as follows: 1) Special Events Enterprise Fund increasing
expenditures in the amount of $102,500 for the upcoming 4th of July event; 2)
General State Shared GRT Income Fund - transfer out $463,347 to the 2009
NMFA PPRF Disadvantaged Program (Eco Park) Fund to pay off debt early; 3)
2009 NMFA PPRF DS Reserve - transfer out $199,411 to the 2009 NMFA PPRF
Disadvantaged Program Fund (Eco Park) to cover a portion of early debt
payoff; 4) 2009 NMFA PPRF Disadvantaged Program (Eco Park) increase
revenues and expenditures in the amount of $662,758 in order to payoff debt
early and 5) Fire Protection Fund - transfer $71,000 from operating expense to
capital outlay to cover the cost of the change order associated with the new
Pierce Enforcer Class A Pumper. (Finance Director Marietta Fambro)
Finance Director Marietta Fambro presented Resolution 21-27 and
provided a summary of the budget adjustments.
Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve Resolution 21-
27. Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion.
Mr. Bellis stated he would like to remind the Council this budget
adjustment is consistent to the budget approved by the Council.
The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as
follows: Ayes: Evan, Hahn, Maestas.
Page 4 of 6
4. Matters and Reports from the Town Manager
A. Matters and Reports from the Town Manager.
Mr. Bellis stated that multiple capital projects are ready to proceed; therefore, there
will be a Regular Town Council Meeting on June 22, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.
Mayor Barrone stated it has taken staff a lot of time to get these projects to this
phase, and he does not want them to be delayed.
B. Coronavirus update by Town Manager Richard Bellis.
Mr. Bellis stated the governor would like to reopen the state on July 1, 2021, and is
encouraging everyone to get their COVID-19 vaccine with a one-hundred-dollar
incentive.
5. Matters and Reports from the Mayor
A. Matters and Reports from the Mayor.
Mayor Barrone discussed the high fire danger in the region due to drought
conditions.
6. Matters and Reports from the Council
A. Matters and Reports from the Council.
Councilmember Hahn provided updates on the Third Annual Invasive Species
Lecture and Tour, the next scheduled Regional Landfill Board Meeting to
discuss the pending decision on the operations of the Taos Recycling Center and
the irrigation of Kit Carson Park.
7. Closed Executive Session
Closed Executive Session was not conducted.
A. The Council may conduct a Closed Executive Session to engage in a
discussion of matters subject to the attorney-client privilege pertaining to
threatened or pending litigation in which the Town is or may become a
participant pursuant to NMSA 1978 Section 10-15-1(H)(7); to discuss
purchase, acquisition or disposal of real property or water rights pursuant to
NMSA 1978, Section 10-15-1(H)(8); and/or to discuss limited personnel
matters limited to discussion of the hiring, promotion, demotion, dismissal,
assignment or resignation of a Town employee or the investigation or
consideration of complaints or charges against a Town employee pursuant to
NMSA 1978 Section 10-15-1-(H)(2).
B. Attorney's Report Concerning Closed Executive Session
Page 5 of 6
C. Action on items discussed in Closed Executive Session (as necessary, by
motion.)
8. Adjourn
A motion was made by Councilmember Evans and seconded by
Councilmember Hahn to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously
and the meeting adjourned at 4:33 p.m.
APPROVED:
I�
Da iel R. arrone May
ATTEST:
Francdlla R. Garcia, Town Clerk
PLEASE NOTE: The Town of Taos video records all Regular, Workshop and
Special Town Council Meetings. Videos can be viewed and downloaded from the
Town's website at www.taosgov.com under the Town Clerk's tab. Citizens may
also request a copy of a video for $5 per video via the online public records portal
also located under the Town Clerk's tab on the Town's website. Additionally, the
website provides access to view agendas, back-up documentation and minutes.
Page 6 of 6
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Town Council Special Meeting
4:00 p.m.
VIRTUAL MEETING
NOTE: This virtual meeting will follow the Attorney General's guidelines and observe the
Governor's executive orders and the Secretary of Health's public health orders. The
electronic format will allow the Town Council to conduct the meeting without being
physically present and in accordance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act. There will be
no live audience nor officials present at the Council Chambers. This is entirely a virtual
meeting. Members of the public wishing to participate can Livestream the meeting or view
it in archived format on the Town's website taosgov.com. -
https://www.taosgov.com/259/Public-Meetings---Live-Archive. Those wishing to
comment before or during the meeting may submit comments or questions to Town Clerk
Francella Garcia at fgarcia@taosgov.com
1. Opening Items
A. Call to Order by the Honorable Mayor Daniel R. Barrone.
B. Roll Call
C. Pledge of Allegiance
D. Moment of Silence
E. Approval of Agenda
2. Consent Agenda - The items in the Consent Agenda below have been reviewed by the Mayor and
the Mayor has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items
with one vote. The items listed are for the Council's consideration and approval.
A. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of Amendment No. 3 to contract TT-19-126 (TT-21-90)
with the Humane Society of Taos, Inc. dba Stray Hearts Animal Shelter for animal sheltering and care
services in the amount of $100,000.00 inclusive of gross receipts tax, effective July 1, 2021 through June
30, 2022. (Police Chief John Wentz)
B. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Amendment No. 3 to contract TT-19-164 (17-21-89)
with Gizmo Productions, LLC for $64,000 inclusive of gross receipts tax for administration and meetings,
website development and maintenance, and multimedia creative content production. (Marketing and Tourism
Director Karina Armijo)
3. Matters from Staff
A. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of full closure of Taos Plaza on Saturday, June 26, 2021,
for The Paseo Project to conduct a crosswalk project during the same time as the Farmers Market from 7:00
a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Facilities and Special Events Director Mitch Miller)
B. Discussion, consideration and possible approval for the partial closure of the Taos Plaza every Thursday
between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. beginning July 8, 2021, through August 26, 2021, for the Taos Plaza Live
Summer Music Series. (Facilities and Special Events Director Mitch Miller)
Page 1 of 2
C. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of a change order for the purchase of the new Pierce
Enforcer Class A Pumper from Siddons Martin Emergency Group in the amount of $70,902.37. These
changes will be made through HGAC contract #FS12-19 pricing and paid with Fire Protection Fund carryover.
(Fire Marshal Erik Oiesen-Vreeke)
D. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 21-27; budget adjustment as follows: 1)
Special Events Enterprise Fund increasing expenditures in the amount of $102,500 for the upcoming 4th of
July event; 2) General State Shared GRT Income Fund - transfer out $463,347 to the 2009 NMFA PPRF
Disadvantaged Program (Eco Park) Fund to pay off debt early; 3) 2009 NMFA PPRF DS Reserve - transfer
out $199,411 to the 2009 NMFA PPRF Disadvantaged Program Fund (Eco Park) to cover a portion of early
debt payoff; 4) 2009 NMFA PPRF Disadvantaged Program (Eco Park) increase revenues and expenditures in
the amount of $662,758 in order to payoff debt early and 5) Fire Protection Fund - transfer $71,000 from
operating expense to capital outlay to cover the cost of the change order associated with the new Pierce
Enforcer Class A Pumper. (Finance Director Marietta Fambro)
4. Matters and Reports from the Town Manager
A. Matters and Reports from the Town Manager.
B. Coronavirus update by Town Manager Richard Bellis.
S. Matters and Reports from the Mayor
A. Matters and Reports from the Mayor.
6. Matters and Reports from the Council
A. Matters and Reports from the Council.
7. Closed Executive Session
A. The Council may conduct a Closed Executive Session to engage in a discussion of matters subject to the
attorney-client privilege pertaining to threatened or pending litigation in which the Town is or may become a
participant pursuant to NMSA 1978 Section 10-15-1(H)(7); to discuss purchase, acquisition or disposal of
real property or water rights pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 10-15-1(H)(8); and/or to discuss limited
personnel matters limited to discussion of the hiring, promotion, demotion, dismissal, assignment or
resignation of a Town employee or the investigation or consideration of complaints or charges against a
Town employee pursuant to NMSA 1978 Section 10-15-1-(H)(2).
B. Attorney's Report Concerning Closed Executive Session
C. Action on items discussed in Closed Executive Session (as necessary, by motion.)
S. Adjourn
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