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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-17 Town Council Special Meeting OFFICIAL or T9%o • * • / ••* • 1934 • ew EI*00 Town Council Special Meeting Hybrid Meeting Town Council Chambers - 120 Civic Plaza Drive Tuesday, November 17, 2025 3:00 p.m. 1. Opening Items A. Call to Order by the Honorable Mayor Pascualito M. Maestas. The Special Meeting of the Taos Town Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Fambro at 3:04 p.m. B. Roll Call Those present were: Mayor Pro Tern Marietta S. Fambro Councilmember Darien D. Fernandez Councilmember Corilia Ortega Councilmember Genevieve Oswald Also present were: Town Manager Lupe Martinez Assistant Town Manager Mark Flores Town Clerk Denise Martinez Deputy Town Clerk Miquela Mangum Town Attorney Jessica Nixon KCPRC Committee Members: Former Councilmember George "Fritz" Hahn Retired Judge Peggy Nelson Dr. Sylvia Rodriguez Dr. Horacio Trujillo Tribal Sheriff Jesse Winters Absent/Excused was: Mayor Pascualito M. Maestas C. Pledge of Allegiance Councilmember Genevieve Oswald led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. Matters and Reports from the Council A. Presentation by the Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee regarding recommendations for the renaming of Kit Carson Memorial Park. (Councilmember Genevieve Oswald) Councilmember Oswald, chair of the Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee, introduced Tribal Sheriff Jesse Winters and committee members former Councilor George Fritz Hahn, former District 8 Judge Peggy Nelson, Dr. Sylvia Rodriguez, and Dr. Horacio Trujillo, noting Winters formal appointment to the committee by Taos Pueblo. She explained that the renewed effort began when a constituent called to ask what had happened to the park renaming.A subsequent records search, assisted by former Town Clerk Francella Garcia, showed that on June 10, 2014, the Town Council voted 3-1 to rename Kit Carson Park and cemetery as Red Willow Park after community members spoke about Kit Carson's violent campaigns against Navajo and Apache people. Following strong public outcry about the lack of public input, the Council reopened the discussion, and subsequent meetings in June and July 2014 featured passionate testimony both for and against the change.At the July 8, 2014 meeting, Taos Pueblo, through Tribal Secretary Ian Chisholm on behalf of Tribal Governor Clyde Romero, unanimously opposed use of the name "Red Willow" because of its cultural significance, while expressing a desire for a neutral, inclusive name and continued friendship with the Town. The then Town Manager Richard Bellis recommended separating the cemetery and renaming it Kit Carson Memorial Park Cemetery, and a motion passed 3-1 to rescind the Red Willow name, separate the cemetery, and form a committee to identify an inclusive new name. Oswald noted that the matter then lay dormant until November 26, 2024, when she presented this history to the current Council and asked that the renaming process be completed, leading to Mayor Pascual Maestas directing staff to draft a resolution establishing the current committee. Councilmember Oswald reported that on December 10, 2024, the Council unanimously approved Resolution 24- 51, formally establishing the Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee, and that on March 11, 2025, the resolution was amended to clarify that the committee would have five voting members and one non-voting chair, with one seat specifically appointed by Taos Pueblo. She observed that the effort to reconsider the park's name stretched back even further, to a 1973 proposal by David Fernandez, Philip Vargas, Lieutenant Governor Roberto Mondragon and others to rename the park in honor of those who served in the military, particularly Taos Pueblo soldier Jimmy Santiago Lujan, who died as a prisoner of war during World War II. In the most recent round of public input, the committee again received suggestions honoring fallen soldiers, such as Tony Reyna Park, but early in the process Taos Pueblo representatives explained that they and other Native nations do not name places after individuals; the committee chose to honor that principle and did not advance personal names. Throughout the committee's citizen forums and meetings, participants proposed a range of options; Tiwa terminology, neutral names like "Taos Town Park" or"Taos Cottonwoods Park," and veterans-themed names; while also raising concerns about impacts on existing park partnerships, the condition of park facilities, safety, timing, and cost.After nearly a year of meetings and opportunities for public comment, the committee closed additional comment for its final meeting, concluding that the public had ample opportunity to participate. Councilmember Oswald expressed deep gratitude to the current Council for supporting the initiative, to Tribal Secretary Jeremy Lujan for his responsiveness and leadership, and to the 2014 governing body for taking the first step toward change. She thanked Assistant Town Manager Mark Flores, Town Clerk Denise Martinez, Deputy Clerk Miquela Mangum, Facilities Director Valorie Mondragon for providing meeting space, Former Committee Attorney Nathan Mulvihill, numerous presenters and panelists, behind-the-scenes staff and volunteers, and the constituent Robbie Romero, whose initial phone call prompted the renewed effort. She acknowledged a significant misstep in not centering Taos Pueblo's authority from the beginning, publicly apologized to Tribal Sheriff and Committee Member Winters and described the process as restorative work that mattered even when the committee did not "get it right" at first. She emphasized that apologies were acts of integrity and accountability, and that she offered hers personally and on behalf of the committee. Councilmember Oswald summarized the committee's principal conclusions. She stated that the Town could lawfully change the name of the park but could not legally separate the park from the cemetery, and that the committee recognized its initial failure to center Taos Pueblo in a discussion taking place on unceded Tiwa territory. She reported that at the committee's final meeting on October 23, 2025, Taos Pueblo's Tribal Secretary Lujan and Tribal Sheriff Winters presented an official letter from the Taos Pueblo Tribal Council identifying "Red Willow Park" as a name suitable for unceded Tiwa land and outlining six stipulations needed to align the naming with tribal sovereignty. The committee received this with humility, deferred to Taos Pueblo's recommendation, and unanimously supported both the name and the stipulations. Councilmember Oswald stated that the committee's recommendation to the Town Council was clear: rename the park"Red Willow Park" and embrace the moment as an opportunity to renew the park's identity and purpose. She further recommended that the Town collaborate with Taos Pueblo to adopt the stipulations in a Town resolution, institutionalize a shared administrative process for future place naming (including re-examining other sites, such as Coronado Hall), and treat the renaming not as a single performative act but as part of an ongoing effort to address and redress historic harms and their lasting consequences. Councilmember Oswald outlined the committee's process, explaining that from May to June the group grounded its work in restorative justice values and developed a framework and tools for decision-making; from July through August it held broad listening sessions and panel discussions; and in September and October it solicited naming suggestions from the community through surveys and other outreach. She estimated that approximately 50 people participated directly through meetings, panels, and citizens'forums, and that the number of participants increased several-fold when survey responses were included. From this engagement, the committee heard that the park was a cherished place in the community with strong intergenerational memories but also concerns about safety, maintenance of walking paths, and the need for better facilities. Participants stressed that renaming alone would not be enough and that meaningful improvements and ongoing dialogue were necessary. The committee distilled what it heard into eight key community values associated with the park: intergenerational connection, well-being, stewardship, belonging, accessibility, cultural respect, play, and celebration. In addition to recommending the Red Willow name, the committee encouraged the Town to make the park more inviting by improving basic facilities (especially restrooms), expanding sports opportunities such as the ice-skating rink, enhancing accessibility (including all-abilities playground concepts), improving safety and natural restoration, incorporating artistic elements, and adding interpretive signage and wayside exhibits developed in collaboration with Taos Pueblo. Councilmember Oswald reflected that the committee had approached naming as something larger than a label, but as a reflection of what the community honors, values, and remembers, and that the process had affirmed a willingness in Taos to confront its past and shape a more inclusive future. She reiterated that the committee's mandate was not to re-litigate whether the park should be renamed; that decision had effectively been made more than a decade prior. Instead, the committee focused on identifying the most aspirational name to recommend to the Council and demonstrating that the Town organization was capable of finishing work it had begun. She noted that participating in the process had personally changed her, that the conversations and discomfort were part of restorative work, and that confronting the past did not erase it but could restore something important for the future. Tribal Sheriff Winters then addressed the Council on behalf of Taos Pueblo, thanking the Town for the opportunity for his people to have a seat in the process. He described his role as a bridge between Taos Pueblo and the Town, acknowledged the difficulty of securing space on the Tribal Council's agenda, and underscored that the letter presented at the committee's October 23rd meeting reflected the voice of his people, approved and written by the Tribal Council. He expressed honor in serving as chairperson for his community in this context and encouraged the Town to move forward with the renaming while maintaining Taos Pueblo's involvement in future steps. Committee Member Hahn then spoke about the honor of serving alongside Judge Nelson and Dr. Rodriguez and praised Councilmember Oswald and Dr. Trujillo for doing the "heavy lifting"with empathy and expertise and expressed the honor of sitting next to Tribal Sheriff Winters during the process. He reflected on the respectful tone of public comment in the current process, contrasting it with the more contentious atmosphere a decade earlier, and expressed gratitude for the improved government-to-government relationship between the Town and Taos Pueblo, noting the many"gifts" hidden in what might appear to be a simple name change. During questions and comments from the Council, Mayor Pro Tern Fambro asked about the level of community participation. Councilmember Oswald responded that, across panelists, presenters, citizen forums, and survey respondents, the committee engaged dozens of residents and believed that anyone who wished to participate had ample opportunity to do so, given the months of advertised public meetings. Mayor Pro Tem Fambro acknowledged that, although participation seemed small relative to the broader county population, the Town and committee had done extensive outreach and that engagement ultimately depended on those who chose to show up. Councilmember Ortega commented that the community faced many important issues and that the renaming effort did not preclude work on other priorities, cautioning against treating such matters as an either-or choice. She reflected on the power of names in personal and family histories and expressed pride in selecting a name that resonated with neighbors and modeled healthier collaboration for the future. Mayor Pro Tem Fambro and Councilmembers Fernandez and Ortega collectively thanked Councilmember Oswald, the committee members, Sheriff Winters, Taos Pueblo leadership, staff, and all participants for their dedication and for helping bring a decade-old issue to a thoughtful and inclusive point of decision. B. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of Resolution 25-67 to officially change the name of Kit Carson Park to Red Willow Park as recommended by the Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee (Councilmember Genevieve Oswald) The Council next considered Resolution 25-67, approving the recommendation to rename Kit Carson Park as Red Willow Park and establishing collaborative interpretation and stewardship practices with Taos Pueblo. Councilor Oswald read the resolution into the record, noting provisions that recognized the park as unceded Taos Pueblo territory, committed the Town to adopt a mutually agreed-upon formal land acknowledgment, affirmed Taos Pueblo as the lead sovereign authority on the renaming process and interpretive content, and committed the Town to respect Taos Pueblo's ceremonial calendar and access to traditional spaces. The resolution further required that all interpretive materials and visitor education resources be developed under Taos Pueblo's direction, restricted third parties from purporting to speak for Taos Pueblo without written consent, directed the Town to issue a public apology and implement a corrective plan for past"outsider narratives," and committed both governments to an ongoing government-to-government partnership regarding the park. Councilmember Ortega asked whether strategies had already been identified for the public apology and corrective plan and who would be responsible for implementing them. Councilmember Oswald and Town Manager Martinez clarified that while a public apology had been made verbally, a formal apology would likely be issued through a Town press release and would require review and input from Taos Pueblo, particularly for items identified in the resolution. She added that the stipulations in the resolution originated from Taos Pueblo's requests, but acknowledged that practical details, such as funding, approval of the apology language, and the process for signage, still required further discussion. It was noted that there were no apparent conflicts with state or federal law, though policy and implementation questions remained for the Council to consider. Mayor Pro Tern Fambro raised a series of concerns about the costs and logistics associated with renaming the park and implementing the stipulations, including expenses for new signage, removal and replacement of existing signs, changes to digital platforms and the Town's website, and the need for a dedicated budget line. She also questioned who would serve as primary points of contact on both the Town and Pueblo sides, how ongoing public consultation and collaboration would be managed, and how ceremonial protocols and the Pueblo's ceremonial calendar would affect park use. Manager Martinez responded that staff would need to inventory and price the signage and related changes, and that funding would likely be addressed in the mid-year budget process and by the next administration. Councilmember Oswald emphasized that the Town would retain legal ownership and financial responsibility for the park while collaborating with Taos Pueblo on public education and interpretive elements, describing the resolution as a shared effort rather than an "us versus them" approach. Town Attorney Jessica Nixon explained that the stipulations in the resolution before the Council had been requested by Taos Pueblo and incorporated into the park renaming recommendation. She noted that while the resolution committed the Town to carrying out these actions, several practical questions remained insufficiently defined, including funding, approval and content of the public apology, and the process for developing and approving signage. Nixon emphasized that these issues would require further evaluation and collaborative discussion with Taos Pueblo as the Town determined how best to implement the requested measures. Councilmember Oswald acknowledged these concerns and stated that, recognizing the shorter terms of Taos Pueblo's elected leadership, she had already committed to contacting the new tribal secretary after the first of the year to begin coordinating around the resolution's requirements. She suggested that each government appoint a staff point person to provide continuity despite political turnover and noted that the remaining practical details were manageable with additional planning. Mayor Pro Tern Fambro expressed reservations about moving forward without clearer answers, pointing out that the resolution bound the Town to significant commitments, including a formal land acknowledgment and potential changes to how and when it was used in meetings, on park materials, and in Town documents. In response, Councilmember Oswald clarified that land acknowledgment language had been intentionally left off the current agenda item because Taos Pueblo had not yet approved a formal version for the committee's use. She added that the existing land acknowledgment, if the park name remained unchanged, risked being merely symbolic, and that a new draft should include a call to action and explicitly recognize that the Town occupied unceded Tiwa territory. Mayor Pro Tem Fambro further asked how third-party uses of the park, such as the concert series, might be affected by the resolution. Councilor Oswald explained that the related stipulations reflected concerns raised in committee meetings that narratives about Kit Carson Park had often centered the Dine people, a nation distinct from Taos Pueblo, rather than the Tiwa people whose homelands the park occupied. She stated that the intent was to recognize Taos Pueblo's history as paramount within unceded Tiwa territory and to treat"outsider narratives" as secondary. In response to follow-up questions about whether this applied to public apologies or past Town- sponsored events, Councilmember Oswald indicated that the language was aimed both at the park's name and at existing signage and interpretive materials, which currently reflected an outsider narrative focused on Kit Carson rather than the longer history of the place, while remaining specific to the subject matter under discussion. Councilmember Fernandez thanked Councilmember Oswald, the renaming committee, and community members for their work and input, then directed a question to Tribal Sheriff Winters regarding the October 23 letter from Taos Pueblo, which stated that the Pueblo would have authority over all uses of the park as a condition of the renaming. He noted that this language did not appear in the resolution and asked whether the version before the Town Council was acceptable. Tribal Sheriff Winters responded that he would need to consult Tribal Council and the Tribal Secretary to answer fully but explained that Taos Pueblo's intention was to ensure involvement and final approval over interpretive and educational materials and signage so Taos Pueblo would not be misrepresented and the relationship with the Town would remain strong. He emphasized that his role was as a bridge between the Town and Taos Pueblo, not as a sole spokesperson for his people. Town Clerk Martinez then clarified that Taos Pueblo's legal team had been consulted and had worked directly with the Town's attorney, the Tribal Secretary's office, and the Town's executive office to ensure that the resolution accurately reflected the points in the Pueblo's letter. She stated that both legal teams had reviewed the document for completeness and consistency. Tribal Sheriff Winters confirmed that tribal leadership, including Tribal Council, had been involved throughout the process and had reviewed the documents presented. Town Manager added that revisions had continued through the weekend and into the morning of the meeting, so the final version was new to both the executive office and the Council. In response to questions about whether Tribal Council had formally approved the latest version, Councilmember Oswald reported that Tribal Secretary Winters had presented the resolution to Tribal Council on Thursday and that it had been approved. Town Attorney Nixon asked for clarification on the changes to the resolution since its presentation to Tribal Council. Town Clerk Martinez referenced a follow- up letter from Taos Pueblo legal counsel dated November 15 confirming final approval. Councilmember Oswald confirmed that some wording changes had been made after the Tribal Council meeting, but described them as minor, and Town Attorney Nixon confirmed that she had both the final resolution and the Tribal Secretary's correspondence. Mayor Pro Tern Fambro then sought legal assurance that adopting the resolution in partnership with a sovereign nation would not violate any state or federal regulations. Town Attorney Nixon stated that, based on her review and the limited time available, she did not believe the resolution conflicted with state or federal law, though she acknowledged that questions remained for both the Town and Taos Pueblo regarding long-term implementation and that it was within the Council's discretion to table or proceed. Mayor Pro Tern Fambro also expressed concern about committing to the resolution without a clearer understanding of financial and staffing impacts, noting that the item had been uploaded to BoardDocs that same morning. In response, the Town Manager explained that the Town would first need to estimate the cost of replacing park signage and updating media and social networking materials, relying on the Parks Department to inventory signs and obtain quotes, and that funding would likely be addressed in the mid-year budget process and fall to the next administration to implement. Councilmember Ortega thanked Mayor Pro Tern Fambro for her detailed questions, emphasizing that they reflected diligence and concern for process rather than opposition to the renaming. Mayor Pro Tern Fambro reiterated that, with only a short time left in her term, she wanted clarity on financial and staffing commitments, the timeline for implementation, and how the Town and Taos Pueblo would collaborate as separate governments to carry out the resolution's terms. She questioned whether the Town might be starting something it could not fully fulfill, given the costs of revitalizing the park and the Town's sole financial responsibility, and suggested that tabling the resolution to gather more specific cost estimates and clearer direction from Taos Pueblo might be prudent. Councilmember Oswald responded that the October 23 letter from Taos Pueblo was an extraordinary document reflecting centuries of concessions by the Pueblo so that others could share the space, and she framed the list of stipulations as a modest set of steps the Town should have undertaken long ago. She stressed that none of the items were impossible, only that they required collaboration rather than an "us versus them" mentality, and then moved to approve Resolution 25-67, with a second from Councilmember Ortega Councilmember Fernandez asked whether it would be more appropriate to return the current version to Taos Pueblo for further review, Tribal Sheriff Winters affirmed that, consistent with Pueblo practice, consultation and approval through the Tribal Secretary and Taos Pueblo legal counsel constituted formal approval and that this process had been followed. Mayor Pro Tern Fambro stated that she voted no on the resolution, explaining that her opposition was based not on the substance of the proposal but on the limited time the Council had to review it, particularly with respect to financial and staffing impacts. She reiterated that she would have preferred to table the item to allow additional analysis before making a final decision. Following the vote, Councilmember Oswald thanked the Council and commented that, aside from legal fees, the only direct expense incurred during the committee's work was $20 of her personal funds for survey materials, emphasizing that the process had otherwise been carried out by volunteers. She expressed appreciation to all who had contributed their time, expertise, and good faith to the effort. A motion was made by Councilmember Oswald to approve Resolution 25-67 to officially change the name of Kit Carson Park to Red Willow Park, as recommended by the Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee, and seconded by Councilmember Ortega. The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Oswald, Ortega, and Fernandez; No: Fambro. 3.Adjourn A motion was made by Councilmember Ortega to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 4:21 p.m. APP OVED: Pascualito Maestas, Mayor •ATTEST: /• • " ��' • J •Denise Martinez, Town Clerk • �•.,f . v • � • 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.taosnm.gov under the "Public Meetings-Live &Archive"tab. Citizens may also request a copy of a video for$5 per video via the online public records portal located under the Town Clerk's tab on the Town's website.Additionally, the website provides access to view agendas, backup documentation, and minutes. • • ATTENDANCE SIGN-IN SHEET L' `. l+ Town Council Special Meeting Monday, November 17, 2025 3:00 p.m. Town Council Chambers PRINT Name Clearly Residence Address (Not Mailing Address) rc u$ Cti�fi��0 24"9" E.US HwY 1+ -Tacs, NM 8757/ (A,r4(i ) m 1 -0 5 r we-ti Lo klAcC"l tJA Ail c}5-r-rw T-Oul S vtaAyue, Acc. tev -ro(Ok.,,, Vc_tr) --)�� • k d"e. 4- - .A.,., "Tao s Ajrb 0n'-Ks4 Kr'- 2 Ste) Ci0,-'ik.c& bc,z�-(-.-4-et. T-1v5 P e /o 01 * t 1931 'I1•NI I:. Monday, November 17, 2025 Town Council Special Meeting 3:00 p.m. Hybrid Meeting (Option to attend in-person or virtually.) The Town of Taos will hold its hybrid Town Council Regular Meeting at the Town Council Chambers, 120 Civic Plaza Drive. Members of the public can livestream the meeting or view it in archived format on the Town's website taosnm.gov. - https://www.taosnm.gov/259/Public-Meetings---Live-Archive. Those wishing to submit comments may contact Town Clerk Denise Martinez at (575)751-2005 or email dmmartinez@taosnm.gov. Those wishing to participate virtually, please use the meeting attendee link: https://taosnm.gov/tcm 1. Opening Items A. Call to Order by the Honorable Mayor Pascualito M. Maestas. B. Roll Call C. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Matters and Reports from the Council A. Presentation by the Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee regarding recommendations for the renaming of Kit Carson Memorial Park. (Councilmember Genevieve Oswald) B. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of Resolution 25-67 to officially change the name of Kit Carson Park to Red Willow Park as recommended by the Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee (Councilmember Genevieve Oswald) 3. Adjourn