Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-13 Town Council Emergency Minutes rff * 1711 $ b MINUTES Town Council Emergency Meeting Town Council Chambers - 120 Civic Plaza Drive March 13, 2020 4:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DANIEL R. BARRONE. The Honorable Mayor Daniel R. Barrone called the Emergency Meeting of the Taos Town Council to order at 4:04 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Ms. Francella Garcia, Town Clerk, called roll and a quorum was present. Those present were: Mayor, Daniel R. Barrone Mayor Pro Tern, Nathaniel Evans Councilmember, Darien D. Fernandez Councilmember, George "Fritz" Hahn Councilmember, Pascualito Maestas Also present were: Town Manager, Richard Bellis Town Clerk, Francella Garcia Town Attorney, Stephen C. Ross (Participated by telephone conference) 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Taos County Sheriff Jerry Hogrefe led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. MOMENT OF SILENCE 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Page 1 of 5 Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve. Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Evans, Fernandez, Hahn, Maestas. 6. MATTERS FROM STAFF A. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 20-10 Declaration of Health Emergency for the Town of Taos. Town Manager Richard Bellis stated for the record this Town Council Meeting is an Emergency Meeting. The Town complied with the requirements for local government emergency meetings and the Declaration of Emergency Action is consistent with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act. The Emergency Meeting was noticed and the Attorney General's Office and the Governor's Office will be notified of the Emergency Meeting along with the actions of Town Council. Mr. Bellis stated based on evidence by the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring a global pandemic, the Governor for the State of New Mexico declaring a State of Emergency, the Health Secretary issuing a Public Health Order and the President of the United States as of 3:00 p.m. today officially declaring a State of Health Emergency for the United States. The action that is being taken is to invoke financial, planning, police powers and other additional resources that become available to the Town through a formal declaration of a State of Emergency. Mr. Bellis stated the Town currently does not have any active Coronavirus (COVID 19) cases; however, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised for all communities to invoke preventive and containment measures at this time to limit the outbreak of the virus. Mr. Bellis briefed the governing body the orders of succession and delegations of authority pursuant to proposed Resolution 19-20 to conduct emergency measures on behalf of the Town to safeguard the public's health, safety and welfare. Councilmember Maestas asked how the Council can assist. Mr. Bellis stated the Town's responsibilities under these powers are to determine the essential services that the Town needs to provide to the public and have a business contingency plan for the continued operations of the Town. He further added for the benefit of the public the Town is not in command of anything outside the role as the Town in municipal services; therefore, if it involves businesses, the hospital, orders closing meetings and gatherings the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and the director of The Health Department is in charge of directing entities how they want things to be done. He reiterated policies will come from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham or the State Health Department. Page 2 of 5 Mayor Barrone emphasized the Town wants to keep the community safe and decisions made by the Town is to keep ahead of the pandemic and mitigate the spread of the virus. Mr. Bellis stated an email was sent to staff regarding the closure of non- essential services. He further added concerts and sporting events are canceled for the year. In addition, the Town requested all contracts be continued and when schedules are reinstated a year from now that the contracts be honored. The closings as of five o'clock today will be the Visitor Center, the Taos Public Library and the Guadalupe Gym. In addition, the Taos Youth and Family Center will close on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Mr. Bellis assured staff there will be no layoffs and stated it is an opportunity for a full cleaning and improvements to be done on Town facilities. He urged the public to do as much possible electronically to minimize exposure and contact with people. Mr. Bellis stated the word "emergency" is used to invoke powers for federal and state financial and logistical disaster assistance for the Town and for the people in the community and emphasized there is no need to panic. Mayor Barrone stated the safeguards that have been imposed are by the State and not the Town. Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve Resolution 20-10. Councilmember Fernandez seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Evans, Fernandez, Hahn, Maestas. Mr. Bellis announced he received official notification that Taos Ski Valley will close on March 22, 2020, air service from Taos Air will end March 22, 2020, the World Ski event is canceled and the Blake Hotel will close March 22, 2020. He further added the Town is not abandoning air service and concerts and it will be a very tough season for the Town and for businesses; however, to expedite the process for next season the Town is maintaining its summer plan for next year to boost and put extra money into the economy. B. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 20-11 a Resolution of the Town of Taos Amending Resolution 19-31 Town of Taos Budget Policies, Section 10. Mr. Bellis presented proposed Resolution 20-11 to the governing body. He explained the proposed resolution formally activates the Taos Emergency Management Team, specifies responsibilities, reaffirms the planning process, and accepts the Town of Taos Pandemic Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and the pandemic-related Action Plan (AP). He further stated the approved plans are an ever-evolving draft document and the plans may continue to be developed or amended throughout the incident as Page 3 of 5 additional information is received and as circumstances change. At the end of the incident a debriefing and an after-action report will be generated with any substantial changes to the COOP and AP based on the experience gained during the incident and the input of any incident-related oversight agencies. In addition, the Council will be advised of any resulting substantial changes occurring during the incident. Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve Resolution 20-11. Mr. Bellis stated the adoption gives the Town Manager and the Human Resource Director legal authority and the flexibility to react to an incident. Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Evans, Fernandez, Hahn, Maestas. Mr. Bellis informed the governing body the Town is adopting the same standards the Governor of New Mexico adopted for State employees which includes suspension of all travel. 7. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE TOWN MANAGERS (There was no discussion.) 8. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR (There was not discussion.) 9. 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). B. Attorney's Report Concerning Closed Executive Session. C. Action on Items Discussed in Closed Executive Session (as necessary, by motion.) 10. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilmember Evans and seconded by Councilmember Maestas to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Page 4 of 5 APPRO - ' : 1 Dank! R. B. r. e, Mayor • ATTEST:. • Francella R. Garcia, Town Clerk • r 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 5 of 5 N.of * *** Friday, March 13, 2020 Town Council Emergency Meeting Town Council Chambers - 120 Civic Plaza Drive 4:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DANIEL R. BARRONE. 2. ROLL CALL 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. MOMENT OF SILENCE 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 6. MATTERS FROM STAFF A. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 20-10 Declaration of Health Emergency for the Town of Taos. B. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 20-11 a Resolution of the Town of Taos Amending Resolution 19-31 Town of Taos Budget Policies, Section 10 7. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE TOWN MANAGERS 8. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR 9. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION A. 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); B. Attorney's Report Concerning Closed Executive Session. C. Action on Items Discussed in Closed Executive Session (as necessary, by motion.) 10. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 1 Daniel R. Barrone,Mayor ,o of ree Taos Municipal Building �o rjs 400 Camino de la Placita Councilmembers: Taos,New Mexico 87571 Nathaniel Evans * •, �� � * (575) 751-2000 Darien D. Fernandez Fax(575) 751-2026 George "Fritz"Hahn t.�•,Izj "'* Pascualito M. Maestas " x>i ".00 Visit us on our Website at: www.taosgov.com Richard Bellis, Town Manager March 16,2020 Office of the Attorney General Attention Director of Advocacy and Intervention 408 Galisteo Street Villagra Building Santa Fe,NM 87501 RE: Town of Taos Emergency Meeting To Whom It May Concern, The Town of Taos held an Emergency Meeting on March 13,2020 to discuss actions required in the"Town of Taos to address the coronavirus pandemic. During the emergency meeting,the Town Council took note of the Governor's declaration of a State of Emergency,and adopted Resolution No.20-10(Declaration of Health Emergency)and Resolution No.20-11 (Amending the Town of Taos Budget Policies to authorize the Mayor, Town Manager and selected staff to conduct emergency measures as may be appropriate to safeguard the public health,safety and welfare of both our residents and visitors). Pursuant to NMSA 1978, Sec. 10-15-1(F) the Town is required to report the actions taken and the circumstances creating the emergency to your Office;therefore,attached are the following: • March 13,2020 Emergency Meeting Agenda; • March 13,2020 Draft Minutes; • Resolution 20-10 Declaration of Health Emergency for the Town of Taos;and • Resolution 20-11 Amending Resolution 19-31 Town of Taos Budget Policies,Section 10. Because a State of Emergency has been declared by the Governor,we believe that pursuant to NMSA 1978 Sec. 10-15-1(F)this report is not required,but it is filed in interests of keeping you informed and of transparency. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns. Thank you. Respectfully, LYE(4_1 Francella Garcia Town Clerk,CMC Town of Taos (575)751-2004 Enclosures: Emergency Meeting Agenda 03/13/2020 Draft Minutes 03/13/2020 Resolution 20-10 Declaration of Health Emergency Resolution 20-I 1 Amending the Town of Taos Budget Policies "La Ciudad de Don Fernando de Taos" Incorporated May 7, 1934 • TAOS 318 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE TAOS, NM 87571-9998 348463-0571 U.S. Postal Service' (800)275 8777 CERTIFIED MAIL® RECEIPT 03/17/2020 02:40 PM Domestic Mail Only p rr Er For delivery information,visit our v:absite at www.usps.c.^„1®. )duct o- Oty Unit Price SANTA - :,:1e '�, S Price ---------- Certified Mail Fee (l $1.4D o 9� - ge Class Mail® 1 $1 ql p $ �� cge Envelope M a Services&Fees(check box,add feeAs prep te) J Return Receipt(hardcopy) $ o/ )) (Domestic) p Return Receipt(electronic) $ , $ll III stmarkf (SANTA FE, NM 87501) p `�❑Certified Mail Restricted Delivery $ - -' Oere / (Weight:0 Lb 2.50 0z) o ❑AdultSignatureRequired $ e . O (Estimated Delivery Date) ['Adult Signature Restricted Delivery$ (Thursday 03/19/2020) _ Postageified m $ $1.4i� ~ 1.._ ,(. ,02ll t(USPS Certified Mail #) $3.5' N Total Postage and Fees (70151730000030039904) r'1 7 ctiI Office of the Attdrhby General urn Receipt $2 8` Lin , (USPS Return Receipt #) ra Attn: Director of Advocacy and Intervention (9590940233747227327973) p 4 408 Galisteo Street IN- "fixed Postage ($7 80 .( Villagra Building (Affixed Amount:$7.80) Santa Fe,NM 87501 P Form 3800,April 2015 PSN 7530-02-000-9047 See Reverse for Instructions a l $0.01, t your tracking number to 28777 . SPS) to get the latest status. • ,ndard Message and Data rates may ly. You may also visit www.usps.com • 3 Tracking or call 1-800-222-1811. Preview your Mail Track your Packages Sign up for FREE Q www.informeddelivery.com sales final on stamps and postage. 'unds for guaranteed services only. Thank you for your business. HELP US SERVE YOU BETTER TELL US ABOUT YOUR RECENT POSTAL EXPERIENCE Go to: ttps://postalexperience.com/Pos 10-5870-0145-002-00035-37954-02 or scan this code with your mobile device: ❑ . • ❑I L,ar,-Le• -. .-' . .1 r 1 Z • .r. O J r Daniel R. Barrone,Mayor 4t.1 of 7,4 Taos Municipal Building • • s' , 400 Camino de la Placita Councilmembers: • f Taos,New Mexico 87571 Nathaniel Evans *,. . * (575)751-2000 Darien D. Fernandez � � - Fax(575)751-2026 George "Fritz"Hahno Pascualito M. Maestas .1)j ' Visit us on our Website at: www.taosgov.com Richard Bellis, Town Manager March 26,2020 The Honorable Michelle Lujan Grisham Governor of New Mexico 490 Old Santa Fe Trail,Room 400 Santa Fe,NM 87501 RE: Town of Taos Emergency Meeting Dear Governor Lujan Grisham: The Town of Taos held an Emergency Meeting on March 13,2020 to discuss actions required in the Town of Taos to address the coronavirus pandemic. During the emergency meeting, the Town Council took note of the Governor's declaration of a State of Emergency,and adopted Resolution No.20-10(Declaration of Health Emergency)and Resolution No.20-1 I (Amending the Town of Taos Budget Policies to authorize the Mayor, Town Manager and selected staff to conduct emergency measures as may be appropriate to safeguard the public health,safety and welfare of both our residents and visitors). Because a State of Emergency has been declared by the Governor and to keep you informed and for transparency attached are the following: • March 13,2020 Emergency Meeting Agenda; • March 13,2020 Draft Minutes; • Resolution 20-10 Declaration of Health Emergency for the Town of Taos;and • Resolution 20-11 Amending Resolution 19-31 Town of Taos Budget Policies,Section 10. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns. Thank you. Respectfully, edt, ati}ta Francella Garcia Town Clerk,CMC Town of Taos (575)751-2004 Enclosures: Emergency Meeting Agenda 03/13/2020 Draft Minutes 03/13/2020 Resolution 20-10 Declaration of Health Emergency Resolution 20-1 1 Amending the Town of Taos Budget Policies "La Ciudad de Don Fernando de Taos" Incorporated May 7, 1934 .... a►r4E. 0 r.d *s f 4 it MINUTES Town Council Emergency Meeting Town Council Chambers - 120 Civic Plaza Drive March 13, 2020 4:00 p.m. DRAFT MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DANIEL R. BARRONE. The Honorable Mayor Daniel R. Barrone called the Emergency Meeting of the Taos Town Council to order at 4:04 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Ms. Francella Garcia, Town Clerk, called roll and a quorum was present. Those present were: Mayor, Daniel R. Barrone Mayor Pro Tern, Nathaniel Evans Councilmember, Darien D. Fernandez Councilmember, George "Fritz" Hahn Councilmember, Pascualito Maestas Also present were: Town Manager, Richard Bellis Town Clerk, Francella Garcia Town Attorney, Stephen C. Ross (Participated by telephone conference) 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Taos County Sheriff Jerry Hogrefe led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. MOMENT OF SILENCE 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Page 1 of 2 Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve. Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Evans, Fernandez, Hahn, Maestas. 6. MATTERS FROM STAFF A. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 20-10 Declaration of Health Emergency for the Town of Taos. Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve Resolution 20-10. Councilmember Fernandez seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Evans, Fernandez, Hahn, Maestas. B. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 20-11 a Resolution of the Town of Taos Amending Resolution 19-31 Town of Taos Budget Policies, Section 10. Councilmember Evans made a motion to approve Resolution 20-11. Councilmember Hahn seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Councilmembers voted as follows: Ayes: Evans, Fernandez, Hahn, Maestas. 7. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE TOWN MANAGERS 8. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR 9. 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). B. Attorney's Report Concerning Closed Executive Session. C. Action on Items Discussed in Closed Executive Session (as necessary, by motion.) 10. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilmember Evans and seconded by Councilmember Maestas to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Page 2 of 2 Qyrt of T9 *. Adak • * • . 1934 .• O 4'k'ME1 RESOLUTION 20-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF TAOS AMENDING RESOLUTION 19-31 TOWN OF TAOS BUDGET POLICIES, SECTION 10 WHEREAS, the Town has adopted Resolution 18-27 authorizing the creation and empowerment of the Town Manager and the Taos Emergency Management Team to plan for and execute such documents, processes and plans as to prepare the Town and the community for emergency situations that threaten public health, safety and welfare; WHEREAS, the Town Manager and the Taos Emergency Management Team have developed under the FEMA Pandemic Influenza Continuity of Operations template and other applicable FEMA ICS and Dept. of Homeland Security NIMS approved incident planning and response models and documents the Taos Pandemic Continuity of Operations Plan and incorporated Action Plan and are recommending their adoption by the Council; and WHEREAS, the Town is currently facing a WHO declared global pandemic, a national declaration of a health emergency, and a state declared state of emergency with regards to the COVID-19 Coronavirus and is need of an immediate plan for prevention, containment and mitigation of the virus and its effects, as well as a mechanism for preserving the essential operations of the Town at a time of crises; and WHEREAS, evidence of the adoption and implementation of such incident-related planning and accounting is a requirement for eligibility by local governments, along with a federal and state declaration, for potential federal and state financial and logistical disaster assistance for the Town and community, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF TAOS, BY THIS RESOLUTION THAT WE THE ELECTED OFFICIALS DO HEREBY DECLARE, AS FOLLOWS: 1. That the Council does hereby approve and adopts the Town of Taos Pandemic Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and the pandemic-related Action Plan (AP) appended thereto and Resolution 20-11 Page 1 of 2 authorizes the Town Manager and the Taos Emergency Management Team to implement those measures identified within the document(s). 2. That the Council recognizes that the Town of Taos Pandemic COOP and AP are based upon general situational templates for emergency planning developed by FEMA and Department of Homeland Security through the ICS and NIMS programs to establish structure and prepare local governments for responding rapidly in time of crises. 3. That the Council recognizes that these federally approved plans and documents have been adapted by staff for the specific circumstances of the Town and the COVID virus, as understood at this time, and may continue to be developed or amended to adapt to either changing circumstances or new information that may develop as this crisis evolves. 4. That the Council concurs that the Town Manager and the Taos Emergency Management Team are authorized during the time that the federal, state or local Corona Virus declarations are in effect to enact and implement such needed adaptations, within the framework of Resolution 18- 27, and the ICS and NIMS emergency models, as well as any federal or state directives that may be issued in-process during the declarations, and will (a.) keep the Council advised of any resulting substantial changes occurring during an incident and (b.) will return for Council approval after the incident and a debriefing and after-action report are generated with any substantial changes to the COOP and AP based on the experience gained during the incident and the input of any incident-related oversight agencies. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED, this 13"' day of March, 2020, at the Emergency Meeting of the Town Council by the following vote: Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel Evans Yes Councilmember Darien Fernandez Yes Councilmember George "Fritz"Hahn Yes Councilmember Pascualito Maestas Yes TOWN OF TA S Damsel_ .Sarrone;SIayor ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM Francella Garcia,Town Clerk Stephen C. Ross,Town Attorney Resolution 20-11 Page 2 of 2 <S. • GNU • 1934 • • • 'G� MExt RESOLUTION 20-10 DECLARATION OF HEALTH EMERGENCY FOR THE TOWN OF TAOS WHEREAS, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared there to be a global pandemic of COVID-19 (Coronavirus); and WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of New Mexico has declared a State of Emergency in order to contain and combat the virus; and WHEREAS, the New Mexico Health Secretary has issued a public health order suspending mass gatherings in New Mexico effective immediately in order to prevent the spread of the virus; and WHEREAS, the President of the United States has officially declared a state of health emergency with regards to the national COVID-19 epidemic; and WHEREAS, the CDC has advised that local governments should take immediate action to limit the spread of the virus through social distancing, cancellation of public meetings, limiting public gatherings and events, and implementing additional public health safety and education measures to prevent, contain and, where possible, to mitigate the impact of the virus; and WHEREAS, cases of the virus in New Mexico have been confirmed and continue to increase and are growing closer to the Town of Taos, now being as close as Santa Fe; and WHEREAS, national and state health experts now believe that the spread of the virus throughout the country appears to be inevitable at this point; and WHEREAS, the Town has complied with the state requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act for the posting and notification of an emergency meeting of the Town Council during a declared state of emergency. Resolution 20-10 Page 1 of 5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF TAOS, BY THIS RESOLUTION THAT WE THE ELECTED OFFICIALS DO HEREBY DECLARE, AS FOLLOWS: 1. That, consistent with the declarations of the WHO, the federal government, and the Governor of the State of New Mexico, a Declaration of a Health Emergency is hereby established by the Council for and in the Town of Taos. 2. That said declaration shall invoke those financial, planning, police powers and other additional resources available to the Town through a formal declaration of a state of emergency. 3. The Council hereby authorizes the Mayor and Town Manager to conduct such emergency measures as may be appropriate to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare of both our residents and visitors. 4. The Council authorizes a one-time increase of the signing thresholds in Resolution 19-31 Section 10. D. for the Mayor and Town Manager for signing contracts up to $100,000 per contract and for single checks not to exceed $100,000 without the prior approval of Council, but to be presented at the next Council meeting, or on a monthly basis to the Council for ratification. 5. The Council authorizes the Mayor Pro Tern and Councilman Fritz Hahn, in that order of succession, to sign as alternate signatories on contracts and checks for the Mayor on behalf of the Town, should he be unavailable, and for the Grants and Revenue Development Director and the Finance Director, in that order of succession, to sign contracts, checks and agreements on behalf of the Town Manager, should he be unavailable. 6. No checks may be written in relation to any contract authorized under this resolution without certification by the Finance Director that the appropriate funds exist to meet the obligation nor any contract or agreement entered into without the review and approval of the Town Attorney or, in his absence, a Certified Procurement Officer, or the Finance Director that they meet all relevant legal requirements, including the state sole source or emergency purchasing and procurement guidelines. 7. The Council authorizes, under "Resolution 18-27: A Resolution of the Town of Taos Designating the Establishment of and Authority for A Town Emergency Management Team", the activation of the Town Emergency Management Team and delegates all authority to the Town Manager and Team, as outlined in Resolution 18-27 and/or the Town of Taos Pandemic Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and incorporated Pandemic Action Plan (AP). 8. The Council authorizes, consistent with Town Code, the implementation of electronic mechanisms for the conduct of Town business, including staff and consultant education, outreach Resolution 20-10 Page 2 of 5 and planning meetings, and telephonic participation by the Council of such Council Meetings and advisory boards and committees as necessary. Such meetings shall be advertised, as required, recorded and made public on the Town website or by email, upon request, as soon as possible and shall broadcast formal meetings of the Council, Planning and Zoning Commission and historic Commission live streamed by audio and/or video where possible. 9. The Council authorizes, consistent with the recommendations of the Emergency Management Team, the Town of Taos Pandemic COOP and AP, the orders of the NM Health Secretary and the recommendations of the WHO and CDC, the following: a. That all Town public events, trainings and meetings and any events, trainings and meetings planned to be held in or on Town property are hereby cancelled until further notice, with the status to be reviewed every 30 days. b. That all out-of-state travel or trainings for Town business are hereby cancelled, with the status of this prohibition to be reviewed every 30 days and any requests for exceptions for public safety or other essential services to be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Town Manager. c. The Town's Emergency Management Team and HR Department may set such safeguards for the public and employees regarding employees that travel out of the area or that become ill as are reasonable to protect the health and safety of staff and the public, consistent with the most current public health guidelines and advisories. d. That all non-essential programs of the Town that involve significant interaction with residents or groups from outside the state or region that might increase staff or local residents to an increased threat of exposure to the virus shall be cancelled, with this prohibition to be reviewed every 30 days, and with no exceptions. e. That all non-essential facilities of the Town that involve significant interaction with residents or groups from outside the state or region that might increase staff or local residents to an increased threat of exposure to the virus shall be cancelled, with this prohibition to be reviewed every 30 days, with any requests for exceptions for public health, welfare and safety to be reviewed by the Town Manager and the Emergency Management Committee. f. That the Council authorizes that the Mayor and Town Manager are authorized to enter into any JPA's MOU's, shared services agreements, contracts as may be necessary to provide the continued operation of services in a time of depleted staff or increased need due to this state of emergency with other governmental, quasi-governmental or private entities and may similarly assist other governmental entities, utilities, health services and entities engaged in the delivery of essential services to the community necessary for the continued public health, welfare and safety of the community. Resolution 20-10 Page 3 of 5 g. That the Council authorizes the Mayor, Town Manager, Grants and Revenue Development Director and Finance Director to prepare for, expend resources in anticipation of, and to apply for such state and federal assistance as may be anticipated or allocated as related to the states of emergency. h. That the Council authorizes the Finance Director to establish an emergency account and to fund said account up to $900,000 for the tracking and funding of such costs as may result from or be needed to address the health emergency, including: over-time, contract labor, computers, smart phones, electronic equipment and telecommunications services, etc. as may be necessary for remote and work at home arrangements, as outlined in the COOP, such preventative and safety equipment and supplies as antiseptic, masks, gloves, etc., and such emergency equipment or provisions as may be needed to assist staff, the public and the indigent in a time of shortage or mandated isolation, including, food, water, medicine, etc. i. That the Council authorizes such other emergency measures as outlined in the Town 's Pandemic COOP, Action Plan, Resolution 18-27 or by order, direction or advisement of the federal or state government, or such interagency mutual aid and emergency cooperation agreements as the FEMA and DHA approved Taos County All Hazards Plan, to which the Town is a signatory. j. Consistent with the state requirements under the Open Public Meetings Act and all other applicable regulations and statutes for both an emergency meeting and the declaration of a state of emergency by a local government, the Clerk and Attorney shall provide to the required offices notice of this meeting, the actions of the governing body, and make available said notice and actions to the public upon request. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED, this 13th day of March, 2020, at an Emergency Meeting of the Town Council by the following vote: Mayor Pro Tern Nathaniel Evans Yes Councilmember Darien Fernandez Yes Councilmember George"Fritz"Hahn Yes Councilmember Pascualito Maestas Yes TOWN OF OS a el R. Bar ne, yor Resolution 20-10 Page 4 of 5 ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM 44)-fitc_, Francella Garcia,Town Clerk S ephen C.Ross,Town Attorney Resolution 20-10 Page 5 of 5 n, . ,1/4f,„..,....,, ,,,0c, ,:: , • ,. .. .. ` ;S . . I,Friday, March 13, 2020 Town Council Emergency Meeting Town Council Chambers - 120 Civic Plaza Drive 4:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE MAYOR DANIEL R. BARRONE. 2. ROLL CALL 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. MOMENT OF SILENCE 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 6. MATTERS FROM STAFF A. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 20-10 Declaration of Health Emergency for the Town of Taos. B. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of Resolution 20-11 a Resolution of the Town of Taos Amending Resolution 19-31 Town of Taos Budget Policies, Section 10 7. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE TOWN MANAGERS 8. MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR 9. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION A. 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); B. Attorney's Report Concerning Closed Executive Session. C. Action on Items Discussed in Closed Executive Session (as necessary, by motion.) 10. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 1 rI of Tf...� .�. • yb. * . '"' R * • 1934 • RESOLUTION 20-10 DECLARATION OF HEALTH EMERGENCY FOR THE TOWN OF TAOS WHEREAS, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared there to be a global pandemic of COVID-19 (Coronavirus); and WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of New Mexico has declared a State of Emergency in order to contain and combat the virus; and WHEREAS, the New Mexico Health Secretary has issued a public health order suspending mass gatherings in New Mexico effective immediately in order to prevent the spread of the virus; and WHEREAS, the President of the United States has officially declared a state of health emergency with regards to the national COVID-19 epidemic; and WHEREAS, the CDC has advised that local governments should take immediate action to limit the spread of the virus through social distancing, cancellation of public meetings, limiting public gatherings and events, and implementing additional public health safety and education measures to prevent, contain and, where possible, to mitigate the impact of the virus; and WHEREAS, cases of the virus in New Mexico have been confirmed and continue to increase and are growing closer to the Town of Taos, now being as close as Santa Fe; and WHEREAS, national and state health experts now believe that the spread of the virus throughout the country appears to be inevitable at this point; and WHEREAS, the Town has complied with the state requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act for the posting and notification of an emergency meeting of the Town Council during a declared state of emergency. Resolution 20-10 Page 1 of 5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF TAOS, BY THIS RESOLUTION THAT WE THE ELECTED OFFICIALS DO HEREBY DECLARE,AS FOLLOWS: 1. That, consistent with the declarations of the WHO, the federal government, and the Governor of the State of New Mexico, a Declaration of a Health Emergency is hereby established by the Council for and in the Town of Taos. 2. That said declaration shall invoke those financial, planning, police powers and other additional resources available to the Town through a formal declaration of a state of emergency. 3. The Council hereby authorizes the Mayor and Town Manager to conduct such emergency measures as may be appropriate to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare of both our residents and visitors. 4. The Council authorizes a one-time increase of the signing thresholds in Resolution 19-31 Section 10. D. for the Mayor and Town Manager for signing contracts up to S 100,000 per contract and for single checks not to exceed S 100,000 without the prior approval of Council, but to be presented at the next Council meeting, or on a monthly basis to the Council for ratification. 5. The Council authorizes the Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Fritz Hahn, in that order of succession, to sign as alternate signatories on contracts and checks for the Mayor on behalf of the Town, should he be unavailable, and for the Grants and Revenue Development Director and the Finance Director, in that order of succession, to sign contracts, checks and agreements on behalf of the Town Manager, should he be unavailable. 6. No checks may be written in relation to any contract authorized under this resolution without certification by the Finance Director that the appropriate funds exist to meet the obligation nor any contract or agreement entered into without the review and approval of the Town Attorney or, in his absence, a Certified Procurement Officer, or the Finance Director that they meet all relevant legal requirements, including the state sole source or emergency purchasing and procurement guidelines. 7. The Council authorizes, under "Resolution 18-27: A Resolution of the Town of Taos Designating the Establishment of and Authority for A Town Emergency Management Team", the activation of the Town Emergency Management Team and delegates all authority to the Town Manager and Team, as outlined in Resolution 18-27 and/or the Town of Taos Pandemic Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and incorporated Pandemic Action Plan (AP). 8. The Council authorizes, consistent with Town Code, the implementation of electronic mechanisms for the conduct of Town business, including staff and consultant education, outreach Resolution 20-10 Page 2 of 5 and planning meetings, and telephonic participation by the Council of such Council Meetings and advisory boards and committees as necessary. Such meetings shall be advertised, as required, recorded and made public on the Town website or by email, upon request, as soon as possible and shall broadcast formal meetings of the Council, Planning and Zoning Commission and historic Commission live streamed by audio and/or video where possible. 9. The Council authorizes, consistent with the recommendations of the Emergency Management Team, the Town of Taos Pandemic COOP and AP, the orders of the NM Health Secretary and the recommendations of the WHO and CDC, the following: a. That all Town public events, trainings and meetings and any events, trainings and meetings planned to be held in or on Town property are hereby cancelled until further notice, with the status to be reviewed every 30 days. b. That all out-of-state travel or trainings for Town business are hereby cancelled, with the status of this prohibition to be reviewed every 30 days and any requests for exceptions for public safety or other essential services to be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Town Manager. c. The Town's Emergency Management Team and HR Department may set such safeguards for the public and employees regarding employees that travel out of the area or that become ill as are reasonable to protect the health and safety of staff and the public, consistent with the most current public health guidelines and advisories. d. That all non-essential programs of the Town that involve significant interaction with residents or groups from outside the state or region that might increase staff or local residents to an increased threat of exposure to the virus shall be cancelled, with this prohibition to be reviewed every 30 days, and with no exceptions. e. That all non-essential facilities of the Town that involve significant interaction with residents or groups from outside the state or region that might increase staff or local residents to an increased threat of exposure to the virus shall be cancelled, with this prohibition to be reviewed every 30 days, with any requests for exceptions for public health, welfare and safety to be reviewed by the Town Manager and the Emergency Management Committee. f That the Council authorizes that the Mayor and Town Manager are authorized to enter into any JPA's MOU's, shared services agreements, contracts as may be necessary to provide the continued operation of services in a time of depleted staff or increased need due to this state of emergency with other governmental, quasi-governmental or private entities and may similarly assist other governmental entities, utilities, health services and entities engaged in the delivery of essential services to the community necessary for the continued public health, welfare and safety of the community. Resolution 20-10 Page 3 of 5 g. That the Council authorizes the Mayor, Town Manager, Grants and Revenue Development Director and Finance Director to prepare for, expend resources in anticipation of, and to apply for such state and federal assistance as may be anticipated or allocated as related to the states of emergency. h. That the Council authorizes the Finance Director to establish an emergency account and to fund said account up to 8900,000 for the tracking and funding of such costs as may result from or be needed to address the health emergency, including: over-time, contract labor, computers, smart phones, electronic equipment and telecommunications services, etc. as may be necessary for remote and work at home arrangements, as outlined in the COOP, such preventative and safety equipment and supplies as antiseptic, masks, gloves, etc., and such emergency equipment or provisions as may be needed to assist staff, the public and the indigent in a time of shortage or mandated isolation, including, food, water, medicine, etc. i. That the Council authorizes such other emergency measures as outlined in the Town `s Pandemic COOP, Action Plan, Resolution 18-27 or by order, direction or advisement of the federal or state government, or such interagency mutual aid and emergency cooperation agreements as the FEMA and DHA approved Taos County All Hazards Plan, to which the Town is a signatory. j. Consistent with the state requirements under the Open Public Meetings Act and all other applicable regulations and statutes for both an emergency meeting and the declaration of a state of emergency by a local government, the Clerk and Attorney shall provide to the required offices notice of this meeting, the actions of the governing body, and make available said notice and actions to the public upon request. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED, this 13`h day of March, 2020, at an Emergency Meeting of the Town Council by the following vote: Mayor Pro Tern Nathaniel Evans Yes Councilmember Darien Fernandez Yes Councilmember George"Fritz" Hahn Yes Councilmember Pascualito Maestas Yes TOWN OF.TAOS D (el R. Barf6ne, Mayor Resolution 20-10 Page 4 of 5 ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM &G-1 ell-de 44.)-1Z ) Francella Garcia, Town Clerk Stephen C. Ross, Town Attorney Resolution 20-10 Page 5 of 5 of ..44r ,i•sr90�i ® eRkl • 1934 • RESOLUTION 20-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF TAOS AMENDING RESOLUTION 19-31 TOWN OF TAOS BUDGET POLICIES, SECTION 10 WHEREAS, the Town has adopted Resolution 18-27 authorizing the creation and empowerment of the Town Manager and the Taos Emergency Management Team to plan for and execute such documents, processes and plans as to prepare the Town and the community for emergency situations that threaten public health, safety and welfare; WHEREAS, the Town Manager and the Taos Emergency Management Team have developed under the FEMA Pandemic Influenza Continuity of Operations template and other applicable FEMA ICS and Dept. of Homeland Security NIMS approved incident planning and response models and documents the Taos Pandemic Continuity of Operations Plan and incorporated Action Plan and are recommending their adoption by the Council; and WHEREAS, the Town is currently facing a WHO declared global pandemic, a national declaration of a health emergency, and a state declared state of emergency with regards to the COVID-19 Coronavirus and is need of an immediate plan for prevention, containment and mitigation of the virus and its effects, as well as a mechanism for preserving the essential operations of the Town at a time of crises; and WHEREAS, evidence of the adoption and implementation of such incident-related planning and accounting is a requirement for eligibility by local governments, along with a federal and state declaration, for potential federal and state financial and logistical disaster assistance for the Town and community, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF TAOS, BY THIS RESOLUTION THAT WE THE ELECTED OFFICIALS DO HEREBY DECLARE, AS FOLLOWS: 1. That the Council does hereby approve and adopts the Town of Taos Pandemic Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and the pandemic-related Action Plan (AP) appended thereto and Resolution 20-11 Page 1 of 2 authorizes the Town Manager and the Taos Emergency Management Team to implement those measures identified within the document(s). 2. That the Council recognizes that the Town of Taos Pandemic COOP and AP are based upon general situational templates for emergency planning developed by FEMA and Department of Homeland Security through the ICS and NIMS programs to establish structure and prepare local governments for responding rapidly in time of crises. 3. That the Council recognizes that these federally approved plans and documents have been adapted by staff for the specific circumstances of the Town and the COVID virus, as understood at this time, and may continue to be developed or amended to adapt to either changing circumstances or new information that may develop as this crisis evolves. 4. That the Council concurs that the Town Manager and the Taos Emergency Management Team are authorized during the time that the federal, state or local Corona Virus declarations are in effect to enact and implement such needed adaptations, within the framework of Resolution 18- 27, and the ICS and NIMS emergency models, as well as any federal or state directives that may he issued in-process during the declarations, and will (a.) keep the Council advised of any resulting substantial changes occurring during an incident and (b.) will return for Council approval after the incident and a debriefing and after-action report are generated with any substantial changes to the COOP and AP based on the experience gained during the incident and the input of any incident-related oversight agencies. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED, this 13th day of March, 2020, at the Emergency Meeting of the Town Council by the following vote: Mayor Pro Tern Nathaniel Evans Yes Councilmember Darien Fernandez Yes Councilmember George"Fritz"Hahn Yes Councilmember Pascualito Maestas Yes TOWN OF TAOS t:_. Daniel . Barrone',Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM Francella Garcia,Town Clerk Stephen C. Ross, Town Attorney Resolution 20-11 Page 2 of 2