Taos County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Summary
(Editor’s Note: Commissioner Blankenhorn emails these concise reports regarding the county’s business, which we constituents appreciate. The remarks below regarding the E911 operation and request for an audit from DFA are particularly noteworthy. Currently, the county is doing its best to provide checks and balances on town government, wherein the Mayor, Council, and staff seem to be as “out of control” as the KCEC Coop.)
By Tom Blankenhorn
May 7, 2013
Public Hearing
The Board considered a proposed ordinance to regulate outdoor live music events. The purpose of the ordinance is to insure public safety and welfare without stifling the economic and recreational advantages that such events create. The proposed ordinance included a provision to limit outdoor events to 3 permits per year per property owner. Kate and Shannon Black, who own and operate KTAO, informed the Board that they were planning 18 outdoor concerts this summer and that they have been working with the Upper Las Colonias Neighborhood Association to allay neighbors’ concerns regarding noise levels. The Board voted 5-0 to adopt the Ordinance without the limitation on number of events, but included provisions that would allow the Planning Department to monitor the noise levels, parking and other health and safety aspects of the concerts.
Presentations
The Arts Committee, represented by Bill Whaley, informed the Board that their presentation would be the highlight of the Board’s day; and they were right. The Board and audience were treated to a large screen display of black and white photos taken by several renowned photographers between 1939 and 1941. The subject matter included school, church, farming and fiesta scenes, which captured the spirit and uniqueness of Taos during those years. The Board approved a $15,000 budget from the the Judicial Complex building fund to frame and hang the photos to complete the first part of the Arts Committee’s appointed task to adorn the Judicial Complex walls and courtyard with art and artifacts. We look forward to the results.
Contracts
The Board approved a 3 month trial contract for Rick Bellis to act as both the Town and County Planning Director. The purpose of the contract is to save both entities money, and to form a partnership between the Town and County for joint planning and economic development. The Town, which had originally floated the idea, has publicly stated that they are no longer interested in the contract, but the Board decided to put it out there in case they change their minds again.
Letters
The Board approved the County Manager’s plan to draft a letter to the New Mexico Department of Finance seeking an audit of the Town’s handling of E-911, which has resulted in bloated costs and sub-par service. The purpose of the audit is to obtain a transfer of the fiscal agency from the Town to the County. This is all part of the on- going dispute regarding the re-location of the E-911/Dispatch operation from its current location on Civic Plaza Drive to the Kit Carson Command Center.
Resolutions
The Board approved a resolution to create a County Fire Marshall position. The purpose is to centralize the training, equipment purchases, and grant writing for the 12 fire departments within Taos County. This is an eminently sensible step for Taos County, which is long overdue.
Executive Session
The Board went into executive session to discuss the appeal of the Outlaw Garage. This issue began with Keith Randall’s construction of a large garage that was originally intended to house his private car collection, but which morphed into a commercial operation. Mr. Randall was granted a cottage industry permit several years ago, and his neighbors appealed that decision to District Court, which overturned the Board’s decision. Last month, the Appellate Court overturned the District Court stating that the traditional Taos practice of mechanical operations located in residential neighborhoods coupled with the Taos Land Use Regulations lack of specificity regarding the definition of cottage industry required the court to uphold the original Board’s decision. The current Board voted 4-1 to decline to join the neighbors in their effort to get the New Mexico Supreme Court to hear the case. The dissenting vote was cast by Commissioner Romero.
In executive session, the Board also discussed the County Attorney position in order to air out some differences within the administration. No action was taken.
Taos County Board of Commissioners Hearing: Family Dollar Store Application for El Prado Location
May 14, 2013
The Board heard the appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to grant a Special Use Permit to the Family Dollar Store to construct an approximately 8,000 square foot retail store at the site of Silva’s Excavation, just south of Orlando’s Restaurant in El Prado. The basis of the appeal was that the store was neither visually nor traditionally compatible with the neighborhood.
Alex Abeyta, representing Family Dollar, made numerous concessions on the architectural design, including promises to add traditional portals, to tone down the signs, and to choose colors more consistent with existing El Prado commercial operations, However, 2 hours of testimony from community members, all of whom vigorously opposed the construction of the store, made it clear to the Board that the compatibility standard, which states that the use must be “sensitive to the existing traditional and historic uses in the environment of the site and the neighborhood and/or shall be consistent with the values, vision and current growth pattern of the community” could not be met. The Board voted unanimously to reverse the ruling of the Planning Commission and to deny the permit for construction of the Family Dollar in El Prado.