Blankenhorn’s County Commissioners Report

June 24, 2014

By Tom Blankenhorn

Questa Mine Closure

A Vice President from Chevron Mining addressed the Board regarding the Questa mine closure. He informed us that the closure would be permanent because of the high costs of mining that steep canyon, and the low price of molybdenum. In addition, no mining can be completed during the reclamation, which will take approximately 20 years at a cost of about one billion dollars. Given those factors, it would not be reasonable to anticipate any re-opening of the mine for at least the next 20 years.
The Board asked the Chevron representative how much of the one billion dollars in reclamation expenses would be taxed as a local gross receipts tax. He did not know the answer, but promised to get back to the County with that information. Additionally, he informed us that about 35 of the 300 laid off workers have been hired as part of the remaining work force that will provide administrative functions for the mine. Chevron is also conducting job fairs with information and contacts for miners to re-locate, and has promised to contribute resources for re-training laid off workers to obtain employment in the reclamation efforts. Finally, Chevron has committed an additional $300,000 per year to the Village of Questa for each of the next 8 years to promote economic development.

Old County Courthouse

Town Manager Rick Bellis proposed a lease from Taos County to the Town of Taos for the Old County Courthouse located on Taos Plaza so that the Town could oversee its operations and seek funding for improvements to the building. The proposal was denied by a 4-0 vote with Commissioner Barrone abstaining. During the discussion, both Commissioner Duran and myself indicated an openness to future proposals from the Town that contained more detail.

The Talpa Community Center Arts and Artifacts group sought a renewal of their current management agreement with Taos County to occupy the large front space on the west side of the entrance to the Old County Courthouse. The management agreement does not require any rent payments from the group. Upon questioning from Commissioner Duran, the County Attorney informed the Board that the management agreement does not pass the State Department of Finance’s standards regarding anti-donation. The attorney recommended that a lease be drafted to replace the management agreement, and that it include a provision for market based rents in order to satisfy the State Department of Finance’s concerns. The attorney’s recommendation was adopted by a unanimous vote. I believe that once the lease is drafted, it should be made part of a Request for Proposal to seek tenants for the space now occupied by the Community Center, and that a joint Town and County committee be chosen to make recommendations for the tenancy based upon the likely commercial success of the proposal and the likely amount of traffic that it might generate.

Ancianos

The Board adopted three contracts which will provide the funding to Taos County for the operation of the Ancianos program. The Ancianos program provides meals, companionship, and transportation for the elderly throughout our community. The Taos County Board has continued its commitment to the program by taking on the operations and much needed work on the building, which is located to the east of Super Save and Taos Tires. Approximately $60,000 in existing grant money will be used to perform mold remediation and roof repairs within the next month.
The operations of Ancianos were formerly the responsibility of a local non-profit, and the building is owned by the Town, but neither group was able to handle the responsibilities. Fortunately, Taos County was able to step in and save this important function for our community.

Public Works

The Board unanimously approved the Public Works Director’s plan for summer road work, which for District IV includes the paving of approximately 0.7 mile of Millicent Rogers Road from Tranquilino Road heading south to the dirt patch just north of the bridge, and the paving of approximately the first 0.2 miles of Gallina Canyon Road. The work should be complete by September, 2014, as will the work identified in each of the other 4 districts.

Stray Hearts Animal Shelter Contract

The Board heard staff recommendation to accept the Humane Society’s response to the Taos County RFP to contract for the care of animals picked up by Taos County Animal Control. I made a motion to direct staff to negotiate the contract contingent upon Taos County’s ability to appoint two new Board members to the Humane Society. Currently, there are 5 Board members who have sole authority to choose new members. Given the importance of the function of the Shelter to the community, and recent complaints about its operations, I believe that it is important for the Humane Society to have additional accountability to the public by allowing elected officials to appoint board members. The motion carried unanimously and Commissioner, Mayor Barrone stated his belief that the Town would include the same contingency in their contract with the Human Society for operations of Stray Hearts Animal Shelter.

Water Transfer Application

The Board voted unanimously to file an objection to the proposed water transfer from Mariposa Subdivision to the El Prado Water and Sanitation District. Although the proposed transfer would, in my opinion, be in the best interests of the community because it allows for the implementation of the Abeyta Settlement and does not impair any existing or likely future water uses, the Board was forced to file an opposition because the El Prado Water District did not comply with our local ordinance, which seeks to keep the public informed about all potential water transfers. The objection can be withdrawn if and when the El Prado Water and Sanitation complies with the Ordinance by providing the required information to the Taos County Water Advisory Board.