William V. Evans

The council addressed several administrative and operational items, including the approval of a Memorandum of Agreement with the El Prado Water and Sanitation District for meter vault construction, architectural and engineering service contracts for roof renovations at the Taos Youth and Family Center, and the disposal of obsolete personal property. The council also approved a contract for the construction of a Snow Removal Equipment Building at the Taos Regional Airport and authorized airport utility construction change orders. Additionally, the council approved a liquor license application and held public hearings regarding property abatement resolutions, including granting a continuance for the enforcement of property maintenance standards at a local residence, and concluded with appointments to the Planning and Zoning/Historic Preservation Commission.

This document outlines the Town of Taos' Community Economic Development Strategic Foundational Plan, updated in 2013. It integrates community development, focusing on quality of life, with economic development, emphasizing basic economic activities. Key strategies include an industry cluster approach and specific focus areas such as location-neutral business attraction, tourism diversification, and art/craft production. The plan also targets growth in organic and non-toxic personal care product manufacturing, software development and services, publishing, editing, transcription, and gourmet/organic food production to strengthen the local and regional economy by fostering a high quality of life.

Key discussions during the workshop meeting included an update on the Cultural Treasures Project, which involves cultural and outdoor asset mapping to support equitable economic development, with a soft launch of the interactive map planned for May. The Council also received the annual update on the Taos Wastewater Treatment Facility, addressing current operational status, compliance challenges like PFAS testing and nitrogen mitigation, and highlighting critical infrastructure concerns needing an $8 million funding application. A presentation on cellular water meters proposed replacing aging mechanical meters to improve accuracy and identify leaks, with a no-cost pilot program offered. Furthermore, the Council reviewed an update on the Las Cruces flood control dam, which is rated 'high hazard' due to downstream population, detailing mitigation actions taken and planned to address documentation deficiencies. An updated advertising and marketing plan for Fly Taos was presented to promote airport usage. Finally, a workstudy session addressed the proposed lease for the Business Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC) at 115 Civic Plaza Drive, confirming reporting requirements are covered by an existing MOU.

The regular Town Council meeting addressed several key areas. Recognitions were given to newly hired staff, including the Chief Procurement Officer. A proclamation was made declaring March 6, 2026, as Dr. Seuss Reading Awareness Day. The Consent Agenda involved approvals for a lease agreement for the Business Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC), authorizing a time extension for the Municipal Arterial Program (MAP), and approving travel for IT staff. Significant staff matters included the approval of job order funding for ice rink fire damage repairs and task order approval for wastewater treatment facility screen improvements. The Council also approved increased funding guarantees for JSX Air and Contour Airline winter air service routes. Contract administration services for the Filemon Sanchez softball fields construction were approved, as was the award of a legal services contract to Virtue & Najjar, P.C. A public hearing was held concerning an ordinance to regulate the posting and removal of red tags on properties violating Town code, which was subsequently approved with a correction for a typo. Finally, a resolution was approved to require contractor license verification for construction projects.

The meeting commenced with opening formalities, including the administration of the Oath of Office to Firefighter Cadet Joseph Kirkpatrick. Key presentations included an update on the Integrated Marketing Plan by The Abbi Agency, outlining strategies for positioning Taos as a year-round destination rooted in culture and stewardship. Taos MainStreet provided a quarterly update detailing financial achievements, progress on downtown infrastructure, and implementation of the Destination Stewardship Plan, which focuses on balancing tourism impact with community livability. During the Consent Agenda, approvals were granted for several financial items, including funding agreements for the Destination Stewardship Network and resolutions establishing revenues for wastewater treatment facility and seepage receiver station grants. Staff matters involved approval to rebuild bandscreens at the Wastewater Treatment Facility and approving an MOU regarding the Business Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC). Public hearings addressed the approval of Ordinance 26-02, amending sections of the Land Use Development Code concerning Historic Preservation Commission powers, and a decision to uphold the denial of a variance for maximum wall height at 104 Manzanares Street. The council also discussed and approved a resolution reaffirming the Town's commitment to Constitutional Rights and Lawful, Trust-Based Policing Practices, following amendments suggested by a councilmember. The session concluded with discussions in a Closed Executive Session concerning pending litigation and real property matters.