News and Articles

March 30, 2010 BCC Meeting Summary

Santa Fe – March 31, 2010 – Below is a summary of the actions taken by the Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners:

Community Funds: By unanimous (5-0) voice vote the Commission approved the following expenditures:

• $200 – Pojoaque Schools, soccer program
• $681 - Culvert to support the acequia in Cuarteles

By Consent:

A letter will be sent to the Board of Directors of the Rio Arriba E-911 Center advising them of Santa Fe County’s withdrawal from the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA)
 

Matters from the Public:

José Varela López read a letter from Carl Dickens thanking the Commission for purchasing Santa Fe Canyon Ranch, and praising this as a bold and wise investment that will benefit all the citizens of Santa Fe County. The community of La Cienega is working on ideas for a master plan for the area.
 

Matters from the Commission:

• Commissioner Stefanics presented a resolution proclaiming National County Government Month, which is a nationwide effort to raise awareness of county activities. The emphasis this year is on Healthy Communities, and urged citizens to participate.
• Commissioner Holian gave an update on the Regional Coalition of LANL Communities, which has been meeting regularly to foster communication between Los Alamos National Labs and the surrounding area, particularly with regard to economic development and diversifying the lab’s role in the region. Focus is on environmental stewardship.
• Commissioner Anaya thanked the La Cienega Valley Association (LCVA) for their vote of confidence.
• Commissioner Holian thanked Robert Martinez and James Lujan for the Public Works Department’s efforts this winter, particularly with regard to the water diversion conditions on La Barbaria Road. She also outlined the work being done by Renew Fund’s ongoing work on strict underwriting criteria and funding; $10 million has been committed thus far. She expressed condolences to the family of Stewart Udall and praised his outstanding contributions and achievements.
• Commissioner Stefanics congratulated Commissioners Anaya and Montoya for going through the primary process for State Land Commissioner. She wished County employees and the public a Happy Easter.
• Commissioner Montoya announced there will be a budget study session on March 31 starting at 9:00am in the County Chambers. Youth Shelters will be hosting an Open House on April 9. He stated that the Nambe project funding was spared by the legislature.
   

Staff & Elected Officials’ Items:

Monthly overview of revenue and expenses: The Finance Department compared February 2009 to February 2010, cautioning that the timing of grant disbursements and large draw-downs, such as the $35 million for the Buckman Direct Diversion can be deceptive.

Growth Management Issues:

• Utilities Department: Water Planner Laurie Trevizo updated the status of two Bureau of Reclamation grants, one for the Well Monitoring Program for $50,000, which supports the database, outreach pamphlet, intern and supplies, and an $11,000 grant for conservation efforts. Another grant for $25,000 is pending.
•  Marvin Martinez, Utilities Director, stated the department is working on a scope of work for the water system in Cañoncito and eventually releasing an Request For Proposal (RFP). $500,000 has been dedicated for design of the project but overall funding is tied up until the end of 2011.

Community Services Issues

An ordinance was passed changing the maximum amount available for down payment assistance under the Affordable Housing Program from $10,000 to $20,000.
 

All BCC meetings are broadcast live at www.santafecountynm.gov. To view recorded video of this BCC meeting, go to http://santafecounty.org/video_on_demand/ or check GOV TV Channel 28 listings. Transcripts of the meeting will be available within 10 working days at www.santafecountynm.gov.