News and Articles

Summary of December 8 County Commission Meeting

Santa Fe – December 12, 2009 – Below is a summary of the actions taken by the Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners:

The Commissioners unanimously passed the following proclamations:

· Sandy Davis, Principal, Turquoise Trail Charter School, was recognized as Principal of the Year.

· Governor Bruce King was honored for his contributions serving as a Santa Fe County commissioner, state representative and governor.

· Pojoaque Elkettes Volleyball Team – District 3AAA State Champions and the Elks Boys Cross Country were recognized as State 3AAA runner-up.

By unanimous voice vote:

Commissioner Harry Montoya, District 1, was elected 2010 Board Chair

Commissioner Virginia Vigil, District 2, was elected 2010 Board Vice Chair

The following announcements were offered:

· Three Santa Fe County residents were recognized by the Santa Fe New Mexican in the Ten Who Made a Difference: Johnny Micou, Jose Luz Villa and Ernestine Hagman.

· Stanley Transfer Station scheduled to open Saturday, December 12th

· Santa Fe County Public Works Department was recognized for snow removal efforts and the completion of CR42

There was unanimous approval for:

MOU between the County and AFSCME recognizing job classification

Intergovernmental Agreement between New Mexico Environment Department and the County of Santa Fe – addressing the petroleum contamination issues at the new Judicial Complex site

Publication for the following were unanimously approved:

Notice/intent for the issuance of bonds through the Local Economic Development Act projects to fund a loan to Santa Fe Studios
Notice/intent for the issuance of Capital Outlay Gross Receipt Tax Bonds that will be used for Buckman Direct Diversion and other projects
Title & General Summary of an ordinance that clarifies past reorganization of County departments – relating to the Fire and Emergency Services Administrative Ordinance
 

Judicial Complex – The construction of a barrier wall has begun and the excavation of oil will follow. Construction of the complex is slated to begin in May 2010.

County Fire Department Funding - The failure of the recent ¼ cent Fire Excise GRT has resulted in additional budget challenges for the County.

County Strategic Plan Update - Manager Roman Abeyta reviewed the strategic initiatives, 2009 accomplishments and emphasized the key 2010 challenge will be the budget. Concern was expressed regarding loss of funding that could impact health care programs, corrections operations, fire department facilities and capital, staffing, and the Regional Emergency Communications Center. Management will focus on defining core services, and developing a series of programs to further reduce the County Budget. A special budget study will be scheduled in January.
 

· Santa Fe Studios Master/Preliminary Development Plan for Phase 1 was unanimously approved. Phase 1 will encompass 11.5 acres of the total 65-acre site. The Studio anticipates bookings for the first phase will begin summer 2010.

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.

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