City Council

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Gallup City Council, City of Gallup, New Mexico, held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 110 West Aztec Avenue, at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2015. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jackie McKinney. Upon roll call, the following were present: Mayor: Jackie McKinney Councilors: Linda Garcia Allan Landavazo Yogash Kumar Fran Palochak Also present: Maryann Ustick, City Manager George Kozeliski, City Attorney Presented to the Mayor and Councilors were the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 23, 2015 and the Special Meeting of June 29, 2015. Councilor Landavazo made the motion to approve the aforementioned Minutes. Seconded by Councilor Garcia. Roll call: Councilors Landavazo, Garcia, Kumar, Palochak, and Mayor McKinney all voted yes. Presented to the Mayor and Councilors were the following Discussion/Action Topics: 1. Contractual Services Agreement with the Gallup-Mckinley Chamber of Commerce for Advertising and Related Overhead Costs Maryann — Ustick, City Manager Ms. Ustick presented the proposed agreement with the Chamber of Commerce which provides for the use of $145,000 in lodger’s tax funds for advertising and related overhead costs. David Hinkle, President/CEO of the Gallup-Mckinley Chamber of Commerce, provided an overview of the services to be provided under the agreement. Councilor Garcia made the motion to approve the Contractual Services Agreement with the Gallup-McKinley Chamber of Commerce for Advertising and Related Overhead Costs. Seconded by Councilor Palochak. Roll call: Councilors Garcia, Palochak, Landavazo, Kumar, and Mayor McKinney all voted yes. 2. Membership Agreement with the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments (NWNMCOG) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Maryann Ustick, — City Manager MINUTES Regular City Council Meeting — 7/14/2015 Page 2 Ms. Ustick presented the proposed membership agreement with the NWNMCOG. $65,000 has been budgeted for FY 2016 for the agreement. Ms. Ustick thanked the staff of the NWNMCOG for their legislative assistance and work in securing grants for the City. Jeff Kiely, Executive Director of the NWNMCOG, made reference to the samples of work performed for the northwest region in FY 2015. In the coming year, the NWNMCOG will be implementing a new 5-year economic development plan for the region in which the City of Gallup will play a significant role. The Mayor and Councilors commended Mr. Kiely and his staff for their work in providing assistance to the City. Discussion followed concerning the City’s representation on the NWNMCOG Board of Directors. Councilor Palochak made the motion to approve the Membership Agreement with the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments for Fiscal Year 2016. Seconded by Councilor Kumar. Roll call: Councilors Palochak, Kumar, Garcia, Landavazo, and Mayor McKinney all voted yes. 3. Fiscal Year 2016 Lodgers Tax Funding for Events — Patty Holland, Chief Financial Officer Ms. Holland presented three additional requests for lodger’s tax funding for events which have been reviewed by the Lodger’s Tax Committee. A spreadsheet containing the recommendations of the Lodger’s Tax Committee are attached hereto, marked as Exhibit A and is made a part of these official Minutes. Councilor Garcia questioned the Lodger’s Tax Committee’s recommendation to allocate $3,000 to the Gallup Amateur Baseball and Softball Association (GABSA) when the Association requested $10,000. Ms. Holland said most of the amounts which were included in GABSA’s application did not qualify for lodger’s tax funding, such as the use of funds for a cookout. Discussion followed concerning the proposed allocation to the Good Samaritan Society Grants for their annual softball tournament to be held in Gallup and whether or not to increase the amount of the lodger’s tax funding to the GABSA from $3,000 to $10,000. Mayor McKinney commended the GABSA Board for their work in managing the local baseball and softball programs for the local youth. He recommended allocating $10,000 in lodger’s tax funds to the GABSA which is the total amount requested by GABSA. MINUTES Regular City Council Meeting — 7/14/2015 Page 3 Councilor Palochak recommended allocating $5,000 to GABSA which is the amount awarded to GABSA in FY 2015. Councilor Landavazo asked about the legality of awarding lodger’s tax funds to the GABSA beyond the amount recommended by the Lodger’s Tax Committee. Ms. Holland said the Mayor and Councilors may award any amount to the GABSA; however, the GABSA would need to submit receipts to the City showing that the expenses were used for the promotion of the event. Councilor Kumar said the Lodger’s Tax Committee carefully scrutinizes the lodger’s tax applications to determine their recommendations for funding. He said organizations may experience financial shortfalls if they spend money on items that do not qualify for lodger’s tax funding. Discussion followed concerning the use of lodger’s tax funds for City sponsored events and whether or not the GABSA’s event (Pee Wee Reese/Willie Mays Baseball Series) was a City sponsored event. Mr. Kozeliski said the baseball series was not a City event and lodger’s tax funds could not be used for a cookout. Mayor McKinney said if an amount higher than the Committee’s recommended amount was awarded to GASBA, City staff could meet with GASBA’s representatives to review the criteria for the use of lodger’s tax funds. Councilor Landavazo agreed. At the request of Councilor Garcia, Vince Alonzo, Parks and Recreation Director, provided a brief summary of the Pee Wee Reese Regional Tournament which took place last week. Following discussion, Councilor Palochak made the motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2016 lodger’s tax funding for events and to increase the allocation in lodger’s tax funding for the Pee Wee Reese/Willie Mays Baseball Series from $3,000 to $5,000. The motion died for a lack of a second. Councilor Landavazo made the motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2016 lodger’s tax funding for events and to increase the allocation in lodger’s tax funding for the Gallup Amateur Baseball and Softball Association to a maximum of $10,000 based on the receipts that qualify for lodger’s tax funding. Seconded by Councilor Garcia. Roll call: Councilors Landavazo, Garcia, and Mayor McKinney all voted yes. Councilor Palochak voted no. Councilor Kumar abstained. Motion carried. MINUTES Regular City Council Meeting — 7/14/2015 Page 4 4. Amendment to the Purchase Agreement with Tracy A. Marquez for the Purchase of Real Property on Hassler Valley Road George Kozeliski, — City Attorney Mr. Kozeliski said the seller of the property is seeking a tax-deferred exchange under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code. By proceeding with the seller’s request, the purchase agreement which was approved at the Regular Meeting of June 23, 2015 will need to be amended. Councilor Kumar made the motion to approve the Amendment to the Purchase Agreement with Tracy A. Marquez for the Purchase of Real Property on Hassler Valley Road. Seconded by Councilor Garcia. Roll call: Councilors Kumar, Garcia, Landavazo, Palochak, and Mayor McKinney all voted yes. 5. Appointment of Gerald O’Hara to the Sustainable Gallup Board — Mayor Jackie McKinney Mayor McKinney presented the recommendation of the Sustainable Gallup Board for the appointment of Mr. O’Hara to the vacant position on the Board. Councilor Landavazo made the motion to approve the appointment of Gerald O’Hara to the Sustainable Gallup Board. Seconded by Councilor Kumar. Roll call: Councilors Landavazo, Kumar, Palochak, Garcia, and Mayor McKinney all voted yes. Presented to the Mayor and Councilors was the following Presentation and Information Item: 1. Recommendation for Curbside Recycling — Bill Bright, Sustainable Gallup Board Mr. Bright provided an overview of the Gallup Water Board and Sustainable Energy Board and how the boards were combined to form the Sustainable Gallup Board. JoAnn Benenati of the Sustainable Gallup Board presented the Board’s Curbside Recycling Recommendation. A copy of the Sustainable Gallup Board’s Curbside Recycling Recommendation is attached hereto, marked as Exhibit B and made a part of these official Minutes. Ms. Benenati said the Board’s recommendation is based on and coincides with the Board’s review of the following items: 1) CDM Smith’s Feasibility Study; 2) discussion and input from the public at six public meetings; 3) comment sheets submitted during the public meetings; and 4) additional articles and studies submitted to the Board via E-mail from various individuals, both pro and con regarding MINUTES Regular City Council Meeting — 7/14/2015 Page 5 curbside recycling. Graphs and charts illustrating the ten year history of commodity price fluctuations for various recycling commodities were also included with the Board’s recommendation. Mayor McKinney said the curbside recycling proposal will be presented to the Council for action at a later date. Tom Parker of CDM Smith answered questions regarding the commodity price fluctuations and how it will affect the estimated cost for implementing the program. Billy Moore, Executive Director, Northwest New Mexico Regional Solid Waste Authority (NWNMRSWA), answered questions concerning how the proposed curbside recycling program will affect the operation of the NWNMRSWA. Discussion followed concerning the need for additional research on the proposed program, the cost per household which may burden low income families, the services offered by the National Guard Armory, polling customers regarding the proposed program through the City’s utility billing to see if they are willing to separate recyclable materials from solid waste, the use of the City’s Environmental Surcharge Fund for capital purchases for implementing the program and the use of the existing bins at the recycling drop-off sites in the city by county residents. Comments by Public on Non-Agenda Items None. Comments by Mayor and City Councilors Councilor Palochak said she will hold a neighborhood meeting for the Western Skies and Sky West residents at the Westside Fire Station on Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 6:00 P.M. She will also hold a neighborhood meeting for Mentmore residents at the Tobe Turpen Elementary School on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Councilor Landavazo commended Mr. Alonzo and his crew for their work with the recent events at the Sports Complex. Councilor Landavazo asked Stan Henderson, Public Works Director to extend his appreciation to Rusty Swatzell, Street Superintendent, and his crew for their work in handling problems in the Indian Hills area caused by the recent flooding. Mr. Henderson said Mr. Alonzo’s crew should also be commended for providing assistance in addressing the flooding problems at Indian Hills. Councilor Landavazo made reference to a news article in the Gallup Sun regarding the new businesses that will be opening in Gallup. He said it is an exciting time for Gallup as there are many things happening. MINUTES Regular City Council Meeting — 7/14/2015 Page 6 Councilor Kumar asked everyone to be vigilant due to the number of break-ins and acts of property damage in town. He asked everyone to report suspicious activity to the Police Department. Councilor Garcia said she will hold a neighborhood meeting on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 6:30 P.M. at the Northside Senior Center. Her guest will be Mr. Henderson to discuss the City’s Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). Councilor Garcia also commended Mr. Alonzo and his crew for their work at the recent sports tournaments, Wild Thing Championship Bull Riding event and the Independence Day Celebration. Mayor McKinney said he received numerous E-mails commending City crews for their hard work in addressing the problems as a result of the heavy rains. He also received a text message on his home phone commending the efforts of the Police Department in handling a problem in the Mossman area. Comments by City Manager Ms. Ustick said the City has re-submitted its management plan for its sludge disposal plan to the State. The City is expecting final approval of the plan in the near future. Ms. Ustick presented a one page two-sided form containing a summary of the Mayor and Councilor’s vision, 5-year goals, policy and management agendas for 2015, and projects which are included in the City’s strategic Plan. On July 27, 2015, the department directors will meet with the City’s strategic plan facilitator via Skype to work on the final implementation of the strategic plan. Once the details for implementing the strategic plan have been determined, she will provide quarterly updates to the Mayor and Councilors regarding the process. There being no further business, Councilor Landavazo made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilor Kumar. Roll call: Councilors Landavazo, Kumar, Garcia, Palochak, and Mayor McKinney all voted yes. ie McKinney, Mayor Approved 7/28/2015 FY 2016 Lodgers Tax Applicants FY2016 Project # Organization Name Event Name Contact C OUflC1 FY 2015 Award FY 2016 Request Committee Approved Recommendation GALLUP FILM OFFICE NATIVE FILM SERIES 2015 $ LISA E RODRIGUEZ 5,000.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 5,500.00 GOODSAMARITAN5OCIETY-GRANT5 HOLYFRIJOLEANNUALALZHEIMER’SSOFTBALLBASH RICHARDMORGAN $ 4,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 4,000.00 GALLUP AMATEUR BASEBALL SOFTBALL ASSOC PEE WEE REECE/WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL SERIES LAWRENCE ANDRADE $ 5,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 3,000.00 I I x w  EXHIBIT B Sustainable Gallup Board Curbside Recycling Recommendation July 14, 2015 Recommendation It is the recommendation of the Sustainable Gallup Board (SGB) for the City of Gaitup to move forward on the implementation of a Single Stream Curbside Recycling Program for city residents, utilizing 64-gallon containers. The overall response at thefour city district public meetings to discuss curbside recycling was positive and was seen as having a quality of lfe benefit. Costs The 5GB approves and understands the cost per household will be between $2.80 and $3.50 per month (per CDM Smith Curbside Recycling Feasibility Study’), depending on the final cost analysis. This is a mandatory fee. The availability of the existing Senior Citizen utility discount rates should be em phasized when speaking of the added fee. If the Curbside Recycling Program needs to be subsidized, SGB recommends that the Environmental Gross Re ceipts Tax Fund be a source of revenue. The SGB will coordinate with the Council of Governments (COG) to identify promising additional sources of funding and to explore the next phase in recycling. Education All recycling bins should be labeled clearly with a list and illustrations of items that are accepted. Education of the public as to What, How, and Why to Recycle is critical to the success of the program. The SGB and the McKinley Citizens’ Recycling Council (MCRC) are committed to supporting this ef fort. However, for the program to be most effective, the City should consider naming a Recycling Coordinator. This individual would also assist with the implementation of future curbside expansion and/or other recycling phases. Present Recycling SGB believes that it is important to maintain the recycling bins that are presently located at the Train Station/Cultural Center, Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center, and the NWNM Regional Solid Waste Authority Gallup Transfer Station as well as the existing cardboard bins at several locations. These sites are heavily used by commercial enterprises, government entities, schools/colleges, and residents of apartment complexes who are not part of the proposed curbside program. These containers are also open to individuals who live in the county and to tourists. They help inform the community and visitors that Gallup recycles! http ://recyclecibola.info/wp-content/uploads/20 14/12/Curbside-Recycling -Feasibility-Study_ 12-3-20 14.pdf  1 t a I I I 0 0 0 C ÷7 -o 0 cc 0 0 a 0 0 0 - -0 I = cc 0 -o - I - I c -0 -0 CC I - - cc 0 _•!‘=,, . I - i 1 h. cn 1 -0 -0 --