PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

DRAFT MEETING MINUTES

EDELWEISS LODGE AND SPA

TAOS SKI VALLEY, NEW MEXICO

MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2011 1:00 P.M.

I.          CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL

Commissioner Tom Wittman called the meeting to order. A quorum was established with Commission members Elisabeth Brownell, Mary Mortimer, Steve Ruppert, Chris Stagg, and Tom Wittman present. Richard Duffy and Susan Nichols were absent. Staff members Bruce Kelly, Don Schieber, and Ann Marie Wooldridge were in attendance.

II.         APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

MOTION: To approve the agenda.

Motion: Steve Ruppert Second: Chris Stagg Passed: 5-0.

III.        APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 8, 2010 MEETING

            MOTION: To approve the minutes as presented.

Motion: Chris Stagg Second: Steve Ruppert Passed: 5-0.

IV.        NEW BUSINESS

A. Consideration to Approve Resolution #11-202, A Resolution Concerning Governing Body Meetings and Public Notice Required

This is the open meetings act that governs when and how meetings will be conducted, and is required to be adopted annually by the Commission.

MOTION: To approve Resolution #11-202 A Resolution Concerning Governing Body Meetings and Public Notice Required

             Motion: Steve Ruppert            Second: Elisabeth Brownell    Passed: 5-0.

B. Discussion: Proposed Change to Planning and Zoning Ordinance to Add Water Riparian Crossing as a Conditional Use

Bruce Kelly introduced the stream crossing standards that had been drafted by Staff, asking for guidance from the Planning and Zoning Commission members. Don Schieber explained that Staff would like to have input on how river crossings are built because of the need to consider the rights of property owners, the flow for ingress and egress, esthetics, and safety. Staff has not been satisfied with the oversight given by current jurisdiction entities: the Army Corps of Engineers and the New Mexico Environment Department. There were questions about getting approval from the Forest Service for bridges crossing over to their land. Some concern was expressed about whether requiring Village approval would simply add another layer of bureaucracy to approval of a river crossing. However, Staff stressed the importance of Village oversight of the riparian area adjacent to the stream. The current regulations in the Zoning ordinance concerning riparian areas regulate only building setbacks, and Kelly suggested that language could be added that would also protect riparian areas around river crossings. There may be several new river crossings built as the core area is redeveloped. No consensus was reached, but Staff will continue working on draft regulations.

C. New Permit Applications

Don Schieber presented new permit application forms for review by Commissioners. The new development application is inclusive of all regulated activities outlined in the Village’s Zoning Ordinance such as conditional uses, fence, tree, and sign permits, and subdivisions. The new construction permit application includes all construction-related activities including building, excavation, and demolition permits. All relevant administrative fees, which are usually due at permit approval, are also included in these applications. Staff is reviewing fee schedules in order to be in line with actual plan review-related expenditures by the Village.

V.         OLD BUSINESS

VI.        MISCELLANEOUS

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VII.       ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DATE, TIME & PLACE OF THE NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will take place on March 7, 2011at 1:00 p.m. at the Edelweiss Lodge & Spa Conference Room. (Note: this meeting was cancelled. The next meeting will be held on April 4, 2011.)

VIII.      ADJOURNMENT 

            MOTION: To adjourn.

            Motion: Mary Mortimer Second: Chris Stagg Passed: 5-0

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Tom Wittman, Chairperson