Preliminary council agenda for January 7, 2015

The preliminary agenda for 01/07/2015 is available for viewing/downloading from the town website.  A copy is also available on Drive.  I will post links to the council packet information as soon as it is available. 

Latest GRT report

I received the Gross Receipts Tax report from the Town Clerk late last week.  It appears that the anomaly from the previous report has not yet been reconciled and may have been repeated.  If the lower than expected amounts for September and October are, indeed, due to late filings by one or more of the town's major retailers then the numbers will eventually catch up and result in a larger than usual total. 

ToE meeting audios

The audio from the December 16 P&Z meeting is available for listening/downloading at the town's website. The Council meeting audio from December 17 is available as well.  Both links can be found in the Agenda Center which contains links to agendas, packets, and meeting audio files.  I will continue to retain copies of meeting audios offline.

In the news from 12/25/2014

From the December 25  Mountain View Telegraph:

NB: The MVT uses a feature for the online edition similar to that used by the Albuquerque Journal in which readers are asked to answer 1or 2 survey questions and/or share the page via social media before going on to individual stories.  To subscribe or renew a subscription, call (505) 823-7100

• Waste authority members discuss board structure;
• Unexpected quarry blasts lead to frustration;
• LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:  Who is well-represented by the Estancia Valley Solid Waste Authority board?  

[The MVT is published weekly in paper form, and is also delivered to subscribers to The Albuquerque Journal with Thursday's edition. You may also read news, sports, opinions and letters to the editor, obituaries, legals, and classifieds online at the website. If you're reading the online version, don't forget to check the links to shorter topics such as the calendar, upcoming events, milestones, news briefs, police reports and this weekend notes which are interspersed in the news headlines.]

In the news from 12/24/2014

The Independent:  December 24-30

• Back to drawing board for solid waste authority (page 1);
• Illegal to decorate trees in the National Forest (page 1);
• Santa Rosa eyes options to buying in to trash compact [M.E. Sprengelmeyer The Communicator] (page 3); 
• Edgewood names judge and OKs audit (page 3);
• Mountain Musing:  "Education in New Mexico Part 4: What is to be done?" (page 6);
• Letters: [Various topics] (pages 7-8);
• Legal Notices: The Town of Edgewood will continue its public hearings on amending the Subdivision and Zoning Ordinances during its regular council meeting of January 7, 2014. (page 14)

[The Independent is locally owned and operated.  It is published weekly and appears on Wednesdays; the front page of the current edition appears on its website.  The price for an email subscription is reasonable and the cost will be prorated at the time a subscription is purchased. I've found the service for e-subs reliable and convenient.  The e-version includes ads and legal notices in full color with the added benefit of adjustable print size. You can also purchase a regular mail subscription or pick up a single copy for fifty cents at most local businesses if you prefer the paper and ink version.]

In the news from 12/18/2014

From the December 18  Mountain View Telegraph:

NB: The MVT uses a feature for the online edition similar to that used by the Albuquerque Journal in which readers are asked to answer 1or 2 survey questions and/or share the page via social media before going on to individual stories.  To subscribe or renew a subscription, call (505) 823-7100

• Moriarty OKs waste authority deal allowing new members;
• MESD budget gap lingers; 
• Recount reveals an extra vote;
• Estancia signs on to joint solid waste authority plan;
• School board elections Feb. 3;
• Pinto alumni mobilize to counter ongoing turmoil;

[The MVT is published weekly in paper form, and is also delivered to subscribers to The Albuquerque Journal with Thursday's edition. You may also read news, sports, opinions and letters to the editor, obituaries, legals, and classifieds online at the website. If you're reading the online version, don't forget to check the links to shorter topics such as the calendar, upcoming events, milestones, news briefs, police reports and this weekend notes which are interspersed in the news headlines.]

In the news from 12/17/2014

The Independent:  December 17-23

• Moriarty moves to restructure Solid Waste board (page 1);
• Most school board races are unopposed (page 1);
• Sandia Peak Ski Area delays opening (page 2); 
• Capulin snow play area will open twice this winter season (page 4);
• Mountain Musing:  "Education in New Mexico Part 3: Are you wearing underwear?" (page 6);
• Letters: [Various topics] (pages 6-7);
• Dispatch New Mexico: An oil-based economy hits you coming and going ( page 7);
• Legal Notices: The Town of Edgewood will continue its public hearings on amending the Subdivision and Zoning Ordinances during its regular council meeting of January 7, 2014. (page 14)

[The Independent is locally owned and operated.  It is published weekly and appears on Wednesdays; the front page of the current edition appears on its website.  The price for an email subscription is reasonable and the cost will be prorated at the time a subscription is purchased. I've found the service for e-subs reliable and convenient.  The e-version includes ads and legal notices in full color with the added benefit of adjustable print size. You can also purchase a regular mail subscription or pick up a single copy for fifty cents at most local businesses if you prefer the paper and ink version.]

Land Commissioner recount has been completed:

Various news sources, including the New Mexican and its sister publication Taos News, are reporting that the recount has confirmed Dunn's win with a margin of 658 votes.  The results are expected to be presented to the Canvassing Board on Thursday, December 18, 2014 for certification. 

P&Z packet for December 16, 2014

The ten documents are available for viewing/downloading in the town website's agenda and minutes center.  Copies are also available in a folder on Drive.  Tomorrow's agenda features more discussion on the second round of subdivision and zoning ordinance revisions, and there are also two requests to rezone as commercial several lots east of NM 344 and south of Rt. 66.

Amended council agenda for Dec. 17 posted:

The agenda for Wednesday's meeting was changed late Friday to include a closed session regarding the potential acquisition of real estate. The amended version is available for viewing/downloading from the town website. A copy is also available on Drive.  

Council packet for December 17, 2014

The information for Wednesday's meeting is now available for viewing/downloading at the town website.  A copy is also available on Drive.  The Gross Receipts Tax report from the state will be available sometime next week. 

Council agenda (page 1)
Council draft minutes from December 3 (page 3)
P&Z draft minutes from December 2 (page 8)
Librarian Report November 2014 (page 11)
Library Advisory Board draft minutes from November 20 (page 15)
Parks and Recreation signed minutes from November 3 (page 17)
Animal Welfare Advisory Committee signed minutes from November 3 (page 20)
Municipal Court report documents (page 22)
Police Chief's report for November 2014 (page 26)
ToE Resolution 2014-29 (Open Meeting Resolution) (page 48)
ToE Resolution 2014-30 (2015 Holiday Schedule) (page 51)
Bills paid for November 2014 (page 52)
GRT report: Pending  [ETA: A copy is now available on Drive.]

Draft budget for FY 2015

While searching for old P&Z minutes I stumbled across the draft budget for the current fiscal year in an addendum to the council packet file from July 16, 2014.  The budget information begins on p. 6 of the document.  Copies of many council packets are also available on Drive.  The draft minutes from July 16, 2014 as included in the council packet for the August 6, 2014 meeting state that there was no public comment offered and reflect no discussion, so it appears that the budget resolution was adopted as presented. 

Land Commissioner recount gets underway:

The Albuquerque Journal is reporting that some provisional ballots rejected on Election Day may be included in the recount if it can be determined that the voters had attempted but failed to register through MVD. However voters affected by MVD registration problems must be otherwise eligible to vote.

Ruidoso News is reporting that some County Clerks are having trouble obtaining the services of precinct workers because of the delays. 

The recounts are being conducted beginning this morning at the county level, and County Clerks will be provided with MVD information to help them verify which provisional ballots will be counted.  The recount started this morning.  Given the uncertainties surrounding verification of some 873 provisional ballots, the recount may take longer than expected.  The latest tally prior to the recount shows challenger Aubrey Dunn (R) with a 704 vote lead over incumbent Ray Powell (D). 

In the news December 11, 2014

From the December 11  Mountain View Telegraph:

NB: The MVT is using a feature for the online edition similar to that used by the Journal in which readers are asked to answer 1or 2 survey questions and/or share the page via social media before going on to individual stories.  To subscribe or renew a subscription, call (505) 823-7100

• Gearing up for school board vote;
• Whiting Bros. signs brighten Route 66 again;
• No decision on Howard Court maintenance;
• OPINION: AG should reveal reasons for ending Torrance case.

[The MVT is published weekly in paper form, and is also delivered to subscribers to The Albuquerque Journal with Thursday's edition. You may also read news, sports, opinions and letters to the editor, obituaries, legals, and classifieds online at the website. If you're reading the online version, don't forget to check the links to shorter topics such as the calendar, upcoming events, milestones, news briefs, police reports and this weekend notes which are interspersed in the news headlines.]

In the news December 10, 2014

The Independent:  December 10-16

• Edgewood to take on road maintenance and seeks to change its zoning ordinance again (page 1);
• Kinder Morgan withdraws pipe storage application (page 1);
• Mountain Kid: 'Step off the beaten path once in a while' (page 4);
• Mountain Musing:  "Education in New Mexico Part 2: War for Dollars' (page 6);
• Letters: [Various topics] (pages 6&8);
• First Person by Ellen Burgess: Gila is last free-flowing river in New Mexico and must be protected (page 11); 
• First Person by Leota Harriman: A Starlit Night-cooperation for a better community (page 16);
• Legal Notices: Moriarty Edgewood School District board and capital improvements tax election.  Estancia Valley Solid Waste Authority is accepting applications for positions of truck driver.  Santa Fe County meetings schedule.  East Torrance Soil & Water Conservation District publishes its Open Meetings Act resolution. 

[The Independent is locally owned and operated.  It is published weekly and appears on Wednesdays; the front page of the current edition appears on its website.  The price for an email subscription is reasonable and the cost will be prorated at the time a subscription is purchased. I've found the service for e-subs reliable and convenient.  The e-version includes ads and legal notices in full color with the added benefit of adjustable print size. You can also purchase a regular mail subscription or pick up a single copy for fifty cents at most local businesses if you prefer the paper and ink version.]

Recount in Land Commissioner's race to begin tomorrow.

The Albuquerque Journal is reporting that the New Mexico Supreme Court has denied Ray Powell's petition, and lifted its stay earlier today.  State officials expect to begin recounting votes tomorrow. 

Council preliminary agenda for December 17

The council agenda for 12/17/2014 is now available for viewing/downloading at the ToE website.  A copy is also available on Drive.  Note mention under future agenda items of a town hall meeting scheduled for next month.

January 17, 2014 1:00 pm at the Edgewood Middle School

Land Commissioner recount has been put on hold:

KRQE news is reporting that incumbent Ray Powell has asked the NM Supreme Court to intervene in the process, and his request was granted.  Arguments calling into question the accuracy of the state's vote counting machines will be heard on Wednesday.  The recount had been due to begin today.  Once the recount process begins, it is expected to take 2-3 days and will cost around $120,000. The state will foot the bill because the vote margin is such that an automatic recount is called for by state law.  The challenger, Aubrey Dunn, leads the tally reported by the NM Secretary of State by 704 votes.

P&Z agenda for December 16, 2014

The commission agenda for Dec. 16 is now available for viewing/downloading at the Town website.  A copy is also available on Drive. 

Audio for Dec. 3 council meeting:

The file is now available for listening/downloading at the ToE website.  Thank you to the town staff for making it happen sooner than promised.  I will store a copy offline for future reference.

Meeting Audios:

The attempt to record Tuesday's P&Z meeting was not successful; I will post a link to the minutes when they are made available.  The town clerk is out of the office until next week which means that Wednesday's Council meeting audio is not yet available.  I will post a link if/when it's provided. 

In the news December 4, 2014

From the December 4  Mountain View Telegraph:

NB: The MVT is using a feature for the online edition similar to that used by the Journal in which readers are asked to answer 1or 2 survey questions and/or share the page via social media before going on to individual stories.  To subscribe or renew a subscription, call (505) 823-7100

• Torrance County fraud case dismissed;
• Estancia board taps trustee to be mayor;
• Pipeline permit dropped for now;  
• McQueen says he's eager to get to work for District 50;
• LETTERS:  Joy Ansley case should go to trial.

[The MVT is published weekly in paper form, and is also delivered to subscribers to The Albuquerque Journal with Thursday's edition. You may also read news, sports, opinions and letters to the editor, obituaries, legals, and classifieds online at the website. If you're reading the online version, don't forget to check the links to shorter topics such as the calendar, upcoming events, milestones, news briefs, police reports and this weekend notes which are interspersed in the news headlines.]

In the news December 3, 2014

The Independent:  December 3-9

• Charges against county manager dropped (page 1);
• Chavez named mayor in Estancia (page 1);
• Obituaries:  Sam King 1922-2014 (page 10);
• Mountain Musing:  Education in New Mexico Part 1 'I felt lost' (page 6);
• Letters: [Various topics] (pages 7-8);
• Legal Notices: There are no legal notices in this edition. 

[The Independent is locally owned and operated.  It is published weekly and appears on Wednesdays; the front page of the current edition appears on its website.  The price for an email subscription is reasonable and the cost will be prorated at the time a subscription is purchased. I've found the service for e-subs reliable and convenient.  The e-version includes ads and legal notices in full color with the added benefit of adjustable print size. You can also purchase a regular mail subscription or pick up a single copy for fifty cents at most local businesses if you prefer the paper and ink version.]

FAQ sidebar added:

I've added another text box to the upper right side of the Portal in an attempt to answer recent questions from people interested in learning more about the town's finances:

The Town of Edgewood currently posts financial information such as bills paid and monthly Gross Receipts Tax revenues as part of the council packets on its Agendas and Minutes page. When available, I place copies on Drive in the Council Packet folder. Financial information is usually published just before the second regular town council meeting of each month and is found near the end of the document containing packet information. The budget adopted for FY 2014-2015 has not been posted at the Town website, but the FY 2013-2014 budget is available.