Leslie Martinez spoke regarding the methadone clinic.

Dan McCann spoke regarding financial aspects.

Kristina Daniel spoke in regards to the methadone clinic.

Scott White spoke in regards to street lights on Ross Avenue and the methadone clinic.

Roy Sanchez spoke in opposition to where the methadone clinic will be.

Tom Bobiski spoke in regards to property maintenance in Alamosa.

Creede Deabenzar spoke in regards to substance problems in the Valley.

John Cordero also spoke in opposition to the location of where the methadone clinic will be.

Sandra Goodwin spoke in regards to the drug addiction problem here in Alamosa.

Bill Gurule also spoke in regards to the methadone clinic.

Penny Petty also spoke in regards to the methadone clinic.

Counselor Schwiesow informed the audience that this item is going to be discussed later on in the meeting.

Councilor Johnson asked a question regarding Ross Avenue and what hours the clients are allowed to be out. Kristina Daniel informed Council of what is allowed.

Heather Brooks also informed Council that the Public Works director has been discussing with Xcel to address this issue and cost of the street light on Ross Avenue.

Councilor Johnson requested C.7.a. be removed from Consent Calendar A. 

It was moved by Councilor Griego and seconded by Councilor Johnson to approve Consent Calendar A as amended. The motion carried unanimously.

Councilor Coleman commended staff on the expenditure report and the support of purchasing from local businesses.

Councilor Johnson asked for clarification regarding the minutes of the July 1, 2015, specific to the plastic bag fee program discussion and the reflection of the minutes that stated the recommendation that was given to staff.

Council discussed this issue and clarified what was discussed. The minutes from July 1, 2015 will reflect the change from what was stated of Council directing staff to moved forward with the program and be amended to state that staff will bring back potential ideas to Council of what the next steps of this process might look like.

Councilor Johnson moved and seconded by Councilor Coleman to approve the minutes of the July 1, 2015 meeting with the amendment. The motion carried unanimously.

Judge Patti Swift presented to Council information regarding the needs and desires of a new County Justice Center and how it will affect the community and how it would be beneficial as well. She also explained that the current courthouse no longer meets the needs and explained that although they tried to look at other options other than a new court house, there aren't any other options that would work.

Sheriff Robert Jackson presented to Council the facts of the jail as it is now and how the proposed County Justice Center is necessary and would be beneficial to the community.

Councilor Vigil questioned what would happen if the voters do not pass the new propose County Justice Center. Sheriff Jackson stated more than likely what would happen is that the County would end up going bankrupt.

Councilor Griego mentioned that the comments that have been being received are about how the courthouse will no longer be located in the City.

Councilor Gillaspie commented about the need that is there for this.

Councilor Johnson encouraged as public outreach as possible to inform the community of the proposed new County Justice Center and thanked Judge Swift and Sheriff Jackson for their presentation.

Randy Wright gave a presentation to Council in regards to the SLV Beat the Heat BBQ Challenge.

The BBQ Competition is now in its third year and the City has helped out in the past two years to get this event off and headed towards success. He informed Council of some statistics that the competition is bringing to Council this year; two of the top five teams in the Nation will be here and there are about 30-32 teams registered. He also informed Council of the new events that they have planned this year.

Mr. Wright requested Council to consider a contribution to the sponsorship of the organization in the amount of $5,000.00 to help with costs incurred and keep the event free to the public.

Council further discussed the request and the financial reports and aspects of the event.

Councilor Johnson moved, seconded by Councilor Vigil to sponsor SLV Beat the Heat BBQ Challenge in the amount of $5,000.00. The motion carried 5 to 1, with Councilor Griego casting the no vote.

Pat Steenburg reviewed this Ordinance with Council, which was introduced on first reading at the previous meeting. He also pointed out that this Ordinance does this amendment does not change the language in the original ordinance that specifies those instances when it is appropriate to grant these preferences.  It is not the intent of this amendment nor of the current ordinance to create a situation where these preferences are applied generically across the board on each and every procurement made or contract granted by the City.

Mayor Lucero opened the public hearing at 8:51 p.m. and asked for those wishing to speak on this matter.

Dan McCann spoke in support of this Ordinance.

Georgia Cook spoke in regards to the understanding of this Ordinance.

There being no one else wishing to speak, the hearing closed at 8:55 p.m.

Councilors Vigil and Griego commented on the effect it would have on contractors in and out of the City. Council further discussed this Ordinance.

Councilor Coleman moved and seconded by Councilor Johnson that Ordinance No. 9-2015 be finally adopted. The motion failed 3 to 3.

Councilor Griego moved, seconded by Councilor Gillaspie to adopt Ordinance No. 9-2015 with the amendment of the preference to be 7% for the Alamosa City and Alamosa County and 5% for the rest of the San Luis Valley. The motion failed 3 to 3.

Councilor Vigil moved, seconded by Councilor Griego that the City and County receive 7% and everyone outside the County in the Valley receives 4%. The motion failed 4 to 2.

Councilor Johnsons moved, seconded by Councilor Coleman to do the boundaries the way they are designed in the Ordinance and do the percentages as 7% City, 6% County, 3% San Luis Valley. The motion failed 3 to 3.

The Ordinance will be tabled until a future meeting when there is a full Council to be able to decide what will be done with this Ordinance.

Pat Steenburg presented information to Council. Crossroads Turning Points, Inc. has been in continuous operations at their current location, offering detoxification and outpatient treatment services for individuals with substance abuse disorders and co-occuring substance abuse and mental health disorders for over 20 years.  Perceiving a local need to offer highly regulated methadone treatments similar to their long time offered services in other areas of the state, they have requested an expansion of their existing Permitted Use by Special Review to allow outpatient only substance abuse treatment and detox services (Use Group C-30) in an industrial zone.  This request for expansion has the support of the Planning Commission, the Alamosa Police and Sheriff’s Department, and the San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group. 

Councilor Johnson commented on the concern of citizens of this coming to the City and it attracting others from other counties to come in. Council further discussed this issue.

Councilor Griego moved, seconded by Councilor Gillaspie to approve the Request of Crossroads Turning Points, Inc. for the Expansion of an existing Permitted Use by Special Review to allow outpatient substance abuse treatment and detox services (Use Group C-30) in an industrial zone as per the unanimous recommendation of the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously.

Heather Brooks reviewed this ordinance with Council.

Mayor Lucero opened the hearing at 10:04 p.m. and asked for those wishing to speaking on this matter.

There being no one wishing to speak, the hearing closed at 10:04 p.m.

Councilors Griego and Johnson commented on the how this was something that needed to be done and that their goal and vision is to treat employees fairly.

Councilor Coleman also commented on how this pay plan will obtain morale and also attract qualified candidates. He thanked staff for the time they put in to working on this.

Councilor Johnson moved, seconded by Councilor Vigil to finally adopt Ordinance No. 08-2015. The motion carried unanimously.

Erich Schwiesow reviewed this ordinance with Council.

Mayor Lucero opened the public hearing at 10:10 p.m. and asked for those wishing to speak on this matter.

Jan Owen spoke in regards to the ordinance.

There being no one else wishing to speak, the hearing closed at 10:12 p.m.

Councilor Johnson moved and seconded by Councilor Vigil to finally adopt Ordinance No.10-2015 and instruct staff to look into the green burial. The motion carried unanimously.

Heather Brooks reviewed this item with Council. The discussion with the marketing board regarding parking requirements for changes to the Motorway building began back in July of 2014. Potential cost estimates and regulations were focused on and discussions had continued to be on-going.

The purpose of the initial presentation was to ensure that the group had all available information when making a decision to locate the event center at the Motorway location

Unfortunately, in a recent meeting with representatives, we were informed that the first phase of the project does not include the dedicated parking required to meet code.  The group requested a potential work session with City Council and we sent dates for their consideration.  More recently it appears that the group provided an update to the County Commissioners where the parking requirements became a key discussion item.  With this item gaining more attention, staff felt it was important to make sure City Council was updated on the topic.

Council Johnson provided an update to Council what happened at the most recent marketing board meeting. The Marketing Board after a lot of discussion, decided to pursue security property and this is whole concern is non-existent now. Everything has moved forward and the Marking Board is happy to continue working with the City.

Heather Brooks:

• Informed Council of upcoming meetings.
• Valley communities have been working with ASU in order to improve the cooperation.
• Clarified the discussion of skunks in East Alamosa and that the City does not provide services to East Alamosa. And also clarified that it is property owners who take care of alleys within the city.
• The opening ceremony of the dog park is next week, the City Services fair is also next Wednesday, as well as an Executive Session is scheduled.
• She also informed them a Council Candidate Orientation is coming up.

Pat Steenburg:

• Updated Council on the comments received on the weeds on the highway and the issues with curb and gutters.
• Gave an update regarding 8th Street.
• Gave an update on the process of the purchase of the glass crusher.
• Informed Council of the contract and drawings with an architect for the Cemetery.

Holly Martinez informed Council of the upcoming November 2015 Election. Three positions are up for election (Ward 1, Ward 3, and an At-Large). A Council Candidate Orientation will be held on Monday, August 3, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.  The General Election Information has been posted to the City website and will also be sent out by news release to inform the public.  

Counselor Schwiesow mentioned that even thought the Modification of Premises for the Elks is not necessarily complete, as they will still need to obtain a permit for outside dining through the Planning and Zoning Commission.  

Councilor Vigil moved, seconded by Councilor Coleman to approve Consent Calendar B as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

Councilor Johnson mentioned about the drug bust that was done with the help of K-9 Officer Samantha.

Councilor Vigil thanked Heinz and his staff for the great maintenance upkeep of the City parks.

Councilor Griego informed Council that he is reapplying for his position on San Luis Valley Water Water Conservatory. He also informed everyone of an anticipated arts folder and commented on the community meeting that was held a couple weeks ago to listen to the community.  

Councilor Coleman encouraged participation in upcoming community events.

Mayor Lucero commended Heinz and his staff on their hard work.

The meeting adjourned at 10:42 p.m.

____________________________                           _____________________________

Holly Martinez, City Clerk                                           Josef P. Lucero, Mayor