City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Aug. 22

City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Aug. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

SPECIAL GOVERNING BODY MEETING

1. CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Governing Body was called to order by Mayor Webber at 5:07 pm, on Wednesday, August 22, 2023, in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 200 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilor Chavez.

3. SALUTE TO THE NEW MEXICO FLAG

The salute to the New Mexico Flag was led by Councilor Cassutt.

4. INVOCATION AND REMEMBRANCES

The invocation was given by Councilor Michael Garcia.

A moment of silence was given.

5. ROLL CALL

MEMBERS PRESENT

Mayor Alan Webber

Councilor Signe Lindell

Councilor Jamie Cassutt

Councilor Amanda Chavez

Councilor Lee Garcia

Councilor Michael Garcia, via Zoom

Councilor Christopher Rivera

Councilor Carol Romero-Wirth

Councilor Renee Villarreal

MEMBERS EXCUSED

OTHERS PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING

Erin McSherry, City Attorney

John Blair, County Manager

Special Governing Body Meeting

Geralyn Cardenas, Deputy City Clerk

Elizabeth Martin, Stenographer

6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Romero-Wirth, seconded by Councilor Cassutt, to approve the agenda as presented.

VOTE The motion passed on a voice vote.

7. ACTION ITEMS: DISCUSSION AGENDA

A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANTA FE AND LOCAL 3999 CITY OF SANTA FE EMPLOYEES OF MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, COUNTIL 18, AFL-CIO, FOR ALL BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE A 3% PAY INCREASE WHO EARN LESS THAN $100,000 ANNUALLY AND 1% FOR BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES WHO EARN $100,000 OR MORE ANNUALLY THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD IN JULY 2023.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Romero-Wirth, seconded by Councilor Cassutt, to approve Amendment No. 5 to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

VOTE The motion passed on a roll call vote as follows:

Councilor Chavez, yes, Councilor Cassutt, yes; Councilor Lee Garcia, yes; Councilor Michael Garcia, yes; Councilor Lindell, yes; Councilor Rivera, yes; Councilor Romero-Wirth, yes; Councilor Villarreal, yes; Mayor Webber, yes.

8. FINAL ACTION ON LEGISLATION (PUBLIC HEARING)

A. CONSIDERATION OF BILL NO. 2023-23. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE No. 2023- ____. A BILL CREATING ARTICLE 18-18, THE HIGH-END EXCISE TAX FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING ORDINANCE; ESTABLISHING AN EXCISE TAX ON THE TRANSFER OF CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY AND DEDICATING THE REVENUES TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Mayor Webber opened the Public Hearing.

John Bacon. Mr. Bacon spoke is support of the Excise Tax Bill.

David Chalmon. Mr. Chalmon spoke against the Excise Tax Bill.

Terry Broom. Mr. Broom spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Sue Clang. Ms. Clang spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Tashine Wildwood. Ms. Wildwood spoke to affordable housing needs.

Carl Summer. Mr. Summer spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Prume Henry. Ms. Henry spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Edie Lopez. Ms. Lopez spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Alex Martinez. Mr. Martinez spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Beech Beecham. Mr. Beecham spoke is support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Ms. Lafferty. Ms. Lafferty spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Katie Gross. Ms. Gross spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Sam Baca. Mr. Baca spoke to the affordable housing crisis and the crisis for the soul of Santa Fe.

Alisha Shaw. Ms. Shaw spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Robert Weger. Mr. Weger spoke to equity issues.

Rebecca Bustamante. Ms. Bustamante spoke to the need for an adjustment for those of us on fixed incomes.

Marisa Sanistavin. Ms. Sanistavin spoke to low income residents of Santa Fe and those who work in the service industry.

Michael. Michael spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Sarah Holstine. Ms. Holstine spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Seneca Johnson. Ms. Johnson spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Barbara Fix. Ms. Fix spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Amanda Bregel. Ms. Bregel spoke about the inability to afford to live in Santa Fe and in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Miriam. Miriam spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Ann Chacon. Ms. Chacon spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Francisco Arrellano. Mr. Arrellano spoke to the unaffordability of Santa Fe.

Kate Gomez. Ms. Gomez spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

John Paul Granillo. Mr. Granillo spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Julie Alvarado. Ms. Alvarado spoke to housing for youth.

Justin Pierce. Mr. Pierce, Youthworks, spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Pilar Faulkner. Ms. Faulkner spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Marisol Rivera. Ms. Rivera spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Anthony. Anthony spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Gina. Gina spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Adrian Harveston. Mr. Harveston, realtor, spoke to working together for a solution.

Corrina Lopez.. Ms. Lopez, Petes Place, spoke to her Board's support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Adam Johnson. Mr. Johnson, Old Santa Fe Association, spoke to the organizations support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Gino Zamora. Mr. Zamora spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Destiny Krupnick. Ms. Krupnick spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Pete Visanaga. Mr. Visanaga, Chairbreakers, spoke to the support of the organization for the Excise Tax Bill.

Maggie Boyle. Ms. Boyle spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Nate Downey. Ms. Downey spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Mikae Christobal. Ms. Christobal spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Andrea Romero. Ms. Romero, State Representative, spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Reed Posse. Mr. Posse spoke to homelessness.

Katherine Rivera. Ms. Rivera spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Kristin Woods. Ms. Woods spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Peter Ives. Mr. Ives spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Collen McQueen. Ms. McQueen spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Elizabeth Epley. Ms. Epley spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Brandon Vella. Mr. Vella spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Deb Bryant. Ms. Bryant spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Elizabeth West. Ms. West spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Elizabeth Helk. Ms. Helk said this is a poorly thought out way to try to solve a problem.

Alma Castro. Ms. Castro spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Daniel Werwath. Mr. Werwath spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Drew Lamprich. Mr. Lamprich, President of the Santa Fe Association of Realtors, spoke in opposition of the Excise Tax Bill.

Dianna Woods. Ms. Woods, Realtor, spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Stephanie Beninato. Ms. Beninato spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill going to a vote of the public.

Joan Murphy. Ms. Murphy spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Kelly O'Donnell. Ms. O'Donnell, Homewise, spoke to Homewise supporting the Excise Tax Bill.

Jo Christian. Ms. Christian spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Rachael Thompson. Ms. Thompson spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Barbara Chatterley. Ms. Chatterly spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Barbara Bentree. Ms. Bentree spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Kurt Hill. Mr. Hill said lack of inventory is the issue. He opposes this.

Clair Boyle. Ms. Boyle spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Miles Conway. Mr. Conway spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill and stated that the Santa Fe Home Builders Association is split in their support of this Bill.

Miramin Harderman. Ms. Harderman spoke in support of the Excise Tax Bill.

Mayor Webber closed the Public Hearing.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Cassutt, seconded by Councilor Villarreal, to move the approval of the amendment to the Bill.

VOTE The motion passed on a roll call vote as follows:

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Cassutt, seconded by Councilor Villarreal, to approve Bill No. 2023-23 as amended.

VOTE The motion passed on a roll call vote as follows:

Councilor Chavez, yes, Councilor Cassutt, yes; Councilor Lee Garcia, no; Councilor Michael Garcia, yes; Councilor Lindell, yes; Councilor Rivera, yes; Councilor Romero-Wirth, yes; Councilor Villarreal, yes; Mayor Webber, yes.

9. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

A. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION 2023- ____ A RESOLUTION PROPOSING A BALLOT QUESTION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY OF SANTA FE'S VOTERS DURING THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023, REGULAR LOCAL ELECTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF THE CITY ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A HIGH-END EXCISE TAX FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Cassutt, seconded by Councilor Villarreal, to approve the Resolution.

VOTE The motion passed on a roll call vote as follows:

B. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION 2023- ____. A RESOLUTION PROPOSING TWO BALLOT QUESTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S VOTERS DURING THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023, REGULAR LOCAL ELECTION TO AMEND THE CITY'S CHARTER TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNING BODY TO ESTABLISH AN OFFICE OF EQUITY AND INCLUSION AND A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION IN ORDINANCE.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Michael Garcia, seconded by Councilor Rivera, to approve the Resolution.

There was discussion.

Councilor Michael Garcia withdrew his motion for approval. Councilor Rivera withdrew his second.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Cassutt, seconded by Councilor Lindell, to deny the Resolution.

VOTE The motion passed on a roll call vote as follows:

C. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION 2023- ____. A RESOLUTION SUBMITTING A BALLOT QUESTION TO THE CITY'S VOTERS DURING THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023, REGULAR LOCAL ELECTION REGARDING AMENDING THE CITY'S CHARTER TO REGULATE ADOPTION OF THE CITY'S BUDGET AND "CAPITAL PROGRAM”, REQUIRE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES UPDATING FINANCIAL PROCESSES AND ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS, REQUIRE SUFFICIENT STAFF TO FACILITATE TIMELY COMPLETION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITS, AND CONSOLIDATE THOSE NEW SECTIONS WITH EXISTING SECTIONS OF THE CHARTER REGARDING FINANCE TOPICS, INCLUDING INVESTMENTS, PROCUREMENT, AND INDEPENDENT AUDIT COMMITTEE, IN A NEW ARTICLE CALLED "FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT".

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Michael Garcia, seconded by Councilor Rivera, to suspend the rules to allow discussion of this item as it did not go through the committee process.

VOTE The motion passed on a roll call vote as follows:

There was discussion.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Michael Garcia, seconded by Councilor Cassutt, to postpone this item indefinitely.

VOTE The motion passed on a roll call vote as follows:

D. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION 2023- ____. A RESOLUTION PROPOSING A BALLOT QUESTION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S VOTERS DURING THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023, REGULAR LOCAL ELECTION REGARDING AMENDING THE CITY'S CHARTER TO INCLUDE A PROVISION STATING THAT THE GOVERNING BODY, COMMISSIONS, AND BOARDS MUST ADOPT PROCEDURAL RULES STATING THAT THEY MUST ADHERE TO ESTABLISHED PRINCIPALS OF PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS AND FUNDAMENTAL FAIRNESS WHEN FUNCTIONING IN A QUASI-JUDICIAL ROLE.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Rivera, seconded by Councilor Michael Garcia, to approve the Resolution.

VOTE The motion failed on a roll call vote as follows:

Councilor Chavez, no, Councilor Cassutt, no; Councilor Lee Garcia, yes; Councilor Michael Garcia, yes; Councilor Lindell, no; Councilor Rivera, yes; Councilor Romero-Wirth, no; Councilor Villarreal, yes; Mayor Webber, no.

Councilor Rivera left the meeting briefly.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Romero-Wirth, seconded by Councilor Chavez, to suspend the rules to allow the meeting to continue past 11:30 pm.

VOTE The motion passed on a roll call vote as follows:

Councilor Chavez, yes, Councilor Cassutt, yes; Councilor Lee Garcia, yes; Councilor Michael Garcia, yes; Councilor Lindell, no; Councilor Romero-Wirth, yes; Councilor Villarreal, yes; Mayor Webber, yes.

Councilor Rivera returned to the meeting.

E. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 2023- ____. A RESOLUTION PROPOSING A BALLOT QUESTION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S VOTERS DURING THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023, REGULAR LOCAL ELECTION REGARDING AMENDING ARTICLE X OF THE CITY'S CHARTER TO SPECIFY THE SANTA FE MUNICIPAL CHARTER COMMISSION'S APPOINTMENT, TERMS, AND FUNCTIONS.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Villarreal, seconded by Councilor Michael Garcia, to approve the Resolution.

VOTE The motion passed on a roll call vote as follows:

Councilor Chavez, yes, Councilor Cassutt, no; Councilor Lee Garcia, yes; Councilor Michael Garcia, yes; Councilor Lindell, no; Councilor Rivera, yes; Councilor Romero-Wirth, no; Councilor Villarreal, yes; Mayor Webber, no.

F. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION 2023- ____. A RESOLUTION PROPOSING A BALLOT QUESTION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S VOTERS DURING THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023 REGULAR LOCAL ELECTION REGARDING AMENDING THE CITY'S CHARTER TO REDUCE THE SIGNATURE REQUIREMENTS FOR REFERENDA AND INITIATIVES FROM 33.3 PERCENT TO 15 PERCENT, PROVIDE THAT THE DENOMINATOR USED TO CALCULATE THE PERCENTAGES IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VOTERS WHO VOTED N THE MOST RECENT ELECTION THAT INCLUDED THE ELECTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, AND MAKE APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL CHANGES TO SECTIONS 3.01, 3.02, AND 3.03, CONSISTANT WITH ORDINANCE NO. 2018-24 REGARDING THE CITY'S ADOPTION OF THE LOCAL ELECTION ACT.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Villarreal, seconded by Councilor Michael Garcia, to approve the Resolution.

VOTE The motion passed on a roll call vote as follows:

G. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION 2023- ____. A RESOLUTION PROPOSING A BALLOT QUESTION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S VOTERS DURING THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023, REGULAR LOCAL ELECTION REGARDING AMENDING THE CITY'S CHARTER TO LIMIT THE MAYOR'S ABILITY TO VOTE WHEN THERE IS A TIE.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Michael Garcia, seconded by Councilor Romero-Wirth, to postpone this item indefinitely.

VOTE The motion passed on a roll call vote as follows:

H. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION 2023- ____. A RESOLUTION PROPOSING A BALLOT QUESTION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY OF SANTA FE'S VOTERS DURING THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023 REGULAR LOCAL ELECTION REGARDING AMENDING THE CITY'S CHARTER TO INCLUDE A PROVISION ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR THE CITY OF SANTA FE.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Michael Garcia, seconded by Councilor Rivera, to approve the Resolution.

There was discussion.

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Romero-Wirth, seconded by Councilor Cassutt, to call the question.

VOTE The motion passed on a roll call vote as follows:

VOTE The motion failed on a roll call vote as follows:

10. ADJOURN

MOTION A motion was made by Councilor Romero-Wirth, seconded by Councilor Lindell, to adjourn the meeting.

VOTE The motion passed on a voice vote.

There being no further business before the City Council, the meeting adjourned at 1:53 am.

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