SANTA FE POLICE UNION NOT READY FOR ANNEXATION?

Today's article in the Santa Fe New Mexican is evidence why we should continue to be very wary of the coming annexation process. Reminder, STAY INVOLVED.

The first phase of the city's annexation plan that went into effect late last month caught police officers off-guard, wasn't properly planned and is negatively affecting both officer and civilian safety, according to officers' union president Allan Lopez.

Because of that, Lopez, who was elected president Thursday, has filed an informal grievance with the police administration. It requests that minimum staffing levels be immediately increased, that officers receive training to deal with crashes on the Interstate — which now falls under their jurisdiction — and that the city begin finding ways to pay more officers. That's according to a memo Lopez wrote Nov. 24.

The city "has taken a 'wing it and see what happens' attitude with this matter," the memo states. "The Santa Fe Police Officers' Association considers these issues a severe crisis and requests that you take immediate action in order to prevent a tragedy that could affect a member of this association or the public well-being."

Santa Fe Deputy Police Chief Abram Anaya said the department is already addressing the union's issues. A lieutenant is almost finished with a study looking at minimum staffing levels, another supervisor is researching classes that cover investigating crashes in high-speed zones, and the department is actively recruiting new officers, he said.

Furthermore, the first phase of annexation, which went into effect Nov. 24, shouldn't have come as a surprise because two union members were on a department annexation committee, Anaya said. "

All the stuff in the (union) memo we are addressing and we know we need to improve on," he said. "In fact, we were addressing all these issues months before the informal grievance came out."

Phase 1 of the annexation plan fills in the city's boundaries in many small areas, mainly along Interstate 25 on the city's southern border. It brought more than 1,900 acres into the city and at least 1,313 more people based on 2000 census figures.

Phase 2, however, is far more problematic, police and city officials have said. That phase will rope in another 3,765 acres and 13,650 more people based on 2000 census figures. Phase 3 will include about the same number of residents as Phase 1, and about 4,100 new acres. All are scheduled to be incorporated into the city by the end of 2013.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano, whose department previously handled the areas now in the city under phase 1, has said his deputies will help the city when officers are not available.

Lopez said he has already noticed a larger number of calls for service since the annexation took place, and that the department's minimum staffing of nine officers per shift should rise to at least 12, if not more.

He characterized the department as "reactive" and said officers are constantly going from call to call and don't have time for proactive patrols. Also, he pointed out that city councilors approved 45 new officers two years ago but have so far only funded four positions because of the failing economy. And that increase didn't include the 27 new patrol officers the department estimates it needs for annexation.

Anaya said the department has eight cadets at the Law Enforcement Academy and five more funded patrol officer positions it can fill if it can find qualified candidates. In addition, the department recently received a federal stimulus grant that will pay the salaries and benefits for eight new officers for three years.

While he admitted it takes time to field qualified patrol officers, Anaya said if those positions can be filled, the department will add 21 new officers to the streets and increase each of its three shifts by seven officers.

Lopez complained that no one at the police department bothered to inform commanders or the rank and file that the annexation was about to occur Nov. 24. He said the two union members on the department's annexation committee didn't know the date Phase 1 was to go into effect. "We didn't know it was coming," he said.

Anaya, however, said the union had plenty of opportunities to find out about the annexation and should have known about it. He also pointed out that the annexation issue was heavily publicized in the media.

"The one thing that did surprise me (about Lopez's grievance memo) is that they claim no knowledge of it," he said. "It should not be a shock to anybody." Lopez said he hopes to iron out the differences at a meeting between union officials and police administrators scheduled for next Thursday. If the city's response isn't acceptable to the union,

Lopez said, he will file a formal grievance.

"There is a serious lack of communication," he said. "We're not on the same page."

Contact Jason Auslander at 986-3076 or mailto:jauslander@sfnewmexican.com.

PHASE ONE ANNEXATION COMPLETE - NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICTS PLAN POSTED HERE

Phase One annexation was approved by the City Council, see full report below.

NOTE: "While city officials generally agree the first phase shouldn't be an issue financially, the road could be bumpier with phases two and three. The fire and police departments, in particular, have pleaded for enough manpower and equipment to absorb the extra duties. The council recently approved plans to meet those needs, though where exactly the funding will come from is still uncertain.

To prepare for the Area 1 Community Planning Process, we encourage all to become familiar with the City's Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District code, which is whate we will be working with. See post below the article.

PLEASE - STAY INFORMED, STAY INVOLVED.

The Albuquerque Journal

by Kiera Hay

November 11, 2009

The Santa Fe City Council formally approved on Tuesday an ordinance annexing 1,956 acres. It's the first of three phases that will eventually see the city add a total of about 10,000 acres to its borders by 2013. “It seems like a small step, but I think it's pretty historic,” noted Mayor David Coss during the unanimous council vote. Coss thanked city staff and others for the work they put into the process. The land annexed consists of “small islands of county land surrounded by City land” spread across Santa Fe, as well as the Interstate 25 right-of-way between Old Pecos Trail and New Mexico 599. At least 1,313 people and 507 households will be absorbed by the city. The annexation stems from a 2008 settlement in which the city of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County agreed that the city would annex certain county lands within the next five years to “create clear, readily identifiable city boundaries.” On Tuesday, there was no comment during a public hearing, and the main topic of discussion among councilors was whether the city should take on Interstate 25 and the accompanying first responder status. Councilor Chris Calvert, notably, expressed concerns about the extra responsibility. “I guarantee if there's a problem, it's going to take patrol cars out of neighborhoods,” he said. “I just don't understand why we want to take that on.” Deputy Police Chief Abram Anaya noted that there are mutual aid agreements in place with both State Police and the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department, and said he fully expects those agencies to render help if needed. The City Council also approved a memorandum of understanding that says Santa Fe County will bring all roads in the annexed area up to a standard set by the city. Until that point, the roads will remain under the county's responsibility. An ordinance revising the municipal election district map to include phase one was postponed until December so that additional information on precincts could be provided. The ordinance essentially allows people living in those areas to vote in city elections. The second phase of annexation will include the area north of Tierra Contenta on either side of Airport Road up to Highway 599 and will be petitioned by the end of 2011, while phase three will be petitioned by the end of 2012 and is to include the area northeast of Agua Fria Traditional Historic Community and from the eastern city boundary to the national forest. According to city officials, the first phase of annexation is expected to cost the city $200,741 annually in additional services. Tax revenue from is anticipated to be about $187,000. While city officials generally agree the first phase shouldn't be an issue financially, the road could be bumpier with phases two and three. The fire and police departments, in particular, have pleaded for enough manpower and equipment to absorb the extra duties. The council recently approved plans to meet those needs, though where exactly the funding will come from is still uncertain.

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14-5.10 NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICTS
(A) General Provisions
(1) Purpose
In order to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of Santa Fe, it is deemed by the Governing Body that neighbors be allowed to conserve their neighborhoods by collectively identifying their neighborhood's distinctive characteristics, including, but not limited to: streetscape, architectural features, density, lot coverage, setbacks, height and some property uses. The Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts are a means to propose conservation of the substantive physical character of the neighborhoods and are not intended to be used as a tool simply to resist minor changes in neighborhood character. By proposing establishment of these overlay districts and tailoring the regulations to the attributes of the built environment that make the neighborhood distinctive, neighborhoods will have a tool to proactively affect new development and thereby promote better harmony between new and existing structures.
(2) Underlying Zoning District Requirements
Property within a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District shall be subject to the requirements of the underlying zoning district requirements, except for more specific requirements that are adopted for the applicable Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District.
(3) Additional Overlay Zoning District Requirements
If a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District is contained within another zoning overlay district(s), the most restrictive set of requirements shall prevail. A Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District shall not be included in the boundary of another Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District.
(4) Nonconforming Structures and Uses
Any structure or use located in a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District not meeting the requirements for the applicable Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District shall be considered legal nonconforming and shall comply with Article 14-10 of this Chapter.
(5) Variances
Requests for a variance from the requirements of a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District shall be heard by the Board of Adjustment as set forth in §14-3.16. Variances from maximum allowable density or permitted land uses established by a Neighborhood Conservation District are prohibited and shall be considered amendments to the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District and shall be adopted by ordinance.
(6) Appeals
Any person who is aggrieved by a staff decision regarding Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District requirements may appeal that decision to the Board of Adjustment as set forth in § 14-3.17.
(B) Creation of Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts
(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (C) below, prior to the creation of a specific Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, a neighborhood plan recommending the creation of the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District as one of the plan's implementation policies shall be adopted as a General Plan amendment as set forth in §14-3.2.
(2) The creation of a specific Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District shall follow the procedures set forth in §14-3.1 (H)(I)(b) as for a City-initiated rezoning.
(3) After a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District is officially created, amendments to the boundaries or the requirements shall also follow the provisions outlined in this §14-5.10(B).
(C) Creation of Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts Alternative
The procedures set forth in this paragraph (C) apply only when §14-3.2(D)(3)(e)(iv) occurs and a neighborhood plan is not prepared. For the purpose of calculating the percentages required in this paragraph (C), each parcel is entitled to a single vote no matter how many persons or entities might own a single parcel.
(1) Petition
A neighborhood may petition the City to develop a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District. The petition shall contain a description of the proposed boundaries of the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District and the signatures of 51 percent of the property owners of record in that area. The City may request proof of ownership.
(2) Inventory
An inventory of characteristics that are proposed to be regulated within the proposed Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District shall be completed by the neighborhood with assistance from City staff. The characteristics may include some or all of those characteristics described in paragraph (D)(2) below.
(3) Public Meetings
(a) Upon verification of the petition by the Land Use Department, staff shall hold at least 2 public meetings at which the proposed Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District boundaries and requirements shall be discussed and developed. The meetings shall be coordinated with City staff and held at a reasonable time and place to maximize public attendance.
(b) Notice for each public meeting shall follow the notice requirements for early neighborhood notification as set forth in §14-3.1(F)(3)(b). In addition to the postal notification, persons required to be notified of the public meetings may request an email notification from the City on the same day that postal notification is mailed for second or subsequent public meetings. In the event that the proposed boundaries are enlarged, notice shall be given to those additional property owners and physical addressees as if for the first scheduled meeting.
(4) Neighborhood Ballot
(a) When the Land Use Department has determined that 40 percent of the property owners of record within the proposed boundaries in attendance or represented by written proxy at the public meeting agree to the final proposed requirements governing the proposed Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, the Land Use Department shall mail a ballot by regular mail to all property owners of record within those boundaries. The ballot shall ask for a single affirmative or negative vote for the proposed requirements. The City shall include a stamped envelope addressed to the Land Use Department for returning ballots.
(b) If within 30 days of mailing the ballot, the City receives an affirmative vote of the proposed requirements by 67 percent of the property owners within the proposed boundaries, the proposed Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District requirements shall be deemed to be approved by the neighborhood. The Land Use Director may extend the 30 days for an additional 15 days due to unforeseen circumstances.
(c) If the proposed requirements are not voted on in the affirmative by 67 percent of the property owners, a like or similar petition shall not be submitted within 12 months from the date of verification by the City that the proposed Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District has failed to receive the required affirmative vote.
(5) Adoption of Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District
After the proposed Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District requirements have been approved by the neighborhood, the procedures set forth in §14-3.5 with notice as set forth in §14-3.1(H)(1)(b) shall be followed as for a City-initiated rezoning. After a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District is officially created, amendments to the boundaries or the requirements shall also follow the provisions outlined in this §14-5.10(C).
(D) Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts Requirements
(1) At a minimum, a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District shall include all residentially zoned parcels within an area no less than 2 City blocks or 4 blockfaces unless the Land Use Director determines that the blocks are unusually long or short or that the neighborhood characteristics are significantly different within the blocks.
(2) Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts may regulate the following:
(a) Building design including, but not limited to, scale, mass, and distinctive architectural characteristics such as front porches, height or roof styles;
(b) Streetscape including, but not limited to, lot frontage, fences, walls, parking, lighting, and landscaping;
(c) Density except density bonuses as permitted in §14-8.11(G)(1);
(d) Lot coverage;
(e) Setbacks;
(f) Building height; and
(g) Property use except as set forth in paragraph (3) below.
(3) Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts shall not restrict the following:
(a) City-wide policies and priorities;
(b) Dwelling units marketed to or occupied by any certain income such as, but not limited to, any residential units covered by the Santa Fe Homes Program;
(c) Home occupations as set forth in §14-6.3(C)(2);
(d) Group or foster homes;
(e) Day care facilities;
(f) Public or private schools for elementary, middle or senior high students;
(g) Religious institutions; or
(h) Other uses determined by the Land Use Director as necessary for the health and safety of the neighborhood.
(4) Requirements shall be measurable, definitive and uniform and enforceable by the Land Use Department through the approval procedures set forth in this Chapter and the issuance of a building permit. A Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District shall not apply to a specific application required under this Chapter which has been submitted to the Land Use Department prior to the date of adoption of a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District. If a subsequent but separate application for the same property is submitted after the date of adoption of the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, the requirements shall apply. It is not the intent of the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts to enforce private covenants.
(E) Review and Report; Amendments
Staff shall make a report to the Governing Body regarding the implementation, management and enforcement of §14-5.10 prior to December 24, 2010 including, but not limited to, variances, appeals and related fees. Upon evaluation of the report, the Governing Body may consider amendments to the City Code regarding Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts.
(Ord. No. 2009-30 § 3)

COMMUNITY INPUT FOR NEW PARK NEAR SILER EXTENSION

District 2 Public Meeting:

A public meeting will be held on Thursday, November 5th from 5:30 to 7pm at the Nancy Rodriguez Center #1 Prairie Loop in Santa Fe. Community input is sought for planning and designing a small neighborhood park located off of Quail View Lane, southwest of the intersection of West Alameda and the new Siler Rd. extension. For more information please call (505) 992-9873 or log on to: explore@santafecounty.org

CONTINUED: NOW THE CITY REALIZES THEY CAN NOT PROVIDE SERVICES?

We wrote yesterday that the City was just now beginning to think about services for the 10,000 acres being annexed in the next few years. These are issues of serious concern for residents currently served by the County. It is apparent the City has not seriously planned for the vast areas set to become part of the City.

Today's Santa Fe New Mexican featured another story on the subject:

"How the city will foot the bill is unclear, but the City Council approved conceptual organizational plans Wednesday for each public safety department."

Here is the full article.

Here are the previous articles:

City faces reorganization for absorbing fringe areas

Police brace for shortage in annexation's wake

As city officials plan to take over duties from county with added land, department seeks 48 new positions

All residents that will become annexed are urged to get involved and demand that our safty and services will be provided for by the City.

NOW THE CITY REALIZES THEY CAN NOT PROVIDE SERVICES?

The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper had two very disturbing articles in today's edition.

Police brace for shortage in annexation's wake
As city officials plan to take over duties from county with added land, department seeks 48 new positions

Here are a few highlights:

"It's Phase 2 of the annexation process — slated for the end of 2011 — that has them concerned, Deputy Chief Abram Anaya said. The city will absorb more than 10 times the number of new residents and nearly twice the amount of acreage as it will in Phase 1. "

"Two years ago, city police asked for 45 new officers over three years to improve the service to existing residents. Anaya said that request "was not reflective of annexation." However, budgetary constraints have meant that the department only received four of those positions in the 2008-2009 budget, and will get no new officer positions in 2009-2010, Anaya said. "

"I absolutely think they need more personnel (for those areas)," Solano said. "There's no doubt about that."

City faces reorganization for absorbing fringe areas

"As Santa Fe city officials approach completion of the first of three planned annexations to the city limits, details about costs and responsibilities for a bigger city remain undefined. Figuring out how to pay for road repairs on traffic arteries that will become the city's responsibility, preparing to provide police and fire protection for residents in a larger territory and making sure new residents have containers for trash pickup are among the tasks at hand"

Area 1 residents, as well as all other residents facing annexation, are urged to stay informed and involved. There are many critical issues ahead.

599 BYPASS: FUTURE INTERCHANGES AND DEVELOPMENT WILL IMPACT AREA 1

There is a highly important public meeting Tuesday, October 6, about future interchanges and development along the 599 Bypass corridor - see details here.

During the various meetings we attended this summer during the Zoning hearings, there were references made to future changes and added access points along 599. We were assured no decisions had been made, but an Editorial in today's Santa Fe New Mexican raised alarm bells:

"(Years ago) A citizens' committee was convened to determine which of three concentric half-circles would be chosen. Sensibly enough, according to recent folklore, knowing the expansive nature of the community leaders of the time, they chose the farthest-out line. The committee went ignored — while, cashing in on inside information, a few local prominences became wealthier overnight on their purchases of land in the path of the route now being driven.

But not wealthy enough, it seemed: Having secured the line to their liking, they began pressuring the politicians they'd bought with campaign contributions to turn what was proposed as a safer alternative road for Carlsbad-bound nuclear waste into a commercial strip — replete with gas stations on every corner, and strip malls to follow"

Lots of that ambitious thinking was thwarted, or at least delayed, as planning-conscious community activists gained stronger voices in the political process — but don't be surprised when the first gas station/convenience market pops up, then another and another ... "

See the full Editorial here.

A primary concern is the obvious possible continuation of the new Siler Road extension all the way to 599; along with other north-south connections. These connections would obviously be attractive to the developers looking to build in the un-developed areas of Area 1.

Stay informed! Please plan to attend at 5 PM this Tuesday, October 6, Genoveva Chavez Community Center located at 3221 Rodeo Road.

LOOKING AHEAD

On August 27, the ELUA agreed to a huge step in securing the character of our neighborhoods, collectively known as "Area 1".

Area 1 is truly a unique area. Approximately 60% of the land is presently occupied, with rural lots of mostly one dwelling per 2.5 acres, and some with 1 dwelling per acre. It is a traditional rural area, with deep arroyos, ridgelines, and hundreds of acres of scenic land in the foothills west of the City.

The ELUA listened intently to the Area 1 Residents' concerns, and adopted an alternative zoning more in line with the existing rural character of the neighborhoods of 1 unit per acre, with a dedicated Community Planning process to follow. There will be more work to be done, and we hope everyone will stay engaged in this process.

The County has posted a video of the August 27 hearing, you have to scroll down, past BCC meetings , etc, to find the August 27 ELUA video:

http://www.santafecounty.org/video_on_demand/

SECURING THE FUTURE OF AREA 1

We have taken a huge step in securing the character of our neighborhoods, collectively known as "Area 1".

Area 1 is truly a unique area. Approximately 60% of the land is presently occupied, with rural lots of mostly one dwelling per 2.5 acres, and some with 1 dwelling per acre. It is a traditional rural area, with deep arroyos, ridgelines, and hundreds of acres of scenic land in the foothills west of the City.

The original Settlement Agreement stipulated, in section 2.c "Area 1 shall be annexed but the Rural Residential zoning prevalent in the area shall be respected by the City following annexation and urban densities shall not be established within Area 1 during the term of this agreement." The City Planning Commission and City Council have endorsed urban densities as a core of their view of Urban Planning, setting the stage for potential conflicts with the existing rural neighborhoods in Area 1.

Unfortunately, we became afraid that the many of the good intentions of the Settlement Agreement were coming apart as we attended various meetings held by the City and the County to formally adopt exactly what "Rural Residential Zoning" would be. It was looking like we would be zoned for 3 units per acre, before bonus densities were factored in.

A final recommendation was scheduled for Thursday by the Extraterritorial Land Use Authority (ELUA). I am extremely gratified to report that the ELUA listened intently to the Area 1 Residents' concerns, and adopted an alternative zoning more in line with the existing rural character of the neighborhoods of 1 unit per acre, with a dedicated Community Planning process to follow.

Dozens of Area 1 homeowners join me in thanking County Commissioners Harry Montoya, Michael Anaya, Virginia Vigil, Kathy Holian, and City Councilors Miguel Chavez and Carmichael Dominguez. The community of Area 1 residents must follow through with the work necessary to complete a Community Plan. We will be asking for your and your neighbors support in the coming months. There will be challenges as Area 1 is brought into the City, but the members of ELUA have provided a good framework for the creation of a successful integration.

SUCCESS!

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ATTENDING TONIGHT!

Watch here for continuing news and updates.

THURSDAY'S ELUA MEETING

REMINDER: PLEASE ATTEND THURSDAY'S CRITICAL ELUA MEETING.

WE NEED YOU TO ATTEND THE MEETING, it is vital that we have a strong presence at this Thursday's ELUA meeting, to be held at 102 Grant Street at 6 PM. PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, WE NEED YOU.

Please email savesantafe@cybermesa.com or call 603 0986 for detailed information.

As a refresher, here is the SF New Mexican's editorial, and two excellent op-ed pieces here and here.

The neighborhood you save will be your own.