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Council reviews new standard operating procedures for parks, recreation, aquatics and fire department
Summary
Staff presented a 150‑page standard operating procedures (SOP) manual for Parks, Recreation, Aquatics and Community Events and an SOP for the Taos Fire Department; council praised the documentation and noted the documents are living and subject to annual revision.
Town staff presented standard operating procedures for two major service areas during the Feb. 11 meeting: a comprehensive 150-page SOP for parks, recreation, aquatics and community events, and a separate SOP for the Taos Fire Department.
Valerie Montague, Facilities and Events Director, summarized the parks and events document as comprehensive guidance on processes and event operations; she noted the manual had sensitive codes removed before public sharing. Manager Martinez and council members commended the work, with Council members urging staff to use the SOPs actively rather than letting them sit in binders.
The fire department SOP was presented by Fire Chief (identified in the report) and described as aligned with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and state requirements; it covers PPE, rapid intervention team procedures, hydrant and host testing, incident command and mutual aid. Council members asked clarifying questions about NFPA numbering and the chief explained NFPA standards govern structural and wildland gear and other operational protocols.
Why it matters: SOPs formalize operational expectations, compliance and training standards. The parks/recreation SOP provides a single reference for event logistics, maintenance, custodial and operations; the fire SOP aligns local response with NFPA and state compliance.
Next steps: staff will maintain the documents as living documents with annual updates; council thanked staff and directors for preparing the manuals. No formal council vote or ordinance was recorded on the SOP presentations at the Feb. 11 meeting.
