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Taos council moves Youth & Family Center up ICIP priority as rink fire leaves youth hockey curtailed
Summary
Council approved an amendment to the town's ICIP to move the Youth & Family Center to the town's top three priorities after an August fire damaged the ice rink. Staff said insurance review, structural and thermography reports are pending and estimated some repairs (batter board replacement) at $225,000; managers warned a full season is unlikely without expedited action.
The Taos Town Council on Oct. 8 approved Resolution 2424A to amend the town’s Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP), elevating the Youth & Family Center reconstruction project from 10th to 3rd priority so it will be eligible for governor’s office capital-outlay funding.
Town Manager Martinez told the council the preliminary investigation is complete and “we have received our fire inspector’s report. We have received the report from our insurance adjuster, and ... we’re waiting for the final numbers to come in regarding the actual claim.” Staff also reported a structural sonography showed voids under the rink slab and thermography identified roof damage.
Manager Martinez said the town has received contractor quotes for some repairs; she cited an example for batter-board replacement priced at about $225,000 and noted the cost did not include glass panels required for security. She warned that the insurance review and required approvals from the New Mexico Self Insurers Fund (NMSIF) will affect the schedule and that "it is likely that there will not be a season" if the approvals and repairs do not happen quickly.
Players and families notified the council that the Taos Youth Hockey Association has lost players and programming because of the damage: the association said a roster of 77 players from last season has fallen to 33 who will play this year. Youth representatives, coaches and parents asked the town to pursue temporary fixes (for example, a roof repair that would allow roller-hockey or limited indoor activity), consistent written communication and outside project management to speed recovery. Coach Mark Richard described the program as a key place for inclusion and adult mentorship for youth.
Council members pressed staff on whether the town can hire a project manager or contract for specialized help. The manager said staffing constraints remain; she recommended pursuing capital-outlay requests while the town coordinates insurance, structural analyses and contractor proposals.
What happens next: The amended ICIP will be submitted to the Department of Finance and Administration in time for the October 11 window to be considered among top-three capital-outlay requests. Staff will return with finalized assessments and insurance claim totals when available.
