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Council approves abatement resolution for Cow’s Pasture property, sets process for cleanup and cost recovery
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 26‑19 finding the Cow’s Pasture site a public‑safety nuisance and authorized a 10‑day notice/3‑day posting enforcement sequence, removal by public works and placement of a lien for abatement costs (estimated $13,762).
The Taos Town Council approved Resolution 26‑19 on March 10, finding the property known as the Cow’s Pasture a menace to public comfort, health and safety and authorizing abatement actions and cost recovery.
Deputy director Diana Gonzalez outlined the proposed process: serve the owner and post the resolution for 10 days, provide a 3‑day notice to vacate, perform an enforcement sweep on day four if necessary, remove encampments and debris using public works, clear overgrowth to six inches and trim branches to eight feet of ground clearance. Gonzalez told the council the work is estimated to take four days and estimated abatement costs at $13,762, including equipment and dumping fees.
Council members raised questions about contact with the new property owners, the possibility of volunteer cleanups and the preservation of a potentially historic horse stall on the site. Gonzalez said staff had contacted the owners and had discussed cooperative agreements; she also said legal counsel advised that the abatement approach was needed to comply with anti‑donation rules while ensuring the town would be reimbursed.
Council concluded that abatement was the appropriate pathway and voted in favor of the resolution. Councilors emphasized collaboration with property owners where possible; some members suggested that volunteer efforts and fencing could follow abatement to prevent future encampments.
The resolution authorizes the town to recover costs by placing a lien on the property once abatement is complete.
