Lt. David Wiley, left, presented Chief Vic Mangiacapra (right) with his plaque of appreciation. Photo courtesy of Janet Blair
Police Chief Vic Mangiacapra’s service to the Village was celebrated at this past Tuesday’s Village Council Meeting. He has served the Village for 21 years and has been an officer since 1988. Congratulations, Chief!
During this past council meeting there was a mildly disorganized discussion regarding the bonds approved ($4 million total) in the last election cycle, 2023. It was actually a very good discussion. I would suggest all readers go to the website and pull up the last meeting and look at it on the you tube recording (link here). Communicate to your councilor which projects you would like to see funded first before the final discussion takes place at our February 27th meeting. The approved bonds were for a fire substation, roads/drainage, and farmland conservation easements/open space. The administration would like to start with the fire substation ($1 million) and roads and drainage ($1 million) for $2 million total to be sold this spring. Anthony Martinez, our Fire Chief, and Michael Chavez, our Public Works Director, have projects ready for completion. In 2 years we could sell the remaining $2 million, again without affecting the mill levy on our property taxes, for open space that has been identified, but is not ready for purchase at this time. The Administration’s interest is on park expansion and green belt with some walking paths and parking area thrown in. This idea is moving forward with help from state MainStreet consultants. There is a closed session scheduled for the next council meeting, February 27, to hear more information regarding the properties that could qualify for the farmland preservation easements. All decisions regarding which projects will be funded first will be made when the council is out of the closed session. Express your desires to your councilors (you can find their email addresses on the Village website) or email your thoughts to the Village Clerk at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org (mromero@corrales-nm.org).
The legislative session is over in Santa Fe and the Village is evaluating the capital outlay grants we received and figuring out where the funds go with the different projects, so we are ready to proceed when the money is available next fiscal year.
A grand opening for the new gym (see the photo below) with a ribbon cutting ceremony is tentatively planned by Parks and Rec Director Lynn Siverts for March 2. As we get closer to that time more details will be available on the Village website and in future messages.
HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE
You may have heard this week that the CDC plans to change COVID guidelines. Despite the news coverage, no changes are expected to be made until at least April of this year. For now, it is still recommended if you have been exposed to the virus that you wear a good fitting high-quality mask for 10 days if you will be around other people, unless symptoms develop or you test positive for Covid. If you have COVID you should stay home if you can for 5 days with your first day of symptoms being day zero. After the full five days, as long as you are feeling better and have had no fever for 24-hours without fever reducing medications you can leave isolation but should wear a good fitting high-quality mask for five more days when in public. The CDC has an isolation and exposure calculator.
We will let you know if and when those guidelines change. Please do your part to keep your neighbors healthy as those who are most at risk are unvaccinated and persons who haven’t had a vaccination in a year or longer, those over 65 years and people with underlying health conditions. COVID is currently the 7th highest cause of death for adults in the US. Stay home if you feel ill. Wear a mask if you have to go out and have been exposed to the virus or have symptoms that could possibly indicate covid or flu. The Village still has free covid test kits available at Village Hall, the library, and the fire department. These tests expire on 2/29/24. Once the tests have expired, we will no longer have tests available to the public. If you need assistance getting a covid vaccination, finding treatment provider, or general COVID questions please reach out to Deputy Fire Chief Tanya Lattin at 505-702-4182.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SATURDAY Friendship bracelet craft at the Corrales Library 10 AM. The event is open to all ages.
SUNDAY Corrales Historical Society Speaker Series presents “Harvey House Indian Detour Drivers” by Charles Seery Jr., son of Charles Seery, Sr., driver for the Southwest Indian Detours. Historic Old San Ysidro Church 2 PM. This event is FREE.
MONDAY Village offices will be closed in observance of President’s Day.
WEDNESDAY Story Time at the Library, 10 AM
THURSDAY Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury is hosting a Sandoval County Infrastructure Roundtable, 10 AM at Rio Rancho City Hall, first floor overflow room, 3200 Civic Center Cir, NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144. There will be time for public comment at the event.
FRIDAY Corrales Community Library Lifelong Learning Program Author Series presents Chris Allen and Patricia Walkow, “Alchemy’s Reach.” 3 PM at the Corrales Library.
Saturday, the 17th, is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Keep that in mind as you go through your day and be especially mindful of how you are impacting those around you. It’s interesting that today, Friday the 16th, is National Do A Grouch A Favor Day. Seem to go hand in hand. I guess that’s why one follows the other. Sunday, the 18th, takes it a step further. It is National Flirting Day. Enjoy the weekend.
Walking the dog day is February 22nd - remember to scoop the poop when out with your dog. Be courteous, especially on Saturday. Look out for your neighbors on their bikes, riding their horses, or just walking along the side of the road. Stay safe, stay healthy.
Jim Fahey
Mayor of Corrales
