The year 2020 sounds momentous doesn’t it? So why not share some goals and throw in a few resolutions for the upcoming year? 2019 has been very busy and we have made real progress towards being more responsive and accessible to the public. Thanks as always to the Governing Body, Village employees and surrounding elected officials for sharing their knowledge with me. Thanks also to the many volunteers on our Boards and Commissions who do so much for our vibrant community.
GOALS FOR 2020
Following is a list of some of the major items on my radar. I have also checked last year’s list and am reporting on progress below.
STATE LEGISLATIVE ACTION. In 2019, the Village received over a million dollars in state money for capital outlay infrastructure improvements, thanks to the combined efforts of our elected representatives, Senator John Sapien, Representative Jane Powdrell Culbert and Representative Damon Ely. We also received money from Sandoval County through Commissioner Jay Block. Those monies are being used to make improvements and purchase equipment. This year our State Legislative 30-day session starts on January 21. The Governing Body has approved another list, which you can find on our website. Progress updates will be included in the Mayor’s Messages. Final decisions as to funding for Corrales projects will occur in March or April.
AGRICULTURE. Corrales is proud of its agricultural heritage and in the last election voted overwhelmingly to save farmland and open space. We need to take a good look at our current agricultural status to determine what we can do not only to preserve, but also to enable agricultural enterprise. How can we make sure agriculture is a vibrant part of our economy? To that end, I will put together a group of agriculturally-minded citizens to study this important sector of our culture and economic well-being.
FEE FOR SERVICE PROGRAM. This year, we are hoping to launch a program that will allow us to provide services to citizens for a fee; for example, we may be able to help clear or grade private roads or to install waste water hook-ups. The plan is to offer a menu of services at reasonable rates and must legally allow the government to offer expanded services. Stay tuned for updates.
PERSONNEL. Allow me to brag on the caliber of our Village personnel. There are strong and capable employees at the head of every department and strong support staff as well. This year, the Village hopes to add a few more outstanding employees in a couple of departments.
COMMUNICATION. Effective communication between citizens and government is vital. I am proud that the new website is up and running and in the process we untangled a multi-year web of old and outdated technologies. This year we will be uploading administrative data, first in finance and then elsewhere to make Village operations smoother and easier for employee and citizen alike. Another goal: I’d sure like to see our phones operating the way they should. The Administration is committed to being responsive to Council and citizen input. As Mayor, I’ll continue to answer citizen queries, hold Town Halls, write the occasional piece for the Corrales Comment and keep you updated with my weekly Mayor’s Message, which is always available on the website.
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS. On a local level, it’s really all about infrastructure. After more than a decade, the Village completed the paving project on Meadowlark. This year we will determine the best way to move forward on the adjacent trail. The Village made improvements to Loma Larga and to the fire suppression system throughout Corrales. The Village put a new roof on the Courthouse and the Old Church and remodeled the Public Works Department. The Fire Department has a new kitchen and gym facility. This year the Village will move on to needed repairs to the Administrative area. First up is a redo of the municipal parking lot and a new work space for the Planning and Zoning Department in the Old Fire House. We also want to create some more welcoming spaces in the Administrative area and in La Entrada Park, as suggested by the citizen volunteers of the Village Center Exploratory Committee. The Village will also complete the long-awaited Salce Basin drainage project, as well as work on at least one and perhaps more local roads in dire need of repair (yes Santa, we have a list!). Proper identification of priorities is key to making the best use of public monies for needed municipal repairs, so we are improving our Master Comprehensive Project Plan. Coolest new thing? We expect 3 electric car-charging stations to be installed here in Corrales.
CORRALES ROAD. Speaking of infrastructure, and quality of life, Corrales Road (State Road 448) is our major arterial and is old, narrow and not in great shape. It is also burdened with a huge uptick in traffic. In the past the Village considered and rejected taking over ownership from DOT. Our current conditions and positive experience with Public Works maintaining Loma Larga suggests we look at the idea again. If we take back the road, DOT has said it will redo it completely and give us a long-term maintenance agreement. DOT also says it would increase our eligibility for more monies. It would mean less state regulation, allow more flexibility in adjacent pathways and give us the ability to set our own speed limits. However, we need a thorough review of all the potential consequences (and an iron-clad agreement). To that end, the Administration will conduct an in-depth study to see whether the idea should be put before the Governing Body.
BONDS. This year, the Village will issue the remaining bonds authorized by citizens in the 2018 election. GO Bond funds will acquire farmland easements. The GRT bond will be secured through a loan enabling the Village to complete projects and improvements voted on by the people. Moving forward, the Village has proposed a continuous bonding program. Its purpose is to ensure flexibility so Corrales can meet future funding challenges and opportunities while locking in the rate already approved by voters in the 2018 election. Two questions will be on the ballot for your decision in the March election: one for continued road and infrastructure improvements; the other for rehabilitation of the Recreation Center, additional trails and open space. Speaking of the March election, it is my goal for all of us to get out and VOTE!
RECREATION. When the Village purchased the Jones property, it offered up a wealth of opportunities for our community. The Village now owns the entire rectangle, from the fish pond and horse ring to the skate park, pool and open fields. Public Works has moved into the rehabilitated barns. Both the Recreation Center, now 40 years old, and the Jones house have a lot of potential and can be improved for the benefit of Corrales. This year, we will be exploring the various possibilities, in line with the wishes of the citizens expressed in the recreation survey and other forums.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. Corrales is lucky to have quality volunteers on our numerous boards and commissions. They are a vital source of information for the Council and Administration. I will continue to seek and appoint citizens to these boards and will let you know when vacancies occur. This past year, boards have studied and made thoughtful suggestions on, among other things, farming, slopes, the bosque, and what folks want in the way of parks and recreation opportunities. A specially convened Village Center Exploratory Committee gave us valuable insights on future directions. Thank you all for your commitment to the community.
RESOLUTIONS: I pledge to continue my education as a municipal official (last year I became a Certified Municipal Official). I’ll seek further education and training through Mid-Region Council of Governments and the Municipal League. I pledge to create even stronger ties with elected officials, local, state and federal agencies. We hope to build a stronger relationship with Sandia Pueblo, which could lead to better stewardship of the bosque and the river that not only separates us, but also binds us together. Finally, I pledge to continue to work on behalf of all of you, the citizens of Corrales.
It is an honor and a privilege to represent Corrales and I look forward to working with you again in 2020.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Mayor Jo Anne D. Roake