Photo courtesy of Janet Blair - Left to right are Judge Michelle Frechette, Councilor Zachary Burkett, Councilor Bill Woldman, and Councilor Stuart Murray.
The holiday season is over, and it is now time to head back to work and back to school. Three councilors and the judge were re-elected at the end of last year. They have been sworn in and are ready to continue their work for the Village.
The legislative session starts in about 2 weeks. The Village has put its wish list together and has started talking to our legislators about what funding is needed for projects in the Village. We want to finish the fire suppression system and move forward on construction of Fire Substation #3 on Loma Larga. It is planned that most of that construction will be covered by one of the previously approved bonds. We will continue to request funding for the wastewater system construction, as this is a long-term infrastructure project. Roads and drainage issues will always be with us and will continue to need attention. It is hoped that some of that money will allow completion of Meadowlark Road. Funds are being requested for the repair of the Old Church inside, since the plaster in some areas is deteriorating. Additional funds will be needed to improve the Old Church parking lot access, drainage, and safety. The size of the parking lot is also an issue and additional planning will be needed.
The gym construction is winding down. Soon, we will be able to schedule activities there. The inspection process has not been completed yet for the Animal Services building so there is no real progress there yet.
As many of you are aware, Cabezon Road is undergoing some work. Funding was made available for design, about $100,000 and construction, about $480,000. Keep an eye on the Village website for more information about this and other road closures. Please be patient – temperatures affect when paving can be completed, so we are not able to anticipate an exact end date, but it will be a real improvement.
A note from Village Administrator Ron Curry: Many of you may know that Mayor Fahey was a member of the Board of Directors for the Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority (SSCAFCA) from January 2011 until December 31, 2023. He also served as chairman of the board from 2018 to 2022. During his time on the board, he helped address flooding issues in Corrales and the surrounding areas. He attended his final SSCAFCA meeting on December 21, 2023, and the board honored Mayor Fahey for his years of service with a resolution. You can read the full resolution here.
HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE
Colder weather is coming: starting Sunday high temperatures will be in the 30's with lows dropping into the "teens" and as low as 9. Heaters will be working overtime, so make sure your smoke detectors are all working and make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm. Remember decorative kiva fireplaces are designed for ambiance, not large amounts of heat, do not over pack them with wood. When disposing of ashes, make sure they are cold all the way through or put them in a metal container away from anything flammable. Make sure outside animals have access to unfrozen water, food and shelter with dry clean bedding.
If you haven't winterized outside faucets, now is the time to get it done. When traveling, make sure you have a full tank of fuel in your vehicle, blankets, a car charger for your cell phone, water, and non-perishable food. These items will help if you have car troubles during the cold weather. More information can be found HERE.
New Mexico is one of only seven states at the very highest level for respiratory illness activity. STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK. Please protect others who may become very ill with a respiratory illness. Only 6% of New Mexicans have received their 23-24 COVID Booster. If you have not gotten your annual influenza vaccine or your 23-24 COVID booster you can still get them. Find a provider at https://vaccine.doh.nm.gov/ Free COVID test kits are still available at Village all in the Foyer, the Corrales Fire department (call 505-898-7501 and we will bring them out to you), and the Corrales Library.
If you need information on isolation for COVID, the CDC has a helpful Isolation and Exposure Calculator https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html.
CRIME AND SAFETY UPDATE
On Tue. 12/26 a resident of Cabezon RD reported that on Fri. 12/22 he returned home from work to discover his front door open and several sensitive documents missing. Remember to utilize layers of protection around your home, to include sturdy locks, deadbolts and security doors and windows, as well as alarm systems and cameras, and storing valuables (such as firearms, jewelry, cash and personal / financial documents) in a safe which is bolted down.
On Sun. 12/31 a Village resident reported that funds had been fraudulently withdrawn from her checking account, possibly as the result of a rent check being intercepted in the mail and the data on it being used to compromise her account. Take steps to prevent mail theft, such as bringing outgoing items directly to the Post Office and retrieving incoming mail promptly, and consider getting a P.O. box for additional security.
https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-theft
Thank you, have a safe week and remember: SEE IT, HEAR IT, REPORT IT!
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUNDAY – Arts in the Village, 10 AM – 4 PM throughout the Village, and Winter Grower’s Market, 11 AM – 1 PM
WEDNESDAY – Story Time at the library, 10 AM
THURSDAY - Multi-Use Facility Public Forum, 5:30 PM at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church. Come give your feedback on the design for a possible facility that could be built on the old Jones House property.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
- January 14th, Multi-Use Facility Public Forum, 2:30 PM at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church. Come give your feedback on the design for a possible facility that could be built on the old Jones House property.
- January 15th, Village offices, including the library, will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- January 17th – Village in the Village open house, 1 - 4 PM at Corrales Teas & Chocolates. Come learn about this group and the volunteer opportunities available. RSVP are appreciated to corrales.viv [at] gmail.com
- January 20th – No sew sock snowman craft event for kids, 10 AM at the library
The work at the Corrales siphon area to stabilize the riverbank is complete. However, residents are asked to use caution while visiting the area and to pay attention to signage to keep everyone safe.
The weather is remaining cold, and we may get hit with more snow fall this upcoming week. Bundle up, stay warm, monitor road conditions, and drive safely. Public Works will be keeping an eye on the road conditions, but it doesn’t hurt to pass on information about problem areas to the Village administration so we can avoid issues.
Jim Fahey
Mayor
