Photo Credit: Melanie Romero
The heat continues all over the world. What is happening in Greece could also occur here. Fire prevention, fire suppression, and dealing with other aspects of climate change will be important for the Village in our future. It took 100 years to get here. It may take longer to reverse the damage that has resulted. Just as the availability of fresh potable water is taking on greater importance for all of us, we need to make decisions that will have an impact on many here in the Village and their way of life.
From the “Union of Concerned Scientists” released in 2016:
“Climate change is altering fundamental weather patterns, affecting temperatures, water availability, and weather extremes, that shape the lives of New Mexicans. As a result, the infrastructure and resource management plans designed for the conditions of the past may not meet future needs of the farmers, ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts, and other residents of New Mexico.” This information was released at least 7 years ago, and the climate has worsened since. We should develop a water infrastructure plan because all sources of potable water will be stressed. We must move forward with managing our solid and liquid waste to protect that resource from contamination, our water.
The Village will elect its municipal judge and councilors for Districts 2, 5 and 6 at the regular local election on November 7, 2023. If you are interested in running for one of these open seats, you will need to fill out paperwork and file it with the Sandoval County Clerk on August 29, 2023 between 9 AM and 5 PM. This is the one and only day to file and have your name appear on the ballot. Candidate information packets, which include all the forms you will need, are available at the Village administration office, and on the Village website. You can also contact the Village Clerk, Melanie Romero at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org () or by phone 505-897-0502 with any questions you may have.
Corrales Elementary students start school on Thursday, August 3rd. Students will start their day at 8:05 am and end at 3:05 pm. They will no longer have early dismissals on Wednesdays. Be aware of parents and students in the area during this time, and please have patience with increased traffic on Corrales Road. There will be some construction on Corrales Road in front of the school coming soon, so please check the Village website for more information on lane closures. Also, keep an eye out for kids at bus stops throughout the Village, as the middle school and high school students at area schools will be starting their day later than in past years.
At the most recent council meeting, bonding and the projects most needed by the Village were discussed. You will see three bond questions on the ballot in November: $1 million for fire projects, $1 million for roads and drainage projects, and $2 million for farmland easements/land purchases. A 3rd fire station will be supported by the $1 million, which should complete the project plus purchase needed firefighting equipment. The $1 million for roads and drainage will allow for construction and repair of roads throughout the Village. A long discussion was held on the idea of bonding for funds for farmland conservation easements. These easements would purchase development rights from landowners so their farmland would remain farmland in perpetuity. All lands under conservation easement are still private property, not Village property. No access is allowed unless permission is given by the property owner. There are currently almost 69 acres of completed conservation easements in the Village. The request by the council was to ask voters to approve $2 million dollars for more easement purchases, as much as was suggested for both fire suppression and roads & drainage. Language could be included that would allow the Village to buy land, not just an easement. That land would then be owned fee simple and could be used for any municipal purpose, such as set aside for drainage purposes and remain open land.
Speaking of land purchases, the Village may be getting closer to closing on the Gonzales property. Sounds like a matter of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s. The gym is starting to look like a gym and the slab for the Animal Services building should be poured next week. There is progress although sometimes it moves slowly.
Construction of the new enlarged gym at the Rec Center is progressing well. Work and progress can be viewed on YouTube, by searching for “Village of Corrales”, and there it is. Or check out the following link: https://youtu.be/j9um3sVJyqA. You can also view previous meetings of the Village Council.
Don’t forget the Growers’ Market. They will be out at the soccer field parking lot Wednesdays and Sundays at 9 AM. Check out their website at: https://corralesgrowersmarket.com/ to see what is available. It will be fresh, locally grown, and more importantly, pesticide free.
It looks like we are going to have an important visitor on Tuesday, August 1st in the Village. Representative Melanie Stansbury will be visiting so come have “Coffee with Your Congresswoman” from 10 AM until 11 AM at Fancies Bakery and Modern Market, 4940 Corrales Road, Suite 400, just north of the main fire station. This event will be an opportunity for Congresswoman Stansbury and her staff to meet with constituents in Corrales and listen to concerns. There will also be a brief update on what she is doing in Congress right now.
CRIME & SAFETY UPDATE:
Tuesday 7/18, a driver was stopped for speeding on Loma Larga near Windover and found to be intoxicated. The 31-year-old Albuquerque man was arrested and charged with DWI, Speeding, Driving with a Revoked License and an outstanding Rio Rancho Municipal Court Bench Warrant.
Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs or let someone you care about do so. If you or a loved one are struggling with a substance abuse problem, reach out for help before you (or somebody else) end up in jail, the hospital or morgue. Please find help here: https://nmcrisisline.com/
Friday 7/21, a resident of Rafael Court reported that his small dog had been killed in his yard the night before, apparently by a coyote. Help deter predators by ensuring that your property is secured by a sturdy fence, don’t feed them, keep your yard free of trash, pet food, fallen bird seed and fruit, make sure that your pets and livestock are properly protected and monitored and contact Corrales Animal Services at 505-898-0401 for more information.
Friday 7/21, a police report was filed concerning a riding lawn mower being stolen from unoccupied premises at an unknown time during the preceding three months. Remember to leave security measures in place even when properties are vacant and don’t leave valuable items behind.
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE:
Temperatures will still be hot, hopefully not the triple digits we have been having though. Please protect yourself by avoiding working outside, especially during the peak heat of the day unless absolutely necessary. Remain well hydrated, take water breaks, drink more water than you think you need. Don’t wait to be thirsty. If you feel hot, but are not sweating, get inside and cool off. Some helpful ways to stay safe during excessive heat waves can be found at: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat. Don’t’ forget to provide fresh cool water for your pets and livestock. Make sure to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to help protect yourself from sun exposure.
The Corrales Fire Department is still holding vaccine drive-through clinics (including pediatric) for anyone who has never received a bi-valiant vaccine, and those that over 65 who have only had one bi-valiant vaccine. Registration is available by going to: https://goodtimes.vaccinenm.org/stay-ahead-nm/. Please call Deputy Fire Chief, Tanya Lattin at 505-702-4182 with any questions or if you need assistance with registration.
FREE Covid Home tests are still available at Village Hall, the Corrales Library, and the Fire Station. If you feel sick, please stay home, and wear a mask when traveling and in crowded areas.
The Humane Society of the United States has information available on how to help protect your barn and animals from fire. The fire department has added the pamphlet to their website.
Two cases of West Nile virus have been identified in humans in the last week, and one was in Sandoval County There has also been one horse in Sierra County diagnosed with West Nile.
To protect yourself:
· Use an approved insect repellent every time you go outside and follow the instructions on the label. Among the EPA-approved repellents are those that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus/para-menthane-diol.
· Eliminate water-holding containers where mosquitoes lay their eggs, such as old tires, empty cans, and other unneeded outdoor items that can hold water.
· Drain the water in birdbaths, wading pools, and saucers under potted plants weekly.
· Make sure rain barrels are tightly screened.
· Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
· Keep windows and doors closed if not screened. If you leave your house doors or windows open, make sure they have screens that fit tightly and have no holes.
Horse owners, it is important to vaccinate your animals to protect them from West Nile virus and Western Equine Encephalitis, which is also carried by mosquitoes.
There is no vaccine or medication to treat West Nile in humans . People ages 50 and older and those with other health issues are at highest risk of becoming seriously ill or dying when they become infected with the virus. If people have symptoms and suspect West Nile virus infection, they should contact their healthcare provider.
Symptoms headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. People with West Nile fever typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for weeks to months. Symptoms of West Nile neuroinvasive disease can include those of West Nile fever plus neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.
For more information about West Nile virus, including fact sheets in English and Spanish, go to the DOH’s West Nile Virus (nmhealth.org)
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Sunday 7/30 – “Corrales Growers Market” from 9am – 12pm.
- Wednesday 8/2 – “Wednesday Growers’ Market” from 9am-12pm.
- Wednesday 8/2 – “Story Time” at the Corrales Community Library at 10:00am.
- Thursday 8/3 – “Back to School” for all APS students. School start and dismissal times have changed, please refer to your child’s school website for more information.
Corrales MainStreet has been working hard toward becoming a State Authorized Arts and Cultural District. This is an opportunity for all our arts and cultural organizations and businesses to collaborate to support an economically vibrant cultural district. They need and want your input! Please consider taking a brief survey at one of the following links to have your input and suggestions submitted for consideration:
- Resident and Visitor Survey Link: https://forms.gle/yQCeAfMkWMjoWH8H6
- Creative and Cultural Organization Survey Link: https://forms.gle/T9b5mYTAyE9SdVT87
- Creative and Cultural Business Survey Link: https://forms.gle/dVmR9Tzpxi8mgBVTA
Tickets are on sale now for the next Corrales MainStreet Starry Night fundraiser, “Denim ‘N Lace” which will take place on August 26th. For more information and to purchase your tickets please visit: https://visitcorrales.com/starry-night
Are you struggling to feed your companion animals? “4 Paws Pet Food Bank”, sponsored by CARMA, is here to help! Canned, dry, and veterinary special diet food is available for cats and dogs and can be picked up from the pantry on Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat between 9am-5pm (closed Thur & Sun) at: Corrales Kennels, 490 E. Valverde Drive, here in the Village. For more information, please contact Lisa Isenberger @ 505-228-3395 or by email: lisenberger [at] gmail.com () OR Barbara Bayer @ 505-321-6275 barbaracarma [at] msn.com.
If you know someone who would like to receive the weekly mayor’s message electronically, please email the Village Clerk, Melanie Romero at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org () or make a request by phone at 505-897-0502.
Follow recommendations for dealing with this heat, stay hydrated, check on your neighbors to be sure they are okay, and obey the speed limit.
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor
