Photo Courtesy of Linda Fahey
The annual 4th of July parade was a lot of fun and everyone was happy and smiling, especially the mayor, as seen in this picture riding with his grandchildren and Deputy Fire Chief Tanya Lattin!
At the next council meeting on July 11th, there will be a presentation by the Comprehensive Plan committee to give the council and all those who attend or listen in on ZOOM, an update on where they are in the process.
Our bond attorneys will also be there to give a presentation about how much would be available for bonding without increasing the Village present mill levy (share of the property tax). Citizens can then contact their councilors and let them know how they would like to see the bond funds spent. We have many infrastructure and public safety needs in the Village. The Corrales Historical Society will also provide the council with a report and an update of their activities and future scheduling.
Projects that could benefit from bond funding include:
- The existing STEP sewer system expansion into the Priestly/Coroval neighborhood has been discussed on and off for the last few years.
- Fire suppression is still a concern particularly with the recent barn fire on the southern end of the Village. Water availability and access are limited to fight fires, protect property, and save lives.
- The Arts, Community, and Education building could use some funding, to get a kick start, and help the Village get additional funds so that construction could begin at some point.
- Roads are always needing repairs, and repaving to address flooding issues in various areas of the Village.
The Animal Services Building has been ordered and the site is being prepared. Work on the administration parking lot continues as additional suggestions are being included to improve security and safety as well as provide parking.
The Storybook Garden and the Community Art Mural will be unveiled and celebrated on Saturday morning at 10 AM at the Corrales Community library. Both will surely get your attention while driving west on La Entrada.
If you want to support your village, but don’t have the time to volunteer (or interest), then don’t speed, don’t litter, stop at stop signs, and DON’T SPEED! Be kind, considerate, and thoughtful toward your neighbors and visitors to our community. We are all part of this big family we call the Village of Corrales.
If there weren’t TOMATOES at the Growers’ Market last week, they should be there this week. The Market opens at 9 AM Sunday, but you can check their web site at: https://corralesgrowersmarket.com/ for the availability of produce. I think some of the growers will take online orders so you can be sure to get what you want.
July 7th is “Tell the Truth Day” and this is also “Parks and Recreation Month”. Speaking of which, we are very fortunate with the crew we have although we are short an employee at this time. The new gym’s construction is progressing, and the pool’s recent problems are being addressed so we will not have those problems next year.
Let’s talk about the weather. It is hot! Try to stay as cool and as hydrated as possible. Don’t work outside in the heat of the day. Try to get things done early or around sundown. This intense heat can be dangerous to your health. Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen.
CRIME & SAFETY UPDATE:
Saturday 7/1, police investigated a road rage incident on Loma Larga near West Meadowlark Lane wherein the driver of a coupe reported being boxed in by three motorcyclists and forced to stop, at which time his driver and passenger side windows were shattered, and a handgun was pointed at him. The motorcyclists advised that the coupe was traveling too slowly so two of them passed, at which time the driver proceeded to tailgate them and brake check the third rider who was still behind him. One of the motorcyclists, a 22-year-old Albuquerque man, was booked into the Sandoval County Detention Center on charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, False Imprisonment and Criminal Damage to Property. Don’t let an aggressive driver bait you into a road rage incident. Someone has to be the adult and drive away. Practice good road safety habits and leave early to give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going, make sure everyone in your vehicle is properly buckled up, don't text or otherwise drive distracted, watch your speed and following distance and don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs or let someone you care about do so.
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE:
The Corrales Fire Department is still holding vaccine drive-through clinics including pediatric clinics and 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.
There is no smoking of any kind, including electronic cigarettes, in the Bosque. Also, no campfires, lighters or barbeque grills. The Bosque is a FIRE-FREE environment. For information on all rules and information pertaining to the Bosque.
Citizens that need to burn in the Village for agricultural purposes, such as planting or harvesting of crops, for ceremonial, or recreational burning, should obtain a special permit by calling 505-898-7501. Burn hours on designated burn days can be 8am to 5pm and may be shortened or canceled based on weather conditions. Please call 505-899-9819 to verify that it is a “burn day” and to register your address. It is OK to burn dried vegetation but NEVER household trash, paper or manure. For more information, please visit website.
The temperatures are climbing through this week and into next week with many days over 100 degrees. The excessive heat can be very dangerous for everyone, especially pets, infants and the elderly. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. Some helpful ways to stay safe during excessive heat can be found at: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat recommendations to help protect yourself are:
- Eliminate strenuous activities until the heat of the day has passed.
- Wear lightweight, loose fitting and light-colored clothing.
- Minimize direct exposure to the sun and wear sunglasses and sunscreen!
- Drink plenty of water.
- Spend time in air-conditioned buildings.
- Take a cool bath or shower.
- Make sure your pets and livestock have plenty of water and shaded areas to rest in.
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued Extreme UV Alerts in our area this week. The UV Index provides a forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. The National Weather Service calculates the UV Index forecast for most ZIP codes across the U.S., and EPA publishes this information. The UV Index is accompanied by recommendations for sun protection and is a useful tool for planning sun-safe outdoor activities. Ozone depletion, as well as seasonal and weather variations, cause different amounts of UV radiation to reach the Earth at any given time. Taking these factors into account, the UV Index predicts the level of solar UV radiation and indicates the risk of overexposure on a scale from 0 (low) to 11 or more (extremely high). A special UV Alert may be issued for a particular area, if the UV Index is forecasted to be higher than normal. For more information: https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-1
- Be mindful that UV radiation is highest from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and protect yourself accordingly.
- Cover up by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and long sleeves.
- Generously apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 30 to exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours.
- Use extra caution near bright surfaces, water, and sand as they reflect damaging UV rays.
- Whenever possible seek shade in the midday hours.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
TODAY - Friday 7/7 - The Village will be hosting a “Vehicle and Surplus Equipment Auction” from 10:00am to 2:00 pm. This is a sealed bid auction and forms can be picked up from the Village Administration Office at 4324 Corrales Road or downloaded from website. Items must be picked up by July 10th at 2:00 PM. Items can be viewed at Public Works between 10am & 2pm. All bids must be in by 2:00pm TODAY!
Saturday 7/8 – “Art in the Park” buy directly from local artists from 9:00am – 3:00pm at La Entrada Park.
Saturday 7/8 – Unveiling of the Mural for the Children’s Storybook Garden in La Entrada Park at 10:00am.
Sunday 7/9 – “Corrales Growers’ Market” from 9:00am- 12:00pm
Tuesday 7/11 – Regular Council Meeting at 6:30pm
Tuesday 7/11 – “Explora Family Science Night” at the Corrales Community Library at 6:00pm.
Thursday 7/13 – Library Summer Movie Festival continues with a showing of the movie “Wonder” from 1pm - 3pm in the Teen Room. All ages are welcome, popcorn and candy included!
As most of you are aware by now, the Wells Fargo Bank will close permanently on August 16 at 12:00pm. We have been informed that the ATM will remain in place. Please make note of the other two closest branch locations that will be available for any other banking inquiries.
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.
Please remember to watch your speed throughout our Village. With so many events going on in the Village, there are a lot more people out and about. Please be patient with the increased traffic and courteous as you watch out for pedestrians, horses, and bicyclists.
Stay safe, stay cool, stay hydrated, enjoy the summers’ activities in the Village.
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor
