Photo credit: Chance Nail
A good thing about this job of mayor is how much one learns about things one didn’t care too much about before getting elected. It is simply amazing the ordinances and rules that are in place to govern our small community. There are good reasons for the rules to be in place, particularly for the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizenry. Individuals will push the envelope to see what they can do to circumvent the rules, especially if the rules would not allow them to do what they want or cost money. For example, you can’t build an accessory dwelling unit on your property. Only one housing unit is allowed on each property in the Village. This is due to concerns about our groundwater and the great potential here in the Village for contamination of our wells. Septic tanks and associated leach fields are the greatest cause of contamination of the ground water.
According to New Mexico law, three fourths acre is required for a standard septic tank and leach field. There are some lots that are smaller than that in the Village, but they were “grandfathered” in, meaning they are acceptable unless the property is sold, or the septic system fails. Then some upgrades or changes in how waste is managed may be required. Those modifications would be determined by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). Way more than most of us want to know. This potential for contamination of our ground water has caused us to focus more on management of our solid and liquid waste for the long term. Unfortunately, the wastewater system that exists is not the best, but does get the dirty water out of the Village and away from our ground water. However, this does not cover the whole Village. The long-term plan calls for a more adaptable conventional system so we can utilize the “dirty water” system that we have but add a better sewer system for the future.
The Village has made progress in preparing for fire suppression, but we are not quite where we want to be. There was a recent fire of a large structure this week. It brought home the fire suppression infrastructure still needed in the Village and the need for fire inspections of businesses in the village to identify areas of concern. Those in this horse capital need to plan how to manage their livestock in case of fire and how to best prevent fire in their facilities. Another concern in the Village is making sure all businesses are registered with the Village and that you have a business license and fire inspection as per our Village Ordinance. A business license is not only required by the State of New Mexico but also our Village Code. If you need help getting your business registered, please contact Deputy Clerk, Skye Devivi at sdevivi [at] corrales-nm.org () or by phone at 505-897-0502 ext 213.
This week work started on the site of the future Animal Services Building. Delivery of the prefabricated building is anticipated toward the end of August. The pool is open and looking good, especially on these HOT days. In case no one realized it, SUMMER started this past Wednesday. The framework is being put up this week for the new gym and it’s beginning to take shape. Construction completion is anticipated just after the first of the year if no problems are encountered.
Fire season is with us, probably most of the year now, but especially now. We, all of us in the Village, need to be focused on FIRE PREVENTION. We should not be celebrating with fireworks over the 4th of July in our backyards or pastures. Let the experts put on a fireworks show and we can watch. It is more patriotic to protect our community, our neighbors, and our family from a fire. Heed the warnings of our firefighters and go to the Village website for the precautions we should all be taking.
As you plan your upcoming July 4th celebrations, plan to join us for the Annual 4th of July Parade along Corrales Road, starting at 10:00am. Have a HAPPY, SAFE, and most importantly FIRE FREE celebration!
Please, please, please do not come to the site of an emergency to see what is happening. If you see smoke and or flames, call 911 but don’t come to the area where the fire is. When people come to look at the event, they impede fire and police access to the emergency. At our recent Corrales fire, multiple roadways were being blocked by people who just wanted to see what was going on. This can lead to a delay in rendering assistance. Also do not walk up and down the road to try and see what is going on. We have very large fire trucks that may need to shuttle water from a fire hydrant to the fire; people on the road can cause delay in response. These apparatuses are very heavy and full of water making them difficult to stop when someone walks out into the middle of the roadway.
Emergency Preparedness and Evacuations include emergency plans and making sure your property is prepared for wildfire. Corrales Fire Department follows and recommends the Ready, Set, GO! program.
Every home and business need their own Emergency Action Plan as the weather is hot and dry the focus will be on Wildfire preparedness. You need to have your home, your family and animals prepared in case of fire.
Create a Wildfire Action Plan: You need to be able to evacuate yourself, your family and any animals you have. You also need to have a designated emergency meeting location outside the hazard area and a Family Communications Plan that includes an out-of-area person everyone knows to call if they cannot reach local numbers. All of the information you need to get your family ready for wildfire can be found on the fire department website.
Another recommendation is to utilize the CodeRed system to register for emergency notifications. This is the best way to be notified if there is an evacuation, shelter in place or any other emergency situation in the Village. The Village of Corrales and all of Sandoval County uses CodeRed as an emergency contact provider. You can register your phone numbers and emails where you would like to receive notifications. Your contact information is kept private. https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFB7CC4C6C0A
CRIME AND SAFETY UPDATE
Monday 6/12, an Albuquerque resident reported that she parked her SUV at the Cabezon Bosque gate at approximately 4:30PM and returned about 45 minutes later to discover that one of her vehicle windows was shattered and her purse had been stolen from within. This area is patrolled frequently, but these types of thefts take only seconds to commit, so please remember to remove valuables prior to leaving vehicles unattended.
Tuesday 6/13, a resident of Richard Road advised police that someone smeared food on his gate and moved one of his flags down the street during the previous night.
Please remember……. SEE IT, HEAR IT, REPORT IT!
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATES
The temperatures will be climbing through the weekend. The excessive heat can be very dangerous for everyone, especially 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 The top 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.
The Corrales Fire Department is still holding vaccine drive-through clinics and registration is available by going to: https://goodtimes.vaccinenm.org/stay-ahead-nm/. Please call Fire Commander, 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Sunday 6/25 – “Corrales Growers’ Market” from 9:00 am – 12:00pm
Tuesday 6/27 – Regular Council meeting at 6:30pm
Tuesday 6/27 - Summer Reading Event in La Entrada Park "Dogs on a Quest" at 6:00pm for more information.
Thursday 6/29 – The Library Summer Movie Festival continues with a showing “Turning Red” in the Teen Room from 1pm-3pm. All ages are welcome to this FREE event with popcorn & candy provided. For the schedule of upcoming movies,
Sunday 7/2 – “First Sunday-Arts in the Village” is sponsored by Corrales MainStreet and takes place throughout the Village business corridor.
Sunday 7/2 – “Corrales Growers’ Market” from 9:00am – 12:00pm.
Tuesday 7/4 – “The Annual 4th of July Parade” down Corrales Road. The parade begins at 10:00am with a BBQ fundraiser hosted by the Friends of Corrales Library at La Entrada Park.
Friday 7/7 - The Village will be hosting a vehicle and surplus equipment auction from 10:00am to 2:00 pm. This will be a sealed bid auction and forms can be picked up from the Village Administration Office at 4324 Corrales Road or downloaded from the website. Items must be picked up by July 10th at 2:00 PM.
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.
It is that time again! The call for Artwork for the Fine Arts Show at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church in Corrales. This is a juried show which will be displayed during Ballon Fiesta this year. Please contact Jenn Noel, CSA President with any questions and for more information at: jenn [at] nmnoels.com () or 505-417-0418.
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 visit our Village website to find out about what is going on in the Village of Corrales. You can also print important forms, view our Village Ordinances, see the calendar of events and much, much more!
Enjoy your week, stay safe and cool and drink plenty of water,
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor
