Two things are very important functions of being Mayor. Spend tax money wisely and provide for the safety of the community. The mayor doesn’t really have complete control of either of those things, but does set policies that focus on those issues. It is important for the Village to prevent fires before they start because we have not yet reached the point where we are confident of stopping a “big” one. It will take huge amounts of water to control such a wildfire. We won’t be alone fighting it, but it will be here in our backyard. That’s why everyone should work on their property to decrease the flammable load adjacent to or on your property. Another cleanup is planned in the coming weeks for the Bosque dead and down which will perhaps make some firewood available to the public. The event is sponsored by the Bosque Advisory Committee. It will take place at the south end of Andrews Lane at the levee on Saturday, March 16th, 10 AM until 12 PM. Wear sturdy gloves.
Our code enforcement officer, Sherrie Rice, is out at the request of the fire chief checking properties, offering some suggestions about cleaning up flammable trash on your property. She is trying to make our homes safe, not give out citations. The fire department is also on extra shifts on windy days so they can respond quickly regardless of where the fire is. We have some pictures of a fire earlier this week which they put out quickly (above). It is important to keep the access to your property clear of debris for the firefighters. For tips on ways to keep your property safe, please visit
The Village has been approached by the United Way of New Mexico to participate in their campaign, the 90th anniversary of their inception in New Mexico. What they offer to the public, various programs one can access or contribute, should be available soon on the Village website under the “Our Village” tab, as part of the “Other resources” section.
At the last council meeting on February 27th, the Village Council decided the $2.4 million bond sale occurring this spring will be used to purchase farmland conservation easements on what was formerly known as the Trosello property. The Trosello farm is in the process of being purchased by a non-profit organization who will manage the farm as part of the Indigenous Farm Hub. $2 million was set aside for farmland conservation easement purchases on a motion by Councilor Zack Burkett and passed by a vote of
4-2. This land will be visible from Corrales Road, but will be private property, not available to the public except with the permission of the owner. Completing the deal on farmland preservation easements is complex, and there are many more steps to make sure this property qualifies for the easement program. $200,000 was set aside for both roads/ drainage and the fire substation (for total of $400,000) to help deal with our storm water management and fire concerns. More bond funds, $1.6 million will be available for the roads/drainage and fire substation in 2026.
The next 3 months will be the windiest according to the weathermen. Be aware of your surroundings and look for areas of potential fire hazard. We continue to reach out to legislators for funds/grants to assist with fire suppression, roads and drainage, as well as more open space for our citizens.
The Village received some accolades from the Albuquerque the Magazine. Our pool was considered one of the best in the area, the Growers’ Market is the best in the area, and our library has the best story time in the area. One might describe the Village of Corrales as a regional attraction.
This weekend, March 2nd, an open house and ribbon cutting is being held for the new gym at the Rec Center. Time is 12 noon until 2 pm. There will be food and music in the gym. Come see what your bond money has provided for the community.
The Growers’ Market will be open on Sunday, March 3rd, 11 AM until 1 PM as part of the first Sunday in the Village events going on throughout the Village.
A meeting of the Clean Air For All is scheduled to be held March 14th at 6 PM at the Old San Ysidro Church on Old Church Road. Any questions can be addressed to cafcnow [at] cafanow.org. There will be information and education about toxic air pollutants believed to be coming from the Intel plant. There will be refreshments and time for questions and discussion.
Progress is being made on the Animal Services Building. Stucco is being applied. The indoor modifications have almost all been finished and the walls have been replaced. It is anticipated that it will be ready for animals the last of March or first week of April.
By next week the Wells Fargo Building will belong to the Village and administration will start looking for renovation funds so the community will be able to use the building efficiently. The ATM will remain there.
HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE
COVID vaccination update: On Wednesday February 28, 2024 the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the CDC stated that all adults 65 years and older should receive a second dose of the 2023/2024 COVID vaccine. The only restriction is the second vaccination needs to be at least 4-months from your first 2023/2024 vaccine. The ACIP meeting went over data and had several presentations. The data showed that the age group at most risk of severe illness and death starts at 65 and those 75 and older have even more risk. In New Mexico from October 1, 2023 to February 24, 2024 27.23 % of cases were in persons 65 and older, however, the same age group represented 59.48% of hospitalizations. The new recommendations do not change vaccine recommendations for immunocompromised person. They have already been able to have a second vaccine and additional ones based of physician recommendations. There are programs for the uninsured and with the CDC guideline update insurance should cover a second vaccine. The CDC has vaccine information . If you need assistance, please reach out to Deputy Chief Lattin 505-702-4182.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SATURDAY - Grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new gymnasium, Corrales Rec Center, noon – 2 PM. 500 Jones Road. Come out for food, music, fun, and prizes!
SUNDAY – First Sunday Arts in the Village 10 AM – 4 PM, various locations throughout the Village, follow the signs to discover many great busineses, including the Growers Market, open from 11 AM – 1 PM
TUESDAY - Veteran’s Legal Clinic, 8:30 – 11 AM, Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1100 Louisiana Blvd, Albuquerque. Attendance is on a walk-in basis, if you have questions please contact the Veteran’s Justice Outreach Program at 505-206-9086.
WEDNESDAY – Taylor Middle School will have a campus tour/visit for 5th graders headed to Taylor MS in the fall of 2024. The tour takes place from 9:30 – 11:30 AM. Please check in at the office if you would like to visit with your student.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
March 16 – Celtic fiddler and cellist Alisdair Fraser and Natalie Haas will perform at 7:30 PM as part of the Music in Corrales schedule. This event is sold out, but you can get on a waiting list for tickets by arriving to the Old Church by 6:30 PM.
March 16 – Bosque clean up, meet at south end of Andrews Lane at the levee on 10 AM until 12 PM. Wear sturdy gloves.
March 17 – Corrales Historical Society Speaker Series presents “Oppenheimer, Back in Los Alamos, Perilous Times” by Los Alamos resident Nancy Bartlit at 2 PM at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church. This event is FREE.
Be safe, drive the posted speed limit. Look out for pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists. Walk your dog on a leash and scoop the poop. Remember, there is no Poop Fairy.
Jim Fahey
Mayor of Corrales