This rain we have had has been great! There have been 2.21 inches at my house since the first of the year. Of course, no way to know how that will continue for the year, but it sure seems to be a good start.
Those of you who want to volunteer for a project, committee, board or commission, need to fill out an application form and request what you would like to help with. If we don’t have your name, we can’t ask for your help. We have been collecting applications from those who might be interested in helping with the comprehensive plan and a limited number will be chosen and will be appointed at the first Village Council meeting in April. Deadline to submit your application to be a part of the Comprehensive Plan Committee is Friday, March 31st at 5:00 pm. You can contact the Village Clerk, Melanie Romero at: mromero [at] corrales-nm.org () if you would like to know what other commissions and committees currently need volunteers.
Speeding continues to be an issue in the village on the residential streets. Most of those who speed are residents of that street. Please be considerate of your neighbors and follow the posted speed limits. Police manpower is occasionally limited so follow the posted speed limits and help your community. This is something you as a citizen can do for your community and help make it safer for all of us.
Not only is speeding a continuing issue, but also addresses and street identification for houses. If we don’t have the correct number or street identifying where you live, then emergency vehicles cannot find you. One should follow the ordinance in the village for identifying one’s property so you can be found. Another reminder: only one house per lot in Corrales, therefore that means only one address. If you have 2 houses on a lot, you are in violation of existing ordinances and still get just one address. Check with the Planning & Zoning Department if you have questions. Address number signs are available through the Village for a small fee and directions for best placement of that marker are available. This is part of an attempt to correct the many address errors, either missing numbers, wrong streets, or wrong sequence of numbers, estimated by a study done a few years ago at 11% of homes in the village. That is actually a considerable number.
The legislative session in Santa Fe is over. The Village had a number of requests for capital funding, and we are awaiting the governor’s veto pen to see what makes it to the final approval. We are also working on a variety of federal grants for the commissary kitchen and possibly the ACE Building. All of these grants are competitive, some of them nationally. We were just recently notified that there may be a chance for funding of electric vehicle charging stations for communities some distance from the interstate that we may qualify for. We can certainly ask and are investigating every opportunity that we are aware of.
It's business registration season here in the administration office. If you plan to do business in the Village of Corrales, as per our Village Ordinance 10-28, you must obtain a business license, and in most cases a fire inspection, prior to doing so. This also includes Food Trucks! Please contact Deputy Clerk, Skye Devivi at: sdevivi [at] corrales-nm.org or by phone at 505-897-0502 ext 213 for more information or if you have any questions. Skye is here to help guide you through the process.
In the next couple of months the Village Council will discuss the possibility of pay increases for the Council and mayor and moving our election of local officials (mayor, judge and council members) to the November election cycle. We will try to keep you apprised of the discussions, with minutes from council meetings, and any pertinent information in the mayor’s message.
CRIME & SAFETY UPDATE:
Tuesday 3/14 a subject was stopped for speeding on Corrales Road near Applewood Road and found to be under the influence of alcohol. The 29-year-old male, a Mission, TX resident was arrested and booked into the Sandoval County Detention Center for DWI and an outstanding bench warrant.
Wednesday 3/15 Officers were dispatched to a report of two males fighting outside of a business on the 3600 block of Corrales RD. The 62-year-old and 33-year-old Corrales residents were summoned into court for Public Affray.
If you or someone you care about are struggling with mental health and / or substance abuse issues, please reach out for help before tragedy strikes. Call the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (1-855-NMCRISIS / 662-7474) is staffed 24 / 7 and may be a good place to start if you’re not sure where to turn. https://nmcrisisline.com/
COVID & HEALTH UPDATE:
If you haven’t received a Covid booster vaccine since September 4th of 2022 you should contact Fire Commander Tanya Lattin at 505-702-4182 to schedule a vaccine. Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations helps keep you and your loved ones safe.
As a reminder, FREE Covid home test kits are still available at Village Hall, Corrales Fire Station, and the Corrales Library. Please remember to wear a mask indoors (especially in crowds), social distance, wash your hands frequently and stay home if you feel sick.
The New Mexico Human Services Department is asking citizens to take their 2023 Community Survey to help local substance misuse prevention programs at: www.tinyurl.com/NMCS2023
UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE VILLAGE:
The Friends of the Corrales Library (FOCL) seeks book contributions for its Spring Book Sale. FOCL is a not-for-profit funding arm that provides financial support for so many wonderful library programs serving our Villagers. Besides a Spring-Cleaning aid, your contributions are tax deductible as well as the chief source of our great library programming, especially for kids. Drop books off at the Corrales Library during normal business hours! Thank you for your support!
The planting season is right around the corner in our beautiful, agricultural village. Not sure what to plant or how to plant this year? Stop by The Seed Library inside the Corrales Community Library for information and pick up some seeds to try. What is a seed library you ask? It is a way to build the community with fellow gardeners and to support people who are new to the world of gardening. It also preserves rare, heirloom, or open-pollinated seeds and encourages everyone in our community to save quality seeds that are suitable for our growing area for future generations to produce.
On Saturday, March 18th the Corrales Community Library hosted the plant marker decorating event for the “Spring Planting of the Story Book Garden”. The planting part of this event has been re-scheduled for this Saturday, March 25th at 10:30am. All children are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Saturday, March 25th – “7th Annual Great New Mexico Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival” at the Balloon Fiesta Park, 5000 Balloon Fiesta Parkway NE, from 12:00pm-5:00pm. Craft beer, great food, lawn games, music & fun for the whole family! More information at: https://www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/great-new-mexico
Saturday, April 1st – “Got Art, Corrales!” Presented by The Corrales Art Center. This Fundraiser will be at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. For information and tickets, please visit: https://corralesartscenter.org/
The Corrales Historical Society is looking for historic horse photos for their “History of Horses in Corrales” exhibit during their Heritage Day, May 13th. Please email photos to: chsarcives [at] corraleshistory.org () OR bring photos to the Old Church on March 29th from 2:00pm – 3:30pm to be scanned. Your photos may be included in the display and will further enhance the archival collections of the Corrales Historical Society.
The Corrales Studio Tour has moved back to its original Spring Dates! Come join us May 6th and 7th on a tour of local artists’ studios and galleries! There will be 93 artists who will showcase their artwork throughout the village. Whether you're a collector, an art lover, or simply looking for a fun weekend activity, the Corrales Art Studio Tour is the perfect opportunity to connect with local Corrales artists.
The administration appreciates hearing suggestions and ideas from our citizens. You can submit a comment form (available for download from the Village website) to the Village receptionist, Brigitte Scott at the front desk of the administration building, email the clerk, or submit a “contact us” form on our website to share your feedback with us.
If you know someone who would like to receive the weekly mayor’s message electronically, please email Melanie Romero at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org or contact her by phone at: 505-897-0502 ext. 208.
Stay safe, enjoy the coming spring, and stay healthy.
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor
