Photo Credit: Mary P. Davis & The Corrales Historical Society
Did you know that the Village was able to get the Old Church by burning it down? A group of citizens, concerned about the condition of the Old Church, formed the Corrales Historical Society with the plan to purchase the church. They needed money. A production company wanted to use the Old Church in a TV series, Nakia, but they wanted to burn the church down. They produced a fake fire, using butane gas and asbestos shields to protect the structure, and started the fire. The Historical Society received $1500 in rent for the event, enough for the downpayment to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The Village eventually purchased the Old Church in 1976. The Corrales Historical Society maintains the Old Church to this day, supported by the Village.
Stop by and check out the “Our Village, Our Heritage” exhibit of archived historical photographs of Corrales buildings and families in the Village administration building lobby. This exhibit is sponsored by the Corrales Historical Society and coincides perfectly with the ¡VIVA Corrales! And Heritage Days events that are coming up this weekend.
The Corrales Historical Society invites you to view more historic photographs of the Village of Corrales in the online collection of archives at: https://econtent.unm.edu/digital/collection/chs . If you would like to become a member of the Corrales Historical Society, please go to their website at: https://www.corraleshistory.org/.
The Village Council is working on two significant proposals that will have an impact on all Corraleños. First, changing the election date from the usual March in even years to November of odd years. Second, pay increases for the councilors and mayor. Those increases would take effect with the election of new officers, as Councilors are not able to approve a pay increase directly for themselves.
A state law (Local Election Act of 2018), passed several years ago, allowed municipalities and other non-municipal elections, SSCAFCA and school boards for example, to be held in odd years in November so that elections wouldn’t seem to be going year-round. There were legislative improvements of the way non-partisan elections are run throughout the state. Municipalities can opt in. That election and all the costs and responsibilities would fall on the respective county clerk’s office. Partisan races will be conducted the same as always in the even numbered years. When municipalities opt and begin including their local election as part of the Regular Local Election, the County Clerk will run the entire election and the municipality will incur no costs for the election because those costs will be covered by the state. The Village is anticipating costs for the next election at $40,000.00. This does not include any legal challenges. Another issue with the election is security. Voters are allowed free access to the clerk’s office to vote. There have been threats of violence against poll workers last year here in Sandoval County as well as around the state. More importantly, 200 hours of our village clerk’s time is taken up with the election, impacting her other duties. The Council will decide whether or not to opt in to the November election cycle on June 13th at their regular 6:30 pm meeting time. If you would like to share your thoughts as to whether the Village should move the election of Village officials to November, please contact either your Village Councilor, or email the Village Clerk at mromero [at] corrales-nm.org (), and she will make sure your opinions on the matter reach the council.
Some of the Council would like to see an increase in their salary. Please communicate with your Councilor and let them know how you feel about that. The present council makes $1800.00 per year and the mayor gets $6000.00 per year. Perhaps increasing the pay would get more quality candidates running for office, increasing the choices from which citizens could choose.
There have been some comments about increasing the transparency of the local government and how it does business. ZOOM is available for citizens to check in and watch the Council meetings and councilors in action. Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 pm, unless something special is on the agenda. In November and December there is only one scheduled meeting of the Council. Visit the website and learn how to use this tool as well as check out the agenda and packet that the council gets.
The Spring Clean-Up Day was a big success last weekend and our Public Works Supervisor, Mike Chavez wanted to thank everyone that came out and helped out including the Corrales 4-H club!
CRIME & SAFETY UPDATE:
Friday 5/5, police responded to two separate disturbance calls at businesses on Corrales RD. One consisted of a verbal dispute over a subject reportedly parking where she wasn’t supposed to on the 4600 block and the other involved one employee allegedly assaulting another within an establishment on the 4500 block. Don’t let a hostile person bait you into a confrontation.
This past weekend, the Corrales Fire Department conducted two rescue operations on the Rio Grande River involving multiple people, reportedly none of whom were wearing personal flotation devices. Wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while on a personal watercraft in NM is not only the law, but also common sense. Please don’t unnecessarily endanger your life or the lives of rescue personnel by getting on the water without a proper fitting USCG approved life jacket. The Siphon Beach area of the Corrales Bosque Preserve has become a popular recreation destination and launching point for those utilizing personal watercraft. The Corrales Police department will provide additional law enforcement personnel services on weekends from 5/13/23 – 5/29/23 in an effort at enhancing public safety.
- SEE IT, HEAR IT, REPORT IT!
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE:
While a trip down the Rio Grande River seems nice on a warm spring day, it can be very dangerous. In the past few days there have been numerous water rescues within the Sandoval County area of the Rio Grande, with multiple people rescued. If you are going to go in the river, you must wear a certified life jacket. Do not use a pool-type flotation device. Don’t tie flotation devices together, put phones in waterproof cases and do not drink alcohol. High flow river days are not good to learn how to kayak. Learn in slow water before you attempt fast water. The river has tree branches and other items hidden under the water which can pop flotation devices, cause eddys and tangle you up. There are also large branches and other debris floating down the river causing more hazards. Make sure people not going with you in the river know where you plan to enter the river and get out of the river and when to expect you back. It is recommended that you have the “what3words” app on your phone to help us locate you: https://what3words.com/ . River rescues require teams from fire departments in Corrales, Rio Rancho, Sandoval County and Bernalillo County to complete water operations safely. Thank you and please enjoy river recreation in a safe manner.
The US Coast Guard approved life vests are required by law for anyone using the river. Below is just part of the New Mexico rules as they pertain to water and watercraft. Go to: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/activities/boating-2/life-jackets/ for more information. Please be safe, the life you save could be your own.
The wildfire season is upon us and the Spring winds this time of year do not help! We have information on ways to protect your home.
COVID vaccine update: Every person 6 months of age and older is eligible for at least one bivalent omicron vaccine. People 65 and older are eligible for a second, as long as it has been 4 months since first bivalent omicron vaccine. People 6 and older with certain immune compromising conditions or medications also may be eligible for a second bivalent omicron vaccination. Corrales Fire Department is holding vaccine drive through events; registration is available at: 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.
As a reminder, FREE Covid home test kits are still available at Village Hall, Corrales Fire Station, and the Corrales Library. As always, remember to wear a mask indoors (especially in crowds), social distance, wash your hands frequently and please stay home if you are feeling sick.
Mosquito season has begun here in the Village! Find out how you can protect yourself at the following websites: https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol -OR- https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/index.html
UPCOMING EVENTS:
TODAY (Friday 5/12) – “Coffee with a Cop” join your neighbors and Corrales police officers for coffee and conversation at The Farm Stand 4206 Corrales Road from 9:00am – 11:00am. NO agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions and get to know the officers in your neighborhood.
Saturday 5/13 – “¡VIVA CORRALES!” This event is FREE to the public and will take place throughout the Village from 10am – 4pm. This event is sponsored by Corrales MainStreet and the Village of Corrales and is a celebration to showcase of the unique mix of cultural, artistic, and agricultural activities and functions that make Corrales special. Please visit the Corrales MainStreet website at: https://visitcorrales.com/ for more information and to view the map and description of the events scheduled.
Saturday 5/13 – “Heritage Days” at Historic Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, 10:00am – 4:00pm. FREE family fun for everyone! Photo exhibition featuring the history of horses in the Village, children’s craft activities and much more!
Sunday 5/14 – HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Monday 5/15 – “Exploring Artful Places” sponsored by Corrales Art Center presents The Architectural Legacy of John Gaw Meem on the UNM Campus from 10am-1:00pm. Parking and catered box lunch included. For tickets and information or to consider becoming a member of CAC and have access to unique and enriching art experiences please visit: https://www.corralesartscenter.org/ .
Join VILLAGE in the Village (ViV), in partnership with Project Heart Start, by attending a CPR class in the Gymnasium at the Corrales Rec Center (500 Jones Road) during ¡Viva Corrales! on Saturday, May 13. Stop by the info table at the same location to learn more about how ViV helps Corrales seniors thrive in their homes and how you can volunteer to help continue their mission! Visit www.villageinthevillage.org to reserve your time slot for the CPR class.
Sat & Sun 5/20 & 5/21 – “Fiesta” at the San Ysidro Parish, 5105 Corrales Road, This FREE event includes a car show, bingo, live music, food & fun. More information is available at: https://sanysidroparish.org/
Sunday 5/21 – “Dona Tules Barcelo – Gambling Queen of Santa Fe” speaker series presented by Van Ann Moore at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church @ 2:00pm. This is a FREE event, but seating capacity is limited.
Stay safe, be active, wear sunscreen and enjoy your week,
Jim Fahey
Corrales Mayor