Mayor’s Message for February 14th, 2025
Over the years the Village has been focused on obtaining water rights as possible and as affordable. When the Village purchased property, it has always been important to obtain the water rights with the property. Recently, it has become a greater focus because of the lack of water for irrigation purposes. Farmers have banded together with others in the community to form a coalition to find other means to get a consistent supply of water going forward. Please go to Village website and check out the newest page “Water in Corrales” to start your education about water rights, https://www.corrales-nm.org/community/page/water-corrales. As the Village gets more information, it will be shared with the community here and on the website. Melanie Romero, our Village Clerk, has done an excellent job compiling the information we have received. Watch the video presentation by Mike Haman and Tessa Davidson from the Water Rights 101 meeting on the Village YouTube Channel, https://youtu.be/1hi1F_YN9V8.
The legislature is in session and the Village has a number of “asks” for projects that are ready to proceed, “shovel ready.” They include Coronado Road, repave and drainage; Reclining Acres, repave; and Chimaja, pave and drainage. Trosello Road realignment over the Acequia Madre is planned for completion before irrigation season begins. This has been a safety issue for those who live there for some time. There is a big ask, almost $2 million for the fire suppression line down Angel Road, before the Governor. This, when approved and then completed, will dramatically increase the fire department’s ability to get greater volumes of water on a fire quickly. A fire suppression line is being constructed down Andrews Lane behind the school to Dixon Road. From there it will go down Dixon Road to the Bosque providing our fire fighters with the resources they will need to protect the Village. There is additional piping being planned to connect the school water tower to the system along Corrales Road thus providing our elementary school with coverage. This work is being planned during Spring break so there will be less impact on traffic. Ready, Set, Go!
Wildfire destroys thousands of acres and threatens hundreds of homes across New Mexico each year. The Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) program helps residents be Ready with preparedness understanding, be Set with situational awareness when fire threatens, and to Go, acting early when a wildfire starts.
Being "Ready” for wildfire starts with maintaining an adequate defensible space around your home. Clear dry brush and vegetation away from the outside of your home starting in the 5-foot zone and working your way out to the 100–200-foot zone. Without this buffer, the fire will quickly spread through surrounding vegetation to your home. Consider fire resistant landscaping and hardening your home with fire-resistant building materials. Flying embers from a wildfire can destroy homes up to a mile away.
Prepare yourself and your home for the possibility of evacuation BEFORE wildfire arrives.
Follow these simple steps to get "set"
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Create a Wildfire Action Plan that includes evacuation planning for your home, family and pets;
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Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit for each person in your household;
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Fill out a Family Communication Plan that includes important evacuation and contact information;
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Stay informed by following local media, local fire alerts, and county emergency notifications.
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If there is an active wildfire in your area, be prepared before it's time to Go!
If time allows, review your Wildfire Action Plan and complete the Pre-Evacuation Preparation Steps in the RSG guide. Load your emergency supply kit and evacuation bags (including pet kits) into your vehicle and park facing the road for a quick exit. You don’t need to wait for an evacuation order. If you feel threatened, then evacuate early. When an evacuation order is issued, there is no time to waste. Ensure your bags and kit are in your vehicle, locate and load your pets, wear clothing that will protect you against heat and flying embers, and GO!
We have all seen how quickly fire can consume property, especially when there is wind.
HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE
Lea county has one case of Measles, which does not appear to be related to travel or to the cases in Texas. Please make sure children are up to date with vaccines. Influenza activity remains at very high levels in New Mexico and across most of the US it is high. The CDC reports that influenza activity is at the highest level since 2009. If you did not get a Flu vaccine this year, you still can. Vaccinations are the first line of defense to help prevent serious illness and death. Wearing a mask in crowds, washing hands frequently and using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available helps reduce risk as well. Roadrunner Food Bank will have free food distribution for persons in need Wednesday, February 19, from 2:00pm until 3:00 PM at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Academy Road in Corrales. If you need food but can’t pick up due to work, please call Deputy Chief Lattin at 505-702-4182 by 3 pm on Monday, February 17th so she can coordinate with a local volunteer to get the food box and get it to you.
UPCOMING EVENTS
TODAY – Lunch Bunch with Corrales MainStreet at Sandia Bar 12 PM
TODAY – Last day to turn in your “Rate Your Date” cards for the Blind date with a book at the library. The drawing for the winner will be held on Monday.
SATURDAY - Friendship bracelet youth craft event at the library 10 AM
SUNDAY – Corrales Historical Society Speaker Series presents “The Pueblo Revolt of 1680” by New Mexico Native American Jon Ghahate, 2 PM at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church. This event is FREE but seating is limited to 150 seats.
MONDAY – Village offices, including the library, will be CLOSED in observance of President’s Day
TUESDAY – Library Board meeting, Corrales Library 6 PM
WEDNESDAY – Story time at the library 10 AM
WEDNESDAY – Planning and Zoning Commission monthly meeting 6:30 PM council chambers, 4324 Corrales Road and on zoom. Check the Village website for the zoom link.
FRIDAY – Farmland Preservation and Agricultural Commission Meeting, Corrales Library, 9 AM
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2/22 CBAC wood removal event in the Corrales Bosque from 9-11AM at Andrews Lane and the levee
2/23 Community Emergency Preparedness Meeting, council chambers, 4324 Corrales Road and on zoom, 2 PM
2/24 Corrales Library Book Club, Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, 2:30 PM
2/26 Author Series at Corrales Library, Terry Novak, RN presents “4 Paths of Cancer” 3 PM This event is FREE and there will be a book signing following the event. To register to attend, please email sandra [at] corraleslibrary.org (sandra[at]corraleslibrary[dot]org).
!Viva Corrales! 2025 will be a month-long celebration with activities occurring each weekend for 4 weeks. It will kick-off Sunday, April 27, with events held at 500 Jones Rd.
Remember, we are all neighbors in the Village. We share this community, and we have to work together to assure its longevity and success. We are all more alike than different. Be kind, thoughtful, and considerate of your fellow Corraleños. Be courteous, drive the posted speed limit, and yield to equestrians, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Jim Fahey
Mayor of Corrales