Happy Spring! I don’t know about you, but I love the longer days that come with this time of the year. Spring always signals a run-up to our busy summer season here in the mountains. We are looking forward to an event-filled season that will kick-off with a Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Midtown. Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, May 6th, and plan to join us in Midtown for live music, food, Folklorico dancers, and mariachis. It is going to be a lot of fun and will set the stage for a great summer!
The legislative session is winding down, and like most years, some bills that are important to us passed through both chambers while others did not. I am disappointed that SB 430 was unsuccessful. This bill, sponsored by Senator Bill Burt (R) and Senator Liz Stefanics (D), would have assisted those communities and individuals that were impacted by the McBride Fire last April. I would like to personally thank them for working on behalf of Lincoln County, Ruidoso Downs, and the Village of Ruidoso to try to provide assistance with our recovery efforts. Many don’t realize that although FEMA helps communities respond to wildfires, the money can often be slow to arrive. This is frustrating for victims, residents, and the municipalities involved, and it is why help in the form of this type of legislation is so important for recovery.
On a lighter note, I want to remind everyone that the Ruidoso Adventure Tours are back for an exciting third year! We have some cool prizes this year that include a Polaris Slingshot, a Kawasaki Utility OHV, an Altitude Powerplay Electric Mountain Bike, and the grand prize is a 2023 full-size Ford Bronco. As mayor, I am not able to enter to win, but man, those are some great prizes! Get out there and explore the Village and Lincoln County and maybe win a great prize while you are at it.
On a final note, remember to tune-in to KRUI 1490 AM The Mountain every Monday morning for Mondays with the Mayor from 8:00 – 10:00 AM. We talk about all the news you need to know, and we always welcome your calls, texts, and input if there is anything you want to talk about.
Until next time - remember to be a good neighbor, get involved in the community, and please be kind and respectful to the tourists that fill our town week after week. This is what Ruidoso is all about.
1 Volume XX · April 2023
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Mayor Lynn Crawford
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recent Actions
At the March 14, 2023, Regular Council meeting of the Governing Body:
» Approval of Ratification of Application for Law Enforcement Protection Funds (LEPF) with the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration Local Government Division for July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, Fiscal Year, in the Total Amount of $126,500.00.
Ruidoso Village Council Members
» Rifle Salas - Mayor Pro Tem
» Susan Lutterman
» Joe Eby
» Gary Jackson
» Tim Coughlin
» Darren Hooker
» Approval of Ratification of Grant Agreement 22-ZG1023-33 with the State of New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration Fund 62000 Regional Recreation Centers Quality of Life for a Pavilion at the Grindstone Disc Golf Course in the Amount of $72,327.00.
» Approval of Ratification of Grant Agreement 22-ZG1023-32 with the State of New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration Fund 62000 Regional Recreation Centers Quality of Life for Restrooms at the Eagle Creek Disc Golf Course in the Amount of $63,923.00.
» Approval of the Rules for the 2023 Ruidoso Adventure Tours Sweepstakes.
» Proclamation declaring March 29, 2023, as “National Vietnam War Veterans Day.”
» Presentation of Plaque to Alan Briley for his service to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
» Approval of Adoption of Resolution 2023-07, a Resolution Authorizing the Participation in the Transportation Project Fund Program Administered by the New Mexico Department of Transportation for Fiscal Year 2024, in the Amount of $2,000,000.00.
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LIBRARY
2nd Annual El Día de Los Niños/El Día de Los Libros
El Día de Los Niños/El Día de Los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), commonly known as Día, is a celebration of children, families, and reading that culminates annually on April 30. This celebration emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all ages, languages, and cultural backgrounds.
Día is a nationally recognized initiative linking children and their families to diverse books, languages and cultures. The common goals of all Día programming include:
» Celebrate children and connect them to the world of learning through books, stories and libraries.
» Nurture cognitive and literacy development in ways that honor and embrace a child’s home language and culture.
» Introduce families to community resources that provide opportunities for learning through multiple literacies.
» Recognize and respect culture, heritage, and language as powerful tools for strengthening families and communities.
Celebrated by libraries across the country on April 30, Ruidoso’s event will be on April 29, 2023, at Wingfield Park from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A story will be read for children every 30 minutes in English and/or Spanish. There will also be entertainment and food vendors to enjoy. The Ruidoso Public Library, Parks & Recreation, and the Sierra Blanca Book Share Project are collaborating on the event. A book exchange is scheduled during the event so please bring books for the adult and child book swaps!
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Legislative Bulletin from the NM Municipal League
The First Session of the 56th Legislature has ended, and it was a busy session for the New Mexico Municipal League, with several priority bills relating to public safety, airport funding, and revenue for roads. Overall, there were a number of positive outcomes for municipalities – including $55 million in airport funding, increased distributions to the local road fund, and an increase in the firefighter survivor benefit.
The next step is bill signing. The governor has until April 7 to sign, veto, or fail to sign (i.e., pocket veto) bills that she did not act on during the session.
Municipal League Priority Legislation
» Funding for statewide airports (originally in Senate Bill 104) was included in House Bill 2, the General Appropriation Act. We were pleased to see $55 million in general fund monies for airports in HB2 –the largest investment in statewide airports in the state’s history.
» We also pushed for an adjustment to the motor vehicle excise tax distribution (originally in Senate Bill 184). The omnibus tax bill, House Bill 547, increases the distribution of excise tax revenues to the transportation project fund (which provides funding for local road projects) from approximately 19 percent to 25 percent, generating an additional $18 million for the fund.
» SB250, increasing the firefighter survivor benefit from $250 thousand to $1 million, passed unanimously through several committees and both chambers. We were gratified to see strong support for aligning the firefighter survivor benefit with that of law enforcement officers.
» We supported $10 million for EMS services (Senate Bill 23) and $2.5 million for public safety radio network subscriber fees (Senate Bill 409). Neither bill made it even though both initiatives represented much-needed support for our public safety agencies. We will continue to advocate for increased funding for emergency medical services and other public safety needs.
Other Relevant Bills
» House Bill 547, the tax omnibus bill, passed with over 25 substantive tax code changes. The final version of the bill decreases the state GRT rate by one-eighth over four years, on top of a planned decrease passed last year. The decrease in state GRT does not impact municipalities, which will still receive the 1.225 local share of GRT.In a positive change for local governments, HB547 adjusts motor vehicle excise tax distributions, directing 25 percent to the transportation project beginning in FY26. The distribution to the state road fund is gradually increased to 75 percent by FY26. (Currently, approximately 60 percent of revenues go to the general fund, 22 percent to the state road fund, and 18 percent to the transportation project fund).
» House Bill 2, the General Appropriation Act, passed with a budget of $9.57 billion for FY24, representing a nearly 14 percent increase over the current fiscal year budget. As mentioned above, HB2 includes $55 million in general fund monies for airport projects statewide, a significant amount of money that we believe will support economic development and health and safety needs in our communities. HB2 also includes $100 million for law enforcement initiatives and $4 million in general fund monies for the firefighter survivor’s fund.
» The capital outlay bill – House Bill 505 – includes over $1.1 billion in general fund revenues for capital projects. Approximately $271 million is directed to local government projects, through the Local Government Division of the Department of Finance and Administration
» The “junior bill” (Senate Bill 192) includes $100 million in additional one-time appropriations. Approximately $21 million is for local projects.
» A substantive law enforcement bill – Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for Senate Bills 19 and 252 – passed. The bill includes provisions relating to use-of-force policies, peer intervention, and development of a database to track outcomes of misconduct investigations, among other changes.
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» Following reports prior to session that the Law Enforcement Protection Fund (LEPF) risked insolvency, legislators addressed the issue through Senate Bill 491, which directs 10 percent of health insurance premium tax revenue to the LEPF (currently health insurance premium tax revenues do not go to the LEPF). Statutory changes in SB491 direct an additional $22 million annually to the LEPF, ensuring solvency and continued distributions to law enforcement agencies.
» House Bill 345 passed, targeting firefighter recruitment. The bill creates a recruitment fund for municipal and county firefighters.
» House Bill 232 passed, amending statutes related to the Inspection of Public Records Act, and we believe the changes are much needed and long overdue. The updates will better protect individuals’ personal rights, as well as streamline administration of IPRA for municipal clerks and other employees.
» Senate Bill 368 also passed, providing exceptions to law enforcement body camera requirements. The bill provides that officers are not required to wear body cameras during undercover operations or explosive recovery and disposal operations.
» As in past years, return-to-work bills – notably Senate Bill 124 – failed to pass, facing stiff opposition from organized labor groups.
» House Bill 106, which passed the Legislature, raises the maximum amount of a pension benefit from 90 percent to 100 percent of an employee’s final average salary. The bill covers members of the Public Employees Retirement Association, including municipal members.
» House Bill 139, which eliminates post-adjudication fees for criminal and traffic cases, including in municipal courts, passed. The bill also includes provisions expanding the types of community service that can be applied in lieu of fees and increase the credit for community service and jail time in lieu of payment.
» Senate Bill 251 passed, amending the Metropolitan Redevelopment Code. SB251 allows a municipality or county to dedicate up to 75 percent of local option gross receipts tax, as applied to any increase in economic activity in the metropolitan redevelopment area (MRA).
» Proposals to raise the minimum wage to $16 per hour failed this year, with House Bill 28 making it through just one committee before languishing.
» Senate Bill 11, which proposed a new family and medical leave program, received plenty of debate during the session but was ultimately tabled in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
CAPITAL PROJECTS Workforce Housing Update
The Village is progressing with its strategic plan for workforce housing solutions to address the extreme supply shortage. Striving to ease the burden for renters, the Village is addressing unattainable housing costs in a market with few to no affordable homes for the average worker. The ongoing goal is to promote fair housing while focusing on our citizens’ ability to afford essentials like food, transportation, child care, transportation, and health card. To continue providing housing opportunities and reduce the shortfall, the Village is seeking grant opportunities, amending restrictive ordinances on multi-family development, and working with partners to promote various housing options.
Phase 4 of the Mechem Meadows housing development is well underway. Concrete foundations were set in preparation for front and rear wooden decks. Water, sewer, and electrical have all been connected. All fire hydrants are installed. Street light poles are being installed for safety. Final fine grading is being completed around the homes, and retaining walls are being placed. Looking ahead, the contractor will test the water and sewer systems before move-in day. A local company is completing signage design work for the entrance.
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WINGFIELD HOUSE HERITAGE CENTER Rehabilitation Update
The Wingfield House restoration project is moving rapidly through Phase 2. Interior work on the building nears completion, as well as all plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work. In addition, the interior walls are framed and sheet rocked in preparation for painting and finishes. Landscaping for the building is progressing as weather permits and should be completed by late spring or early summer 2023.
The Village of Ruidoso’s new curator Stephanie Bilbro has been working diligently on developing the initial permanent exhibit for the Heritage Center. Exhibit furniture and displays are currently being ordered and prepared for installation.
The new Village Cultural and Natural History Committee will work with the Wingfield House Heritage Center Manager and staff to recommend new programs, exhibits, and collection acquisitions to the governing body. The Village Council has also approved a Fine Arts Collection policy that will guide the acquisition of donated and loaned artifacts for use in the museum and elsewhere in the village.
All indicators point toward a summer 2023 opening!
FEMA
Sanitary Sewer System Repair and Rehabilitation
Phase III: Public Outreach Activities
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Phase III of the Sanitary Sewer System Repair and Rehabilitation Project began in October 2022. As a part of this project, the contractor, AUI, is providing information to the public regarding the construction schedule and location of work for each week.
To provide this weekly update and public service announcements regarding the work schedule, the Village created the following website: RuidosoSewerProject.com
AUI is also hosting weekly tailgate meetings on Tuesdays at 2:30 PM at Main Road Bridge #2, the Corner of Main Road and Fox Drive. The public can participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Please visit RuidosoSewerProject.com for the Zoom link.
All questions regarding the project can be directed to Patti Watson, 1-800-687-3417, pattiw@cwastrategic.com.
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Sewer line near Main Road to be rehabilitated and armored
RUIDOSO FIRE DEPARTMENT
Be Sure You are In-the-Know on Fire Pit Guidelines
There have been many questions recently about the use of fire pits within the Village limits. Here is a brief overview that will hopefully explain the guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact the Fire Marshal at 575-257-3473.
GAS BURNING DEVICES
(Any device that runs off of propane or natural gas, with the exception of a BBQ grill)
» Must be at least 15’ from any structure
» Must be surrounded by a 6-foot safety radius that contains no combustible materials including wooden or plastic decks
» If permanent, must be installed, inspected and pressure tested by professionals
» Must have an easily identifiable means to shut off fuel supply
» Must have sufficient water supply within 5’
» Must be permitted
OUTDOOR HEATING DEVICES
Patio LP Gas Devices (Patio Heating Tower)
» Must be commercially constructed, approved and used according to intended purpose only (UL, CSA, ANSI)
» Must be equipped with an anti-tilt safety switch
» Must be at least 18” from any combustible materials
» May require a permit if an open flame is present
OUTDOOR HEATING DEVICES
Electric Heating Devices (Ceramic Heaters, Industrial Heaters)
» Must be commercially constructed, approved and used according to intended purpose only
» Must be attached directly to a GFCI outlet (no extension cord or multioutlet power strip)
WOOD BURNING DEVICES
(Commercially-made Wood Burning Fire Pit)
» Fires must be contained in a commercially constructed and approved fire pit
» No open front
» No open chimney
» The fire in the bed of the containment device may not be more than 36” in diameter
» Must be surrounded by a 6-foot safety radius that contains no combustible materials including wooden or plastic decks
» Must be at least 15’ from any structure
» Must be completely covered by a metal screen with holes no larger than ¼”
» Must have sufficient water supply within 5’
» Must be immovable and non-portable
» Must be permitted
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:
» Permits cost $200 annually
» Inspections must be conducted by Fire chief, Fire Marshal or other designee
» Items that require a permit include ANY open flame not associated with cooking and any use of fire forbidden under current fire restriction
» It is NEVER advisable to have any outdoor flame with wind speeds more than 9 MPH due to the fact that Ruidoso is located in a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area
» Permi ts are suspended when the Village of Ruidoso reaches Level 2 or Level 3
Fire Restrictions
» Any person who violates the fire pit code shall be subject to a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of $500 and up to 90 days in jail
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Spring EVENTS
Check out our line-up of great events for spring!
Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for additional events and details.
WEEKLY COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR ADULTS & KIDS!
• Visit the Community Center tab on the Ruidoso-NM.gov for a complete list of daily events for adults.
• Visit The Rarebird Workshop at RarebirdWorkshop.com for a list of wonderfully creative activities for kids!
• Visit the Blue Lotus Day Spa website for a schedule of community yoga events.
APRIL 1:
• Ruidoso Academy of Ballet and Dance Tutu Trot, White Mountain Recreation Complex
• Aaron Mudi, Lost Hiker Brewery; The Hamiltons, Hidden Tap
APRIL 8:
• 4th Annual Bunny Run/Walk and Easter Egg Hunt, Cedar Creek Recreation Area
• SPiVEY, Hidden Tap
APRIL 15:
• N’Awlins Gumbo Kings Concert, Carrizozo
• Delaney Davis, Hidden Tap
APRIL 16:
• The Jungle Book, Spencer Theater
• Banjo Legends of Bluegrass, Flying J Ranch
• Great American Cleanup, Wingfield Park
APRIL 22:
• Ruidoso Rotary Duck Race, Two Rivers Park
• Poet’s Row, Lost Hiker Brewery
• Marie Manning, Hidden Tap
APRIL 29-30:
• Tularosa Wine and Art Festival, Tularosa
APRIL 30:
• Ronnie Milsap, Inn of the Mountain Gods
MAY 6:
• Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Midtown Ruidoso
MAY 6:
• Glow Disc Golf Tournament, Grindstone (kids 5:00-8:00 PM, adults 8:00–9:00 PM)
• Jade Throneberry, Lost Hiker Brewery
MAY 8:
• Cats, Spencer Theater
MAY 13:
• The Texas Tenors, Spencer Theater
MAY 20:
• Ride Ruidoso Spring Thunder, Wingfield Park
• Aspencash Motorcycle Rally, Ruidoso Convention Center
MAY 26:
• Opening Weekend, Ruidoso Downs Race Track
MAY 27:
• Delaney and Valorie, Lost Hiker Brewery
MAY 27-28:
• Ruidoso Municipal Pool and Wibit Water Park Opening Weekend
• Summer Lake Fees and Parking Fees
Submit Your Event
www.discoverruidoso.com/event-submission-form
APRIL:
• Swim Class Registration (Open Until Filled)
APRIL 5:
• Butterflies Storytime and Craft, Ruidoso Public Library
APRIL 12:
• Jazz Storytime & Music Creative Play Activity, Ruidoso Public Library
APRIL 15:
• Lifeguard Training begins (April 15-16, 22-23), Ruidoso Municipal Pool/ Parks & Recreation Office
APRIL 19:
• Earth Day Storytime and Craft and Earth Day Escape Room (ages 10+), Ruidoso Public Library
APRIL 29:
• El Dia de Los Ninos/El Dia de Los Libros, Wingfield Park
APRIL 30:
• Little League Sports Registration Opens; Kids Outdoors! Summer 2023 Activities, Lincoln National Forest Sam Tobias Campground
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE
Happy Spring! We cannot believe how fast these last few months have gone by. Thank you to everyone who came out for the Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in Santa Fe. We had a great turnout and love it when our locals use their voices! We would also like to thank those who attended our Vines in the Pines Festival at the Convention Center. It was a huge hit - getting better every year for locals and visitors alike.
The Chamber’s Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony will be on June 9th at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. We are currently accepting nominations for our Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year, and the Beautification Award. If you know someone deserving of these awards, we want to hear from you! Please reach out to us at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce.
If you are a member of the Chamber and would like to host a Business After Hours, we would love to set that up for you! Please reach out to us at (575) 257-7395. If you are not a member of the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce, please consider joining us. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and would love to share the benefits of joining. We are committed to making Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play. Our mission is to foster development, growth, and prosperity in Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Lincoln County, and the surrounding area.
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From the Desk of Executive Director Deborah Douds
DEPARTMENTS & PHONE NUMBERS
Airport 575-336-8111
Convention Center 575-258-5445
Judicial 575-257-9055
Library 575-258-3704
Parks & Recreation 575-257-5030
Police 575-258-7365
Fire 575-257-3473
Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant (RWWTP) 575-378-8417
Senior Center 575-257-4565
Solid Waste 575-257-1502
Street Works 575-257-6023
Water Distribution and Sewer Collections 575-257-2386
Water Production 575-257-5525
Water Rights/Watershed (RJU) 575-258-6913
What Changed?
VILLAGE HALL: 575-258-4343
• Capital Projects & Purchasing
• Executive
• Finance
• Forestry
• Human Resources
• Planning and Zoning
• Utility Billing
www.Ruidoso-NM.gov
The Village no longer requires licensing for pets. While vaccines are still required, licenses are not. All dogs and cats must be microchipped. For a limited time only, the Humane Society of Lincoln County is microchipping pets for $15. This offer ends April 30, 2023.
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RIDE R U IDOSO
S pring
Thunder
MAY 20, 2023
RIDE RUIDOSO SPRING THUNDER
SATURDAY, MAY 20TH, 2023, WINGFIELD PARK
BIKE SHOW
Champion Motorsports CAR SHOW Rusty Balls
BIKE RUN
Baatan Memorial
CONCERTS
Opening Ceremony with Honor Guard 3:00 pm
Metallica TributeKill EM All 3:30 pm
Ride Ruidoso Spring Thunder events will benefit the Community Foundation of Lincoln County Shelter Fund, Ruidoso Cops for Kids, and the Ruidoso Housing Trust Fund. Scan for tickets and more info
Motley Crue Tribute BandMotley Mayhem 5:30 pm
Molly Hatchet 7:30 pm
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Make sure your family is Ready, Set, Go!
PREPARING FOR THE FIRE THREAT: Be Ready, Be Firewise. Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildfire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe spot. Make sure all residents residing within the home are on the same page, and plan escape routes.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS WHEN A FIRE STARTS: Pack your vehicle with your emergency items. Stay aware of the latest news from local media and your local fire department for updated information on the fire.
ACT EARLY! Following your action plan not only makes you prepared, but helps firefighters best respond to a wildland fire, which strengthens your safety and theirs. Go!
Ready
Set
