Village Insider | Vol. VI | February 2022

Volume VI

Hello Ruidoso! This year is really moving on. Currently, Village staff and Council are working on master plans, budgeting and employee reviews. This is always a busy and stressful time. I hope that you saw the “State of the Village” report on January 24th. If you missed it, you can find it on the Village website or on the VOR YouTube channel. The Village is in great shape for 2022, and we see so many opportunities in our future, especially with all the funding possibilities available. Rest assured we are making our presence known in Santa Fe. This is the legislative session where Capital Outlay money is awarded, so we have provided our shovel-ready requests, and the lobbying has begun.

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February 2022

Mayor Lynn Crawford

So much progress has been made on the proposed workforce housing development on Mechem, and we appreciate all the support you have shown for this project. We realize our workforce pool is very shallow and that businesses are scrambling for workers. We have been working on solutions to ease this burden, and we realize that shortages in housing and childcare are major obstacles.

Soon the Village has the opportunity to become a “gig community.” We have issued a Request for Proposals from qualified companies to fulfill this task. This has been a task the Village and many local organizations have been working on for years, and it seems that the time has finally arrived. The work would take a year or so to complete, but just imagine the possibilities of what increased connectivity would mean. Fiber-based internet with lightening speeds for your home, businesses, and the addition of new home-based businesses.

I am so thankful for this wonderful community and the people in it. But if you’re like me, patience is in short supply. Sometimes I have to remind myself to look around and remember just how fortunate I am to have the people around me that I do, the view that I have, and the health to enjoy it. That’s a real attitude adjustment for sure.

Join me every Monday from 8-10 AM on KRUI 1490 radio for “Mondays with the Mayor” where we answer your questions, discuss current projects, and talk about upcoming events.

Until next time, enjoy Living in Nature’s Playground!

Mayor Lynn Crawford

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VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS Recent Actions

» Adopted Resolution 2022-02, a Resolution in Support of the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and to Protect the Economic Vitality of the Enterprise. » Approved the New Mexico State Library General Obligation Bond grant agreement awarded to the Ruidoso Public Library.

Ruidoso Village Council Members » Approved Ratification of Cooperative Project Agreement with the New Mexico Department of Transportation for Project Control Number RT20030 for the Construction Phase of the Links Trail Rehabilitation, in the Amount of $500,000.00. » Approved Agreement with White Sands Construction, Inc. through Cooperative Educational Services (CES) Contract #2020-09B-G1137-ALL for Community Center Interior Lighting, Acoustical Ceiling and Ceiling Insulation Replacement, in the Amount of $72,949.93, Including Gross Receipts Tax.

Rifle Salas – Mayor Pro Tem, Susan Lutterman, Dr. Gary Jackson, Tim Coughlin, Joe Eby, John Cornelius

» Approved Agreement with Advanced Tower Services, Inc., for Labor and Materials to Erect a New 190’ SelfSupporting Communication Tower at the Horton Complex, in the Amount of $168,034.75, Including Gross Receipts Tax. » Approved Award of IFB #2022-001B and Contract to Beartooth Water Jetting and Video Inspection, LLC. for Grindstone Canyon Dam Seepage Gallery Drain Cleaning/Restoration Project, in the Amount of $430,865.56, Including Gross Receipts Tax. » Approved Agreement with Pure Technologies U.S. Inc., d/b/a Wachs Water Services for Water Line Leak Detection Services. » Reappointed Tim Lewis and Leroy Smith to the Ruidoso Public Library Board. » Heard a presentation on proposed communication tower to be erected at the Horton Complex.

ON THE BALLOT:

The GO Bond For Improving the VOR Water

On the March 2022 ballot will be a question asking voters to authorize $3 million of General Obligation (GO) bonds. All registered voters who reside within the boundaries of the Village of Ruidoso limits may vote on the bond question. The question will read as follows:

Shall the Village of Ruidoso issue up to $3,000,000 of General Obligation bonds to be repaid from property taxes, for the purpose of enlarging, improving, and/or extending the production and distribution components of the Village’s water system.

Will the New Bonds Increase My Taxes?

Residents of Ruidoso WILL NOT see an increase in taxes with the continuation of the Water Infrastructure Improvement Bond Program. This program was designed to set the mill levy rate (property tax rate) to ensure continual approval of $3 million at each election. By getting voter approval on a GO Bond every two years, the Water Infrastructure Improvement Program can continue without increasing property taxes.

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ON THE

BALLOT

2022

NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2022 The New Mexico Legislative session started on January 18, 2022 and is a 30-day session this year. On January 6, 2022, the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) Director David Abby reported that State revenues are projected to increase be $886 million in FY23, reaching $1.59 billion in “new money.”

The LFC Director’s appropriation recommendation includes the following: » A one-time general fund disbursement » Other investments totaling over $2.4 billion, including full use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) state relief funds » About $180 million in public school reform funds Virtually, all of the special session spending of ARPA is contained in the LFC recommendation.

Major investments include almost $500 million in transportation upgrades, including major projects. » Almost $500 million in economic development related investment. » $115 million in water infrastructure upgrades. » $158 million in rural jobs, natural resources, and quality of life improvements. » $418 million to improve college completion and meet workforce needs for critical services, including behavioral health and education. » $74 million, plus anticipated federal matching funds, for costs related to COVID-19, including support for hospitals and nurse staffing assistance. » $420 million for other special appropriations.

With the State of New Mexico projecting the largest ever available revenues and recommendations for appropriations, the Village of Ruidoso has been preparing by increasing the Village’s ability to administer large projects. The Village has submitted seven Village Council-approved Legislative Capital Outlay Requests totaling $40.5 million: » Workforce Housing ($5,000,000) » Broadband Fiber Connectivity ($7,000,000) » E-911/Consolidated Dispatch ($3,500,000) » Water, Wastewater, and Roadway Improvements ($6,000,000) » Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Development ($5,000,000) » Sewer Infrastructure Construction Improvements ($12,000,000) » Bridge Replacement Construction ($2,000,000) The Capital Improvements planned by the Village of Ruidoso are quality of life initiatives aimed at improving the Village’s aging infrastructure, adding to the recreational assets and is a strategy in the efforts to speed-up our economic recovery.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

As we move into winter here are some upcoming events around town: February 2 Lincoln County Day Reception in Santa Fe February 4-6 Ice Skating at Wingfield Park

February 14 Valentine’s Day February 19-20 Vines in the Pines Wine and Art Festival

February 21 Presidents’ Day February 26 Ultimate Tribute to Rod Stewart at the Inn of the Mountain Gods

For more information visit DiscoverRuidoso.com

VOR 2022 STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION COMPLETE The Village of Ruidoso’s 2022 Strategic Planning Session took place on January 25-27, 2022. The process gives each Department Director an opportunity to present to the Mayor and Council their department’s accomplishments from last year and present their plan for the upcoming year. This establishes approved goals and objectives, an Implementation Plan, identifies responsible party, resources needed to complete, and a timeframe from start to finish for each goal and objective. After the Strategic Planning process, the document becomes the department’s approved Tactical Plan. The Tactical Plan becomes actionable and is incorporated into every employee’s Performance Evaluation.

Below is a list of some of the highlighted priority plans which were introduced: » Assist with the completion of the Utility Master Plans and Rate Analysis. Planning is currently underway and estimated completion is February 2023. » Complete the engineering on the remaining FEMA Bridge Projects and procure the construction. » The Department will be exploring a process of how to become a one-stop shop for developments including utility connection, street cuts, forestry compliance, building permits and short-term rental permits. » Expansion of the last mile of fiber to all homes in Ruidoso. » Implementation of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan. » Implementation of the Grindstone and Wingfield Master Plans. » Infrastructure improvements for the Midtown area. » Workforce development initiatives such as Workforce Housing and Child Day Care.

For a full list of the plans presented and approved by the Village of Ruidoso go to the Village of Ruidoso website at www.ruidoso-nm.gov.

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CHAMBER CHAT from Executive Director Deb Douds We continue to be busy at the Chamber and Visitor Centers. We are currently planning our Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in Santa Fe that is scheduled for February 2 at 5:30 PM at the Drury Plaza Hotel. Tickets to the reception are $40 in advance. We have invited all the New Mexico legislators as well as cabinet secretaries. We encourage all Chamber members and area businesses to join us in representing the voice of our community as this is your opportunity to speak directly with our legislators about your concerns.

In addition, we are planning the 2022 Vines in the Pines Wine Festival which will be held February 19-20 from 12:00-6:00 PM at the Ruidoso Convention Center. We will have New Mexico wineries present along with craft breweries, boutique vendors, arts and crafts, and food vendors. Advance tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.com for $20 for a one-day pass or $30 for a weekend pass.

Artist applications are now available at Zapplication.com for the 51st Annual Ruidoso Art Festival. This juried fine art show will be held July 22-24 at the Ruidoso Convention Center, and it brings artists and art lovers to Ruidoso from all over the country. The application will close April 8, 2022.

The visitor centers continue to be busy during the winter months. Even with the lack of snow, our visitors are enjoying ice skating at Wingfield Park, tubing at Ruidoso Winter Park, and are having fun at Ski Apache.

We are looking forward to another great year at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. Please stop in at the Chamber anytime to visit us. Our doors are always open!

RUIDOSO POLICE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES LOCAL YOUTH Shop with a Cop On December 18th, the Ruidoso Police Department hosted “Shop with a Cop” with assistance from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the New Mexico State Police. Ten youngsters from the Village were selected to participate in this special event which allowed them to have breakfast with an officer, drive to Walmart in a police unit where they purchased gifts for themselves and their families and then end the day with pizza and fun at Adventure Mountain with Miss Ruidoso Teen USA. What a great way to celebrate the holiday season by treating these kids to a day they will never forget!

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RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION UPDATE from Executive Director Kendra King We welcome the New Year of 2022! RMA is excited about the upcoming change of seasons. We have really enjoyed the ice skating rink that has been operating at Wingfield Park. A big shout-out to the Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department for hosting a special Locals Day on Wednesdays so that students in the Ruidoso Schools can take advantage of the ice rink on their early-out Wednesdays! Locals, students, and guests can ice skate for free from 1:00-5:00 PM every Wednesday through the first week of February.

We are excited to announce that Brewdoso, our signature beer and wine festival, will be back this year on Father’s Day

Pictured is the freshly remodeled showroom floor and display at Books Etc located at 2340 Sudderth. Their video is featured on the RMA Facebook page.

Weekend. We will take over Wingfield park with craft beer and wine vendors from all over the state, live entertainment and tons of other miscellaneous vendors.

A reminder that RMA is a non-profit organization with the targeted focus being the designated Midtown District. In the last newsletter, I touched on the mission behind our organization and I would like to continue and add to that information to build and strengthen the awareness of our purpose. We operate under the New Mexico MainStreet guidelines to maintain our state accreditation. In order to be an accredited program, we must follow the four-point ground up approach. The four-points are Economic Vitality, Promotions, Organization and Design. We make a specific effort to invest time and resources in each one of those areas to enrich our unique district diversity. We use that opportunity to host signature festivals and events in order to raise funds for supporting our efforts.

We are always looking for sponsors and volunteers. While our non-profit efforts are focused on the midtown district specifically, we aim to have a rock-solid foundation from the continued support of our community and its members. That is how we will continue to preserve and promote healthy growth of our community.

We will also bring back the Mountain Smoke BBQ Competition and Festival as well as continue to hold business mixers throughout the district.

If you are interested in being a vendor with our upcoming event schedule, please contact the organization directly or you can find more information on the RuidosoMainStreet.com website. The same information applies to anyone interested in becoming involved or volunteering. Please feel free to contact Kendra King the Executive Director for RMA (575-973-0967/kendraeking@gmail.com) or any board member directly with your ideas, questions or concerns. We appreciate any and all community involvement.

Follow the Ruidoso Midtown Association on Facebook for regular posts and updates.

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MAYORAL COMMENDATIONS The following individuals/companies received Mayoral Commendations from Mayor Lynn Crawford for going above and beyond. » Luther Light » Carrie Chavez » Marc Beatty » Shane Holder » Wally Murillo » Francisco Sanchez » Gabe Aguilar » Charles Remkes

» RHS Football Team & Coaches » Bella Bartz » Michael Morrow » Joshua Witt » Alice & Fallon Valasquez » Ronald Hall

Bella Bartz, daughter of VOR Executive Administrative Assistant Yvonne Bartz, was recognized as All State First Team, All District Player of the Year, All Star, Scholar Athlete and Middle Hitter Award after a phenomenal senior season in which the Tularosa Lady Wildcat volleyball team finished as the runners-up at the State Championship.

THE COMMUNITY CENTER More Grants, More Improvements & RSVP Recognition GRANT UPDATES: Community Center staff were able to obtain additional grants through the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Capital Outlay Department to upgrade the exercise equipment that is available to use free of charge for anyone in the public. The grant appropriation in the amount of $16,521 will be utilized in 2022 to ensure that equipment is upgraded for safer and more usage to the public.

RSVP RECOGNITION: The Village of Ruidoso’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) had its Christmas Appreciation Luncheon on December 10th to honor its volunteers. All volunteers were given station work shirts as a gift of appreciation. The night before, the VOR hosted a mixer for all of the volunteers who serve on boards and committees in the Village. Custom jackets were provided for all RSVP board members as a show of appreciation for all of their hard work.

In addition, a grant obtained through the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department in the amount of $73,000 has been obtained to upgrade the inner ceiling tiles, insulation, and lighting within the Community Center. The renovation of the old and outdated ceiling tiles and insulation will alleviate the possibility of any breathing problems within the center due to weathered material from the recently renovated leaking rooftop. The LED lighting that will be installed will allow for better lighting in all areas while providing energy savings for the Village.

RSVP volunteers spend thousands of hours each year providing services to many non-profit organizations in our community. In 2021 RSVP volunteers provided over 16,000 hours of volunteer service which had a value of $456,000 worth of savings to the non-profit organizations that are signed up under the Village of Ruidoso Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Anyone interested in becoming an RSVP Volunteer can contact Amber Word at AmberWord@ruidoso-nm.gov or call 575-257-4565.

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IMPORTANT MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2022 INFORMATION ABSENTEE VOTING » February 1 – February 25, 2022 » Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. » Village Hall » Office of the Municipal Clerk 313 Cree Meadows Drive Ruidoso, NM 88345 EARLY VOTING » February 1 – February 26, 2022 » Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. » Village Hall » Office of the Municipal Clerk 313 Cree Meadows Drive Ruidoso, NM 88345

ON THE

BALLOT

ELECTION DAY March 1, 2022 » Ruidoso Convention Center 111 Sierra Blanca Drive Ruidoso, NM 88345 » Voters in Consolidated Precincts 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 21, 24, 25, 29 » 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

2022

CERTIFIED CANDIDATES Mayor Candidates – One Position, Four-Year Term (Vote for 1) ο Lynn D. Crawford Councilor Candidates – Three Positions, Four-Year Term (Vote for 3) ο Gary L. Jackson ο Darren Hooker ο TJ Owen ο Stephen Lee Carter ο Timothy Michael Coughlin Municipal Judge Candidates – One Position, Two-Year Term (Vote for 1) ο Frank Potter