Village Insider | Vol. XXIX | January 2024

Volume XXIX · January 2024

First things first - I want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with your friends and family.

As we kick-off 2024, let’s look at it as a time for reflection, gratitude, and anticipation. It is a time to celebrate the achievements of last year, learn from the challenges we had, and embrace new possibilities. Our beautiful village is known for its hospitality and community spirit, and it has continued to flourish Mayor Lynn Crawford as a mountain oasis for residents and visitors. I want to express my appreciation to our residents for your support, dedication, and commitment to making Ruidoso the best that it can be. I believe we are a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together.

In the coming year, we have many exciting plans and initiatives that will enhance our village’s appeal as a destination while always focusing on the needs of our residents. From infrastructure improvements to great events and promoting responsible tourism, we are all committed to creating a vibrant community for everyone. Let’s continue to support one another and cultivate a sense of belonging. Ruidoso’s success is built on a foundation of collaboration, and we need to always remember that.

I want to take a moment to recognize Sergeant Daniel Hildman from the Ruidoso Police Department. At our December 12, 2023, Village Council meeting, he was recognized as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the John D. Rider VFW Post 11999. He was nominated for the award due to his heroic efforts displayed during the McBride Fire in 2022. Congratulations Sergeant Hildman – you make this community proud!

As I always remind you, please tune in to 1490 KRUI – The Mountain every Monday morning from 8:00 – 10:00 AM for Mondays with the Mayor. If it is going on in Ruidoso, we are going to talk about it here…. and we welcome your input so give us a call or text during the show, and we will do our best to answer your questions.

Until next time, take good care and be kind and courteous to friends and visitors alike!

Lynn

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VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS Recent Actions

At the December 12, 2023, Regular Council Meeting, the Governing Body took the following actions: » Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Armstrong Consultants, a Lochner Company for Professional Engineering Services for Sierra Blanca Regional Airport awarded via Request for Proposals (RFP) #2024-002P.

Ruidoso Village Council Members » Rifle Salas - Mayor Pro Tem » Susan Lutterman » Joe Eby » Gary Jackson » Tim Coughlin » Darren Hooker

» Approval of EMS Fund Application for the Ruidoso Fire Department in the Amount of $24,350.00. » Approval of State Grants-In-Aid Agreement to Public Libraries for FY 2024 between the New Mexico State Library and the Village of Ruidoso Public Library in the amount of $10,352.38. » Approval of Purchase of a 520 Peterbilt Refuse Collection Truck for the Solid Waste Department in the Amount of $374,213.71. » Approval of the Wingfield Heritage House Museum Collection Management Policy and Code of Ethics.

RUIDOSO POLICE DEPARTMENT Shop with a Cop

On December 9, 2023, the Ruidoso Police Department hosted its third annual Cops for Kids event in partnership with the Ruidoso Municipal School District and Santa’s Helpers. The event was an absolute success, with 20 kids participating in a shopping spree. Thanks to the funds collected during the event, the department assisted 58 more kids who received presents delivered by local Law Enforcement on December 15, 2023.

The event started with the kids’ arrival at the Ruidoso Police Department. They were treated to a delicious breakfast provided by McDonald’s before being paired with a Police Officer. With lights and sirens blaring, the kids were transported to Walmart to begin their shopping experience. After shopping, the event concluded with bowling and a pizza party donated by the Ruidoso Bowling Alley.

This is always the best event of the year. It allows us to continue our mission of supporting our kids today who are the leaders of tomorrow.

Lawrence Chavez, RPD Chief

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VILLAGE MANAGER’S OFFICE

Mayor Crawford to Begin Term as Municipal League President In January 2024

Mayor Lynn Crawford became the President of the New Mexico Municipal League on January 1, serving until October 2025. Mayor Crawford previously held positions as Vice President and Treasurer. He is also a member of the League’s strategic planning committee, tasked with developing a comprehensive three-year plan for the organization. Furthermore, Mayor Crawford has been active in the League’s policy process, helping to set legislative priorities and advocating for municipal interests in the state legislature.

“Mayor Crawford brings many years of experience in League leadership roles, as well as deep knowledge of municipal issues and challenges. I know League members and staff will benefit from the Mayor’s institutional knowledge and insights, especially as we head into the 2024 legislative session,” says Municipal League Executive Director AJ Forte.

NM Municipal League Board

In his role as League President, Mayor Crawford will preside at League meetings, appoint League committees, provide guidance to League staff on legislative issues, and guide the development of annual conference programming, among other duties. In addition to Mayor Crawford, the League’s Executive Committee includes Mayor Gregg Hull of Rio Rancho as Vice President, Mayor Jack Torres of Bernalillo as Treasurer, and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Miller of Portales as Immediate Past President.

The New Mexico Municipal League consists of all 106 New Mexico municipalities and provides a unified voice for municipal interests through legislative advocacy, training and education, collaboration and networking, and other services and resources for municipally elected officials and staff.

The Municipal League board and staff congratulate Mayor Crawford on his new role!

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ELECTION INFORMATION

Municipal Election to be Held March 5, 2024

The Village of Ruidoso 2024 Municipal Officers Election will take place on March 5, 2024.

At the election, voters will elect: » Three (3) Council members to serve a four (4) year term; » One (1) Council member to serve a two (2) year term; and » A Municipal Judge to serve a four (4) year term.

Terms of office begin on April 1, 2024 There will be one question on the Ballot: Shall the Village of Ruidoso issue up to $3,000,000.00 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.

Important dates to remember: Tuesday, January 9, 2024: Candidate Filing Day. Please note, to file a Declaration of Candidacy, you must be registered to vote on or before December 6, 2023.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024: Write-In Candidate Filing Day Tuesday, February 6, 2024: Early Voting begins at the Clerk’s Office located at 313 Cree Meadows Drive between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM during business hours. This is also the first day for Absentee Ballots.

Saturday, March 2, 2024: Last day of early voting at the Clerk’s Office from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Tuesday, March 5, 2024: ELECTION DAY! Voting will be held at the Ruidoso Convention Center located at 111 Sierra Blanca Drive from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Last day to register to vote is on Election Day, March 5, 2024, from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM at the Ruidoso Convention Center.

For questions regarding the Municipal Officer Election, contact: Jini S. Turri Village Clerk 313 Cree Meadows Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345 (575) 258-4343 Ext. 1007 jiniturri@ruidoso-nm.gov

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 2024 INFORMATION

Capital Outlay: New Mexico 2024 Legislative Session Priorities

New Mexico Legislature 2023: 2023 Legislative Capital Outlay The 2023 Legislative Capital Outlay listing of funded projects for the Village of Ruidoso is below. The ICIP projects received the Governor’s final approval on April 7, 2023. » Workforce Housing: $980,000 – Grant Agreement executed. » E911 Consolidated Dispatch Center: $3,500,000 – Grant Agreement executed. » Update the 911 Emergency System for Rural Addressing: $95,000 » Senate Bill “Junior Bill” » $100,000 for the Mentoring of Youth at an Overnight Shelter New Mexico 2024 Legislative Session Priorities New Mexico Legislature 2024: Legislative Capital Outlay Requests As approved by the Village Council in the ICIP, the Village has submitted a total of six (6) Capital Outlay request forms for project funding consideration. The list of funding requests includes: » Workforce Housing ($1,000,000) » Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Development ($1,500,000) » Main Road 2 Bridge Replacement Construction ($2,000,000) » McDaniel Bridge Replacement Construction ($2,000,000) » Fire & Watershed Improvements ($500,000) » Street & Drainage Improvement ($750,000)

New Mexico Capitol Building

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DEPARTMENTS & PHONE NUMBERS VILLAGE HALL: 575-258-4343

Airport 575-336-8111 Convention Center 575-258-5445

• Capital Projects & Purchasing

Judicial 575-257-9055 Library 575-258-3704

• Executive

Parks & Recreation 575-257-5030

• Finance • Forestry

Police 575-258-7365

• Human Resources

Fire 575-257-3473 Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant (RWWTP) 575-378-8417

• Planning and Zoning

Senior/Community Center 575-257-4565

• Utility Billing

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

www.Ruidoso-NM.gov

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Addressing Update

The E-911 Readdressing Project is currently in the development phase, with Datamark assigned the responsibility of conducting a comprehensive data evaluation. The outcomes of this assessment will be presented at the regular Village Council meeting on January 9, 2024. Once the Council’s strategic plan receives approval, the project will proceed to the next stage, which involves community outreach.

KEEP WILDLIFE WILD! Feeding wildlife is banned in the Village (bird feeders excluded) Citations will be issued $500 fine will be imposed

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FINANCE

Financial Stability of the Village

The Village keeps a close eye on its revenue sources during the fiscal year to evaluate if the items that were cut from the initial budget can be added again, or if the budgeted expenditures need to be reduced or postponed. As the Village has completed five months of FY24, the revenue received should be around 42%.

In years past, Ruidoso tourist season would span the summer months. Now, the tourist season in Ruidoso extends all year due to the addition of events and maximized tourism advertising. A snapshot of the actual revenue receipts received compared to the budget indicates that all segments meet or exceed the base percentage except for Intergovernmental. This segment includes reimbursement-based grants, where the Village expends funds and then applies to the funding agency for reimbursement. As the fiscal year progresses, the percentage of this segment will rise with the reimbursement received. Also, the segment records the portion of GRT that the state reverts to the Village through State Shared Taxes. The Village’s financial position is strong, and projections indicate that it will exceed the budget and continue to build cash reserves as the fiscal year progresses.

FY 2024 Budget

YTD 11/30/23

% Received

Taxes

$20,157,072

$9,476,092

47.01%

Intergovernmental

$33,049,543

$11,691,597

35.38%

Licenses and Permits

$522,000

$251,709

48.22%

Charges for Services

$13,350,808

$5,635,396

42.21%

$350,000

$329,518

94.15%

$4,946,400

$2,049,415

41.43%

Interest Miscellaneous

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Winter EVENTS Check out our line-up of great events for winter!

Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for additional events and details.

FEBRUARY 7: • Lincoln County Day Reception, Drury Plaza Hotel, Santa Fe FEBRUARY 23: • Ginuwine, Inn of the Mountain Gods

Check for Daily Events

WEDNESDAYS: • Storytime (10:30AM), Ruidoso Public Library

Ruidoso-NM.gov/Community-Center

JANUARY 18: • Elementary Program (3PM), Ruidoso Public Library

THURSDAYS: • Veteran’s Coffee and Company, 615 Sudderth Drive, Suite 1

JANUARY 24: • Tween/Teen Program (3PM), Ruidoso Public Library

JANUARY 8: • Ruidoso Municipal School District Classes Begin JANUARY 9: • “Managing Grief and Loneliness After the Holidays,” The Faithful Fern JANUARY 9: • Ruidoso Writer’s Group, Ruidoso Public Library JANUARY 14: • Last Day to Cast Vote for Christmas Lights Home Tour Challenge JANUARY 16: • ENMU Semester Begins JANUARY 20: • Rockabilly Strangers, Lost Hiker Brewery JANUARY 23: • Ruidoso Writer’s Group, Ruidoso Public Library JANUARY 25: • Full Moon Community Sound Bath, Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga JANUARY 26-28: • Yoga Immersion, Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga

Submit Your Event

JANUARY 27: • Luis Angel “El Flaco,” Inn of the Mountain Gods JANUARY 29: • Community Meal, ENMU Ruidoso

www.discoverruidoso.com/event-submission-form

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holiday party

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fireplace Safety Tips

Gathering around a fireplace with friends and family as a log crackles is the perfect way to create a festive winter atmosphere. Of course, playing with or near fire is dangerous, so please remember these tips from the AAP before you light your hearth. » If possible, keep a window cracked while the fire is burning. » Make sure the damper or flue is open before starting a fire.

Keeping the damper or flue open until the fire is out will draw smoke out of the house.

The damper can be checked by looking up into the chimney with a flashlight or mirror.

Do not close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.

Winter Fire Safety Tips

MoreWet fires happen incauses the winter months than anytoother time of the ye » Use dry and well-aged wood. or green wood more smoke and contributes soot buildup in the chimney. Dried wood burnsthe withcold less smoke and more evenly. more time indoors and use differ During months, we spend methods to heat homes. » Smaller pieces of wood placed on a grate burnour faster and produce less smoke.

» Clean out ashes from previous fires. Levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be one inch or less.

It is important keepresulting fire safety in mind when you are heating your home.

A thicker layer of ash restricts air supply to to logs, in more smoke. » Have your chimney checked annually by a professional.

If you are using a portable heater:

» Even if the chimney is not due for cleaning, check for animal nests or other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping.  Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off so if it tips over, it shuts off.

 Keep anything can burn such bedding, clothing and curtains at least 3 feet f » Minimize your child’s chance of burns fromthat hot glass on glass-front fireplaces, including gas fireplaces.

Safety screens can be installed to reduce the risk of burns. the heater.

 Plug portableisheaters outlets. Never use an extension » Make sure the area around the fireplace clear of directly anythinginto thatwall is potentially flammable (i.e. furniture,cord or p drapes, newspapers, books, etc.).

If these items are too close to the fireplace, they can catch fire. strip.

Turn heaters off when you goit to bed or leave the room. » Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended.

Make sure is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. If you leave the room while the fire is burning or the fireplace is still hot, take your small child with you.

If you are using a fireplace:

» Place fireplace tools and accessories out of a young child’s reach. Also, remove any lighters and matches.  Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or spark

frommonoxide jumping detectors. out and starting a fire. » Install both smoke and carbon Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.  Do not burn paper in your fireplace. » Keep a fire extinguisher onBefore hand. you go to sleep or leave your home put the fire out completely.  Put ashes in a metal container with a lid. Store the container outside at least 3 f » Talk with children as early as possible about the dangers of fires and the heat coming from them.

from your home.

If you are using a wood stove:    

Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.

Keep anything that can 10 burn at least 3 feet from the stove.

Do not burn paper in your wood stove.

Before you go to sleep or leave your home, put the fire out completely.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Update from Executive Director Deborah Douds

The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce had a great 2023, and we are looking forward to 2024! Opening day for the 2024 Legislative Session is on January 16. This 30-day session will be fast and furious, with most of the time spent on budget issues.

I am part of the New Mexico Chamber Association (NMCA), which consists of chambers of commerce from all over the state. The NMCA and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce closely follow new legislation and stay informed on critical issues at the legislature. Please join the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce for our Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in Santa Fe on February 7 at the Drury Plaza Hotel. This reception gives our chamber members and residents of Lincoln County the opportunity to represent our community in Santa Fe. All state legislators and cabinet department secretaries are invited to the reception. Last year, there were approximately forty legislators, cabinet secretaries and staff, and local government representatives in attendance. This is your opportunity to speak one-on-one with state decision-makers in Santa Fe. Please consider attending the reception! This is one of the most important benefits we offer our members and residents.

Tickets are just $50 per person. If you would like to attend, please contact us at the Chamber at 575-257-7395. If you cannot attend this reception but have issues or questions you would like us to bring to Santa Fe, please reach out to me at the Chamber.

The Village of Ruidoso has a municipal election coming up on March 5. At the election, voters will elect three council members to serve a four-year term, one council member to serve a two-year term, and a municipal judge to serve a four-year term. The Chamber will be working on hosting a candidate forum for this election.

Please stay tuned for information on the date, time, and location. And don’t forget to vote on March 5!

On December 2, we held the Festival of Lights Parade in Midtown Ruidoso. It was great parade with so many wonderful floats that it made it difficult for our judges to decide on a winner! » 1st Place: City of Ruidoso Downs. » 2nd Place: Ruidoso Animal Clinic » Best Original Design: Santa Fe Furniture » Best Holiday Spirit: Canyon Hideaway & Escape » Honorable Mention: J.O. Quality Services Congratulations to everyone that participated in the parade. I would also like to thank the Ruidoso Police Department and the Ruidoso Fire Department for their assistance with the parade. They do a great job, and their help is invaluable.

It is a pleasure to serve as the Executive Director/CEO for the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce. We are looking forward to a great 2024 and to continue to make Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play.

Happy New Year!

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313 Cree Meadows Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345