Village Insider | Vol. XXIII | July 2023

Summer is now in full-swing, and it is awesome to see all of our summer visitors enjoying themselves in our community. There are many events going on throughout the summer that I hope everyone is able to take advantage ofwhether you are a visitor or a local. And if you want to just sit back and enjoy the view, there is no place better than Ruidoso!

I hope you got to get out and enjoy our 2nd Annual Party in the Pines over Father’s Day Weekend. There was great music and food, and the Ruidoso Midtown Association again did a great job with Brewdoso. The crew from Scorpion Tattoos continues to amaze me with the Ruidoso Tattoo Expo. They had another very successful event that brought over 100 tattoo artists to the Ruidoso Convention Center for three days of events and car shows. It is great to see events like this flourishing and bringing people in to discover what Ruidoso has to offer.

The Village is working on several projects this summer including a lot of needed road repairs. Crews from Cutler Paving recently patched Paradise Canyon, making repairs to last year’s pavement that has failed in some spots as a result of the rain that occurred during the initial project last year. When those repairs are complete, the focus will turn to patching Gavilan Canyon Road and then repaving Hull Road. Crews will then repave Reese Drive and Service Road.

We are fully aware that repairs such as these can cause disruptions, but just know that we have a plan and a schedule for getting them completed as quickly as possible and getting them done right. Your patience as we work to improve roads throughout the Village is much appreciated.

As always, don’t forget to tune-in to Mondays with the Mayor every Monday morning from 8-10 AM on 1490 AM KRUI – The Mountain. We talk about anything and everything in the Village. And we love to hear from members of the community, so please call or text us with questions.

Until next time, get outside and enjoy our beautiful summer weather, and be kind and courteous to your neighbors and visitors alike!

KEEP WILDLIFE WILD! KEEP WILDLIFE WILD!

Feeding wildlife is banned in the Village (bird feeders excluded)

Citations will be issued

$500 fine will be imposed

Mayor Lynn Crawford

Mayor Lynn Crawford

VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS

Recent Actions

At the June 13, 2023, Regular Council meeting of the Governing Body:

» Approved Agreement between the Village of Ruidoso and the Humane Society of Lincoln County for the Safe and Humane Control of Animals and the Protection of the Citizens of the Village of Ruidoso.

Ruidoso Village Council Members

» Rifle Salas - Mayor Pro Tem

» Susan Lutterman

» Joe Eby

» Gary Jackson

» Tim Coughlin

» Darren Hooker

» Approved a Contract Agreement by Datamark for the Re-Addressing Project in the amount of $250,840.00 including Gross Receipts Tax.

» Approved Resolution 2023-15, a Resolution Amending the Village of Ruidoso Municipal Code of Ordinances Appendix “A”, Fee Schedule Changing the Open Fire Pit Fee, from $200 per year to $50 per year.

» Approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security Fire Marshal’s Division and the Village of Ruidoso to Facilitate Accepting Responsibilities for Conducting Fire Inspections, Fire Plan Reviews, and Acceptance Testing on Fire Protection Features Within the Village’s Jurisdictional Boundaries.

» Approved a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Village of Ruidoso and the Ruidoso Midtown Association (RMA) for the Installation and Maintenance of a Commercial Electronic Variable Message Sign on Village Property, for the Purpose of Advertising RMA and other Community Events and Civic Organizations.

» Approved Resolution 2023-18, a Resolution of Commitment of Funding from NMDOT MAP Program for 2024 and Approval of NMDOT Municipal Arterial Program Agreement. Total Project Cost of $285,300 for Work on Country Club Dr.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Mechem Meadows Opens

Mechem Meadows is now open! On May 16, 2023, the Village celebrated the grand opening of Ruidoso’s first workforce housing development. Thanks to a collaboration between donors, such as FHLB Dallas, New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, and many others, the Village is thrilled to have this housing available to our community. More than one year after the tragedy of the McBride Fire, several families displaced by the fire are now calling Mechem Meadows home, as well as other citizens who qualify for this housing. For more information about leasing in Mechem Meadows, please contact Kylie at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 575-257-4011.

Fair Housing Coloring Contest Winner

The Village of Ruidoso Workforce Housing Board, in partnership with the Lincoln County Board of Realtors, held a Fair Housing Coloring contest open to children 12 years and under. With the primary purpose of sharing information on Fair Housing to the community, the coloring contest also encouraged children to illustrate the concept of equal housing opportunities for everyone.

Congratulations to the big winner, Olenna Rodriguez!

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Village Contracts with Datamark on Re-Addressing Project

During the June 13, 2023, Regular Council meeting, the Village of Ruidoso entered into a contract with DATAMARK. The contract scope of work includes developing a strategic plan to study the current conditions of the Village of Ruidoso’s Incorporated limits, developing and implementing a plan to re-address the Village, community engagement and outreach, and GIS data remediation services.

The scope of work will be completed in 3 phases within 36 months. DATAMARK understands the community’s needs and plans to provide property owners with all the tools necessary to make the address update successful. They will work with stakeholders to overcome obstacles affecting local businesses which may be impacted by the re-addressing project and, in turn, impact their licensure, permits, and daily operations. DATAMARK will work with local businesses and stakeholders from the Village to identify companies requiring updated address information and local, county, state, and federal agencies that provide licenses or permits for local businesses to operate. They will research the contacts for each agency along with processes and deadlines for submitting and verifying address changes.

The goal of this project is to enhance and improve the current E911 database and GIS system to further the public interest and protect the safety, health, and welfare of the people of Ruidoso by identifying areas of concern and confusion that can cause critical delays in first responder response times by updating and improving address and location data. DATAMARK will identify local address infrastructure issues and determine how to best understand the complexity of changes needed to move forward.

The team will capture public, private, and local data to build a technology roadmap aligning the needs for a more resilient E911 system to serve the community in critical situations better.

Fire Pit Ordinance

All fire pits/open flame devices require an inspection and annual permit. The yearly permit fee was recently reduced to $50 by the Village Council.

Violation of this ordinance is a $250 fine, so be sure to register yours today.

www.ruidoso-nm.gov

LEVEL 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS LEVEL 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS

• No smoking outside

• No camp fires

• No fireworks

• No charcoal (gas & pellets OK)

ALL PERMITS FOR RECREATIONAL BURNING DEVICES ARE VOID UNTIL A RETURN TO LEVEL I

PLEASE VISIT WWW.RUIDOSO-NM.GOV FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you hear the sirens, please turn your radio station to 102.3 immediately for further instructions.

HUMAN RESOURCES New Managers Hired

ERIC QUELLER, VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO EMERGENCY MANAGER

Eric Queller, newly appointed Village of Ruidoso Emergency Manager, relocated from Wichita Falls, Texas, where he served as an Emergency Management Specialist in the Office of Emergency Management. Graduating from Midwestern State University with a BA in Business Administration, he concentrated on nonprofit management. With seven years of emergency management experience, Eric deployed to numerous disasters across Texas, serving as an Assistant Public Information Officer. Eric lives in Ruidoso with his dog Baily, a three-year-old border collie with whom he enjoys hiking, camping, and visiting National Parks.

MICHAEL MARTINEZ, DEPUTY VILLAGE MANAGER

Michael Martinez began work as the Deputy Village Manager of the Village of Ruidoso on May 22. Originally from El Paso, Michael has been married for 16 years and has two children, Izaak (10) and Alexia (6). In his free time, Michael coaches his son’s baseball team. A few fun facts about Michael: he used to play water polo, and he completed a full Ironman race! Michael’s favorite vacations are cruises - he loves that they are all-inclusive, floating cities, providing everything for total relaxation! Michael looks forward to managing projects and obtaining funds for this community.

LIBRARY

Summer Reading Program and More

The Ruidoso Public Library’s summer reading program All Together Now is off to a roaring start! With a focus on fostering reading enjoyment, enrichment, and providing quality programs for the children of our community, this year’s theme reminds us that “it takes a village” to raise children to their highest potential. The library strongly believes that encouraging children to read supports reaching that potential.

With a successful, busy June behind in the rearview mirror, there are several programming options for July. Children’s storytime is on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM, with crafts, games, and special programs included. Don’t miss the programs for tweens and teens - check out the Events for Kids section of this newsletter for dates. Baby and Me Storytime is on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM. To round out the summer, there are a few other special music events planned in July. Sam Barlow and the Moneymakers will perform live on Tuesday, July 11 at 6 PM on the outdoor stage behind the library as part of the Summer Concert Series. The concert will move inside if there is inclimate weather.

July is also the Art of the Book Series month with special author guests. The first is author and artist Lynette Watkins on July 11 at 1 PM, followed by author and storyteller Nisha Hoffman on July 13 at 2 PM. More author events will be scheduled, so watch the library’s website and social media posts for more information!

Special not-to-miss activities include the following:

JULY 6:

• Creation of a Rube Goldberg Machine, a machine that relies on chain reactions to perform a simple task (e.g., mouse trap).

JULY 10:

• Assembly of the community quilt is at 2 PM

JULY 12:

• Wonders on Wheels Mobile Museum

JULY 13:

• The library hosts the Closing Dance Party from 10 AM - 2 PM, and top readers are announced with a drawing for prize raffle items.

Rube Goldberg machine

Summer EVENTS

Check out our line-up of great events for summer!

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 and kids.

Mondays:

• Design a Quilt Square for the Community Quilt (until July 10), Ruidoso Public Library

Tuesdays:

• Music Movement and Dance Together, Rarebird Workshop

Wednesdays:

• Kids’ Mindfulness and Creative Arts Class and Kids’ Creative Arts Playtime, Rarebird Workshop

• Corn Hole Tournament, Horton Gym

• FREE Movie Series, Allen Theaters

Thursdays:

• Open Mike Night, Downshift Riverside

Fridays:

• Youth Night, Rarebird Workshop

• Dave Millsap LIVE, Downshift Riverside

Saturdays:

• Teen Night, Rarebird Workshop

• Midtown Market, Country Club Lot

Sundays:

• Alto Farmers & Craft Market, Enchanted Vine Barn

ENJOY 3 DAYS OF ART AND WINE!

JULY 21-23

RUIDOSO CONVENTION CENTER

Friday 12pm to 6pm

Saturday 10am to 5pm

Sunday 11am to 5pm

JUNE 30 - JULY 1:

• ENMU Ruidoso AIM High Sporting Clay Competition, Inn of the Mountain Gods

JUNE 30 - JULY 2:

• 28th Annual Lincoln County Art Loop, Lincoln County

JULY 1:

• All American Tailgate and Drone Light Show, White Mountain Sports Complex;

• Red, White, and Run 5K Color Fun Run, Midtown Ruidoso

• Easton Corbin, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

• All American Concert, Spencer Theater

• Analyzing Billy the Kid Through Media, Lincoln Historic Site’s San Juan Church

• Independence Day Celebration, Enchanted Vine Barn

• Super Summer, High Mesa Healing Center

JULY 1 – 4:

• Mescalero Apache Ceremonial Dances and Rodeo, Mescalero Rodeo Grounds

JULY 4:

Star Spangled Celebration, Inn of the Mountain Gods

JULY 8:

Fort Stanton LIVE, Fort Stanton Historic Site

Vicki Lawrence and Mama, Spencer Theater

www.discoverruidoso.com/event-submission-form

C.W. Ayon and the Longhairs, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

Eli Young Band, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Desert Mind Live, Downshift’s Hidden Tap

JULY 11:

• Art of the Book series Lynette Watkins (1 PM), Ruidoso Writer’s Group Meeting (3 PM), and Sam Barlow and the Moneymakers Concert (6 PM), Ruidoso Public Library

JULY 13:

• Art of the Book series Nisha Hoffman (2 PM), Ruidoso Public Library

JULY 14:

• Eddie Irving and Classic Swing Band Dinner and Dance, Spencer Theater

JULY 15:

• Rainbow Weekend, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

• Summer Sip and Paint, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

• Pat Green, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

JULY 15-16:

• Lincoln After Dark, Historic Lincoln

JULY 19:

• Women’s Circle, High Mesa Healing Center

JULY 21:

• Dayne Pack and Brumley and Haile, Downshift Hidden Tap

JULY 21-22:

• Ruidoso Marathon, Half Marathon, Schlotzsky’s Bun Run 5K, and 1 Mile Kids Run

JULY 21-23:

• 52nd Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival, Convention Center

JULY 22:

• Hello Darlin’, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

• Randall King, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

• Ricky Nelson Remembered, Spencer Theater

• The Graham Brothers, No Scum Allowed Saloon

JULY 22-23:

• Zia Weekend, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

JULY 26:

• Ruidoso Writer’s Group Meeting, Ruidoso Public Library

JULY 27:

• Lincoln County Humane Society, Furr Ball 2023, Alto Golf and Country Club

JULY 28-30:

• Oso Production’s Red White and Tuna, Wingfield Park

JULY 29:

• WAR the Band, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

• Doug Stone, Spencer Theater

• 5 Year Anniversary Bash, Bonito Valley Brewing Company

JULY 30:

• Guided Tour of Mescalero and Three Rivers Mission Churches, St. Joseph Apache Mission

AUGUST 3:

• Alto Artist Tour Preview Party, Spencer Theater

AUGUST 4-6:

• Alto Artist Tour; Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days, Historic Lincoln

• Oso Production’s Red White and Tuna, Wingfield Park

AUGUST 5:

• Super Summer, High Mesa Healing Center

• Top of the World Carpenters Tribute, Spencer Theater

AUGUST 6:

• Pooch Party, Municipal Swimming Pool

AUGUST 12:

• The High Desert Playboys, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

• Little Texas, Spencer Theater

AUGUST 16:

• Women’s Circle, High Mesa Healing Center

AUGUST 18:

• SpiVEY Live, Downshift Hidden Tap

AUGUST 19:

• White Oaks Miner’s Day, White Oaks

• Croce Plays Croce, Spencer Theater

• Aces and Eights and The Graham Brothers Band, No Scum Allowed Saloon

AUGUST 22:

• Spencer Theater Rainmakers Tourney, Rainmakers Golf Course

AUGUST 24:

• Pure Prairie League, Spencer Theater

AUGUST 26:

• Grindstone Trail Runs, Grindstone Lake

• Justin Shandor Elvis Impersonator, Inn of the Mountain Gods

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

Solid Waste 575-257-1502

Street Works 575-257-6023

Regional Waste Water Treatment

Plant (RWWTP) 575-378-8417

Senior Center 575-257-4565

Water Distribution and Sewer Collections 575-257-2386

Water Production 575-257-5525

Water Rights/Watershed (RJU) 575-258-6913

www.Ruidoso-NM.gov

VILLAGE HALL: 575-258-4343

• Capital Projects and Purchasing

• Executive

• Finance

• Forestry

• Human Resources

• Planning and Zoning

• Utility Billing

JULY 4:

• LIBRARY CLOSED

JULY 5:

• Library Storytime and Activity: Boxitecs (10:30 AM)

JULY 6:

• Rube Goldberg Machine, Library (10:30 AM, 2 PM Teens and Tweens)

JULY 7:

• Library Game Day (1-3 PM)

JULY 10:

• Library Quilt Assembly (2 PM)

JULY 11:

• Library Baby and Me Storytime (10:30 AM)

JULY 10-14:

• Wilderness Summer Camp, Parks and Recreation

JULY 12:

• Wonders on Wheels Mobile Museum Visit, Ruidoso Library

JULY 13:

• Library Closing Dance Party and Raffle (10 AM – 2 PM)

JULY 14:

• Smokey’s Educational Garden Experience, Smokey’s Garden

JULY 17-21:

• Wilderness Summer Camp, Parks and Recreation

JULY 24-28:

• ENMU Kid’s College, ENMU Ruidoso

JULY 26:

• Movie Night “Lightyear,” Municipal Swimming Pool

JULY 28:

• MCT King Arthur’s Quest, Spencer Theater

JULY 30:

• Wibit Back to School Party, Grindstone Lake

AUGUST 5:

• Last Day, Municipal Swimming Pool

AUGUST 19:

• Smokey’s Garden Experience, Smokey’s Garden

RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION UPDATE From the Desk of Executive Director Kendra King

It’s a well-known fact that summertime in the mountains of New Mexico is the absolute BEST! With several thousand people attending Ruidoso’s Party in the Pines over Father’s Day Weekend, it seems that word has gotten out! We had social media influencers, musicians, locals, and tourists purchase tickets and support the concerts and our annual fundraiser, the Brewdoso Festival. Fifty vendors packed the park and live music by incredibly talented artists John Baumann, Shawn James, and Mike and the Moonpies led up to the headliner The White Buffalo on Saturday night. Sunday was a feel-good local’s day with some of Ruidoso’s finest talent including the Doso Dirtbags, Matt Palmer, comedian Jay McKittrick, Jhett Black, and Era Snow.

Thank you to everyone on RMA’s Board of Directors for volunteering their time. Without them, amazing events like this one wouldn’t be possible. Also, thank you to the VOR Lodgers’ Tax Board and the Parks & Recreation Department for their support of this event.

June was busy all month, beginning with the High Mountain Youth Project Bed Race, one of the best events in the district. Held annually to raise funds to support their efforts to provide a comprehensive safety net for youth to help them stay in school and graduate. You have to see this event to believe it! Teams of five race customized beds from the corner of Grindstone Road and Sudderth to Center Street, where they make the right turn and push their bed (including passenger) up to Wingfield Park. At the park, there is a celebration with lots of fun games and a green chile cook-off.

The RMA Board of Directors are reworking the organization’s Economic Transformation Strategies for the next fiscal year beginning in July. In order to do this, the board workshops together to figure out the best ways to benefit Ruidoso’s Midtown District. New Mexico MainStreet Organizational Specialist Eduardo Martinez will be here to facilitate our workshop. Some of our goals this next year will be pedestrian safety and new grant opportunities.

Please feel free to contact me or any board member. We are always happy to talk about the healthy growth of Midtown Ruidoso. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for current posts and updates.

Kendra King, Executive Director

575-973-0967 | director@RuidosoMidtownAssociation.com

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