Village Insider | Vol. XIX | March 2023

It is amazing to realize that it is already March – where is 2023 going so fast? In February, we spent a lot of time in Santa Fe at the State Capitol visiting the legislature during their 60-day session and attending Lincoln County Day. The Chamber did a great job with the reception as they always do, and many Senators and Representatives were able to join us this year, so we thank them for that as we know their calendars while they are in Santa Fe are always full.

With a month left to go in the session, many bills have been brought to the floor and debated that will have direct effects on the Village of Ruidoso. Senate Bill 104 that is being sponsored by Senator Munoz would appropriate $314M across the state for airport improvements. Currently, Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (SBRA) is slated to receive approximately $9M of that. There are many airports in New Mexico that need upgrades done to their facilities and runways, including SBRA. I am a firm believer that it is crucial for airport facilities to provide visitors with a positive first impression as they serve as the front door to a community for so many. I know that this is certainly true for our airport. The passage of this bill will go a long way towards allowing us to achieve that at SBRA while continuing to provide quality customer service as we always have.

We were disappointed to see that the McBride Fire was left out of Senate Bill 6 that was sponsored by Senator Campos. This bill appropriates money for zero-interest loans for those affected by fires. The bill ended up passing unanimously in the Senate, but it is earmarked for only those affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in northern New Mexico due to the fact that it was started by a USFS controlled burn. We are currently waiting for a separate bill that focuses on those affected by the McBride Fire to be brought by Senator Bill Burt and Senator Liz Stefanics.

And speaking of fires…. wildfire season will be here quickly. We have included information in this newsletter about creating defensible space around your home to help avoid catastrophic damage during a fire event. Please take the time to read it, and make sure that your home is as secure as possible. If you have any questions about creating defensible space, call our Forestry Department, and they can help.

Also please make sure you are signed up and registered to receive reverse-911 calls from the Call Me Ruidoso alert system. This is not automatic if you have a phone number – you must register your phone number at CallMeRuidoso.com in order to receive these calls. If you live outside the Village limits, you must sign-up on their website to receive CodeRED Alert messages.

In closing, please remember to tune-in to 1490 KRUI – The Mountain every Monday morning from 8:0010:00 AM. We work hard to bring you “the news you use” during this program, and we always love to hear from you so call or text your questions, and we will get them answered!

Until next time, please remember to get involved with your community and be kind to our residents and visitors alike.

Mayor Lynn Crawford

Mayor Lynn Crawford

VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS

Recent Actions

At the February 14, 2023, Regular Council meeting, the Governing Body:

» Approved of Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the Village of Ruidoso and the County of Lincoln as the Administrative Authority for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Prevention Enforcement Activities and Reimbursement of Costs Increasing the Amount to $6,000.

Ruidoso Village Council Members

» Rifle Salas - Mayor Pro Tem

» Susan Lutterman

» Joe Eby

» Gary Jackson

» Tim Coughlin

» Darren Hooker

» Adopted Resolution 2023-03, a Resolution Amending Personnel Policy Chapters 13-17, Glossary of Terms.

» Adopted Resolution 2023-04, a Resolution of Support and Commitment to the Funding of the 2023-2024 NMDOT COOP Funding Program in the amount of $304,848.00.

» Adopted Resolution 2023-05, a Resolution in Support and Commitment to the Funding of the 20232024 New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) MAP Funding Program in the amount of $285,300.00.

» Approved Lease Agreement between the Village of Ruidoso and Zia Therapy Center-Z Trans, in the amount of $3,600 Per Year; and Update on Village of Ruidoso Transportation Services.

» Approved Memorandum of Understanding Between the Village of Ruidoso and Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch Community College Regarding the Partnership to Deliver Certificate and Degree Programs.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Municipal League Priority Legislation as of

February 15

Senate Bill 104 (Senator Munoz), providing $314 million in funding for airport improvement projects statewide, received a unanimous “do pass” recommendation last week in the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee. The committee voted to pass a committee substitute version of the bill (which increased the total funding by approximately $5 million and also made the funds available in FY23 instead of FY24). The bill goes next to the Senate Finance Committee.

Senate Bill 23 (Senator Campos), which increases EMS funding for statewide emergency services from approximately $2.9 million to $12.9 million, passed unanimously in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee. The bill goes next to the Senate Finance Committee.

Senate Bill 184 (Senators Kernan and Gonzales), directing approximately $140 million annually to state and local road funds, awaits a hearing in STBTC.

Senate Bill 250 (Senator Burt), which increases the firefighter survivors’ benefit to $1 million, is awaiting a hearing in SHPAC. We anticipate seeing another of our priority bills filed in the next day or two. Senator Burt is sponsoring a bill supporting public safety agencies’ implementation of the statewide public safety radio network through an appropriation to the Department of Information Technology to cover agencies’ subscriber fees. The network provides reliable, statewide interoperability for public safety agencies, but subscriber fees are a barrier to widespread adoption.

Other Relevant Legislation

Several bills address public employee “return-to-work” provisions, pension benefits, or in some cases, both. The League has been meeting with legislators and other stakeholders to advocate for a return-to-work bill that is effective and targeted to the positions that municipalities most often struggle to hire. For example, we hope to see a “time-out” period of no more than 90 days, so that retired law enforcement returning to work do not lose their certifications. We are also supportive of a five-year return period, rather than a threeyear return period, which may be too short. At the same time, lawmakers are cautious about provisions in some bills (Senate Bill 124, Senate Bill 106, House Bill 227) that increase maximum pension payments from 90% to 100% of final salary. Many believe more actuarial analysis is necessary, as increasing benefits to 100% of final salary could jeopardize fund solvency and require future increases in employer and employee contributions. New Mexico already has among the most generous public retirement benefits in the country.

Senate Joint Resolution 6 (Senator Sedillo-Lopez) and House Joint Resolution 4 (Representative Ferrary) both propose amending the New Mexico Constitution to add a section in Article II enshrining certain environmental rights – a so-called “Green Amendment.” Like last year, there are concerns with the broad and ambiguous language of the proposed amendment, which some believe could subject local permitting and other decision-making to increased litigation, including frivolous or exploitative litigation. For example, permitting for housing developments could be at risk if opponents claim development has a negative impact on flora, fauna, or other ecosystems.

Senate Bill 6 (Senator Campos), which appropriates $100 million for zero-interest loans to communities affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, passed unanimously in the Senate.

Senate Bill 1 (Senator Wirth) also passed unanimously in the Senate. SB1 enacts the Regional Water System Resiliency Act, creating a legal framework for the creation of regional water utility authorities. The Act allows small water systems to consolidate, potentially leading to greater efficiencies and lower costs.

Key legislative session dates:

Session ends (noon): March 18

Legislation not acted upon by the governor is pocket vetoed: April 7

Legislators can be reached by name through the legislative switchboard: (505)-986-4300 in Santa Fe. The Legislature’s website (www.nmlegis.gov) also contains legislator’s email addresses.

PARKS AND RECREATION Event Season Gets Underway

Ruidoso’s Team Tourism is gearing up for another busy event season! Last year saw several new events hosted throughout the Village. This year, the goal is to capitalize on those successful events and go even bigger and better.

On March 11-12, the second annual Ruidoso Outdoor Expo kicks off the spring/summer event calendar. Held at the Ruidoso Convention Center, this event showcases many of the amazing outdoor recreational activities available to residents and visitors around the Ruidoso area. Bringing together vendors, non-profits, and others who support the outdoor recreational community and economy in Lincoln County, the event will also mark the launch of the 2023 Ruidoso Adventure Tour Sweepstakes, offering more than $100,000 worth of prizes that will be awarded to participants.

Following the Outdoor Expo, the Village of Ruidoso will continue its event season with two concerts in May. On May 6, Ruidoso Midtown will be alive with music and dancing to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Musical acts will play throughout the district, with main stage performances at the Country Club lot at the corner of Sudderth and Country Club Drive.

Next up will be the first annual Ride Ruidoso Spring Thunder concert on May 20 with headliner, Molly Hatchet. In support of the annual AspenCash Motorcycle Rally, Ride Ruidoso Spring Thunder will include live music, a car and motorcycle show, a benefit run, merchant vendors, food vendors, beer/wine vendors, and more. The event is a fundraiser for many local organizations, including the Community Foundation of Lincoln County Shelter Fund, Shop with a Cop, and the Ruidoso Housing Trust Fund.

Stay tuned for more information about upcoming events as they get added to the calendar!

bestof Ruidoso

Best Family Attraction:

» Pillow’s Funtrackers

Best Brewery:

» Downshift Brewing Company

Best Trail:

» Cedar Creek

Best Winery:

» Noisy Water Winery

Best Outdoor Patio:

» Win Place and Show

Best Breakfast Spot:

» Tina’s Cafe

Best Scenic Viewpoint:

» Monjeau Lookout Tower

Best Coffee Shop:

» Zocca Coffee

CAPITAL PROJECTS

BEST OF RUIDOSO WINNERS

Best Camping Area:

» Bonito Lake

Best Bakery:

» Cornerstone Bakery

Best for Relaxation:

» Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga

Best Mexican Food:

» Jorge’s Cafe

Best Shop:

» Roots

Best Dessert:

» The Village Buttery

Best Bar:

» Win Place and Show

Best Pizza:

» Cafe Rio

Best Cannabis Store:

» Z’s Bud Store

» The Greenery Room

Mechem Meadows Housing Update

Progress is being made at Mechem Meadows, Ruidoso’s first workforce housing development! All necessary utilities including water, electricity, and sewage, have been installed in the homes. In addition, all foundations and groundwork are complete. As of January 9, all homes have been installed.

Best Burger:

» Hall of Flame Burgers

Best Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Area:

» Grindstone Lake

Best Steak:

» Texas Club

Best Fishing:

» Grindstone Lake

Best Outdoor Activity:

» Hiking

Best Cafe:

» Alto Cafe

Best Nightlife:

» Win Place and Show

Best Entertainment Venue:

» Win Place and Show

With the homes now successfully placed on their foundations, work on the interior and exterior finishes has begun. Because we are in the winter months, dealing with below-freezing temperatures, the home contractor has coordinated with PNM to expedite the energy hook up so that interior work can continue. The exterior painting and repair work requires above-freezing temperatures to complete. Remaining interior and exterior work includes installing skirting, air conditioners, decks, door awnings, painting and general repair work.

This project has experienced a total of 73 rain and snow days. This does not include the days the site was overly muddy after rain or snow events. Construction crews are working efficiently, even with weather delays.

Decks and awnings for the homes have been approved by the Mayor and Council, which marks the fourth and final phase of the project. The contractor installing the awnings and decks was on-site Monday, February 6, and has started this installation process.

Capital Projects is working diligently to complete these homes. The Village will be working with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services to begin the move-in and management process as the homes are complete.

Mechem Meadows Homes

HUMAN RESOURCES

New Directors Spotlight

RON SENA, VILLAGE MANAGER

Ronald Sena has been appointed as the new Village Manager for Ruidoso. Ron has served as the Deputy Village Manager since April 2013. He also served as the Municipal Clerk for the Village of Ruidoso from January 2021-August 2022.

Ron began his career as Chief Deputy Clerk for De Baca County, where he managed budgets, payroll, accounts payable, DFA quarterly reports, audits, and the De Baca County DWI Grant Program. Ron then accepted a position with the Village of Fort Sumner as Clerk, Treasurer, and Administrator, where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the municipality, along with the De Baca County DWI Grant Program.

He currently serves on the State of New Mexico DWI Grant Council and Policy Committee for the Southeast Regional Treatment Planning Organization. Recently serving as the President of the New Mexico City Manager’s Association, he also has been the Policy Chair for the Southeast Regional Treatment Planning Organization Policy Committee. Ron has more than 20 years of experience in local government operations, with an extensive understanding of state government functions.

Ron has the full support from the Governing Body and the Village Management staff, and we all look forward to working with him in this capacity, said Mayor Lynn Crawford.

CHRISTELLA ARMIJO, WATER RESOURCE DIRECTOR

Christella Armijo, former Capital Projects Manager and Assistant Finance Director for the Village, has been promoted to Water Resource Director.

Christella joined the VOR team in July 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of New Mexico and has 18 years of experience working in environmental management for municipal, state, and tribal governments in Arizona and New Mexico.

Married for 32 years, Armijo has four children and four grandchildren. She looks forward to working with the Village to effectively manage water resources while ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable use of water.

Promotions

YVONNE BARTZ, DEPUTY CLERK

Yvonne Bartz has been promoted to Deputy Clerk for the Village of Ruidoso. Yvonne has been working as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Mayor and Village Manager for the past three and a half years. Before joining the VOR team, Yvonne worked for six years as the Elections Clerk for Lincoln County. She also worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Fire Marshall of San Angelo for six years.

During her tenure with the Village, Yvonne has shown interest in a career path in the Clerk’s office and has attended multiple trainings, as well as assisted the Clerk with duties over the last two years. The Village is excited to have Yvonne to move into her new position.

Yvonne Bartz

Ron Sena

Christella Armijo

DAVID “TBONE” TETREAULT, ASSISTANT PARKS DIRECTOR

David “Tbone” Tetreault, the former Supervisor for the Parks and Recreation Department, has been promoted to Assistant Parks and Recreation Director. With over 25 years of experience in the Parks and Recreation Department, Tbone is up for the challenge and ready to hit the ground running in his new role.

Matthew Baird, the former Recreation Director for the Village, will now be the Parks and Recreation Director. Tbone and Matthew will work closely together to ensure that the department continues to be successful in all that they do!

FORESTRY DEPARTMENT

Defensible Space Around Your Home: Getting Ready for Fire Season

With the upcoming wildfire season upon us, it’s important to make sure your home is as safe as possible. Last year’s catastrophic McBride Fire was unprecedented, taking two lives and destroying 200 homes.

The best way to prepare for the wildfire season is to work on the defensible space in and around your home. Defensible space is what the fire service consider the buffer between a home and wildland vegetation. This space is often the reason why a house is able to survive a wildfire event and is important because it reduces the chance of embers from a nearby fire catching the home on fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind and can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris, and other objects”.

To prevent this, thus ensuring your home is as safe as possible during a wildfire, the Ruidoso Fire Department offers the following advice:

» Homes should be clear for 30 feet of all dead vegetation, including pine needles, leaves, and firewood piles.

» Trees in the “30-foot zone” should be thinned to minimal numbers, trimmed up high, and dead trees should be removed.

» Grass and other ground vegetation should be mowed regularly.

» Railroad ties, firewood, and other combustible items that butt up against a house should be removed as fire often travels through them, and they are difficult to extinguish.

The Ruidoso Fire Department encourages you to walk a 100-foot radius around your property to survey if there is anything that could contribute to losing your home in a wildfire.

More information regarding fire safety around the home during a wildfire is available at https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA. If you would like the fire department to survey your home, please contact the Fire Marshall at 575-257-3473.

David “Tbone” Tetreault

Winter EVENTS

WEEKLY EVENTS

• Free Community Yoga, Blue Lotus Yoga –Saturdays

• Ruidoso Writer’s Group, Ruidoso Library –1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month

MARCH 1:

• The Buddy Holly Story, Spencer Theater

MARCH 3-5:

• Lincoln County War III Disc Golf Tournament, Grindstone, Moon Mountain, and Oso Canyon

MARCH 4:

• Rhythm of Dance, Spencer Theater

• Hope Harbor Presents “An Afternoon of Hope,” Ruidoso Convention Center

MARCH 11:

• Hello Darlin’, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

MARCH 11-12:

• Ruidoso Outdoor Expo, Ruidoso Convention Center

MARCH 12:

• The Links 5K Walk and Run, White Mountain Sports Complex

MARCH 16:

• Karen Rounds Seminar “Outsmart the Scammer,” Ruidoso Library

MARCH 17:

• St. Patrick’s Day Hullabaloo, Bonita Valley Brewing Company

• Josh Abbott Band, Inn of the Mountain Gods

MARCH 18:

• Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes, Spencer Theater

• Orianthi, Inn of the Mountain Gods

MARCH 25:

• Doso Dirtbags, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

MARCH 28:

• Rotary Club Enchiladas and Bingo, Ruidoso Convention Center

• Resume Writing and Resources, Ruidoso Library

APRIL 8:

• 4th Annual Bunny Run/Walk and Easter Egg Hunt, Cedar Creek Recreation Area

APRIL 16:

• APRIL 22:

•

MARCH 1:

• Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration! (10:30 AM PreK Storytime, 2:00 PM Storytime, 2:30 PM Birthday Party)

MARCH 7:

• Piggy Storytime (10:30 AM)

• Family March Madness Mini Nerf Tournament (2:45 PM)

MARCH 12:

• The Links 5K Walk and Run, White Mountain Sports Complex

MARCH 15:

• Rainbows Storytime (10:30 AM)

• Kids’ Movie Matinee “Lightyear” (2:45 PM)

WEEKLY EVENTS AT RAREBIRD WORKSHOP

• Music, Movement, and Dance – Tuesdays at 10 AM

• Family Creative Art Play – Tuesdays at 4 PM

• Kid’s Meditation into Mindful Art Play –Wednesdays at 3 PM

FINANCE Budget Process

MARCH 22:

• Basketball Storytime (10:30 AM)

• Tween Toy Soldier Forts Trivia Game (2:45 PM)

MARCH 29:

• Worms Storytime (10:30 AM)

• Kids’ Movie Matinee

“Paws of Fury” (2:45 PM)

• Kid’s Creative Arts Play – Wednesdays at 4:30 PM

• After School Creative Arts Youth Group –Thursdays at 4 PM

• Friday Night Youth Workshop – Fridays at 8 PM

The budget process for the Village is the same as creating a household budget. Goals are set, revenues are reviewed, expenses are determined, and then everything is monitored and adjusted as needed. Budgets are dynamic; as departments progress through the year with unforeseen expenses and projects, adjustments are made.

First, the Village Council, department directors, and managers meet for strategic planning to set goals for the upcoming year. These meetings were held at the end of January. After that, the Finance Director begins to look at the Village’s financial resources to create revenue projections for the upcoming year. Typically, revenues through February (67% through our fiscal year) and from the last five years are analyzed so that trends can be identified. At this time, only recurring revenue sources like taxes, service charges, permits, etc. are projected. Non-recurring revenues like grants are added to the budget only if a Notice of Grant Award has been received. During this time, the projections of current staffing levels are tasks for salaries and benefits, including any changes to insurance or PERA.

While the Finance Director is reviewing revenues, the departments begin to put together their requests for operations, capital outlay, and new personnel. They are then presented to Village Council during budget hearings, which are usually held at the end of April. These amounts are then reviewed by Finance and offset to projected revenues. If expenses exceed revenues, then budget cuts are made to bring expenditures in line. However, if an expense is cut, this does not mean it will not be added back into the budget. Each quarter, a review of the budget to actual results is completed, and if revenues exceed budgeted amounts, then budget cuts can be added back into the budget.

Once a balanced budget is complete, the Council adopts it in early May. The budget is then forwarded to the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, Local Government Division, for approval by the state, by mid-June. The new fiscal year and spending begins July 1, 2023.

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.

RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION UPDATE

From the Desk of Executive Director Kendra King

March always happens so fast. We get to watch the weather change every day, but don’t put your coat away just yet! Midtown merchants are stocked up in preparation for the Spring Break rush, the second and third week of this month.

In February, I attended the New Mexico Main Street Winter Conference in Santa Fe. The State Main Street Program holds local districts accountable to National Main Street standards based on a four-point approach: design, economic vitality, organization, and promotion. Our most recent design efforts, in collaboration with the Village of Ruidoso, have injected $230,000 in Junior Bill Facade Improvements to approved applicants in the Midtown District. The applicants are required to match funding, which adds an additional $23,000 in planned and organized improvements to the district. These scheduled improvements must be completed by April 2023.

RMA will also be represented in Boston this year at the National Main Street Conference, which is a required component of our national accreditation status. These training conferences are provided by the program to enrich the knowledge of operations and opportunities, as well as strengthen the network and support systems of small communities across the nation.

We are in full swing planning Party in the Pines at Brewdoso, scheduled for June 17-18 at Wingfield Park. We are still accepting limited vendor spots on a first-come-first-serve basis. Go to Brewdoso.com to complete your application and for additional information on the event.

As always, be sure to follow the Ruidoso Midtown Association on Facebook and Instagram for more posts and updates. Feel free to reach out to me as well – kendraeking@gmail.com or 575-973-0967.

RMA’s Yeti mascot is getting ready for the 2023 Brewdoso festival.