Village Insider | Vol. VII | March 2022

Volume VII

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March 2022

Hello Ruidoso - I hope this finds you well and happy. Things are moving fast here at home and in Santa Fe. We have spent considerable effort lobbying for Ruidoso’s needs and wants with regards to Capital Outlay projects.

We have heard that some of our requests will be met and are anxious for the Governor to sign off on them. It is a political game for sure, but we are committed to getting our share and then some. As they say, “Don’t hate the player, hate the game.”

Exciting are the times, and we have the projects to go with them. The Midtown-Center Street realignment project has started. New sidewalks Mayor Lynn Crawford and other improvements will start at Sudderth and conclude at Wingfield Street. Work has started with the closing of Center Street and will finish

by Memorial Day. The Water Shop is scheduled for demolition with the Municipal Court building soon to follow, both of which dovetail with the Wingfield Master Plan. I am thankful for all the input and attention to detail from the neighborhood and the community. Additionally, the Village is installing new light poles throughout the Midtown area that will be visually pleasing and provide better lighting.

Work has started on Paradise Canyon with lateral water and sewer lines being constructed and eventual paving. The paving will continue to Warrior Drive and include paving of Gavilan Canyon. The contractor is Cutler Paving, and they will be using a technique that is less impactful to traffic. We have taken care to include strengthening the road shoulders during this process for a safer road. Financing for the Gavilan, Paradise and Warrior Drive project was made possible by joint efforts between the Village and the County with funding provided by the DOT. I am proud of the collaborative effort and would like to give special thanks to the County Commission. The result of this project will be the betterment of the entire community, and everybody wins!

It is my sincere hope that during the construction of these projects, you are not impacted or inconvenienced too much. I am asking for your participation with these improvements – please have patience. Serenity now will be our prayer. The result will be worth it.

Finally, please remember to vote. Hopefully you are up to date on the candidates and their positions. Tune in to Mondays with the Mayor every Monday from 8:00-10:00 AM on 1490 KRUI for all the news you can use about Ruidoso. Until next time - be cool, calm, and collected.

Mayor Lynn Crawford

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VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS Recent Actions

At the February 8, 2022 Regular Council meeting, the Governing Body: » Adopted Resolution 2022-04, a Resolution of Support and Commitment to the Funding of the 20222023 New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) MAP Funding Program, in the Amount of $238,000.00.

Ruidoso Village Council Members » Adopted Resolution 2022-05, a Resolution of Support and Commitment to the Funding of the 2022-2023 New Mexico Department of Transportation CO-OP Funding Program, in the Amount of $196,500.00. » Approved Capital Outlay Agreement with the State of New Mexico Department of Environment for Fund 89200 Capital Appropriation Project through the River Stewardship Fund for Construction of the Two Rivers Park River Restoration Phase III, in the Amount of $215,730.00 » Approved Task Order with Pure Technologies U.S. Inc., dba.

Wachs Water Services for Leak Detection Survey of Entire Water System, in an Amount Not to Exceed $177,924.25, Including Gross Receipts Tax.

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

» Approved Award of RFP #2022-006P to Molzen-Corbin and Associates, Inc. for Professional Engineering for Water Resource Projects for Project Lots 1 & 3; and Miller Engineers, Inc. d/b/a Souder, Miller, & Associates for Project Lot 2. » Approved Agreement by and between the New Mexico State Library and the Village of Ruidoso Public Library for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant to Public Libraries for Fiscal Year 2022, in the Amount of $17,828.00. » Appointed Richie Hood to the Internal Finance Committee. » Heard a presentation on Old Mill Historical Site Project by Michael Clements.

Upcoming Regular Village Council Meeting: Tuesday, March 8, 2022

VILLAGE WATER CREWS FIGHT CHAIN REACTION WATER LEAKS Beginning on Friday, February 4, 2022, Village Water Department crews responded to multiple leaks within the water system. As a result of the multiple line breaks, the Village water system experienced a chain reaction of multiple water leaks which resulted in crews repairing five main water breaks on Highway 70, three service line leaks on Sudderth Drive, one main water leak on Evergreen Drive and two main water leaks on Sudderth Drive. Other leaks repaired include one at Sudderth and Paradise and one on Sudderth and Sutton, which was repaired by a contractor hired by the Village to help get relief for the Water Department crews.

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We really appreciated the patience of the residents during what was a difficult and stressful time for the Water Department. Our crews were amazing and went above and beyond to get everything repaired and back in service.

–Adam Sanchez, Public Works Director 2

COOPERATION FOR WILDFIRE MITIGATION IN OUR VILLAGE Many of the residents of Ruidoso are familiar with the activities the Ruidoso Forestry Department undertake each year to help mitigate the risk of wildfire.

What they may not be aware of are the efforts other agencies in the area take to also mitigate the risk to Ruidoso and surrounding areas.

In the early 2000’s a group called the Greater Ruidoso Area Wildland Urban Interface Working Group was formed. This group developed a strategy to help lessen the threat of a catastrophic wildfire destroying populated areas around Ruidoso. The strategy was to conduct projects that would lessen the fuels on the south and west sides of populated areas. These projects included thinning the forests to reduce the fuels. To do this, there were several activities that were initiated: » » » »

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Defensible Space

Fire Departments train together and aid in projects collectively.

Clearing vegetation around the houses to create defensible space and to prevent a fire from moving from one lot to another.

Ordinances for Ruidoso that require landowners to thin property and Forest Thinning maintain it to lessen the threat.

Thinning vacant lots and non-inhabited areas to reduce the fuels and separate the fuels through horizontal and vertical spacing to keep a fire from going from the ground to the crowns of residual trees and moving from crown to crown.

Removing the vegetation thinned to reduce the amount of fuel left on the ground.

1. Taking the material off-site with grapple trucks.

2. Piling and burning the material.

Pile Burning 3. Broadcast burning to reduce material on the ground and reduce ladder fuels. (These are conducted under controlled conditions called prescriptions that are designed to remove targeted material but not damage residual trees.)

4. Mastication which is using equipment to shred material to make it decompose quicker and get rid of unwanted tree density and ladder fuels. This does not eliminate fuels but modifies it to lessen heat and keep a fire on the ground.

5. Lop and scatter the material. This does essentially the same thing as mastication but is usually used on steeper slopes where vehicles can’t work.

During 2021, the Village of Ruidoso thinned 136 acres of Village-owned property, worked with landowners to certify 824 properties to meet ordinance requirements, and thinned 18 road rights-of-way. The Forest Service carried out pile burning and broadcast burning on Grindstone Mesa and Perk Mesa. The BLM conducted some mastication projects and burning projects. The South-Central RC&D carried out several cooperative projects in the area. New Mexico State Forestry obtained funding to aid landowners in the county in the thinning of their property.

Projects planned for 2022 include: » The US Forest Service burning piles and broadcast burning on Grindstone and Perk Mesas » BLM burning 600 acres and masticating 190 acres adjacent to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport » The Village is planning to work with approximately 900 landowners to certify or re-certify properties » Thin 60 acres of Village-owned properties, thin elm trees overhanging Paradise Canyon and Robin Road, and thin 300 acres of Village property at the Airport » State Forestry and the South-Central RC&D have grants to aid landowners and agencies in completing fuels reduction work These types of projects have been going on for almost 20 years and will continue as everyone is working together to reduce the probability of a catastrophic wildfire.

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Mastication

Prescribed Burning

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we move into late winter and early spring, here are some upcoming events to check-out!

March 5-6 Lincoln County War II Disc Golf Tournament at Grindstone and Moon Mountain March 12 Bri Bagwell at the Spencer Theater March 12-13 Ruidoso Outdoor Expo at the Ruidoso Convention Center

March 13 Walk the Links 5K Walk and Run March 19 Spring Break Cookout at the Enchanted Vine March 19 Dustin Lynch at the Inn of the Mountain Gods March 19 Stayin’ Alive at the Spencer Theater

For more information visit DiscoverRuidoso.com

BUILDING THE VILLAGE BUDGET Each year, the Village begins the budget process in February. Finance prepares revenue projections for both the current and subsequent fiscal year based on a fiveyear trend. In addition, estimates of personnel costs are reviewed and any upcoming changes to benefits are noted. The Village takes a conservative approach by estimating revenues low and expenditures high. Once these initial projections are made, the Village hosts a Budget Kickoff Meeting at the beginning of March where Department Directors are made aware of revenue and personnel estimates. The departments then go back and brainstorm with their employees and determine their requests for operations, capital purchases and projects, and any needs for additional personnel for the upcoming year. Outside agencies who receive support from the Village will also be presenting their requests at these hearings.

In April, department requests are reviewed by Administrative Departments and initial cuts are made.

Expenditures that can be completed in the current year are cut. The goal is to present a budget to Council that is balanced, where recurring revenues support recurring expenditures. Cash reserve is used for onetime expenditures such as construction projects, grant matches, or capital and equipment purchases.

Council reviews the initial budget at the end of April during the Budget Hearings where departments pitch their operational plans for the upcoming fiscal year. After the hearings, Finance makes all necessary adjustments to the budget and returns to Council in May for final budget approval. Once approved, the budget is then submitted to the NM Department of Finance and Administration’s (DFA) Local Government Division by June 1st for interim budget approval. Final approval from DFA is not received until the ending June 30th cash balances are submitted to DFA before July 31st. The Village usually receives this approval sometime in August.

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WINGFIELD ICE SKATING RINK A winter hit!

Ruidoso Parks and Recreation and the Lodger’s Tax Committee partnered with Industrial Frigo Ice to offer a real ice-skating rink to the community and tourists to help enhance the winter experience in our Village.

The ice rink opened on December 23rd and ran until February 6th and was a great addition to Wingfield Park. The Village of Ruidoso Parks & Recreation Department offered a free local’s day on Wednesdays each week and more than 350 locals from around Lincoln County and Mescalero enjoyed free skating.

Parks & Rec was able to work with community partners to collaborate on a unique winter experience. Sacred Grounds came out to sell their new pizza and supply muchneeded hot chocolate on those colder days. The Pony Rink also offered train rides through the trails at Wingfield Park to enhance the Trail of Lights experience.

A special thanks to all the Village department heads who came and worked Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to ensure that everyone got a chance to skate over the holiday. Another special thanks to Parks and Rec staff and the part time staff of Isabella Bartz, Bradley Belcher, Bowser Kalyn, Charla Burrows, Makya Cowie, Alexander Eakins, Itzel Gutierrez, Leslie Medrano, Bay Rabourn, Ezra Rabourn, Haley Stucky, and Alexandra Valdez. It would not have happened without them!

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RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION UPDATE from Executive Director Kendra King So much excitement is happening in the district! Where do I even start?

First up, we will be seeing the Midtown light pole replacement starting on February 22nd. The plan is to remove several poles and then replace those same poles within the same week. Access to businesses will be maintained to our best ability, and any planned disruptions will be communicated to the individual businesses beforehand.

The next big development is the Center Street Renovation. This project is going to redevelop Center Street with new sidewalks on both sides, from Sudderth up to Wingfield. It includes new curbs, gutters and roads as well as slightly enlarged public parking behind the Ruidoso Trading Post. The first phase began on the parking lot in mid-February. The project will move into the second phase, starting construction on the upper part of Center Street, from Texas Street to Wingfield, on March 21st. The third phase will require the closure of the entire street on Center from Sudderth to Wingfield. The project will be completed by May 26th, and we will be reopened to traffic as construction permits. Careful consideration and planning has gone into allowing for the increased flow of Spring Break traffic which we see March 11-27.

If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please feel free to reach out to Ruidoso Parks Director Rodney Griego at 575-973-8196 (RodneyGriego@ruidoso-nm.gov) or Village of Ruidoso Projects Manager Zeke Greer at 575-257-4343 ext. 935 (ZekeGreer@ruidoso-nm.gov) or myself.

Another project recently completed in the district is the remodel of the old vacant Irish pub building.

Many of us remember the glory of a once vibrant atmosphere. After sitting vacant for many years, the lack of maintenance had taken its toll. The decor, as it was, was lost to a series of unfortunate accidents, including a flood that did catastrophic damage. The building was mostly a hollow shell. Noisy Water Winery purchased the property in the last year and invested heavily in upgrades and improvements. I recently attended a soft grand opening at the new tasting room.

It is such a refreshing space! Although I personally have never attended a winetasting, the knowledgeable staff and service impressed me. Stop by if you have a chance, I am sure you will feel the same!

Pictured is the new Noisy Water Winery tasting room at 2331 Sudderth (in the previously vacant Irish pub building).

If you are interested in being a vendor for the Brewdoso Beer and Wine Festival (June 18-19) or the Mountain Smoke Barbecue Festival (July 2), please contact the RMA organization directly, or you can find more information on Brewdoso.com or RuidosoMainStreet.com.

We are always looking for volunteers and appreciate all community involvement! Please feel free to contact Kendra King, the Executive Director for RMA at 575-973-0967 (KendraeKing@gmail.com) or any board member directly with your ideas, questions, or concerns.

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

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PUBLIC WORKS REMOVES SNOW EFFICIENTLY AFTER WINTER STORM During the recent winter storm that dropped a foot of snow in the Village, the Public Works Department worked around the clock to keep roads passable and to help ensure emergency services and essential workers were able to safely reach their destinations. On February 3rd, the Village collaborated with the New Mexico Department of Transportation, City of Ruidoso Downs, Lincoln County, and with local private contractors to remove mounds of snow from the middle of Sudderth Drive from Hickory Drive to the Upper Canyon Traffic Circle during the evening hours for minimal traffic disruption.

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START SMART BASKETBALL Building a Strong Foundation for Community Youth Start Smart Basketball is a developmental basketball program designed for children 4-6 years old. The program prepares children for organized basketball in a fun non-threatening environment. The program teaches dribbling, ball handling, passing, catching, shooting, running, and most important, coordination and motor skills that will build a foundation for many sports aspects, not just basketball.

There was so much positive feedback from parents that an additional class was opened and a total of 37 kids and their parents are participating every Sunday for six weeks. As the program progresses, exercises and drills become increasingly more difficult, and the children have shown a lot of improvement with skills and confidence. The Start Smart Mission is to teach the children the basic motor skills that are necessary to play organized sports while they work one-on-one with a family member or guardian. By teaching basic sports mechanics, children will be more likely to have a positive first-time sports experience and will continue participating in sports programs.

Because the kids and parents are having such a positive experience, the VOR Parks and Recreation staff is considering bringing this program to all our youth sports in the future.

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