Village Insider | Vol. XXI | May 2023

Spring has certainly sprung here in the Village! It is great to see the trees and the flowers that are blooming. It is certainly quite opposite of what we were feeling this time last year after the McBride Fire. On the anniversary of the fire, I thought about how different the Village looked compared to that day last year. The skies were bright blue and there was not even the slightest breeze blowing. When I think about the kindness and generosity that we witnessed during and after the fire, it reminds me that this community is resilient. It reminds me that this community cares, and it reminds me how lucky we are to live in this little piece of paradise.

Every quarter I look forward to talking about the Employee of the Quarter and the Department of the Quarter…and it is that time again.

If you don’t know Amber Word from the Community Center, you should! Amber always has a smile on her face and exudes a positive attitude as she works to create a welcoming environment at the Community Center. She takes the initiative with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and has worked to expand volunteer stations, increasing the number of people involved with this program. Amber works well with her co-workers and always demonstrates teamwork. She communicates well with the public and the staff, and she is always willing to help with functions outside of her regular duties. Demonstrating excellence in her position, she is a huge asset to the Community Center and RSVP Program.

Our Forestry Department is a small but mighty department within Village of Ruidoso. We are one of the few municipalities that has an internal Forestry Department. They do an excellent job working with the public to help educate mitigate unsafe situations around homes and community property. The department extremely proactive during the recent wind events in the Village to help prevent more extensive damage. Employees of this department are always helpful and willing to assist any other departments in need. If you have any questions about how to mitigate threats around your property, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call Forestry. They are always happy to help.

As always, here is your reminder to tune in to Mondays with the Mayor every week from 8:00 – 10:00 AM. You can find us on KRUI 1490 AM – The Mountain. We always talk about a wide range of topics, and we love to hear from our listeners with questions or comments.

Until next time, remember to be kind to your neighbors and our visitors alike!

Mayor Lynn Crawford

Mayor Lynn Crawford

Employee of the Quarter, Amber Word, Ruidoso Community Center

Forestry Department named Department of the Quarter. Director Dick Cooke, Kathy Richardson, Cass Davidson, and Eric Annala

VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS

Recent Actions

At the April 11, 2023, Regular Council meeting of the Governing Body:

» ISSUED PROCLAMATION: April 2023 as Keep Ruidoso Beautiful and Great American Clean-up Month

» ISSUED PROCLAMATION: April 2023 as Fair Housing Month

» Approved Resolution 2023-09 Updating Fee Structure for Parks and Recreation Summer and Winter Activities.

Ruidoso Village Council Members

» Rifle Salas - Mayor Pro Tem

» Susan Lutterman

» Joe Eby

» Gary Jackson

» Tim Coughlin

» Darren Hooker

» Approved Task Order RFP#2019-002P-07 for Bidding Assistance, Preconstruction Tasks, Construction Observation, Construction Management, and Close Out, with Bohannan Huston Inc. for the Links and Moon Mountain Trail Projects.

» Approved Recommendation from the Cultural and Natural History Committee on Acceptance of Gift of Wingfield Family Portraits for the Wingfield Museum.

LEVEL I FIRE RESTRICTIONS LEVEL I FIRE RESTRICTIONS

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Lincoln County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

The five-year update is underway for the Lincoln County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The planning process for the update assists Lincoln County and all five incorporated jurisdictions to identify the natural hazards that impact each community, analyze the risks, and prioritize actions that can be taken to reduce those risks. Examples of natural hazard mitigation projects include hazardous fuels reduction, drainage improvements, watershed stabilization, and public outreach.

A planning team, made up of representatives from the county and incorporated jurisdictions, is meeting monthly to revise the previous version of the plan. An introductory presentation explaining the update has been provided to the governing bodies of each community in March and April. Community members are invited to provide feedback and input on the draft plan in June after the Planning Team prepares the update. A community meeting will be held in June for in-person participation, and the draft will also be available online for comments to be submitted digitally. Adoption of the plan by the governing bodies will occur after FEMA provides approval of the final draft.

Possessing an approved hazard mitigation plan provides each jurisdiction with a federal government-approved and locally adopted plan, which will support grant applications for natural hazard risk reduction projects. The approved plan is a requirement for FEMA hazard mitigation grant funding and will serve as the planning eligibility requirement for other federal grants like the U.S. Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant.

Please be c pliant and vigilant, help keep r Village safe!

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Housing Updates

The Village of Ruidoso proclaimed April as “Fair Housing Month.” The Village’s Workforce Housing Advisory Board, in partnership with the Lincoln County Board of Realtor Associates, had an informational booth at the annual Cedar Creek Easter Egg Hunt on April 8, 2023. During this event, they conducted surveys to understand the current needs of residents and distributed information relating to longterm rentals and home buying.

Here is a brief update of local housing projects:

Mechem Meadows

Located at 1114 Mechem Drive, Mechem Meadows is near completion. The roads are being constructed using millings to cover driving surfaces. Once this is done, move-in will begin. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set to take place on Tuesday, May 16th, at 2 PM. The public is welcome to join in celebrating Ruidoso’s first-ever workforce housing development.

1104 Mechem Drive

The Village of Ruidoso and Mesa Apartments applied for the second time to the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority for the 9% tax credit allocation. Intending to secure funding for the construction of approximately 72 apartment units located at 1104 Mechem Drive, the application was denied again. A meeting will be held in May with all parties involved to review the application and re-strategize for next year’s funding cycle.

99 Sunny Slope Drive

This lot will soon house a single-wide, manufactured 3-bedroom home. Due to the lot’s historical surface water runoff, the site plan has been engineered to include soil and density testing. Once the dirt work is complete, the electrical, water, and sewer infrastructure will be installed. Move-in will begin as soon as the work is complete.

603 Mechem Drive

The multi-family lot at 603 Mechem Drive will soon expand to accommodate 12- 20 additional dwellings. The site plan design will include duplexes to increase density. A shared outdoor space is being considered to promote a neighborhood feel to the lot and provide a sense of community.

CAPITAL PROJECTS Magistrate Court Building Project

Construction on the Magistrate Court Building Project is complete. This extensive undertaking involved collaboration between many organizations including the Village and Lincoln County.

The new Magistrate Court building is a modern and secure facility designed to accommodate the growing demands of Lincoln County, the Village of Ruidoso, and the surrounding areas. The site includes secure employee parking and ample parking space for the public, while the building features spacious courtrooms and advanced technological systems to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. This modernized facility will provide a comfortable and safe environment for court staff, attorneys, and litigants while providing a welcoming and professional environment for all.

RIDE R U IDOSO S

Ride Ruidoso Spring Thunder events will benefit the Community Foundation of Lincoln County Shelter Fund, Ruidoso Cops for Kids, and the Ruidoso Housing Trust Fund.

pring

Thunder

MAY 20, 2023

RIDE RUIDOSO SPRING THUNDER

SATURDAY, MAY 20TH, 2023, WINGFIELD PARK

BIKE SHOW Champion Motorsports

CAR SHOW Rusty Balls

BIKE RUN

Baatan Memorial

CONCERTS

Opening Ceremony with Honor Guard 3:00 pm

Metallica TributeKill EM All 3:30 pm

Motley Crue Tribute BandMotley Mayhem 5:30 pm

Molly Hatchet 7:30 pm

Scan for tickets and more info

RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION UPDATE

From the Desk of Executive Director Kendra

King

The Ruidoso Midtown Association had the honor of representing Ruidoso along with hundreds of other Main Street communities at the National Main Street Conference in Boston at the end of March. This was a required training opportunity provided by Main Street U.S.A.

I was very excited that I was selected to lead a group in an Economic Transformation Strategy exercise and was then asked to be the speaker for the group. Upon returning home, I ran that same exercise with our board of directors. We are constantly evaluating and analyzing the district to ensure the most growth possible. Our local efforts, alongside national initiatives, brought about an amazing collective impact across the country this last year.

Main Street is as large as Amazon, creating thousands of jobs and more importantly, stimulating improvements and strengthening relationships in communities. Below are several achievements of the Main Street Association at the national level:

» Reinvested $6.25 million dollars

» Gained 7,657 net in businesses

» Gained 29,174 net in jobs

» Rehabilitated 10,688 historical buildings

» Clocked over 1,528,535 million volunteer hours (This information was sourced from the Main Street U.S.A database.)

Our work here on the ground includes clean-up projects, facade improvements, shoveling snow, repairing sidewalks, replacing light poles, assisting private businesses in minor and major improvements, and the list goes on. We see the impact of this organization not only here in Ruidoso but across the United States.

A quick reminder that our annual fundraiser the Brewdoso Festival is on Father’s Day Weekend (June 17 & 18) and we will Party in the Pines at Wingfield Park! This promises to be a jam-packed holiday weekend as we will have the Ruidoso Tattoo Expo taking place at the Ruidoso Convention Center as well. All the entertainment information is on the Brewdoso.com website, as well as the vendor application link. There is very limited vendor space available, so apply soon if you are interested.

As always please feel free to reach out to me or any board member for any reason. We love hearing from you!

Kendra King,

Executive Director 575-973-0967 | director@ruidosomidtownassociation.com

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Executive Director Kendra King represents Ruidoso Midtown Association at the National Main Street Conference in Boston.

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.

• Visit The Rarebird Workshop at RarebirdWorkshop.com for a list of wonderfully creative activities for kids!

• Visit the Blue Lotus Day Spa website at RuidosoDaySpa.com for a schedule of community yoga events.

MAY 2:

• ENMU Choir Concert, Good Life Center

MAY 4:

• ENMU Choir Concert, ENMU Ruidoso

• ENMU Creative Arts Showcase, ENMU Ruidoso

MAY 6:

• Cinco de Mayo Midtown Celebration, Country Club Lot

• Glow Disc Golf, Grindstone (kids 5-8 PM, adults 8-10 PM)

• Jade Throneberry, Lost Hiker Brewery

• Kentucky Derby Watch Party, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

• Tighty Whitey Charity Fair, Enchanted Vine Barn

MAY 7:

• ENMU Choir Concert, Community Methodist Church

MAY 8:

• Cats, Spencer Theater

MAY 11:

• ENMU Commencement Ceremony, Inn of the Mountain Gods

MAY 13:

• The Texas Tenors, Spencer Theater

• Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed, High Mountain Youth Center

• Benny Bassett, Hidden Tap

• Los Rieleros, Inn of the Mountain Gods

MAY 16:

• Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting, Mechem Meadows, 1114 Mechem Drive

MAY 17:

• Live Taping of Steve Stucker’s Thank You Tour, Sacred Grounds

MAY 18:

• LIVE ON-AIR of Steve Stucker’s Thank You Tour, Sacred Grounds

MAY 18-20:

• AspenCash Motorcycle Rally, Ruidoso Convention Center

MAY 19:

• SPiVEY, The Hidden Tap

MAY 20:

• Ride Ruidoso Spring Thunder, Wingfield Park

MAY 26-29:

• Opening Weekend, Ruidoso Downs Racetrack

• Opening Weekend, Flying J Ranch

MAY 27:

• Delaney and Valorie, Lost Hiker Brewery

• Casey Donahew, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

MAY 27-28:

• Pool and Wibit Open

• Summer Lake Fees and Parking Fees Implemented

• 22nd Annual Ruidoso Noon Lions Club Gun & Craft Show, Convention Center

MAY 28:

• Los Huracanes Del Norte, Ruidoso Downs Racetrack

www.discoverruidoso.com/event-submission-form

SATURDAYS:

• Teen Night, Rarebird Workshop

MAY 30-JUNE 1:

• Kids Outdoors! Summer Activities in Lincoln National Forest, Sam Tobias Campground

2023 Summer Reading Program

The 2023 Summer Reading Program “All Together Now!” will run from June 1st- July 13th . Registration starts on May 29th at the Ruidoso Library Youth Services Department. The Summer Reading Program is all kids ages 0-18 (must still be in high school).

JUNE 3:

• 5th Annual Great High Mountain Bed Race and Chile Cookoff, Midtown and Wingfield Park

• Gus Macker Tournament, Inn of the Mountain Gods

JUNE 9:

• Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet, Inn of the Mountain Gods

JUNE 10:

• Grade I Ruidoso Derby, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

• The Pizza Bones Trio, Lost Hiker Brewery

JUNE 11

• $1M Ruidoso Futurity, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

JUNE 16:

• Ruidoso Tattoo Expo, Ruidoso Convention Center

JUNE 17-18:

• Party in the Pines/Brewdoso, Wingfield Park

JUNE 17:

• John Hibbard, The Hidden Tap

JUNE 22:

• Ludacris, Inn of the Mountain Gods

JUNE 24:

• Marie Manning, Lost Hiker Brewery

JUNE 29:

• Ruidoso Downs Race Track Hall of Fame Banquet, Alto Country Club

JUNE 30 - JULY 2:

• 28th Annual Lincoln County Art Loop

7:30 am race start. Pancake breakfast to follow the race. Registration: $30

5K COLOR FUN RUN Country Club Lot 5 pm-10 pm Live music, kid games, inflatables!

ALL AMERICAN TAILGATE White Mountain Sports Complex

9 pm. Come see drones take flight in a patriotic-themed aerial drone show!

DRONE SHOW White Mountain Sports Complex

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

VILLAGE HALL: 575-258-4343

• Capital Projects & Purchasing

• Executive

• Finance

• Forestry

• Human Resources

• Planning and Zoning

• Utility Billing

www.Ruidoso-NM.gov

PARKS & RECREATION Pool and Wibit Set to Open for the Summer Season!

Summer is just around the corner, and the Parks & Recreation Department is excited to announce the upcoming opening of the Wibit at Grindstone Lake and the Public Pool on Saturday, May 27.

Ruidoso Public Pool

Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily

Closing Date: August 5, 2023

Cost: $5 per person (includes swimming and slide)

Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake

Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily*

Cost: $20 per person

*After August 6, the Wibit will be open only on weekends through Labor Day

Parks & Recreation offers a special season pass for locals and their families. To find out more, or to reserve the pool for a private event, please contact the Parks & Recreation office at 575-257-5030.

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Midtown Celebration Cinco DE Mayo

Saturday, May 6, 2023 · 12 - 4:30 PM