Village Insider | Vol. XXVI | October 2023

Hello October!

“October is a symphony of permanence and change”

- Bonaro W. Overstreet

The frantic pace of the summer season can leave us feeling like the summer has gone by in a flash. October and the fall season represent an opportunity to slow down and enjoy some nice walks or at the very least get into your favorite restaurant. There is nothing better than October in the mountains.

The Village Streets Department will be busy with over 16 road projects during October, and I hope one of them is yours. Mountain States Paving Contractors will be paving the entirety of Sudderth Drive. Not to worry, we are coordinating with the project to not interfere with the AspenFest Celebration on October 7 or the Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll in Midtown on October 25. I know the whole community would all chime in with a heartfelt THANK YOU!

The finances of the Village are strong, and revenues continue to increase over previous years:

» Construction: +47.82%

» Wholesale: +15.66%

» Retail: +10%

» Real Estate: +3.55%

» Arts, Entertainment and Recreation: +28.15%

» Accommodations and Food Services: +11.89%

GRT remittance in September for July receipts was up $460,000 over the same month last year. With all the good news about revenue, the Village Council and VOR staff continue to budget conservatively on revenues and high on expenses. With the national and state economic futures looking somewhat foreboding, the Village Council is continually reviewing data and recommendations from management about the long-term viability of this community. We want to be able to weather the storms of tomorrow by ensuring that payroll, retirement, and benefits for employees, stay secure, and provide the level of services the citizens of the Village deserve. The health, safety, and welfare of the citizens we serve are the priorities of the offices we hold.

Please remind yourself that you live in a beautiful and mystical place, enjoy the fall colors by taking a drive up Ski Run Road, or a leisurely drive through the Hondo Valley. Watch out for “the rut” (from the Latin rugire, meaning “to roar” - look it up), they’ll be running into the roads during the repaving projects. Spend time with your friends, family, and neighbors, and remember that life is too short not to have purpose and be happy. I love how this quote speaks to that:

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

- Mark Twain

Remember to tune into 1490 AM – The Mountain every Monday from 8-10 AM for Mondays with the Mayor. Stay in touch…

Lynn

Mayor Lynn Crawford

VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS

Recent Actions

At the September 12, 2023, Regular Council Meeting, the Governing Body:

» Approved Contract for Public Transportation with Zia Therapy Center to Provide Public Transportation within the Village of Ruidoso.

Ruidoso Village Council Members

» Rifle Salas - Mayor Pro Tem

» Susan Lutterman

» Joe Eby

» Gary Jackson

» Tim Coughlin

» Darren Hooker

» Presented Retirement Plaque to Terry Kosler for his Service to the Village of Ruidoso as an Operator, Driver, and Supervisor for the Solid Waste Department from June 2008 through September 2023.

» Presented Plaque in Honor and Recognition of Robert Goss for his Service to the Village of Ruidoso on the Sierra Blanca Regional Advisory Board from October 2022 through July 2023.

» Approved Award and Contract for Request for Proposals (RFP) #2023011P Professional Engineering Services for Dam Improvements, Compliance, and Planning Projects for the Grindstone and Alto Lake Dams to AECOM Technical Services, Inc.

» Approved and Adopted Resolution 2023-29, a Resolution Authorizing and Approving the Submission of a Completed Grant-Loan Application for Financial Assistance to the New Mexico Finance Authority Water Trust Board for the Replacement of 18,840 Linear Feet, a 6-inch Waterline in the High Loop Water System.

» Approved and Adopted Resolution 2023-31, a Resolution Authorizing and Approving the Submission of a Completed Grant-Loan Application for Financial Assistance to the New Mexico Finance Authority Water Trust Board for Phase II of the Tank Restoration.

NMML ELECTS NEW OFFICERS Mayor Crawford is President-Elect

Ruidoso Mayor Lynn D. Crawford was elected President of the NMML at the 66th Annual Conference in Farmington, New Mexico on August 31, 2023. Mayor Crawford will serve as the President-Elect until October 1, 2024.

The NMML Annual Conference was held August 30-September 1, with more than 400 municipal officials attending. On August 30, subsection meetings with speakers and trainings were provided for elected officials, city managers, city clerks, finance officers, municipal judges, police chiefs, and librarians. The annual business meeting of the NMML was on Thursday, August 31, where officers and board members were elected. Also discussed and approved was the proposed 2023-24 Annual Resolutions and Statement of Municipal Policy. The policy and annual resolutions identify priorities and legislative issues to be presented at the 2024 Legislative Session by the NMML Executive Director and staff.

NM Municipal League Board

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is observed each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.

The 2023 NPM theme Take Control in 1, 2, 3 focused on preparing older adults for disasters. Older adults face greater risks when it comes to extreme weather events and emergencies, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have disabilities, or live in rural areas.

Last month, Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management observed National Preparedness Month by working with community partners to provide resources and tools to help the community prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies.

The month of September might be over, but it’s not too late for you to take control of your own personal disaster preparedness:

» Be Informed: Learn about the local hazards that could impact you and your family and sign up for the Call Me Ruidoso Emergency Alert System. You can’t act if you don’t know what’s happening. Visit CallMeRuidoso.com to sign up for emergency alerts.

» Make a Plan: When disaster strikes, we can be separated from our family and loved ones. Make a plan on how to reunite and evacuate during and after a disaster.

» Build a Kit: When seconds matter, having a disaster kit can create resiliency after an emergency. Have enough supplies in your kit to cover each member of your family for 48 hours.

» Get Involved: Learning how to help your community before, during, and after a disaster or emergency is critical. During disaster response, the community will depend on local and regional partners to provide trained volunteers and much-needed donated supplies.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Home Fire Safety

As Fall comes into full swing and outdoor temperatures cool, it’s only natural to warm things up inside. Did you know that fire hazards in the home primarily originate from heating your space? To keep you and your family safe this season, follow these useful fire safety tips:

FIREPLACE SAFETY

SMOKE DETECTORS

• Replace batteries in smoke alarms to ensure they are operating properly. Use the time change as a reminder to check all smoke detectors in the home. Detectors should be placed in every room used for sleeping, and in the vicinity of each sleeping room. It is also advised to place smoke detectors on every floor level in the absence of smoke detectors in those areas.

• Develop a home fire safety plan that includes all exits, windows, and extinguishers. Include an evacuation plan, and ensure that all occupants know and practice the plan regularly.

• Establish a meeting location for occupants to go in the event of a fire and practice an evacuation drill with children.

• Re-educate children on the stop, drop, and roll method, confirming that they know the dangers of fire and how to escape.

CHECK YOUR HEATING SYSTEM

• Before it gets cold, turn on your heating unit to ensure it is working properly.

• Regularly replace filters.

• Keep all areas around the furnace clean and unobstructed.

• Keep the burner area clean and clear of debris.

• Keep all combustible items at least 6 inches away from the vent pipe.

• Never close off more than 20% of heat registers.

• If you notice issues or malfunctions with your heating system, have the system evaluated by a licensed professional.

• Keep your fireplace clear of debris, and have it inspected each year before use by a professional chimney sweep. (Note: When hiring a contractor, always do your research! If you have a gas fireplace, make sure all lines and connections are inspected before flipping the switch.)

• Use a fireplace screen, guard, or glass doors to keep hot ash and sparks contained.

• Store extra wood and other types of combustible materials at least five feet away from your fireplace.

• Never leave a fire unattended.

• Burn seasoned hardwoods, such as oak or pinon, that have been split and stored in a safe and dry environment for at least six months.

• Keep fires small, never overload your fireplace.

• When building a fire, strategically place logs at the back of your fireplace and always use kindling to ignite a fire.

ADDITIONAL FIRE SAFETY TIPS AND CONSIDERATIONS

• Clean your gutters, check your downspouts, and remove all leaves and debris from the perimeter of your space.

• Never park your vehicle over a pile of leaves. The heat emitted from your car can ignite the leaves, destroying your vehicle and everything around it.

• After every load of laundry, always clean the dryer vent.

• Get familiar with your homeowner’s insurance policy to know what your coverage includes.

Fire Marshal Inspections

The Village of Ruidoso recently entered into an agreement with the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office to conduct their own fire inspections, fire protection system inspections, plan reviews, and administer acceptance testing. As a result, local residences and businesses have access to additional safety services in their own backyard.

Businesses should receive a fire safety inspection on an annual basis. Residences may require an inspection based on their insurance provider’s underwriting. These services help expedite remodeling projects, new business openings, requests by insurance companies, and annual maintenance inspections. Business owners should check with their insurance providers to determine if passing an annual fire inspection will result in subsequent savings on their monthly premiums. These inspection services provide business owners with methods of compliance or alternative safety measures to meet minimum standards.

Business owners should expect a visit by the Ruidoso Fire Marshal over the next year to ensure their businesses are safe. If you are interested in the requirements for your business or would like to request an inspection, please call the Ruidoso Fire Marshal, Ross Coleman, at 575-257-3473.

LEVEL 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS LEVEL 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS

POLICE DEPARTMENT Consolidated Dispatch Center

From being located at the Old Fire Station One and then moved to the Moncor Bank on Mechem in 1999, the Ruidoso Police Department Consolidated Dispatch Center now has a new home at the Horton Complex. On September 26, Dispatch moved from Mechem to its new state-of-the-art facility. Home to six workstations with a high-speed internet phone system along with mapping capabilities, the new technology will help establish pinpoint locations for callers, helping to create a safer community.

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/Community 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

HUMAN RESOURCES

New Manager Spotlight: Stephanie Long

VILLAGE HALL: 575-258-4343

• Capital Projects & Purchasing

• Executive

• Finance

• Forestry

• Human Resources

• Planning and Zoning

• Utility Billing

www.Ruidoso-NM.gov

Stephanie Long joins the Village of Ruidoso as the new Manager and Curator for the Wingfield House Heritage Museum. She moved to Ruidoso from Naples, Florida, where she served as the Museum Manager for the Collier County Museums. Previously, she worked as the Senior Curator of Collections for the Las Cruces Museum System and also managed museums in Texas and Georgia.

Stephanie has a Bachelor’s degree in history from Duke University, a Master’s degree in History Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program of SUNY, and a Master’s degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Denver. She grew up in Austin and is delighted to return west to New Mexico. She can often be spotted with camera in-hand, exploring nature and getting to know more about the rich cultural history of the area.

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

WINGFIELD HOUSE HERITAGE MUSEUM Update

on Wingfield House

With construction on Wingfield House coming to a close, the museum is moving into a new phase. The new Museum Manager and Curator Stephanie Long was hired in September and is diligently working to ready the museum for the public. Actively preparing the completed building for collections and exhibits, Stephanie is bringing in the first batch of artifacts. She has been working in the museum field for over 20 years, and is eager to take on the challenge of creating a new museum.

Once the collection storage areas are fitted with appropriate security and set up to house historic artifacts, the first collection arrives at the museum. Acquiring documents, photos, and objects from the Wingfield, Robinson, and Morrison families, this is the first of many donations that help preserve and share the history of Ruidoso and the surrounding area. These families had the first homes and businesses that helped Ruidoso become an active town and travel destination. As the museum moves forward with collections and an opening date, please keep an eye out for future updates on how to donate items.

Sign-up for Emergency Notifications in the Village of Ruidoso

Call Me Ruidoso allows residents to receive emergency notifications via phone call, text message, and email from the Ruidoso Fire Department and the Ruidoso Police Department in emergency situations.

You must register your phone number to receive these alerts!

If you have any issues registering, please contact the Ruidoso Fire Department at 575-257-3473.

2813 Sudderth Drive

Fall EVENTS

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

Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for additional events and details.

Check for Daily Events

Ruidoso-NM.gov/Community-Center

OCTOBER 3:

• Ruidoso Writer’s Group, Ruidoso Public Library

OCTOBER 6-7:

• 35th Annual Run to the Inn of the Mountain Gods Car Show

OCTOBER 7:

• Ruidoso AspenFest, Midtown and Wingfield Park

• Last day to submit for Ruidoso Adventure Tours

• Lincoln Lecture: The Escape and Death of Billy the Kid, Lincoln Historic Site

• A Night of Jazz at the Spencer Theater

OCTOBER 7-8:

• Flying J Wranglers Present Syd Masters and the Bar-D Wranglers, Flying J Ranch

OCTOBER 14:

• Lost Hiker’s 5th Beerthday with Cover Bands and Karaoke, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

• Lincoln After Dark, Lincoln Historic District

OCTOBER 17:

• Ruidoso Writer’s Group, Ruidoso Public Library

OCTOBER 18:

• Women’s Circle, High Mesa Healing Center

OCTOBER 21-22:

• Wild West Mountain Bike Festival, Grindstone Lake Trails

OCTOBER 24:

• Zephyr: A Whirlwind of Circus, Spencer Theater

OCTOBER 28:

• Chef Robert Irvine, Inn of the Mountain Gods

• ETC Band, No Scum Allowed Saloon

• Full Moon Ceremony, High Mesa Healing Center

• C.W. Ayon Trio, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

• Dia de Los Muertos, Lincoln

OCTOBER 31:

• Ruidoso Writer’s Group, Ruidoso Public Library

NOVEMBER 10-12:

• Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee, Ruidoso Convention Center

NOVEMBER 11:

• Delaney Davis and Valorie, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

NOVEMBER 25:

• 5K Turkey Trot, the Links; Sunny Ozuna, Inn of the Mountain Gods

TUESDAYS:

• Baby and Me Story Time, Ruidoso Public Library, 10:30 AM

WEDNESDAYS:

• Story Time, Ruidoso Public Library, 10:30 AM

• Activities for Teens and Tweens, Ruidoso Public Library, 3:00 PM

OCTOBER 7:

• Smokey’s Garden Experience, Smokey’s Garden

• AspenFest Parade and Festival, Midtown and Wingfield Park

OCTOBER 25:

• Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll, Midtown and Wingfield Park

OCTOBER 27:

• Family Fright Night, Downshift Riverside

AN ANNUAL FUN RUN-WALK ON THE LINKS TRAIL TO SUPPORT THE LINCOLN COUNTY FOOD BANK

Saturday, November 25, 2023

The Links Trail 10:00 AM 12:00 PM

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Update from Executive Director Deborah Douds

Fall is here, and with it comes our annual AspenFest Parade and Festival on October 7. This year’s theme is This is Halloween , with spooky floats and entries designed around favorite Halloween movies. Parade applications are available at the Chamber. Immediately following the 10 AM parade, the AspenFest Festival opens at Wingfield Park. With beer, wine and food vendors, arts and crafts, and children’s activities, there will be something for everyone. We will also have live music with Phil Hamilton, Matthew Palmer, Nova Rush, and Marie Manning. Come out and celebrate our beautiful fall weather! Thank you to AspenFest sponsors Kinetic by Windstream, Ruidoso Walk-in Clinic, Zia Quest, and Serendipity Haven Cabin.

The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce partners with Ruidoso Parks & Rec and the Ruidoso Midtown Association for the Midtown Trick or Treat on October 25. Sudderth Drive will be closed from 3-6 PM to ensure the safety of the participants during the event.

Every year, the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce has a Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in Santa Fe. This year, mark your calendar for our reception on Wednesday, February 7 at the Drury Plaza Inn. This is our opportunity to discuss local concerns wi th our legislators and cabinet secretaries. Please consider attending. The Chamber has reserved a block of rooms for the event. If you would like to attend, please call the Chamber, and we will provide you with the group number. If you are unable to attend but have concerns you would like for us to bring to the attention of our legislators, please call the Chamber and speak with Deborah.

We work hard every day to make Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play. If you would like to join the Chamber, please give us a call at 575-257-7395.

ASPENFEST ASPENFEST

October 7, 2023

Midtown Parade

10:00 AM

Theme: This is Halloween

ngfield Park Festival

11:00 AM

Festival tickets: $10 or $20 to include wine & beer tasting

12:00-1:00pm Nova Rush

Festival Tickets available at the gate.