Volume VI February 2022 - Ruidoso-NM.gov
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Volume VI · February 2022
Hello Ruidoso! This year is really
moving on. Currently, Village
staff and Council are working
on master plans, budgeting and
employee reviews. This is always
a busy and stressful time. I hope
that you saw the “State of the
Village” report on January 24th. If you missed it, you can find it on the
Village website or on the VOR YouTube channel. The Village is in great
shape for 2022, and we see so many opportunities in our future, especially
with all the funding possibilities available. Rest assured we are making our
presence known in Santa Fe. This is the legislative session where Capital
Outlay money is awarded, so we have provided our shovel-ready requests,
and the lobbying has begun.
Mayor Lynn Crawford
So much progress has been made on the proposed workforce housing
development on Mechem, and we appreciate all the support you have shown for this project. We realize our
workforce pool is very shallow and that businesses are scrambling for workers. We have been working on
solutions to ease this burden, and we realize that shortages in housing and childcare are major obstacles.
Soon the Village has the opportunity to become a “gig community.” We have issued a Request for
Proposals from qualified companies to fulfill this task. This has been a task the Village and many local
organizations have been working on for years, and it seems that the time has finally arrived. The work
would take a year or so to complete, but just imagine the possibilities of what increased connectivity
would mean. Fiber-based internet with lightening speeds for your home, businesses, and the addition of
new home-based businesses.
I am so thankful for this wonderful community and the people in it. But if you’re like me, patience is in short
supply. Sometimes I have to remind myself to look around and remember just how fortunate I am to have the
people around me that I do, the view that I have, and the health to enjoy it. That’s a real attitude adjustment
for sure.
Join me every Monday from 8-10 AM on KRUI 1490 radio for “Mondays with the Mayor” where we answer
your questions, discuss current projects, and talk about upcoming events.
Until next time, enjoy Living in Nature’s Playground!
Mayor Lynn Crawford
1
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recent Actions
» Adopted Resolution 2022-02, a Resolution in Support of the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and to Protect the
Economic Vitality of the Enterprise.
» Approved the New Mexico State Library General Obligation Bond grant agreement awarded to the
Ruidoso Public Library.
Ruidoso Village Council Members
» Approved Ratification of Cooperative Project Agreement
with the New Mexico Department of Transportation for
Project Control Number RT20030 for the Construction
Phase of the Links Trail Rehabilitation, in the Amount of
$500,000.00.
» Approved Agreement with White Sands Construction,
Inc. through Cooperative Educational Services (CES)
Contract #2020-09B-G1137-ALL for Community Center
Interior Lighting, Acoustical Ceiling and Ceiling Insulation
Replacement, in the Amount of $72,949.93, Including Gross Rifle Salas – Mayor Pro Tem, Susan
Receipts Tax. Lutterman, Dr. Gary Jackson, Tim
Coughlin, Joe Eby, John Cornelius
» Approved Agreement with Advanced Tower Services,
Inc., for Labor and Materials to Erect a New 190’ Self-
Supporting Communication Tower at the Horton Complex, in the Amount of $168,034.75, Including Gross
Receipts Tax.
» Approved Award of IFB #2022-001B and Contract to Beartooth Water Jetting and Video Inspection,
LLC. for Grindstone Canyon Dam Seepage Gallery Drain Cleaning/Restoration Project, in the Amount
of $430,865.56, Including Gross Receipts Tax.
» Approved Agreement with Pure Technologies U.S. Inc., d/b/a Wachs Water Services for Water Line
Leak Detection Services.
» Reappointed Tim Lewis and Leroy Smith to the Ruidoso Public Library Board.
» Heard a presentation on proposed communication tower to be erected at the Horton Complex.
ON THE BALLOT:
The GO Bond For Improving the VOR Water
On the March 2022 ballot will be a question asking voters to authorize $3 million of General Obligation (GO)
bonds. All registered voters who reside within the boundaries of the Village of Ruidoso limits may vote on the
bond question. The question will read as follows:
Shall the Village of Ruidoso issue up to $3,000,000 of General Obligation bonds to be
repaid from property taxes, for the purpose of enlarging, improving, and/or extending
the production and distribution components of the Village’s water system.
Will the New Bonds Increase My Taxes?
ON THE
Residents of Ruidoso WILL NOT see an increase in taxes with
the continuation of the Water Infrastructure Improvement
BALLOT
Bond Program. This program was designed to set the mill
levy rate (property tax rate) to ensure continual approval of
$3 million at each election. By getting voter approval on a GO
Bond every two years, the Water Infrastructure Improvement
Program can continue without increasing property taxes. 2022
2
NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2022
The New Mexico Legislative session started on January 18, 2022 and is a 30-day session this year. On
January 6, 2022, the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) Director David Abby reported that State revenues
are projected to increase be $886 million in FY23, reaching $1.59 billion in “new money.”
The LFC Director’s appropriation recommendation includes the following:
» A one-time general fund disbursement
» Other investments totaling over $2.4 billion, including full use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
state relief funds
» About $180 million in public school reform funds
Virtually, all of the special session spending of ARPA is contained in the LFC recommendation.
Major investments include almost $500 million in transportation upgrades, including major projects.
» Almost $500 million in economic development related investment.
» $115 million in water infrastructure upgrades.
» $158 million in rural jobs, natural resources, and quality of life improvements.
» $418 million to improve college completion and meet workforce needs for critical services, including
behavioral health and education.
» $74 million, plus anticipated federal matching funds, for costs related to COVID-19, including support
for hospitals and nurse staffing assistance.
» $420 million for other special appropriations.
With the State of New Mexico projecting the largest ever available revenues and recommendations for
appropriations, the Village of Ruidoso has been preparing by increasing the Village’s ability to administer
large projects. The Village has submitted seven Village Council-approved Legislative Capital Outlay
Requests totaling $40.5 million:
» Workforce Housing ($5,000,000)
» Broadband Fiber Connectivity ($7,000,000)
» E-911/Consolidated Dispatch ($3,500,000)
» Water, Wastewater, and Roadway Improvements ($6,000,000)
» Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Development ($5,000,000)
» Sewer Infrastructure Construction Improvements ($12,000,000)
» Bridge Replacement Construction ($2,000,000)
The Capital Improvements planned by the Village of Ruidoso are quality of life initiatives aimed at
improving the Village’s aging infrastructure, adding to the recreational assets and is a strategy in the efforts
to speed-up our economic recovery.
3
UPCOMING EVENTS
As we move into winter here are some upcoming events around town:
February 2 February 14 February 21
Lincoln County Day Valentine’s Presidents’
Reception in Santa Fe Day Day
February 4-6 February 19-20 February 26
Ice Skating at Vines in the Pines Ultimate Tribute to
Wingfield Park Wine and Art Festival Rod Stewart at the
Inn of the Mountain Gods
For more information visit DiscoverRuidoso.com
VOR 2022 STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION COMPLETE
The Village of Ruidoso’s 2022 Strategic Planning Session took place on January 25-27, 2022. The process
gives each Department Director an opportunity to present to the Mayor and Council their department’s
accomplishments from last year and present their plan for the upcoming year. This establishes approved
goals and objectives, an Implementation Plan, identifies responsible party, resources needed to complete,
and a timeframe from start to finish for each goal and objective. After the Strategic Planning process, the
document becomes the department’s approved Tactical Plan. The Tactical Plan becomes actionable and is
incorporated into every employee’s Performance Evaluation.
Below is a list of some of the highlighted priority plans which were introduced:
» Assist with the completion of the Utility Master Plans and Rate Analysis. Planning is currently
underway and estimated completion is February 2023.
» Complete the engineering on the remaining FEMA Bridge Projects and procure the construction.
» The Department will be exploring a process of how to become a one-stop shop for developments
including utility connection, street cuts, forestry compliance, building permits and short-term
rental permits.
» Expansion of the last mile of fiber to all homes in Ruidoso.
» Implementation of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan.
» Implementation of the Grindstone and Wingfield Master Plans.
» Infrastructure improvements for the Midtown area.
» Workforce development initiatives such as Workforce Housing and Child Day Care.
For a full list of the plans presented and approved by the Village of Ruidoso go to the Village of Ruidoso
website at www.ruidoso-nm.gov.
4
CHAMBER CHAT
from Executive Director Deb Douds
We continue to be busy at the Chamber and Visitor Centers. We are currently
planning our Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in Santa Fe that is scheduled
for February 2 at 5:30 PM at the Drury Plaza Hotel. Tickets to the reception are
$40 in advance. We have invited all the New Mexico legislators as well as cabinet
secretaries. We encourage all Chamber members and area businesses to join us in
representing the voice of our community as this is your opportunity to speak directly
with our legislators about your concerns.
In addition, we are planning the 2022 Vines in the Pines Wine Festival which will be held February 19-20
from 12:00-6:00 PM at the Ruidoso Convention Center. We will have New Mexico wineries present along with
craft breweries, boutique vendors, arts and crafts, and food vendors. Advance tickets can be purchased on
Eventbrite.com for $20 for a one-day pass or $30 for a weekend pass.
Artist applications are now available at Zapplication.com for the 51st Annual Ruidoso Art Festival. This juried
fine art show will be held July 22-24 at the Ruidoso Convention Center, and it brings artists and art lovers to
Ruidoso from all over the country. The application will close April 8, 2022.
The visitor centers continue to be busy during the winter months. Even with the lack of snow, our visitors are
enjoying ice skating at Wingfield Park, tubing at Ruidoso Winter Park, and are having fun at Ski Apache.
We are looking forward to another great year at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor
Center. Please stop in at the Chamber anytime to visit us. Our doors are always open!
RUIDOSO POLICE DEPARTMENT
CELEBRATES LOCAL YOUTH
Shop with a Cop
On December 18th, the Ruidoso Police
Department hosted “Shop with a
Cop” with assistance from the Lincoln
County Sheriff’s Office and the New
Mexico State Police. Ten youngsters
from the Village were selected to
participate in this special event which
allowed them to have breakfast with
an officer, drive to Walmart in a police
unit where they purchased gifts for
themselves and their families and
then end the day with pizza and fun at Adventure Mountain with Miss
Ruidoso Teen USA. What a great way to celebrate the holiday season
by treating these kids to a day they will never forget!
5
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION UPDATE
from Executive Director Kendra King
We welcome the New Year of 2022! RMA
is excited about the upcoming change
of seasons. We have really enjoyed the
ice skating rink that has been operating
at Wingfield Park. A big shout-out to the
Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department
for hosting a special Locals Day on
Wednesdays so that students in the Ruidoso
Schools can take advantage of the ice rink
on their early-out Wednesdays! Locals,
students, and guests can ice skate for
free from 1:00-5:00 PM every Wednesday
through the first week of February.
Pictured is the freshly remodeled showroom floor and
We are excited to announce that Brewdoso,
display at Books Etc located at 2340 Sudderth. Their video
our signature beer and wine festival, is featured on the RMA Facebook page.
will be back this year on Father’s Day
Weekend. We will take over Wingfield park with craft beer and wine vendors from all over the state, live
entertainment and tons of other miscellaneous vendors.
A reminder that RMA is a non-profit organization with the targeted focus being the designated Midtown
District. In the last newsletter, I touched on the mission behind our organization and I would like to continue
and add to that information to build and strengthen the awareness of our purpose. We operate under the
New Mexico MainStreet guidelines to maintain our state accreditation. In order to be an accredited program,
we must follow the four-point ground up approach. The four-points are Economic Vitality, Promotions,
Organization and Design. We make a specific effort to invest time and resources in each one of those areas
to enrich our unique district diversity. We use that opportunity to host signature festivals and events in order
to raise funds for supporting our efforts.
We are always looking for sponsors and volunteers. While our non-profit efforts are focused on the
midtown district specifically, we aim to have a rock-solid foundation from the continued support of our
community and its members. That is how we will continue to preserve and promote healthy growth of
our community.
We will also bring back the Mountain Smoke BBQ Competition and Festival as well as continue to hold
business mixers throughout the district.
If you are interested in being a vendor with our upcoming event schedule, please contact the organization
directly or you can find more information on the RuidosoMainStreet.com website. The same information
applies to anyone interested in becoming involved or volunteering. Please feel free to contact Kendra King
the Executive Director for RMA (575-973-0967/kendraeking@gmail.com) or any board member directly with
your ideas, questions or concerns. We appreciate any and all community involvement.
Follow the Ruidoso Midtown Association on Facebook for regular posts and updates.
6
MAYORAL COMMENDATIONS
The following individuals/companies received
Mayoral Commendations from Mayor Lynn
Crawford for going above and beyond.
» Luther Light » RHS Football Team
» Carrie Chavez & Coaches
» Marc Beatty » Bella Bartz
» Shane Holder » Michael Morrow
» Wally Murillo » Joshua Witt
» Francisco Sanchez » Alice & Fallon
» Gabe Aguilar Valasquez
» Charles Remkes » Ronald Hall
Bella Bartz, daughter of VOR Executive Administrative Assistant Yvonne Bartz, was
recognized as All State First Team, All District Player of the Year, All Star, Scholar Athlete
and Middle Hitter Award after a phenomenal senior season in which the Tularosa Lady
Wildcat volleyball team finished as the runners-up at the State Championship.
THE COMMUNITY CENTER
More Grants, More Improvements & RSVP Recognition
GRANT UPDATES: RSVP RECOGNITION:
Community Center staff were able to obtain The Village of Ruidoso’s Retired and Senior
additional grants through the New Mexico Aging & Volunteer Program (RSVP) had its Christmas
Long-Term Services Capital Outlay Department to Appreciation Luncheon on December 10th to
upgrade the exercise equipment that is available honor its volunteers. All volunteers were given
to use free of charge for anyone in the public. The station work shirts as a gift of appreciation. The
grant appropriation in the amount of $16,521 will night before, the VOR hosted a mixer for all of the
be utilized in 2022 to ensure that equipment is volunteers who serve on boards and committees in
upgraded for safer and more usage to the public. the Village. Custom jackets were provided for all
RSVP board members as a show of appreciation for
In addition, a grant obtained through the New all of their hard work.
Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department
in the amount of $73,000 has been obtained to RSVP volunteers spend thousands of hours each
upgrade the inner ceiling tiles, insulation, and year providing services to many non-profit
lighting within the Community Center. The organizations in our community. In 2021 RSVP
renovation of the old and outdated ceiling tiles volunteers provided over 16,000 hours of volunteer
and insulation will alleviate the possibility of service which had a value of $456,000 worth of
any breathing problems within the center due to savings to the non-profit organizations that are
weathered material from the recently renovated signed up under the Village of Ruidoso Retired and
leaking rooftop. The LED lighting that will be Senior Volunteer Program. Anyone interested in
installed will allow for better lighting in all areas becoming an RSVP Volunteer can contact Amber
while providing energy savings for the Village. Word at AmberWord@ruidoso-nm.gov or call
575-257-4565.
7
IMPORTANT MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2022 INFORMATION
ABSENTEE VOTING
» February 1 – February 25, 2022 CERTIFIED CANDIDATES
» Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Candidates –
» Village Hall
One Position, Four-Year Term
» Office of the Municipal Clerk
313 Cree Meadows Drive (Vote for 1)
Ruidoso, NM 88345 ο Lynn D. Crawford
EARLY VOTING
Councilor Candidates –
» February 1 – February 26, 2022
Three Positions, Four-Year Term
» Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and
Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(Vote for 3)
» Village Hall ο Gary L. Jackson
» Office of the Municipal Clerk ο Darren Hooker
313 Cree Meadows Drive
ο TJ Owen
ON THE
Ruidoso, NM 88345
ο Stephen Lee Carter
ELECTION DAY
March 1, 2022 BALLOT ο Timothy Michael Coughlin
» Ruidoso Convention Center
111 Sierra Blanca Drive 2022 Municipal Judge Candidates –
Ruidoso, NM 88345 One Position, Two-Year Term
» Voters in Consolidated Precincts (Vote for 1)
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 21, 24, 25, 29
ο Frank Potter
» 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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