After extensive discussions and public comments from concerned Corraleños at a meeting June 11, the village council is one step closer to approving this year’s Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP).
Residents, who filled the council chambers throughout the monthlong planning process, raised concerns about transparency and the prioritization of non-shovel-ready projects.
The ICIP will help bring the village millions for infrastructure projects.
The council also addressed fireworks restrictions, a new agreement with Roadrunner Waste and updates on general obligation bonds.
ICIP
Originally the top 10 projects ranked on the ICIP list totaled just over $31.7 million, however after the meeting, Sandoval County asked the village to add over $18 million in funding related to the Sandoval County Regional Emergency Call Center.
“We’ll see what happens and try to get it from the governor so we can go ahead and develop this emergency call center so we don’t miss a step when we get kicked off of Rio Rancho’s system,†Mayor James Fahey said.
The call center will relocate from its current home at the Rio Rancho Police Department to the Sandoval County government campus in Bernalillo on July 1, 2025.
The council chamber brimmed with residents eager to voice their concerns during the meeting. Some speakers during the public comment section expressed their desire for greater transparency within the village government.
“Our current ICIP process is rushed and not transparent since many residents don’t know what some of the projects are and the internal rankings are not necessarily representative of the residents’ priorities, because they may not know what the funding is for exactly,†said Ken Martinez.
Others expressed concerns about the multiuse facility on the list. The village is requesting $9,538,000 for this project.
“Why are we asking for $9 million for something that isn’t even shovel-ready? I’m sure we have roads that we can fix or things that we can repair,†Johnny Martinez said.
“Our first responders requested items that affect everyone in the village, yet I see that a few of those fire department requests are the latter portion of the list and this is concerning because we’re just one big fire away from being in a Maui-like situation,†he said.
Councilor Zachary Burkett defended the multiuse facility and transparency during committee meetings. He suggested that renaming the facility to a “community center” could improve its public perception and messaging.
“I went to a lot of those meetings and there is strong interest in a community center… whether or not the ICIP is the place to get that is a different question,†Burkett said. “But I think that’s what people wanted during that transparent process.â€
Fireworks restrictions
The council also declared an emergency due to severe drought conditions. As a result, the sale and use of certain fireworks are prohibited to reduce the risk of wildfires, especially in the Bosque area. The prohibition will remain in place until July 11, unless improved conditions allow for modification or suspension by the mayor, based on the fire chief’s recommendations.
The emergency declaration was issued following an executive order by the lieutenant governor in May, while the governor was out of state. The resolution authorizes village police officers and firefighters to enforce the ban and confiscate any prohibited fireworks.
“We take fireworks seriously in the village,†Corrales Fire Chief Anthony Martinez said. “A lot of communities don’t have it written into law, our ordinance right now is restrictive to the point that we can be by law and we use that authority and enforce it.â€
The restrictions limit fireworks to specific ground and hand-held devices, banning all aerial fireworks. Fireworks are always prohibited in the Bosque and must only be used on barren or paved surfaces.
The June 14 Mayor’s Message emphasized fire safety, including injury statistics from fireworks and stressing the need for the resolution, aiming to ensure a safe Fourth of July for all Corraleños.
Roadrunner waste
Corrales village councilors finalized a four-year agreement with Roadrunner Waste, set to begin Aug. 1.
The agreement grants Roadrunner Waste the sole rights to provide roll-off boxes, concrete removal and compactors within the village, aiming to reduce road wear and tear by limiting truck traffic to one provider. The agreement stipulates that any contractor found self-hauling waste without using Roadrunner Waste’s services may face code enforcement actions. This ensures adherence to the exclusive service provision.
Adam Meyer, the district manager for Roadrunner Waste, explains that the aim is to provide competitive pricing and minimize infrastructure impact.
The agreement includes an 8% increase in service rates, but it also features a price freeze for the first two years, preventing any rate hikes. Additionally, Roadrunner Waste will cover the cost of glass recycling, which was previously an expense borne by the village.
“I’m very proud of what we put in front of you guys, as far as pricing is concerned,†Meyer said. “It is extremely competitive and it’d be very hard to find something better.â€
Get involved
The next Village Council meeting is at 6:30 p.m. July 9 at the Village of Corrales Council Chambers, 4342 Corrales Rd.