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The Village Council unanimously rejected a proposed lighting ordinance amendment, which had left both Corraleños and councilors confused.
During the Sept. 24 council meeting, councilors voted against publishing the amendment, which ultimately killed the proposal to eliminate the language that empowered citizens to identify potential violations and initiate enforcement through written complaints regarding the lighting ordinance.
“This ordinance is already confusing. Obviously, you all are confused, we’re confused too,†Fred Hashimoto said during the public comment period. “I would be in favor of just leaving it as it is because it tells citizens when they complain, it will be investigated.â€
The amendment to the ordinance was initially presented to the council during the Aug. 27 meeting in response to complaints about specific lights, prompting the village to pursue updates to the code. Code Enforcement Officer Sherrie Rice said the amendment would allow her to file a report only when a violation is confirmed, rather than issuing notices based solely on complaints.
“A lot of times there’s not a violation. So we don’t want to send folks notices if there’s not,†Rice said at the Sept. 24 meeting. “A lot of times we would get folks, even from Rio Rancho, complaining about a light that they thought might be an issue. So I would go out and I would check it to make sure that it truly was before any notice would ever be sent to a resident.â€
Rice said Corraleños can always approach her with their complaints. She will always get back to them regarding the validity of their concerns. She said light violations are relatively infrequent, with the village recording only about 10 last year.
“I try to be very communicative with the folks in the village, and as well as anybody outside the village. I want them to know what I can do and what I can’t do, to try to solve the issue,†Rice said.
Councilor John Alsobrook expressed concern about the mechanisms available for citizens to file complaints with the zoning office.
Village Clerk Melanie Romero said the village website includes a section for residents to file complaints, without specifying limitations on the types of issues that can be reported. Complaints are directed to the clerk’s office, where Romero reviews them and determines the appropriate department for investigation, ensuring that all concerns are addressed.
Some public commenters voiced concerns that the amendment, along with other ordinances, prioritizes businesses over the interests of residents.
“It seems to me that our village has gone to the point where the business aspect, the money, the revenue, gross receipts, whatever it is, is more important to this village than the community members that actually made this village and sustained this village for what, a couple of 100 years now,†Marty Sanchez said.
The lights at Ex Novo were mentioned by several individuals, including Councilor Mel Knight, who questioned why the fixtures exceed 20 feet in height when they are supposed to be shorter.
According to Rice, village code allows for a maximum height of 15 feet for residential properties, while state regulations require commercial parking lots to have lighting fixtures around 22 feet tall to ensure patron safety, although she said she wasn’t certain of the exact height off the top of her head.
Making a complaint
Residents can file complaints by calling 897-0502 ext. 241, emailing codeenforcement@corrales-nm.org, or reporting in person at Village Hall, at 4324 Corrales Road. They can also complete the online form by visiting corrales-nm.org, selecting “I’m looking for,†navigating to “Forms Directory,†and choosing “Comment/Complaint Form.â€
Get involved
The next Town Council meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Village of Corrales Council Chambers, 4342 Corrales Rd.