The village council heard from a citizen committee about proposed changes to the noise ordinance, honored Brigadier General Nathaniel Carper and addressed a range of resident concerns, including coyote activity at the Nov. 12 Village Council meeting
The meeting began with two proclamations: one honoring Brigadier General Nathaniel Carper and the other designating Nov. 30 as Small Business Saturday.
However, the primary focus of the evening was on noise ordinance revisions brought forth by Tessa Davidson, representing a citizens committee that advocated for clear, enforceable noise standards to address complaints about disruptive sounds affecting the community’s quality of life.
The council declared November 13, 2024, as Nathaniel Carper Day in Corrales in recognition of his 27 years of service in the New Mexico National Guard.
The proclamation honored his recent promotion to Brigadier General and his appointment as Deputy Adjutant General for the New Mexico Army National Guard in September. The Carper family showed their dedication to others by supporting various community events and veteran organizations, providing service to the community, state and the nation.
General Carper was born in Charleston, West Virginia, to parents Susan and Tommy Carper, who attended the council meeting. He resides in Corrales with his wife, Colleen, a teacher at Corrales Elementary School, and their two sons, Thomas and Maxwell, who both attend Corrales Elementary.
His military achievements include multiple overseas deployments during the Global War on Terrorism and his role in national defense. Carper is a graduate of numerous military programs, including Harvard’s leadership and Homeland Security course and the U.S. Army War College.
Carper’s distinguished career earned him honors such as the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal and NATO Medal, reflecting exceptional leadership and dedication. Notable international awards include the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge and the German Army Marksmanship Badge.
“Thank you for this honor. It is truly humbling and I’m deeply appreciative of tonight,†Carper said. “I just wanted to come tonight, one to just thank you for this honor but also to express my gratitude for what you guys do and the service that you provide to this village and to this community, to make it such an outstanding place that it is to allow us to raise our family here and have a great network of friends and be a part of an outstanding community.â€
The village also declared Nov. 30 as Small Business Saturday, which encourages residents to shop at small, local businesses at the start of the holiday shopping season.
The proclamation underscored the economic importance of small businesses, noting that they create 65% of net new local jobs, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. It also states that the tax-free holiday waives gross receipts tax on qualifying items, supporting local shops and strengthening the Village’s economic base.
Concerns over noise ordinance changes
Representing a group of about 20 members, local water lawyer Tessa Davidson presented findings and recommendations at the council meeting. The community group, concerned about noise pollution disrupting life in Corrales, urged stronger, enforceable regulations to protect residents’ health, quality of life and the village’s unique charm.
The committee recommended proactive measures, such as noise evaluations during site plan reviews and a permitting system for businesses using amplified sound. Davidson’s presentation talked about noise concerns from amplified music, construction and events, compelling residents to seek enforceable standards.
“One thing I’ve noticed is that some of the stuff that’s going on right now in the village is being considered almost like a nuisance, like a pesky issue,
something that people don’t want to be bothered with,†Davidson said. “But you know, noise pollution is more than just a nuisance issue. It’s a health risk, and the EPA, since the 70s, in passing the Noise Prevention Act, did acknowledge that it is a growing risk to the population.â€
The group called for clearer standards, including the “Plainly Audible Standard,†which ensures noise is loud enough for a person with normal hearing to detect and is confirmed by multiple observers at the source. They also recommended decibel-based limits, a scientifically precise method that is effective at the noise source and widely accepted, though it requires reliable equipment and trained operators for enforcement.
The group tracked noise issues, gathering input from residents and business patrons and creating a “noise map,†which Davidson presented to the council where people were reporting loud noise. Additionally, they advocated for community liaisons to address complaints and escalating fines for repeat violations.
Council members deliberated on the challenges posed by the village’s mixed-use zoning, balancing residents’ well-being with the needs of local businesses.
Councilor Zachary Burkett questioned Davidson on how the village could enforce noise regulations fairly without disproportionately targeting specific sources. He pointed to examples like the noise from his children, school activities, motorcycles, and other common sounds that often exceed 65 decibels in the village.
“We’re not trying to distinguish sounds,†Davidson said. “If your neighbor is playing amplified music that is plainly audible and disturbing during certain hours and the restrictions, yeah, it would be enforceable. This is an attempt to not distinguish between different types of music.â€
According to Mayor James Fahey, the administration’s next step is to review Davidson’s input alongside existing regulations, address challenges, and gather data and recommendations to guide future actions.
“How do you deal with the situation of the school?’ he said. “Because a number of people have complained about the school noise because they don’t like all the noise of laughing children.â€
The committee’s recommendations include the following:
- Uniform application of excessive noise standards throughout the Village.
- Exemptions for agricultural activities and livestock.
- Prohibition of outdoor amplified sound, with a temporary noise-permitting process.
- Implementation of “fix-it-first†requirements, requiring businesses to demonstrate soundproofing measures before obtaining a permit for amplified sound.
- Civil penalties, such as escalating fines or injunctions, to encourage compliance.
In other news…
Council members heard from residents concerned about the rising number of coyotes in the village. Fire Chief Anthony Martinez provided an update on the department’s response to recent snowstorms and power outages, while Village Administrator Ron Curry reported that the storms disrupted internet service at the village administration building. Curry also noted that 194 new business licenses have been issued in 2024, with most businesses in the construction sector.
Get involved
At the Dec. 10 meeting, the council will hear a presentation by Albuquerque Public Schools on the design for the new K-8 school at the Corrales Elementary site. They will also review the Open Meetings Act resolution, set the holiday schedule for employees and review the Request for Proposals for the village attorney.
The next Village Council meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Village of Corrales Council Chambers, 4342 Corrales Rd.