Archive for Edgewood
Edgewood’s Law Enforcement Meltdown
by John Weckerle
In this week’s issues of the Mountain View Telegraph and The Independent, articles appeared reporting the resignation of Edgewood Police Chief Paul Welch. According to the articles, factors leading to the Chief’s departure include problems with standard operating procedures, as well as issuing equipment and ammunition.
The Telegraph article suggests mismanagement of equipment and ammunition. This would, on the surface appear inexcusable – but without hearing the other side of the story, it is not clear how this came to pass. Of significant interest is the discussion of the development of procedures. According to the Telegraph, Mr. Welch filed a draft of the procedures on June 1, 2008. The article also states: “Stearley said he required the chief to turn in a set of procedures before the first officer was hired, but didn’t have the work reviewed until recently.” The Town’s attorney reportedly saw problems with the procedures, which lead, supposedly, to the Chief’s resignation.
It seems inconceivable that such a critical issue was essentially left ignored for such a length of time, and allowed to build to a crisis. Questions that must be asked and answered are many, but should certainly include an examination of just why the procedures were not reviewed “until recently.” Mr. Welch’s side of this story should also be heard. It is one thing to be negligent in developing vital policies, but quite another to attempt to do so and be hogtied by bureaucratic inattention. Without access to Mr. Welch’s resignation letter – which, according to the article in The Independent, the town refused to release – it is impossible to ascertain the facts of the matter. »» Edgewood’s Law Enforcement Meltdown
Everyone Knows It’s Windy
by John Weckerle
(Editor’s Note: Your editor has made much of his living over the last couple of decades in the area of assessing environmental impacts of various projects and programs. He has worked both sides of the fence in this area, and has worked and continues to work with Federal agencies preparing National Environmental Policy Act documents and providing support for compliance with this law. He supports the appropriate use of renewable energy, has done work with clients in both the renewable energy and green building industries, and is a member of the New Mexico Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.)
The winds of change are blowing strong – and the breeze of discourse has reached gale force, at least in the editorial pages of recent editions of The Independent. From opponents of unrestricted windmill construction expressing outrage to windmill advocates indulging in a little name-calling as they attempt to make their point, it seems likely that the Spring winds normally scheduled for March are starting early and roaring across the plain, or at least the publications serving it, giving us the opportunity to take a metaphor and whip it to death like a flag in a tornado.
First, let us be clear: this subject is very complex and very important, and it is important that we conduct the discourse seriously, with a willingness to consider all factors, and with respect for those with whom we may disagree on the subject. The discussion has already taken at least one unfortunate turn where that is concerned – we refer to the letter by Douglas Mercer in the January 4 issue of The Independent, in which Mr. Mercer characterizes the objections of Tim Oden (letter opposing windmills in the January 28 edition) as “outdated and antiquated” and “the very sort of shallow consideration “attitude” that has gotten our country into the trouble it’s in today.” Mr. Mercer then goes on to blithely dismiss the potential effects of windmills on visual resources and property values – issues of great importance to local residents and property owners – as irrelevant. Shallow is as shallow does, we suppose, but we encourage a more comprehensive consideration of the subject by all parties.
The fact that Mr. Mercer believes residential wind power generation is more important than socioeconomic factors and that Mr. Oden places more value on the latter points out a crucial need to address a broad spectrum of issues. As before, we recommend development of a comprehensive study of the relevant issues, including socioeconomics, and analysis of reasonable alternatives by QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS as a precursor to any development of a plan, strategy, or ordinance to bring Edgewood into the renewable energy age. We concede the point that windmills have many beneficial attributes, providing a renewable and relatively “clean” source of energy that can be adapted to both centralized and distributed energy production. However, there are other issues to consider. Let’s take a brief look at a few of the relevant factors. »» Everyone Knows It’s Windy
Gimme Shelter – Part 1
by John Weckerle
(Editor’s Note: Chuck Ring contributed substantially to this article)
In a January 22 article on outlining financial problems faced by the Moriarty-Edgewood School District, Mountain View Telegraph writer Lee Ross reports on apparent consternation among the local school board members regarding the new Estancia Valley Regional Animal Shelter proposed to be located in Edgewood’s Section 16, south of Edgewood Middle School. According to the article, Moriarty-Edgewood School Superintendent stated: “I honestly did not have any idea that this was going into place.”
Excuse me?
As pointed out by former Town Council member and animal friend Chuck Ring, the regional animal shelter has been the subject of at least 13 articles in the Telegraph alone, all but one of which mentions Section 16 as the location for the facility. One would expect that elected officials would keep abreast of issues affecting the interests of the District, and that District personnel would be scanning the news for such issues and reporting back to the school board. Further, a naming contest was held in coordination with the school district, and Ms. Couch reportedly participated directly in that effort. »» Gimme Shelter – Part 1
What About Section 16? Again?
By Bob Steiner
According to the advance agenda notification for the Edgewood town council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 4, one of the the items to be discussed is property acquisition. For a variety of reasons such discussions are held in a closed session. The mayor, town council members, and staff “retreat” to an adjacent room where the matter is considered without potential “discordant” input from the audience. Ultimately. if a decision is made in the “back room” to recommend purchase of real property, the matter would be scheduled as an agenda item for a “forthcoming” council meeting and the transaction would be voted on by the council. While the procedure described does not really bother me, recent actions by the town cause me to want to “view” any potential real estate transactions with a critical eye.
Specifically, the area known as section 16 was designated as the eventual location for the Edgewood town’s municipal complex shortly after the town was incorporated in 1999. Over the years a 12 acre parcel of land was purchased to be the nucleus of the center and options to purchase adjoining property were negotiated with other entities, including the state land office. Extensive planning for roads and buildings at the site have been developed.
Edgewood COW Award Nominations Due February 3
by John Weckerle
The Town of Edgewood is soliciting nominations for their Community On the Way (COW) awards honoring volunteers who have worked to the benefit of the Town of Edgewood. These annual awards recognize those who have given of their time and energy for the good of the Edgewood community. Nomination forms may be downloaded or picked up either at the Town offices or the local Chamber of Commerce office and must be submitted to either location by February 3. The award ceremony and potluck dinner, to be hosted by KOB TV’s Steve Stucker, will be held at the Edgewood Middle School on February 20, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the awards, locations where forms may be obtained and/or dropped off, see the nomination form and flyer or contact the Town office at (505) 286-4518. The Town’s fax number is (505) 286-4519.
Been Through The Desert On A Bobcat With No A New Name
by John Weckerle
Wildlife West Nature Park has a new resident, and the new resident has a problem – she needs a name.
The Park recently acquired a 7 month-old female bobcat, formerly an illegal pet from the Alamagordo area. Having been raised in a household environment, she is very friendly (my wife and I spent some time in the cage with her, and she was very interested in attention). She’s also curious, very active, and has a relatively short attention span. Wildlife West recently held a contest to find a name for the newest occupant, and she is now named “Spark,” a name given by a local fourth grade student.
Edgewood Considering Windmills Without Requiring Permits
 by John Weckerle
Tonight, with very little fanfare before the fact, the Town of Edgewood will hold public hearings on a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance to allow windmills as a permitted use in all residential areas. Towers may be up to 80 feet tall on small lots (1/2 to 1 acre) and with no limit on height on larger lots. The ordinance can be found here.
The proposed revision appears overly simplistic and indicates that inadequate consideration was given to the complex issues associated with wind turbine use in residential settings. For example, the noise requirement states that a level of 60 decibels may not be exceeded at the “closest neighboring inhabited dwelling.” In some situations, there may be many undeveloped lots between the windmill and the next inhabited dwelling, potentially rendering those lots uninhabitable and depriving the owners of the ability to build homes on them. Taken in that context, some may suspect that the windmill ordinance has a certain “anti-development” goal. Allowing wind turbines – and their associated towers, to be permitted rather than conditional uses seems to ignore the complex and varied residential configurations found within Edgewood’s rather extensive land area. »» Edgewood Considering Windmills Without Requiring Permits
Edgewood To Acquire Town House Land?
By Bob Steiner
As previously reported on our blog (please see “Town House Community Not Approved”, Dec 23rd, post 336),  the Edgewood planning and zoning commission turned down a request by local developer, Tim Oden, to re-zone the Northwest Corner of the intersection at State Road 344 and Venus to allow the construction of a town house community. This request was turned down due to the extensive opposition of many residents residing in close proximity to that location. After the measure was voted down, town staff (Ms. Mahalick) assured the residents present that the town was not aware of any “other” plans for that location.
I recently was passed some pertinent information regarding the town house “ site” from an “anonymous” source. Normally I would give no credence to such input and simply regard it as a rumor, but this source has proven to be accurate on other occasions. so I decided to try and corroborate the information. In so doing, I was surprised to find out that while what I had heard was “speculative”, it could well be accurate.  If true, the people near the site need to be aware of what is happening.
Moriarty-Edgewood School District 2 Mill Levy Election To Be Held
by John Weckerle
On February 3, The Moriarty-Edgewood School District (MESD) 2 Mill Levy Election will be held to determine whether the current levy will be extended through 2014. Funds from the levy would, according to the MESD brochure, be ” used for the maintenance of buildings, acquisition of equipment, and other capital improvement purposes.” The money cannot be used for operational expenses such as salaries and other personnel costs. Anticipated funding from the continuation of the levy is anticipated to be approximately $930,000 per year, which would be matched with about $35,000 per year from the state Public School Capital Improvement Fund.
It should be noted that “A vote for the captial improvements tax levy will not result in a tax increase.” This is money that is sorely needed for the upkeep of our school facilities, and we urge local residents to support the mill levy. For more detailed information and a list of polling places, please see the MESD brochure.
Edgewood Seeks Parks And Recreation Committee Applicants
by John Weckerle
The Town of Edgewood is seeking applicants for one member and two alternate vacancies on its Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC), which is involved with parks, trails, athletics, open space, events, education, conservation, and more. The PRAC meets monthly, as may subcommittees.  Those interested in supporting Edgewood’s excellent PRAC should leave a resume, to include experience and areas of interest, at the Town office c/o Roger Holden by January 20, 2009.
Youth Job Opportunities At Wildlife West
by John Weckerle
Each summer, Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood provides employment to young people age 14 to 25 in cooperation with the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program. These jobs not only give participants the chance to earn money, but provide an opportunity to acquire a wide variety of skills and learn about the park’s animals and the ecological aspects of wildlife. The work is broad in scope: the participants may find themselves maintaining trails, guiding tours, assisting zookeepers, building habitats (in fact, the zoo has essentially been built by young people), and much more.
Recruiting for this summer’s program has begun. Applicants must send a resume and two references to the Park by March 15, 2009 to apply for employment this summer. For more information, contact the Park at (505) 281-7655.
Edgewood Library Grand Opening
by John Weckerle
The Town of Edgewood will celebrate the Grand Opening of its Community Library at the new location this Saturday, January 10 at 10 a.m. The new library – which we still think should be named to honor its greatest benefactor, Mark Jensen and his mother, Alta Mae Jensen – is located at #95 Highway 344 in Edgewood. Festivities will include a book signing by NASA astronaut Mike Mullane. We consider the facts that Mr. Mullane will be attending, that the mayor is a former rocket scientist, and that the International Space Station will be passing over earlier that morning to be an absolute coincidence. Then again, you never know…
Mr. Obama May Have To Forget, Ol’ What’s His Name
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Word from today’s New York Times informs that Governor Bill Richardson has removed himself from further consideration or confirmation for President-Elect Obama’s Secretary of Commerce position. »» Mr. Obama May Have To Forget, Ol’ What’s His Name
There’s More Than One Kind Of Roundabout
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Roundabout: circuitous , indirect <had to take a roundabout route> The forgoing is from The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. »» There’s More Than One Kind Of Roundabout
One Way Or Another — You Will Go Roundabout
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Roundabouts, traffic circles, calming devices; call them what you will. Some of them are touted and proven as efficient traffic handlers. There is a difference between roundabouts and traffic circles, so it is beneficial to get them settled in one’s mind. Here’s a webpage that will assist in helping everyone to sort out the differences between the twoÂ