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Town of EdgewoodNewsletterwww.Edgewood-NM.govQuarterly Update - Q3 + Apr/May 2025It was a very moo-ving evening on March 13 as the Townof Edgewood honored its fabulous volunteers. Amidst afield of cow print tablecloths and sunflower centerpieces,Masters of Ceremony Edgewood Mayor Ken Brennan andTown Manager Nina McCracken entertained a crowd ofnearly 100 attendees with a series of cow puns and humoras Commissioners Milligan, Murillo, and Rariden presentedthe COW (Community On the Way) Awards.thThe community made nominations and voted todetermine award winners in numerous categories. With theannouncement of each awardee, the room filled with thesound of cow bells and applause. A dozen awards werepresented to individuals and organizations who share theirtime and talents to benefit the entire Edgewoodcommunity. Edgewood recognizes top volunteers at COW AwardsMembers of the Edgewood Lions Club pose for a photo after receivingthe “Hearts of Gold” award for exceptional service to Edgewood by acommunity organization, presented by Commissioner Stephen Murillo.Karen Mosier was recognized as a “LocalLegend” for her years of service toEdgewood’s animal community. Awardpresented by Commissioner Rariden.continued on page 7(Above) Long-time COW Award MCs ChuckRing and Jo White passed the mic to MayorKen Brennan and Town Mgr Nina McCracken Message

New TownCommissionerAppointedCommissioner Rariden lives in District 5 and has beenan Edgewood resident for 29 years. He and his wife,Lorraine, have been married for 41 years.Mr. Rariden is retired from civil service at KirtlandAirforce Base where he worked for 26 years in LogisticsManagement for the 377 Air Base Wing and Air ForceResearch Laboratory. Previously, he served 20 years inthe U.S. Airforce. thIn accordance with NMSA 1978 3-14-9 and Town policy,the Governing Body is required to appoint a qualifiedelector to fill any unexpired term of office on theCommission.The Governing Bodyinterviewed sevencandidates beforeselecting Mike Rariden asthe new commissionerfor District 5. Rariden wasappointed at the March11 meeting to fill a seatthat had been vacatedin November.thFY25 Q2 P2 Town of Edgewood NewsletterQ3 Quarterly ReviewWelcome to Edgewood’s FY25 3rd QuarterReview. This update provides highlights ofprojects the governing body and staff workedon in Q3/early Q4 and upcoming events andactivities.Edgewood’s Governing Body meets on the2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6pmat Town Hall. Public input is welcomed.New Planning & ZoningCommissionersThe Governing Body appointed to new terms asPlanning & Zoning Commissioners Lois Reeves(far left) and Bobby Rush(center left). New tothe P&Z Commission is Doug West (far right),who was also appointed by the TownCommission at its March 11, 2025, regularmeeting. Diana Williams (center) and CherylBonino (right), currently commission chair andvice-chair, respectively, had been previouslyappointed for terms ending December 31, 2025.Planning & Zoning Commissioners serve at thepleasure of the Town Commission and functionunder delegated authority from the TownCommission to address land use and planningmatters. Per ordinance, their terms are twoyears or until replaced.Commissioners Rariden, Murillo, Brennan (L-R) and Anaya (farright) welcomed new business Country Critters at their RIbbonCutting on May 10 . th

FY25 Q2 P3 Town of Edgewood NewsletterQ3 Financial SummaryA recap of the town’s Q3 financial position. Revenues are keeping pace with expenditures. The town is being conservativein expenditures where possible. The revenues/expenses are fairly balanced and meeting the percent of budget asprojected. Overall, finances look good, and the Town is on track to end the fiscal year in a healthy position. As the townprepares its FY26 budget, it will again take a conservative position in response to the current economic climate. ICIP Allocations to Townwww.edgewood-nm.gov/employment-opportunitiesEach year, the Town submits anInfrastructure Capital Improvement Plan(ICIP) to the legislature for consideration.It contains the top projects needingfunding - a curated town wish list.This year, thanks to the efforts of newlyelected State Senator Anthony “Ant”Thornton (Dist. 19), the Town of Edgewoodwas allocated $300,00 for Rt. 66 SewerLine design and another $138,000 forPolice Dept. Wellness Center Equipment.Commissioners and town managementshared with Sen. Thornton the details andpurpose of numerous town projects duringthe 2025 Municipal Days in Santa Fe. Itwas an important opportunity to gainfunding for the town.

FY25 Q2 P4 Town of Edgewood NewsletterJoin the fun and make friends. Signup for YES! Summer Program foryouth ages 5-12.Parks & Rec runs the YES! SummerProgram on Mondays-Fridays from9:00am-3:00pm at EdgewoodTown Hall.Campers enjoy indoor and outdooractivities, field trips, movies, waterplay, and participate in all thesummer events at the Library, too.Must enroll in advance. Feeincludes all activities, field trips,lunches, and snacks.ENROLL NOW!www.edgewood-nm.gov/parks-recreation/page/yes-summer-programParks & Rec Celebrates Summer with Annual Events!MORE Parks & Rec Summer Events: Movie Nites, Water Play Days, Teen Nights, Labor Day Bash,Longest Table, and Brews on the Bachelor. Full details at: www.edgewood-nm.gov/calendar

FY25 Q2 P5 Town of Edgewood NewsletterNew Chief of PoliceAaron Frost was recently named Chief of Police,following the retirement of former Chief RogerJimenez. Chief Frost was initially appointed byEdgewood’s Governing Body as Deputy Chief inApril 2025, Chief Frost brings 19 years of dedicated lawenforcement experience in New Mexico to his newrole as Chief of Police. He joined the EdgewoodPolice Department in December 2022, followingmore than 15 years of service with Ruidoso PoliceDepartment. Chief Frost holds a Bachelor of Science inCriminal Justice from Fort Hays State University,as well as an Associate of Applied Science inPolice Science with a focus on Crime SceneReconstruction Technology from Oklahoma StateUniversity. His leadership reflects a commitmentto public safety, integrity, and community-focused policing. Chief Frost is dedicated tofostering a safe and welcoming environment thathonors Edgewood’s rural character andcommunity spirit. He emphasizes transparency,collaboration, and proactive engagement withresidents to uphold the town’s values andsupports its vision for thoughtful growth anddevelopment. Under the delegated authority ofthe Commission, Chief Frost is responsible for The Edgewood community is known for its love of animals, andthat’s helped to put the town’s Animal Shelter on track for arecord year. Pet adoptions have already reached 82 since Jan.1st. It looks like 2025 is likely to surpass the shelter’s 2024adoption total of 103. Edgewood’s Animal Shelter has increasedits social media outreach to share photos and videos of dogsand cats in its care - some to reconnect lost pets with theirowners and others to find new families for pets needing a newchapter. Connect on Facebook @ Edgewood Animal Control. Animal Control contact numbers:Emergency: 911 Dispatch for Services: (505) 428-3720Animal Shelter (9a-5p): (505) 926-9013Animal Shelter is rockin’ it!public safety for the Town. He manages dailyoperations and strategic planning of theEdgewood Police Department and EdgewoodAnimal Control. He maintains a focus onenforcement, staffing and training, communityengagement, and fiscal management. He assistswith the management of day-to-day municipaloperations for optimal service to the community.Interim Clerk-TreasurerVictoria Archuleta was appointed Interim Clerk-Treasurer on May 13 by the Governing Body,following the resignation of Michelle Jones who isreturning to her former position as Clerk-Treasurerfor the Town of Estancia.Ms. Archuleta has worked for the Town ofEdgewood as Financial Specialist II handlingaccounts payables and receivables, and payroll.She has been closely involved in the FY2026Budget Planning process, special projects, andrecently attended the New Mexico MunicipalLeague’s Spring Clerk/Finance OfficialsConference.She has four years of professional experience inFinance, emphasizing invoice aging and customercommunications. She is a detail-oriented person.

FY25 Q3 P6 Town of Edgewood NewsletterSummer Reading Program 2025 is “Color OurWorld”! Join the fun and participate withEdgewood Community Library. Completeactivities and log your reading in the challengeto earn tickets from June 1 - July 31, 2025. Thetickets you earn can be entered into prizedrawings! If you complete the entire challenge,which includes 10 hours of reading, you willautomatically be entered into our Grand PrizeDrawing for the chance to win an ABQ Bio Parkyearlong membership! Don't forget - digital andaudio books count too! Join and “Color OurWorld” with imagination.https://www.edgewood-nm.gov/librarySummer Reading Program Library SummerSCAVENGER HUNTJuly 22-26FREE MuseumFREE MuseumPasses AvailablePasses AvailableToo!Too!FREE Library Events

FY25 Q2 P7 Town of Edgewood Newslettercont. from page 1SINCERE THANKS to all who make our communitygreat, and especially these awardees: Jo Whiteand Chuck Ring ("Never Out to Pasture" fordecades of dedication); Friends of EstanciaValley Animals (“Udderly Amazing” for Woofstocksupport and animal welfare service); NathanDauphin (“Udderly Amazing” for completing thecomplex mathematical calculation ofEdgewood’s land mass area – 62.4666 squaremiles); Tenleigh Smith (“Up & Coming Leader”teen service for Edgewood Parks & Recreation);Brian McMurtry (“Champion for Youth” for supportof multiple youth activities); Bruce Hansche(“Furry Friends Angel” for service to EdgewoodAnimal Shelter); Mighty Dumpsterz (“Commerce& Caring” for a business volunteering service toEdgewood veterans with yard clean ups);Edgewood Lions Club (“Hearts of Gold” for theirmultitude of services and events); Ann MarieBeall (“Above & Beyond” for regular andconsistent service to the Library); EdgewoodCommunity Library Volunteers (“CommunityPillar” for exceptional service to community); andKaren Mosier (“Local Legend” for years of serviceto Edgewood’s animal community).Thank you, too, to our COW Award Sponsors:EPCOR Water, Sunward Credit Union, and NCRTDMy Blue Bus - and to EVCA for your great facility. The COW Awards are an Edgewood tradition(2001-2013) and now returned in 2025.Town recognizes volunteers at annual COW AwardsBelow: (Far L) Friends of Estancia Valley Animals, (L) BruceHansche, (R) Ann Marie Beall, (Far R) Tenleigh Smith. Missing:Brian McMurtry. Top: Edgewood Community Library volunteersAbove: (L) Nathan Dauphin, (R) Mike with Mighty Dumpsterz

FY25 Q2 P8 Town of Edgewood NewsletterMaintaining roads in New Mexico is a realchallenge. Our dry climate and fast drivers createwashboards on gravel roads, freeze/thaw cyclestake a toll on paved roads, and rain and meltedsnow cause ruts and slick conditions. The Town of Edgewood is responsible for 67 milesof existing roadways; some are paved but mostare gravel. NM 344 and NM 333 (Historic Route66) are the responsibility of NMDOT.Roads are a top priority for the community, sothe Town Commissioners added monthly Roadsworkshops to plan for and monitor progress anddiscuss future major roads projects. To keep up with needs, the Roads departmentadded to staff this year. Now, with two crews,they are able to grade Town gravel roads inmore frequent cycles. In March and April, all townroads were bladed. High-traffic arterial roads areplanned for monthly grading (or more). Lowertraffic neighborhood roads are slated for bi-monthly or quarterly maintenance runs. Privateroadways remain the responsibility of theproperty owner. (Map shows Town Roads in red)Church Street is moving forward. On May 20,Church St. will have temporary closures as EMWGas re-routes a gas line ahead of construction. A low water crossing that has been a significantobstacle has been re-designed by engineers The long road to improved maintenance and paving and a box culvert will be installed in the comingmonths. Once the culvert is installed, the town’sRoads department will be able to proceed withprepping the road for paving (weather permitting). East Venus Road has been a challenge and a truelearning opportunity. Road crews discovered somepreviously unmarked utility and water lines, hadintermittent weather delays, and months-long workdisruptions caused by NMDOT I-40 construction inthe Fall contributed to significant project delays.Despite the delays and the desire for a quick fix, thetown’s priority is to construct the road properly forlong-term serviceability and to be a soundinvestment for Edgewood citizens. Final culverts have now been installed on E. Venusand prep for materials and paving process hasbegun. With weather warming, paving should beable to occur, as long as the weather cooperates.The Road dept. needs a 10-day window without rainand with temperatures consistently above 65degrees. Let’s cheer on our Roads crews and keepour fingers crossed that it comes together verysoon. Then on to Cactus, Quail/McCall, and Pinto.Roads crew install culvert on E. Venus Rd.

FY25 Q2 P9 Town of Edgewood NewsletterRolled out on April 14 , after an eight monthprocess, the new site has more information and aneasier-to-navigate style. The town chose Civic Plusthe number one provider of local governmentwebsites for its expertise, functional options, andability to fully manage the design andimplementation process. Several Town staffmembers worked with CP to develop a designInspired by Edgewood’s outdoor lifestyle: colors of thWayfinding is a cohesive and attractive system of signage andcues to help locals and visitors find destinations within acommunity, such as parks, trails, and facilities. Wayfinding is morethan signs-- it includes names, maps, and design elements likelighting, street furniture and public art.Under a Frontier Communities grant from New Mexico Main Street,the town is receiving technical expertise to guide a Wayfinding &Branding design process. A steering committee includes citizensand staff to work with NM Main Street on the project. Public input will soon be sought in a survey to identify generaldesign cues. Future meetings will offer samples for communityconsideration.Wayfinding Project beginsNM Main Street branding designexamplesTown launches new, easier-to-navigate websitedenim blue and sage green, photos that tell ourstory, and a clean design all provide a much-improved site. Staff worked throughout winter andinto early spring on content migrations, addingdata, and numerous content updates. Staffcontinues to upload more records for convenientpublic access. Check it out at: www.edgewood-nm.gov. If you have suggestions, contact LindaBurke at Liaison@edgewood-nm.gov.

Parks & RecreationFY25 Q2 P10 Town of Edgewood NewsletterEdgewood Community LibraryReview of Winter-Spring ActivitiesThe Parks & Recreation Department and Edgewood Community Library created many winter/spring special events and activities for lots of fun opportunities for residents.Runners braved snow andcold to run the first-everBunny Hop 5K Run.Congrats all who reallyproved their meddle!Winterand SpringScavengerHuntsDiscover ALL the Upcoming Activities at: www.edgewood-nm.gov/upcoming-events-calendar/ Families appreciated a rescheduled day to enjoy theAnnual Easter Egg Hunt. Thanks to all Sponsors!4th SaturdaysMovieMatineesEdgewood MS ExhibitMini Golf(thru theStacks)WeeklyStorytimeWednesdaysat 11amArbor day activities includedinformation and seedling give-aways.Dumpter Days returned in May andwill continue through October. Watch for Upcoming EventsBuild-A-Palin FebruaryClub Read(Apr-July)Valentine’s MasqueradeDance started off TeenNite events for 2025

FY25 Q2 P11 Town of Edgewood NewsletterThe Commission has heard from all departmentsat several Budget Workshops. The town’s Financedepartment worked with all town departmentsstarting in March to plan budgets that meetdepartments’ needs and simultaneously to createa balanced and realistic overall town budget. Finance is responsible for the Town Budget,Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Audits,and Grants Management.Budget Workshops for FY26Information TechnologyThe two-person Information Technology (IT)department works behind the scenes to keep alltechnical operations functioning. They answerhelp desk calls, troubleshoot problems andmaintain equipment (networks, computers, cellphones, A-V, security cameras), softwareprograms, archives, and website operations..In Q3, IT was focused on building a new networkand integrating police protocol software at thenew Edgewood Police department offices. Thisincluded workstations for all officers andmanagement, security systems, and dispatchand reporting systems.At Edgewood Community Library, upgrades weremade to the public use stations in the ComputerLab. The upgrades help protect personalidentifying information by regularly removinginformation that a user may have inadvertentlyleft behind on a public computer station by notlogging out.Maintenance Hits the FieldsThe Maintenance team has been in high gearcleaning up trash along town roadways (30+ 55-gal.bags), dragging the baseball fields for local youthteams to practice, and managing a variety offacilities issues, especially plumbing and roof leaks attown hall/library. The maintenance department alsodoes oil changes on police and town vehicles, Mowingalong primary roads such as Route 66 and NM 344will begin soon as rain brings green and growth. CONGRATS to Joanne Sandoval, Custodian, who wasnamed “Employee of the Quarter” for Q2. Joanne goesabove and beyond to make sure all town buildings(offices, library, police station, animal shelter, andcourt) are cleaned. It’s no small job making sure allfloors are mopped or vacuumed, surfaces are wipeddown, wastebaskets emptied, and bathrooms areclean and stocked. Joanne is known for her friendlysmile and willing dedication. Facility Upgrades at LibraryThe Library recently made big changes to its new“Rec Room” - a special kid space for communityuses and the YES! Summer Program.The project was made possible by a $53,000 grantfrom NM State Representative Matthew McQueen.The Rec Room project used $30,000 to purchasemany commercial grade furnishings, pluswhiteboards, area carpet and paint. The remainderof the grant will be used for a future Library project.

Upcoming Town EventsFY25 Q2 P12 Town of Edgewood NewsletterWednesdaysM-F(Jun/Jul)May 24 Jun 11Jun 6-9Jun 12Jun 21-22 Jun 26Jun 28Jul 3Jul 4Jul 10Jul 17July 19-20Jul 22-26Family Storytime (Library - 11:00am)YES! Summer Program (pre-registrationreq’d - youth ages 5-12 only)Family Movie Matinee (Library, 12-2pm) Wonders on Wheels (Library, 11am-1pm)Carnival (Venus Park, hours vary)Explora at the Library (Library, 11a-2p)Dumpster Days (Roads Dept, 21 MunicipalWay)Tie Dye Day (Library, 11am-2pm)Family Movie Matinee (Library, 12-2pm)NM Museum of Natural History & Science(Library, 11a-2p)July 4 Extravaganza (Venus Park, thMilligan Petting Zoo (Library, 11a-1p)Dan Crow Music Show (Library, 11a-12p)Dumpster Days (Roads Dept, 21 MunicipalWay)Scavenger Hunt (Library)Prepare for Fire DangersThe Town of Edgewood hosted a Wildland FirePreparedness presentation on March 11, withspeakers from Santa Fe County Fire and Officeof Emergency Preparedness. Wildland fire risk increases greatly in spring.Planning ahead and taking steps to clear areasnear your home are important. From the OEMwebsite: “With dryer Winters and very little rains in the Southwestern United States wildfires are occurringmore often. Whether they are started by humanfactors or good old Mother Nature, they are part of a natural cycle that helps to maintain thehealth of our forest. Resources available at Edgewood website: www.edgewood-nm.gov/community/page/wildland-fire-safety-informationWILDFIRE MITIGATION MEETINGSaturday, May 24 at 10AMthEdgewood Fire Station (1 Municipal Way)Full calendar: www.edgewood-nm.gov/calendarAdvisory Board MeetingsLibrary (Library, 6pm) Parks & Rec (Town Hall, 6pm)Parks & Rec (Town Hall, 6pm)Library (Library, 6pm)Lodgers Tax (Town Hall, 1pm)May 22 Jun 11Jul 9Jul 17Aug 14