The Bosque Farms Fair.

A Great Place to Go

http://bosquefarms.us/BF_Fair.htm

This author has repeatedly thanked those who put forth the time and effort and energy to make this great event happen. It is truly a time when the community comes forth and enjoys the company of each other.

There has been a fashion show, a bike decorating contest and more in the past. This year there will be the annual parade, the judging of the entries, and more.

Thank you volunteers. This author will be there with bells on.

Please Attend Tonight

Issues with our Youth
Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Place: Bosque Farms Police Department Training Room
Come meet your neighbors, learn something new and share you own thoughts and ideas. People who do not live in Bosque Farms but have concerns about their own communities are welcome to attend. Informational material will be provided. Community involvement is key to crime prevention. Hope to see you there!

http://bosquefarms.us/police_series.htm

Weed Ordinances

I'd rather people have to cut their weeds than someone who lost their house because they allowed their weeds to grow and be dangerous," Wallace said. "That's my biggest concern. At 12 inches, we would be one of the loosest in our (weed) ordinances of municipalities in our area and state."

This author has done some checking around the state and guess what? This ordinance is NOT the loosest weed ordinance in the state. Some communities don't have a weed ordinance.

And while this author is tearing apart this quote from Councilor Wallace do tell, how is it at 12 inches weeds are not dangerous but at 18 inches they are? What is it in those six inches that is going to make a difference?

Of course, there is not any difference except for some reason the Council decided they wanted to lower the legally allowed weed height.

And Councilor Wallace, remember is running for Commissionar of the County. Remember, she's been less than honest here.

The Village Law

Every person here has the right to file for a copy of the paperwork based on the Freedom of Information act. You may be asked to pay for the copies and you may be asked to fill out a form but you can ask for the paperwork.

What paperwork might you want? What about this?

10-1-12 B. Application. Each application for a Special Use Overlay Zone shall declare the proposed use and shall be accompanied by development plans of sufficient size and scale which shall include:
A Site Development Plan (SDP) shall be required for all new or redeveloped land use in this Zone District. At a minimum, the SDP shall include the following:

and then it lists 9 items including:

A site map, of sufficient size and scale, showing the proposed location, type use and size of all structures, setbacks, signs, lighting, on-site parking and loading areas, as required in Section 10-1-18 of this Ordinance, on-site storm water retention facilities, landscaping, fencing, driveways, traffic and pedestrian circulation routes, and emergency vehicle access. Other information to show compliance with Village Ordinances shall be required;

This author is a bit concerned that the plan keeps changing. This author has sat through a few of the meetings and has heard the talk. First it was one building, then it was five buildings, then it was four buildings with a possible fifth that was for alzhiemers patients. First it was five spots for parking then it was three spots for parking. First it was etc etc etc.

Just based on that one fact this needs to be voted down until the men who are trying to put this in make up their mind and come prepared. The audience, those of us who live here, should not be hearing 'the concept is...' 'my thinking is...' 'I was considering...'

Recipe time.

This author became aware recently that one of the authors is slipping on the recipe posting job. So this author has taken the time to find a favorite recipe of a famous politician, this being a political type blog and all.

Of course, this is in honor of the reader so long ago who accused the authors (very snidely too) of being spoiled housewives who cook nutritious meals for their kids. While this is a vile accusation, this author will point out just a touch of nutmeg often makes Mac and Cheese taste better. It is also possible to dress this recipe up a touch more with different types of cheeses. Be creative

Recipe: Macaroni and cheese, sent by Mrs. Ronald (Nancy) Reagan from the White House.

Ronald Reagan's Favorite Macaroni and Cheese

1/2 pound macaroni

1 teaspoon butter

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon hot water

1 cup milk

3 cups shredded sharp cheese

Boil macaroni in water until tender; drain thoroughly. Stir in butter and egg. Mix mustard and salt with hot water; add to milk. Add cheese to macaroni, leaving enough to sprinkle on top. Pour macaroni and cheese into buttered 1-quart casserole; add milk mixture; sprinkle with reserved cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until custard is set and top is crusty. Serves 6-8.

http://www.sptimes.com/News/080101/news_pf/Taste/Ronald_Reagan_s_favor.shtml

Or you can try this one too

http://www.recipesource.com/soups/stews/00/rec0004.html

Full Meeting House- Then What?

Now isn't this interesting?

People were turned away at the door during the last meeting. They were told that the meeting room was full and there was 'no room'.

And yet, the whole side room had spaces open for seats.

And guess what else? This is a violation of the open meetings act.
NMSA 1978, Chapter 10, Article 15

You can read the law at this site and also the AG's opinion about this law
http://www.nmag.gov/pdf/oma_fifth_edition_final07.pdf

In fact, those who have been around might remember during the very contentious meetings about the sewer system that at least once the meetings had to be moved to a venue that could hold more people than the normal Village Council meetings.

Spot Zoning and the Courts

This is an interesting, short article and worth visiting just to learn a bit more about spot zoning and the courts in a very general way.

http://www.plannersweb.com/articles/wid060.html

Here are a few highlights about this topic.

Spot Zoning is generally not a good idea. There is a master plan that should run the community and the planning for land use. Spot zoning generally focuses on a single lot and doesn't look at the overall picture or complete community when being voted upon. And, many times the zoning is done simply to help the property owner rather than looking at the impact on the community.

And when it does go to court, courts will generally look at the surrounding property and zoning of said property, the benefits and disadvantages this zone change will have on the surrounding property and what the community plan (the master plan says about the land use!).

Congrats to the businesses

Seven Years in Bosque Farms. Good Going Sopa's.

And welcome to the new place Server Syde. This is a place for computer gaming?! Maybe.
Good Luck.

Spot Zoning

Of course, it goes without saying that the authors of this blog are not legal experts.

This phrase, spot zoning, has been bandied about recently in light of the new zone change and business proposal.

Commissioner Eastman said that the very nature of a special use zone was spot zoning. That made this author wonder; is what she said accurate? Is special use zoning spot zoning??

It appears that Commissioner Eastman is incorrect.

Spot zoning occurs when a small area of land or section in an existing neighborhood is singled out and placed in a different zone from that of neighboring property.
http://real-estate-law.freeadvice.com/zoning/spot_zoning.htm

So it could be anything- placing a park in a residential area, zoning homes into a busines area or any other example you can think of off the top of your head.

There is more about spot zoning. Watch this blog for more information in the near future.

Welcome New Business

Welcome and this author for one hopes you do well.

Lovely Bride Botique.

Something to Think About

Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars
and a substantial tax cut save you thirty cents?

~Peg Bracken

Why doesn't the Village ever give us a tax cut???

How about a rate decrease?

When the Village water system is paid off will they?

Will the Councilors decide that there is enough money and they can cut the price of water?

What will they do when the loan is paid off?

A Case in Santa Fe

There is a case in Santa Fe that is similar to the one in Bosque Farms (that is not quite yet a case).

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/Judge--Council-zoning-decision-wrong

Here are some interesting points about this case:
The argument was made that this townhome which proposed placing 42 (25 or 19 as the developer changed their mind) townhouses on 2.2 acres zoned for two houses per acre was needed by the community.

(Doesn't that sound familiar?)

The Planning and Zoning officers voted to rezone this one plot of land for special use for higher density homes for a business.

(Doesn't that sound familiar?)

The Council voted for it.

*Thank goodness no familiar ring here.
But get this, when the home association sued, they won. The judge said there was no proof that the community needed this plot of land changed in order to have townhomes. In other words, there were other plots of land that the builder can buy that wouldn't need the spot zoning. This plot of land was better used the way it was zoned than it was being changed and there was no proof that this use was needed in Santa Fe.

There are several other articles around about this. Look in the Albuquerque Outlook from Monday the 21st for one.

It's been Done Before

The Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission has done this before. They have tried, in recent years, to do spot zoning with two other homes in the Village. Remember

There was a family that built a mother in law quarters on their property (read this to mean 'hauled in a trailer') and then didn't want to remove it when the time came. Then they wanted to split their land in a wierd way that didn't quite match up with the ordinance requirements. Planning and Zoning passed it (if this author remembers correctly) and the Council had to take care of that situation.

Then there was the dog kennel one that actually ended up in court. If this author remembers, the Village lost that battle but mostly because there was something wrong with the procedure.

Both of these are very similar to what is going on now with the new facility they are doing it again- going against the ordinances and not following the correct procedure.

This Author Agrees and Disagrees

Here is the quote from the last meeting. And note, while this comes from the newspaper, Mr. James siad much more than this.

James said he has an "absolute right" to dispose of his property and asked that the council consider rezoning the land as commercial to make the process easier.

And here are the thoughts the authors of this blog have about this quote:

James said he has an "absolute right" to dispose of his property

Yup. Absolutely. Mr. James and anyone of us living in this Village, in this country, can sell our homes. We can sell them, lose them to bankruptcy, and even give them away. This author would say that many many men have fought for all of us to have those rights- to own property, to move and to give away your property.

asked that the council consider rezoning the land as commercial to make the process easier.

This part? No. This author doesn't agree. If you read the ordinances it says that no one will take financial loss into consideration when making a decision. That means those sitting on the stand have an obligation, must follow the law, to not change the zoning simply so a property owner can sell the land.

There are reasons to change zoning, financial considerations is not one of them.
There are reasons to not change a zone- considering what the neighbors want is one of them.
Interesting.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/81698-07-19-08.html

The Meeting

This author has been sitting on this post for a few days thinking about it. What to say? The vote isn't over, simply prolonged until those of us who live here know what the final verdict will be.
Yet, some of the Councilors has some good, positive thoughts.

The meeting was interesting and went on for many hours. This author attended.

The attorney will also look into whether the council can even consider the application because the company failed to show up at the initial planning and zoning commission meeting. Under the village's ordinance, if an applicant fails to appear at a meeting, the application "shall be denied."

Good call there Councilor Knowlton.

Skelley's business partner, Chad Partington, showed the council and those attending the meeting a slide show of what the houses would look like, the landscaping around the complex and the interior of the homes. He also told the council that each house is safe and secure for their clients.

That is different from the Planning and Zoning meeting when we heard a lot about this business that began with the words 'my idea...' or 'I'm thinking of..'

And when you read this quote you can only think that despite what they promise about how much these homes will be worth, they really aren't sure: Skelley said he has not yet researched the issue, and a site evaluation has not yet been done. Donna Baker, the village's planning and zoning officer, stated that the property in question is in the floodplain.

One of the authors of this blog swears that at the Planning and Zoning meeting they were told 5 parking spots per home. Hm. Again, this wishy washy not sure what they are going to put in is very concerning.
Partington said there would be about eight to 10 parking spaces for each home

All quotes in blue were taken fromL
http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/81698-07-19-08.html

This Weekend

This author doesn't know what you are doing this weekend, but at least one of the authors of this blog will be spraying weeds. After standing up and talking at one of the last meetings about this proposed business in the middle of a residential area, this author isn't taking any chances on violating any ordinance.

Thanks

Russel Walkup voted the way he was asked to vote by the people who attended the last meeting. He voted no. He understands that representation does not meet 'we know best, you don't, and we'll cram it down your throats.'. Thank you Mr. walkup.

Meeting Tonight

This author hopes that everyone will show up in support of asking the Council to vote NO for the proposed Senior Living Complex.

5 homes, which is about one house every 3/4 acre.
17 people each home
105 people total living in these homes.

And consider these additional facts
each home is 7000 square feet.
each home will have 5 parking spots for all the employees, visitors, deliveries, and residents.

Hundreds of people against this and 2 for it. Let's see if how that works tonight. This author will be there.

The people who want to set up this business (and they call it a business) make a lot of promises but none of them can they really promise.

• They promise there would be few ambulances and they would be driving without sirens. (Now how can they promise this?)
• They state that they don't want to take in anyone under drug rehab or alcohol rehab or mentally ill and dangerous conditions but they won't promise it, in fact when questioned they admitted they are a business and might do just that.
• Heck they even say this will raise property rates.

Your Property

Miss Eastman said something interesting the other night at the planning and zoning meeting.
"We can't tell people what to do with their property".

Really? Now Come On. Be Honest.

Of course we can and we do. State law allows communities to zone and plan for the future mainly to protect the property values of the people in the community.

In the name of protecting your property values the Village requires many things of you- on your own property. You can't have anyone live in an rv on your own property. You can't build two homes on your own property. You can't live in a trailer on your own property unless you are building a home. You can't have weeds taller than a foot.

Oh please. Of course we set out requirements on what you do on your own property. And we enforce the very laws that demand certain actions on you law.

In fact, this author sat in meetings when Miss Eastman herself has admitted to standing on cars to see over the fence just to see if some poor property owner has met the requirements of the law. about what they must do to their own yard. For Shame.

Good for the Police, Good for Peralta.

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/81546-07-12-08.html

The people of Peralta are happy to be getting little sticky notes on their businesses.
Rouckus spoke before the Peralta Town Council on Wednesday, and another business owner echoed his story. "I'm ecstatic at the police presence," she said. "

The Mayor of Bosque Farms and the Police Chief are happy to have the compliments.
Stidham said that it's been "so far, so good. We promised the council and the residents of Bosque Farms we wouldn't let their service lapse, and I don't believe we are. I think we're accomplishing the balance we set out to do."

Just wanted to throw out the notice that this author noticed the positive comments about the police service. Good for them.

An important test

The Trinity Test was 65 years ago today.

This website has lots of interesting facts about this very important test for the race in nuclear arms.

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/07/dayintech_0716

This Author Told you So.

Bosque Farms Mayor Wayne Ake told the council that while he likes Whatley-Valdez, he doesn't care much for the service the dispatch center has provided. He said, "This dispatch is totally out of hand, and they're doing a terrible job."

Ake also told the council that he thinks that Belen, Bosque Farms and the county should stand up and "say we're not going to pay your exorbitant salaries and demand better services."

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/81447-07-09-08.html

But wait! Did this author not tell you that the 911 service doesn't know where streets and major intersections are? Did this author not tell you that the 911 service won't direct police, fire or ambulance to a place unless they have a set address?

So if you call from your cell phone and say 'I'm at Auge's' or "I'm at the McD's in Los Lunas" that is simply not good enough to get service. Oh sure, they might try but what they do is try to find an address before passing on this information to the service. This leads to longer dispatch times and sometimes no dispatch of services.

How does this author know? Several times of experience. Shame.

Now, does this mean that the Council should not pay for the service? hm. More on this thought later.

THE CURE

STEP RIGHT UP FOLKS!

HERE IT IS!

THE CURE!

You NEED it and you didn't even know you NEED it.

Are your property values low?

Do you want to keep the same amount of traffic in your neighborhood?

Do you want ambulances to come without sirens?

Would you like to have a place that looks perfect near you?

Here it is folks! THE CURE.

The Beehive Senior Living Complex.

With five homes that house 17 people each, you can have it all.

No crowds.

No extra traffic.

And not to worry folks! If they can't fill them beds, no problem, of course they won't do anything to fill them. No drug rehab programs, no alcohol rehab programs, no special licencing for half way prison homes.

With 105 extra people living in your neighborhood in a small area,

you too can have everything you ever wanted.

Higher property values.

Lower property taxes.

What? You say you Don't Want this Cure?
But Com'on.

You NEED it.

You too can set a precedent by having a business in your neighborhood.

Be the first.

Everyone else will be clambering for their own apartment homes in their neighborhood too.

And if that is not enough! If you raise enough of ruckus, the planning and zoning board will even throw in a wall for free! Yup. You can have a free wall to go with it.

(Except note: that wall wasnt' in the motion so don't expect it- just another special service!)

You STILL dont want it? That is ok.

We know what is best for you! We'll make you take it.

(A little Tongue in Cheek Humor!)

The Final Verdict

The final end result of the planning and zoning vote last night was 3 to 1 for the complex.

A large large number of people were there, including this author, and out of those 100 plus people only two seemed to want this senior living complex.

Let's see. How does our representative government work? 100 people don't want this business in a residential area and two do and the planning and zoning commission voted FOR it. How does that strike you?

Yeah, this author agrees.

Let's hope on Thursday the Council sees it differently.

On an interesting note: several of the Councilors were there on Monday night to hear the whole meeting.

What are they thinking?

Sounds like some valid reasons to increase the 911 service costs. And while the 911 center might 0f- should of- probably needed to- come forth earlier about the cost increases; if the reasons are good and safety is the issue doesn't it make sense to increase the funding for the place?

If the Village is upset about the budget then maybe they all need to turn to Councilor Knowlton who said he would make economic development happen. Maybe they all need to look at themselves and where they are spending funds. (How about that police guy stidham for one?)

What do you readers think?

Whatley-Valdez said there are two reasons she's asking for an increase from all those invested in the dispatch center — the first being an increase in calls. She said the dispatch center is in need of three new positions to cover all the incoming calls, both 911 emergency and non-emergency.

The second reason for the increase and the new positions is because she's trying to implement a new system in which all fire and rescue calls are on a separate system from law enforcement. She said the current system is hard for operators and call takers because radio traffic sometimes overlaps.

"It's a need, it's a desperate need," Whatley-Valdez said. "I get complaints every day. ...
http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/81447-07-09-08.html

MEETING TONIGHT

The "Flash Said"

We must make an appearance at the meeting on July 14th to voice our concerns. This is a P&Z meeting..not a council meeting. It is my guess we shall need to follow closely, two meetings have been rescheduled to aid the developer or fool us....believe what you want. If anyone knows about the legalities of petitions, please help me. I will write and circulate one, but it must happen soon, as the meeting is a week away!!! is it possible?

"Flash" This author will most likely not make it to this meeting, but one of the spouses of one of the authors will make it. *How is that for convoluted?

There has been a petition circulated. Maybe someone will have it and will let you sign it.

The Flash Wants to Help

How to contact those who are working against the bee hive? I would like to contribute time and effort. My gut is telling me this is wrong. ....
So...please help me enlist!

Flash, it is difficult to know how to contact you without posting the information for all to see. Lets be creative about this shall we? Let this author think about this and get to you quickly.

Local, state and federal governments spent a record $167 billion on direct expenditures for police protection, judicial and legal services and corrections activities, during 2001, the Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) announced today. That year, per capita justice expenditures were $586 — about $254 per person for police protection, just over $130 per person for judicial and legal services and approximately $200 per person for correctional services both in the community and in confinement facilities.

Since 1982, justice expenditures have averaged 8 percent growth annually — about 11 percent annual growth at the federal level, 9 percent at the state level and about 7 percent at the local level. Justice spending per capita in 2001 was about double the spending in 1982. During this period state and local police agency arrests grew from 12 million in 1982 to about 13.7 million in 2001, according to FBI estimates.

Almost half of the expenditures were funded by local governments, while the states spent an additional 35 percent and the federal government accounted for the remaining 15 percent.

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/press/jeeus01pr.htm

You can do the numbers yourself.

Here is an article that comes from 2005. So it is old information but the latest information this author was able to find in the paper with a short quick search.

The budget was about 5 million. About half of that goes to the police department directly. Let's be nice and say it's about $2.25 million. Population, rounded up is about 4000. You are looking at about $560 for each person for police protection alone.

Hm. Sounds like a bit much doesn't it.

Just FYI.

This Just In

A little bit of gossip and guessing:

The people who are fighting the senior living facility "BeeHive Homes" has met with the Mayor. Good for those people. This author hopes they knocked some sense into the Mayor. That is they knocked on his door and showed him the reason this is not the best thing for Bosque Farms.

(note: This author is not advocating violence or 'knocking the Mayor on the head'.)

And a little bit of Guessing:
Councilor Knowlton will vote for this Senior Living because it's 'economic development'. He promised economic development and he sees bringing the money into the Village, no matter the cost to those of us who live here, is a good thing. (More for him to spend right?)

Councilor Wallace will vote for this. She promised she would bring one in. So here you are. There are other reasons that can only be guessed at and hinted at.

Councilor Kennedy and Councilor Proctor? Who knows. Sometimes Councilor Kennedy doesn't even show up and doesn't say much when he does. So, this author will guess yes on both of them because they too promised to bring one in.

And a little bit of hoping someone eats a little bit of crow:

This author would like to point out that at least one person over there fighting the senior living home voted for this Mayor and voted for this Council. Nay- supported them and helped them get elected the last two elections. Some of the comments this author heard from this one person at the last two elections included such comments as:
'the group running for council are real go getters'. 'they will do a lot for the village'.
'The last council didn't hire the chief and Stidham is a great person'. 'Mr. Ake will be a good Mayor'.

And now look what is in your backyard.

This author hopes that no one in that area will never ever vote for these people sitting on the Council and in the Mayor's seat again.

Who Will You Vote For

This author hopes that those who are fighting the senior living home will not vote for Councilor Wallace for County Election.

This author hopes that those who are fighting this senior living home in their neighborhoods will not vote for anyone who currently sits on the Council and in the Mayor's seat ever again.

This author hopes that you all are actively campaigning against Councilor Wallace for her current bid for a County Seat.

I hope that the you all will write a letter to the editor, or even have your attorney do it, and explain why you are fighting against this senior living being in your neighborhood.

This Author Told You So

Here is the headline:

Tail-Waggin' Tutors love nothing more than a good story

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/81381-07-05-08.html

Has this author not said, 'the librarian should have a dog reading program that kids can go to?' after all, the librarian brings her dog, she should make be worth something right?

Barreto said sitting down and reading a book to a dog works extremely well because the child is not being judged by the animal on how well they're reading. A bonus is that both child and dog seem to enjoy the interaction.

"Research shows there's not only an increase in literacy skills of children who read to dogs, but they also learn to love reading," Barreto said. "It's very rewarding and interesting to watch the children so engaged with the dogs. Some are reading really difficult books, and it just blows me away."

This author can only say "Told you So"

Happy Fourth of July

You will know who this author is because at the parade this person will be the one standing and watching the veterans carry the flag by.

Please have a very safe Fourth of July and please be careful with the fireworks.

For those who might want to know a little bit about how they are made, visit this website.
Note: It is not a set of directions but rather a little bit of information about making fireworks.

http://www.pyrouniverse.com/manufacture.htm

A Good Thing

Wow! The Council did something. For all those times that this blog has taken the stance that the Council and Mayor has done nothing, or very little, this author takes it all back.

Look. The week ordinance is changed! Way to go Council.

This author has neighbors that have let their weeds grow as much as 19 inches under the old ordinances and it was just not acceptable. So now, they will have to cut their weeds lower. Way to go Council.

And it wasn't easy.
After much discussion and two tie-breaking votes, the council approved amending the village's weed ordinance. ...

Uh. A little bit of sarcasm there folks.

Don't be surprised when the budget is discussed next year and the Council has spent a lot of money on postage for this one ordinance a lone. Watch and see if there is not a need for more than 100 letters with this new limit.

I'm spending a ton of money on certified letters right now, and the weeds aren't getting done," Baker said. "There's about 15 (properties) right now that it's time for us to go in and clean. It's not extra work for me; it doesn't make a difference if it's 12 or 18 inches."

After the meeting, Baker said she sends each week on average about 100 first violation notices to property owners and about 12 second certified notices at a cost of $5.22 per letter

http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/81153-06-25-08.html

This author feels so much better and can rest easy knowing that Miss Baker will be out there with her smaller ruler measuring the weeds and keeping us safe from fires (per Councilor Wallace)