I would like to update residents on several topics.

There was a public meeting about a possible new Fire Station in the Juan Tabo Hills subdivision just west of Four Hills Village. Since a new Fire Station is planned to ultimately serve the far Southeast Heights, I asked for a review. The public meeting, held on March 5, 2008, was well attended and informative. Many people were able to have a say on this important issue. Several matters were clarified:

1. The owners of the corporations that are sponsoring the development assured the community that they are indeed prepared to donate land, worth over $1 million, for a new fire station


2. The Fire Chief reported that an independent study concluded there is a need for a new fire station in the area, and that Station 12, which serves Four Hills, is one of the busiest in the City; the suggested location is consistent with the existing mid-range plan


3. There is already an existing access road with a locked gate at the end of Via Posada available for emergency access, no additional access is proposed; opening the gate for general traffic was never an option


4. A budget official analyzed the various methods that could be used to pay for the facility.

In response to community concerns, the Fire Department will be doing a follow up study of the best location. Alternative locations suggested by residents who attended the meeting will be included in the study. I will report back when the results of this second independent study are available.

As part of the independent speed hump report, it was proposed that traffic islands be installed along Wagon Train Dr. and Stagecoach Rd. Working together we determined that an overwhelming majority of residents who responded to requests for comments would prefer not to have traffic calming islands.

The city traffic staff generally concurs with the opposition to the islands. Because of that, and your input, we are modifying the original plan. Islands will not be installed on Wagon Train and Stagecoach. Additional stripping (like in the upper areas) and signage will be put in place. In addition two speed indicating traffic signs (like those on Academy Blvd.) will be installed on a trial basis.

This change to the City plan is due entirely to your response to our request for input. You can expect these neighborhood improvements sometime this summer.

We are updating estimates and design for a bike path from the bottom of the “Y” at Four Hills road down to Warm Sands. That project should also be completed this summer.

The City and the various landowner parties have reached the broad terms of a settlement. Mayor Chavez and I discussed the settlement proposal and agreed it was in the best interest of the City, in general, and Four Hills in particular. Assuming everything goes well in the documentation phase, this matter that has troubled the community for years will be finally over.

Finally, I would like to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you as the District 9 City Councilor. I continue to welcome your comments and suggestions and if you have any questions please contact me at (505) 768-3123 (phone), or (505) 553-5674 (cell).