Mondays with the Mayor
February 23, 2026: Guests and Topics Discussed:
• Eric Queller, Emergency Management & Fire Response: Emergency Manager, recapped his recent trip to the Oklahoma Emergency Manager Conference, sharing best practices and preparedness strategies he plans to implement locally. He explained the activation process of the Emergency Operations Center and detailed the Village’s coordination efforts with partner agencies ahead of fire season. Assistant Fire Chief Austin Meuli provided an update on a recent structure fire, confirming it was accidental and caused by a resident using a gas stove for home heating.
• Levi Beaty , Public Works Updates: Public Works Director, discussed ongoing sewer infrastructure projects and announced debris removal efforts beginning this week in Paradise Canyon. Assistant Public Works Director Josh Long provided updates on paving initiatives and pothole repairs, noting that warmer weather is allowing crews to increase street maintenance operations.
• Matthew Baird, Parks, Recreation & Community Engagement: Parks & Recreation Director, introduced the department’s new Assistant Director, Mark Coker, and shared details about his upcoming attendance at the Keep America Beautiful Conference in New Orleans. Wingfield Heritage House Curator Stephanie Long introduced her new monthly segment, “Ruidoso Rewind: Conversation,” highlighted upcoming museum events, and encouraged community volunteer participation.
• Steve Andrus with XTERRA called in to discuss the upcoming XTERRA World Championships taking place in Ruidoso in October.
• Logan Fleharty of Scorpion Tattoo promoted this weekend’s HighRollers Tattoo Expo at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, along with plans for an additional expo in June and a ComicCon event in October.
• Film Director Daniel Cummings discussed the upcoming Hallmark film Romance at Hope Ranch, filmed at Coe Ranch and throughout the Village, set for release on February 28, and shared early plans for launching a Film Festival in February 2027.
• Chamber of Commerce Director Deborah Douds recapped recent Chamber events, including Vines in the Pines.
• Police Chief Steve Minner and Assistant Chief Jason Janopolous addressed concerns regarding cartel activity in Mexico and its potential local impacts, reviewed the department’s response to the recent ice and snow storm, and answered a listener's question about the Village’s new speed cameras that will soon be implemented.