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Monday, August 17, 2020
Weekly eNews

Special Procedures for City Council Meeting on Monday, August 17, 2020
In response to the Governor’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency and ban on large public gatherings, the City Council meeting on Monday, August 17 at 3:00 p.m. will be held via Zoom video conference. Members of the public will have the ability to view the meeting through GOVTV on Comcast Channel 16, or to stream live on the GOVTV website at https://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/govtv, or on YouTube at https://youtu.be/CJWrhOmxumk. The GOVTV live stream can be accessed at these addresses from most smartphones, tablets, or computers. The video recording of this and all past meetings of the City Council will also remain available for viewing at any time on the City’s website.  Council Staff is available to help members of the public access pre-recorded Council meetings on-line at any time during normal business hours. Please call 768-3100 for assistance. The agenda for the meeting is posted at: cabq.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. The Council will take general public comment and comment on the meeting’s specific agenda items in verbal and written form via this link https://www.cabq.gov/council/find-your-councilor/public-comments through 1:00 pm on Monday, August 17.

 

Lavender Libros Continues This Week with a State Representative
Lavender Libros, an online reading program developed by City Councilor Cynthia Borrego (D-5) continues this week, with New Mexico State Representative Georgene Louis, District 26, reading this Wednesday, August 19. To tune in, and to see previous Lavender Libros readings, visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-rWA5T7PWCDD4PQXuZkdw

 

Early Voting for General Election Starts Saturday, October 17, 2020
Mark your calendars! Early voting for the 2020 General Election starts Saturday, October 17 and goes through Saturday, October 21. To learn about voting resources, early voting, new or updated voter registration, absentee ballots, and much more, visit: https://www.bernco.gov/clerk/elections.aspx

 

Water Utility Authority Offering Rebates for "Smart" Irrigation Systems
"Smart” irrigation systems irrigate landscapes more efficiently than conventional systems, helping you save money while keeping your plants healthy and looking great throughout the year. If you are ready to invest in a system upgrade to protect the investment you have already made in your landscape, the Water Authority is here to help.  Rebates are now available for the purchase of WaterSense Smart Controllers, SWAT Flow Sensors, SWAT Pressure Regulators, and WaterSense Spray Sprinkler Bodies. Visit www.505outside.com for rebate information.

 

Home Cooling Tips for Extremely Hot Weather in August
Summer heat continues into August, and that can mean higher utility bills. Whether you have a refrigerated air system or a swamp cooler, there are ways you can lower your electric bill and stay cool at the same time.

  • Turn off your A/C when you're not at home, or at very least, keep it between 78F and 80F.
  • Use a programmable thermostat so you can set it to turn on and off at specific times and for your comfort and convenience.
  • Check your home insulation and windows, and replace if possible.
  • Clean and replace air conditioner vents every season. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
  • Use your ceiling fan. If you don't have a ceiling fan, consider having one installed.
  • Naturally reduce heat in your house by opening doors and windows at night, if you feel safe doing so.
  • Keep drapes and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day. 

For more resources on conserving electricity, visit: www.pnm.com

Tips for Encouraging More Bees in Our City
Bees are essential for growth of so many fruits and vegetables and they are a key element in our ecosystem. There are many ways you can encourage more bees in our community:

  • Plant bee-friendly flowers and flowering herbs in your yard and garden.
  • Reduce or limit your use of chemicals and pesticides on your lawn or garden when plants and flowers are in bloom.
  • Bees need a lot of liquid to survive, so put out a shallow bowl of water with rocks or marbles in it for the bees to land on outside of your home.
  • Consider becoming a beekeeper! There are many resources online for learning this valuable skill.
  • Donate to an organization dedicated to helping protect and promote honey bees and other pollinators.

Learn more about bees and their effect on our ecosystem at: https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/why-are-bees-important?qt-news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products

 

 

Bernalillo County Offering Virtual Gardening Classes This Autumn
Want to start a garden at home but not sure where to start? Join Bernalillo County as they present a series on Virtual Gardening led by local specialists and Master Gardeners. You can learn about seeds saving, harvesting produce, and keeping yourself healthy with mindfulness practices in the garden every Wednesday in August and September from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.. To learn more about the Bernalillo County's gardening resources for residents and neighborhoods, visit: https://aces.nmsu.edu/county/bernalillo/yardgarden/index.html

 

Senior Citizens Encouraged to Adopt Shelter Pets Each Wednesday at Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare Department has set aside Wednesdays at the Eastside Shelter for our city's senior citizens and will take appointments only for these community members on those days. The adoption fee is waived. If you qualify and would like to make an appointment, visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084ba9aa2aabf49-east3

 

Neighborhood Associations Urged to be Vigilant As Scam Attempts Continue
Scam attempts continue to target our City's neighborhood associations and the Office of Neighborhood Coordination (ONC) reminds all associations to be aware and vigilant about any type of request for money. It is recommended that if you or your board receive any type of request for money, whether from a fellow board member or any other person or organization, you check to see if it is legitimate. Call your fellow board members and confirm that they did make the request, and if they did not, immediately report the scam attempt to the Albuquerque Police Department. The ONC also recommends having a specific process in your association's bylaws that  clearly spells out how any type of financial transaction is handled. For more information on neighborhood scam attempts or for assistance in updating bylaws, contact the ONC at: onc@cabq.gov

 

Several City Boards and Commissions Seeking Members
If you've been wanting to get more involved with City processes and procedures, why not apply to join one of Albuquerque's many Boards and Commissions? There are several that are actively seeking new members, including: 

  • Accountability in Government Oversight Committee
  • Greater Albuquerque Bicycling Advisory Committee
  • Greater Albuquerque Recreational Trails Committee
  • Transit Advisory Board
  • Youth Advisory Council

To apply online, visit: www.cabq.gov/clerk/boards-commissions

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Office of Neighborhood Coordination (ONC)

Website: www.cabq.gov/neighborhoods
E-mail: onc@cabq.gov
Telephone: (505) 768-3334




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