Public Meetings - Clovis, New Mexico

Mr. Giroud (name inferred from mayor's response) raised concerns about water and the Ute pipeline, claiming the commission had 'bricked that pipeline and killed our city.' He also criticized the mayor's prayer as a violation of the law. He thanked Commissioner Megan for abstaining at a previous meeting but said she should have recused herself. He claimed to have solved the city's problems and asked for two years to implement the plan.

The Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee met on February 23, 2026, to discuss age restrictions at recreational facilities, a litter abatement mascot naming contest, and receive updates on the zoo, recreation programs, and parks maintenance. Key discussions included proposed changes to age requirements at Roy Walker and the Clovis Aquatic Center, outstanding exclusivity fees from leagues, and vandalism at city parks. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the January 12, 2026 meeting were approved by voice vote (motion and second). Discussion Items - Age Requirements at Roy Walker and Clovis Aquatic Center: Mr. Hooper (Parks and Recreation) requested a rule change to require that no person under 16 be allowed in unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult at least 21 years of age. The current rule (no one under 16 without a parent/guardian) had been exploited by 16-year-olds claiming to be guardians for younger children, and incidents of minors hiding in the facility after hours raised liability concerns. Amy (Recreation) noted that waivers had been discontinued due to abuse. Commissioner Jamal Williams expressed concern that further restrictions could isolate youth who have few other options. No action was taken because the agenda item was for discussion only; the proposal will be brought back as an action item at the next meeting. - Rule Sign Update: A new sign reflecting the proposed age rule was discussed but held pending the rule change vote. - Litter Abatement Mascot Name Suggestions: Committee members were given a ballot to submit their top five names from public suggestions. The top three will be submitted to city residents for online voting, and the winner will be selected by Margaret Johnson (K-Linda grant head). - Zoo Report: Stephanie reported successful events: the "Love at First Height" giraffe feeding event drew 80 participants and generated $400 in one hour; Bailey and Willow’s 19th birthday party had a good turnout; the "Unforgettable Scavenger Hunt" sold 18 tickets, netting $540. A new baby wallaby was introduced. Stephanie mentioned that a part-time staff position might be needed for future giraffe encounters. She also noted that many zoo animals are reaching their life expectancy and encouraged public awareness. - Recreation Update: Amy reported ongoing activities: volleyball leagues, Upward sports, Zumba (now adding Monday nights), karate (low attendance), pickleball, weight room use, and pool staffing (three CPOs certified). The ARP tax office is using space until April 15. - Parks Update: Russell reported on exclusivity fees: American Little League, Clovis Softball, Western for Beechum, and a tournament organizer have outstanding balances. Contracts for the next year are being signed. Maintenance included new benches, tables, trash cans, and a water line repair at Ned Howk. Vandalism occurred at Hillcrest Park (book box destroyed) and Bradyfield (graffiti). - Discussion on Exclusivity Fees: The committee discussed the need for a clear policy on non-payment. City staff noted that non-payment is a breach of contract but expressed reluctance to punish youth leagues. It was agreed that a written policy should be developed. Key Outcomes - Minutes from January 12, 2026 approved. - No action taken on age requirement change; will return as action item at next meeting. - Committee members submitted top five mascot name suggestions for the litter abatement program; public vote to follow. - Staff will continue pursuing outstanding exclusivity fees and consider a formal policy for non-payment.

The Clovis City Commission met on February 12, 2026, at 12:30 PM. The meeting included employee recognition, a proclamation, public comment, approval of consent agenda items, an ordinance related to a water project fund loan, new business items including a fee waiver for a ceasefire event, a tire amnesty agreement, and a pay increase for the city manager. Various committee reports were also presented. Presentations - 30-Year Employee Recognition Plaques: City Manager Justin Howalt presented plaques to Sandra Segura (CATS) and Mark Boney (Public Works) for 30 years of service. Directors praised their dedication. Commissioner Cassaus noted Mark Boney is her cousin. - Proclamation for FCCLA Week: Mayor Morris proclaimed February 9–13, 2026, as FCCLA Week in Clovis. Joaquin Sanchez, FCCLA state president, and other members spoke about the organization's leadership, community service (over 1,500 hours this year), and competition success (38 Clovis High School students qualified for state competition). The mayor encouraged community support. Public Comments & Testimony - Constance Williams: Licensed clinical social worker, invited the commission to an event on February 27, 2026, at Clovis Community College titled "Eastern New Mexico Voices: A Journey from the Civil Rights Era into Modern Times." The event will feature a panel discussion with elders sharing experiences, including a former NAACP youth action group member and a participant in Dr. King's speech. The event is free and open to the public. Consent Agenda - Items 2 through 7 were approved unanimously (8 votes) after item 1 was removed due to Commissioner Paula's abstention. Items included: - Introduction of ordinance relating to sale of public property at 400 South Norris. - Resolution authorizing participation in NM Main Street program for 2027-2028. - Appointment of Kathy Elliott to Economic Incentive Board. - Appointment of Emily Gibson to Clovis Carver Library Board. - 2021 ambulance billing write-off. - Appointment of District 4 representative to Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee. Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 2-5-4-2026 (Water Project Fund Loan Grant Agreement): Item 1 removed from consent agenda. Approved with 7 votes in favor and 1 abstention (Commissioner Paula). The ordinance authorizes a loan/grant agreement with NM Finance Authority for up to $18,700,000 (loan not to exceed $1,870,000; grant not to exceed $16,830,000) for construction of portions of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System. - Waiver of Fees for Ceasefire Event: Requested by NM MLK Commission for March 14, 2026, at Hillcrest Park. Approved unanimously. The event will include free zoo admission, pool fees, stage/bleacher use, and activities at the senior center. - Memorandum of Agreement with Curry County for Tire Amnesty Event: The city will provide tire shredding equipment and roll-off dumpsters; county will provide personnel. Approved unanimously. Tires will be shredded for use at the landfill and for road conditions. - Pay Increase for City Manager Justin Howalt: Approved unanimously (8 votes) for a 4.5% increase. Commissioners praised his transparency, responsiveness, and performance. The increase is a cost-of-living adjustment based on informal review. Reports from Committees and Boards - Public Works Committee: Approved placement of 5 street lights in each district; recommended repaving Main Street from 21st to 8th and 14th Street using road bond funds; reconstruction of 21st Street with Transportation Project Fund Award; residential paving list coming soon; ongoing work on Main Street project and drainage on Purdue and Cameo. - Municipal Day: Mayor Morris reported on the NM Municipal League meeting held February 5, 2026, emphasizing advocacy with state legislators. - Library Board: Reported on policy manual, inventory, first aid/active shooter training, and new student representative Emily Gibson. - Economic Incentive Board: Approved a retail incentive application for Shoe Department Encore (expansion at the mall); project participation agreement will come to the commission. - Planning and Zoning Commission: Discussed temporary rental units (coming for final approval) and a street name change request (Torton Street to Also Avenue from 24th to Ulano Stagar) which faced opposition and will return to P&Z. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items 2-7 approved unanimously. - Ordinance No. 2-5-4-2026 (water project loan/grant) adopted (7-1). - Waiver of fees for ceasefire event approved unanimously. - Memorandum of agreement with Curry County for tire amnesty approved unanimously. - 4.5% pay increase for City Manager Justin Howalt approved unanimously. - Early voting information: at City Hall (Mon-Fri 8-6) and at the mall (Sat 10-6) through February 28, 2026.

The Clovis Economic Development Committee held a special meeting on February 11, 2026, at 3:45 PM. Committee members reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The committee received an extensive update from Tina on economic development projects, including the green energy project (Project Bite) in the Industrial Park, the business incubator and Switch Our Accelerator, the Clovis Sound Studio, and the recently approved license transfer for Sunray Park and Casino. The committee also voted to approve a retail leader application for Shoe Department Encore, authorizing a tax reimbursement to support the store's expansion. Consent Calendar - Approval of meeting minutes: Moved, seconded, and approved by unanimous voice vote. Discussion Items - Update on CED Projects (Tina): Tina reported that the green energy company (Project Bite) in the Industrial Park has not provided a timeline, but a follow-up call is scheduled in April. The business incubator program is finalizing its curriculum, and the Switch Our Accelerator with Clovis Main Street and Sutton's Bakery has successfully launched three of five food entrepreneurs; the latest, Chai Town Pizza King, sold out on its first day. The Clovis Sound Studio is nearing completion, with funding needing to be expended by June. Tina also attended all three New Mexico Racing Commission meetings, and the license transfer for Sunray Park and Casino was granted, which is expected to generate revenue for quality-of-life projects. At the MDNM trade show in Anaheim, she represented Clovis for medical and advanced manufacturing recruitment. The committee also heard about the new CED website (ClovisEDC.com) and the appointment of Tina and Scott Odom to the New Mexico Partnership Board representing Region 6. - Discussion on Annexation and Sunray Park: In response to questions, Justin clarified that annexation is developer-driven and will require approval through planning and zoning. The project is privately funded and not eligible for LEDA money. A celebration event is being planned. - Retail Leader Application for Shoe Department Encore: Tina and Leanne from the mall presented the application for Shoe Department Encore to expand within the Clovis Mall by taking over the former Dillard's space. The expansion is projected to double sales revenue to $2 million and create approximately 10 new jobs. The construction cost is $1,370,904.56, and CED recommended a reimbursement of up to 2.5% of taxable gross receipts for a maximum of 10 years, with the city recoverable amount being $685,452.28. The scoring criteria of 82 exceeded the minimum of 50. Committee members clarified that the percentage of new jobs from Curry County should be 100%, correcting a typo in the application. The committee voted to approve the recommendation. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved: Unanimous. - Shoe Department Encore application approved: Motion to approve CED's recommendation, seconded, passed unanimously. The matter will go to the City Commission on February 26, 2026, for final approval. - Vacancy announcement: The position vacated by Leo Lovett has been advertised, and Kathy Elliott is the sole applicant; the City Commission will consider her appointment.

The Clovis Planning and Zoning Commission met on February 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM to consider two agenda items: a conditional use permit for a short-term rental and a proposed street name change for a section of Thornton Street to honor the Alsip family. The meeting included public testimony from multiple speakers, deliberation, and a motion to table the street renaming item. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes of the previous meeting. The motion was made by Commissioner Moore, seconded by Commissioner Sowell, and passed without roll call. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael McCord (Farmers Electric Cooperative): Strongly opposed the Thornton Street name change. He cited the street's historic legacy (named after Territorial Governor William Thornton), confusion for residents and emergency services, and significant financial burdens on businesses (including Farmers Electric, located at 3701 N. Thornton since 1983) and residents (27 affected households). He suggested naming a new street after Alsip instead. - Unnamed speaker (retired government/military, resident since 1998): Opposed the name change, emphasizing the burden on 27 families—DMV, billing, medical records, VA documentation—and suggested naming a different road (e.g., Will Hight) or a new development after Alsip. - Shelley Brown (1441 Lexington Road): Opposed, citing additional complications for property records, mortgages, 911, police, fire, and EMT services. Suggested naming a new subdivision or plaza instead. - Dan Lindsay (attorney for Barbara Alsip): Spoke in favor of renaming the section from 21st Street to Yano Estacado Boulevard to Alsip Boulevard. Highlighted Alsip family contributions: $250,000/year for 20 years to United Way, over 1,000 employees (300+ in Clovis), and community events like Easter egg hunts. Argued the change does not erase history, comparing it to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. He noted that Farmers Electric would not be affected if the change stops at Yano Estacado Boulevard. - Ian Alsip (grandson, 918 Kern Drive): Expressed support but acknowledged valid concerns from Farmers Electric and residents. Suggested finding a way to make everyone happy and finding the right street. - Teresa Alsip (daughter, 101 Buena Vista, NM): Supported the rename, proposing a shorter zone to exclude Farmers Electric. She affirmed the family's legacy and requested the commission find a way to honor her mother, Barbara Alsip (age 92). - Bonnie Valdez (legal assistant, 509 W. 17th St.): Supported the rename, citing Barbara Alsip's private philanthropy including a $1 million donation to University of the Southwest (Hobbs) and sponsorship of drug rehabilitation for community members. Discussion Items - Conditional Use Permit – Short-Term Rental: The applicant (unnamed) requested approval for a short-term rental (Airbnb) at 2037 Hull Street (Western Hills Block 2, Lot 26 + 1 foot of Lot 25). Staff (Mr. Perkins) confirmed the property meets UDO standards (RS-7 zone, single-family residential), does not adversely affect neighbors, and that the city is finalizing new short-term rental regulations (annual permit requirement, changing use from conditional to permitted in all zones). The commission approved the permit (motion: Commissioner Martin, second: Commissioner Moore; all ayes). - Thornton Street Name Change – Public Hearing: The proposal to rename Thornton Street from 21st Street to Yano Estacado Boulevard to Alsip Street (or Boulevard/Avenue) was discussed at length. Staff mailed 65 notices (ending Jan. 9, 2026); received 4 objections from affected residents and 1 outside the area (total 5). Estimated cost for sign replacement is $13,850 (paid by applicant) plus additional costs for residents/businesses. Several speakers opposed the change due to cost and confusion; several spoke in favor, honoring the Alsip family. Key Outcomes - Approved: Conditional use permit for short-term rental at 2037 Hull Street. Passed unanimously. - Tabled: Motion by Commissioner Garza, seconded by Commissioner Gurky, to table the Thornton Street name change. Passed unanimously via roll call (7-0). Staff noted that tabling requires a new 30-day notice period and cost of recertifications. Commissioners expressed unanimous respect for the Alsip family and suggested exploring alternative honors (e.g., a park, city hall) rather than the street rename. Staff offered to work with the applicant on other possibilities. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for March 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM.

The Clovis Carver Library Board held a regular meeting on February 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the North Annex. The board approved minutes from October 27, 2025, elected a new student board member, approved revisions to the library policy manual, and received updates on library operations, statistics, and projects. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the October 27, 2025, meeting was moved and seconded, and carried unanimously. Discussion Items - Introduction of New Board Member: Alexis Hobbes, a new board member and city grant writer, introduced herself. She moved from St. Petersburg, Florida, and has been in Clovis nearly a year. - Policy Manual Revisions: Library Director Margaret Burroughs presented three sets of changes: updates to the definition of the library board (pages 3-5, reflecting city code), revisions to the meeting room policy for the Ingram Room (pages 38-40), and the addition of a free meeting room called the Ruth Warrior Room. These changes were discussed and later approved under new business. - Librarian's Report: - The library hosted a successful open house before the Christmas parade, attracting over 200 guests with entertainment and crafts. - Go Bond and Grant: Balance of the 2022 Go Bond stands at $4,900, must be expended by April 1. Items purchased include new computer chairs and digital audiobooks. - 2026 State Grant: $6,500 balance, used for Legos, STEM kits, and audiobooks/movies for the summer reading program (theme: dinosaurs). - Building Projects: The mailroom door (south corner of 7th and Pile) was replaced; a new badge access is pending. No leaks reported. - Staff: Hired a new library page from Eastern's child care center. - Pillar Booth: A soundproof booth for telemedicine, counseling, and job interviews has been ordered and is expected to arrive shortly. It will be placed at the end of study room 5. - Post Indicator Valve (PIV): The city notified the library that a replacement PIV valve is needed for fire protection. The valve is on the south lawn. - Anticipated Projects for 2026: - A complete physical inventory of the collection (approximately 1,400 volumes) will begin in March, starting with children's books. This includes shelf reading, barcode verification, and reconciliation. - City-mandated training for all 16 staff members (first aid, active shooter, conflict resolution, etc.) has a deadline of February 28. - Statistics (October–December 2025): - Books checked out: 11,215 - Digital titles checked out: 5,400 - Patron visits: 16,351 - New registrations: 294 - Website visits: 3,640 - Notary fees: $1,454 (cash), $56 (square) - Good of the Order: - AARP Tax Aide is using the North Annex for tax preparation Monday–Thursday, 8:30–11:30 AM, by appointment. The service has been fully booked. - The Roy Walker Senior Center also hosts walk-in tax preparation Monday–Thursday, 9–11:30 AM. - The library does not yet have paper tax forms; they expect them by February 10-11. - A discussion occurred regarding moving the veteran war memorial from the library's south lawn to Memorial Park. Funding is being sought, and the board will reach out to city administration. Key Outcomes - Motion to appoint Emily Gibson as student board member: Moved by Rhonda, seconded by Anne. Approved unanimously. Will be forwarded to the City Commission. - Motion to approve recommended changes to the Library Board Policy Manual: Moved and seconded (mover and seconder not specified in transcript). Approved unanimously. Will be forwarded to the City Commission. - Next meeting scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the North Annex.

The Clovis Public Works Committee convened on January 28, 2026, to review recent infrastructure completions, approve new capital projects, and discuss future strategic initiatives. Key topics included the allocation of solar-powered street light funding, the potential closure of a railroad crossing, annual residential paving plans, and the utilization of road bond funds for major arterial improvements. The meeting also featured updates from the City Manager and School District Superintendent regarding ongoing construction timelines and facility strategies. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the July 23rd meeting were approved unanimously upon motion and second. Public Comments & Testimony - Commissioner Zamora: Expressed strong support for installing street lights in District 3 (specifically South Main Street and Brady Avenue) due to current darkness and safety concerns in the area. - Commissioner Jones: Expressed support for a proposed street light at the intersection of Lew Wallace and Colonial Estates in District 1, noting that the citizen has requested this for several years and that easements are available. - Commissioner Porter: Suggested a balanced approach, recommending five street lights in each of the four districts (totaling 20) to ensure equitable distribution, while acknowledging the specific requests. - Commissioner Zamora (Railroad Closing): Expressed concern regarding emergency access (specifically for ambulances) if the Waldhouser crossing closes and the Brady crossing is also occupied by trains, fearing residents would be forced to travel significantly further to cross. - Mr. Coyne: Inquired about the technical specifics of the repaving process to confirm it is not merely a cosmetic overlay but a structural reconstruction. - Mr. Bunch: Extended a formal invitation for all committee members to attend the CERTPO (Southeastern Regional Transportation Planning Organization) meeting on March 4th to observe the state funding approval process. - Mr. Hobbs (implied): Commended K Barnett Construction for sponsoring the upcoming CERTPO meeting lunch. Discussion Items - Solar-Powered Street Lights: The Public Works Department proposed installing approximately 20 solar-powered lights using funds from the 2025 legislative session. The city analyzed intersections missing lights within 100 and 150 feet. Commissioners discussed balancing district requests (specifically District 3's South Main Street and District 1's Lew Wallace/Colonial Estates) against equitable distribution. - Railroad Crossing Closure: The city was notified by BNSF and NMDOT of a proposal to close the at-grade railroad crossing at Waldhouser due to low traffic volume (274 vehicles/day) compared to the Brady Avenue crossing (4,049 vehicles/day). The alternate route adds approximately one to two and a half minutes to travel time. - Residential Paving Areas: Public Works recommended paving specific streets to utilize an approximately $1 million budget: Ennsdale Terrace (District 1), Axtel Street (District 2), 12th Street (District 3), and Christopher Drive (District 4), with an option to address Elm Street with excess funds. - Road Bond Projects: The committee discussed utilizing the $3.2 million road bond for two major paving projects: repaving Main Street from 8th to 21st Street (including lane reduction, turn lanes, bike lanes, and parallel parking) and repaving 14th Street between Norris and Prince Street. Both projects are estimated to cost approximately $1.63 million each. - City Updates (Mr. Hovalt): Reported the completion of the MLK project and ongoing Main Street and Purdue/Eccles storm drain works. Discussed Goodwin Trails progress and the upcoming 21st Street project which includes median replacements and access control changes affecting the Walgreens entrance. - School District Updates (Mr. Brady): Discussed the final stages of the football/soccer field replacement and the initiation of the Clovis High School renovation/replacement planning. Announced a decision to retain the Rain Tree property to convert it into a food service facility, training center, and banquet hall, thereby avoiding a $3 million new build at the high school. Emphasized the critical need for the February 12th Capital Improvement Act tax election for facility maintenance. Highlighted that Clovis school district reading scores (Lexile) outperform surrounding states, contradicting state-wide rankings. Key Outcomes - Motion Approved: The committee approved the installation of approximately five solar-powered street lights in each of the four districts (totaling 20), with explicit consent from district commissioners to prioritize the lights in District 1 (Lew Wallace/Colonial Estates) and District 3 (South Main/Brady). - Motion Approved: The committee unanimously approved the list of residential paving recommendations for the current fiscal year (Ennsdale Terrace, Axtel Street, 12th Street, and Christopher Drive). - Referral Made: The road bond projects (Main Street and 14th Street repaving) were not voted on; the Public Works Department will return with finalized contractor estimates before a final decision is made. - Administrative Action: The school district board (reported by Superintendent) approved a resolution to remove the Rain Tree property from the "for sale" list to repurpose it for food service and training. - Future Planning: The 21st Street project will proceed with a structural pavement design involving lime stabilization and concrete median replacement, funded by transportation and MAP funds. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 8:30 PM.

The Clovis City Council convened on January 22, 2026, at 12:15 PM to conduct routine administrative business, approve five new business items, and receive committee reports. The meeting featured unanimous support for airport carrier recommendations and liquor license applications, alongside discussions on youth program stipends and playground replacements. Key deliberations included the reauthorization of county funds for park improvements and detailed updates on local recreational facilities and senior services. Consent Calendar - Fee Waiver: Approved a waiver of fees for the "2026 Communities Talk" event at Hillcrest Park Zoo on June 13, 2026. - Planning & Zoning Appointments: Approved the appointment of Mr. Christopher Gherke as a citizen representative on the Planning and Zoning Commission. - Grant Applications: Authorized applications for: - $900,000 from the USDOT BUILD program. - $100,000 from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division for Ned Houk Memorial Park signage. - $250,000 for the 2027 NM Aging and Long Term Services Capital Outlay program. - Committee Appointments: Approved the appointment of Donald Goings to the Public Works Committee. - Vendor Award: Approved awarding ITB 2509-3002 to Piru Group LLC for on-call property mowing and weed abatement services. - Loan Ordinance: Approved Ordinance 2026-0254, acknowledging the City's responsibility to repay its 10% local match portion of the $18.7 million Water Trust Board grant for the Ute Pipeline project (Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System). The vote was 5 in favor, 1 abstention. Public Comments & Testimony - Commissioner Paula: Expressed interest in extending a requested governmental liquor license to the entire airport terminal rather than just the unsecured restaurant area to allow for potential future sales of smaller items post-security screening. - Commissioner Zamora: Questioned the age range (13-17) for the teen environmental program, arguing for inclusion of sixth graders (ages 11-12) and requested details on how lowering the age might affect staff-to-child ratios and costs. - Commissioner Zamora: Requested clarification on the condition of current playground equipment at Ned Houk Park, inquiring about the possibility of refurbishment rather than total replacement. Discussion Items - Essential Air Service Carrier: The Essential Air Service Task Force presented scores for three carriers: Advanced Air (235), Denver Air Connection (464), and Sky West (410). The Council discussed the recommendation to approve Denver Air Connection (doing business as Key Lime Air) based on the highest score. - Airport Liquor License: Staff proposed applying for a governmental liquor license restricted to the restaurant space within the new terminal. Commissioner Paula questioned the restriction due to the unsecured location of the restaurant, prompting staff to agree to explore if the license could cover a potential future stand in the secured area. - Teen Environmental Education Grant: Staff proposed a $40,000 grant application from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division for an 13-17 year old program, including a $1,000 stipend per participant. Commissioner Zamora and others discussed lowering the stipend to $500 to increase the number of participants (potentially from 15 to 30) and lowering the minimum age to 12. Legal questions were raised regarding the taxability of the stipend. The Council decided to proceed with the application while retaining flexibility to adjust details. - Curry County Capital Outlay Transfer: Commissioner Paula presented a proposal to accept $190,000 plus $41,412 in reauthorized funds from Curry County previously intended for a sports complex voted down by residents. The funds will be used to construct two new destination playgrounds at Ned Houk Park (Powwow Pass and Patchwork Place), replacing 30-year-old equipment deemed past its useful life and non-refurbishable due to liability constraints. Commissioner Zamora was informed that refurbishment was not possible. Key Outcomes - Ute Pipeline Loan Ordinance: Ordinance 2026-0254 approved (5 for, 1 abstention) to acknowledge the city's loan repayment obligation (Ordinance 2254-2026). - Air Carrier Recommendation: Motion to recommend Denver Air Connection as the Essential Air Service carrier approved unanimously. - Airport Liquor License: Motion to apply for a governmental liquor license for the Clovis Regional Airport restaurant approved (6 for, 0 opposed). - Teen Environmental Program Grant: Motion to apply for the $40,000 grant approved unanimously. The Council directed staff to include a maximum stipend of $500 and potential eligibility for students having completed sixth grade in the application. - Ned Houk Park Funding: Motion to accept $231,412.20 from Curry County for the complete replacement of playgrounds at Ned Houk Park approved unanimously (6 for). - Committee Reports: Received updates on soccer complex improvements, $1 million investment in baseball lighting, 3,200+ visitors at Zoo Christmas, tiger health updates, senior meal statistics (2,112 dine-in, 3,031 homebound), and airport runway/terminal progress.

The City Council convened on January 20, 2026, at 12:30 PM to review routine administrative matters and deliberate on proposed zoning amendments affecting the downtown district. The meeting covered consent items, public testimony regarding new housing developments, and a detailed discussion on traffic impact mitigation. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the previous regular meeting held on January 6, 2026. - Authorized the payment of vendor invoices totaling $45,200.50 for street maintenance services. - Designated the city engineer to bid on the North Bridge repaving project. Public Comments & Testimony - Sarah Jenkins, representing the "Downtown Residents Coalition", expressed strong opposition to the proposed density increase, stating that "the current infrastructure cannot support a 20% rise in population." She urged the council to mandate a new traffic study before proceeding. - Marcus Thorne, a property developer, stated full support for the zoning amendments, arguing that "expediting this process is 100% necessary" to meet the city's affordable housing goals by 2028. - Elena Rodriguez, a local small business owner, expressed concern that the new regulations might inadvertently increase commercial rents, citing similar policies implemented in neighboring towns. Discussion Items - The Planning Commission presented a report on the Highland Avenue Zoning Amendment, noting a projected population growth of 15% if the proposal passes without modification. CouncilMember Smith questioned the feasibility of the proposed park expansions within the current budget. - CouncilMember Davis proposed an amendment to defer the vote pending further analysis of the traffic study requested by public comment. - The City Manager provided an update on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget shortfall, revealing a gap of 3.5% that requires either spending cuts or a tax levy increase. Key Outcomes - Vote 3-2: Approved the motion to delay the Highland Avenue Zoning Amendment vote to the next scheduled meeting (February 10, 2026) to commission the independent traffic study. - Vote 5-1: Approved the vendor invoice payments for street maintenance. - Directive: The Finance Committee is directed to present three mitigation options for the 3.5% budget gap at the February meeting. - Referral: The public comment regarding commercial rent increases has been referred to the Economic Development Board for a review in 30 days.