Clovis City Commission Regular Meeting - July 17, 2025

The Clovis City Commission met on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM at the North Annex of the Clovis-Carver Library. The meeting included a proclamation for Zookeeper Appreciation Week, recognition of a citizen beautification project, approval of the consent agenda, a presentation from the Eastern Plains Council of Governments (EPCOG), adoption of revised Economic Incentive Board policies, and reports from various committees and the finance director.

Proclamations and Presentations

• National Zookeeper Appreciation Week: Mayor Morris proclaimed July 20-26, 2025 as "National Zookeeper Appreciation Week" in Clovis. Zoo Director Stephanie Chavez gave an emotional tribute to the zoo's seven zookeepers who care for 65 mammals, 19 birds, and 20 reptiles. Assistant City Manager Claire Burroughes announced a $100,000 Destination Forward grant from the New Mexico Department of Tourism to develop a zoo master plan. Commissioners expressed gratitude and shared personal experiences visiting the zoo.
• National Night Out: Jenny Stacey, Clovis Police Department Community Relations Coordinator, announced that National Night Out will be held on August 5, 2025 from 6 to 9 PM at 21st Street and Green Acres Park. Over 30 local businesses and organizations will participate with free activities, and Aero Care will land a helicopter at 7:30 PM.
• Citizenship Award: The Mayor presented a Citizenship Award to Jason, Titus, Timothy, and Sarah Hennessy for voluntarily beautifying medians in their neighborhood on Lou Wallace Street. The Hennessys noted community support and a partnership with the city for weed and tree maintenance. The anonymous nomination came from neighbor Linda Drake.

Consent Calendar

The Commission approved the Consent Agenda by a unanimous vote, including:

1. Adoption of Resolution 3329-2025 for DFA budget changes.
2. Memorandum of Understanding between Clovis Police Department and Clovis Municipal Schools for a School Resource Officer and Public Safety Aide.
3. July 2025 Quarterly Lodger's Tax disbursements.
4. Annual agreement for federal and state legislative services with Capitol Consultants.
5. Reappointment of Shelley Winn to the Clovis-Carver Library Board.
6. Acceptance of donation of an M90-M1A1 Coastal Artillery Gun (static display) from VFW Post 3015.
7. Year two of a three-year agreement with Clovis Economic Development for professional economic development services.

Discussion Items

• EPCOG Participation (Resolution 3328-2025): Sandy Chancey, Executive Director of the Eastern Plains Council of Governments, presented a comprehensive update. Highlights included: an unmodified audit opinion for FY24; new board officers; staff training; administration of GROW funds and CDBG grants; a mental health grant program with successes including intercepting three students with suicidal ideations via the "School Pulse" text platform; workforce development partnerships; and capital outlay assistance resulting in $6,425,000 in funding for the region. She reported that $4,010 in dues brought in $10,607,741.57 in investments to the region, a return of over 2,600%. The Commission unanimously approved participation and reappointed Commissioner Casaus as the designee and Commissioner Zamora as alternate to the EPCOG Board.
• Economic Incentive Board Policies & Procedures for Industry and Manufacturing: City Manager Justin Howalt presented proposed revisions. Key changes: consolidation and streamlining of the document for readability; extending the maximum Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) term from 20 to 30 years (per state statute); removing mandatory health insurance requirement for non-IRB applicants (though it remains a scoring criterion); and clarifying that policies are guidelines. The Commission unanimously approved the revised policies.

Reports of Boards and Committees

• Civic Center Policy Committee: Commissioner Casaus reported that roof repairs at the Civic Center are complete. Planning has begun for the 20th anniversary celebration (May 2026). Upcoming events: "Around the World" featuring Portugal on July 22; Game Night on August 6; Tacos and Tequila on August 20.
• Lodger's Tax Advisory Board: Commissioner reported that seven presentations requested $99,000; $80,000 was allocated. New events include a rabbit show and a soccer tournament.
• Senior Services Committee: Commissioner Bryant highlighted robust programming at Hillcrest Senior Life Center, including "Share Your Story" events, and volunteer opportunities at the hospital.
• Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority (ENMWUA): Mayor Morris reported on the 15th anniversary of the authority. The FY26 final budget was adopted: $340 million in revenue, $319 million budgeted for construction, design, and easement acquisition. Three contractors are working on five projects (Texaco Lateral, finished water one, raw water three, pilot treatment plant).
• Monthly Investment Report: Finance Director LeighAnn Melancon reported end-of-year totals: starting June with $85.7 million, ending at $85.3 million. General Fund one at $18 million, cash in bank $22.9 million, $10 million CD due next month, state investment pool $52.3 million. Monthly earnings of $258,000; total yearly earnings over $3 million. Gross receipts tax revenue is 9-10% above prior year actual and 27% above budget, with 510 new filers.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items approved unanimously.
• Resolution 3328-2025 (EPCOG participation) approved unanimously with designations of Commissioner Casaus and Commissioner Zamora.
• Revised Economic Incentive Board Policies and Procedures adopted unanimously.
• Future agenda items: 2025 Yard of the Summer Awards, Que Linda Grant update, and a request for a tire amnesty at the landfill (September 5-8).
• Next meetings: Parks Committee July 21, Public Works July 23, Library Board July 28, Special City Commission July 29 at 3 PM, Investment Committee July 30, next regular meeting August 7 at 5:15 PM.