I told Commissioner Cass not to put that on me.

Good evening, everyone.

Thank you so much for uh for being here.

Then we'll say the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag, and we'll salute the flag of the state of New Mexico.

Um it's all right with everyone uh for the prayer this evening uh on my heart is uh the Lord's prayer in the sixth chapter of Matthew, the Lord said, then pray in this way.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen.

Amen.

Please join me in the pledge to the flag of the country.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for which it stands one nation, individual.

I salute the flag of the state of New Mexico.

We are called to order, and uh the Commission is working with a kind of a new system on their tablets, and so uh we'll we'll move uh slowly and intentionally so that uh everyone is doing okay and and unless you're unless you signal that everything's fine and then we'll go fast.

How's that?

Uh but let's have a roll call, please, Miss Reyes.

Mayor Pro Tim Bryant.

Here.

Commissioner Porter.

Commissioner Jones.

Here.

Commissioner Casos.

Here.

Commissioner Garza.

Here.

Commissioner Paula.

Commissioner Zamora.

Here.

Commissioner Tarsen?

Here.

Mayor Morris.

Here.

Thank you, Ms.

Reyes.

Uh Commissioner Porter may uh show up in just a few minutes from what I understand.

But again, welcome, Mayor Pro Tim and Commissioners, uh, members of the public.

Uh this being uh 9-11, um I did want to uh although we had a prayer before, uh I did want to make a a remark or two and invite everyone to observe a moment of silence uh uh in recognition of of this day and remembrance of 9-11.

I uh I put down some thoughts uh and that I appreciate you in uh indulging me and I'll share them with you.

Uh my reflections on 9-11.

Twenty-four years ago, freedom was attacked.

Our way of life and values were attacked, and tragically, two thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven civilians and first responders were killed by evil.

Since then, the American spirit has endured.

But sadly, uh not without events that serve as reminders that our nearly 250-year-old nation needs our care.

The American spirit that fuels our nation needs to be continually cultivated as well as protected.

One way we do that is as patriots and champions of freedom, we uh speak the truth, exercising our our freedom to do so.

Uh we need patriots and champions for America.

We need champions in our homes and in our neighborhoods, our workplaces, and certainly in the public forum.

We need champions uh to stoke the American spirit, inspiring and reigniting all of us to a love of liberty of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

9-11 is horrific as it was, leaving a permanent mark on us, did stoke the American spirit, didn't it?

We all remember very well.

The uh 9-11 remembrance each year has had the uh the same effect uh of stoking the American spirit.

Uh however, for me, uh being vulnerable and transparent with all of you this evening, this year's 9-11 remembrance uh seems to have been made more difficult.

Uh and and I have a bit of a numb feeling.

I always pray from the heart before the meeting, but I ask us to just recite the Lord's Prayer tonight because of that that numb uh sensation.

Perhaps some of you are uh feeling it as well.

But uh we've had some horrible events take place in uh just the last few days and uh sort of inundated with some awful news and uh these events put our our American spirit to the test.

Uh we've seen a school shooting in Colorado, a senseless stabbing of a young woman, and inexplicab inexplicably no one going to her aid on a subway in North Carolina.

And the list goes on and on, and just yesterday we saw the assassination of a man named Charlie Kirk on a university campus in Utah.

I think, and I'm expressing my opinion, but I think that he is the type of champion that we need.

Um he was an example of of the champions that we need.

Charlie was a 31 year old husband and father of two.

And in my opinion, one of the most eloquent truth tellers of our era.

These awful things that happen demand a response from us, and as freedom lovers, our response to these ugly events needs to not be in kind.

Our response needs to be to strive to be better champions for America ourselves, knowing that the only way that m America may endure is if individual citizens catch more and more of that American spirit and love freedom and their countrymen more as a result.

This 911 and in the wake of the shocking events, violent events that we've seen in recent days, let's let's get a new grip with with perhaps with tired hands on what it means to cherish freedom and to promote its prosperity.

As Americans, we must never lose hope.

We must each work to cultivate that American ex American spirit.

We must strive to be informed and engaged, tellers of truth.

We must be promoters and defenders of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness and champions of freedom for all.

And as people of faith, and I recognize that maybe not everyone is, but I'm open about mine.

We must be the salt and light that we're called to be having the effect on the environment around us and pushing back darkness.

Let's never forget 911.

But also let's never forget that evil once in a while does get its edge, but it does not win.

Join me in a moment of silence.

Thank you.

I would uh next ask uh are there objections to the agenda?

Mayor, I'd like to uh we move number two, quarterly lodgers tax rebirthment from new business and move those to consent.

Mayor Pro Tim is requesting item two come out of new business and be placed in consent.

We'll just make it number 17 and consent.

Uh any other suggestions for rearranging or removing items.

Hearing and seeing none.

Uh the agenda is adopted and yes votes will be recorded for each of the members.

Next we have the approval of the minutes from August 21st.

Any objection to how those minutes have been prepared?

Hearing and seeing none.

Those minutes are adopted, and yes, votes are recorded for each of the members of the commission.

Next we recognize visitors again.

Welcome and thank you for uh being here this evening.

We know that several of you are here for the presentations that are coming up in just a moment.

Some of you are here for items down the agenda.

Whatever the case, thank you for being here.

Thank you for your participation, and we look forward to hearing from you.

We'll move into proclamations, awards, and presentations.

We have three planned presentations, and the first always a delight to uh have this presentation each quarter, presentation of clock to distinguished supervisor of the quarter, Chet Grule with the police department, and distinguished line employee of the quarter, Francis Reeser with human resources, and uh we have the directors of those departments or perhaps the uh city manager who will make the make some remarks and we'll do the presentation.

No, not Mr.

Hobor.

I mean I'm always happy to make remarks.

Okay, all right.

Let's hear him.

Thank you, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tim and Commissioners.

And so uh every quarter uh the the we recognize a supervisor and a lion line employee uh for the for the quarter, and that's part of our distinguished employee uh program itself.

Um while it it's always great to take a look and back and reflect on those employees that are doing remarkable things for us.

And what's great about this program is that each one of those employees are actually nominated nominated by one of their peers.

And so it I think it certainly is an honor.

And uh we have two individuals this evening uh that we're gonna recognize, and uh so if we'll have I believe Chief come up or Robbie Tes come up first for uh recognizing Chet.

Welcome, gentlemen.

Are you flipping a coin to see who's gonna talk?

They said we're gonna go in order.

Okay.

Um Mayor, Mayor Pro Tim, Commissioners, thank you for having us here this evening.

Uh I was the one that nominated Chet for this uh distinguished supervisor award.

And words can't express enough what Chet has done for our police department.

Um you know, from a trainer um bringing his experiences uh with the military and also with other agencies and sharing those with our department have have been a blessing.

But more than that, as we've been struggling to keep Manning and keep the city covered, he's been instrumental in making sure that in our patrol division that that's been happening.

And we recently made a switch with myself and Captain Romero changing roles at the police department, um, something that should have happened at two years, but but we stayed in our roles for four years instead.

And as that switch took place, we had a number of things uh that changed in our department, leaving us a little bit short.

And Lieutenant Goodoy was instrumental in making sure that we didn't fall down from carrying me in my position to training new sergeants and training a new lieutenant.

Um he's just been absolutely a godsend, and we're blessed to have him.

Uh we're gonna take advantage of it for as long as we do have him.

Um but I felt that was he was more than deserving of this award.

And not only was he deserving, but I think as an agency, we have an expectation of everything our men and women go through.

Uh and we just don't take enough time to recognize their accomplishments.

And I I think it was overdue.

So thank you for for listening.

Yes, sir.

Mayor, Mayor Pro Tim, Commissioners.

Mr.

Goodulay, Lieutenant Goodulet, um, and I've uh I've been here 18 years and uh Chet came on uh the force not lying out not long after I came on and so we've kind of grown up through the organization together, been on the SWAT team, uh patrol, uh I mean you name it.

And Chet has been I mean he's been an outstanding leader within our our department.

Uh the officers look up to him, everybody looks up to him, and he is very deserving of this.

And uh I it's always a joy to work with him.

He comes in with a great attitude every day.

Uh I I just can't say enough.

Uh thank you, Chet, for everything you do.

Thank you.

My turn.

Your turn, sir.

It's an absolute honor to uh accept such an award from from the city of Clovis.

I've been here a long time and uh it's it's been an it's been a ride, I'll tell you that.

And I love working with everybody from CityWorks, like I said before.

Uh HR, it doesn't matter.

It's it's great to be part of the team, it's a great part of to be part of the family and keep giving back.

Um I it was quite the honor that I was put in for the award.

Um I never expected it, but uh I absolutely think everything that you guys do for the city.

Uh thank you for all the trinkets that come along with the award, a day off.

Like it was like a bundle of awards, you know.

Uh and then I got to take a picture with uh Mr.

Bender, but he didn't give me a discount on a vehicle.

So you guys can talk to him about that.

We can keep working on him.

Yeah.

It was an honor.

Thank you guys very much.

I appreciate it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

We're grateful uh for your service and and I think it's it's an honor to be nominated by your by your department and and and voted in by uh by by the city by the department, but uh we get the pleasure, the honor, the privilege of presenting you with one more trinket in the bundle.

Uh so I'm gonna come down and and hand the clock to you.

Uh it it's inscribed, it says uh Distinguished Supervisor of the Quarter, June 2025 to August 2025.

Oh, awesome.

Please make any comments, Mayor Pro Tim and Commissioners.

Okay.

I'll just mention thank you for what you do for your department, but really thank you for what you do for the citizens of Clovis.

Thank you.

We appreciate it.

Absolutely.

Thank you for your leadership.

I know everybody looks up to you from and it's uh it's good to see that uh they follow you and uh be nice to the guys still.

Uh absolutely.

And you can learn some new jokes every once in a while when you come over, you know.

I think he's saying something.

Oh yeah.

They pick one meet too.

And if I might mention um thank you for being such a role model to the fellow police officers and the community, thank you.

Thank you.

Next we have our director of HR.

Uh and the uh distinguished line employee of the quarter, Ms.

Reeser.

Well, hi everybody.

Uh excited to be here.

So as you know, I am new to the HR role for the city of Clovis.

And Francis was nominated by somebody other than myself, but they came to me and said, Hey, really wanted to do this.

Uh what do you think?

And I said, Oh my gosh, absolutely.

So we are a small but mighty team.

We are a team of three.

And the other HR specialist is new as well.

And so Frances really had this period of time where she carried human resources.

Um they were without a director, had a new HR safety person, and anybody that's had the joy of working with Francis knows that she's really passionate and driven to find solutions that make everybody happy and that work well for the city, for the employee, but also for the community.

Uh and so I think that the recognition is about being solutions-driven and problem solving, but also being innovative in your thought process.

She was able to transition us to paperless all by herself.

And so that just saving in resources and time to get us to a uh a digital era is huge.

I think the biggest thing that I would want you to know about Frances is if you've not met her, please make an effort to swing by and say hi to her at some point.

She's an incredibly interesting human, but also such a gracious and kind spirited person who shows up every day to serve others.

And so it is absolutely uh more than deserved.

She's done um many things for the city, and so we're very, very grateful.

She's made my transition super, super enjoyable, and I will forever be grateful for that.

Oh.

About that, huh?

Congratulations.

To to be nominated and to receive this award.

Sorry.

Um is awesome.

Um I just I love what I do and I love people, and I will do anything that I can to help people.

Um I am so thankful to be working for the city.

I love my job, and I love the people that I work with.

There are days that it is crazy, but it is a good kind of crazy.

Um thank you to Justin and Claire for their help during our transition and for helping to guide us and do what we needed to do.

And thank you guys.

Thank you.

Well, congratulations on this recognition.

It's it's clear that that the city of Clovis, the residents of the city are very fortunate to have you in the role that you're in.

Your your boss had some really great things to say.

I love the descriptions you used, uh solutions-driven, problem-solving, innovative.

And then you said you love what you do and you do anything for people.

This is a pretty good situation for the residents of Clovis.

So congratulations on this.

Mayor Pro Temp Commissioners, any remarks that you would like to make?

Mayor, if I may.

Yes.

Well, I know Frances.

Uh and uh I know I I believe I I have a good beat on her character and and uh I know even if you didn't say that you love people, it shows.

And uh it takes a special person to work in HR.

You guys are are some tough cookies.

And so uh I applaud you for that alone.

But knowing your character, I believe a hundred percent that that was a great nomination and you deserve every bit of it.

And thank you for what you do.

And mayor, if I may say something.

And Laura, correct me if I'm wrong, but through her activities and innovations, didn't she also say in the tens of thousands of dollars of taxpayer?

So again, thank you very much for looking for those efficiencies and ways that you can continue to make things better and more efficient while saving money for our taxpayers.

Thank you.

Thank you, Francis.

Next, we have presentation of a proclamation proclaiming September uh seventeenth through the twenty-third, two thousand twenty-five as Constitution Week in the city of Clovis.

And we have our friends, the uh stressmans, uh, here to talk about this and and receive the proclamation uh from the uh daughters of the American Revolution.

Good evening, Miss Stressman.

Hello.

Hello, everyone.

I cannot think of a more fitting day to receive this proclamation.

Twenty-four years ago, terror struck at the heart of the United States.

This attack united the nation, reminding us all of the sacrifices made and to never forget.

The Constitution represents the ideals and protects the democracy of our great nation.

As a symbol of our founding and the history of the United States, daughters of the American Revolution recognized the importance of this document and requested that it be recognized for a full week.

May we always abide by its principles.

Thank you for that.

Well done.

Uh, how many years have you been coming and receiving this proclamation?

I actually don't know.

I've lost count.

Five or six for sure, I think.

Yes.

Yeah.

We've kind of watched you grow up doing this in a way.

Uh thank you for your passion for the Constitution uh and and for our country, and uh for giving us the opportunity to highlight uh Constitution Week.

Commissioner Tarzan is going to help with this proclamation.

Thank you, Mayor.

Appreciate that.

Our proclamation today.

Whereas the Constitution of the United States of America, the guardian of our liberties, embodies the principles of limited government and a republic dedicated to rule by law, and whereas September 17, 2025 marks the 238th anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention, and whereas it is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorable anniversary, and to the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate it.

And whereas public law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America, designating September 17th through 23 as Constitution Week.

I need to go up the proclamation, please.

Now, therefore I, Mike Morris, Mayor of Clovis, and on behalf of the City Commission to hereby proclaim September 17 through 23, 2025 as Constitution Week in the City of Clovis, and I ask our citizens to reaffirm the ideals the framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by vigilant vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties.

Oh, okay.

So you go.

Wonderful.

Next, uh we will have a proclamation.

Let's well, yeah, let's do next uh the early college high school proclamation.

We have a proclamation proclaiming September 15th, 2025 as celebration of early college high school day in the city of Clovis.

And we have Ms.

Dr.

Kirkendall and Ms.

Wynne here from the from the program from CCC and CMS.

Ladies, thank you for being here.

Congratulations on this, by the way.

Please tell us about it.

Thank you, Mayor Morris, Mayor Pro Tambry, and commissioners.

Um for those of you who aren't familiar with early college high school, we uh Clovis Community College partners with Clovis Municipal Schools to offer an amazing opportunity for our high school students, sophomores through uh seniors.

Uh they come out to uh CCC and do all of their high school and college classes uh in that way they can earn both their college, their associate degree and their high school diploma simultaneously.

It is an amazing program, huge opportunity, it allows them to be successful their way.

We started in 2019 with 65 students, we were hoping for 50 that first year, and we ended up with 65, and we thought we just you know struck gold.

We have 270 uh this year.

And so you can see we've had amazing growth, and just to hear the stories from the students and the difference that it's making in their lives is amazing.

And so in uh July, we had the opportunity to apply for um exemplary designation, and in July, the New Mexico Public Education Department awarded uh the ECHS program uh exemplary designation status, uh, which is a pretty honorable thing.

It's only given to a couple, and so we're pretty proud of that.

We have a press conference in celebration on Monday, September 15th in celebration of that.

And so 145 at Clovis Community College, all of you guys are invited.

Um but we uh appreciate this opportunity and this proclamation um to designate that as the ECHS day.

So thank you.

Ms.

Wynn, did you have anything to share?

Okay.

Well, well, this is look, this is great news.

I mean, you ladies know um that uh that I'm a big fan of of the early college uh program, and it's just so exciting to see young people in our community being trained up and prepared for the next level, whatever that looks like.

And uh we're we're proud right along with you that you're leading the state uh in this way and grateful that you're getting this recognition.

So we we celebrate with you certainly.

Uh I'll offer the proclamation in a moment, but first I want to offer the opportunity for comments.

I'd like to make a comment.

Please, thank you for all you do, and I'm proud to say that I have two grandsons there, so thank you.

An amazing accomplishment.

For sure.

You have to have a great program.

Thank you.

Uh coming out of this program.

So that's amazing.

What's that?

About 80% of our students graduated.

Wow.

It's crazy.

Yeah, and and just the uh the the mechanics of of it, uh you know, they always walk across at the uh for the college group graduation commencement uh and and you know they they receive a degree usually about a week before they walk across the stage and get their high school diploma.

And and that's uh that's just that's just great.

And and we're uh our community is benefiting because of it.

Young people in our community are benefiting as a result of it.

So we're grateful.

Any other comments?

Oh, thank you.

Thank you.

Proclamation.

Whereas Clovis Early College High School, through the dedication of its students, staff, and faculty have been recognized by the New Mexico Public Education Department with the distinguished exemplary early college high school status.

And whereas Clovis Early College High School represents a successful partnership begun in 2019 between Clovis Municipal Schools and Clovis Community College, providing students with rigorous academic preparation and college level opportunities while still in high school.

And whereas this two-year designation means that early college high school, Clovis Early College High School will serve as an ambassador, showcasing its best practices, participating in professional learning, and contributing to the improvement of early college programs across the state.

And whereas this designation directly supports the goals of NMPED Strategic Plan for Success 2025 to accelerate achievement, increase graduation rates, and ensure equity and excellence for all students across New Mexico.

And whereas this innovative collaboration enables students to pursue both their high school diploma and college certificates and associate degrees simultaneously, giving them a strong foundation for higher education, career readiness, and lifelong success.

And whereas the exemplary designation awarded by the New Mexico Public Education Department reflects the school's commitment to academic excellence, strong postsecondary, and workforce partnerships and opportunity for all students in our community.

And whereas students, educators, administrators, partners of the early college high school program have demonstrated leadership, perseverance, and innovation that serve as a model for schools across New Mexico and the nation.

Now therefore I, Mike Morris, Mayor of Clovis, and on behalf of the Commission to hereby proclaim September 20, excuse me, September 15th, 2025 as Clovis Early College High School Exemplary Designation Day in the City of Clovis and proudly recognize and honor CECHS for earning the exemplary designation and for its outstanding contributions to the success of students and families in our community.

Be it further resolved, we commend the continued partnership between Clovis Municipal Schools and CCC for fostering opportunity, access, and excellence in education for the students of Clovis and Curry County.

One last presentation this evening, and it's an important one.

It is Gold Star Mothers and Family Day proclamation, and we have Ms.

Alexander here to talk about Gold Star families and receive this proclamation.

Ms.

Alexander, we'll give you the floor.

Thank you for letting me be here tonight.

And it is a uh what a fantastic day to be here with the uh distinguished uh employees and uh it's just very patriotic in here right now.

The last Sunday in September is Gold Star Mothers and Families Day, and I'll tell you how that came about.

During World War One, families displayed a blue star in their windows, a lot like this.

I'm sure you guys have seen these.

For each family member that was serving in the in the military, a gold star was placed over the blue star that signified the death of a family member.

Grace Darling Seabold was one of these mothers with the gold star in her in her window.

She realized that self-contained grief is self-destructive, so she began volunteering at hospitals as war damaged servicemen were returning home.

Grace organized a group of grieving mothers with the purpose of comforting each other, supporting and caring for the veterans that were injured in the war.

After many years of planning, on June 4th, 1928, the national organization, American Gold Star Mothers was established.

On January January 3, 2016, I became a gold star mother.

I lost my son to the demons of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the first stage of the Iraqi war.

Devon was only 35 years old, with 17 years of service, and was still active duty Army.

This organization continues to today because of the bond and uh the bond of love and support of the loyal, patriotic mothers.

We stand tall and proud, honoring our children by supporting veterans and families and helping each other to heal.

In 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday of September as Gold Star Mothers Day.

In 2011, this was amended to include families.

Some of you may not even realize that you're a gold star family member.

Have you lost a father, grandfather, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, while they were serving in the military?

If so, you are a gold star family member.

So on Sunday, September 28th, I ask you all to please take a moment to be thankful for your families and to honor all of our military families.

Especially those who have lost the loved ones due to the made, especially the loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice defending our great United States of America.

Well done.

Well said, Ms.

Alexander, and thank you for your son's service for you and the rest of your family's service and our our condolences.

Thank you for for your mission uh to to make Gold Star known.

And uh we're just so appreciative of you bringing this here this evening.

We're happy to offer the proclamation.

I know there will be some some comments or remarks, maybe questions.

I don't know if I can do this.

Every year I hear your story and it gets me.

Proclamation.

We're asked in 1918, President Wilson authorized mothers who had lost a child in the war to wear a traditional black morning armband featuring a gold star.

And we're asked throughout America's history, generations of men and women have answered the call to serve our nation with courage, honor, selfless devotion, and whereas in their service, many have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our freedom, leaving behind loved ones who bear the profound loss of their sons, daughters, spouses, and family members.

And whereas there are over 470,000 Gold Star families reported by the National Gold Star Family Registry.

And whereas the families of these fallen heroes are gold star mothers and gold star families carry the immeasurable burden of grief, yet continue to show unwavering strength, resilience, dedication to preserving the memory of their loved ones.

And whereas the City of Clovis joins with all Americans in expressing our deepest gratitude in the families of the fallen, honoring their sacrifice and pledging our continued support.

Thank you, Commissioner Casau.

Now therefore I, Mayor of Clovis, and on behalf of the Commission to declare Sunday, September 28th, 2025 as Gold Star Mothers and Families Day in the City of Clovis, and encourage all citizens to honor and remember the sacrifices of our Gold Star Mothers and Families and reflect on the price of freedom paid by their loved one.

Commissioners, that will uh conclude presentations and we'll remove in or move into receipts of petitions and communications.

We have one planned communication, and then we'll open it up uh to the room for uh public comment.

The planned communication is the Civic Center Quarterly Report from Ms.

Stevens, the general manager at Clobus Civic Center.

Good evening, ma'am.

Good evening, Mayor Pro Temp Mayor Pro Pent.

Never mind.

Hold on.

Good evening, Mayor, Mayor Pro Temp, and Commissioners.

Thank you for this opportunity to come give my annual report from the Clova Civic Center.

This is for fiscal year 25, which ended June 30th of this year.

Um I do have a clicker.

He told me I could click anywhere.

This is going really well.

You're doing great.

I'm doing so great this year.

You're doing great.

I wanted to introduce you to the staff in case you were not aware.

Uh going left to right.

This is Michelle Womack, my event coordinator.

Leslie Obi, my sales manager, myself in the middle.

Brian Mount, our executive chef, and Jana Dodd, the finance director.

So if you see any of them, please say tell them congratulations because they did a fabulous job this year.

Next.

Somebody, anybody?

Okay, there we go.

All right.

I wanted to start with our upgrades, repairs, and replacements that we did this year.

One of the first things we did was we started on our landscaping.

That was one of the issues from last year.

And so we hired KS landscaping to come in.

They did some initial cleanup, went in and cleaned up the yuccas, trimmed the trees, took care of everything, and now they uh maintain our lawn care.

So they come in and mow and weed and take care of everything.

Um we had the discussion last year about whether or not we should remove the yuckas, but we were glad we didn't.

As you can see, they flourished this year and they were absolutely gorgeous.

Um we did have some issues with the trees on the plateau plaza.

We did have to have them treated for bores.

Um six of them survived and are doing well.

Sadly, two of them did not make it, and so uh we had to cut them down, but we have already replanted new trees, so they are already growing and doing very well out there.

We were also able to restore the electricity to the plateau plaza without having to dig up the concrete.

That was one of everyone who came in that said we're gonna have to dig up the concrete.

We're like, yeah, we're not digging up the concrete.

So we kept looking until we found an electrician that could fix it.

So if you need help, go to Triple M.

There you go.

They will fix your lights for you on the patio.

Then we had some upgrades we did in the kitchen area.

We got new floors in the kitchen and server alley.

We also purchased a new garbage disposal.

Um we also did repair to the tilt skillet, the fryer, we have had the ovens recalibrated.

So we did some work.

You know, a lot of you know I spent a lot of time in the kitchen this last year, and I discovered issues.

I'm like, wow, that's awful.

So we we put in some new outlets because I was like, where do I plug in the electric knife?

Why am I over there when I need to be over there?

So we did a lot of upgrades in the kitchen to make it easier and uh more user-friendly.

Then we also got our new bathroom countertops.

I gave you a preview at last year's um show, but we um have new bathroom countertops, they're absolutely gorgeous.

If you haven't seen them, you haven't been to the Clovis Civic Center, you need to come see us.

We also upgraded our security system.

Uh the system we had, the sensors were getting older.

I would get phone calls at two o'clock in the morning telling me there was a burglar, and I'm like, no, there's not.

I promise you, we'd have to get up and go.

The cops and I would have to show up and see that no one was there.

So we got those all fixed.

We got the security system upgraded.

We have also added some more security cameras on the recommendation of the security from Canon Air Force Base who come in before the Air Force ball, and they're like, you really need some more cameras in certain outside areas for uh to keep everyone protected during events.

So we have also um installed some more of those to help with the security.

During the great storm of 2023, most of you probably remember we did have some issues and damage up on the roof.

Thanks to Amanda from the city for working with the insurance companies.

Uh we were able to get a new TPO roof system, and uh we also got had to get a new HVAC system.

This unit covers the office, the concession stand, and the family bathroom area.

Um we had all of the chairs cleaned, so just if you ever wanted to know, we have 952 chairs at the Clovis Civic Center.

Um we did have them all professionally cleaned, and now we have purchased equipment so the staff can maintain that and keep them cleaning without us having to do it professionally.

But after so many years, they just needed that deep clean to look nice.

So now the staff takes care of that.

We also repaired the parking lot lights.

There were issues where some of them weren't working, and there were issues where some of them were staying on during the day when they didn't need to, so we were wasting electricity, so we got that taken care of.

We had uh events, a lot of events.

Um these are we had 58 banquets, 94 meetings, nine consumer shows, and 56 special events.

You can see there was revenue by event type, and then the actual income we made after our expenditures and uh 50 percent of what we make comes from our uh banquets.

That is our largest percentage.

All right, so here is um some of our client satisfaction surveys we send out to anyone who plans an event with us.

Uh we send it out and ask them what was your overall experience, what'd you think of the facility, the staff, the food and beverage?

As you can see, we received amazing marks.

And here are just a few client comments.

Um recommend this place, excellent.

I really enjoy working with the staff, and everyone is so helpful.

We had the best experience and everything about the event.

We will definitely be back for future events, which is what we always want to hear.

Uh, very professional staff and a great facility.

All the equipment worked well.

Your team was amazing and contributed to the sex success of my event, 10 out of 10.

And on top of that, we received best of Clovis, best venue and event space four years in a row.

So, and that is thanks to my amazing staff, both the full-time and the uh part-time staff do an amazing job to help you have a great event.

Next, see someone else is now flipping the slides for me, so this is why it's working so well.

You know.

Uh our financial results, which is what you really wanted to know.

All those other slides are like, yeah, whatever, tell me the bottom line.

So here we are.

We had 217 events, which is six more than we had budgeted for.

We had over 39,000 in attendance, which was over 11,000 more than we had budgeted.

We brought in 759,655, which is the highest the Civic Center has ever brought in.

That was a history-breaking moment there.

Uh profit-wise, we brought in 505,000, and both of these are above and beyond what we had budgeted.

Indirect expenses, we spent $815,000, but that was $79,000 less than we said we would.

So we brought in more than we said, and we spent less than we said.

So we ended up losing $309,613.

So for those of you who may not be aware, event venues uh do not make a profit.

They uh they the budget operates on a loss.

They are put in for um improving community well-being and uh enhancing quality of life.

That's the purpose of the Civic Center.

So, of course, your goal is to beat your budget and uh lose less than you said you would.

And we were able to do that.

We uh we we lost $309,000.

We were budgeted to lose $398,000, so we beat our budget by $89,000.

And so we consider that a great success.

So go to the next slide.

This is our outlook for fiscal year 26.

We are budgeted for 215 events, over 44,000 in attendance.

Uh event income, we're hoping for 728,995, profit of 466,000.

We're expected to spend $860,000 for a net income loss of $391,562.

But as is always our goal, we plan to bring in more than expected and spend less than planned.

So we hope I hope to be here this time next year and let you know how much we beat budget by again.

You will see on the right.

Oh, go back.

They need to see this.

On the right, these are the new solar panels.

This is what is going in the big project.

This is thankfully spearheaded by Justin.

We truly appreciate all of his help in this.

Uh we were able, thankfully, to our OE solar company and the roofing company were able to work together.

So the solar company came and took off the old solar panels, the roofing company came in and fixed the roof, and then the solar panel people came back and put the new solar panels on.

So that was a great um thing.

They are all currently on the roof.

We are waiting on inspections, and then those will be hooked up and they will start working, and it will help us start saving money on utilities.

We would like to invite you to our Civic Center sponsored events.

I thank you for those who came last evening.

I hope you had an amazing time at our last why not Wednesday for the year.

But upcoming, we have our around the world events, which happen once a month, where we choose a country, we go eat there, we enjoy the time.

So this is for Claire.

We're going to Great Britain.

So we'll be going to Great Britain on September the 23rd.

We hope you will enjoy us for that.

And join us for that.

We enjoy the food, we listen to the music, I do fun facts, trivia, and I do a much better job than I'm doing here tonight.

We have a lot of fun at the event.

Uh once a month, we also do Bunko in October.

We're of course we're doing Halloween Bunko.

If you show up in a costume, you have a chance to win a prize, but you don't have to come in a costume, but it's a great thing.

Next page.

There you go.

Uh we have uh peculiar curiosities, which are oddities and tattoo expo.

The first one we had last October.

There was another one in this summer.

We called it Summerween, and then we'll do it again.

It has already doubled in size.

So this is a fast growing event, and it's really a lot of fun.

You should really come check it out.

And then of course in November we have our holiday bazaar, which has been going on for over 30 years.

It's a great chance to come get all your holiday shopping done.

So thank you for this opportunity to share uh the annual report of the Cloba Civic Center.

I stand for any questions.

Sounds great.

Thank you.

Uh Ms.

Stevens.

Uh you you do a you do a great job, and and and you did a great job presenting.

Thank you.

You were great.

Um good job beating the budget.

Thank you.

Um I I imagine that was um you beat the budget by 89K.

Do you remember what it was last time?

Last year.

Yes, I have it right here in front of me.

Hold on.

Last year uh we beat budget by 58,000.

So we did even better this year.

Okay.

Good.

Yeah.

Okay.

Well, great.

Uh it sounds like you're you're you're managing uh the Civic Center uh like a good steward.

And uh I can just tell you from uh you know going to meetings or events, uh the Civic Center looks great, the service is great, it it's a it's a wonderful asset in the community, and so uh doing a great job.

Questions.

I just got a comment that thank you for the entertainment also that you put on uh on Wednesdays.

I mean it's really good.

Showcases what we have in Chloe So uh museans and an entertainers, so that's thank you.

Thank you.

Well, thank you for coming.

Yeah, great great update.

And uh thank you and your staff for all you do for the State Week Center and the City of Clovis.

Thank you.

Other questions, comments?

You keep improving, you're getting better and better.

Refining and sharpening, and it's looking great.

And you guys are selling out on those those world dinners, aren't you?

We have been, yes.

There have been a couple of months where it hasn't been as much.

I think it has to do with the country.

Or people are like, I don't know if I want to I I will tell you, not as everyone was really excited as Claire when we announced Great Britain.

Great job.

But yes.

That that's yeah.

Any other questions our chef will do an amazing job with Great Britain food, so you need to come try it.

No, no doubt.

Good job.

Yeah, good job, Sarah.

Commissioner Tarsen.

Yes, I'd like to just make a comment.

Sarah, you know I've had many opportunities to go to events and activities out there, and you have done a tremendous job, and I applaud you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I appreciate it.

Other comments or questions?

Thank you, Miss Stevens.

Appreciate it very much.

Thank you so much for your time.

So we are in receipts of petitions and communications, so now we will open up for public comment.

If there's anyone here that has something that they would like to share with the commission, we'll take that now.

Claire?

Ms.

Burroughs.

I just wanted to uh remind the commission that uh September the 27th is Trek for Trash.

Uh beginning at 7.30 at 500 Sycamore, if you would uh like to share that with your friends and the community uh to come and join and help us clean up Clovis that day.

And thank you to everyone here who's about to help with that.

Thank you.

Yep.

Thank you for reminding us about Trek for Trash.

Please, sir, come forward and uh I'll I'll confess we we met and talked right before the meeting.

I remember Elsa's name, but I don't remember you just have to know me as the VA guy.

The VA guy.

So if you are ever wanting to get a hold of of me, there I am right there.

Um so I do work out of Camero Force Base as a VA Sightly benefits advisor where I help individuals figure out benefits as they're getting out of the military.

Although I'm not here as a VA benefits advisor, I'm here as Eric Bram as a private citizen.

Yes, sir.

Could I have you use the mic?

Oh, yeah, for all the very, very sorry about that.

I'm used to not wanting anything at all.

I I can appreciate that, but for those watching online, thank you very much.

Thank you.

No worries.

Yeah.

So just let me start by saying good evening, everyone.

Um, Mr.

Mayor, Counsel, um, friends, families, neighbors, everyone here.

My name is Eric Brem.

Um, and I am a Marine Corps veteran and an Air Force dependa.

If anyone doesn't know what a depend is, that's me.

I'm an Air Force spouse right now.

And over the last couple of years, I got out of the military in 2012, and accessing certain benefits was always a little bit of uh it was a little hard to say the least.

But that never stopped me from trying to access everything and also helping others that were in need.

I'm always trying to help everyone.

And that is what brings me here.

If you could go to the next slide.

So unfortunately, um there's quite a bit of data surrounding, and you do have to excuse me, this is a very hard subject for me to talk about.

Um as a citizen coming here to this town about four years ago, I've noticed a common issue with access to veterans and their benefits.

Our veterans here in this town make up about 12% to 13% of our adult population here in Clovis, New Mexico.

It's about 3200 people higher than our state's average.

So we're we're doing something right that's keeping people here.

Now, unfortunately, as of 2022, there have been 6,407 deaths per suicide, and that is only talking about suicide, which is roughly about 17.6 veterans a day.

We have thousands of men and women from all different eras and generations that need assistance.

These numbers, the 6,407, again, that's three years ago, and I know unfortunately that these numbers are increasing.

DOD just reported as of 2023 that they had, in addition to the 6,407 veterans, 523 active duty service member deaths.

If you could go to the next slide.

Okay, so that's all the sad stuff that is out of the way, all the data, so that way you know exactly where I'm coming from.

So my area of concern right now is unfortunately we are relatively secluded.

We live in a rural city, and the nearest VA other than the outpatient clinic here at Clovis, which has limited manpower and limited therapists, limited psychiatric and mental health resources, they will often send you out to Amarillo or Lubbock, Texas.

Even in times of emergency, they will often tell you to go.

However, you can go to an ER.

Unfortunately, not a lot of veterans know this.

Not a lot of veterans are fortunate enough to have known this.

Luckily, because of Congress, there have been increased information disseminated to veterans or soon-to-be veterans through the transition assistant participant or transition assistance.

Yeah, thank you.

Program, thank you.

Sorry.

Um the transition assistance program, which we teach veterans or soon-to-be veterans about all the benefits.

However, I'm only allowed to be there with them for about six and a half hours.

So we need closer support here in Clovis, New Mexico.

We need, I know, baby.

We need more immediate intervention.

And we can absolutely do this.

Because currently, right now, our mental health resources come here.

Sit.

Thank you.

So currently our mental health resources, we can go to the nearest VA hospital.

Absolutely.

I am so oh.

Thank you.

Okay, that's exactly why we got Waterberg.

Elsa's Elsa's doing her best right now.

She really is.

No, you guys you are totally fine, I promise.

She is a little out of practice, but that's okay.

So we do have a lot of resources that are available.

However, in my professional life, it is I am exhausting all the resources that I have.

And I am coming here to you today to ask for assistance.

Not just myself, but our military community, both service members, active duty service members, veterans, and family members.

We can do this very easily with vet centers.

So a vet center, you can go even while on active duty, and they don't talk to DOD.

Because oftentimes there are stigmas related against mental health.

Receiving mental health and mental health treatment while serving active duty military.

This is one I am very familiar with being Marine Corps infantry.

Unfortunately, the closest vet center in New Mexico is Albuquerque.

The closest one out of state is going to be Lubbock, Texas, followed by Amarlo, Texas.

My objective for today is to try our best as a community to advocate for our veterans, our active duty service members and their families to get vet center services out here, whether it be mobile or building a permanent location.

I would also absolutely love it if we could establish some type of walk-in evening family services that are available right now, right here.

Again, put on by vet centers, giving them a permanent location, whether not a permanent location, excuse me.

A temporary location on certain days out of the week or month.

Where they have a safe space for conducting mental health interventions and therapies.

Luckily for vet centers, they do not communicate with DOD unless it is a direct threat to oneself or someone or anyone else.

So whatever they are going through, whether it is post-traumatic stress disorder, military.

Or any other traumatic event that can destroy and change who we are as people.

I want us to set an example as was as a rule city.

For every other city in New Mexico and any other city in the United States, if we can do it here, what is stopping everyone else?

We can help and end veteran suicide here at home.

But we have to start it.

I'm open for questions.

If you need to reach me outside of this, all you have to do is come to the base or call the military and family readiness center.

Ask for the VA guy.

They'll know exactly who you're talking about.

Thank you.

Well, thank you, Eric.

Appreciate you, sir.

Thank you.

We'll be in touch.

Mayor Pro Tim Commissioners.

We have in uh public comment.

Is there anyone else wishing to provide public comment?

Perhaps the ladies with the bags that walked in.

But um I recognize these folks from the Chamber of Commerce, and they've dropped by.

What's going on, ladies?

Okay.

So we were just at the uh Whataburger soft opening, and we um would have loved to have you here.

And because or there.

So because we couldn't have you guys there, we brought Whataburger to you.

So they graciously donated 15 burgers, French fries, and their uh keep cups or keepsake cups to you guys.

So we're here to do a wada delivery and what a surprise.

That's correct.

Yeah.

That's funny.

Mind if I just start distributing.

Do you want the food on the dais?

Yeah, please now.

Okay, now you can talk all you want to, Mayor.

Thank you too much.

How are you?

Thank you.

I'm gonna feel as bad as the dog.

I'm gonna want to do that.

Thank you.

Sherry, that was very thoughtful.

Thank you for doing that.

Because we were all disappointed not being there.

Oh, I bet.

Thank you, Sherry.

Oh, no wonder the dog is going crazy.

This is fine.

We just throw it away here.

Oh, yeah, the world famous water burger spicy kitchen.

Monday.

Thanks.

So that means French Street will be uh give it to the police.

I love that.

Come up.

Can't wait to go fill the call does what we need for the city, Nicole.

We need the word combat.

Well, I kind of wonderful.

Thanks, Nicole.

Thank you, Commission and Staff for everything you guys do.

Thank you, President Sherry.

Thank you.

Bye-bye.

Thanks for coming by.

Thank you.

All right.

All right.

We remain in public comment.

If there's anyone that wishes to provide something with the City Commission and myself.

Going once, going twice.

Okay.

Um we will then move on and take a look at the consent agenda this evening.

You have 17 items on the consent agenda.

You can consider handling with one motion.

They are.

Request for approval of adoption of resolution number 3336-2025 authorizing the submission of a grant application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation for financial assistance for fiscal year 2027 under 49 USC 5311 of the Federal Transit Act to and to accept funds when awarded and authorizing the mayor to act as the uh City of Clovis's chief executive officer and authorized representative in all matters pertaining to this grant program and authorizing a letter of support.

Item two is request for approval of adoption of resolution number 3337-2025, authorizing the mayor to execute a letter of waiver of payments in lieu of taxes for FY24 for the Clovis Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

Item three, request for approval of adoption of resolution number three three three eight-two thousand twenty-five, authorizing the mayor to execute a letter of waiver for uh payments in lieu of taxes for FY25 for the Clovis Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

Item four, request for approval to reappoint Brian Davis to serve on the Parks Recreation and Beautification Committee as representative from District 3.

Item five, request for approval to reappoint Tom Martin to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission as a citizen member.

Item six is request for approval to reappoint Rhonda Sparks to serve on the Clovis Carver Library Board as a citizen member.

Item seven, request for approval of emergency budget change in the amount of eleven thousand three hundred and fifty dollars for temporary parking at Hillcrest Senior Life Center.

Item eight, request for approval of budget transfer and the amount of two hundred and ninety-six thousand four hundred and seventeen dollars and twenty cents from General Fund Cash Reserves to police department fund for purchase of e-force CAD for use by the police department and fire department.

Item nine, request for approval of addendum to lease agreement between the City of Clovis and the Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico.

Item 10, request for approval to award the property abatement and other related services on call RFP to workheiser enterprises.

Item 11, request for approval to apply for and accept if awarded the FY 2026 Regional Recreation Center's Quality of Life Grant in an amount not to exceed 4.1 million dollars for City of Clovis Parks Improvements.

Item 12, request for approval to apply for and accept if awarded, the FY2026, New Mexico Land and Water Conservation Grant Program, and the LWCF State Supplemental Match Fund in an amount not to exceed $1 million for fencing and trailhead improvement at NedHouk Park.

Item 13, request for approval to apply for and accept if awarded a 2026 New Mexico Outdoor Trails Plus grant in the amount in an amount not to exceed 100,000 and a matching fund requirement of $50,000 for water infrastructure improvements at NedHouk Park.

Item 14, request for approval to apply for and accept if awarded a 2026 New Mexico Animal Welfare Program Grant Application in the amount in and an amount not to exceed 120,000 with no matching funds requirement for improvements at the Clovis Animal Shelter.

Item 15 request for approval of CDM Smith work plan proposal for 2025 groundwater monitoring event number two for the Clovis Regional Solid Waste Facility.

Item 16, request for approval of budget change for the purchase of a 4207 XE Caterpillar Vaco Loader for the Clovis Regional Landfill in an amount of $55,207.

And item 17 is request for approval of quarterly lodgers tax disbursements.

That is the proposed consent agenda.

I would entertain a motion.

So moved.

Motion for approval of placing the items on the consent agenda comes from Commissioner Jones.

The second from Commissioner Garza.

Tarsen came from the second comes from Commissioner Tarsen.

Great job.

Please vote.

Commissioner Porter.

No pressure.

No pressure.

But we're gonna give you cold.

Were you not able to log into the meeting?

I am in.

It's actually up to vote, but I it will not allow me to press the button.

Okay.

Um we're gonna use acclamation because we need a unanimous vote on this.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, the same sign.

The motion has carried unanimously.

The items have been placed on the consent agenda.

I would now entertain a motion to approve or acknowledge all items.

So we move.

Motion comes from Commissioner Tarzan.

Second comes from Commissioner Garza.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, the same sign.

The motion is carried unanimously.

And we will try the voting system again on the next item that we'll get to, which is item one in new business.

It is request for approval of proposed employee salary increases.

And uh Mr.

Howalt, the city manager is going to advise Mr.

Howalt.

Good evening, Mayor, Mayor, Pro Tim, and Commissioners.

Uh I I really consider putting 17 of those items that were on consent onto new business, but I figured we could speed the meeting up by keeping it on consent.

Um out of all the items that we uh bring to you throughout the year and on the investments that we make uh in the city.

I think that this agenda item this evening is by far the most important one and the most important investment that we make all year.

And that investment, of course, is in our employees.

Um the employees of the city of Clovis, the men and women that work for the city of Clovis are our greatest assets.

Uh nothing would happen within the city without them.

So when you think about that and think about our uh 14 different departments that we have, uh the ones represented out here uh this evening, uh they're the ones, they're the boots on the ground that are actually getting the job done.

They're the ones that are out there protecting us, keeping us safe, uh fighting the fires, uh, EMS specialists, public works, and uh the all the activities that they do, parks, cats, library, human resources.

And I think our employees are a great the the ones that were recognized this evening and the ones that we recognize every quarter.

I mean, that's a great representation of all of our employees.

And if we truly could recognize every one of them all quarterly every quarter long, we certainly would.

Um so I think that like I said, this is one of our greatest investments that we make.

Uh last month we brought to you uh a compensation study that we're gonna be performing.

Uh that compensation study is going to take about 18 weeks to complete.

But I wanted to get out and get these uh ink salary increases in place prior to to this study being completed, because I didn't want to wait that 18 weeks for them to for that to have to be completed.

And so that's why I have this on the agenda this evening.

Um what I'm proposing uh to do this year is very similar to what we did last year.

Uh we're going to propose to increase everybody's hourly rate by a dollar.

And then we're also going to slide this the starting wages a dollar as well.

And so that would actually bring the minimum that we have within the city uh up to $14.50 an hour.

Uh as you know that uh every year at the legislative session, there's pressure to increase minimum wage.

And so I think that this will put us in a good position uh if we do have to increase higher to that, uh trying to buffer some of that ripple effect that we have across all of our ranges by increasing those starting rates right now.

Also wanting to make sure that we're competitive and are able to hire and continue to bring on uh employees uh to us.

The total uh fiscal impact this year with the raises is about $1.21.273 million dollars.

And that's spread out amongst various funds that we have.

And so a million dollars uh will come out of the general fund, $131,000 would come out of the sanitation fund, $52,000, almost $53,000 out of the wastewater fund, uh almost $13,000 out of our airport fund and then almost $8,000 out of our HR and safety fund.

Uh the proposed raises would impact every one of our employees.

Uh the uh Clovis Police Officers Association has approved the memo, and so with your approval of this, it would impact them as well this evening.

There is uh some collective bargaining that would is currently being stood up or being proposed to be stood up in our fire department.

And so the employees that uh were named to be part of that collective bargaining uh unit would not uh be impacted this by this proposed raised.

And so until we get through that process, uh they would not receive the raises.

Uh the employees that within the fire department that would would still be our uh fire chief, our deputy chief, and as well as the administrative staff over at the fire department.

And so uh obviously working through that process um and as soon as that uh starts to to take shape, uh obviously whatever that looks like, we would have to eventually bring that back uh to the city commission for final approval as well.

So uh with that I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have r regarding the proposed salary increases.

Thanks, Mr.

Howalt.

What questions or discussion do we have?

Questions, Mayor.

I just like to thank Justin.

Uh I agree wholeheartedly that our employees uh for the city are are the heart and soul and continue to make the the city uh move forward.

So thank you, Justin.

Appreciate that comment, Commissioner.

Other comments, questions?

Second.

Motion for approval from Commissioner Garza, second from Commissioner Jones.

Uh further discussion or debate on the item.

Hearing and seeing none, it's been properly moved and seconded that you would approve the uh proposed employee salary increases as presented.

Please vote.

Let's try it again.

And mayor, I failed to mention, but uh while you guys were voting, uh the raise would become effective September the 14th and then would reflect in the employees' October 3rd paychecks.

Okay, thanks for that detail.

See if we can get Commissioner Porter voting on the system before we bail and do a voice vote.

Okay, I think we're just gonna go ahead and we're request a vote.

Okay.

Thank you, Mr.

Rickman.

Uh we're gonna vote by acclamation.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, the same sign.

The vote is unanimous and the motion is carried.

Thank you, Mr.

Howalt.

Uh item two is uh request for approval of scope and fee with CDM Smith to conduct a wastewater rate study and capital improvement plan.

Uh Mr.

Howalt.

Thank you, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tim and Commissioners.

Uh the City of Clovis owns and operates about 250 miles of sewer lines within our community.

Uh that includes not only obviously the collection lines, it includes pump stations as well as the wastewater treatment plants.

Uh we have not done a uh rate increase since 2022 for our wastewater system.

Uh definitely expenses have gone up.

Uh so whether or not that's through materials that we're purchasing, uh through our equipment or employees' salaries.

Uh there those cross the the costs are starting to put upward pressure on on our rates.

And so we thought it was time to start to take a look at this.

Uh the other thing that we have done is back in 2020, uh we implemented or and approved an asset management plan.

And so within that asset management plan, it starts to take a look at where are our assets starting to uh degrade, starting to need to look at starting to replace those.

And so as part of the scope, uh we included uh asking CDM to take a look at our asset management plan, put together a capital improvement plan, which would start to address that, and then also build into the rate structure funds that would be available to implement and put that full asset management plan into place.

Um the total uh fee for the uh services themselves is almost fifty-five thousand dollars exclusive of gross receipts tax.

Uh with gross receipts tax, it's around fifty-eight thousand dollars.

Um and so uh I've reviewed all of that, looked at the man hours that were behind that to drive that.

The uh proposed man hours are in line with the uh scope of work.

The funding itself would come out of Fund 10 uh wastewater cash reserve.

Um so with that I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have.

At the end of that, we'll bring back to you obviously what that study represents and then with any proposed what those fee increases would look like for future approval.

Thank you for that, Mr.

Howalt.

Mayor Pro Tim, Commissioners questions, comments, discussion?

Mayor, I'll move for approval.

Second.

You guys.

Uh motion for approval comes from Commissioner Jones, second from Commissioner Garza.

Further discussion?

Hearing and seeing none, it's been properly moved and seconded.

Did you get we're gonna try it again?

Or try.

Find out it may work.

Uh please vote using the system.

Nope.

Commissioners, it's been properly moved and seconded that you would approve this scope and fee with CDM Smith as described.

Please uh vote by saying aye.

Aye.

I didn't suck that up very well for you.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, the same sign.

Uh the vote uh is unanimous and the motion is carried.

Thank you very much.

It did eventually pick Gene up.

It did eventually get Commissioner Porter.

Okay.

I think they do.

I think they do.

Oh, they yeah, they added it from it there.

Yeah.

Okay.

Um we are now at item three in new business.

It is request for approval to install a safe haven baby box at fire department station two.

This has my name beside it, but I would welcome Mayor Pro Tem to uh to uh share anything that he like uh or he would like to.

The uh safe haven baby box, I think this is something that uh most folks have have are are familiar with what this what the concept is, what this is.

We've seen other communities uh install these.

Uh it's an awful thing to think about uh but it it becomes a uh a tool and and and an option uh for someone uh needing to give up a baby, heaven forbid.

And um, you know, as a community that that values life, values family, wants to support uh our our community and in uh making the best possible choices and giving little ones every every chance and every shot in life.

Uh this is a tool that if if available uh you know, and and if and if it were used once would uh would be worth uh the time and trouble and and the effort.

Um we've talked about this, this this discussion got started a couple of years ago at least now uh at you know personnel folks at PRMC uh talking with the city, talking with the county.

That led to the county uh, you know, us imagining that there was a a perhaps a three-way partnership in in this.

Uh the county applied for a grant that is available for for such a thing.

Uh it doesn't cover all of the expenses.

It's a $10,000 grant.

The county has those funds.

Uh but we've just not moved off center, kind of the county thinking maybe PRMC had a move to make, PRMC thinking maybe the city had a move to make, and we just really haven't uh moved off center on this.

The mayor pro tem came to me recently.

Uh we had discussion and ended up having discussion with Mr.

Howalt and said, let's just do this.

Let's let's get it in front of the commission and get it approved uh if possible, and and believe that we'll have uh the county come along with us on this, and perhaps PRMC come along with us on this.

I'm not obligating them to that by any means by uh by saying that, but but there was an interest uh at one point, maybe there will be going forward.

Mayor Pro Tem, would you like to make remarks?

Thank you, Mayor.

As you all know, I sit on the PRMC board and represent the city.

And uh, this has been a topic of discussion for quite some time with with the hospital and the county as well.

And uh unfortunately PRMC was not able to have it at their location and the county wasn't either.

So the ultimate uh decision came down to uh to the city having it at one of the fire departments.

And so it was decided that the possible location would be uh uh station two, which is over on Lano.

And so I think this just helps ensure that no child is left without care and no parent feels like they don't know they don't have any options.

So I think this is a uh you know a great opportunity for us to uh to have this in Clovis and hopefully it would never be used.

But if it is, then it definitely worth what we're going to be spending on it.

Yeah, thanks, Mayor Pro Tim, and and uh Mr.

Howald may have something to add, I know, and perhaps Chief Nolan, because uh obviously this affects uh one of the fire stations, but I I understand there was some discussions and thought on is it possible at a fire station?

It would you landed on on number two.

Uh any other comments or remarks?

No, and Mayor and Mayor Pro Tim and Commissioners.

And so obviously I'm looking at it from a funding aspect and uh to go along with the uh county's ten thousand dollars.

Uh the estimated construction costs that we were able to had previously been quoted uh and were the costs based off on the one that was installed, I believe in Portalis, was around 2 or another $12,000 for construction.

Uh to go along with the obviously the initial fee uh for the baby box of $11,000, the the 12,000 for uh construction, we have the $10,000 grant.

Uh there's annual fees that will come along with this.

Um and so those those are around.

I lost my notes.

$300 uh of an annual fee.

Uh and so in the what that pays for is they monitor the system.

Uh I believe there's alarms on it as well.

And so if a baby is placed in the box, uh there is notifications that are sent out uh to allow them to go and and obviously retrieve that baby and then take it uh to further care.

Um in conversations with uh obviously we're not always at the fire station all the time, uh obviously having to go out and uh answer calls.

Um but that's the importance of that notification system is that uh uh somebody will be notified to obviously go and check that baby box.

Uh the other thing that's important is that uh if you guys do approve this this evening, uh we haven't been in direct conversation with uh safe having yet, but we obviously would engage those conversations.

There would be a contract uh for the um uh uh installation in the box itself.

And so uh we would eventually bring that contract uh back to you uh for formal approval as well.

Um and once again those costs that we've put together are estimated, so until we have hard data on there, uh uh that's a estimated cost.

It would come out of our uh cash reserves for uh fund one as well.

And so uh happy to answer any questions that you may have.

And as well uh to answer any questions from the fire department side.

Chief, would you do you have anything to add to this is uh this is a good deal right here.

We get all three of you.

I like this.

It's great.

Uh mayor Mayor Pro Tim, Commissioner.

So it has taken a while uh for this to move forward.

And I would say probably I'm one of those holdups because I'm older.

The thing is true, and that's why they're here pushing me forward.

Uh every one of our fire stations always has been, always will be a safe haven.

We've never asked questions, uh, no matter the incident.

Maybe no matter what.

And so I could not understand why do we need this thing.

We've always been a safe haven.

It was pushed upon me, and I think the city manager here made it very clear a while ago.

While we are safe haven, the one thing I forgot is uh oftentimes we're on calls, and so we do need a place uh an adjunct uh for this this situation to take place.

We looked at all of our stations, accessibilities, um, and and we came down to station two off of YANO due to the potential for privacy, so that somebody would go there and access ability to get in and out.

Those are limited at our other stations, and of course, Station 1 downtown, which seems well reasonable is also a historical building and and the construction it would take to implement this is is just near impossible.

So that's where we landed on station two.

Now, uh there's been good successes with these, as uh Italian Chief Chenault well knows, and and if you all have questions, these two gentlemen would just they're just dying to answer your questions.

Chief Chenault, do you have some I mean sure if you have any questions?

I would just say like obviously this the safe haven baby boxes is really it's it's that last line, right?

Like like Chief was saying, like absolutely we're already safe havens.

Us police department, you know, PRMC, like we have safe havens everywhere.

However, that doesn't mean that someone's situation may not make them feel comfortable surrendering a child depending on what's going on, right?

And so this gives them a level of anonymity, right?

That where they can do that and they know that this child will be protected and cared for, and they can do it in a way that kind of preserves some dignity, you know, depending on the situation.

And so we feel like you know, this there's 11 of them in the state, we would be the twelfth.

Um and we know that some of them have already been used.

So uh like you like y'all have said, I hope ours never does, but I'm glad that it's going to be there should we ever need it.

Well said, Chief.

Thank you for that.

Mayor.

I have a question.

If the baby is placed in the box, what do you do?

Take it to the hospital or is that where we're yeah, we'll have protocols in place.

Uh, I mean you don't keep the baby for two, three days or whatever.

You just know uh we we've been joking like this is our new recruitment program.

Right.

You know, whenever the one in there, we're just gonna bring it up in the department and start training them right away.

That'll be no uh yes, absolutely.

What if should the box be utilized?

You know, our our crews will respond if they're not already there at the station.

We'll take the child, we'll then transport to PRMC for evaluation, um CYFD will want to be involved.

I'm sure I'm sure PD will wind up being we're gonna be working on all those procedures and getting everything set up and ready to go.

All of our employees trained on what to do, but yes, absolutely.

Should that should a child be turned over?

Their care is number one.

You know, so we will then take them for evaluation right away.

And may I may put them commissioners, Commissioner Cassettes when we were discussing that very thing a week or so ago.

There's a there's like a packet that comes with this with diapers and blankets.

I mean, every everything is right there, not milk, correct?

Yes.

Not formula.

That but um everything else is is part of all of this.

Thank you.

Great question, and and thank you for that input.

Are there other questions?

Comments, debate?

Mo for approval.

Second.

Motion for approval from Commissioner Garza and a second from Commissioner Casals.

And if I could give a third, it would go to Commissioner Paula because she was right there too.

But uh so it's been properly moved and seconded that we would approve the request uh to install a safe haven baby box at fire department station two.

Let's try the voting system.

Please vote.

Okay.

Um all those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, the same sign.

The motion is carried.

Thank you.

Thank you all for the question.

Gentlemen, thank you so much.

Appreciate that.

Good luck.

Yeah.

Commissioners, thank you as well.

Thank you for bringing it.

Yep.

All right.

Next we have request for approval of professional services agreement uh to renew retail consulting services between the city of Clovis and City of Clovis and retail strategies.

Um the retail strategies folks, uh we're we're probably still are online.

Uh Mr.

Yeager and um I believe Ms.

Jimenez.

And there, of course, our team uh you're receiving, or at least you have the offer uh for uh I believe quarterly updates, and so you may be familiar with some of the members of the retail strategies team.

Um you're familiar with the function that they perform for us and for our community.

And um this has been um something that that I've I've certainly uh advocated uh for in the past that we would continue.

I believe it's critical.

Uh if we if we do want to grow and and recruit new business to Clovis, it's great to have someone out there uh doing that constantly at a at a cost much lower than we could compensate a a city employee or add to the contract at CED to to accomplish.

And so uh you're you're very familiar with this.

You're receiving or at least are made available updates, but you may have questions or maybe debate.

What what are your thoughts on this item?

Mayor, these quarterly these quarterly updates have uh uh uh had me a complet rethinking retail strategies.

cost much lower than we could compensate a a city employee or add to the contract at CED to to accomplish and so you're you're very familiar with this you're receiving or at least are made available updates but you may have questions or maybe debate what what are your thoughts on this item mayor these quarterly these quarterly updates have uh had me a complet rethinking retail strategies okay how so and I uh you know I believe it they're very worthwhile they make good contacts uh you know they go to a lot of conventions and visit with a lot of people so I I think it's very worthwhile so I'll make a motion to approve we have a motion for approval from mayor pro Tim and positive remarks thank you other questions debate second we have a second to the motion coming from Commissioner Jones further questions or debate okay I hearing and seeing no further debate it's been properly moved and seconded that you would approve the professional services agreement with retail strategies I understand the voting system is not working for Commissioner Porter so what I'd like to do uh on this is call the roll actually Miss Reyes would you please do a roll call for me sorry Mayor Pro Tim Bryant yes Commissioner Porter Yes Commissioner Jones yes Commissioner Casals yes Commissioner Garza yes Commissioner Paula yes Commissioner Zamora yes Commissioner Tarsen yes thank you Ms.

Reyes appreciate that you're unanimous and that motion has carried uh retail strategies partners thank you for hanging in there would you like to make a comment thank you so much for having us uh working with you guys over the course of last five years now this right isn't there our partners in the growth includes has been national and it just continues and then one on that whole and then just to be a part of this well thank you appreciate you very much thanks for the for the work that you do and uh I understood that at least early on that Mr.

Yeager was on so hello uh to to him and to the entire team back at retail strategies thanks very much yep oh there he is good to see you Matt I would echo we are very honored to work this and we are here to abroad and you know cheap or city uh commission so thank you so much for your paper.

Yes sir appreciate you thanks retail strategies.

We'll move on to the last item in new business it is request for approval of new national opioids secondary manufacturers settlement agreement our city attorney Mr.

Morris thank you mayor good evening mayor mayor pro tem and commissioners so this may be the last opioid settlement agreement we bring to you uh a couple weeks ago Mr.

How Waltton I had a teleconference I guess with uh the the lead attorney for the next general's office and we asked him that question how many how much more money can we expect how many more agreements are coming and he said probably just this last one I think there's eight smaller level opioid money manufacturers that are part of this agreement if you notice there's nowhere in the commission action request or the documents I attached that tell you how much money we're getting that's because they don't know and so um but we did as part of the settlement participation agreement that we signed in 2022 you know we agreed to approve all these as they come in and so I believe of the 33 plaintiffs were one of the last ones to approve this one even though it just came in because most of them are just approving them as they come in with their administration and they're not taking them to their various commissions and and councils but we won't know the exact figure or even they wouldn't even give us a ballpark until after not only we approve but all the other this is a national settlement so all the other smaller level plaintiffs across the country approve and depending on how many of them opt in depends on what we'll receive.

I wish I could again hazard a guess or give you a ballpark or even the length of amount of time it's going to take us to get paid but they wouldn't do that for me.

So I based on the comments they made to me I don't expect it'll be as big as the last two settlements that we received or upwards of a million dollars just the city's share right now as with all the other national settlements we're combined with the county they call us one region and so in total we get 1.4 percent of the 55 percent that's dedicated to the local subdivisions that New Mexico receives so I will let you all know as soon as I know what the settlement amounts would be but even though we don't know that now I would still recommend that we approve it because we are contractually obligated to by way of our settlement agreement earlier and there's only two other entities that have not approved besides us and so we just we do have time October 8th is the deadline to approve but with that I would be happy to answer any questions.

And so we just we do have time.

October 8th is the deadline to approve.

But with that, I would be happy to answer any questions.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Morris.

Appreciate the explanation and info on this item.

Questions?

I mean opioid settlements.

Mayor move for approval.

Thanks.

Motion for approval comes from Commissioner Jones, second from Commissioner Garza.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Those opposed, the same sign.

The motion is carried unanimously again.

Thanks, Mr.

Morris.

Appreciate that.

We'll move into uh reports of boards, officers, and committees.

Um the Eastern Mexico Water Utility Authority had its board meeting, its August board meeting on the 28th.

Um that agenda uh included um let's see here.

Um I'll just pick a couple of things uh because I know I know you'll have tons of questions and want me to elaborate.

But uh the uh uh we had the approval of the uh Texaco Lateral Interim uh Operations and Maintenance Agreement.

Um why did I choose to tell you about that?

Uh the uh Texacolateral that that bid that project has been awarded to Harper Brothers construction.

Um they're in the pre-mobilization phase and they'll be constructing the transmission line or the lateral line uh which we'll pick up at about our airport and go to Texaco.

What's exciting is uh with this OM agreement signed by the mayor of Texaco after you know working with them on that and and getting this done.

Uh this per this this lateral, this portion of the U pipeline will actually be permitted as an in-use piece of infrastructure.

It'll be the first piece that's in use because of the agreements with Epcor.

Uh and so that will it will actually be used.

And so uh that was an exciting uh agreement uh to get done uh so that we could permit it that way.

Uh we also updated uh actually adopted for the first time an employee handbook uh at the water authority.

Uh appreci uh uh deputy director Bowens for drafting it and uh working so hard on that.

Uh and then we also approved a uh or an easement agreement uh related to the uh raw water one uh phase of the pipeline again, raw water one begins at the intake structure at the reservoir, goes fourteen miles in the direction of the Caprock.

Uh that is a phase of the project that's funded.

Uh we could go ahead and put it out for bid, but we're working on some some easement uh work and trying to time uh when we would put that out to to be advantageous to everyone.

Of course, we got reports from our state and federal consultants and as well as Jacobs Engineering.

Again, we have three contractors actively working on five different major segments of the project.

Uh I can tell you uh there's been a lot uh going on, uh a lot of lot a lot of work uh happening lately, very very very happy.

Uh and I'll mention we are hiring we we have a vacancy in the executive director position uh there at the authority, and so uh we are we are looking to fill that position, but um not in a rush because we've got an excellent deputy director and staff and a great team, and um we're actually operating as efficiently as ever uh right now.

Joint city or I'm sorry, are there questions on the water authority?

Okay, uh joint city county commission meet uh commission meeting.

Uh you were all there, you know what took place, but for the public's benefit, uh we uh we agreed um unanimously uh uh among uh those of you that were there and the members of the county commission that were there about what the first phase of the recreation center uh would be, and of course we that was uh the pool or the nadatorium.

Um and and it was great to have unanimous uh uh support for that.

Uh we're in lockstep with the county on that, and we're moving forward with the collateral, the uh voter education material.

Uh Ms.

Burroughs, is is that are we getting close with the voter education uh pieces and we'll start to roll that out on website and so forth, and then we have uh presentations planned all over the community and we're and we agreed also at the joint meeting that we will do that together uh with the county.

We want elected officials from the city and the county presenting side by side and talking to the public about this this project and the questions about GRT increases on the November ballot.

Is there an update on the lodgers tax advisory board meeting that happened on Tuesday?

Thank you, Mayor.

Yes, uh, do have a small report here.

Uh we had uh a request for 128,000 dollars, and of that amount uh the board allocated uh seven recommended seventy-five thousand, which you all approve.

And I'm happy to say that we still have a a few events happening before the year is over.

So more people coming into the community and from October to uh November.

Outstanding.

Thank you, Commissioner.

Appreciate that.

Uh is there a report on the economic incentive board meeting that happened on Wednesday.

Thank you, Mayor, Mayor, Pro Democrat Commissioners.

Uh not a whole lot of action.

Actually, zero action was taken other than the minutes.

Uh I provided a financial report uh to the uh board that we're required as part of our ordinance to have uh financial report provided on a quarterly basis, so that was kind of the driver of the meeting.

Uh so provided that to them.

Um and then uh Tina Juk, the executive director with the CED uh provided an update on what they're working on.

They have responded to or received some PROs uh from the partnership with the state.

Um, however, uh the the what was needed within the PROs and a lot of these companies looking for locations need very high power consumption and so we just don't aren't have the available power in our area to be able to meet their so unfortunately they weren't able to uh respond to those.

But uh just mostly updates uh that we heard.

So that's all I have, Mayor.

Yeah, thanks for that.

And interesting on the the power piece and that being a limiting factor on us being able to at least step up to the plate and swing, right?

So uh we've we we we really need to ask some questions of XL and find out you know what it takes to uh to be able to talk about the that that type of power.

Um monthly investment report, Ms.

Malanson.

Thank you, Mayor Mayor Pratim and Commissioners.

Very quick.

August, we started with 84.2 million, ending at 79.2 million.

Um this is the time of year that we are paying the New Mexico Self Insurers for all of our property liability insurance, and also our contribution to the U Water Project, so that takes care of the majority of that significant decrease in our cash.

Uh general fund one, ending cash 15 million, sanitation fund two, two point two million, wastewater fund 10, 2.8 million, fund 64, economic development eight million, water quarter percent fund 66, 6 million, special streets fund 75, 1.7 million, and our American rescue plan just a little over 2 million.

We have 16.8 in our local banks, our 10 million CD that we did renew for six months, and the state investment pool at 52.3 million.

The new interest rate for the C D is at 4.36, which is down from the 4.66 that we were at.

So we chose to just go the six months and see where things are at that point in time and make a decision about that.

And we currently our interest was 253,000.

So year to date for two months is 510,000 compared to last year at this time, which was 312,000.

Our state pool went up just a little bit to 4.34 compared to 5.13 this time last year.

And when I checked the overnight rate today, it was at 4.37.

So it's inching up ever so slowly.

And of course, we do not have gross receipts.

That will be something that I will send out to all of you after we return from Riodoso.

Sounds great.

Thank you.

Any questions for Ms.

Malanson?

Thanks for that report for all you do.

Uh do we have future agenda items to discuss for the first meeting in October, Ms.

Reyes.

We only have two items so far because we talked about everything tonight.

Um we have a request from the radio station and the zoo for Boo in the Zoo in October.

And a resolution for TPF funds to rehabilitate 21st Street between Prince and Norris.

Outstanding.

Thanks.

Thanks for that, Ms.

Reyes, and uh we'll look forward to those items.

Um we will now talk about and announce uh upcoming city board and commission meetings, of course, next week is the New Mexico Annual uh New Mexico Municipal League annual conference.

It's being held in Rio Doso.

Um doubt several of you perhaps all of you are planning to attend that.

I am uh incidentally, I'm I am currently running unopposed for vice president.

So wish me luck that I don't mess it up somehow.

Uh appreciate your support there.

Uh the local emergency planning committee plans to meet at 3 p.m.

on Wednesday, September 17th.

Parks, recreation, and beautification committee meets at 5 30 p.m.

on Monday, September 22nd.

Public Works uh committee uh 8 30 a.m.

on September 24th.

Senior Services Committee will meet at 130 p.m.

on Thursday, September 25th.

The Water Authority Board meets next at 3 p.m.

on Thursday, September 25th at uh the Authority Headquarters on North Prince.

Trek for Trash, uh mentioned once, but worth mentioning again, Trek for Trash will be at 8 a.m.

on Saturday, September 27th.

Uh that'll be a great day, no doubt, to do cleanup.

And the next city commission meeting will be at 5.15 p.m.

on Thursday, October 2nd, right here.

And with that, we're adjourned.