Clovis City Council Meeting Summary - November 6, 2025

The Clovis City Council convened on November 6, 2025, to conduct routine business, honor local veterans, and deliberate on significant infrastructure and economic development proposals. The meeting featured unanimous approvals for the consent calendar and several resolutions, alongside public testimony regarding the potential relocation of a racing facility to Clovis. Mayor Morris led the session, which concluded with reports on utility infrastructure projects and community outreach events.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the reappointment of Tom Moore (utility provider) and Candace London (citizen representative) to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• Approved the scope and fee agreement with HDR for roadway improvements on Yano Estacado from Norris Street to Humphrey Road.
• Approved the industry track agreement with BNSF Railway Company.
• Approved the lease of land for construction, rehabilitation, and track agreement with BNSF Railway Company.
• Approved a letter of intent to partner with the Department of Justice Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative with the Eastern Plains Council of Governments as the fiscal agent.
• Approved the final change order with Kay Barnett and Sons to close out the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard improvement project.
• All items were adopted with a unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. John Montano (Joint Veterans Council): Reported that the 2025 Veterans Week parade has 30 entries but noted that ongoing road construction is shortening the parade route. He expressed frustration regarding the construction constraints but remained optimistic about community involvement and encouraged new entrants to contact the Chamber of Commerce. He emphasized that the week aims to bring the community together.
• Ms. Vanessa (Joint Veterans Council): Addressed the Council regarding the road work, stating that the city is actively working with the contractor to move orange barrels and cones back as far as possible to maximize the parade route. She acknowledged that while sidewalk space would be limited, efforts are being made to ensure access.
• Mr. Mews: Expressed strong opposition to the City's letter of support for a private business relocating a racino from Farmington to Clovis. He argued that the city failed to check the developer's record regarding problem gamblers in Farmington and that no economic study had been conducted. He cited studies suggesting casinos remove significant revenue from communities (estimating $11 million from Clovis) and stated that gambling tax revenue flows to the state, not the municipality. He urged the Council to delay the letter until a thorough economic impact study and examination of human impact (problem gambling) were completed.
• Mary Mackinella: Expressed support for the letter of support, noting that the city is not committing to a racino but rather signaling that Clovis is open to business. She acknowledged concerns about religious issues and problem gambling but argued that the letter supports free enterprise and economic growth, stating she did not see anything wrong with the approach.
• Dr. Yancey: Questioned whether the community needed a racino or simply wanted one, framing it as a spiritual distinction between needs and wants. Mayor Morris clarified that the Council was not deciding on the need for a racino but rather establishing a standard policy of treating any new business application (including annexation and permitting) with the same expeditious process used for other projects.
• Ms. Racerow (Candidate for District 4): Expressed approval of the letter, arguing that the country is moving toward online gambling and that a local facility would retain revenue within the state. She noted that citizens were seeking entertainment options and suggested the racino could serve as a good starting point.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation of Veterans Week: Adopted a proclamation declaring November 8th–14, 2025, as Veterans Week. The City agreed to partner with the Joint Veterans Council to support the parade theme "Lest We Forget" and the "Green Light for Veterans" initiative (November 4th–11th), where citizens are encouraged to display green lights in windows.
• Proclamation of Arbor Day: Adopted a proclamation declaring November 7th as Arbor Day, with a tree planting event scheduled for the following day at Roy Walker Recreation Center.
• Resolution 3343-2025 (Unsafe Building): Discussed and adopted a resolution authorizing the abatement by demolition of an unsafe mobile home at 209 Venus Avenue, owned by Linda Guerrero and Danielle Garza. City Attorney Morris described the structure as dilapidated, missing an exterior wall, and potentially suffering fire damage, posing a threat to public health and safety.
• Resolution 3344-2025 (Juvenile Protective Custody): Discussed and adopted a resolution encouraging the Clovis Police Department to utilize existing statutory tools to take juveniles into protective custody if they are endangered by their surroundings, rather than enforcing a criminal curfew. Commissioner Zamora and Attorney Morris clarified that this is not a criminalization of juvenile behavior but a reminder of existing protective custody powers during late-night hours when juvenile crimes spike.
• Lease Agreement Amendment (Chamber of Commerce): Discussed and adopted an amendment transferring the responsibility of procuring building insurance from the City to the Chamber of Commerce. The City and Chamber agreed that the Chamber procuring its own policy via Western States Insurance Group would be more cost-effective and reduce administrative burden for both parties.
• Animal Shelter Contract Amendment: Discussed and approved an amendment with ASA Architects to expand the design scope for the animal shelter remodel (located next to Bell Park). The project cost is estimated at $6.8 million, requiring a design fee increase to $686,000. Funding includes $1.5 million in grants, approximately $3 million in city funds, and a pending application for an additional $3 million from a state opportunity.
• Aquatic Center Repair Budget Transfer: Discussed and approved a budget transfer of up to $265,000 to address plaster flaking in the pool at the Clovis Aquatic Center. Director Russell Hooper explained that the repair involves stripping old plaster layers to the base coat and re-plastering. He noted that $120,000 of saved funds from a separate zoo project would be applied, reducing the net additional request to $145,000.
• Self-Insurance Fund Appointment: Discussed and approved the appointment of the Mayor to the board of the New Mexico Self-Insurance Fund to represent the City's interests in risk management.
• Letter of Support for Racino: Discussed and approved a letter of support to the New Mexico Racing Commission regarding a private business owner's application to relocate a racino license to Clovis. The letter clarifies that the City treats this project like any other, offering annexation, utility connections, and expeditious permitting, but explicitly states the City will not provide financial assistance or incentives.
• Reports: The Mayor reported on the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority, noting the groundbreaking for Raw Water 3 and a high priority ranking for a $24.3 million water trust application. Commissioner Cassaus reported on the Humane Society's upcoming spay/neuter clinic expecting to sterilize 1,200 animals with veterinary volunteers.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Adoption: Resolution 3343-2025 (Unsafe Building Demolition) and Resolution 3344-2025 (Juvenile Protective Custody) were adopted unanimously. The consent agenda items were approved unanimously.
• Unanimous Approval: The lease amendment with the Chamber of Commerce, the contract amendment with ASA Architects for the animal shelter, the budget transfer for the Aquatic Center, the Mayor's appointment to the Self-Insurance Fund, and the letter of support to the New Mexico Racing Commission were all approved with a vote of 8-0.
• Proclamations Issued: November 8–14, 2025, designated as Veterans Week; November 7 designated as Arbor Day.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for November 20, 2025, at 5:15 PM.
• Funding Status: The City secured a top-ranking recommendation from the Water Trust Board for a $24.3 million water project, pending legislative approval.