City of Clovis Council Meeting Summary - December 4, 2025

The City of Clovis Commission convened on December 4, 2025, at 12:15 PM UTC to conduct regular business, including public comments, routine approvals, and strategic planning for the upcoming legislative session. The meeting featured a report on the successful New Mexico Cup tournament, public testimony regarding a proposed racino and city governance reform, and the adoption of resolutions for building safety and capital outlay priorities.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Resolution to respond to RFP 202604 for services for older New Mexicans.
• Approved acceptance of a $478,038 grant from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) for the Cannon Air Force Base Military Installation Readiness Review Plan.
• Voting result: 8-0 unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Mews expressed strong opposition to the approval of a racino (Racino). He drew parallel concerns comparing the current process to the failed Gala cosmetic expansion, criticized the lack of public vetting, economic studies, and comparison to other racino communities, and raised concerns regarding Mr. Blanchard's potential non-compliance with reporting requirements for habitual gamblers. He recommended the Commission rescind its letter of support, hold a public meeting, and pause the racino initiative.
• Mr. Ray Store (Clovis) expressed support for a fundamental shift in city governance from Commission-Manager to Mayor-Council, advocated for federal program funds to be retained locally to eliminate food deserts, proposed a volunteer reward script, and suggested the creation of a city-based cryptocurrency. He declared candidacy for District 4 Commissioner, Mayor, and the State Legislature, while the Mayor Pro Tem noted that campaigning during public comment is prohibited.
• Ms. Barbara Rigan (Senior Services Director) provided informational updates rather than a position on policy, announcing upcoming holiday events including a concert with Andy Mason, a Santa photo session, and a Christmas luncheon at Hillcrest Senior Life Center.

Discussion Items

• Camping on Private Property Ordinance (Chapter 8.18): The Mayor and staff proposed a new ordinance requiring written permission from private property owners for anyone camping on their land, restricted to enclosed areas, to address safety and neighborhood impact. Commissioner Casals questioned the legality of living in travel trailers, noting current code prohibits "permanent occupancy" and is vague on the definition. Commissioner Zamora and Commissioner Casals discussed the difficulty of removing squatters who claim lease agreements versus those without permission. Mayor Morris and Commissioner Tarsen expressed support for the new guardrails to protect property values and quality of life for surrounding residents.
• Unsafe Building Resolutions: Staff recommended demolition of a mobile home at 408 Tennessee Street due to being a public nuisance and incurable, and recommended securing the structure at 508 Heaslet as repairs are feasible. Commissioner Cassals inquired about the history of the Heaslet property but moved for approval for both items.
• Legislative Capital Outlay Priorities: City Manager Mr. Howalt presented a list of projects for the upcoming legislative session, including a $3M second phase for the animal shelter (suggested split: $1.5M from legislators, $1.5M from Governor), $500K for park improvements, $700K for the Brady sewer line expansion, and $800K for purchasing land and design for a new fire station. Commissioner Zamora and Mayor Morris discussed the strategy of prioritizing the animal shelter while maintaining smaller items as alternatives if funding levels are lower.
• LEPC and Future Meetings: Commissioner Zamora reported on the LEPC meeting where a quorum was not achieved, noting a working group is now reviewing bylaws to address attendance issues. Future meeting dates for December 10 and December 18 were announced.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Adoption (8-0): Consent Calendar items (Older New Mexicans RFP and OLDCC Grant).
• Unanimous Adoption (8-0): Introduction of Ordinance 8.18 regarding camping on private property (will return for final adoption in 30 days).
• Unanimous Adoption (8-0): Resolution 3348-2025 authorizing demolition of unsafe structure at 408 Tennessee Street; Resolution 3349-2025 authorizing securing of structure at 508 Heaslet.
• Unanimous Adoption (8-0): Approval of the City of Clovis legislative capital outlay priorities list (Animal Shelter, Parks, Sewer, Fire Station) for state funding requests.
• Strategic Directives: The Commission agreed to pursue the full $3M for the animal shelter split between legislative and gubernatorial funding, with smaller projects available as backup priorities.
• Policy Clarification: Confirmed that current code prohibits the permanent occupancy of recreational vehicles, though enforcement remains dependent on judicial interpretation of "permanent."

(Note: No discrepancies were found between the transcript and the agenda items as presented during the meeting.)