Clovis City Commission Meeting – March 19, 2026

The Clovis City Commission met on March 19, 2026, to discuss and vote on several items including a short-term rental permitting ordinance, fee waivers for community events, funding for the Lyceum Theater renovation, and received reports from various boards and committees. Key actions included introducing the short-term rental ordinance, approving a reduced admission fee for a child abuse awareness event, denying a fee waiver request for a spay/neuter clinic at Roy Walker Community Center, approving budget changes and a bid for the Lyceum Theater, and receiving financial updates.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dustin Carolin, representing K and D for Puppies Rescue, requested a waiver of fees for Gym #1 at Roy Walker Community Center for a no-cost spay and neuter clinic for dogs on May 15-17, 2026. He explained the clinic aims to address overpopulation by providing free surgeries, with a goal of 200 dogs over three days. He noted that his rescue is self-funded and that the fairgrounds would cost $1,000. He expressed hope that the city would see the direct benefit to the community.

Discussion Items

• Short-Term Rental Permitting Ordinance: The commission discussed proposed amendments to the lodgers tax ordinance regarding short-term rentals. Commissioner Porter requested adding language that permits would be conditioned on compliance with all ordinances, including payment of lodgers tax. It was noted that the city would not need to hire companies to search for rentals; the city could find them itself. The commission directed staff to prepare draft versions incorporating the feedback, with the goal of community input before final adoption. The ordinance was introduced (motion by Commissioner Jones, second by Commissioner Garza) and passed unanimously.
• Child Abuse Awareness Event: Request for reduced admission fees at Hillcrest Park Zoo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for a child abuse awareness event hosted by Roosevelt General Hospital Children's Alliance. Approved unanimously.
• Spay/Neuter Clinic Fee Waiver: Request from Dustin Carolin to waive fees for Gym #1 at Roy Walker Community Center for a no-cost spay and neuter clinic for dogs on May 15-17, 2026. The cost would have been $2,250 (at $75/hour for 10 hours over three days). Commissioners expressed concern about displacing other recreational activities and the impact on the gym floor. The motion to deny (by Commissioner Cassals, second by Commissioner Porter) passed unanimously. Mayor offered to help raise funds for the alternative venue at the fairgrounds.
• Lyceum Theater Budget Change: Ms. Burroughs presented a request for approval of a budget change to fund the Lyceum Theater interior renovation. The city has $8.9 million in the economic development fund. The proposal uses $800,000 from interest on the fund and $200,000 from the sale of the milk plant to reach $1 million needed to complete the interior work. The Economic Incentive Board recommended approval with two dissenting votes. The total bid for interior work is $1.317 million, with the remainder covered by grant funds. The motion for approval (by Commissioner Garza, second by Mayor Pro Tem Bryant) passed unanimously.
• Lyceum Theater Renovation Bid: Approval of bid with WWRC for renovation work at the Lyceum Theater in the amount of $1,317,216.04. The bid was obtained through statewide procurement. The project excludes fire-rated doors and frames and stage scaffolding, but the city expects to open the theater after this work. The motion (by Commissioner Porter, second by Commissioner Jones) passed unanimously.
• Reports:
  • Lodgers Tax Advisory Board: recommended $95,000 of a $141,000 funding request for events.
  • Economic Incentive Board: recommended $100,000 for design of a rail spur line to the industrial park.
  • Planning and Zoning: reported a replat combining lots for a church.
  • Senior Services Committee: reported that state funding for the senior center came in at $900,000 instead of $1.2 million, requiring value engineering.
  • Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee: reported on new programs, including Zumba (free, 20+ participants), karate, outdoor pickleball league starting April 13, addition of windscreens, replacement of lighting and flooring at various fields and gym, a lighted fountain at Green Acres pond, and 52 new trees for parks.
  • LEPC: discussed bylaws to reinvigorate the committee and will bring ordinance changes.
  • PRMC: reported new providers added (nurse practitioner midwife, physician assistant in general surgery, nurse practitioner in pediatrics, and upcoming additions in psychiatry, internal medicine, and psychology). Cardiac catheterization lab has performed over 150 cases since January 2025; plans to expand cardiac rehab from 300 to 1,500 square feet, with a fundraiser (Cardiac Rodeo) on June 13 at the fairgrounds. MAS*H camp introduced for students.
  • Financial Report by Ms. Melanson: February ended with $82.7 million in total funds; gross receipts tax down 4.61% from last year but up 2.85% year-to-date; interest income $222,000 for the month; state investment pool rate at 3.65%.

Key Outcomes

• Short-term rental ordinance introduced for further development and community input.
• Reduced admission fees for Hillcrest Park Zoo event approved unanimously.
• Fee waiver for Roy Walker Community Center spay/neuter clinic denied unanimously.
• Budget change for Lyceum Theater approved unanimously.
• Bid with WWRC for Lyceum Theater renovation approved unanimously.
• Upcoming meetings: Public Works cancelled; next City Commission meeting April 2, 2026 at 5:15 p.m.