Clovis City Commission Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Clovis City Commission met on July 9, 2026, at 5:15 PM. The meeting opened with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Roll call was taken, with Commissioner Zamora absent but a quorum present. The agenda and minutes from June 18 and June 26 were adopted unanimously. The meeting included recognitions, proclamations, public comment (none), consent agenda approval, and three new business items. Reports from committees and future agenda items were also presented.

Consent Calendar

• Adoption of Resolution No. 3386-2026 for DFA budget changes.
• Appointment of Brian Ellis as Curry County representative on the Economic Incentive Board.
• Approval to apply for and accept the FY26 Emergency Management Preparedness Grant.
• Approval of a noise variance from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM on July 17, 2026, at 320 Pile for a family night at Ankala Church.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Distinguished Supervisor of the Quarter: Larry Hall, Public Works, was recognized for his over 30 years of service, dedication to city events, and willingness to go above and beyond. Multiple commissioners and staff praised his work ethic and positive impact.
• National Zookeeper Week Proclamation: The commission proclaimed July 19–25, 2026, as National Zookeeper Week in Clovis. Zoo keepers from Hillcrest Park Zoo introduced themselves, described their roles, and expressed passion for their work. Commissioner Paula noted the ongoing zoo master plan.
• Dragon Main Presentation: Representatives from Dragon Main presented the city with a Chrome Gear award in thanks for the city's support since 2014.

Discussion Items

• Appointment to Civil Aviation Board: Two applicants, Kelly Crombie and Matthew Lansford, were considered. Neither attended. The commission voted via ballot, selecting Matthew Lansford to serve.
• Event Group Pricing for Hillcrest Park Zoo: Parks and Rec Director Hooper and Commissioner Paula (Parks Board chair) proposed simplifying group and event pricing to a flat $3 per person for any group of 10 or more booking in advance. This would replace the previous $1 rate and eliminate fee waivers for events like Easter and haunted hill crest. The change aims to reduce confusion, support zoo funding, and streamline requests. The recommendation was approved unanimously.
• Grant Application for Crossroads of Sound and Art Festival: Grants Coordinator Alexis Hobbs presented a request to apply for up to $150,000 from the New Mexico Economic Development Department's Creative Industries Public Development Program. The city would provide a $25,000 cash match from the lodgers' tax fund, with Clovis Economic Development and Main Street Clovis each contributing $40,000 in cash or in-kind support. The proposed festival would be an annual multi-day event focusing on music, art, and creative entrepreneurship. The commission unanimously approved the application and acceptance if awarded.

Reports

• Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee (met June 22): Discussed a new mural waiver allowing the city to touch up murals if artists are unreachable, approved zoo pricing, selected playground equipment for multiple parks, noted new flooring at Roy Walker Gym, free Zumba and yoga classes, baseball lighting installation, and a new fountain at Green Acres Park. Also announced the Summer Yard of the Summer program.
• Public Works: Updates on the 21st Street project (nearly complete), Main Street project (almost finished, only seven parking spots lost), and the US 60/84 New Mexico Department of Transportation project (next phase to Martin Luther King, starting around early 2026; a public meeting on July 29 for input on the Humphrey and Lano intersection).
• Civic Center Policy Committee (met July 7): Reported 214 events held through May (budget 194), year-to-date gross profit $409,000 vs. budget $431,000 (unfavorable by $22,000), indirect expenses $750,000 vs. $792,000 (favorable by $41,000), net income loss $336,000 vs. $357,000 (favorable by $21,000). Upcoming events: Mahjong activities, Summer Ween (July 18-19, expecting 2,000+ attendees), and Around the World (July 30, Jamaica theme). Marketing includes TikTok and flyers.
• Civil Aviation Board (met July 7): Meeting held at the new terminal construction site; no action taken. City Manager Howalt reported finishing touches on the terminal building (casework, landscaping, irrigation, paved parking lot, apron work), expected to open in a couple of months. The next commission meeting will have exciting news.
• Senior Services Committee: Meeting postponed.

Key Outcomes

• Larry Hall was recognized as Distinguished Supervisor of the Quarter.
• Proclamation declaring July 19–25, 2026, as National Zookeeper Week in Clovis.
• Appointment: Matthew Lansford was appointed to the Civil Aviation Board.
• Zoo Pricing: Approved a flat $3 group rate for all events and group visits at Hillcrest Park Zoo, effective immediately.
• Grant Application: Approved application for and acceptance of a $150,000 grant from the NM Economic Development Department for the Crossroads of Sound and Art Festival, with a $25,000 city cash match and additional contributions from CED and Main Street Clovis.
• Future Agenda Items: 2026 revenue review process, CED contract, and a resolution approving participation in the LGRF program for sidewalks on South Oak.