Clovis City Commission Regular Meeting - October 1, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 5:15 PM with Mayor Pro Tem Barza presiding due to Mayor Morris being delayed in traffic. The agenda included a proclamation, a zoo master plan presentation, public comments on recent flooding, approval of a consent agenda, a liquor license transfer, and committee reports. Mayor Morris arrived later and resumed presiding.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 3400-2026 – Authorized submission of a grant application to NMDOT for FY2028 transit assistance (49 U.S.C. 5311) and acceptance of funds when awarded; authorized the mayor as CEO and authorized representative.
• Senior Center Garden Grant – Accepted a $5,000 grant from NM Aging and Long-Term Services.
• Blight and Slum Condition Designation Report – Approved report for Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Expansion.
• NMGRO Appropriation 26-KD029 – Approved acceptance of $180,000 and intergovernmental grant agreement with EPCOG (Police Chief Throne).
• Hillcrest Park Zoo Master Plan – Approved recommendation to adopt the master plan.
• Mobile Stage Rental Rates – Approved establishment of rental rates for the City’s 2026 mobile stage.
• Youth Conservation Corps Grant – Approved application for up to $120,480 from NM Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department FY27 program.
• Capital Development Program Fund – Approved application for up to $800,000 from NM DFA FY27 program.
• Summit Food Services Amendment – Approved contract extension to June 30, 2027. All consent items were approved unanimously via acclamation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Hogue (Coordinator, Tri-Area Baptist Disaster Relief) – Reported that his organization has already cleared one house and tarped roofs in the community; praised the city’s swift debris removal response and noted ongoing work in county areas still affected by water and mud.
• Mr. Edwards (Lions Club) – Offered resources from Lions Club International for disaster relief; requested information on impacted households to coordinate aid (furniture, food, housing).

Discussion Items

• Flooding Response Update (Mayor Morris and Assistant City Manager Howalt) – The city and partners (Salvation Army, Red Cross, National Guard, swift water rescue teams from Santa Fe and Oklahoma) responded to a historic rain event (5-8 inches predicted, 2-2.5 inches received Tuesday night). Over 12,000 sandbags were prepared by city crews. The Purdue and Cameo drainage improvements were credited with preventing worse damage. A disaster declaration for Curry County was approved at a joint city-county meeting earlier that day.
• Hillcrest Park Zoo Master Plan Presentation (Stephanie Chavez, Zoo Director) – Presented a 20-year strategic plan developed with a $100,000 grant, including survey data (800 participants, 96% local), vision for three zones (African Savanna, World Wonder, New Mexico section), and phased improvements. Commissioners expressed strong support for the plan and Chavez’s enthusiasm.
• Proclamation – Joe Whitehurst Day – Sean Perkins and Joe Whitehurst’s stepdaughter and widow (Vicky) spoke about his contributions. The proclamation declaring October 4, 2026 as Joe Whitehurst Day was read and approved unanimously; the first annual memorial trap shooting competition will fund scholarships.
• Liquor License Transfer – Walgreens Corporation (parent company Sycamore Partners) requested transfer of dispenser liquor license RET-00041 for package sales only at 700 E. 21st. Public hearing held; no testimony offered. Unanimously approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Liquor license transfer (Walgreens) approved unanimously.
• Proclamation declaring October 4, 2026 as Joe Whitehurst Day adopted unanimously.
• Zoo Master Plan approved via consent; next steps include bidding for maintenance garage/keeper hub.
• Committee Reports:
  • Public Works Committee: Recommended restriping Main Street from 21st to Purdue as two-lane with parallel parking; update on Top of the Live Belt Channel trail design; CDBG sewer line replacement on 2nd Street; Norris/21st street light awaiting pole installation; public safety committee integrated into public works.
  • Parks Committee: Approved zoo master plan, mobile stage rental rates; reported Hillcrest Park bathrooms vandalized (porta-potties expected); announced Haunting at Hillcrest event (Oct 25) and pickleball leagues.
  • Armed Forces Committee: Update on MIR grants (final expected February).
  • Joint City-County Meeting: Provided updates on Horizon Bay Behavioral Health Center contract, disaster declaration for Curry County, appointments to NM Triple A representative (Mr. Golick) and alternate (Margaret Brasinio).
  • Mayor Morris reported from NM Municipal League board meeting: legislative priorities include water/wastewater infrastructure, municipal code chapter three reform, motor vehicle excise tax redirection, public safety retiree return to work, and local government stabilization fund. Also reported on a meeting with LFC capital outlay analyst and visit with governor’s chief of staff regarding flooding.
• Future Agenda Item: Solar lease agreement with Long Road Energy.
• Upcoming Meetings announced: Civic Center Policy Board (Oct 6, 3 PM), Civil Aviation Board (Oct 6, 5:30 PM), Revenue Review Committee (Oct 7, 5:15 PM), Senior Services Committee (Oct 8, 1:30 PM), Planning & Zoning Committee (Oct 14, 3 PM), next City Commission (Oct 15, 5:15 PM).