City votes to keep recreation building

City officials refuse to pull the plug on the Youth Recreation Building.

Despite a leaky roof, no electricity and shoddy plumping.

Despite the parks and recreation committee’s initial request to have it demolished.

Despite a $218,000 estimate to have it renovated.

In spite of all those concerns, the city commission voted unanimously Thursday night to search for a cost-effective use for the 5,000-square-foot structure on Seventh Street.

“At the rate Clovis is growing we’re going to need buildings,” Commissioner Robert Sandoval said.

Commissioner Randy Crowder agreed, adding that the renovation estimate was likely overpriced.

The heating and cooling systems, for example, can probably be installed for 1/4 the costs of the $107,000 estimate, Crowder said.

Commissioners also said that if the building is used for storage, heating and cooling systems would be unnecessary.

Even so, Parks and Recreation Department Director Rob Carter cautioned commissioners about the shape of the building, saying “If you want to continue using it you’re going to have to spend the money. In my opinion and the opinion of the parks and recreation committee it’s not ready for the public to go into.”

Estimates gathered to demolish the building would cost upwards of $65,735 with removal of the remains.

But to demolish the building, last used more than two years ago as a day-care facility, would be a inappropriate, said Gloria Wicker, a former city commissioner who spoke at the meeting.

Wicker said the city has neglected the building and other city buildings in the past.

“I sure am glad the Washington Monument wasn’t built in Clovis, New Mexico, because everybody here would want to tear it down,” she said.

Among the ideas presented at the meeting Thursday were a possible storage unit for police vehicles — or pretty much anything else.

Eye on government

city commission meeting

Promotion — Assistant City Clerk Claire Burroughes was promoted to the position of community relations director for the city. She will continue to work as the city’s assistant city clerk, but will now also act as the city’s main liaison to various organizations and entities. With the promotion, the city will forgo hiring an assistant city manager, but Burroughes will reduce City Manager Joe Thomas’ workload, by being available at meetings and events when he is unable to attend.

Burroughes will earn $50,502 annually, about a $15,000 in pay.

Award — The New Mexico Water and Wastewater Association awarded the city’s public works department a 2004 Good Housekeeping Award for having the best activated sludge system under 20 years.

By the numbers — Retired police Capt. Leon Morris worked 30 years for the city. He was awarded a key to the city at Thursday’s meeting.

Compiled by CNJ News Editor Mike Linn