Clovis to consider funding request

CLOVIS — Following its Dec. 21 vote to approve acceptance of a new city master water assurance plan, the Clovis city commission is being asked today to take the first step in putting the plan into action.

In front of the commission for the 5:15 p.m. meeting at the Clovis-Carver Public Library is a request to put the city’s name in consideration for the state’s Public Project Revolving Fund.

The city encumbers no cost to appear on the bill, and is not under obligation to use the money if it’s so awarded a loan. However, failure to be on the list could delay any potential water project funding for a year, officials said.

A loan of $40 million could be paid in 20-, 25- or 30-year plans with interest rates between 3.85 and 4.3 percent.

The commission will also consider an implementation process for the assurance plan. Options to consider for the process include;

• One to three public sessions scheduled outside of or at the close of commission meetings, with sessions limited to two hours.

• Several small group meetings with two to four commissioners, followed by a report and recommendations to the commission.

• A subcommittee with one commissioner from each district, which will meet weekly and submit an implementation plan no later than Feb. 15.

Other items on today’s agenda include:

• A test pilot project on or near Jan. 16 to bring wastewater from Southwest Cheese to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The test’s $37,125 cost is already budgeted.

• Final approval of an ordinance to amend the city traffic code to align with New Mexico standards on three-wheeled motorcycles and school buses.

• A request for the city to serve as fiscal agent for the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce for the upcoming legislative session.

• Approval of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. walk, beginning 9 a.m. Jan. 15 at Potter Park and ending at First Church of God in Christ. The request includes a waiver request on the $100 fees for a police escort.