Shooting range management contract up for discussion

CLOVIS — The Clovis city commission will discuss the potential creation of a shooting range at Ned Houk Park during today's meeting set for 5:15 p.m. at Clovis-Carver Public Library's North Annex.

The shooting range, which has been discussed and tabled over the years, is addressed today through a management contract for the future facility and an intergovernmental agreement between the city and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

The project would include:

• Four combination trap/skeet fields that meet Amateur Trap Association and National Skeet Shooting Association standards.

• A sporting clays course with 12 to 18 stations with machines.

• Shade structures throughout the course.

• A multi-purpose building with an office, one or more classrooms, storage and bathrooms.

• Gravel parking lots and driveways.

• Benches and picnic tables throughout.

• A boundary fence with live-fire signage.

The city, or its agent, would operate the range a minimum of four days per week, excluding holidays and inclement weather, and conduct special events to encourage hunting and shooting.

The Game and Fish Department would be responsible for obtaining and paying contractors for construction of the range, and would own all structures and features constructed with federal funds over the 25-year period of the agreement.

The commission has previously approved up to $400,000 in funding for operation of the facility.

Other items on today's agenda include:

• Approval of a steering commission for the city's comprehensive plan.

• An election to fill three positions on the Civil Aviation Board. Five people have applied for the positions.

• A waiver of $1,893 in standby fees for emergency medical technician service at the High Plains Junior Rodeo July 11-15 at the Curry County Events Center.

• Street closure requests associated with Draggin' Main events, both on June 30. One will be 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street between 21st and Commerce for a "Gearhead Gathering" at the Marshall Middle School football field. The other will be 2 p.m. to midnight on Main Street between Grand and First Street. The closures include a request to waive $5,713 in closure fees.

• Assignment of commissioners to lower boards and committees. There are 32 committees outside of the city commission that require at least one member serve, with meeting frequencies ranging from monthly to only when called by the chair.

The assignment process is standard following each municipal election, whether there are new commissioners or not. Between 2016 and 2018, the eight commissioners and Mayor David Lansford each belonged to between four and 11 lower bodies.

• A request to split costs with the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority for Lansford's travel to Washington, D.C., in May, for meetings regarding the authority and the city.

• A request for a "Share the Road" rally 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 5 on Main Street between Marshall Middle School and Grand Street. The rally will include a motorcycle awareness parade and a proclamation reading at the Curry County Courthouse.

• Appointment of Jamaal Williams, Joyce Gates and Lisa Pellegrino-Spear to the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee. Williams is applying for an additional term, and Gates and Pellegrino-Spear were the only two applicants for the county and District 1 positions left vacant by Patsy Delk and Eva Wheeler-Sagio not reapplying.

• Appointment of Girish Pandya to the Lodgers Tax Advisory Board.

• A street closure for the 700 block of Main Street from noon to 1 p.m. May 3 for National Day of Prayer at the Curry County Courthouse. The request includes a waiver of $300 in fees for the street closure and use of the city stage.

• A request to use Hillcrest Park for a 5K held by the district attorney's office April 14.

• A request by Men of Integrity Outreach Ministry to use Potter Park 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 14 for an "Unleash the Fire" event. The group agreed to pay a $25 fee for use of the park's shelter, submit a $25 deposit and provide liability insurance.