Clovis officials to recognize local boxers

CLOVIS — The Clovis city commission will recognize a pair of local boxers set for induction into the New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame during Thursday’s meeting.

Tony Romero and Brooks Byrd are to be inducted the final weekend of October, with a banquet scheduled for Oct. 27 in Albuquerque.

Romero was a five-time participant in the Golden Gloves national competition, and had a professional boxing career interrupted by the Vietnam draft. As a member of the U.S. Marines, he received both the Commendation Medal for Valor and a Purple Heart for actions in Ashua Valley. He fought professionally for another four years when he returned home.

Byrd was the 1967 Golden Gloves national featherweight champion, despite suffering a severe cut over his left eye during the state qualifier. When he arrived in Milwaukee for the national competition, stitches were removed and makeup was applied to hide the injury. It was not noticed in any of the three fights he won to claim nationals. He climbed as high as eighth in world rankings.

Other items on the agenda for the 5:15 p.m. meeting at the Clovis-Carver Public Library’s North Annex include:

• A 4:30 p.m. executive session preceding the meeting to discuss the acquisition or disposal of property and limited personnel matters.

• A resolution to approve a loan/grant agreement with the state for $1.9 million to go toward building Phase 1C of the city effluent water reuse project.

The project takes wastewater and treats it to a level unsafe for drinking but suitable for watering fields and various municipal uses, freeing up potable water for residents and businesses. Phase 1C will bring the pipeline up to Greene Acres Park.

• A hearing for a liquor license transfer request from Allsup’s Convenience Stores. The chain wants to move a license from its store on 720 E. First St. to its store at 301 N. Prince St. A waiver would be required because the Prince Street store is within 300 feet of the Church of God on North Lea Street.

• A request from Grady Martin Wind, LLC to purchase a 68-acre transmission easement in Ned Houk Park. The company would pay a total of $340,000, with 10 percent due within 30 days of the agreement and the remainder within six years.

• A request from Milk Member, L.P. to connect a truck washout facility into a forcemain constructed from the Southwest Cheese plant to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The agreement is expected to net Clovis around $14,500 monthly.

• A proposal from HDR to design sewer system improvements in association with upcoming U.S. 60/84 improvements. The agreement is for $276,800.

• A request to apply to be a 2019 Great American Defense Community. The program, established by Congress, recognizes and celebrates communities committed to improving the lives of service members, veterans and their families.

• A request to replace an audio log system at the Clovis Police Department. The $141,500 replacement cost would be paid through a state grant.

• Appointment of Jeff Moore to the golf course recommendation committee to replace Wayne Burch.

• Presentations to Scott Jones and Teresa Mendoza for distinguished supervisor and line employee of the quarter.