Clovis to be on clock to appoint a new judge

CLOVIS — When the Clovis city commission meets Thursday night, it will be on the clock to appoint a new municipal judge.

That’s the scheduled final day for current judge Jan Garrett, who announced her retirement from the position last month following 17 years of service.

City code allows the commission a 30-day window (May 3) to appoint a new judge, who will then serve until the March 3, 2020, municipal election. The final two years of the term will be on the ballot.

However, no procedure is established for how the commission makes that appointment, so the commission can either:

n Appoint Vicki Kelley, the current alternate judge, to the position, or

n Seek applications from the public. Anybody applying must be a resident of Clovis, a registered voter and eligible to be bonded.

Garrett has indicated she would serve as alternate municipal judge if needed. Kelley, who was selected to be interim municipal judge, has worked in the municipal court for the last 37 years and spent the last 17 as alternate judge to Garrett.

The municipal judge salary is $71,697.60 — 85% of a magistrate judge’s salary at the time of the municipal election.

The commission also plans to honor Garrett with a presentation of the key to the city.

Other items on the Thursday agenda include:

n A 4:45 p.m. executive session preceding the meeting to discuss acquisition or disposal of property.

n Suggested changes to the city’s employee recognition program. City Manager Justin Howalt has suggested changes including a Milestone Service Award for longevity of service in five-year increments and a City Manager Recognition Program to highlight exceptional performance in the line of duty. The reward for each is one day of paid administrative leave that must be taken within 12 months.

n Review of the quarterly lodger’s tax disbursements, which were discussed during the Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board meeting Tuesday. The commission can accept, change or veto any or all recommendations.

n Consideration of a $2.74 million grant for Taxiway A reconstruction and improvements for Runway 12-30 and the apron at the Clovis Municipal Airport. The city would cover 10% of the cost.

n A quarterly report from Clovis MainStreet.

n Application for grants to the New Mexico Environment Department for Greene Acres Park benches and picnic tables and the New Mexico Clean and Beautiful Program. The first grant would be for $10,460 with a $1,000 city match. The second grant has no indicated amount, but the city received $8,085 last year.