Clovis approves CARES Act fund request proposal

CLOVIS — If the city of Clovis were tasked to spend more than $8.5 million, the Clovis city commission would likely take hours to go over the details. When the city’s asking for that money, on the other hand, the meeting lasts around 25 minutes.

The commission by a 7-0 vote Thursday approved a funding proposal seeking $8.53 million in CARES Act funding from the state. The application for the $150 million the state seeks to distribute was due the following day.

“Some money will be awarded,” Mayor Mike Morris said, “hopefully all of it.”

The request came in four different areas:

• Small business continuity grants ($8 million): The grants, capped $25,000 per business, would help with COVID-19 pandemic impacts starting March 27 and continuing through the year. The city estimates 2,744 active businesses, with 466 so far receiving some level of federal funding.

• Senior assistance grants ($53,710): The request largely consists of a $50,000 meal delivery truck, and other expenses include accessories to help senior services staff broadcast events online and equip the Curry Resident Senior Meals Association headquarters.

• Housing assistance grants ($250,000): The grants would largely help with mortgage/rent payments not to exceed $500 and utility bill payments not to exceed $300.

• Childcare assistance grants ($200,000): The grants would help families with difficulties finding childcare with schools closed.

The city would work with the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce and the Eastern Plains Council of Governments to help identify businesses and individuals in need of the grants.

The commission had no questions, with District 3 Commissioner Helen Casaus saying she agreed with administration’s choices and moved for approval.

In other business at the Thursday meeting:

• The commission filled out membership for the revenue review committee, which meets every even-numbered year starting in August to recommend city fees for various services. Citizens appointed were Alan Kinlund (District 1), Steve North (2), Gilbert Salguero (3) and Tom Martin (4). During the commission’s July 2 meeting, Juan Garza (1), Gary Elliott (2), Casaus (3) and Rube Render (4) were appointed as commission representatives.

• The commission recognized Master Police Officer Larry “Bart” Phillips, who served the department for 20 years following 20 years in the military.

Chief Doug Ford said Phillips has been a firearm instructor for the department for years and hates to see him go although he’s always happy to see somebody reach retirement day.

• Casaus gave kudos to the public works department, which she termed “Clint Bunch and his bunch,” for recent alleyway cleanup efforts.

She reminded Clovis residents there is no charge to take large items to the landfill, and people who can’t transport a large item can call the department to schedule a pickup.

• The next meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Aug. 20 at the North Annex of the Clovis-Carver Public Library.