City manager given three-year extension

CLOVIS -- City Manager Justin Howalt is scheduled to stay at the helm of the city of Clovis’ day-to-day operations for another three years, the city commission on Thursday decided with a unanimous vote.

The commission’s approval gave Howalt a second three-year extension on his contract that will expire in 2025. Howalt has been the city manager since 2017. He received his first three-year extension in 2018.

The contract approved Thursday sets Howalt’s annual salary at $157,756.56, subject to annual review and adjustment.

Howalt expressed appreciation adding, “It’s a pleasure to serve Clovis. We have wonderful employees with an open goal of serving every day.”

The commission on Thursday also:

• Approved demolition of abandoned, dilapidated buildings at 1107 Sheldon, 120 Venus, and 117 Thornton, and security fencing an abandoned house at 108 Thornton. Howalt said owners of the properties would be billed for demolition and fencing.

• Authorized the Fire Department to write off $395,356.47 in ambulance service bills from 2017. Fire Chief Mike Nolen said the department is authorized to pursue collection of bills for four years before they must be written off. The amount represents 9.7% of total billing for 2017, Nolen said, a small portion compared to 18.24%, for 2013, 12.66% for 2014 and 12.66% for 2015

• Appointed commissioners Megan Palla and James Burns to represent the commission on the Economic Development Steering Committee that will also include representative of Clovis MainStreet, the Clovis Curry County Chamber of Commerce, Clovis Community College and large business, according to Assistant City Manager Claire Buroughes.

• Appointed Mayor Mike Morris to the New Mexico Municipal League’s board of directors.

• Approved an allocation of $8,777 to purchase a new grill for the 19th Hole Grill at the Colonial Park Golf Course. The old grill is in disrepair, Howalt said, and parts cannot be replaced. Mayor Pro Tem Chris Bryant said he fully supported buying a new “brand name” grill for which parts can be replaced. Commissioner Juan Garza said he might be able to find a less expensive grill to serve the same purpose. The comission decided to allocate the money anyway but to examine other options before making a final decision.

• Received a report from Dan Heerding, the city’s emergency management director, who said the city had received 113 cases of COVID-19 home test kits, which will be handed out free of charge to residents. They are available by visiting Clovis City Hall at 321 N. Connelly Street and using the rear entrance, Heerding said.

• Heard a report from Plains Regional Medical Center Administrator Jorge Cruz, who cautiously ventured that the COVID-19 pandemic may be turning a corner, citing a current COVID-19 patient load of 10 beds, where 25 beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients a few weeks ago. Cruz also said fewer outpatients are currently being treated at the hospital.

The commission also approved with a single vote consent agenda items that included:

• Agreements with Cannon Air Force Base, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies in Curry and Roosevelt counties to share specially trained dogs for tracking and drug detection, and to share information involving law enforcement activities.

• Engineering services for repairs and improvements to a taxiway and runway, and observation and testing services for a new fence at Clovis Regional Airport.

• An airport fuel farm project and terminal floor project at the airport.

• An aviation fuel supplier contract to Avfuel, a Michigan-based fuel company.

• Acting as fiscal agent for capital outlay funds approved by the New Mexico Legislature for the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce and the Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico.

• Authorzing application for and accepting if awarded grants of $157,500 for a Safety House and vehicle for fire safety demonstrations, and $105,981 to install combined baskeball, tennis and pickleball courts at Hillcrdrest Park.

• A budget change to cover $6,527.96 for improvements to the Lyceum Theater downtown.

• Appointment of David Robinson to serve on the city’s Economic Incentive Board to represent utility service providers.