Clovis commission approves purchase for local airport

CLOVIS — The purchase of a device that helps pilots locate the best path for landing on a runway received approval Thursday from the Clovis city commission.

The device, called a precision approach path indicator, will be purchased from Bixby Electric for $290,040.69. Bixby submitted the lower of two bids for the device.

James Harris, director of the Clovis Regional Airport, said the device helps pilots find the best path for landing in limited visibility conditions.

The device will be purchased through a grant from the New Mexico Department of Transportation.

The commission on Thursday also approved a liquor license for the Oishii restaurant located at First and Prince streets.

City Finance Director LeighAnn Melancon reported to the commission that the city took in about $5 million in revenues and incurred $3.7 million in expenses in January. Revenues for the fiscal year that began July 1 have totaled about $42 million, and expenses over the same period totaled $35 million.

The city began January with $55 million in cash and ended the month with $55.3 million in cash, Melancon said.

The commission also heard presentations from A.J. Forte, executive director of the New Mexico Municipal League, who reviewed the 2022 New Mexico Legislature session that ended Thursday, and from Clovis MainStreet Executive Director Lisa Pellegrino-Spear, highlighting 2021’s new businesses, MainStreet projects, and events for downtown Clovis.