Q&A: Clovis city manager clarifies code rules, enforcement

Editor's note: This is one in a continuing series of state-of-the-entity interviews with local officials. Justin Howalt is the city manager for Clovis.

Q: Enforcement of city code has attracted a lot of attention in recent weeks. Are there discussions about changing anything related to signage or yard clutter?

A: The city of Clovis updated the ordinances in relation to signs in January 2022 with a minor change in May 2022. There are no plans to make any modifications to this section of the municipal code.

The current ordinances for public nuisances, weeds and debris control, etc. can be found in Title 8 "Health and Safety" of the municipal code.

We are going to review the entire code and propose removing any sections that are preempted by state statutes, update terminology, and how the code is organized for clarity.

Q: Is the city really going to put repeat violators in jail?

A: The city code enforcement officers are only responsible for issuing warnings, notice of violations, or citations. The results of a citation are entirely at the discretion of the municipal court.

Prior to issuing a citation, an individual is noticed by a posting on the property as well as by mail to the property address and address of owner of record. The individual is given at least five days to bring the property into compliance prior to a citation being issued.

An individual can reach out to the enforcement officer to make arrangements should they need more than five days.

Q: Can you clarify the city's position on chickens? Aren't they allowed in parts of the city south of the railroad tracks? Why are the rules different depending on the area of town in which you live? Why does the city feel a need to regulate chickens?

A: The city of Clovis does allow chickens in zones designated as Livestock Overlay Districts, which can be found on the city's website, or you may contact our Building Safety Department. These zones are located throughout the community, not just in the southern portion.

Chickens are also allowed on any property in which they can be kept no closer than 100 feet of any residence or business establishment, except the residence or business establishment of the person owning or controlling the chickens.

This information can be found in Title 6 "Animals" of the municipal code.

The city commission has elected not to expand on this based on concerns of the potential for increased disease and natural predators. As with all municipalities the city does have various zoning districts that have different allowable uses.

Q: How is the stray problem in Clovis? Is the shelter fully packed? What about parvo or other diseases within the shelter ... any problem there?

A: The city of Clovis Animal Control Division works very hard to respond to the stray animal population within the city of Clovis as well as Curry County. The overall population of strays can only be controlled by individuals being responsible pet owners.

The number of animals within the shelter varies on a week-to-week basis. The city of Clovis animal shelter periodically sees various forms of disease at the facility. They vaccinate any animal that can be vaccinated on arrival at the shelter to try to help with any disease.

We would like to once again remind individuals to make sure their pets are current on all vaccines.

Q: There's talk of filling the lakebed behind the dam at Ned Houk Park ... anything to that?

A: The Running Water Draw Dam was constructed in 1975 as a flood control dam to protect properties and communities downstream. Since then, the city acquired surface water rights, which allows the city to close the gate valve and store water. The city has made improvements to reestablish natural drainage patterns that have been altered due to road improvements throughout time.

The intent of doing this is to try and capture as much water as possible to lead to recharge of the groundwater aquifer. The soil properties are not conducive to maintaining a permeated pool of water.

Q: When will work begin on the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard project?

A: The construction plans have been completed and the contract books are being finalized. The project is expected to be advertised in a month.

We do not have an exact construction start time at this point. From the start of the advertising, we typically will receive bids 30 days later. Depending on the bid amount, we would take the item to the next commission meeting for approval.

Once approved, we begin getting all of the contracts signed and insurance documents in place. Once all of that is complete we would issue a notice to proceed with a specified date.

Q: How much longer can we expect to have construction on Seventh Street?

A: The Seventh Street construction project is a major reconstruction project. The project is scheduled to be completed in October 2023 pending any unforeseen weather delays.

Q: What do you feel is the city's No. 1 priority today? And how are you and commissioners addressing it?

A: The city of Clovis has many priorities, as identified in its strategic plan including, but not limited to, ensuring water security, infrastructure and road improvements, parks improvements, and staffing levels.

The city administration, with support of the city commission, continuously look for funding opportunities to address these needs. This could be from applying for various grant opportunities, to reviewing our existing funding and how it is dedicated or appropriated.

For example, the proposed preliminary budget contains an increase for residential street improvements, which has been made possible by adjusting how we fund a staff position and increased gross receipts tax.

City staff are also going to be working with the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee to make recommended improvements to various parks facilities with the revenues that are generated and dedicated to the parks above our obligated debt service payments.

- Compiled by Landry Sena, The Staff of The News