Q&A: Clovis assistant city manager talks roads and water

Editor’s note: This is one in a continuing series of interviews with local officials. Claire Burroughes is the assistant city manager for the city of Clovis.

Q: How did you end up in Clovis? How often do you go back home (England)? What is the most significant difference between the countries? 

A: I moved to Clovis as a result of my husband’s service in the United States Air Force, and I enjoy traveling back to the UK most years to visit my family there. The most significant difference between the countries is having to drive on different sides of the road. I have to pay close attention to that when I go to the UK!

Q: What is the water situation in Clovis? Should residents be making conservation efforts?  

A: The water needs of the community are addressed by EPCOR Water, who provide several opportunities for the public to receive rebates for conservation efforts.

In addition to EPCOR’s conservation rebate program, the city does work closely with EPCOR to monitor available water supplies compared to the demand. Should certain levels be reached, various mandatory water restrictions can be put in place. 

The city also has been implementing a robust effluent water reuse system over the past decade. This has reduced the demand on the potable supply and aquifer as well.

The city is also a member of the Ogallala Land and Water Conservancy, which is working to preserve the aquifer in the paleo-channel, and a member of the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority and working diligently on providing a future sustainable water supply by bringing water from Ute Reservoir to the community. 

Q: The intersection at Norris and Mabry has been a four-way stop for more than a month now. Any idea when the lights will be fixed? 

A: The contractor has completed the construction of the new foundation for the signal and is scheduled to start installing the new mast arm this week.

Q: Another road question. We know it’s not your project, but do you have any idea when the overpass to Portales will be open again?

A: Based on the last schedule provided by the New Mexico Department Of Transportation contractor, the Prince Street overpass is scheduled to reopen in August. This is pending any unforeseen delays like weather.

Q: Curry County commissioners on Tuesday suggested combining Events Center resources with resources at the city’s Civic Center in effort to save costs. Is this something the city would consider?

A: This would be a discussion for the Clovis City Commission. 

Q: Fourth of July is coming up. Any concerns beyond the usual potential for grass fires?

A: The Clovis Fire Department will be encouraging the public to adhere to firework use regulations. The Clovis Police Department is also reminding citizens that the use of aerial fireworks is not allowed and to be respectful of your neighbors and the time in which you are setting off fireworks.

Q: What would you say is the current, most needed improvement for the city? 

A: The Clovis city commission has various plans, including a strategic plan, and Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) to look at and address needed improvements, and the status of those needed improvements within the community. 

They will actually be discussing both of these at their meeting next Thursday.  

Q: What is the top priority for the city these days? 

A: The top priority of the city depends on who you speak to. Some residents feel it should be roads, others parks, others water, and so on; depending on their interest in a particular area. 

The top priority of the city continues to be to provide great public service, to be responsive to the needs of the public, and to address the needs of the community within the bounds of the city’s budget.

— Compiled by Landry Sena, the Staff of the News