Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Clovis City commissioners on Thursday voted unanimously to renew the city’s contract with the Oakview Group for the management of the Clovis Civic Center. But officials also said they will request proposals from competing management groups when this contract expires in one year.
This is the third renewal of the contract, city officials said.
Commissioners on April 18 tabled the OVG/Clovis Civic Center contract to discuss potential changes to the agreement.
City Manager Justin Howalt reported discussions were held with OVG and the management firm agreed to changes, resulting in this contract extending through June 30, 2025.
The management agreement fee is $94,498 plus an incentive fee based on performance.
Commissioner Gene Porter in April had expressed concern about some items in the contract.
At Thursday’s session, Porter expressed satisfaction with changes made.
In other business at Thursday’s regular commission meeting:
n Col. Jeremy Bergin was presented with the key to the city. Bergin served one year at Cannon Air Force Base as wing commander.
Bergin will be leaving soon for an assignment at Air Force Special Operations Command.
“I will relinquish command to Col. Robby Johnston, another incredible Cannon alumni,” Bergin wrote in an email to area community leaders earlier this year.
n Commissioners approved a request by Parks and Recreation Director Russell Hooper to apply for a $1 million grant from the Major League Baseball and Major League Baseball Players Association. If the city were to receive the grant it would go toward funding a baseball or fastpitch softball facility at Bob Spencer Park in northwest Clovis, according to Assistant City Manager Claire Burroughes.
• Commissioners discussed the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan for the city for 2026 to 2030.
The city held two public meetings on June 11 to receive public input regarding the plan.
The plan has to be submitted to the state by July 12.
Some suggestions that came in during the meeting were:
• Widening senior center entrance.
• Wilhite Road, Prince to Thornton streets.
• 21st Street Prince to Norris streets
• Parklet space for Main Street.
• Lighting improvements on Main Street, Seventh to14th streets.
• Hillcrest Park Zoo tiger exhibit.
• Expand splash park.
• Make beautification improvements to Prince Street including sidewalk, lighting, trees.
Commissioners also brought up ICIP matters that include improvements to the Clovis Police Department buildings, a police department emergency generator, lighting improvements and other projects.
• Commissioners approved allowing Mayor Mike Morris to submit his application for New Mexico Municipal League Board of Directors treasurer.
