Clovis' Friendship Center to see changes

Clovis’ Friendship Center will soon be turned into a Clovis Fire Department training center, wellness center and office space.

The changes were approved Thursday by the Clovis city commission during their first regular meeting of November.

According to details on the commission agenda, the Friendship Center formerly housed the Senior Services Department, Curry Resident Senior Meals Association and the city Internet Technology department prior to the construction of the Hillcrest Senior Life Center.

“With the completion of the HSLC, the Friendship Center currently only houses the IT Department,” the agenda item read.

Reviewing the city’s facility needs, it was determined additional space is needed for fire department administration, emergency management, expanded IT, an employee training center and a wellness center.

“The Friendship Center has enough square footage to accommodate all of these needs,” according to details in the commission agenda.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a bid from WWRC Complete Construction Services for $628,822 for the project. The figure includes New Mexico gross receipts tax.

In other business:

• Commissioners approved a contract for food service between the city of Clovis and the North Central New Mexico Economic Development district and the Non Metro Area Agency on Aging for senior meals.

The meals are to be served at HSLC and home delivery.

The city received notification Oct. 30 that Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging will terminate the contract for the meals program it had with Curry Resident Senior Meals Association Nov. 30.

• Commissioners heard details of the Oct. 26 Trek for Trash.

Lisa Nieto reported 117 people participated, there were 10 teams that collected 370 bags of trash, 370.32 tons of garbage and 34 tires.

Among the teams, the Walmart team collected the most trash followed by the Yucca Middle School Student Council and Clovis Community College Radiology Department in third place.

• Commissioners approved a resolution of support for the Curry County Recreation and Sports Complex which will be located in the city at Hillcrest Park.

• Commissioners also approved $144,275 for renovations and floor improvements at Roy Walker Recreation Center including renovating the concession stand.