Meetings watch: Commission approves affordable housing plan request

The Clovis city commission met Thursday at the Clovis-Carver Public Library.

• The commission approved a request to prepare an affordable housing plan.

Community Relations Director Claire Burroughes said the project is not geared towards housing for incoming Cannon Air Force personnel, which is addressed in the city’s comprehensive plan, but for low-income housing.

Prepared by city staff, the plan would help area agencies and developers find resources for state and federal funding to help create affordable housing.

• Polling places and election workers were approved for the city election, set for March 2.

One the ballot are four commission races and one municipal judge race. The races have 12 candidates, with only District 2 Commissioner Len Vohs running unopposed. In District 1, Juan Garza is running for re-election against Brenda Miller, and both Isidro Garcia (District 3) and Ron Edwards (District 4) have decided not to run.

Leo Leal and Fidel Madrid are running for Garcia’s position, while Edwards’ seat is a four-way race between Furgus Tunnell, Jarod Wilhite, Dan Stoddard and Randy Rodriguez.

Jan Garrett is running for another term as municipal judge, with Steven Garcia and Bonnie Bryant as challenger.

All positions are four-year terms.

• The city approved a bid from Helco for $64,193.91 to build metal buildings for the city landfill. A grant from the state environment department will cover $25,000 of the cost.

• The city removed $286,945.17 in uncollectible medical billing accounts from 2005. The city actively pursues medical accounts for four years.

• The commission approved a $20,810 task order for air quality reporting from Camp. Dresser & McKee, a budget change for $3,365 for asbestos and lead-based paint tests at two buildings and a budget transfer of $10,000 for the Region V Drug Task Force to buy radio equipment.

• The city rescinded a conveyance agreement with Tierra Realty of Taos in regard to the Hotel Clovis, and replaced it with a lease agreement. The former document was not adequate to help Tierra Realty apply for tax credits with the state.

• The city commission meeting next month will be held Feb. 11 and 25. Meetings are normally held on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

— by Kevin Wilson