Lobbyist talks Legislature, Washington D.C.

CLOVIS — City commissioners on Thursday heard a presentation from lobbyist John Ryan on both the recent state legislative session and the political climate in Washington, D.C.

Ryan, a former state legislator, followed the session for the city on a pro bono basis.

“I learned about being on the outside, without having a vote, good parking spots and easy access,” Ryan said. “I think I prefer this role; it was a crazy session.”

He envisions a May special session for a budget satisfying both the legislators and Gov. Susana Martinez.

Federally, he noted President Donald Trump’s budget outline includes cuts to numerous programs Clovis uses, most notably Community Development Block Grants and the Essential Air Services subsidy for Boutique Airlines to serve the Clovis Municipal Airport.

He said Washington has checks and balances for a reason, but warned some programs may see reductions.

“Congress will find ways to restore a lot of those programs,” Ryan said. "This game is played in every administration.”

Ryan floated dates for a Washington, D.C., trip with city representatives to talk with the New Mexico congressional delegation. The initial plan is to send Interim City Manager Tom Phelps, Mayor David Lansford and Commissioners Ladona Clayton and Helen Casaus in the final week of June.

Also at Thursday's meeting:

• An ordinance was introduced on a project participation agreement with Ag Power was pulled from the agenda, with Commissioner Chris Bryant sharing concerns as the chair of the city’s water advisory board.

Any agreement where the city would give up water rights — wastewater, in this case — needs due diligence, he said.

• Charlie Maciel, who manages the Colonial Park Golf Course, said a new aeration system is paying great dividends for the greens. He noted plans for a golf tournament to coincide with the August New Mexico Municipal League conference in Clovis and addressed the commission overall to compliment Parks and Recreation Director Mark Dayhoff on his responsiveness when there are issues.

Dayhoff said a proposal to turn the course’s swimming pool into a concrete entertainment area will be on the agenda for Monday’s Parks, Recreation and Beautification meeting.

• Clovis MainStreet Executive Director Lisa Pellegrino-Spear spoke on options for the hollowed-out foundation that formerly held the Levine’s building on Main Street.

Pellegrino-Spear said the top two recommendations are to allow a private developer to create some type of business, or to develop the area as a public park space if no business options existed.

She said the second option could be done for around $56,000.

• The city recognized Dustin Bouchard and Oscar Macias as line employee and supervisor of the quarter, respectively.

Public Works Director Clint Bunch said Bouchard has been with the city for three years, and has spent the last two years in its welding shop. Regarding Macias, Bunch said naming him landfill supervisor was probably his best decision as public works director. He said both work well with their coworkers and the public at large.

• Commissioners thanked outgoing City Manager Larry Fry and welcomed the community to a ceremony for him at city hall. The ceremony will be held 2-4 p.m. Tuesday in the city hall assembly room.

• The next meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. May 4 at the North Annex of the Clovis-Carver Public Library.