Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
PORTALES — The Portales City Council on Tuesday unanimously decided to begin negotiations for a proposal to turn the city's Rec Center into a family entertainment venue, but few details were shared about the proposal.
City Manager Sammy Standefer said the city received one proposal but did not share any other details such as which company or individual responded and what the plan is for the future of the Rec Center because of the ongoing procurement.
When asked by Mayor Pro-Tem Michael Miller, Standefer said he did think the proposal was sufficient enough to take the next step of beginning negotiations.
Councilors Dianne Parker and Jessica Smith were not present.
Also at Tuesday's meeting (all votes 5-0):
• The council approved a notice of intent regarding a change to the city's policy for waste management disposal.
Public Works Director John DeSha said the potential ordinance would prevent residents from placing items next to a dumpster and would give the city recourse against individuals who commit illegal dumping or theft of service.
The ordinance will now go back before the council at its Aug. 21 meeting when the council will vote on the potential ordinance, following a public hearing.
• The council approved the fiscal year 2019 budget. Finance Director Marilyn Rapp said the city's general fund projected revenues of about $7.4 million is about $300,000 less than last year due in large part to to a projected nearly $270,000 decrease in gross receipts tax.
Rapp said the general fund projected expenditures of about $9.35 million increased 7.5 percent over last year due to increases in salaries, benefits, purchased property services, insurance and utilities.
• The council approved the city's membership withh the Eastern Plains Council of Governments for fiscal year 2019 at a cost of $2,964, the same membership dues as last year.
Councilors Oscar Robinson and Jake Lopez will remain the council's EPCOG representative and alternate, respectively.
• The council approved an agreement to lease two plots of land to Bruce Nixon to construct 10 T-hangars at the Portales Municipal Airport.
Following the 30-year lease ownership the hangars will revert to the city.
• The council selected Mayor Ron Jackson and Miller to serve as the city's voting delegate and alternate, respectively, for the 2018 New Mexico Municipal League Conference.