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Portales approves commercial application for Best Western Plus

PORTALES — The month before it is set to open, the Portales City Council approved a commercial application for the Best Western Plus located at 223 W. Second Street, also known as the Portales Inn.

Public Works Director John DeSha said council approval is required for businesses expected to use more than 100,000 gallons of water a month. Based on other hotels’ water use in the community, the Portales Inn is expected to use about 125,000 to 135,000 gallons a month.

Councilor Jim Lucero on Thursday asked about the timing of the application being presented to the council.

“It seems a little late in the game, right, if we said no? They’re about to be open so it just seems kind of odd that at this juncture we’re holding this formality,” Lucero said.

“The purpose is to us decide if it’s a high-water user if we want to allow them to be a business in our community; but this is a little after the fact.”

City Manager Sammy Standefer said the process for council approval wasn’t triggered until the business applied for water service.

“This is our first one so we’ll get the process better for the next one,” DeSha said.

“Let’s hope we have many more opportunities,” Lucero said.

After the meeting, DeSha said the hotel is expected to open next month.

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Miller was absent.

Also at Thursday’s meeting:

• No action was taken following an approximately 20-minute executive session held to discuss limited personnel matters, according to the agenda.

• The council approved an application for up to $25,000 in surplus equipment from the state Department of Transportation’s annual hardship sale, with two medium/heavy duty trucks and two highway heavy or off-road equipment items included on the Public Works Department’s wish list.

DeSha said the city has received a dump truck and air compressor from the auction in previous years, among other items.

Councilor Jake Lopez suggested DeSha contact Cannon Air Force Base to see if it has any surplus equipment that also could be given to the city.

• After the council’s approval of January’s bills, Lucero asked Finance Director Marilyn Rapp about the fiscal health of the city.

“Very good,” Rapp said. “All the funds are doing quite well and I think we’re having a good year.”