Portales council approves billboard

The Portales City Council on Tuesday approved a 50-foot tall electronic billboard to be placed at 1603 W. Second St.

The sign will be 10 feet by 32 feet wide.

Some council members had concerns with the sign's size, stating they wanted the city to look clean and inviting. Some also were concerned it might distract drivers.

Tom Palmer, who was there to represent the Lindmark advertising company, told councilors the city's Planning and Zoning committee had also expressed concerns, which he'd addressed.

"One of the reasons was ... having no control over what would be on the sign," Palmer said. He assured the council the company would not allow any profanity or obscene language on the sign.

Council members approved it on a 4-2 vote.

Also on Tuesday:

• The council approved acceptance of two pet-related grants – a pet adoption program that would spay or neuter about 200 feral cats and a pet pantry for pet owners who need help feeding their animals. The city expects to receive about $55,000 for the programs.

• The council approved a state grant for $59,440 that would put a fire break/perimeter road surrounding the airport. Its purpose would be to prevent fire on private lands from getting close to the airport.

• Resident Mike Davidson expressed concern about the city's wastewater treatment system. "It feels like we are being billed for something we aren't getting," Davidson told the council. "I don't think our community is seeing any benefits." City Manager Sarah Austin said officials are working to remedy Davidson's concerns.

• Reuben Evans, a small business owner, told the council he has had a difficult time getting the water turned on at his new business. It's taken three months to complete inspections so far, he said. Officials said they would look into the issue. "That's exactly our reputation now, is that we're anti-business," Mayor Ron Jackson said as he apologized to Evans. "We have water."

• Melissa Lopez, deputy clerk for the City of Portales, was named the Sept. 2023 Employee of the Month.