Clovis officials take aim at city panhandling

The city of Clovis plans to crack down on panhandlers with the introduction Thursday of new city codes targeting the activity.

City Attorney Jared Morris described the legal climate for such a move is good in light of Las Cruces adopting similar ordinances in September.

"There has been recent case law as to how far cities may go," Morris told commissioners.

Morris said the codes make clear the action is in relation to public safety.

Targeted is aggressive solicitation, trespassing on private property while panhandling, prohibiting stepping into the roadway to solicit or soliciting from medians less than 3 feet wide.

A portion of the wording of the ordinance reads: "The unlawful use of medians and traffic islands presents a danger to the public,

including pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Recent judicial decisions from the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit have clarified the standards by which municipalities may prohibit or regulate solicitation activities, or other activities, that endanger motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists."

Commissioner Gene Porter was concerned about groups having car washes and the people soliciting motorists.

"If they have the permission of the property owner there's no problem," Morris said.

The vote to introduce the measure was unanimous.

Also Thursday:

Commissioners also approved $68,500 in disbursement of Lodgers Tax funds on the recommendation of the city's Lodgers Tax Board.

• The Clovis Christmas Cannabis Expo requested $3,000 and will receive $500.

• The 97th Lions State Convention requested $11,600 and is to receive $ 5,000.

• The Lions Club Spring Gun, Knife and Coin Show requested $8,400 and will get $6,000.

• The Citizens Bank Basketball Tournament requested $4,000 and will receive $3,000.

• Draggin' Main requested $77,000 and was granted $40,000.

• Black Pearl Earl Large Boxing Legacy requested $5,000 and is to receive $4,000.

• Original Team Roping requested $13,000 and will get $10,000.

City Manager Justin Howalt reported to commissioners K. Barnett & Sons Contracting came in with the only bid on the Purdue Street drainage project.

Howalt reported while the bid was for $3.3 million, in talks with city officials the estimate was put at $2.8 million before state gross receipts tax.

The state Legislature is providing $1.2 million toward the project. The remaining funds will come from city coffers designated for such projects.

Commissioners accepted the bid.

Mayor Mike Morris spent a portion of time toward the end of the meeting giving a presentation on the freshest news from a meeting of the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority of which he is the chairman.

Morris pointed out latest developments, the necessity for the project and reiterated that the groundwater in the region "is finite."

Mayor Morris issued a proclamation declaring November as "Red Kettle Month" for the Salvation Army seasonal fundraising drive in Clovis.