Press Releases

Udall aide to hold office hours in eastern New Mexico

EASTERN NEW MEXICO – A staff member for U.S. Representative Tom Udall, D-N.M., will hold constituent office hours here next week.

Udall staff member Christopher Neubauer will be available to meet with area residents. Anyone wishing to make an appointment may do so by calling 505-763-7616.  Anyone desiring to discuss issues relating to Congress or the federal government is welcome to stop by.

“As part of my efforts to deliver excellent service to my constituents, I encourage New Mexicans that are having problems with a federal agency to meet with Chris and see what help is available,” Udall said. “It is also my goal to provide quick and efficient service to my constituents as their representative in Washington. In short, the office I hold belongs to the people, and I shall always treat it as an honor and a trust from them.”

Wednesday July 9th

Clovis

3:00pm-5:00pm

Clovis Public Library

701 N. Main St

Thursday July 10th

Portales

8:00am-9:00am

City Hall

100 West 1st St.

Some of the areas Udall can help with include:

• Veterans – Problems with veterans’ benefits, eligibility determinations, VA home loans, and replacement of medals earned.

• Social Security – Social Security benefits and eligibility or missing checks.

• Housing – Problems arising with housing vouchers, federal loan programs and HUD.

• Immigration – Naturalization applications, immigrant petitions for relatives and adjustment of status applications that are delayed or lost.

• Passports – Emergency passports applications, lost passports and overseas travel restrictions.

Udall is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations. You can visit his website at:  http://tomudall.house.gov/ ]http://tomudall.house.gov

Tax-free weekend announced

Governor Bill Richardson Announces 4th Annual Back-To-School Tax Holiday

Tax Free Holiday August 1-3, 2008

SANTA FE –Governor Bill Richardson today announced the 4^th Annual Back to School Tax Holiday will kick off on August 1^st.  New Mexico residents will be able to take advantage of tax free shopping from Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3, 2008. 

“The back-to-school tax holiday is another way we are helping working families in New Mexico,” said Governor Richardson.  “We value education, hard work and hard-earned money and this is another way New Mexicans can save while preparing for the new school year while struggling with rising gas prices.”

A family can save up to $47 in taxes if they spend $600 on school clothes and there are additional savings for computer purchases as well as school supplies.  Nationally and locally owned retailers across the state will be participating.

Nontaxable items include:  clothing and footwear $100 or less (that are not primarily designed for athletic activity); school supplies such as pens and paper $15 or less that are typically used in a classroom setting; computers $1000 or less; as well as assorted computer equipment $500 or less.  The price limits are for each item – not the total amount spent for all purchases.  For example, a family could purchase three computers tax-free as long as each computer did not exceed the $1000 limit per computer.

A complete list of tax exempt items can be found at www.state.nm.us.

West Nile warning

Department of Health Confirms Plague, West Nile Virus in Animals, Mosquitoes 

Urges Precautions for Enjoying the Outdoors

(Santa Fe) – The New Mexico Department of Health recommends people protect themselves against mosquito bites and from exposure to rodents while enjoying the outdoors this summer. The Department of Health’s Scientific Laboratory confirmed that mosquitoes from Las Cruces tested positive for West Nile Virus this week. The Department has also confirmed plague in six cats and three dogs from Bernalillo, Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties so far this year. 

There has been one case of plague in an Eddy County man who got the disease in January from hunting rabbits. There have been no human cases of West Nile so far this year.

“We see the most cases of West Nile Virus infection, including fatalities, from July through September,” said Paul Ettestad, the Department’s public health veterinarian. “Fortunately, it is easy to protect yourself by taking precautions, such as using a repellent when you are outdoors, especially during the evening and early morning when mosquitoes are most active.”

Common West Nile symptoms are fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. In rare cases, West Nile Virus can cause meningitis or encephalitis. If someone has these symptoms, they should see their health care provider. People older than 50 are at most risk for serious disease from West Nile Virus.

To protect yourself from West Nile Virus infection:

Use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 for use on skin, and permethrin for use on clothing. Always follow label directions when using insect repellents.

 When weather permits, wear protective clothing such as loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks.

 The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, or avoid outdoor activities during these times.

 Eliminate water-holding containers where mosquitoes lay their eggs, such as old tires, and regularly change the water in birdbaths, wading pools and pet water bowls. Make sure rain barrels are tightly screened.

 Keep windows and doors closed if not screened. If you leave your house doors or windows open, make sure they have screens that fit tightly and have no holes.

 Vaccinate your horses to protect them from West Nile Virus and Western Equine Encephalitis, which is also carried by mosquitoes. 

Plague, a bacterial disease of rodents, is generally transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas, but can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, rabbits, and pets. All but one of the pet plague cases recovered with antibiotic treatment. Most of the pets were hunters who had eaten an infected rodent prior to getting ill. Ettestad recommends using a flea control product on your pets and preventing them from roaming and hunting rodents.

Symptoms of plague in humans include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, and weakness. In most cases there is a painful swelling of the lymph node in the groin, armpit or neck areas. Plague symptoms in cats and dogs are fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. There may be a swelling in the lymph node under the jaw. With prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, the fatality rate in people and pets can be greatly reduced.

To prevent plague:

Avoid sick or dead rodents and rabbits, and their nests and burrows.

 Treat pets regularly with an effective flea control product, and prevent them from roaming and hunting.

 Clean up areas near the house where rodents could live, such as woodpiles, brush piles, junk and abandoned vehicles.

 Sick pets should be examined promptly by a veterinarian.

 See your doctor about any unexplained illness involving a sudden and severe fever.

In 2007, New Mexico had 60 human cases of West Nile Virus with three fatalities and five cases of plague with one fatality.

For more information about plague and West Nile, including fact sheets in English and Spanish, go to the Department’s website at www.nmhealth.org/epi/plague.html and www.nmhealth.org/epi/wnv.html.

July 3, City Commission agenda

AGENDA

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

North Annex, Clovis-Carver Library

5:15 p.m., Thursday, July 3^rd, 2008

Invocation and Pledge.                       

I.              ROLL CALL

II.            APPROVAL OF AGENDA

III.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A.   Regular Minutes of June 19^th, 2008.  Pages1-20.

IV.          RECOGNITION OF VISITORS, RECEIPT OF PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

V.        PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS

A.   Presentation of plaque to Mr. Harry Wang, Mayor Gayla Brumfield.

VI.          CONSENT AGENDA

This item is placed on the agenda so that the Commission, by unanimous consent, can designate those routine agenda items that they wish to be approved or acknowledged by one motion.  If any proposed does not meet with the approval of all Commission members, or if a citizen so requests, that item will be heard when reached under the regular agenda.

A.   Motion to place indicated items on the consent agenda by unanimous vote.

B.  Motion to approve or acknowledge all items on the consent agenda.

VII.        INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

A.   Request for approval of introduction of an ordinance repealing Ordinance Number 1462-94 relating to procedures and fees for collection of garbage and refuse within a one mile radius of the city limits of the City of Clovis, Mr. David F. Richards.  Pages 21—22.

VIII.   UNFINISHED BUSINESS

IX.          NEW BUSINESS

A.   Request for approval of appointment of Economic Development Tax Advisory Board members, Ms. Claire Burroughes.  Page 23.

B.    Request for approval of CDM Task Order on Mid-Term Landfill Permit Review and Feasibility Analysis, Mr. Harry Wang.  Pages 24-28.

C.    Request for approval of CDM Task Order on Preparation of Emergency Action Plans for the 3 City Owned Dams, Mr. Harry Wang.  Pages 29-34.

D.   Request for approval of CDM Task Order for PCE Plume Evaluation, Mr. Harry Wang.  Pages 35-38.

E.    Request for approval of Landfill Cell-4 Close-Out Change Orders on Construction and Engineering, Mr. Harry Wang.  Pages 39-48.

F.    Request for approval of encroachment/easement at 2615 Gidding Street, Clovis, NM 88101, to include the North Block Wall and South Block Wall extended into Gidding Street Right-of-way, Lot 5, in Tract 9 of the Highland Terrace Addition to the City of Clovis, Curry County, New Mexico, Mr. Pete Wilt.  Pages 49-54.

G.  
Request for approval for the New Mexico Municipal League to use Hillcrest Park for its annual conference including waiver of alcohol prohibition in Hillcrest Park, and approval of special dispenser’s permit, Mr. David Richards.  Page 55.

H.   Request for approval of contract renewals for fiscal year 2009, Mr. David Boswell.  Pages 56-57.

I.      Request for approval of task order #5 with WHPACIFIC (ASCG, Inc); fee for construction inspection and testing of the rehab project of runway 4-22, Mr. Stephen Summers.  Pages 58-79.

X.    REPORTS OF BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

XI.   FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

XII.   ANNOUNCEMENT OF DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF CITY BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETINGS

A.   City Hall Closed, July 4^th, 2008.

B.    Water Policy Advisory Board, 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 8^th, 2008, Assembly Room, Bert Cabiness City Government Center, 321 Connelly.

C.    Cultural/Ethnic Affairs Committee, 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 8^th, 2008, CCC.

D.   DEAP Luncheon, 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 8^th, 2008, Civic Center.

E.    Traffic Committee, 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 8^th, 2008, Police Department.

F.    Parks & Recreation Board, 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 8^th, 2008, 500 Sycamore.

G.   Planning and Zoning, 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 9^th, 2008, Assembly Room, Bert Cabiness City Government Center, 321 Connelly.

H.   Chamber Breakfast, 7:00 a.m., Friday, July 11^th, 2008, Clovis News Journal.

I.      Clovis Pride, 7:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 15^th, 2008, 500 Sycamore.

J.     LEPC Membership Committee, 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 15^th, 2008, 320 Connelly.

K.   LEPC Exercise Design & Planning Committee, 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 15^th, 2008, 320 Connelly.

L.    LEPC, 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 16^th, 2008, Assembly Room, Bert Cabiness City Government Center, 321 Connelly.

M.  LEPC Community Awareness Committee, 12:00 p.m., Thursday, July 17^th, 2008, 320 Connelly.

N.   City Commission Meeting, 5:15 p.m., Thursday, July 17^th, 2008, North Annex, Clovis-Carver Library, 701 N. Main.

XIII.   ADJOURNMENT

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 321 Connelly at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible.  Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats.  Please contact the City Clerk at 321 Connelly if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed. Items marked with a       indicate items recommended by the City Manager for placement on the Consent Agenda.

New Mexico American Water Files Rate Plan for Clovis

lovis, NM (July 1, 2008) --New Mexico American Water has announced that it has filed for a rate adjustment for the Clovis area with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC).  The adjustment is being driven by new infrastructure investment needs, which include wells to ensure an adequate supply of water.

“We have put together a very good request for the commission to consider,” said Kathy Wright, New Mexico American Water vice president.  “It contains investments to secure our long term water supply, improve system reliability and balances the necessary revenue increases with a continued focus on conservation initiatives to help our customers lower their water usage.”

Effects of the proposal for customers will vary according to customer class and usage.  Under the proposed plan, a residential customer using about 5000 gallons of water per month would see an increase of  13 cents per day, or approximately 16%, from $25.24 to $29.25 on a monthly bill. 

Since 2003, the static water levels in New Mexico American Water’s 53 wells in the Ogallala Aquifer have declined an average of three feet per well per year. Annual well production rates are decreasing, on average, 16 gallons per minute per well, which amounts to a 10% decrease in annual output.  Without developing new sources of water supply now, the area may experience a water supply deficit in four to five years.

New Mexico American Water has proposed increasing revenue $2,158,987 annually to fund infrastructure improvements that improve the supply and reliability of the Clovis water system and cover increased operating costs.

Some of the major infrastructure projects for Clovis include $2,175,686 spent in 2007 to convert irrigation wells to municipal use and install water mains to connect them to the system.  Approximately $2,469,000 will be spent in 2008 to convert wells and connect them to the system. Other projects include spending $662,574 to install 13,600 feet of 12-inch water main at the City of Clovis Industrial Development Park.  Increased operating and maintenance costs, increased power costs, and the increased cost of capital are also covered in the proposed rate plan.

“Our greatest challenge in Clovis is to ensure a stable supply of water for our customers.  For most customers it will cost about 13 cents a day to fund upgrades to facilities and develop new sources of water supply,” stated Ms. Wright.  “These investments, combined with continued conservation initiatives, will go a long way towards stabilizing our water supply and rewarding customers who use water wisely.”

The case will now be considered by the NMPRC, which determines rates for New Mexico American Water customers by examining operating costs and infrastructure investments.  The Clovis rate case is expected to be decided by the NMPRC by April, 2009.

New Mexico American Water is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and related services to more than 48,000 people.

New Mexico American Water is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Water.  Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company.  With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs nearly 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15.6 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

ENMU receives $960,000 in tech money

ALBUQUERQUE – Eastern New Mexico University at Portales has been awarded almost $960,000 secured by U.S. Senator Pete Domenici to allow the school to make technological upgrades to it’s computer, telecommunications and multi-media classrooms.

The $957,967 grant derives from an earmark secured by Domenici, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, during the FY2008 appropriations process. Of this funding, ENMU will use $694,942 to upgrade its telecommunications system, $248,850 for computer technology upgrades, and $14,175 to convert a classroom into a “multi-media smart classroom.”

“These funds will work to allow Eastern to access the equipment it needs to keep pace with technological advances. ENMU is a key institution in eastern New Mexico and many residents in the region rely on it for the education and training they need to compete in today’s economy. My work on this funding request was propelled with this understanding,” Domenici said. “I’m pleased the U.S. Department of Education has released these funds so they can be put to good use.”

Domenici initially secured the ENMU funding through the DoED’s “Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education” as part of the FY2008 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (Labor-HHS) Appropriations Bill. It eventually became law as part of an omnibus appropriations bill last December.

Domenici sought the funding to allow ENMU to equip multimedia classrooms, upgrade computer labs with 240 new computers and 140 new monitors, replacement of out-of-date file servers, telecommunications enhancements, and equipment for a foreign language laboratory.

ENMU is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) with a high population of first-generation college attendees. The majority of its students are drawn from some of the lowest-income counties in the state, and 80 percent of ENMU students receive some level of financial assistance.

The grant has been issued to cover a three-year period through June 30, 2011.

Indictment in Causey homicide

Portales, NM - Ninth Judicial District Attorney Matthew Chandler announced today Billy Joe Watson, age 44, was indicted by a Roosevelt County Grand Jury this afternoon.  The Grand Jury returned an Indictment against Watson on the charges of Accessory to First Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder, and Accessory to Attempted Manufacturing of Methamphetamine. 

The charges stem from the murder of Causey, New Mexico resident Jimmy “Bo” Chunn, who was found deceased in his residence on July 8, 2005.  It is alleged that Donald Taylor, who was indicted by the United States Attorney’s Office on June 28, 2007, fired a lethal shot into Jimmy “Bo” Chunn’s residence on July 4, 2005 after conspiring with Billy Joe Watson.    

Ninth Judicial District Attorney Matthew Chandler stated, “Following a lengthy multi-agency investigation by law enforcement on a local, state and federal level, it has been alleged that Billy Watson encouraged and conspired with another to commit the murder of Jimmy “Bo” Chunn.  It is also alleged that Billy Watson agreed to provide another with 850 gallons of Anhydrous Ammonia for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine as part of the conspiracy to murder Jimmy “Bo” Chunn.  At this time no other information will be released in efforts to protect the integrity of the State’s case and preserve our trial venue.”    

On June 28, 2007, the United States Attorney’s Office indicted multiple members of the Aryan Brotherhood and others including Billy Joe Watson for their involvement in the alleged murder and other crimes.  A copy of that indictment can be found at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nm/pr/index.html, which outlines in greater detail the allegations surrounding the death of Jimmy “Bo” Chunn. 

Billy Joe Watson is in custody at this time and will have an arraignment hearing in the Ninth Judicial District Court within the next 30 days.  If convicted of the charges, Watson faces the possibility of life in prison. 

Bingaman: Bill contains funding for Cannon

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today said he was pleased Congress has given final passage to a bill that contains key funding for Cannon Air Force Base.  The bill can now be sent to President Bush for signature. 

Bingaman reported that the bill, which primarily funds operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, contains $364 million to purchase seven MC-130J model Combat Talon II, five of which will be headed to Cannon.  It also sets aside enough funding for five CV-22s for Cannon; each will cost in excess $80 million.  And the measure contains $8 million for construction of a childcare facility, which is critically important to the quality of life for families at the base.

“Cannon Air Force Base is getting the funding it needs to continue with necessary upgrades,” Bingaman said.  

Bingaman had urged his Democratic colleagues who serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee to support Cannon by including this funding. 

Udall secures more than $26 million for Cannon Air Force Base

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Tom Udall, D-N.M., today announced the House Appropriations Committee has approved $26.4 million to support two initiatives at Cannon Air Force Base.  Udall, who is a member of the committee, requested the money to continue Cannon's important role in keeping America safe.

"I am committed to doing what's right for Cannon Air Force Base, and I will always support its critical role in America's national defense," said Udall. "My goal is to make sure the base has all of the resources necessary to succeed, and my committee has approved key funding to help keep Cannon strong for years to come."

Udall, whose district includes Cannon Air Force Base, worked with the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (VA), Representative Chet Edwards (TX), to ensure the base received proper funding through this appropriations bill.  As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Udall helped pass the legislation, including the Cannon funding, today. This $26.4 million for Cannon comes on top of the $8 million Cannon will receive as the result of supplemental appropriations legislation that Udall voted for last week.

The funding includes $18.1 million to construct a C-130 aircraft maintenance hangar.  No facility currently exists at Cannon that can fully accommodate C-130 maintenance operations.  This facility will provide the aircraft maintenance that will be needed for the 28 C-130 aircraft scheduled to be based at Cannon by 2011.

The legislation also includes $8.3 million to construct a Special Operations Forces Mission Rehearsal Training Facility. The facility will support the new CV-22 mission rehearsal and crew upgrade training.  It is needed to achieve combat readiness for CV-22 aircrews, and to prevent the CV-22 full motion simulator being put into storage.

The Military Construction/VA bill also includes:

• Additional funding to modernize training facilities and make military housing more available and comfortable for our servicemembers and their families;

• Large increases in support for the VA, including funds to hire 1,400 new claims processors to reduce the backlog in VA claims;

• A provision increasing by 46 percent the reimbursement for VA patients who must travel to receive care;

• Language requiring the VA to provide help to veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental illnesses; and,

• A boost in resources for the Office of the Inspector General to ensure that our veterans are receiving the treatment they deserve.

Said Udall, "The legislation the Appropriations Committee passed today is more than a list of numbers; it is a statement of values.  By passing it, we showed that we value the service of our men and women in uniform.  We showed that we will honor the commitment we made to help them carry out their missions as they serve and to care for them when their service is over."

The Appropriations Committee also passed legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  This bill provides funds to secure America's borders and keep Americans safe.  This year's DHS funding bill would:

• Increase funding to fight fires by 167 percent over the president's request;

• Restore funding to provide law enforcement benefits for Customs and Border Protection officers;

• Double the president's request for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, which helps fund food banks in New Mexico; and,

• Boost support for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and target resources at dangerous criminal aliens.

"This legislation is essential to keeping Americans safe," said Udall.  "With additional funding to prevent and fight fires, to reduce hunger, and to help secure our borders, this bill provides vital resources for New Mexico."

Governor and USAF Agree to Expand the Melrose Air Force Range

Governor Richardson and United States Air Force Agree to Expand the Melrose Air Force Range

SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson and United States Air Force Assistant Secretary William C. Anderson agreed during a meeting this week to move forward with the expansion of Cannon Air Force Base. The proposed expansion is the result of a $5 million investment the Governor made for Cannon following the 2006 military base-closure process that threatened to shutter the Eastern New Mexico base.

“We are fulfilling a promise I made to modernize Cannon Air Force Base and increase its military value to the Air Force,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “The expansion of the Melrose Air Force Range will help Cannon during future base-closure efforts,” said Governor Richardson. “New Mexico is committed to being a strong partner with the Air Force to ensure a strong future of our bases.”

The State of New Mexico, the Air Force and the State Land Office are in agreement to move ahead and spend the next 30 days to examine the process. 

Department of Finance Secretary Katherine Miller signed a Memo of Understanding with Air Force Assistant Secretary William Anderson setting the framework to transfer land from the State Land Office to the United States Air Force to expand the Melrose Range.  

“The agreement between the Department of Finance and the U.S. Air Force will ensure the protection of agricultural leases on state trust land managed by the state Land Office,” said Secretary Miller. “We will work diligently with the Office of Military Base Planning and Support to identify potential land that meets Air Force requirements.”

Governor Richardson worked with the Legislature in 2007 to secure $5 million towards land for Cannon’s expansion and to support new missions.