Ethnic committee chair presented with key to city
On an otherwise light agenda for Thursday’s Clovis City Commission meeting, heavy praise was reserved for Selmus Price.
The longtime chair of the Clovis Ethnic Affairs Committee was presented with the key to the city, primarily for his work over the last 19 years with the Clovis Ethnic Fair.
“It shows the different culture that’s around the area,” said Clovis Mayor Gayla Brumfield, who has given the award four times since her term began in March of 2008. “It’s a tremendous asset to our city, and Selmus does so much more.”
“No committee works without volunteers, and we’ve had great volunteers, but it also needs a leader,” said Commissioner Juan Garza, a member of the Ethnic Affairs Committee. “You’ve always done that and you’ve done a very good job.”
Price echoed the need for volunteers, specifically crediting the work of longtime member Mary Collins.
“It’s been an honor to be able to fulfill the goals and objectives set up by the Ethnic Affairs Committee,” Price said. “As long as you can make a difference for one or two individuals, that’s your payback for the effort.”
Price said a key to the fair’s success is continued outreach to anybody who wants to participate and can add ethnic flair to the event.
Previous recipients of the key to the city under Brumfield’s tenure include Col. Babette Lenfant and Col. Tim Leahy, both formerly of Cannon Air Force Base, and Maegan Ridley, Miss Rodeo America 2009.
Additionally, an award was given to Clovis teen Jacob Hefner for his work with the Clovis High Plains Composite Squadron. Capt. Richard Austin said the group has three functions — emergency response, aerospace education and its cadet program.
Hefner was honored with the Mitchell Award, given to those who have successfully completed the second phase of the cadet program.
The Clovis City Commission met Thursday at the Clovis-Carver Public Library.
The following items were approved via consent agenda (saved for routine items that have unanimous consent).
• The commission approved securing of a pair of dangerous buildings, located on 916 Cypress Street and 108 Thornton Street, and authorization for acquiring quotes for their abatement.
• The 2010 city election was approved for March 2. Commissioners up for re-election, should they choose to run, are Juan Garza in District 1, Len Vohs in District 2, Isidro Garcia in District 3 and Ron Edwards in District 4.
• Connie Connolly, Doug Defoor and Adam Warren were re-appointed to the planning and zoning commission.
• A pair of vehicles, 2000 Ford Crown Victorias, were approved for donation by the Clovis Police Department to the New Mexico Junior College Police Academy. Chief Steve Sanders said the vehicles were no longer in use and the academy had asked agencies if any vehicles were available for donation.
• The commission upheld abatement of a building at 1117 Mitchell Street and authorized acquisition of quotes.
— Kevin Wilson
