City renews concessions and youth program contracts for another year

The Hobbs City Commission on May 19 approved two recreation-related contracts: a one-year extension of the restaurant and catering services agreement at Rock Wind Golf Course with Kim Joy LLC, and a professional services agreement with the Boys & Girls Club of Hobbs to operate summer youth programming and the local Gus Macker tournament functions.

Doug McDaniel, the city's recreation director, said Kim Joy LLC operates day-to-day restaurant services at Rock Wind Grill, manages catering for tournaments and runs recurring evening events such as music and trivia nights. Ben Kirkus, head golf professional, told commissioners the operator has led to higher attendance, more tournaments (about 35 per year) and few complaints.

The Kim Joy extension is the second of three one-year renewal options in the lease; staff said the commission would consider a final one-year renewal next year before going back out to request proposals. The commission adopted Resolution No. 76-20 to authorize the second one-year extension; the vote was unanimous.

The commission also renewed the Boys & Girls Club agreement (Resolution No. 76-21) for the club to run an eight-week summer program that complements the city's own programs and to handle the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament logistics, referees and scorekeeping. Recreation staff said the club's role supports tourism and local business during the Downtown Slam and Jam festival; the club ran 237 teams in the most recent event.

Commissioner Fields moved to approve the Boys & Girls Club agreement; Commissioner Girth seconded. Commissioner Mills abstained from that vote because his wife serves on the club's board; the remaining votes were yes and the resolution passed.