STATE OF NEVADA, )
COUNTY OF ELKO. ) ss. MARCH 2, 2005
The Board of Elko County Commissioners met in a regular session on March 2, 2005 at 1:30 p.m., in Room 105 of the Elko County Courthouse at 571 Idaho Street, Elko, Nevada.
There were present: County Commissioners Charlie Myers, Chair
John Ellison
Warren Russell
Sheri Eklund-Brown
Mike Nannini
County Manager Robert Stokes
Deputy District Attorney Kristin McQueary
Deputy County Clerk Marilyn Tipton
County Sheriff Neil Harris
Road Supervisor Otis Tipton
County Assessor Joe Aguirre
Planning & Zoning Randy Brown
- - -
The proceedings were as follows:
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Myers called the meeting to order at 1:34 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Commissioner Myers led the meeting participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
No public comments were submitted.
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AND THANKS:
The Board considered approval of a Certificate of Appreciation and Thanks to Lance Cpl. Stacy Alexander for his brave duty to his country which had led to a Purple Heart and the Combat Action Medal.
ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
MARCH 2, 2005
PAGE 1
MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to approve the certification of appreciation and thanks to Lance Cpl. Stacy Alexander. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.
Commissioner Myers commented that this Board, this community and this County was very proud of him and wished to express their appreciation. Lance Cpl. Alexander received a standing ovation from the meeting participants.
Lance Cpl. Stacy Alexander stated that he appreciated the support from them. He stated there would be another Marine coming back from his unit at a later date. Commissioner Ellison stated that they would show him the same support as they had of Stacy. He commented upon the candlelight vigil ceremony that had been performed at the Courthouse.
CERTIFICATE OF CONGRATULATIONS:
The Board considered the approval of a Certificate of Congratulations to the Calvary Baptist Church who was celebrating their 40th Anniversary in Elko.
MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve a Certificate of Congratulations to the Calvary Baptist Church. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.
Commissioner Russell noted the Calvary Baptist Church was formed in January of 1964. He stated the Calvary Baptist Church over the past four decades had demonstrated a commitment to building strong families, Christian instruction, and challenging its members to morale excellence in their vocations and their relations to the community. Commissioner Russell stated that they congratulated the faith based institution in Elko County on four decades of service and inspiration to us. He presented the plaque to Pastor Chris Cupples who became the senior Pastor in 2001.
Commissioner Russell noted that there would be a banquet held on Saturday night and three of the past Pastors would be present.
UNITED WAY OF THE GREAT BASIN:
The Board received an updated report from Sheilagh Gilles, Executive Director, on the United Way of the Great Basin organization.
Sheilagh Gilles stated the County employees had suggested that she speak to the Commission. She reviewed their past programs inclusive of the Carlin Clinic. She noted that United Way was a community investment program and the contributors were the employees. Sheilagh Gilles reported that last year United Way of the Great Basin was 12th within the nation with increased funding and believed that spoke for the citizens in the Great Basin who chose to make a difference. Sheilagh Gilles explained these contributions come from the mine employees, grocery clerks, etc., within the community. Sheilagh noted those contributed dollars were spent by zip code and United Way was just the investment manager. She stated that they hope to establish a social services 211 phone number to provide services for the needy citizens. Sheilagh Gilles stated that they have worked with Robert Stokes and his staff when they have had questions in the past about the services of the individual agencies. Sheilagh Gilles commented that some of the organizations that they have worked with were the Igloo, the local clinics, the Boys and Girls Club, Hospice, etc. She noted the County staff participation had raised an extra 7% since last year. Sheilagh Gilles reported that 37% of the Elko County employees participate in this program. She noted 100% of the money raised was spent within Great Basin because they had 0% overhead rate. She stated that corporate dollars paid for her and her equipment.
Commissioner Myers thanked her and her organization for their services offered to the community. He asked if the family members of the servicemen who were deployed to Iraq were in financial need. Sheilagh Gilles replied that there were approximately six families. She stated they have utilized the Red Cross and co-workers have helped with some of the other issues affecting those families. She noted they had deployed those families to the necessary services. Commissioner Myers felt it would be advantageous for a couple of the County Commissioners to meet with those families. He believed soldiers should not have to worry about their families while they were across the seas. Commissioner Ellison asked if they could put that on their form for the soldier=s families. Sheilagh Gilles stated that they could designate that on their application.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown asked which five counties represented the Great Basin. Sheilagh Gilles replied Humboldt, White Pine, Lander, Elko and Eureka were the five counties. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if the Elko County employees’ donations stayed within Elko County. Sheilagh Gilles stated the donors could direct which organization they want to donate to on their application. She noted that sometimes people sign on to several organizations. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented that Wells Resource Community Center had met with them and asked if the WRCC had been in contact with Sheilagh. Sheilagh Gilles replied that they had reviewed their business plan and targeted several avenues. She stated they would help with the business end and the audit. She stated in case of an emergency they may gather all the members and seek funding resources. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if she had made a decision. Sheilagh Gilles replied the Wells Resource Center had not sought funding. She noted that she would meet with them again on the 14th of March. Commissioner Myers asked that Sheilagh Gilles come back and report to the Board upon her continuing efforts in the community. Sheilagh Gilles stated that they could submit a quarterly report.
Robert Stokes thanked Sheilagh Gilles and all the County employees who were participating in the payroll deduction program. He stated some of the County employees have spouses who work at the mines and they do their donation through the mining employment.
Sheilagh Gilles noted that the State of Nevada Employment group participation rate was five percent. The Elko County employees were participating at a 37% rate. The mines participation was a 78% rate. Sheilagh Gilles commented that the casino workers in Wendover collectively had contributed, on an average, of over 25 cents a payday. She stated they had collectively raised over $5,000 dollars for themselves this year at 25 cents a payday. She stressed it was through the power of participation that they were able to accomplish so much.
CARLIN BOOSTER CLUB:
The Board considered a request from the Carlin Booster Club for financial support for a new sign in front of school.
Robert Stokes noted that John Kirkwood had intended to be here today. Commissioner Myers asked that it be tabled until later and perhaps Mr. Kirkwood would be in attendance.
ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
MARCH 2, 2005
PAGE 1
Chairman Myers called the Jackpot Town Board to order at 2:03 p.m., and adjourned the Town Board at 2:18 p.m.
SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT:
Robert Stokes stated that there was no report submitted from the Committee.
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES/LAW LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Laura Oki stated that the Library Board met on February 22nd and they discussed the new carpeting and the movement of the law library. She reported that the library staff painted the entire library and new carpet was installed. She noted that they had received donations from the mines and Friends of the Library for the paint. She reported that the library staff had donated their time. Laura Oki stated that while there were books lying on the floor in the children’s section, there was a roof leak which damaged approximately 600 books. She reported that the roof was not leaking on the new carpet. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if there was insurance coverage on the damage. Kristin McQueary stated that she had been in telephone contact with C.W. Bennett from A & B Warranty. She noted that Mr. Bennett had one report from Southam & Associates. Kristin McQueary commented that she and Mr. Bennett had been playing telephone tag ever since. She stated that previously Converse Consultants had checked her office for mold and the Library for mold. At that time, Converse Consultants believed that where the new roof was bolted upon the old roof there was seepage at those bolted areas. Commissioner Ellison inquired if they could get estimates to repair the roof. He believed that they should get quotes, fix it and then file a legal action to recoup the money. He stressed that the roof was still leaking and now they have damage to books. Kristin McQueary stated that every time someone looked at that roof they had a new reason for the leaking. Kristin McQueary noted that Southam & Associates came in the end of December or the first part of January and looked at the roof. It was Southam’s belief that ice damming was backing up and causing leaks by water freezing in the drain spouts. Kristin McQueary stated that someone else had said it was leaking around the bolt holes. She stated they did have the roof shoveled off and all that was left was the moisture from the light storms. Kristin McQueary liked the idea of getting the roof fixed. However, she felt they should determine why it was leaking first. Commissioner Nannini stated if they get a new bid then the new company would guarantee the problems and they would identify the problems within the bidding process. Kristin McQueary noted that there was a warranty on the roof so they should utilize that to the further extent possible. Robert Stokes commented that he had been here for four years and the roof was put on five years ago. He stated that there had been problem after problem with that roof. Commissioner Ellison suggested they request for proposals. Commissioner Nannini felt they should notify the company that they were taking that action. Kristin McQueary stated when she had spoken to Mr. Bennett last week he seemed very amenable. She would attempt to contact him. Laura Oki reported that Ron Eastwood had fixed some problems but they were concerned that they may be in violation of warranty if he fixes any more problems. Kristin McQueary stated that she had read the warranty and there was verbiage in the warranty regarding self-help notification. Commissioner Ellison felt that they had to try and eliminate the amount of damages that could occur. He believed this was an emergency situation. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented that the damage to 600 books was indicative of that. Kristin McQueary suggested they put their request for service proposals on the next agenda as an action item. Commissioner Myers suggested that they look at local contractors.
Laura Oki commented that the Library Board re-worded the job description and qualifications for the Library Director. She felt that at the next Library Board meeting there would be something done on advertising. She stated the next Board meeting would be held on March 15, 2005.
Robert Stokes commented upon the carpet. Laura Oki stated that with regards to the color of the paint, the Library staff went with the school colors maroon and white. Laura Oki noted that it had not been painted for over thirty years. Commissioner Russell commended them upon the new carpet and the new paint. He informed them of a woman’s comments to him regarding the Library staff painting the walls. Commissioner Myers stated that they may see the library during their recess.
ELKO COUNTY JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT:
James Watson submitted the written the Juvenile Detention and Juvenile Probation Monthly Report.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if the report depicted the number of kids that participated in the TESA program. James Watson stated he could include that in the excel spread sheet. He reported that there were five in February. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that the numbers were down.
Commissioner Ellison inquired about the officer in Spring Creek. James Watson stated the officer moved into the school and he was acclimating within the school. He believed that in the future they would be able to generate data which would be a resource as far as comparison with an officer located in the school.
ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
MARCH 2, 2005
PAGE 1
Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that within the report it indicated that their grant funding was declining. James Watson commented that their grant funding was constantly on a decline. He noted in the past they received Juvenile Accountability Block Grant funding. Last year they received $23,700 in JAB funding. However, in the past they were funded in the approximate amounts of $40,000 to $60,000.00. James Watson stated that next year’s JAB funding allocation was $7,456.00 which would impact their programs, specifically the community services projects. James Watson felt that they may be asking for help from this Board in order to continue some of their programs. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented that the community services programs were proactive/preventative measures. James Watson believed that there should be a critical analysis of the program and its return to the entire community via the grants, etc., versus what the return was. James Watson stated he could apply numbers to that particular analysis. He felt the community services program was a worthy program and the outcome was greater than the cost. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if some of the programs were a share program with the School District. She noted a lot of education was involved. James Watson stated to his knowledge there were no share programs. He stated in the Community Service Program it was more of an accountability program. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that the community service was actual work in the community. Commissioner Russell commented that over the last two years they have only received a report on the activities of the juvenile gang and narcotic task force only when funding was needed. He asked if James Watson was related to that or if that was within the Sheriff’s Department. James Watson stated he would be happy to gather all the information and report monthly with regards to that program. James Watson stated the Juvenile Task Force was working everyday. He stated that the Chief and the Sheriff have committed full time resources to that force. He noted his department had contributed some resources to that. He stated that task force made significant inroads into a variety of different areas in the juvenile crime arena.