Elko CountyBoard of Commissioners
Commissioners
Sheri Eklund-Brown
John Ellison
Charlie Myers
Mike Nannini
Warren Russell ElkoCounty Manager Robert K. Stokes
STATE OF NEVADA, )
COUNTY OF ELKO. ) ss. JUNE 18, 2008
The Board of Elko County Commissioners met on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 1:30p.m., in Room 105 of the Elko County Courthouse at 571 Idaho Street, Elko, Nevada.
There were present: CountyCommissionersMike Nannini, Chair
John Ellison
Charlie Myers
Sheri Eklund-Brown
Warren Russell
Elko Co. ManagerRobert Stokes
Deputy District AttorneyKristin McQueary
Deputy County ClerkMarilyn Tipton
Road SupervisorOtis Tipton
Planning & Zoning Dept.Randy Brown
Zoning Dir.John Kingwell
Human ServicesJeri Underwood
- - -
The proceedings were as follows:
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Nanninicalled the meeting to order at 1:30p.m.
Commissioner Russell was absent at this time.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
CommissionerMyersled the meeting participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.
- COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
Commissioner Ellison requested a letter be sent to the House, the Senate and the Nevada’s Congressional representatives in support of the President’s proposal for offshore drilling, Alaskan pipeline, and refineries. Robert Stokeswould draft a letter.
II. CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION:
Discussion and consideration of approval of a Certificate of Appreciation to Terry Chute, Jarbidge / Ruby Mountains District Ranger, in appreciation of his professionalism and cooperative working relationship with Elko County, and all other matters related, thereto.
MOTION:Commissioner Ellison moved to approve a Certificate of Appreciation to Terry Chute. Commissioner Myers seconded the motion. The motion passed by majority vote.
Commissioner Nannini presented the certificate to Terry Chute on behalf of the Board.
Commissioner Russell arrived at 1:33 p.m.
Terry Chute commented that on every issue dealing with the County, the County had been totally cooperative and professional. He stated Tom Montoya would work with them. The board members individually expressed their appreciation to Terry Chute for his cooperation with the County and pointed out the numerous issues Terry Chute had to face through his tenure as District Ranger. Terry Chute stated he would be retiring after 34 years of service with the Forest Service.
COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
Otis Tipton reported that there was $35,000 worth of damage to the Jarbidge motor grader. He noted the older motor graderwas only worth $25,000. Otis Tiptonrecommended that they find more funding to put in the Road Department so they were not put in this position again. He believed they needed to dispose of some of the older equipment. Commissioner Nannini suggested they purchase a used unit. Otis Tipton stated a reasonable replacement may cost $150,000 and a new grader would cost $310,000. He asked if the Commission wished to leave the grader in Jarbidge and invest $35,000. Commissioner Russellinquired about the use of the older caterpillar dozer at the yard as a temporary replacement. Otis Tipton replied this grader would be used for snow removal and was not required until the fall. The board asked him to look for another piece of used equipment. Commissioner Myers asked that Otis Tipton submit a memo with his recommendations and the costs so the Board could make a decision at the next meeting. He stated they could either decide whether it would come from the contingency, the Commissioner’s budget or not approve it and not put anything up there. Otis Tipton explained that Cashman Equipment had the transmission torn apart in their shop and Cashman needed an answer soon.
III.NEVADA RURAL HOUSING AUTHORITY (NRHA):
Presentation, discussion and consideration of issues related to the NRHA, its mission and accomplishments including consideration of RESOLUTION 21-2008entitled,RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF ELKO COUNTY, NEVADA PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE COUNTY’S 2008 PRIVATE ACTIVITY BOND CAP TO THE NEVADA RURAL HOUSING AUTHORITY; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. Said resolution transfers ElkoCounty’s Private Activity Bond Cap to the NRHA to be used for financing housing for low to moderate-income individuals and families.
Gary Longaker, NRHA, gave a historical overview of the development of Nevada Rural Housing Authority. He submitted brochures reviewing their numerous programs. He explained the allocation of Private Activity Bonds. Gary Longaker asked them to consider transferring their Private Activity Bonds to the NRHA to implement their programs. He noted that the State increased their match for programs through these types of transfers. Gary Longaker commented that NRHA had made loans of 1.3 million dollars to help families in ElkoCounty. He noted they were considering a statewide land trust wherein an individual could donate land or BLM lands could be acquired through the program. Commissioner Myers commented that they had previously allocated the bonds to Holly Gregory at Weststates. It was his understanding that Weststates never received that funding. He questioned if that funding had been sent. Commissioner Eklund-Brown requested clarification upon the amount of familiesthat were helped under their three bond programs. Gary Longaker replied that they have helped approximately 370 families with a conventional mortgage through VA, FHA, Rural Development, etc. He stated the average NRHA mortgage assistance was $189,000 within the state per family. He explained the services that NRHA performed.
MOTION:Commissioner Myers moved to adopt Resolution No. 21-2008, entitled: RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF ELKO COUNTY, NEVADA PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE COUNTY’S 2008 PRIVATE ACTIVITY BOND CAP TO THE NEVADA RURAL HOUSING AUTHORITY; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
IV. WELLS, NEVADA EARTHQUAKE DISASTER:
Update report, discussion and consideration of issues and actions related to the recovery from the damage and disruption caused to Wells, Nevada by the earthquake event on February 21, 2008 and all other matters related, thereto.
Commissioner Nannini reported the Wells City Mayor and Manager were currently in Carson City with Emergency Management on this matter. He stated that approximately 80% of the Wells Earthquake Funding had been disbursed. Commissioner Nannini commented the biggest issue was to get the high school open by next school year.
V. ELKO COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Discussion and consideration of the reappointment of one position and the appointment of one position on the Elko County Library Board of Trustees and all other matters related, thereto. Said terms are from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2012.
Jeanette Hammons reported that the Library Board of Trustees recommended re-appointment of Wendy Porter and appointment of Brent Chamberlain. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if DavidLoremanwas applying as an ex-officio capacity. JeanetteHammons stated Mr. Loreman would have to be out for a minimum of a full term of one year.
MOTION:Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to appoint Wendy Porter and Brent Chamberlain to the Library Board of Trustees for a term from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2012. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
VI.ELKOCOUNTY WILDLIFE ADVISORY BOARD:
Discussion and consideration of the reappointment of two positions to the Elko County Wildlife Advisory Board and all other matters related, thereto. Said terms are from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2012.
Commissioner Myers explained that Ken Wellington and Brandon Fordinhad been sitting on the board. He noted that Mr. Mori asked that a rancher be put on the board. Commissioner Myers recommended that both members presently sitting on the board be re-appointed and next year there may be a vacancy. Commissioner Russell asked if a rancher was sitting upon the wildlife board. Commissioner Myers replied there was not a rancher on the board at this time. He noted that after Neil McQueary retired no ranchers had applied even after advertising the vacancy several times. The board discussed the ranchers’ significance to the wildlife issues in ElkoCounty. Commissioner Myers commented upon the numerous issues before the wildlife board. Commissioner Ellison spoke upon his previous representation upon RAC and the cooperation between the ranchers and the hunters. Commissioner Nannini suggested that they advertise the position that would be open next year and request rancher participation.
Pete Mori, representing the general public and ranching, suggested that a rancher be appointed to balance the board. He had spoken to Ken Wellington previously. He did not have a problem with Ken Wellington or Brandon Fordin on the Board and did not suggest their removal. However, he did not feel that there was proper representation relating to private land. Pete Mori stressed that they need to have cooperation with the ranching community. Henoted that they did have a couple of ranching applicants that had come forth. There was a discussion upon the participation of the current members on the board. Pete Mori commented upon the State meeting in Winnemucca wherein they did not have the support from the ranching industry.
Brandon Fordinnoted when he applied for the Board previously he was the only applicant. He requested to stay on the Board. He stated that they did consider ranchers’ comments that come before the advisory board.
Ken Wellington explained the friction between the County and the State Board. Ken Wellington stated he expectedPete Mori to represent the cattlemen and noted for the last twenty years ranchers have had a state representative on the State Board. Ken Wellington commented upon the lack of rancher participation at their advisory board meetings. He agreed that they need grazing and support the ranchers’ rights. Ken Wellington requested to remain on the advisory board.
Commissioner Nannini suggested that when they advertise for the next open position, they request a ranching representative.
MOTION:Commissioner Myers moved to re-appoint KenWellington and Brandon Fordin to the Elko County Wildlife Advisory Board for terms of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2012 and that the next open position be advertised for a rancher primarily and if they do not receive an applicant they fill it with another applicant. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
VII.ELKO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT:
Discussion of Sheriff Department issues including operational reports, statistics, communications and all other matters related, thereto.
A written report was previously submitted. No one was present representing the Sheriff’s Department.
VIII.ELKO COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE:
Discussion and consideration of approval of amendments to the tax roll to strike off tax amounts that are deemed uncollectible as recommended by the Elko County Treasurer’s Office and all other matters related, thereto.
Robert Stokes stated the Treasurer’s office had certified that these amendments were appropriate and recommended approval of the amendments.
MOTION:Commissioner Ellison moved to approve the amendment to the tax roll as recommended by the ElkoCounty Treasurer’s Office. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
IX.ELKO COUNTYASSESSOR’S OFFICE:
Discussion and consideration of the acceptance of the letter of resignation from Joe Aguirre, Elko County Assessor, to take affect on August 29, 2008 including Commission direction regarding the procedure for the selection of Mr. Aguirre’s successor and all other matters related, thereto.
Joe Aguirre will meet with the CountyCommission during the first meeting in July to recap his long career with ElkoCounty and the Assessor’s Office.
MOTION:Commissioner Myers moved to accept Joe Aguirre’s letter of resignation to take affect on August 29, 2008. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion.
Commissioner Ellison asked about the advertisement of the vacated position. Robert Stokesstated they had one position that was vacated in the middle of her term and at that time, the CountyCommission advertised for the Clerk’s position. He stated there were no statutory requirements for appointment and it would be up to the CountyCommission to make the decision. The Board discussed the remaining length of the term that Joe Aguirre was vacating.
The motion passed unanimously.
Robert Stokes would advertise the position and bring it back on the July 9thmeeting agenda.
X.METROPOLIS IRRIGATION RESTORATION PROJECT:
Update report on the Metropolis Irrigation Restoration Project that will make improvements to Metropolis Irrigation District structures including the Bishop Creek Dam and a new Recreation Facility consisting of road access, campsites, picnic tables and a dock on the Bishop Creek Reservoir and all other matters related, thereto.
Commissioner Nannini reported they had the agreement signed, they had verbal agreement with NDOT and two construction companies were willing to rough-in the road to the dam site. He stated they hoped to have the dam construction out to bid by early fall.
XI.MEDICAL SERVICES FACILITY (OLD ELKO CLINIC):
Discussion and consideration of issues related to a lease and/or purchase of this facility by the County from the NortheasternNevadaRegionalHospital and all other matters related, thereto.
Commissioner Nannini stated there was a dialogue going and they hoped to have some more information by next meeting.
XII. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA):
ELKO OUTREACH CLINIC:
Discussion and consideration of issues related to a VA bid solicitation for the construction of 5,000 plus square foot medical office space for a VA Outreach Clinic in ElkoCounty and all other matters related, thereto.
Robert Stokes stated they had not received the bid specifications for the outreach clinic. Commissioner Nannini explained the person previously on this project had retired and her replacement would now have to catch up on this project. There was a discussion upon the corporation’s attempt to assign the clinic to the County under current tax laws.
XIII.ELKOCOUNTY WATER RESOURCE ISSUES:
Discussion and consideration of water resource management and water rights issues that may affectElkoCounty including possible discussion related to the Southern Nevada Water Authority pipeline project and the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority activities and issues and all other matters related, thereto.
Commissioner Russell noted the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority had met and it was reported that their website would be on line soon. He noted there would be changes to the State Water Resource’s website so it would be more accessible. Commissioner Russell stated there was a proposal to have a water summit to gather decision makers on water issues to look at water throughout the entire state of Nevada. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that there had been a scheduling conflict on the meetings for the Humboldt River Basin Water Authority and the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority. She reported that she attended the HRBWA meeting wherein the State Engineer spoke about relinquishment/dedication of water rights. She noted the CNRWA was sharing information with the State Engineer’s Office and USGS. Commissioner Eklund-Brown reported that they discussed opposing the amendments to the Clean Water Act. She commented upon the impact from the Impaired Water Listing. She reported they would set up a meeting with the Executive Director, the BLM, FS, NDEP, USGS, etc. Tom Montoya had informed them of his previous experience in Idaho and Oregon on this matter. Commissioner Ellison believed the verbiage amendments to the Clean Water Act were now in the hands of the Congress.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown would attend the Butte National Summit of MiningCommunities in Montana. She reported a Western Water Law Conference would be held in Denver. Commissioner Nannini suggested attendanceat that conference.
XV.COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR:
July 9 & 10, 2008 -- 1:30 p.m. – Elko – Courthouse
July 23, 2008 – Midas, Tuscarora, MountainCity
August 6 & 7, 2008 -- 1:30 p.m. – Elko – Courthouse
All Times Pacific Time
MOTION:Commissioner Ellison moved to approve the Commission Meeting Calendar for July and August. Commissioner Russellseconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
XVI.CONSENT AGENDA:
A.Presentation and review of claims for approval
B.Elko County Fire Protection District (ECFPD):
Approval of ECFPD use of fire response reimbursable monies for the purchase of materials and/or equipment for the District.
C.Fiscal Affairs: Approval of Year End Budget Adjustment Resolutions:
1. Resolution 16-2008 -- A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSFER OF APPROPRIATIONS AND CASH FROM THE CONTINGENCY ACCOUNT WITHIN THE 2007/2008 FISCAL BUDGET FROM THE COUNTY OF ELKO GENERAL FUND TO THE SHERIFF GRANT FUND
2.Resolution 17-2008 -- A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSFER OF APPROPRIATIONS AND CASH FROM THE CONTINGENCY ACCOUNT WITHIN THE 2007/2008 FISCAL BUDGET FROM THE COUNTY OF ELKO GENERAL FUND TO THE SOLID WASTE ENTERPRISE FUND