STATE OF NEVADA, ) COUNTY OF ELKO. ) ss. MARCH 6, 2002

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1 STATE OF NEVADA, ) COUNTY OF ELKO. ) ss. The Board of Elko County Commissioners meet in regular session on March 6, 2002, at 1:30 p.m., in Room 105, in the Elko County Courthouse, at 571 Idaho Street, Elko, Nevada. There were present: County Commissioners Brad Roberts, Chair Nolan Lloyd Mike Nannini Warren Russell John Ellison County Manager Robert Stokes Deputy District Attorney Kristin McQueary County Clerk Win Smith Deputy County Clerk Marilyn Tipton Chief Financial Officer Cash Minor Public Works Director Lynn Forsberg --- The following proceedings were held: Commissioner Roberts called the regular meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Roberts lead the meeting participants in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF PRECEDING MINUTES: The Board considered approval of the preceding minutes for the meeting held on February 20, 2002: Board of County Commissioners; Board of County Highway Commissioners; Jackpot Town Board; Jarbidge Town Board; Montello Town Board; and the Mountain City Town Board. MOTION: Commissioner Lloyd moved to approve the preceding minutes for the meeting held on February 20, 2002: Board of County Commissioners; Board of County Highway Commissioners; Jackpot Town Board; Jarbidge Town Board; Montello Town Board; and the Mountain City Town Board. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC: No comments were submitted by the general public. CORRESPONDENCE, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND NOTICES INCLUSIVE OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: PAGE 1

2 Bureau of Land Management: Memorandum dated 2/27/02 to Reviewers of the Interpretive Plan for the California National Historic Trails Interpretive Center and Wayside Sites asking for assistance in review comments of the draft plan. Dear Reader letter dated 2/13/02 regarding the enclosed copy of the draft environmental impact statement for the Leeville Project of the Newmont Mining Corporation. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Monthly public notice of permit actions taken during the period of 01/01/02 through 01/31/02. Nevada Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection: Public Notice of Proposed Action received 2/14/02 announcing proposed statewide General Permit, GNV that would regulate the discharge of irrigation ditch water that has been treated with certain agricultural herbicides for the control of unwanted vegetation. Dear Ms. Brown letter dated 2/13/02 regarding corrective action plan for the former Washoe Bulk Storage Facility at th Street in Elko, Case ID # , Facility IS# , which was approved Request for Proposals for Nevada Recycling and Waste Reduction Contracts dated 2/19/02 and targeting rural municipalities, non-profit organizations, schools the University and Community College System of Nevada and other public institutions of Nevada. State of Nevada, Department of Transportation: Meeting agenda for meeting scheduled for 2/15/02. Nevada Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of State Lands: Dear Fellow Nevadan letter dated 2/19/02 announcing the Western Governor s Association (WGA) Enlibra Summit in April. Nevada Dept of Business and Industry: Memorandum dated 2/7/02 to City Managers and County Managers noting attachment of preliminary estimate of Nevada s 2002 private activity bond volume cap reserved for local governments use. Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation: Nevada Economy in Brief newsletter dated December/Fourth Quarter State of Nevada, Department of Taxation: News Release dated 2/26/02 reporting statewide taxable sales for December 2001 showing a 4.5% decrease over December 2000 and a 0.4% increase for the fiscal year Nevada State Juvenile Justice Commission, Dept. of Human Services, Division of Child and Family Services: Dear Mr. Boucher letter dated 2/21/02 regarding the juvenile accountability incentive block grant 2001-JB-XV-0032, CFDA PAGE 2

3 Nevada Legislature s Committee on Public Lands: Meeting agenda and notice for 3/8/02 meeting in Reno. State of Nevada, Legislative Counsel Bureau: Meeting agenda and notice for meeting scheduled for 3/7/02 in Reno. Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners: Meeting agenda and notice for 3/7/02. Nevada Rural Housing Authority: Board of Commissioners notice and agenda for meeting scheduled for 2/27/02. Nevada Association of Counties: Dear Senator Rawson letter dated 2/14/02 noting concern of the Draft State Emergency Powers Act which would disregard established protocol of local governing bodies to declare emergencies and which may in turn result in unintended consequences such as failure to qualify for federal assistance and the allocation of local resources. Northeastern Nevada Stewardship Group: Northeast Nevada Outdoor Recreation Workshop announcement and information brochure dated 2/16/02 with workshop scheduled for 3/8/02 though 3/9/02 in Elko. Nevada Taxpayers Association: Tax Topics special edition newsletter dated February 2002 announcing tax amnesty program. National Association of Counties: 2002 NACO Annual Conference scheduled for 07/12/06 through 07/16/02 informational brochure and registration form. Public Lands News: Dear Subscriber to Public Lands News letter dated 2/8/02 noting new publication called Federal Parks & Recreation, with free issue enclosed. Public Lands News newsletter dated 2/15/02. Shoshone-Paiute Tribes: Dear Mr. Young letter dated 2/22/02 with enclosure of a draft final report of the Duck Valley Shoshone-Paiute Tribes 20 year transportation planning study. Bio-Defense Organization: BioDefense Mobilization Conference announcement scheduled for 4/9/02 through 4/11/02 in Seattle. Bridging the Digital Divide: Meeting notice and agenda for 2/20/02 meeting in Jackpot. National Historic California Emigrant Trails Interpretive Center: Meeting notice, agenda and minutes for 2/19/02 meeting. National Organization on Disability: Dear Mr. Lloyd letter dated 2/15/02 encouraging the appointment of qualified individuals with disabilities to serve on our community disaster preparedness committee. National Flood Insurance Program: Watermark newsletter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency dated Winter PAGE 3

4 National Community Action Foundation: dated 2/27/02 to Rob Stokes regarding the FY03 budget and political battles over the CSBG program. Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence: Brochure received 2/14/02 announcing the 9 th annual statewide domestic violence conference scheduled for 9/18/02 through 9/20/02. Environmental Leadership: El News newsletter dated January Wayne and Dixie Simper: Dear Commissioners letter dated 2/20/02 regarding property owners complying to statutes regarding improper conditions of their properties, specifically trash including old unusable cars, large oil drums, etc. and a request to take action. The Study Committee: Nevada Monitor newsletter dated February (Purpose of newsletter to assure the scientific study of Yucca Mountain and benefits for Nevadans.) California State Association of Counties: Dear Colleague letter dated 2/22/02 asking for support of Bill Dennison, Plumas County Supervisor, California, for NACO s 2 nd Vice President in City of Elko: Public service announcement received 2/28/02 announcing celebration for March 14 th at the Northeastern Nevada Museum honoring the 85 th year of the City of Elko. COMMENTS BY THE BOARD AND STAFF UPON THE CORRESPONDENCE: Commissioner Lloyd reviewed the correspondence received from Ryndon (Wayne and Dixie Simper: Dear Commissioners letter dated 2/20/02 regarding property owners complying to statutes regarding improper conditions of their properties, specifically trash including old unusable cars, large oil drums, etc. and a request to take action). Commissioner Roberts noted they had previously discussed this and he suggested taxing the old automobiles as personal property. Commissioner Ellison felt they should address it at their next meeting and the Chairman agreed. Commissioner Ellison, with regards to correspondence: National Organization on Disability: Dear Mr. Lloyd letter dated 2/15/02 encouraging the appointment of qualified individuals with disabilities to serve on our community disaster preparedness committee, suggested they appoint someone to the LEPC committee. MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to advertise for a person with disabilities to serve upon the community disaster preparedness committee. Commissioner Lloyd seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Commissioner Roberts noted that for several months they had received long lists of correspondence. He suggested that they leave it as an action number but delete the full listing of the items from the agenda. Commissioner Ellison also suggested that the newspaper informational articles be placed in a book at the County Manager s office for the Board Members to read instead of PAGE 4

5 copying the newspaper articles for each Commissioner. Commissioner Nannini noted that if they received any correspondence piece that needed board action they could agenda it upon the next agenda. With regards to correspondence: City of Elko: Public service announcement received 2/28/02 announcing celebration for March 14 th at the Northeastern Nevada Museum honoring the 85 th year of the City of Elko, Commissioner Lloyd suggested they have to quorum agenda posted. Kristin McQueary felt that it was better to prepare a quorum agenda as recommended by the Attorney General s Office. Kristin McQueary advised them not to take any action at the social function. Commissioner Ellison inquired if they could issue a Proclamation for the 85 th birthday and read it at the party. Commissioner Roberts noted that it was not worded for action upon the agenda. Commissioner Lloyd requested a quorum agenda be posted for that social event. NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES (DMV): Commissioner Roberts noted that Assemblyman Carpenter was not present and had wished to be here when they discussed the Nevada DMV proposal to close office locations in Northern Nevada. COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Hospital Board - Commissioner Nannini stated they were looking for a new CEO and a couple of new board members applications were being reviewed. He reported that a few new doctors had joined the hospital. Recreation Board - Commissioner Ellison stated they had not met this month. Auditorium Authority Board - Commissioner Lloyd stated he was in Boise for EVAC selling Elko last week, and they had a new executive secretary and a special events person. Museum Board - Commissioner Roberts stated they had replaced a bookkeeper, and Claudia Wines was now the full time director. He reported they had an outstanding turnout for the Halleck Bar party. He stated they were awaiting information from the Forest Service on how to preserve the wood in the pony express cabin. They intended to place the cabin at a site along the east side of building. NACO Board - Commissioner Lloyd stated they were going to Clark County next month to discuss legislative items with them. ECEDA Board - Commissioner Russell noted that Nancy Sheffield would give a presentation later in the meeting. California Trails Center Board - Commissioner Lloyd stated there was no meetings. Juvenile Committee - Commissioner Nannini stated there was nothing to report at this time. LEPC - Commissioner Ellison stated they may go to Washington with regards to grants, and would know in the next few days. He stated there may be 911 funding available for fire trucks, etc. Central Dispatch Administrative Authority - Commissioner Nannini felt that their PAGE 5

6 budget was solid and stated they had another meeting scheduled tomorrow afternoon. Regional Transportation Commission - Commissioners Roberts reported that the commission would meet until April 1 st. NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES (DMV) Continued: Ginny Lewis, Director of DMV, stated that they would be implementing a new digitized licensing and reported that the new machinery to reproduce the digital drivers license was bulky and hard to move. Therefore, the new technology would necessitate that they change rural service. Ginny Lewis noted they had reviewed the number of people served in the rural areas, and had listened to concerns with regards to young drivers and elderly issues. She proposed that two members of the Elko office travel to West Wendover once a month and noted that the customer numbers supported their presence at that location. She reported that in the Jackpot and Wells communities there were no big numbers. They suggested that Elko staff travel to Wells on a monthly basis and reported that currently they service Wells every other month. They would request that the Jackpot residents travel to Wells once a month for DMV services. Commissioner Ellison noted the numerous phone calls he had received and stated their was an issue with the distance between the communities. He requested clarification upon Jackpot service. Ginny Lewis replied that Wells service would be increased to monthly and the people of Jackpot would travel to Wells for service. Commissioner Nannini inquired if there was a phone issue with regards to servicing the Jackpot community. Ginny Lewis replied that the new technology utilized a 50 pound printer and the printer was not portable. Therefore, they would now use a dial up modem so the phone line would not be an issue. Commissioner Nannini requested that service continue within all three of the communities. He inquired about the numbers in Jackpot. Ginny Lewis replied they served approximately fourteen people per month in Jackpot. She pointed out that the staff was traveling from the Elko office where they could be serving more people in the Elko office. Ginny Lewis stated the issue was how to best serve the customers with the resources you have. Beth Winans inquired if they would consider going to Wells one month and Jackpot the next month. Ginny Lewis stated that they could provide more hours of service to the customers in Wells due to travel time. Beth Winans inquired if they could come to Jackpot every other month or every three months. Ginny Lewis stated that she would discuss that with Alan Lee of the Elko DMV District Office. Commissioner Nannini stated everyone would be happy if they could keep serving the Jackpot. Beth Winans felt that the numbers were higher than fourteen people who were served on a monthly basis for Jackpot. Commissioner Ellison inquired if they could alternate service for the Wells and Jackpot on an every other month basis. Ginny Lewis stated that they would review the numbers and try to balance it to meet the rural needs. Beth Winans inquired about the printer s weight and asked if they could assist them with that. Ginny Lewis stated they would issue receipts (temporary licenses) to the customers at the travel sites and the staff would download into the main computer in Elko and print out a card to be mailed to the customer. She reported there would be a delay of PAGE 6

7 two to three days before the customer received the card however the temporary license would be valid with law enforcement. Commissioner Russell criticized them upon the decline of service through the DMV although the technology and staff increased. Ginny Lewis reported that Nevada was one of the last states to digitize the licensing. She noted that the new card system would provide better information and reduce in fraud with new licenses. Beth Winans requested clarified that Allen Lee of the Elko office would work with the Jackpot community to determine the schedule. Assemblyman Carpenter thanked Ginny Lewis for appearing at the meeting. He stated when he first he talked to Ginny Lewis they did not know if they could work with the new technology in the area. He felt they needed to impress upon the people that they needed to take advantage of this service. He believed this technology would be a big advantage to the State and noted the bigger problems in Las Vegas and Reno with longer waiting lines. He noted the Elko Department of Motor Vehicle staff s workload. He personally thanked Ginny Lewis for her efforts to maintain service to the rural communities. Commissioner Nannini noted the various public officials in attendance which represented several rural communities and thanked Ginny Lewis, the Department of Motor Vehicles and Assemblyman Carpenter for their efforts upon this matter. Josephine Thaut, Mayor of West Wendover, stated she was thrilled to hear of the news and have the technology available. She thanked Assemblyman Carpenter and the Board for their support. Commissioner Ellison thanked the DMV staff for traveling from Carson City to address this issue. COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Continued: Debt Management Committee - Commissioner Lloyd stated they had met last Friday and he had a copy of the minutes. He stated that they had re-elected Paul Stevens as Chair and Mike Franzoia as Vice-Chairman. Water Planning - Commissioner Ellison noted they would meet tonight. Humboldt River Basin Water Authority - Commissioners Lloyd stated, no meeting. Elk Advisory Committee - Commissioner Russell reported upon the process with the help of federal agencies, NDOW, ranchers, etc., to establish projected numbers and they were in the process of holding a mini-hearing for public comments. He hoped they would have a report prepared next month for the Board s review to approve or not. Jail Construction Committee - Commissioners Nannini stated they toured the facility and it was close to completion. They were ahead of schedule. Commissioner Nannini stated that the Judges chambers was secure and it was a good system. They had minor changes but overall the design was good. He stated the transportation area was secure and they had touch tone monitors. Hopefully, the grand opening would be scheduled. Fair Board - Commissioner Ellison stated he was out of town during the last meeting. Yucca Mountain Project - Commissioner Nannini stated it was going along. Senior Citizens - Commissioner Roberts stated there was no meeting schedule received for last month. He knew they were concerned about utility costs and were viewing PAGE 7

8 geothermal. Kristin McQueary stated the trouble shooting heating contractor was in her office last Friday. They would have another meeting with the contractor after the trouble shooting was completed. It was believed to be a computer programing problem. Commissioner Roberts noted the Contractor s comments about fidgeting with the controls. Elko Mental Health Advisory Board - Commissioner Ellison he noted they changed meeting dates and he needed to get copy of the new meeting dates. Nevada Division of Wildlife Liaison - Commissioner Russell stated there was nothing to report. Nevadaworks - Commissioner Ellison stated they would be in Carson City on Friday. Northeastern Nevada Regional Transit Coalition - Commissioner Ellison stated he had not been contacted for a meeting schedule. USFS Liaison - Commissioner Nannini noted he, County Manager Robert Stokes, and Otis Tipton met with FS personnel. Robert Stokes stated they discussed the rural community assistance grant program and had received today the paperwork from the Forest Service. He stated that Bill Van Bruggen had suggested they consider the pasture grant through NDF rather than an RCA grant for the Lamoille Grove. Commissioner Nannini noted it was an ongoing project. BLM Liaison - County Manager stated they met with BLM on Feb 8 th and discussed the California Trails Interpretive Center, and discussed the problems with cattleguards and how they affected the allotments upon BLM lands. Nevada Public Agency Insurance Pool & Public Agency Compensation Trust Board - CFO, Cash Minor stated they would meet on the 25 th and 26 th to discuss renewals. Chairman Roberts called the Jackpot Town Board to order at 2:10 p.m. and reconvened the regular meeting at 2:26 p.m. TUSCARORA WATER DISTRICT: Lynn Forsberg gave the operational report on the water system. Lynn Forsberg requested they table the contract for maintenance services for the Tuscarora Water System until the next meeting so that he may discuss this with Mr. Johnson. SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT: Lynn Forsberg stated there was no meeting held. LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES/LAW LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Dave Ellefsen, Library Director, reported that Sara Jones, the State Librarian had attended their last meeting and they discussed the clan library network. They had discussed ways to save money upon their telecommunication costs. Mr. Ellefsen stated they were reviewing the new budget. They requested Cash Minor to attend the next Board of Trustees meeting to explain their current fiscal situation. He reported they were putting in grant applications for computers, and the West Wendover and Wells branches would qualify for those grants. Dave Ellefsen stated they had signed up for a new service PAGE 8

9 with Dialog Corporation which was the largest commercial vendor of data bases. He stated that the Library would have access to more than 500 data bases within the new service. He would like to demonstrate the system to the board members. Commissioner Russell requested Mr. Ellefsen to explain about the internet services provided through the Dialog Corporation. Dave Ellefsen noted that through an individual s access to the internet they could check out the library catalog with their home computers and also perform research upon the internet. Commissioner Russell clarified that new system would provide resources to homebound people. Dave Ellefsen reported the people would still need their library card for access. Commissioner Ellison inquired if Cash Minor had read the letter from Sara Jones, State Librarian, and received an affirmative response. Other Library Board of Trustees matters: Commissioner Roberts inquired about the library roof repair. Dave Ellefsen stated there was a meeting with J. D Long, Kristin McQueary and they would request the Contractor to install a vent system to resolve the problem. Kristin McQueary stated she had sent a letter to the contractor but she had not heard back from them. Robert Stokes noted that the Contractor had stated there was a large amount of condensation under the new roof and they felt that additional venting would take care of a lot of the problems. He stated they were still having problems with regards to the type of warranty required within the original bid and they were negotiating. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (CDBG): Jarbidge Fire Station: Lynn Forsberg stated that after reviewing the applications they had received he recommended approval of J.D. Long as the architect for the Jarbidge Fire Station siting and design. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve J.D. Long as architect for the Jarbidge Fire Station siting and design. Commissioner Lloyd seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Carlin Senior Center: Cash Minor noted that according to Bond Ordinance, Section 25, any remaining funds in the project go back to the debit service fund to reduce the principle interest. Therefore this funding would be unavailable for financing the Carlin Senior Center. The Board discussed utilization of a portion of the PILT funding for the project. Cash Minor stated they had budgeted 1.5 million into the general fund, and they were already 2 million short in their operating funds. Commissioner Ellison inquired about the possible reduction of the future PILT payments. Cash Minor reviewed the publicity campaign to retain the PILT at its current levels. He stated it had been requested to be dropped by 40% within the federal budget for FY Commissioner Nannini inquired about the land payment for the fire academy. Cash Minor believed it would be two more years. Commissioner Nannini inquired what that PAGE 9

10 payment amount was. Commissioner Roberts felt it was $125,000 to $150,000, and believed it would be paid off in He inquired when the actual construction phase may be upon the Carlin Senior Citizens center. Cherie Aiazzi, Carlin City Clerk-Treasurer, stated that if they received the CDBG grant it would be awarded in July. The project would be bid in days thereafter, and the plans were currently being drawn. She stated they wished to go out to bid quickly and start construction in Spring of 2003 with completion 18 months later. The Board discussed funding availability in Cherie Aiazzi requested clarification about the shortfall in their FY budget. Commissioner Roberts noted they would still be short even when utilizing the PILT in the general fund. Cherie Aiazzi inquired about the amount of PILT funding. Commissioner Roberts explained that they had received 1.4 million in PILT and the interest accrued throughout the year which brought the total to approximately 1.5 million dollars. He noted they could not do a budget rollover this year because all available funding had been expended. Cash Minor noted that the payoff upon the fire academy land was September 15, 2005, and the current year debit service was less than $60, per year. Commissioner Ellison inquired when they would know if the PILT payment funds would be decreased. Cash Minor noted it would be October or December before it was decided within Congress. Commissioner Nannini inquired about the Carlin proposal upon the interest payment process. Cherie Aiazzi stated that their USDA loan application was for $200, for a 30 year period and $13,000 would be the annual interest payment. She noted that they would also have to retain 10% for late payment status. Commissioner Roberts inquired about any other loan pay offs. Cash Minor reported there was two more years upon South Fork but it was a special tax rate and would come off the ad valorem rate. Cherie Aiazzi inquired about the incentive fund. Commissioner Lloyd noted there was nothing left. Cash Minor stated that $30,000 remained in the incentive fund. Commissioner Ellison requested that Cherie Aiazzi and Cash Minor discuss this. Cherie Aiazzi requested a partnership letter. Commissioner Nannini suggested that they make the interest payment of $13,000 up to 2006 and after the fire academy land was paid, pay the remainder upon the $100, Commissioner Ellison suggested that they address it within the budget process. Commissioner Nannini noted that they have to have something solid to submit with the grant application, such as a letter of commitment. Commissioner Russell noted that they were short 1.5 million dollars in their budget and they would have to reduce their services. He felt they would have more of a crisis by increasing their debt with no assurances that they would not be facing a massive budget deficit in the future. Commissioner Nannini inquired about the $30,000 in the incentive fund. Commissioner Lloyd noted that would make two years of interest payments and inquired about a letter of commitment upon the $100,000. Cherie Aiazzi stated if the Board would commit to the interest payments for a few years until something else was paid off then they could deduct the interest payments from the $100, commitment. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to pay the $13, note payment for the next three years to 2006 and at that time they would pay the balance of the $100, they had committed. Commissioner PAGE 10

11 Lloyd seconded the motion. Kristin McQueary noted they could not commit future Boards to unbudgeted funds. Commissioner Ellison requested clarification upon the commitment of funds from the fire academy payoff. Cash Minor stated that the payment was upon the declining balance, therefore, next year the fire academy payoff would be $57, due to the reduction of interest. The Board discussed obligating the incentive fund upon the annual interest payments. Robert Stokes clarified that the three annual interest payments would be in a total of $39, and the balance would be $61, in Commissioner Lloyd inquired about the commitment placed upon future boards. Cash Minor noted that they budgeted upon an annual basis but they could pass a Resolution to identify a formal reserve upon those funds. The Board discussed the hospital sale interest money commitments. Kristin McQueary reviewed NRS Commissioner Nannini noted that there were three Board members who would be on the Board for three more years. Kristin McQueary noted they could appropriate the funding within their term of office. Commissioner Ellison requested clarification in the motion that they would not extend beyond the Board s term. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to amend his motion not to extend beyond the Board s terms based upon the information from the District Attorney s Office. Commissioner Lloyd seconded the amendment. Commissioner Russell stated he did not object to utilizing the interest upon the hospital sale but questioned committing funds where there was no guarantee upon the revenue such as the incentive funds. The motion was passed unanimously. Cherie Aiazzi requested a letter supporting the Carlin Senior Center CDBG application. Commissioner Roberts inquired when the hearing upon the application would be held. Cherie Aiazzi replied during the week of May 13th. MOTION: Commissioner Lloyd moved to submit a letter of support for the Carlin Senior Center CDBG grant application and that they try to be in person to support that application. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Cherie Aiazzi thanked the Board for their commitment and letter of support CDBG Grant Applications: Lynn Forsberg suggested and the Board considered final approval and ranking of County CDBG Projects for the 2002 as follows: Project # 1: Tuscarora Power Line Extension and Water System Improvement. CDBG $97,000, Local Cash $6,000, In-Kind $3,500 Project # 2: Midas Water Cooperative Water Well Replacement. CDBG $180,000; In-Kind $17,005, Planning: Jackpot Water System Master Plan. CDBG $ 50,000, In-Kind $4,000 Commissioner Ellison suggested that project #2 should be ranked as number one. PAGE 11

12 Lynn Forsberg stated that the Commission had recommended this ranking. Commissioner Roberts noted that the water well in Midas had showed an improvement and that was why they ranked it as number two. MOTION: Commissioner Lloyd moved to approve the ranking of the County CDBG Projects as follows: Project # 1: Tuscarora Power Line Extension and Water System Improvement; Project # 2: Midas Water Cooperative Water Well Replacement; Planning: Jackpot Water System Master Plan. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. Lynn Forsberg noted that there would be a change to the Tuscarora grant because Sierra Pacific costs would be $50,000 rather than $40,000 which was anticipated. Commissioner Lloyd clarified that the motion stands. The Board members agreed. Commissioner Ellison inquired if the in-kind services would also increase. Lynn Forsberg replied that would remain the same because of the in-kind services already performed. Lynn Forsberg noted that within this particular project they could drop the water line portion from the project in order to fund the power line. The motion was passed unanimously. The Board considered approval of a commitment of $6,000 to be used as matching funds for the CDBG application for the Jackpot Water System Master Plan if funding was awarded. Commissioner Roberts clarified that the funding would come from the enterprise fund. MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to approve the commitment of $6,000 to be used as matching funds for the CDBG application for the Jackpot Water System Master Plan, if funding was awarded. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Chairman Roberts called a recess at 3:00 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 3:10 p.m CDBG Grant Applications - Continued: Project # 1: Tuscarora Power Line Extension and Water System Improvement. CDBG $97,000, Local Cash $6,000, In-Kind $3,500 Jay Elquist, Sierra Pacific Power Company, stated that the price increase was due to the fact that the contract was only guaranteed for 90 days, and that costs of material and labor had risen. Commissioner Lloyd inquired if it would increase before actual construction. Jay Elquist stated they could hold the price for 90 days but if they go into a contract then the price would stay the same until it was built. Commissioner Nannini inquired if there was a leeway for a historic site or a new customer. Jay Elquist replied the public commission rules did not allow them to play favorites with regards to a new customer. Commissioner Nannini inquired about donations. Jay Elquist stated that they could seek to be placed upon the donation list but it would have to come from an unrelated PAGE 12

13 source. He cautioned that any job over $12,000 would be audited within 30 days of completion. He stated they would attempt to come in as best they could upon the material and labor, and push the guys upon the installation. Commissioner Ellision inquired about the payback upon the 5 year agreement. Jay Elquist stated he pulled off an allowance based upon an estimated consumption. He stated that after a year they would audit the actual usage. Jay Elquist stated there was not a lot of consumption. Commissioner Ellison inquired if someone taped into that line. Jay Elquist replied that within the next ten years if someone tapped into the line, then the County would get a proportionate refund based upon how much of the line was utilized. Commissioner Nannini noted the efforts expended upon this project and encouraged Sierra Pacific s cooperation upon this project. Frank Gonzales, Sierra Pacific, noted that after April 1 st would set the tone what they would do. He inquired if the Board had considered underground installation wherein the County crew could dig the trench and install conduit. The Board members noted the life expectancy and maintenance was the issues. ELKO COUNTY TV DISTRICT BOUNDARIES: Kristin McQueary stated that she was informed a portion of the Elko County TV District boundaries may include Eureka County and she was asked how to remove the property within Eureka County from the boundaries. Pursuant to NRS , she stated that the owners of that property would have to petition the TV District board to be excluded from that TV district. Robert Stokes noted that no one lived there and no billings went out of the Assessor or Treasurer s office for TV district assessment. He stated that Randy Brown had recommended that they leave it alone until someone came forward. Commissioner Lloyd inquired about an audit upon those funds. Cash Minor replied that there was an annual audit performed and a finance statement was available. Commissioner Russell stated he would research the TV district s operation and how it functioned. Commissioner Nannini noted it had effected some people in the Spring Creek area. Commissioner Russell stated he would report next month. ELKO COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Hooper Apartment Building Property: Commissioner Nannini discussed seeking an appraisal on the Hooper Apartment Building that is adjacent to the new County parking lot on Fifth Street in Elko in order to look at the option of acquiring said property for future parking space. He had spoken to Mark Hooper and his wife and they had indicated they may be willing to trade some land that the county owned or city property to finish out the whole lot. He felt they should obtain an appraisal. Commissioner Ellison inquired how much was an appraisal and where the funding would come from. Robert Stokes estimated between $2,000 to $3, for the appraisal. Commissioner Ellison noted commercial appraisers came from Reno. Commissioner Nannini felt that they could add this appraisal to other appraisal requests to get some set of figures. Robert Stokes noted that Bill Tessler in the past had discounted his rates when there was more than one appraisal to be performed, and they were ready PAGE 13

14 to request the Montello appraisal which may reduce his fees. Commissioner Russell expressed his appreciation to Commissioner Nannini and noted that if that parking lot was extended it would benefit the city, downtown businesses and Elko County. He believed they should follow through and obtain an appraisal and look at their option of trading property. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to seek an appraisal on the Hooper Apartment Building for future parking space and see what their options were such as trading. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. Commissioner Roberts noted that they would loose tax base in the County if they purchased the lot and suggested they exchange or trade property. The motion was passed unanimously. JACKPOT TOWNSHIP JUSTICE COURT: Commissioner Roberts noted the agenda was incorrect because it had the request for filling a vacant part-time Justice Court Clerk position in the Elko Township rather than the Jackpot Township. Robert Stokes apologized to the Jackpot Justice Court for the incorrect wording upon the agenda. Kristin McQueary recommended that the board postpone this until the next meeting MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to table filling a part-time Justice Court Clerk position in the Jackpot Township Justice Court. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. ELKO TOWNSHIP JUSTICE COURT: Liz Watson requested filling a vacant Justice Court Clerk position in the Elko Township Justice Court due to a person retiring. She noted that the position handled the forfeitures, and the court was a revenue producing court. She noted that their civil position was only funded one-half and the administrative assessments was funding the remainder of that position. Commissioner Nannini noted that he and Commissioner Lloyd knew this was a revenue producing court and the position was funded for this year. Commissioner Nannini believed they should continue and encourage any revenue producer. Judge Letty stated that this person retired after 18 years so this position had been funded for 18 years and the rehire salary would come in at a lower rate. She noted the forfeitures was under a 15 day deadline and the forfeitures could not be postponed because the County could not collect after the 15 days. She noted this position generated revenues. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to fill a vacant Justice Court Clerk position in the Elko Township Justice Court. Commissioner Lloyd seconded the motion. Commissioners Nannini, Lloyd, Russell and Roberts voted aye. Commissioner Ellison abstained because his wife worked for the Elko Justice Court. The motion was passed by majority vote. PAGE 14

15 ELKO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (ECEDA): Nancy Sheffield gave an updated report regarding current and future activities of ECEDA. She submitted packets upon their current with projects. She noted in the budget, the ECEDA contributions was based upon a per capita basis of $1.18 and Elko County s portion was $28, She reported in the past budget year the ECEDA board funded the Elko Water Board in amount of $10,000 and approved a geothermal resource study in the amount of $13, ECEDA was contributing to rural Nevada under Nevadaworks $25, for a return of $26, to the County in services. She stated that the studies would allow them to market the county and what the resources were for economic development. Nancy Sheffield stated on Friday there would be a presentation by the Pathfinders group which performed the underemployment survey for Washoe and would also prepare a similar study for rural Nevada. She reported that the unemployment rate was between 5% to 6% for the State. She reviewed ECEDA s project inclusive of the Agri-cost survey, a workforce survey, the 54 leads which came through the website and magazine contacts. She reported how the leads were distributed to all four cities for followup. Nancy Sheffield reviewed the development of business plans, such as for the Wells RV park and the financial information provided upon the different funding source agencies. She stated they funded a scholarship for the agri-cost survey and workforce study. She reported that there would be an outdoor recreational workshop held this weekend and noted a lot of Elko s economy was based upon tourism. She stated that she and Elaine Barkdull were coordinating upon a small business and entrepreneur conference to be scheduled in Elko. Commissioner Russell noted dehydration utilized geothermal power and displayed a bottle of garlic powder dehydrated by Empire Farms. Nancy Sheffield noted they were coordinating with the extension office regarding garlic and onion production. She stated they were coordinating with the City of Carlin on how to market their industrial property. Nancy Sheffield stated the City of Elko was going through their strategic growth planning workshops and considering offering of incentives. Commissioner Nannini felt they would be opening Carlin s market with the installation of the new water line. Nancy Sheffield stated that Carlin had funded a geothermal study. She stated that ECEDA joined the Geothermal Resources Council. She noted that it was important to be upon the informational list. She also submitted information from CED regarding the other development authorities. The meeting room was evacuated due to fire alarm at 3:45 p.m and the meeting was reconvened at 3:50 p.m. Nancy Sheffield stated that they had discussed more funding for State economic development to aid the rural communities. She reported that ECEDA would prepare a priority list of projects. An industrial mineral survey was being considered due to the cat litter item in Reno. They had tabled having Converse Consultants performing the study, due to the information available through the Bureau of Mines, etc. Nancy Sheffield reported upon a retirement community conference held in Savannah, Georgia in November. She noted that Gail Leatherwood was pursuing an Elko spaceport. Nancy PAGE 15

16 Sheffield stated ECEDA was considering the creation of a mentor group of successful business owners to aid people just starting a business, and the possibility of a revolving aid fund. She reported that Glen Guttry and Warren Russell was spearheading that group and also maintained the website which was a separate site and linked to several other different sites. She stated they were able to have Dean Alford submit abstracts for the DOE funding. However they were unsuccessful in getting geothermal grants, and the Department of Energy chose to finish funding their project at Rye Patch. She stated that the MacKay School of Mines funding may be available, and their research assistants were utilized upon the geothermal study. Nancy Sheffield stated they had submitted grants for the Snobowl through the convention center. They were encouraging year around activities at the Snobowl. The total of the two grants was $52, for the installation of a tube tow and for installation of restraining bars upon the current lift. They hoped to create events in the Summer for that area and would know about the grant funding in April. She noted they only had $200,000 State funding available in the program. Nancy Sheffield stated that the City of Elko was working upon their CDB&G grant application and they wished to identify economic development based upon why people shop out of town whether it was availability or pricing issues, etc. She noted that West Wendover had a similar CDB&G grant application to target businesses for their area. Nancy Sheffield stated that they were advertising in Expansion Management Magazine which was distributed to all the cities to encourage leads. She stated they had a connection with Logo Link which would take them directly to the Elko website. She reported they were invited to a roundtable conference in the Rockies in April. She believed it would be a good networking opportunity for the site selectors. Nancy Sheffield stated that she had gone to Reno last week regarding software utilized for business interviews, and the program targeted businesses which would support the existing businesses in the area. Nancy Sheffield reviewed her referral sources. She reported that the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada EDAWN was receptive to cooperate with them and suggested target companies in Idaho because Idaho taxes were based upon their global assets. She stated that ECEDA was attempting to build relationships with the different organizations so that they may share information. She stated ECEDA had discussed joining an economic development district compiled of several counties. She noted this idea had not been successful in the past. Nancy Sheffield stated that ECEDA was displeased with the report received from Colliers International and she was in negotiation with Randy Freeman. They had requested a refund of $23, upon the payment of the report. She stated that there was a new ECEDA Board policy which would allow ECEDA members to solicit potential businesses. If they have a potential company, the members should encourage the company by a personal visit to the company. They would seek alternative methods of funding for various projects. Nancy Sheffield stated that on March 22 nd between 2 to 3 p.m., UNR would give a presentation upon the gold forecast for the upcoming years. She reported that the ECEDA goals had been revised. Nancy Sheffield reported upon the cat litter plant issue in Washoe County and noted that several counties including Elko County had requested a copy of the specs for the processing plant. However, there was a PAGE 16

17 requirement for gas. She introduced the ECEDA board members present at the Commission meeting. Commissioner Ellison inquired about the cities having shortfalls for funding. Nancy Sheffield stated they would discuss this on March 19 th. She stated ECEDA was hoping that the County would continue their support in the amount of $66, (in cash or in-kind). She noted there were four business memberships who contributed $ a year, and there was two board seats available. They had discussed someone from Wells Rural Electric and the Hospital should be considered to fill the Board s vacancies. Nancy Sheffield reported that the City of Elko currently gave $10, in-kind for the office with a cash contribution of $11,437,00. The current contributions to ECEDA was: the City of Wells $1,848.00, City of Carlin $2,831.00, and for West Wendover $4, based upon per capita. Commissioner Ellison noted he had submitted packets to Charlie Myers with regards to geothermal. Nancy Sheffield stated they had solicited for information upon geothermal and Wells Rural Electric together with BLM had submitted copies of their reports. Commissioner Ellison felt that they should utilize those studies to reduce the amount for the final study. Nancy Sheffield noted that they would utilize university researchers to help compile the information but they need someone to view the studies and submit an outline. Commissioner Russell noted that some geothermal information was from 20 years ago and felt they should include more data from independent sources and UNR studies. Commissioner Russell noted they would not have to produce that but rather compile the information. Nancy Sheffield submitted copies of the 1998 Changing World Economy and Its Impact On the Rural Development in the West. Marie Bingham reported that Carlin had won a golden web award for their website which Bill Kohbarger had helped with the design. She noted that ECEDA advertisement brought in potential businesses. They had discussed offering incentives to encourage companies. ECEDA wished to organize a packet for businesses which would contain information for compliance with the standards. Marie Bingham stated that ECEDA had been an asset in Carlin. She reported that Nancy Sheffield had helped with the Chief of Police interviews. Marie Bingham thanked them upon their support for the Carlin Senior Citizens Center grant. Frank Gonzalez, ECEDA board member noted he had been a former NENDA member. He stated that the ECEDA board took care of all of Elko County. He complimented Nancy Sheffield upon her expertise and noted the communities support of ECEDA. He stated there was concern with continued funding of ECEDA. He noted that they were marketing upon the internet presently through the site selectors. He believed they should build a relationship with the organizations and site selectors to encourage economic development. Charles Myers noted that five years he was adverse to the continuation of NENDA. He stressed that they must maintain the businesses already within the county and attract quality businesses to Elko. He noted the $26, ECEDA return back to the county, through study material. He believed it was a viable organization for this community, and reviewed their marketing procedure. He requested the Board members to look at PAGE 17

18 economic conditions of the County and continue to support ECEDA. Commissioner Ellison agreed with Charles Myers comments and stated his support of ECEDA. Commissioner Russell noted the importance of ECEDA, specifically upon the water study which was the basis for applying additional water permits in the area. He stated that there was partnering of the rural communities within ECEDA and Nancy Sheffield encouraged that. Commissioner Roberts questioned encouraging large businesses without being able to provide the gas. Commissioner Russell noted that they had a multi-faceted strategy. He reported that he and Glen Guttry where instituting a mentor group to encourage small business to the region. Nancy Sheffield stated that ECEDA was addressing other areas such as distribution, warehousing, etc. She noted that Fallon worked four years to get their industrial park through grant funding and she felt that they needed a vision. Frank Gonzales stated they could still do things and have industry without the gas line so they needed to keep their minds open. He stated that Northeastern Nevada had one of the strongest infrastructure for an electrical system, good transmission lines and in April there would be a line built from Ely to the Carlin trend. He believed they were fortunate to have good water and an electrical capacity. Charles Myers reported that the City of Elko had their strategic planning meeting last week. The City of Elko was looking at attracting new businesses. They would go to the FFA to request that 50 to 80 acres at the airport be released to give away to attract new companies. Chairman Roberts thanked Nancy Sheffield and the ECEDA board members present. Commissioner Nannini noted that commission was not against ECEDA and felt they would fund ECEDA. He spoke upon the gas line, and felt they should fund ECEDA to attract new business to the area. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO ALLOW PRAYER ON PUBLIC PROPERTY INCLUDING SCHOOLS: The Board considered Resolution # entitled, A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 81 THAT PROPOSES A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO ALLOW PRAYER ON PUBLIC PROPERTY INCLUDING SCHOOLS. MOTION: Commissioner Lloyd moved to approve Resolution No entitled, A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 81 THAT PROPOSES A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO ALLOW PRAYER ON PUBLIC PROPERTY INCLUDING SCHOOLS. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. Commissioner Lloyd felt it was originally acknowledged within the writing of the Constitution but it would take years to put it back within the Constitution. The motion was passed unanimously. PAGE 18