STATE OF NEVADA, ) COUNTY OF ELKO. ) ss. APRIL 2, 2003

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1 STATE OF NEVADA, ) COUNTY OF ELKO. ) ss. APRIL 2, 2003 The Board of Elko County Commissioners meet in regular session on April 2, 2003, at 1:30 p.m., in Room 105 of the Elko County Courthouse at 571 Idaho Street, Elko, Nevada. There were present: County Commissioners John Ellison, Chair Mike Nannini Warren Russell Sheri Eklund-Brown Charlie Myers County Manager Robert Stokes Deputy District Attorney Kristin McQueary Deputy County Clerk Marilyn Tipton Deputy Comptroller Debbie Armuth Safety Coordinator Bill Webb Sheriff Neil Harris Public Works Lynn Forsberg Planning and Zoning Randy Brown The following proceedings were held: Chairman Ellison called the regular meeting to order 1:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Nannini led the meeting participants in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Ellison noted for the record that Commissioner Eklund-Brown was in flight from Carson City. He stated that she had been at the legislature addressing County business. COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC: No public comments were submitted. CORRESPONDENCE, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND NOTICES: No discussion was held upon the correspondence, acknowledgments and notices received by the Commission. COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Hospital Board - Commissioner Nannini stated the meeting was tonight. He reported that there was a service-provider contract signed for about 15,000 employees. Recreation Board - Commissioner Eklund-Brown was not present at this time. Auditorium Authority Board - Commissioner Myers stated the next meeting was scheduled for April 15 th. He reported that a recreation video was being prepared, and the PAGE 1

2 recreational trails grant application had been submitted. Museum Board - Commissioner Russell stated the museum board was looking forward to developing an exhibit for modern gold mining and the technology to be used would be similar to a 21 st century presentation. He stated they would research for funding on that project. He had looked at the presentation at Boomtown which was similar to IMAX for ideas to help establish the upcoming mining exhibit. He noted the modern mining techniques had not been displayed before. NACO Board - Commissioner Ellison stated they would discuss this during tomorrow s luncheon. ECEDA Board - Commissioner Eklund-Brown was not present at this time. California Trails Center Board - Commissioner Eklund-Brown was not present at this time. Dale Porter did not have anything new to report at this time. Juvenile Committee - Commissioner Nannini stated there was nothing to report. LEPC - Commissioner Russell stated that there was a presentation and they were developing their master plan for emergency response. Central Dispatch Administrative Authority - Commissioner Nannini stated that the meeting would be held next week. Commissioner Ellison inquired if the negotiations were finalized and Commissioner Nannini replied yes. Library Board of Trustees Liaison - Commissioner Eklund-Brown was not present at this time. Debt Management Committee - Commissioner Ellison stated they had met and would like to appoint another person to that board. He noted there were two seats available but only one application had been received. Water Planning - Neither Commissioner Russell nor Commissioner Ellison attended the last meeting. Humboldt River Basin Water Authority - Commissioner Russell stated the next meeting would be on April 16 th in Winnemucca. He stated that there was a committee formed to look at legislative issues and he was a member of that committee. He stated they were going to review those bills throughout the whole session which addressed water. Elk Advisory Committee - Commissioners Myers noted that at the last Board meeting they had approved the 065 addendum to the elk plan which would be acted upon at the first meeting in May of the State Wildlife Commission. Fair Board - Commissioner Eklund-Brown was not present. Commissioner Ellison stated he had received two donations for the fair board. Commissioner Nannini stated that they flew down to meet with the Senate Committee of Finance on SB 3. He stated that they had received a favorable response in support of the Bill. He felt there may be a chance to receive a portion of those funds from the para mutual betting. Commissioner Ellison noted he had publicly thanked them for their efforts at the legislature. Yucca Mountain Project - Commissioner Nannini stated there was no comment. Senior Citizens - Commissioner Russell reported that the funding raising dinner brought in $ and thanked the people who purchased the tickets. Robert Stokes reported that J.D. Long had obtained permission to bring in the subcontractor to perform PAGE 2

3 the training on the heating and cooling systems. Commissioner Ellison inquired about the gutters. Robert Stokes replied that they were cleaned. Commissioner Russell thanked them for their positive action Nevada Division of Wildlife Liaison - Commissioner Myers stated there was no meeting notification so he asked that the County Manager submit a letter asking for a quarterly meeting. Nevadaworks - Commissioner Ellison noted the next meeting was scheduled on the 16 th, 17 th, and 16 th of April in Reno, and asked if Commissioner Myers could attend that meeting. Commissioner Myers stated that depended upon what they were addressing, and if they were speaking upon the Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Northeastern Nevada Regional Transit Coalition - Commissioner Myers reported that NDOT was trying to combine the Northwestern and Northeastern coalition into one coalition for the North. He cautioned them that the Northwestern coalition had funding issues because the contracts had been let and they can t find the contracts. Commissioner Ellison inquired if there was any discussion upon Harrison Pass during the RTC meeting. Commissioner Myers replied no. He felt they would speak about this tomorrow when Otis Tipton was here for the Highway Commission. He reported that once they hit the Spring season, the Federal Highway Administration personnel stated they would come back and walk the road and identify those issues. He noted that the FHA stated they would fix those items. He stated that until they do, the Board would have to take them at their word. Commissioner Myers stated they would have to wait to see how the discussion went this Spring. Commissioner Ellison inquired if Chris Woster was in contact with the FHA or the contractor. Commissioner Myers noted that the contractor was already released by the Federal Highway Administration, and everything was postponed due to Winter weather. He reviewed the newspaper articles and noted Otis Tipton s trip to area. He believed they would speak with the FHA on those issues in the Spring. Robert Stokes stated that David Balding from the Denver Office of the Federal Highway Administration confirmed they would come back to address those issues in the Spring. Commissioner Eklund-Brown returned from the legislative hearing. PLUAC - Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated there were no action items and noted that David Neff had resigned after that meeting. She stated they had requested the ability to call emergency meetings and possibly go to bimonthly meetings. She had told them that they would have to come before the Board because it was a budget consideration. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated that PLUAC would like to have all the SNPLMA nominations come before them. She informed PLUAC that when OROVACA came before them it was because the Commission did not have a lot of knowledge on SNPLMA at that time. She was unsure whether that would go back to PLUAC unless the Board requested that. Northern Nevada Stewardship Group - Commissioner Eklund-Brown reported that there would be a riparian workshop scheduled on April 29 th and 30 th, and inquired if any of the Board members would like to attend. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated that there was a Question 1 workshop coming up in Elko. She stated that the feasibility study for the PAGE 3

4 dam depended upon the State funding situation. She stated they would meet at the convention center and suggested them to gather their local state projects. Commissioner Myers inquired if there was a master plan for bicycle paths in the County. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated no, there was not an open space plan. She stated that the City of Wells had a trail system, and the ECVCA had an ATV trail system. Commissioner Myers stated that would be the only way they could qualify for those funds. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated that they were hoping to get Skip Canfield for that workshop. USFS Liaison - Commissioners Nannini, Eklund-Brown and County Manager Robert Stokes met with Von Sorensen and Bill Van Bruggen. He stated that Mr. Sorensen would introduce 22 sections for the SNPLMA and would give the Board a presentation upon his nomination. Commissioner Nannini stated they reviewed the locations of that property on the North end of the East Humboldt on a map. He stated that they had talked about the Harrison Pass and stressed there was no conflict between the Forest Service and the County on the Harrison Pass project. He stated that the Federal Highway Administration had offered to come back and fix the problems. He stated that presently it was the FHA highway and the County would not take over the responsibility until the issues were addressed. He stated they were concerned with the weather issues on that highway. Commissioner Ellison noted that he, Assemblyman Carpenter, Commissioner Eklund- Brown, Bill Van Bruggen and two other FS personnel met for four hours on the Mori permits which were reissued. BLM Liaison - Commissioners Ellison, stated he would be traveling to Las Vegas on the RAC issues and would be in Washington on April 21 st thru the 24 th on the AUM s issues. Commissioner Eklund-Brown reported that Helen Hankins had informed her that federal funding would be reduced upon the California Trails Interpretive Center and they were looking at 2006 for completion of that project. She stated they would do the amphitheater when funding was available. Dale Porter stated that in the beginning there was a 18 million-dollar budget but they felt 15 million dollars would get the center designed. He stated there may be problems with the funding from the federal government because of the uncertainty in the country. Commissioner Ellison inquired if the satellite stations were within the 15 million design. Dale Porter stated some were but some weren t. He stated that there were grants available. Commissioner Nannini inquired about the next release of federal money. Dale Porter stated they were within the FY 2003 and there was sufficient money for the construction design. He stated that the 2004 budget was under current consideration and the funding would not be available until after October. He noted that it could be June before the County received it. Dale Porter stated that Congress would never fund the money before it could be spent. U.S. Fish and Wildlife - Commissioners Myers stated that there were no meetings held. Nevada Public Agency Insurance Pool & Public Agency Compensation Trust Board - CFO, Cash Minor was not present and Robert Stokes stated he did not have any word. NDOT Liaison - Commissioner Myers stated that the next meeting would be around the end of the month. He stated that the Governor may not host a monthly meeting this PAGE 4

5 month. Commissioner Ellison noted that Commissioner Nannini would be in Carson City on Monday for the tire plant hearing and wished that to be on the next meeting agenda. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted the Bishop Creek Dam feasibility study was estimated to cost about $15, and they estimated the amount to be higher so they amended the bill for $150, She stated that they requested some bids from professionals because of the increase but they were receptive to it. Commissioner Eklund- Brown stated that Hugh Ricci was not in favor of the dam due to funding but supported it because the dam was a good project. She reported that there was good representation from Wells during that hearing. ELKO DAILY FREE PRESS: Commissioner Ellison introduced, and the Board welcomed Jerry Pye, the new publisher of the Elko Daily Free Press. Jerry Pye stated he would like to meet with the Board members and looked forward to working with them. He noted he had some new ideas for the newspaper. Chairman Ellison called the Jackpot Town Board to order at 2:07 p.m. and the Jarbidge Town Board was called to order at 2:32 p.m. The Montello Town Board was called to order at 2:34 p.m. and the Chairman reconvened the regular meeting at 2:50 p.m. LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES/LAW LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES: David Ellefsen stated that they had $148,000 earmarked for the new bookmobile project. He reported upon the recent field trip to Salt Lake City where they toured the Tesco Williamsen Company. David Ellefsen reported that their State Library contact had informed them of the Salt Lake City company. He stated that the Williamsen Company build from scratch the box that houses the actual bookmobile shelves and puts it on a chassis which reduced the costs vs. the cost for a self-contained bookmobile. David Ellefsen stated they could purchase the box in the amount of $100,000 and a chassis in the amount of $50, He stated that they had received donations towards the purchase of the bookmobile. He stated the Library was having a fine-free week which would begin next week in order to get some of the materials back. David Ellefsen reminded the Commissioners of the library fund raiser Just Deserts scheduled on April 25, 2003, and reviewed some of the raffle items donated for that event. David Ellefsen noted that Sara Jones, the State Librarian, had coordinated with them to gain the title to the bookmobile. He stated they would sell the old bookmobile to gather more funding for the new bookmobile. The Board considered the acceptance of the title for the Bookmobile from the State of Nevada and approval to sell the Bookmobile through an auction. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to accept the title for the Bookmobile and to approve the sell of the bookmobile through an auction. Commissioner Myers seconded the motion. PAGE 5

6 Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if they would sell the old bookmobile prior to the purchase of a new bookmobile. David Ellefsen stated they would have to have the title before they could sell it. Commissioner Ellison inquired about a trade-in. David Ellefsen stated they had to contract with somebody for chassis and then somebody else for the bookmobile unit. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if they would take out a loan. David Ellefsen replied no, he believed that the amount should be covered based upon the figures he had seen. The motion was passed unanimously. Commissioner Myers requested that they bring back Just Deserts tickets to the 16 th of April board meeting for the members to purchase for the fund raiser. Commissioner Russell inquired if they could utilize donations rather than fines so they could apply it to their IRS returns. David Ellefsen noted that at times they would accept food for fines. SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT: Lynn Forsberg, Chairman reported there were no incidents last month. CITY OF ELKO: Linda Ritter, City Manager, reviewed the request from the City of Elko regarding an effluent / geothermal replacement cost sharing proposal. The City of Elko was preparing to replace an effluent line that had a shortened life expectancy due to the introduction of geothermal water into the line. The geothermal system was shared by the School District, the City, ECVA and the old hospital building which had been owned by the County. She stated that they had developed a formula based upon the BTUs per participant and the depreciation on the line. She stated of the $460, replacement cost the City of Elko would pay $200,000; the School District would pay $185,000; ECVA s share was $45,000 and the old hospital s cost would be $31, She noted that the geothermal line was owned by the County prior to their donation of the building to the school. Commissioner Ellison inquired if the County had a system on that line. Robert Stokes replied there was no county facility on this system presently. Commissioner Ellison did not know if they had the funding. Commissioner Myers felt maybe they could look at the hospital interest funds. Commissioner Nannini stated they would look at it. Commissioner Ellison inquired about the hospital sale agreement and if the pollution fund could be utilized. Kristin McQueary stated pursuant to NRS they would need to pass a Resolution and make some factual findings as to what the benefit would be to Elko County because they did not have ownership upon that geothermal line. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if the pollution fund was for mitigation purposes. Kristin McQueary stated she would look at the pollution fund. Linda Ritter noted that the Task Force was utilizing that building. Commissioner Myers stated the Sheriff s posse was located in the trailer. Commissioner Ellison inquired about the waiting time at the airport. Linda Ritter replied about an hour. PAGE 6

7 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: Planning Department: The Board considered approval of street names in Ruby Lake Estates for the following streets: Antelope Street, Griswold Street, Indian Springs Drive, Kiln Lane, Overland Street and Wright Road. Commissioner Myers noted that the Regional Transportation Commission had approved the street names. MOTION: Commissioner Myers moved to approve the street names in Ruby Lake Estates. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. NEVADA DIVISION OF FORESTRY: Tom Turk requested that the Board consider an Office of Traffic Safety grant application for extrication equipment upgrades. He stated that this grant was a full reimbursement grant. He stated that previously the Board authorized them to seek the grant. He stated that the federal fiscal was from October to October this year and some appropriations were held up. He stated that they were awarded $12, in March and there was no match. He stated that the County would be asked to front the $12, and then they would be reimbursed. He stated that they were in the cycle for next year in the amount up to $24,000. He requested that the Chairman sign this authorizing NDF to receive those dollars and they did have until October to expend those funds. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve the Office of Traffic Safety grant application. Commissioner Myers seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Commissioner Ellison requested that Tom Turk give a presentation at the next meeting regarding his visit to New York City at ground zero. Commissioner Russell noted they continue to talk about grants. He noted over the past year grants were approved for the various departments and the County general fund was depleted over a lengthy period of time to pay for grants. He wanted to see an accounting mechanism developed for the grants. Commissioner Ellison agreed that they did not want to take away from the general fund to subsidize the departments until they received the funding from the grants. He felt that mechanism was already in place. Commissioner Russell noted that if a department head expends the monies and then that department had other needs, he stated that basically that grant comes from the general fund. He felt no grants should be expended from a general fund unless there was immediate reimbursement. Commissioner Ellison stated that a year ago the Board had looked at a grant accounting mechanism. Commissioner Myers noted that grants in the Sheriff s Office went over the grant amounts and currently were not paid off. He stated that those grants were still being paid by the general fund. He requested that Cash Minor give them an impact statement. Robert Stokes stated that Cash Minor and Debbie Armuth were working on that. PAGE 7

8 HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT APPLICATION: The Board considered a Homeland Security/LEPC grant application to manage a Citizen Core Planning Project. This grant would fund a full time position to manage a Citizen s Core Planning Project that had been developed locally by LEPC to involve local citizens in emergency disaster situations. There was no local match required for this grant application. Bill Webb, Ambulance Director, stated they wanted to hire a full-time person to put together the paper work and coordinate the agencies to put together that system. They looked for a grant and this application program would allow him some of the items. He would send a draft today and would bring the original back for the Chairman s signature. He stated that there was no match required on this grant. He stated this would fund one person for one year only. Commissioner Ellison inquired why they wanted a Citizen Core Planning Project. Bill Webb stated they wished to organize all the special groups and make sure that they were trained. Commissioner Ellison stated he realized their needs but felt it was a waste of federal monies. Commissioner Russell noted that LEPC had crafted the use of this person to finalizing the County Emergency Plan and would be performing the training across the County. He stated that it would be adaptable to special needs of the County. Commissioner Ellison noted that the job would end in one year. Commissioner Russell stated that there were all kinds of tasks performed in the private community that were done by contract. He believed that completing the plan could be performed within one year. He noted that if they hire a person to perform that plan, then they would not take away the Firemen, etc., out of their normal jobs. He stated there were a lot of advantages of having a contracted person to complete this plan. MOTION: Commissioner Myers moved to approve the Homeland Security/LEPC grant application to manage a Citizen Core Planning Project. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. ELKO COUNTY TREASURER: Caesar Salicchi noted the sale was scheduled for the 9 th of April, He noted that Otis Tipton had requested that three parcels be taken off of the list. Commissioner Ellison inquired if it would be by internet or public auction. Caesar Salicchi stated by public auction on next Monday. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired how he determined whether they should be listed on the internet or by public auction. Caesar Salicchi replied basically upon the land location and if it had been listed for a long time. The Board considered approval of a public auction tax delinquency sale for May 9, MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to approve the public auction tax delinquency sale for May 9, Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Chairman Ellison called a recess at 3:22 P.M., and reconvened the meeting at PAGE 8

9 3:32 P.M. ELKO COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION APPEAL HEARING: (Continued from March 19, 2003 meeting.) Arthur J. and Corona R. Holling: Pursuant to County Code (A), Arthur J. and Corona R. Holling appealed the February 20, 2003, action of the Elko County Planning Commission relating to the approval of a special use permit for a church on parcel Pursuant to County Code (D) the Board of County Commissioners held an appeal hearing, and at the conclusion of the subject appeal hearing, the Board may sustain, modify or overrule the action of the Planning Commission in the matter, or may refer any such matter back to the Planning Commission for further proceedings, pursuant to County Code (E). Randy Brown, Planning and Zoning Director, suggested that the Chairman ask if the applicant or appellants were present. Commissioner Ellison inquired if the appellants were present and received no response. The appellants were not present at the meeting. Commissioner Russell gave a disclaimer that he was present at the Planning and Zoning meeting wherein this item was addressed. Commissioner Ellison inquired if he participated in any discussion and received a negative response. Commissioner Ellison asked if applicant, James R. Wrenfrow, was present and did not receive a response. The applicant was not present at the meeting. Randy Brown noted that he could not contact either of the parties. He noted this was approved by the Planning Commission but he requested that the County either overrule the Planning Commission decision and this be denied, or remand it back to the Planning Commission for further review. Randy Brown stated he was requesting this because there were a lot of variables involved in this Conditional Use. He noted that the applicant had not contacted the building department nor the planning and zoning department since this application was taken out. He stated they had been unable to contact the applicant. Randy Brown stated the conditions to the Conditional Use were as follows: a) prior to operation, improve Martin Avenue from SR 227 through the frontage to the rural-collector standard as per Elko County Code 5-4-1; b) prior to operation, provide a minimum of two points for ingress and egress, and upgrade parking area to facilitate estimated parking requirements; c) prior to operation, submit and obtain approval of a fire protection structural plan from the Nevada Division of Forestry and an Elko County Building Official; d) the building may not be used for any operation other than specified in the application; e) comply with Department of Transportation requirements, if applicable, and comply with all Federal, State and local building requirements. Randy Brown reiterated that the applicant had not contacted any of them at building or planning and zoning. Commissioner Eklund-Brown made the disclosure that Randy Brown was her husband and neither one of them had a pecuniary interest on either side of the matter and she could make a judgement objectively on this matter. MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to overrule the Planning PAGE 9

10 Commission and deny the special use permit. Kristin McQueary suggested that they remand it back to the Planning Commission because they do not have any testimony other than the staff reporting to the Board. Randy Brown stated there was a lack of cooperation by the applicant. Kristin McQueary noted that his wife s, Commissioner Eklund-Brown, motion was to overrule the Planning Commission. She stated that because the Planning Commission decision was appealed, and there was no effort here, she felt they should send it back. She stated that they did not have the benefit of having those people in front of them so it should be remanded back to the Planning Commission so that the applicant and appellant had to respond to the Planning Commission. MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown amended her motion to sustain the Planning Commission decision, for approval with conditions stated. The motion died to lack of a second. MOTION: Commissioner Russell moved that they remand this issue back to the Planning Commission based upon the fact that the appellants were not present nor was anyone present who opposed or pro for this was here to give testimony in one direction or another, they could not have this information to make a decision to approve or deny this request. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. Commissioner Russell felt that this was a good decision originally and he was not in favor of restricting small churches or small church organizations from proceeding within the neighborhoods. However, he felt that perhaps it could have been performed better in this case. He felt that the conditions imposed by the Planning Commission were appropriate. Commissioner Myers believed that it had been taken care of at the Planning Commission level. He stated that the applicant had the responsibility to check with the Planning Department to find out when the appeal was going to be present at the County Commission and felt that they were aware based upon the newspaper article and action taken by the Board to schedule the appeal date. Commissioner Myers thought that he would have declined the appellants appeal. Randy Brown inquired if it was remanded back to the Planning Commission, could he ask the applicant to withdraw their application. Kristin McQueary stated that once it was remanded to the Planning Commission you remand it for further proceedings. She stated that the Planning Commission would either look at it again and uphold their decision as they originally made it. Or the Planning Commission could find out why this appeal was not processed due to various reasons because the appellants and applicant had gotten together and worked their differences out. She stated that the Planning Commission could revisit the issue. Randy Brown noted that the reason he asked this was because the applicant was not at the Planning Commission meeting either. Commissioner Russell noted that the people that opposed the application were present at the Planning Commission meeting. Randy Brown agreed that the people that opposed it were present at the Planning meeting but the applicant, himself, was not present. Commissioner Eklund- PAGE 10

11 Brown noted that they had been operating illegally prior to the application. Kristin McQueary stated that by remanding it back to the Planning Commission the County Code authorized them to review it again. She stated that the language of the code stated it could be brought back for further proceedings. Commissioners Russell, Nannini, Eklund-Brown and Ellison voted aye. Commissioner Myers opposed. The motion was passed by a 4-1 majority vote. ELKO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (ECEDA): The Board considered approval of a Forest Service Rural Community Assistance grant application to fund a business incubator conference registration and associated costs. There was no County match required for this grant application. MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to approve a Forest Service Rural Community Assistance grant application for ECEDA for a business incubator conference. Commissioner Myers seconded the motion. Commissioner Ellison inquired about the source of funding. Robert Stokes stated that the Forest Service gave funding for planning for economic development within the rural communities. Commissioner Ellison inquired if ECEDA funding should be addressed through the budget process. He inquired about the deadline process. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated Nancy Sheffield would come before the Board for a budget request in the middle of the month. Robert Stokes stated she would be present at the first meeting in May with that request. The motion was passed unanimously. ELKO COUNTY WEB SITE GRANT APPLICATION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that Bill Van Bruggen and Dan Dallas encouraged them to write a grant application for the web site. Robert Stokes noted that in the past the County had paid out $5,000 to have the rural communities put on the Nevadadventures website. He believed that this site would eliminate the outside web site. Commissioner Ellison noted that he would probably vote for this but stressed there was so much waste in government funding through these grant applications while a war was going on. He believed that the grant funding would dry up. The Board considered approval of a Forest Service Rural Community Assistance grant application to assist the County in the expansion of the County s Web Site and links. MOTION: Commissioner Myers moved to approve a Forest Service Rural Community Assistance grant application for the County s Web Site and links. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Robert Stokes stated he had spoken with the Sparks Forest Service Office and there may be decreased funding for the grants, so they could not guarantee funding for the grant. PAGE 11

12 ELKO COUNTY APPOINTED BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Due to budget restraints, review of the Board s direction with regard to the possible continuation, combination, reduction or termination of appointed Boards and Commissions. Commissioner Myers noted they had lost another member of PLUAC and inquired if they needed the PLUAC board or the Wildfire Advisory Board. Commissioner Ellison noted they had a difference of opinion upon the PLUAC Board. Robert Stokes noted some were statutory boards such as the Debt Management Commission. Commissioner Ellison noted that committee had to stay. Commissioner Myers inquired how often they had to meet. Roberts Stokes stated normally a few times a year. Board of Equalization, Kristin McQueary stated this was a statutory board. Fair Board, Commissioner Nannini stated that was a good board. Commissioner Ellison noted they had a county liaison on that Board. Commissioner Myers noted that with para mutual betting involved the Commission would not want to participate. Commissioner Nannini noted the fair board member s participation upon the fair events. Commissioner Myers recommended that they keep that fair board. Library Board, Kristin McQueary stated this board was statutory. Planning Commission, Commissioner Nannini stated this board was set by statutes. PLUAC, Commissioner Ellison recommended that they keep it open and stay at a five-man board. Commissioner Myers inquired if it was necessary and felt it needed to be realigned. He believed they could cut down number of members. Commissioner Ellison noted that PLUAC performed a lot of research. He stated that the spotted frog issue was coming up, and he believed the PLUAC board would perform the research for the Commission. Commissioner Myers noted that PLUAC addressed the wolf resolution and Commissioner Eklund-Brown and Bob St. Louis drafted the resolution. He felt there were some issues with the land sales and sometimes due to time frames they would not be able to go through PLUAC. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated that the only time they should go to PLUAC was when the Commissioners had questions. She felt that PLUAC did not need to see every land nomination that comes forward. She stated it was a tough situation on that act because of the opposition to that act. She felt that the Commission would have to view each of the nominations individually. She noted that the Commission had studied the act, the same as PLUAC had, and PLUAC had the same workshop as the Commission. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that PLUAC was an advisory board to the Commission. She felt that PLUAC believed every public land issue should go to PLUAC. She did not feel that was their position. She felt that their position was to help the Commission when they needed it and be an advisory commission. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated she would like to see it be more representative of all public land users. She felt it was too heavy in ranching, not that she was against ranching, but she would like to see other groups represented. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated that there was a member that was very inactive and non-contributing and she did not feel that person should be in that capacity any longer. Commissioner Ellison noted that if they look at the wildlife board, there were a lot of ranchers involved and that was what it was, public land. Commissioner Myers noted that the wildlife board was not only ranchers. Commissioner Ellison noted that PAGE 12

13 public lands were public land issues and it was two different things and they could not combine them together. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that there were multiple users on public lands and she would like to get a more cross section of response than what they were getting, than just basically a rancher base. She stated that she loved to hear from the ranchers, but there were a lot of other groups she would like to hear from. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated that if they were going to keep the PLUAC board then she felt they should be giving them more information from a cross section of knowledge. She felt that Bob St. Louis and Roger Grant had performed a lot of research for the Commission and she appreciated that. She felt that the contention between them did not need to be. She noted that David Neff did not say a word to her at that meeting. She wished he had come forward before putting in a letter to the Editor or submitting a letter to Fred Zaga. She felt it was brought out in a light that it didn t have to be. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated that she would like to work better with this board than they had been. Commissioner Russell noted that PLUAC board was not full. He understood that there were only two ranchers upon the seven member board, Fred Zaga and David Neff. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated Donald Decker was also a rancher. Commissioner Russell replied no, Don Decker was a mining engineer. Commissioner Nannini noted that he was a geologist. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated that Don Decker lived on a ranch. Commissioner Russell noted that Mr. Decker owned three acres. Commissioner Eklund- Brown felt there were a lot of other user groups. She stated she did not mind someone else having a different opinion because that brain storming actually stimulates more thought process. She had a feeling from Don Decker that he was in opposition to their stance. She did not feel that was beneficial to this Commission to go forward with continual opposition and not to work together. Commissioner Russell noted that Commissioner Eklund-Brown was saying she preferred to have a group like the Northeastern Nevada Stewardship Group, which some of those members were formerly on the PLUAC board, and had moved to the Northeastern Nevada Stewardship Group. He felt there was a mischaracterization to say that PLUAC represented ranchers rather than others. He felt that there was a stronger argument for PLUAC of what it does represent. He stated that for the past two years he, and other members of commission had continually put issues before PLUAC to review. He stated that possibly 90% of that data reviewed by PLUAC, PLUAC had believed the County did not need to take action. He stated that they became a filtration group for the Commission which was a huge advantage for the Commission. He noted when he sat upon PLUAC they researched a lot material for the Commission. Commissioner Russell noted that Commissioner Myers had mentioned there was activity that came forward to the Commission and PLUAC presented their research and opinion but the action had to be taken by the Commission. He stated there were other times that PLUAC looked at the process and stated it was not necessary for the Commission to review. Commissioner Russell felt they performed a very necessary role. Commissioner Eklund-Brown agreed that was valuable. Commissioner Russell noted that if PLUAC was not there, the Commission would have to perform more research themselves. Commissioner Ellison felt that PLUAC had performed a lot of research for them and that PAGE 13

14 was what their job was. They addressed the public land s issues. He stated that PLUAC did not address wildlife or wildfire issues but they addressed public land issues. He felt they brought a broad view across. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired about off road users and hunters. Commissioner Myers questioned whether the County should keep funding that board due to lack of merit. He stated that before more money was spent out of the County budget for this board, he would like to see PLUAC doing something. He stated if they keep the PLUAC board he would like to see a budget line. He noted that for the past several months the Commission had stated they wanted to work with the Federal Government, and work with the Forest Service. He noted that when they make a decision right or wrong they would take the heat for that. Commissioner Ellison inquired what PLUAC s budget was. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that Randy Brown stated it was about $ per meeting but that was not hard cost it was also staff time and postage. Commissioner Russell felt they should address the financial issues. Commissioner Myers suggested that if the Commission decided to keep this advisory board it should be reduced from 7 to 5 members. Commissioner Russell stated that even if it was $12,000, that was only equal to a part-time position. Kristin McQueary stated that PLUAC was set up by ordinance so if they made any changes it would require an ordinance change. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired about the original formation status. Robert Stokes noted there were several ordinances but Ordinance No. 93-S addressed the formation of the committee. He stated there was a citation out of the County Code for PLUAC. Commissioner Ellison stated he did not agree with bimonthly meetings for PLUAC unless they had to be called in on a particular item. He felt that the Water Planning should go every other month. Commissioner Ellison noted there were only three advisory boards that the Commission could take action upon: the PLUAC advisory board, the water planning board and the wildfire advisory board. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that there were different boards, some of which the Board members were only liaisons to like the Forest Service and the BLM and there was no cost associated with that. Commissioner Ellison noted that with regards to the hospital board they had an investment in that. He noted that the recreation and auditorium board was set by statutes. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated that she was looking at the Elk advisory committee. Commissioner Myers stated that committee would not be needed after the elk plan was approved. Commissioner Myers stated the Wildlife advisory board meet monthly at the City and there was no cost to the County other than the publication of the agenda. Commissioner Russell stated that was funded through the State of Nevada. Kristin McQueary stated they were appointed by the County to advise the State Wildlife Commission. Commissioner Ellison clarified that the elk management committee could come off the agenda which was agenda item O under committee reports. He inquired if Commissioner Nannini needed the agenda item Q Yucca Mountain Project. Commissioner Nannini stated that they could take it off but it was something that would happen. PAGE 14

15 Commissioner Myers felt that the elk advisory should be changed to the advisory board to manage wildlife because the elk management plan was completed. Commissioner Nannini noted the Juvenile Committee, agenda item H, did not need to be on there because it was there during the construction of the building. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired about central dispatch. Commissioner Nannini reported that was a monthly meeting and it should remain upon the agenda. Commissioner Ellison noted they had an investment in the California Trails so that should remain upon the agenda. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated ECEDA would come up in budget. Commissioner Nannini requested that the Wells Tire Plant be added to agenda. Commissioner Ellison stated that water planning would go to every other month. Roger Grant stated that he would like to clarify something that was said by Commissioner Eklund-Brown. Roger Grant stated that he was the one that asked if they needed two meetings a month. He stated that his intent was not to have two meetings a month but rather to see if they needed to get the Commission s permission to have a meeting more than once per month if there was a hot issue. Commissioner Ellison stated that PLUAC already had that direction to do that. Commissioner Myers believed that the committee chair would decide that. Commissioner Nannini noted that when they addressed hot issues sometimes there were meetings several times a month. Commissioner Ellison felt there would be a lot more issues coming up and they needed PLUAC to perform the research. He noted that it was Bob St. Louis s foresight which brought the wolf matter to light. Commissioner Myers did not think it had an impact upon the delisting. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted it definitely put them on notice that they did not want the wolves here. Commissioner Nannini stated that PLUAC assisted the Commission. He stated that the Commission made the final decision and he did not know what the disagreement was because he was not involved with it. He stated they needed PLUAC s help to research some of the items. He reviewed the letter to the Editor and noted the Commission had incorporated seven terms in the IL Ranch land sale. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that the IL Ranch came to the Commission and addressed it and there was insufficient time to address both the Commission and PLUAC. Commissioner Ellison noted there was a special meeting and there were three people who represented PLUAC who spoke up at the hearing and did ask questions. Roger Grant stated that PLUAC as a board did not accept nor recommend his letter as a PLUAC board action. He stated that was that individual s action. He noted that member resigned later that night after the meeting because he had a problem. Roger Grant noted that PLUAC member stated he did not have a chance to meet and make a recommendation to the Commissioners. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated the Commission did not ask for their research. Roger Grant stated he knew that but it would not have made any difference because they understood that the Commission makes the final decision. He stated that when PLUAC researched an issue they attempt to research both sides of the issue and try to submit that to the Commission. He reiterated that they only submitted their recommendations and would let them know both sides of the issue. Commissioner Eklund- PAGE 15

16 Brown noted that was their role to submit the information to the Commission but not to necessarily judge the Commission s decision or change the Commission s decision, or make it a political decision by a decision made by PLUAC against a decision made by the Commission. Commissioner Nannini noted verbiage within the PLUAC Ordinance, that PLUAC should not diminish the responsibilities of the County Commission in performing their duties. Roger Grant stated he did not believe that PLUAC was. Commissioner Ellison felt that there were good members on the PLUAC board. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that Jill Radkey did not contribute to the meeting. She stated that she did not see David Neff contribute either. Commissioner Myers noted that if they remember the PLUAC meeting held upstairs, it was Roger Grant and Fred Zaga and Don Decker that participated in the conversations. He noted that Bob St. Louis was not present at that meeting. He stated that if it was the Commission s decision was to keep the PLUAC board, they should change it to a five member board and one member should be replaced upon that board. Commissioner Russell noted that they would have to change the ordinance. MOTION: Commissioner Myers moved to direct staff to bring this item back for change in the ordinance to make PLUAC a five member board and at the same time for discussion of those members. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Jerry Parker stated water planning board met twice a month at the beginning and found it was too often. He stated that they were writing the materials themselves and did not have a professional consultant with them. He stated they went to once a month meeting to allow Randy Brown to keep up with the meeting notes dialog. He stated that the only County personnel involved with water planning was Randy Brown and a secretary. He stated that Randy brown was a supervisor and was not paid for overtime. He stated that the stenographer s time was an extra cost to the County and their meeting times were 1 to 1.5 hours. Commissioner Ellison noted they were attempting to finish and bring their recommendations and Resolution to the Commission, so he felt they should leave the water planning at monthly meetings until this was finished. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated that Randy Brown felt this Board was the easiest board. Commissioner Eklund- Brown noted that there were costs associated with this water planning. She noted a lot of secretarial time and staff time involved. Commissioner Myers noted that they were utilizing one hour for one board, then would utilize one hour for another board so it was a good point. Jerry Parker noted there were costs involved but felt that the secretarial time was insignificant. Commissioner Ellison noted water was instrumental in industrial growth. He felt that they need the water ordinance. He felt that once they complete the Elko segment, then they could go to every other month meetings and Jerry Parker agreed. Commissioner Russell inquired how many members were on this board. Jerry Parker stated there could be seven but they had lost one. He noted that each city had representation except Wendover because they have their own plan. He reviewed the membership of that board. Commissioner Russell suggested they incorporated the cities and county within the board representation. Commissioner Ellison noted that Wells and Carlin were in the same PAGE 16

17 aquifer. Commissioner Russell inquired about the costs to the County. Commissioner Ellison noted they did not pay mileage. He stated the only thing they covered was secretarial. Commissioner Myers felt they should discuss the costs to the County for these members. Commissioner Russell suggested that they could just have a representative from Wells, Carlin, Elko City and Elko County and alternate every year their representative to that board. Jerry Parker stated that they needed two at-large because they needed geologists on that board. He stated that they have three presently on the board. Commissioner Nannini inquired how long it would take to finish the plan. Jerry Parker replied that they had addressed 2 out of 53 basins. Commissioner Ellison noted right now they were trying to complete the Elko and Spring Creek segment. He stated that once they complete the Spring Creek and Elko segment then it would slow down and they could go to a three-man board or a five-man board. Commissioner Russell inquired about putting advisory boards together to form one unit. He stated that if they had one board to look at natural resources that would include water, public lands, etc. He noted land, grazing and water issues were all tied together. Commissioner Ellison noted that on the water board one of the geologists worked for Newmont, and worked with the Suzie Creek water basin. He stated that the City of Elko representative Lee Hoffman was also a geologist. Commissioner Ellison stated that he was the County representative. He noted that the Wells City representative did not attend the meetings. Jerry Parker stated that Dean Alford was the hired consultant and John was the other geologist from Independence. Commissioner Russell stated that they could have a ranch representative, a hydrologist, a geologist, etc. to deal with all the natural resource issues so they could combine the advisory boards. Commissioner Ellison suggested that they go through the first segment and bring it back. Commissioner Myers did not think they needed a wildfire committee. Kristin McQueary stated that would also require an Ordinance change. Commissioner Eklund- Brown inquired why they established that committee. Commissioner Myers felt it was this Board s responsibility and the Commission should address those issues. Commissioner Ellison noted the wildfire committee was more for prevention such as green stripping rather than fire fighting. Commissioner Ellison suggested that PLUAC could handle that. Commissioner Myers inquired what was the wildfire committee s focus. He believed that the green stripping would better be addressed through the Forest Service, BLM and the Nevada Division of Forestry. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted the green stripping was being performed in South Fork. Commissioner Ellison felt they should dissolve this board before any more members were appointed to it if that was their intention. MOTION: Commissioner Myers moved to give staff direction to bring back an ordinance to eliminate the wildfire committee. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion. Commissioner Eklund-Brown suggested Thank You letters be sent to those who applied and those who were already appointed to that Board. Commissioners Myers, Eklund-Brown, Russell and Ellison voted aye. Commissioner Nannini voted no. The motion was passed by PAGE 17