ECC.022107



Elko County Board of Commissioners

Commissioners

Sheri EklundBrown

John Ellison

Charlie Myers

Mike Nannini

Warren Russell

County Manager

Robert K. Stokes

STATE OF NEVADA, )

COUNTY OF ELKO. ) ss. FEBRUARY 21, 2007

The Board of Elko County Commissioners met on Wednesday, February 21, 2007, 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

ABSENT Charlie Myers

Sheri Eklund-Brown

ABSENT Warren Russell

CFO – Asst. Co. Manager Cash Minor

Deputy District Attorney Kristin McQueary

Deputy County Clerk Marilyn Tipton

Chief Probation Officer Michael Pedersen

Lt. Sheriff’s Dept. Doug Gailey

Assessor Joe Aguirre

Building Inspector Thomas Ingersoll

Planning & Zoning Dir. Randy Brown

NDF Sam Hicks

- - -

The proceedings were as follows:

CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Ellison called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Commissioner Eklund-Brown led the meeting participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I. COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC:

Robert Stokes noted for the record that Commissioner Warren Russell was representing the County at a water conference. He stated Commissioner Charlie Myers was recouping from his recent surgery.

Robert Stokes reported that the railport items would be withdrawn from consideration today and would be addressed at their next Commissioner meeting.

II. CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION:

A. Discussion and consideration of approval of a Certificate of Appreciation to Mary “Molly” Leddy for her many years of dedicated service as the Judge of the Elko Justice Court.

B. Discussion and consideration of approval of a Certificate of Appreciation to Mercedes Macpherson, long time Elko County Library employee, on her retirement from the Library.

MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to approve Items A and B (Certificates of Appreciation to Mary “Molly” Leddy and Certificate of Appreciation to Mercedes Macpherson). Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown presented the Certificate to Mercedes Macpherson on behalf of the Board. Mercedes Macpherson commented that she had enjoyed her years at the Elko County Library and she had worked with awesome people on both sides of the counter.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown presented the Certificate to Mary “Molly” Leddy. Molly Leddy stated she enjoyed the small County atmosphere and would be working in the Public Defender’s Office as a County Attorney.

III. NEVADA OFFICE OF VETERAN SERVICES:

Discussion and consideration of various issues facing Nevada’s Veterans with Mr. Tim Tetz, Executive Director of the Nevada Office of Veteran Services.

Tim Tetz stated there was a Veterans’ Service Commission of nine members of which Margaret Puccinelli sat upon that committee. He wished to educate them about some of the veterans’ issues. He stated they were very familiar with their requests for a Community Based Outpatient Clinic. He would seek support from the Commissioners on legislative actions. Tim Tetz hoped to establish a partnership with the County and establish a Trinity Team as an outreach to the veterans in Elko County. Tim Tetz stated the Nevada Office of Veteran Services was in six locations within the State: Reno, Fallon, Las Vegas, two in Boulder City, and one in Fernley. He commented that they had 215 employees. He reported upon the recent six million dollar expansion to the Veterans’ cemeteries. Tim Tetz stated the Nevada Veteran’s Home housed 180 residents for their long term nursing care. Tim Tetz stated they now have a waiting list established for the home. He stated they hoped to make a similar building in Reno to meet the needs of those Veterans in Northern Nevada. Tim Tetz stated there were seven Veteran Service Officers who were assisted by two Administrative Assistants within the State. He stated last year their Veteran Service Team met with 16 residents last May in Elko. Tim Tetz stated they had a ratio of one service officer for every 30,000 Veterans within the State. He stated the national average was one to every 10,000 Veterans. He reported the State of Nevada appropriated over 3 millions dollars for the last three years to fund his agency. He stated there had been outside contributions of 11 to 12 million dollars. He stated for every dollar that the State spent on Veterans in 2006 they returned $425.00 in Federal Veteran’s Administration funds. Tim Tetz stated they had a new model on the Veterans’ population in Nevada which listed 4,243 Veterans residing in Elko County. He stated that meant 1 of every 10 citizens within Elko County was a Veteran. He stated of those 4,243 Veterans, 300 were female Veterans. Tim Tetz stated they discovered Elko County had the lowest percentage of male Veterans over the age of 65 years. Tim Tetz explained the compensation and pension dollars were for veterans who served on active duty and had service connected injuries. He stated for those Vietnam Veterans there were 22 different analogies from prostrate cancer to lung cancer which was directly linked to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He stated there were some pension monies for Veterans and spouses who have fallen below the poverty level. Tim Tetz stated only 1 in 8 eligible pensioners actually applied for the benefits. He reported that only 7.66% Elko County veterans received compensation or pension checks in 2006. He noted the state average was 9.77% and the national average was 12.13%. Tim Tetz stated if Nevada met the national average of 12% of Veterans served, they could see an additional 370 million dollars in annual compensation and pension benefits. He stated in Elko County it would be an additional 2.3 million dollars in benefits. Tim Tetz stated that Churchill County was above the average.

Tim Tetz reported that at the last legislative session Nye and Esmeralda counties asked for help for their Veterans. He stated Nye and Esmeralda counties were the top number of veterans served and received the top dollars served at the time. He stated Elko County needed the help more. He suggested a cooperative agreement between the state and county. However, they needed the County Commissioners to speak to their legislators asking their help to serve the veterans better. He stated they were proposing that the northeastern Nevada rural counties create a partnership with them similar to Churchill County wherein Elko County would provide them with an office and he would provide them with the training, team staff, their computers, etc., to better serve the Veterans. He stated that was a cooperative agreement that would serve the Veterans well.

Tim Tetz stated they have started a Veteran’s coalition wherein they send out weekly e-mail updates on what was going on in the legislature. He stated their scenario was to thank Veterans with actions and not words. He stated after national holidays they give out pins to the Veterans who served their Country but they wanted to go further. He stated they were giving out pins to those citizens of Nevada who basically go the extra mile by thanking the Veterans through their actions and not just through their words. He hoped to establish that with the County Commission and submitted pins to all the Elko County Commissioners.

Commissioner Ellison noted that he had worked with two individuals, one through a congressional representative and the other was locally. He stated a senior Veteran had to go to doctor to get his medication and had to pay $90.00 for doctor’s visit here in Elko. Commissioner Ellison stated this Veteran had served his country and was over 80 years old. He stated a veteran had passed away and the County Manager was looking for members of his family. He stressed that the Veterans need to get a funded Clinic into Elko or they have to get ways to get medication to the elderly Veterans easier. Commissioner John Ellison noted he had called several Congressmen to get the medication shipped to Elko.

Tim Tetz stated that they were aware, as was the entire Congressional delegation, of the Elko community needs for a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). He stated that was one of his priorities. He reported that in his Veteran’s Administration July meeting the federal VA from Salt Lake City told him that they were directed as part of their 2008 budget to include funding for an Elko CBOC and not the auxiliary CBOC they have now. Tim Tetz stated he had not seen the details for the 2008 budget from the Salt Lake City VA. He stated anytime they need help with Veterans’ benefits that would extend into his office. Commissioner Ellison stated he would talk to Senator Ensign about getting a clinic in Elko when he was in Washington D.C. Tim Tetz stated he would meet with Senator Ensign on the 6th of March. Commissioner Ellison felt there were a lot of the Veterans not getting the care they need. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if the low disbursement in Elko County was because the Veterans were not applying. Tim Tetz stated they had to apply for the benefits and demonstrate to the VA that they earned those benefits. He stated they did not have Veterans making the applications for the benefits. Tim Tetz stated their staff would help guide them through the application preparation. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired how he knew the amount of veterans that were living in Elko County. Tim Tetz replied the Census data was taken through the State Demographer. He stated the dollar figure data and the percentage of Veterans that were served was because they knew were the checks were being written to. He stated roughly there were 4,243 veterans in Elko County. Commissioner Ellison noted that many Veterans did not know they could qualify for those benefits. Tim Tetz stated that the Veteran’s Administration and the Department of Defense stated there were 25 million Veterans throughout the country. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if there was a way to track the Veterans. Tim Tetz stated there was no way to track those individuals. Commissioner Ellison stated he had helped a Veteran fill out a form but it was difficult to get that Veteran’s DD-214 form. He called for help from a former aid of Congressman Gibbons. Tim Tetz stated his staff could help them and usually the staff of the Congressmen refers them to his team for that information.

Commissioner Nannini inquired if Tim Tetz was interested in a partnership in exchange for space. Tim Tetz stated Assemblyman Pete Goicoechea stated a year ago in February that northeastern Nevada needed help. He stated at that time they did not have the number of the Veterans in the region. He stated that the Governor’s recommended budget before the Legislature did not include any of these people. He stated the Veteran’s Committee and Veteran’s Commission have asked him to find partners in the communities. Tim Tetz stated it would be easier for the Legislators to swallow hiring three people if they do not have to buy or rent a building. Tim Tetz stated he could train the staff and would be responsible for their work. Commissioner Nannini would chair that committee.

IV. ELKO COUNTY FAIR BOARD:

Discussion and consideration of the appointment of Dawn Leyva and Nancy Porter to four year terms on the Elko County Fair Board.

MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to appoint Dawn Leyva and Nancy Porter to four year terms on the Elko County Fair Board. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

V. ELKO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT:

Discussion and consideration of authority to reinvest wildfire related State reimbursable monies back into the Fire District for equipment, facility upgrades and fuel expenses.

Sam Hicks, NDF, stated the District wished Commissioners Myers and Nannini a speedy get well. He stated the County received reimbursements on cost share fires. He stated in late December he had spoken to Mr. Minor regarding the reimbursements and if they could re-invest it back into the District. He stated they provided Mr. Minor with a breakdown of the items they would purchase with that money if the Commission put that money back into the District rather than into the General Fund. He stated one of the items was a transport trailer for the dozer. He stated the County currently owned a dozer but it did not load onto their trailer. He stated they were looking at a quick attack engine to be placed in the district at a location to be determined later on. Sam Hicks stated in December they had spent 85% of the County fuel budget because of the fire season. He suggested they reimburse that funding back into the fuel account. Sam Hicks stated they had been looking at upgrades to their stations such as new heaters. He stated they also needed to replace some equipment which was worn out. Commissioner Nannini stated he and Commissioner Myers had spoken to NDF on these requests. He suggested that Cash Minor review these items. Cash Minor stated they had reviewed these and the funding was in their hands.

MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to reinvest wildfire related state reimbursable monies back into the fire district for equipment, facility upgrades and fuel expenses. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion.

Commissioner Ellison asked if they would return the 1952 or 1957 truck to the Jarbidge VFD. Sam Hicks stated those trucks were outdated and were not safe equipment to operate. He noted that they would be replacing that engine with a 2 ½ ton engine. Commissioner Ellison inquired about the wheel base on the new engine. Sam Hicks stated the engine replacement would be an older BLM engine and would be funded through a grant. He stated it would be a bigger piece of equipment and it would not go in some places they want to take it, but it would be a lesser liability issue. Robert Stokes stated that some of the concerns with that engine were the safety issues because they could not get the replacement parts for that old of a vehicle. Sam Hicks stated those vehicles did not have high mileage but it had sat for a long time. He stated when a piece of equipment sat for long periods of time then it led to problems in the future with regards to replacement parts, etc. He stated it was federal property and they would have to turn it back to the federal government for disposal.

The motion was passed unanimously.

VI. ELKO COUNTY JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT: NON-ACTION ITEM

Michael Pedersen discussed the Juvenile Probation Department issues including the Juvenile Detention and Juvenile Probation Monthly Report. He stated they had turned their accounts over to a collection agency to start recouping some of the money that was out there for many years. Michael Pedersen noted some of these people had garnishments against them. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted if there were outstanding warrants did they impose a lien against the parent’s property. Mike Pedersen understood when a child was put on probation and any fees occur in the Court Order, the parents were included in the responsibility unless the child was in his/her late seventeenth year. Mike Pedersen stated parents were generally responsible for their children’s fees. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if it went to property or just to their name. Commissioner Ellison believed it went through the Justice Court as a civil collection. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted she had a client who had an outstanding account with a public entity and it did have to be paid prior to their closing on their house but it was not filed on any property, just in their name. Mike Pedersen stated yesterday they had been contacted by a mortgage company asking how to clear the title. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted a title report would show not only the property liens but also other liens. Mike Pedersen commented that their credit reports were also tied into their mortgage application.

Mike Pedersen reported Larry Robb and Sandy Barr retained their positions on the Juvenile Probation Committee. Yesterday they swore in their new Juvenile Probation Committee members consisting of: Antoinette Cavanaugh, Fred Leeds and Michele Schack.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired about their Choices Program. Mike Pedersen stated in the past the Choices Program was a seven day program where a child would spend seven days in detention at $35.00 per day. He stated this placed a financial burden upon the family. He stated they had children from Wendover that had participated in that. He stated sometimes the children would get behind in their homework. Therefore, they condensed that program into weekends so no school was lost and they could work that into two to three days rather than seven days a week. Mike Pedersen stated they learn seven or eight anger management concepts, STDS, live skills, etc.

Mike Pedersen would be meeting with the Sheriff on Friday with regards to the Task Force.

VII. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT:

Sergeant Doug Gailey, Acting Urban Lieutenant, reviewed the written operational report and statistics. He stated they had rearranged their offices in the front to meet the needs of the department and to help facilitate movement. Sergeant Doug Gailey stated they had moved the files into the back of the office. He reported that the new administration had locked up the Evidence Room and they were auditing that room. Sergeant Gailey stated he had developed a new system which allowed for a more effective way to log in the evidence and to treat the evidence.

Sergeant Gailey stated with regards to personnel changes they have several new training coordinators to train for post certification. He reported the Sheriff had appointed one training coordinator for patrol and another coordinator for the jail. Commissioner Eklund-Brown asked about post training and if it was a regional issue to get trainers here. Sergeant Gailey stated there was a certain amount of training they could do within the department. He stated Sheriff Lotspeich had people within the department who were trainers so a lot of the state mandated training was done in-house. Sergeant Gailey stated there were some areas they had to go out for training. He reported that they work with the City to get the training accomplished. Commissioner Eklund-Brown believed it was important to share the resources and the trainers. Sergeant Doug Gailey stated most of the mandatory training could be done at little or no cost.

Commissioner Ellison noted the Sheriff’s Department helped with the location of the deceased woman outside of Battle Mountain. He complimented them upon their work and coordination. Sergeant Gailey reported that they did find the woman.

Sergeant Doug Gailey stated they were promoting higher education and encouraging their people to take college classes. He stated there was grant funding for radars. He stated at the beginning of March they would be doing a new program “Leave Speed at the Track”.

Sergeant Doug Gailey reviewed the statistics for patrol of 57,290 miles with 258 reports, 44 arrests, served 802 civil and had 2,924 calls for service, and did 55 citations. Sergeant Gailey stated they would get new radar guns from the state. Sergeant Doug Gailey stated there was a Jail Administrator who was streamlining things in the jail. He stated there was a change in schedules due to their limited staff. He stated a new company was offering more items for their commissary and it freed up the control room operator. He believed it lowered the contraband into the jail. Sergeant Doug Gailey stated Dr. Almaguer was coming into compliance with HEPA.

Sergeant Gailey stated there would be new metal detectors installed for better security. He noted it would eliminate time when the trustees were returning to the jail. Sergeant Gailey reported last month jail statistics of 321 arrests with the Sheriff’s Office having 169 of those. The Elko Police Department had 80, Carlin Police Department had 5, NDI had 3 and NHP 34, and Wendover had 19 arrests with the rest being by various agencies.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if these numbers were average or if the numbers were rising. Sergeant Doug Gailey stated it was the slow this time of the year. In the summer, he stated activities would increase. He believed the jail incarceration hovered around 100 inmates.

VIII. ELKO COUNTY LIQUOR BOARD:

APPLICATION FOR LICENSE:

The Board discussion and considered approval of a Liquor License for Diana Bunitsky doing business as the Lone Mountain Station.

Chairman Ellison called the Liquor Board to order at 2:30 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 2:32 p.m.

IX. ELKO COUNTY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE:

A. Discussion and consideration of issues related to the workload in the Assessor’s Office including consideration of potential solutions.

Joe Aguirre, Elko County Assessor, stated the Department of Taxation could not help them. He recommended that their receptionist became a full time employee. He stated this would allow a certified appraiser to go out into the field rather than staying at the counter. Commissioner Ellison understood that Joe would bring it back after last meeting to speak with Cash Minor, Robert Stokes and another Commissioner. Joe Aguirre stated they previously had a full time position but it was currently a part-time position. He believed that they could move it to a full time position. He stated the receptionist had two years to pass the exam to qualify for a certified appraiser.

MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved for approval to the position subject to approval of the County Manager or CFO/Assistant Manager. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

B. Discussion and consideration of issues related to a Nevada Division of Water Resources request for the Elko County Assessor’s Office to place assessment files on 7,378 parcels in the Ten Mile and Dixie Creek River Distributions.

Commissioner Ellison requested clarification. Joe Aguirre stated in 1984 the Division of Water Resources held a meeting to create a new water district. He commented that district took in Spring Creek and everything on Ten Mile and Dixie Creek. He stated there were 7,378 parcels within that drainage that the Division of Water Resources want the County to bill $0.4070. Joe Aguirre was concerned because the minutes from the 1984 meeting stated there were only three people that attended. He stated the new people who have moved into the region did not know they were going to be taxed by the Division of Water Resources. He believed that this was an effort to raise money to monitor the underground water in that basin. Joe Aguirre felt that this rate would escalate rapidly. He felt they should take everyone within the County rather than taxing just this specific basin. He stated the Division of Water Resource’s tax list included Churches, U.S. Government, State, County, TV Districts, and exempt properties. He stated the County would have to generate a bill and send it out which would take 39 cents to collect 40 cents. He voiced concern because the people being taxed were not being informed on this charge.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated she would try to meet with Tracy Taylor tomorrow to discuss several issues regarding Joe’s concerns. She stated the Division of Water Resources was asking for $3,000 to be assessed among 7,400 people. She noted it would cost Joe almost that amount to assess each parcel in postage alone. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted they were committing over $200,000 to perform a water study in that basin. She noted that $3,000 would not give the Division of Water Resources a lot of information. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated the study Elko County was doing would cover 100% of that area. She felt that this assessment should be waived. She recommended that they formally request the State Engineer to rescind this assessment in lieu of the fact that the County was doing water studies on this basin in the near future.

MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved that they request the State Engineer to rescind this payment amount through the Assessor’s Office to be assessed to property owners in lieu of the USGS water studies the County was embarking on in the near future. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated they may already have some information from the study Converse Consultants had previously done. She stated the state had previously implemented assessments similar to this so there was precedence for this.

X. MANUFACTURE HOUSING INSPECTION ISSUES:

A. Discussion and consideration of authorization for the County’s Building and Safety Division to negotiate with the State to take over manufactured housing inspections in Elko County in order to expedite said inspections in Elko County.

B. State Manufactured Housing Division Budget:

Discussion and consideration of County support for legislation introduced by Assemblymen Carpenter and Goicoechea to increase the State Manufactured Housing Division’s budget in order to add additional inspectors to expedite manufactured housing inspections in the State.

Commissioner Ellison commented that Assemblyman Carpenter had met with the Manufactured Housing Division. He stated they would do the funding but did not know how long that funding would last. He noted there were contractors, setters and people trying to get inspections in Elko County which were not happening. He and Commissioner Myers had met with the Building Department to come up with a solution. Commissioner Ellison noted there were people living in camp trailers countywide because they could not get an inspection on their mobile home. Commissioner Ellison commented that there were three inspectors for the entire State of Nevada.

Tom Ingersoll, County Building Inspector, wished Commissioner Myers and his family God speed with regards to his health.

Tom Ingersoll stated in an Interlocal Agreement between the State of Nevada and the County of Elko, Elko County could take over the inspections for the Manufactured Housing. He stated there were standard fees set by the Manufactured Housing Division. Tom Ingersoll believed there were 180 sets last year and believed $9,000 would be reimbursed to the State if the County assumed that. He noted that by statute the inspection fee had been reduced from $120.00 to $100.00 per inspection. Tom Ingersoll submitted a written summary of what it would cost for Elko County to take on these obligations. He stated it would take between 14 to 18 hours to train Elko County’s inspectors. He noted there would be no certification that would go with it. He clarified that it would be just the State’s approval for the County Inspectors to do the inspections on the installations of the mobile homes and there would be no HUD certification. He believed that there should be a written Interlocal Agreement for the County to assume the power to perform those inspections after the necessary training.

Tom Ingersoll stated instead of hiring an inspector they considered hiring a permit technician which would free up the inspectors to take this on. He stated the estimated costs of training per diem were $6,500 for training. He believed the training would be given by the State at the State’s expense. Tom Ingersoll felt the cost of the tools would be approximately $750.00 per technician. He stated the additional Permit Technician wages and benefits would be approximately $54,680. However, the inspection costs would give them approximately $147,000 with $50,000 going to the State with the safety seal. He stated this would give the County a deficit of approximately $35,470 for the County. However, he stated the position of permit technician would also be used for regular building department application and permit process. Therefore the negative impact would be offset by permit fees collected. Tom Ingersoll stated the County needed to review and adjust the 1994 fee schedule adopted in 1997, not to exceed the CPI for this period according to the Nevada Revised Statutes. He believed that some of their additional revenue could be picked up to cover the costs of the additional staff. Tom Ingersoll reported that Assemblyman Carpenter’s proposal was BDR 1197 which addressed the changes in inspections for Manufactured Housing. He stated he did not have anything in writing. Commissioner Ellison stated they were trying to add changes to the existing language for the Division of Manufactured Housing. He stated Assemblyman Carpenter had met with Senator Dean Rhoads and Assemblyman Pete Goicoechea with regards to adding new language to that bill. Commissioner Ellison stated they had spoken to people who have been waiting weeks and months to get into their mobile homes. Robert Stokes stated Assemblyman Carpenter had informed them that during his discussion with the Office of Manufactured Housing they agreed that if the funding was there they would put an inspector in Elko who would address the northeastern portion of Nevada. He stated that inspector would deal not only with Elko but Eureka, Lander and White Pine counties. He stated Elko County may have to provide office space for this individual. Robert Stokes felt that they could work this out with Community Development. Commissioner Ellison stated they could streamline some of these requirements to make it business friendly. Robert Stokes stated Assemblyman Carpenter hoped that the proposed legislation would be an answer to these long awaited inspections in Northeastern Nevada. Robert Stokes suggested they take a look at both of these. Robert Stokes stated if the legislation was fruitful then the County could back off from taking on the inspections. He noted by the end of May the legislature would be over.

Joe Aguirre noted that the State of Utah no longer issued titles on the mobile homes. He stated that the State Inspector stationed in Elko used to give them his monthly reports so they could find the mobile homes. He stated there were two mobile homes in Pilot Valley that they didn’t know existed.

Dan Bledsoe stated he did setups all over the State of Nevada and had been in business in Elko County since 1987. He had seen the inspectors come and go. He stated for consistency of inspection they needed someone locally. Dan Bledsoe had seen inspectors from Las Vegas and he did not believe they were qualified to be inspectors because of the lack of training they had received. He stated in most of those situations the setup people were explaining to them what they need to look for. He stated they look only for smoke detectors, if the windows open, did the gas line hold gas, and did the electrical have continuity. He noted that was checked at the factory when the home comes out. However, if it was a used home, that was a different story. Dan Bledsoe stated in the past John Carson was a local inspector and so was Doug for a number of years. Therefore, he felt the money was there already for those inspectors. He believed they should get someone stationed up here that knows what they were doing. Dan Bledsoe noted the County was doing the foundation inspections and the final inspections. He commented the County also did the gas inspections on the modulars, the UBCs and on the IRCs. He did not believe it would take much more to do the manufactured housing inspections. He commented that the state had a single setup plan for everyone irregardless of what the manufacturers say. Dan Bledsoe believed that once they understand that program then they would be in good shape. He would like to see experience and see continuity in the inspections throughout the State. He commented that he had an inspector come up to him last week and refused to inspect the house because there were no steps. He stated the County or the state did not want to be responsible for the steps. He believed that there should be some standards established. Dan Bledsoe stated he was also a fireman with the City of Elko and commented upon the length of time it took to get a State inspector here to the Elko region.

Commissioner Ellison stated he would like to see the process streamlined. He had spoken to an inspector who refused to come from Las Vegas because of an upcoming storm but he had driven the route and there was no storm. Therefore, the people had to wait for over a month for the inspection to be performed. He noted the inspector in Reno was on vacation at that time.

Dan Bledsoe stated inspection costs previously were $170.00 but they got the inspection right away. He did not have a problem with them raising the inspection costs, if they could get a better time frame for the inspections.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted licensing was an issue also.

Commissioner Ellison commented upon the length to get the inspections. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that there were only three inspectors for the entire state which was one of the fastest growing states in the nation. She did not know if the other counties were performing this function for the state. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated they had problems with codes being implemented. She noted the state inspectors had not looked at their codes when they go in. She stated they went with what the minimum state requirements were. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that they had complaints about the homes being set too close to the road and there were not sufficient set backs. She believed if the County performed the inspections the inspectors would know the set backs and would know the location of those mobile homes. Commissioner Eklund-Brown felt they could recover the costs if they looked at that department and brought up the cost allocations for what it cost to perform the inspections. Tom Ingersoll stated the actual cost for the inspection and the safety seal was set by Nevada Revised Statutes. He stated they could add additional costs for travel fees, and the application process. Tom Ingersoll stated NRS did require a final inspection certificate for occupancy to be issued on a manufactured home. However, the state did not do that. He stated they were looking to implement that which would also be an additional cost. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if the state reimbursed a county for assuming this program for them. Tom Ingersoll replied no, the state only recovered the $50.00 for the blue safety seal. Commissioner Eklund-Brown believed this may be a regional resource to the other counties. She stated they could do intergovernmental agreements with the other counties so they did not have to wait so long for their inspections either. Robert Stokes stated travel costs would be a consideration. Commissioner Ellison noted in a discussion with a state employee he was informed they would rather not come to Elko and have the burden for the inspections. Commissioner Eklund-Brown requested clarification that the state did permanentized or non permanentized inspections to look at the manufactured house for the safety seal. Dan Bledsoe stated they look to see how that house was functioning. They looked to see if that the gas line did not leak, the doors and windows work, the smoke detectors work, and if the home was properly blocked. Dan Bledsoe stated if a mobile home was blocked as a mobile home and set upon concrete blocks; then that would be a burden upon the County because there would be no other reason than electrical for them to go out to that job site. Dan Bledsoe stated if there was a permanent foundation there would be a final inspection. Tom Ingersoll commented that they did not have jurisdiction over the installation of manufactured homes because they were under HUD standards. He stated they do take over all inspections required for the old UBCs, and the new IRC homes under the National Residential Compliance Code. Commissioner Ellison noted when they have a dispute then they could resolve the issues locally. However if it was with the state they had to go to a Senator or Assemblyman to resolve any dispute. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented that there were different standards of foundations throughout the state based upon weight loads, climate, etc. She noted a state inspector may certify something here that may not be to code in Elko County which may cause a problem in the future for the homeowner when they go to get a loan on it.

Dan Bledsoe stated if they talk to the setup people you will find that until once the house was completed they don’t get paid. He asked if they could get it into one office so then there would be continuity.

Frank Wilson, of Wilson and Wilson Mobile Home Set Up Service, stated he had been licensed since 1982. He did not believe the County should take it over. He felt they could fill-in but asked that they stand behind Assemblyman John Carpenter to put an inspector back into this area from the state. Frank Wilson noted they previously had an inspector in Elko for over fifteen years so he believed the money was there. He stated Las Vegas and Carson City had more inspectors now. Commissioner Ellison stated if they get an inspector from the state; they were here for six months and then the state pulls them. Frank Wilson felt that the legislature considered Elko a hub because they only charged $170.00 in town for an inspection. Frank Wilson stated in Ely they charged $321.00 per inspection. He stated they questioned the difference in costs for the inspections in Elko and Ely and was informed by the state that Elko was considered a hub. He believed the law stated that if they were a hub; they made rules and regulations that had to be followed. Therefore, Elko should have a local state inspector. He believed the County should negotiate in the meantime to fill-in. However, the Manufactured Housing Division would ride the fence until the fence came to an end. He stated they had a permanent state inspector here for many years. He believed they should have someone from the state to do all the paper work and to handle all the complaints. Frank Wilson stated there were many issues with manufactured housing from cracked sheetrock, etc. He stated the state did not do anything about the non-licensed people. Frank Wilson felt the Manufactured Housing Division should be held accountable. He noted the money was here for Doug Neil and for John when they were the local state inspectors. He believed the state had done something different with the money that was here. Commissioner Ellison noted Humboldt County had an inspector and asked how that was working. Frank Wilson stated that most of the homes which were sat down there were sitting too low and you could not get underneath them. He stated at Golconda he had poured footings and set the house and the inspector refused to come out because he had poured footings without contacting her first. He stated the footings were not a foundation and were not permanently attached. Frank Wilson stated at the TS Ranch they had a building inspector from Battle Mountain requiring them to install tie downs. He noted a double wide manufactured home did not require tie downs. He stressed that they need a trained local state inspector.

Frank Wilson encouraged support for Assemblyman John Carpenter. Frank Wilson stated the Manufactured Housing changes the rules and regulations but do not inform anyone. He stated if there was a local state inspector then they could keep the setup people informed. Frank Wilson stated he still did not have a rule book for the October changes under Manufactured Housing.

Frank Wilson stated if you have a licensed person doing the set up they call for an inspector and it may be two weeks before they come to this region. He stated if they failed the inspection then the inspector has to come back to re-inspect in another two weeks. Frank Wilson commented that those inspectors came over 400 miles. He stated there were a lot of unlicensed people setting homes. Commissioner Ellison noted they had people hauling from Reno and Winnemucca who were selling licenses like water. Frank Wilson stated if they do business in Elko County then they have to get an Elko County license. He noted that Joe Aguirre did not know that there were two mobile homes in Elko County but if there was a local state inspector then they would have a list. Frank Wilson stated if they set a home in Lyon County they had to pay for a building permit. Frank Wilson stated in Battle Mountain you have to buy a building permit. He stated in the cities Tom Ballew inspects the building plans for set backs. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired who would enforce those fees. Kim Wilson stated John Kingwell should enforce that. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if a state inspector performed the inspection how would the County know the mobile home was out there. Frank Wilson noted the law in Lyon County states that to put up a manufactured home you have to buy a $500.00 building permit. He stated the permit fee for a stick-built home was more money. If they charge that permit fee for a mobile home, then there would be a way of tracking them coming into the County. Frank Wilson noted they could get people in their homes before the inspection was performed. He noted they get their electrical and foundation inspection. He stated if it was bad weather they might not do the back grade on the house for two or three weeks and then get the state inspector. Commissioner Ellison believed they were trying to streamline everything to work for everyone. Frank Wilson believed that there was funding available because Elko had a state inspector here for many years. He noted they stated they had several new manufactured housing inspectors in Clark County and Washoe County so he questioned what happened to the funding for the Elko state inspector. Frank Wilson noted manufactured housing dropped 25% within the State of Nevada from 2005 to 2006. He stated if they look at Elko they did not see that decline.

Commissioner Ellison stated they would support Assemblyman John Carpenter. He stated they had been hearing from businesses, insurance companies and lending institutions because there was no business license. Frank Wilson encouraged that they initiate a business license and building permits on the manufactured homes. Kim Wilson suggested that the County not take the inspections on forever because the state received their licensing fees.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown thanked the contractors for coming in and giving them their input.

Tom Ingersoll stated if the County took it on then it would benefit the community that they serve and the other outlying counties would not benefit. Tom Ingersoll disclosed that Mark Mitchell was his wife’s uncle who was with MMSI.

MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to implement negotiation with the State over either the County taking over inspections or supporting the legislation. The motion died due to a lack of a second.

Kristin McQueary asked that Commissioner Eklund-Brown make a more definitive motion.

Robert Stokes stated they had two options but did not believe the time frames were a problem. He felt the Commission wanted the problem dealt with. If it was not dealt with through the legislature, then the County would have to take it on. Commissioner Ellison suggested she amend her motion to reflect that they would work with Assemblymen Carpenter and Goicoechea to put in more state inspectors. He stated in the process they could negotiate with the state to do their own inspections.

MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to support Assemblymen Carpenter and Goicoechea’s bill draft to add additional inspectors from the State for the Manufactured Housing Division in Elko as a hub, in the event of failure, to negotiate for inspections done by Elko County. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

Commissioner Ellison clarified that the Commission was trying to help streamline this process and help the people and the contractors. Commissioner Eklund-Brown felt they should charge for a building permit. Tom Ingersoll stated he had discussed this with Randy Brown about doing a development permit, even if Elko County only did the electrical inspection. He stated if they had property which had existing service and go out of town to buy a manufactured home and set it; they had no way to regulate that. He stated they could not address set backs, flood plain issues, etc. Robert Stokes stated they would have to look at that and would research what the other counties were doing on this matter.

Frank Wilson stated they could implement a plan for a building permit. He noted that would give Tom Ingersoll the right to go out and look at the site.

XI. ELKO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT:

Discussion of County efforts to secure federal legislation working jointly with the Nevada Association of Counties, other Counties from Western States and the Western Counties Alliance. Discussion and consideration of meetings with various land management and resource management agencies and organizations to discuss options to address range and habitat rehabilitation actions to help mitigate the destruction caused by the 2006 Wildfire Season.

Robert Stokes stated as part of the NACO conference, Michele Petty had been working with the Congressional Delegation Offices. He stated they do have a meeting scheduled separate from the NACO issues wherein they would meet with representatives from Heller, Berkley, Porter, Reid and Ensign’s Offices in March. Robert Stokes stated the Western Counties Alliance held a public land summit in Winnemucca which he and Commissioner Russell attended. Robert Stokes stated there were representatives from Mineral County, Humboldt County and Allen Biaggi gave the keynote address representing Governor Gibbons. Robert Stokes had spoken to Mark Walsh who was working with Nye County to hold another meeting on that side of the State. He stated there were representatives from various state and federal agencies so there was good interaction. Robert Stokes reported that there was a State meeting potentially set for the first part of March but he had not received an agenda for that. Commissioner Ellison stated they have set a date for that meeting. Robert Stokes stated they also received an e-mail from the Elko Daily Free Press. He noted John Sents, had asked for information for a defensible space article in advance of the fire season. He had received reports from the BLM, the Forest Service and the NDF on the preparatory work, drill seeding, green stripping, etc. He stated the agencies were very active with their preseason work.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted at the BLM meeting they had discussed holding a fire fair. They hoped to coordinate the fire fair with all the agencies that manage rehabilitation and do training. At the fair, she would like to see the County present awards to those who helped last year with the fires. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented that this fair would be held in May for local residents to educate them on fire prevention such as defensible space, etc. She stated that Joe Freeland of the BLM would be working on the fire fair before the fire season begins. Commissioner Ellison noted in September at the NACO conference they also planned on doing a fire summit.

XVII. ELKO COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING DIVISION:

Parcel Map Road Dedication Requests:

A. Discussion and consideration of approval of a parcel map road dedication of Ashburn Drive south of Spring Creek Housing Section Tract 109 located in Section 22 T33N, R57E.

Randy Brown reported that this was a parcel map for a portion of a cul-de-sac at the end of Ashburn Drive. He stated Ashburn Drive was a road within the Spring Creek Association’s boundaries which were public rights of way. He stated it meet all state statutes and local ordinances. He reported that staff recommended approval. Commissioner Ellison asked if that was offered with no County road maintenance. Randy Brown replied that was correct.

MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve a parcel map road dedication of Ashburn Drive with no County road maintenance. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown disclosed that Randy Brown was her husband, and it was being recommended for approval through his department.

The motion was passed unanimously.

B. Discussion and consideration of approval of a parcel map road dedication of Rockland Drive located off of the Mountain City Highway near Crestview Subdivision located in Section 7 T34N, R55E.

Randy Brown stated this was an offer for dedication of a portion of Rockland Drive which was the full frontage for two parcels they were creating. He stated it was an offer of 40’ wide by 330 feet. He stated it met all state statutes and local ordinances. He stated staff recommended approval without maintenance. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted the lower end was maintained by the County. Commissioner Ellison inquired if this would cause a problem with the lower end being maintained. Randy Brown displayed the roadway portion that was already being maintained.

MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve a parcel map road dedication of Rockland Drive. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown disclosed that Randy Brown was her husband, and it was being recommended for approval through his department. She stated that there was no pecuniary interest for either she or her husband.

The motion was passed unanimously.

Chairman Ellison called a recess at 3:35 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 3:45 P.M.

XII. 2007 NEVADA LEGISLATIVE SESSION:

Discussion and consideration of issues and proposed legislation that may come before the 2007 Nevada Legislature’s 74th Session including potential impacts of proposed legislation to Elko County and its citizens.

Cash Minor noted Assemblyman Carpenter had sent a bill draft regarding mandating the percentage of room tax revenue of the City of Elko for the operations and marketing fund for the Convention Center. Commissioner Ellison noted that Assemblyman Carpenter had sought a letter of support on that legislation. Cash Minor commented that the packet they received gave a 13 year history of the City of Elko’s room tax and who it was disbursed to. Cash Minor noted there was also an analysis of the City of Elko’s portion of the Convention Center. He stated there was a financial break down of what portion of the taxes the Convention Center would have received if the bill draft had been applied previously.

Commissioner Ellison noted the City of Elko had a bill draft on the air travel from Reno to Elko. Robert Stokes stated they did not have a copy of that bill draft. Commissioner Ellison asked that Robert Stokes speak to Curtis Calder on that bill draft. Commissioner Eklund-Brown did not believe the County should be involved with the Convention Center. She believed this was an issue between the City of Elko and the Convention Center. Commissioner Ellison noted the County was an interested party and they controlled the advalorem interest of the Convention Center. Cash Minor stated the Convention Center was established under their own taxing district. He stated the County did have a Commissioner sitting on the Convention Center board. He noted that the City and the County were the initial participants on the construction of the Convention Center. Robert Stokes suggested that they table it, then the issue would remain open for future discussion.

MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to table the issue. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

Commissioner Ellison asked that they also bring back the airport bill draft on their next meeting agenda.

Robert Stokes stated the ABATE legislation was also active. Commissioner Ellison noted that had been in front of the Transportation Committee. He stated if there was no second hearing, then that legislation would be dead again. Commissioner Ellison asked that it be put back on the next meeting agenda for further discussion.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated the Humboldt River Basin Water Authority would be reviewing the water bill drafts before the legislature. She may bring more bill drafts back on the next meeting agenda.

Commissioner Ellison noted there had been a 3% tax amendment proposed. Joe Aguirre had not heard anything on that bill draft. Cash Minor stated there were some bills that dealt with ballot questions that did not pass on the general ballot last fall. Joe Aguirre stated the three Assessors on that side of State work with a lobbyist to help the legislators understand the tax bill drafts.

Commissioner Ellison noted there was a bill draft wherein Clark County would follow the rest of the State on the concealed weapon law. Robert Stokes noted there was a meeting held on Monday. He stated Warren Russell had testified with regards to that legislation and there was a clause to increase the fees. Robert Stokes stated Warren Russell testified as an individual Commissioner and not on behalf of the Board of Elko County Commission. Commissioner Ellison asked that it be placed on the next agenda.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown asked why Joe Guild had not come in before the Commission prior to the legislative meetings. Robert Stokes stated the County did use Joe Guild as a lobbyist. Commissioner Ellison noted that Mary Walker was doing a good job also. Robert Stokes believed that the lobbyists were more organized this year. He stated they met on a weekly basis with NACO. He stated Commissioner Russell was attending those meetings on a monthly basis.

XIII. ELKO COUNTY WATER RESOURCE ISSUES:

Discussion and consideration of water resource management and water rights issues that may impact Elko County including possible discussion related to the Southern Nevada Water Authority pipeline project and the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority activities and issues.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated the County of Elko was turned down as a cooperating agency with the BLM on the SNWA groundwater project. She stated they had changed the scope and the BLM was doing the EIS on just the right-of-way only. In the correspondence, Elko County was told if they were concerned about water basins then that should be addressed through the State Engineer. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated the County was concerned about the groundwater aquifer connections and the impact to the groundwater basins in Elko County.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated Elko County was sitting on the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority so she believed they would receive information through that board. She stated the Engineer had not gone forward with the Snake Valley hearings.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated the State Engineer was aware of Elko County’s involvement. She felt the Commission should write a letter to the State Engineer asking that he consider the impact that the SNWA’s project may have on Elko County because of their shared aquifers. She stated the letter should express their appreciation of his consideration of the connected underground aquifers in Elko County.

MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved that they write a letter to the State Engineer asking that he consider the impact that the SNWA’s project may have on Elko County because of their shared aquifers. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

XIV. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT:

A. Ely Field Office:

Ely Energy Center (EEC) EIS:

Discussion and consideration of comments regarding the Nevada Power Company and the Sierra Pacific Power Company proposal to develop the EEC which would consist of a 2,500 MW coal-fired power generating plant, power transmission lines and associated facilities.

Robert Stokes noted they had previously sent a letter of support on this project to the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection for an air quality permit. He had drafted a similar letter to the BLM Ely District Office for their consideration on this request.

MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to send a letter of support to the BLM regarding the proposal to develop the Ely Energy Center. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted the economic benefits it would bring to Elko and White Pine Counties with the railroad upgrades and they would be adding power to Elko County.

The motion was passed unanimously.

B. Elko Field Office:

1. Barrick Goldstrike Mine Extension:

Discussion and consideration of comments regarding the Barrick Mining proposal to expand mining operations at the Goldstrike Mine north of Carlin.

MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to send a letter of support on the proposed Goldstrike Mine expansion. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented upon how the Barrick Goldstrike Mine added vast economic opportunities to Northeastern Nevada based on jobs, tax revenues from employees, etc.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated the grazing study they had prepared should be expanded to mining, recreation and tourism needs as well. She noted that the mines utilized the public lands also and that should be addressed through a study. She felt there should be an expansive letter of support on their behalf.

The motion was passed unanimously.

2. Galway Resources U.S. Inc. Tungsten Exploration Project:

Discussion and consideration of comments regarding the proposed Galway Resources U.S. Inc. Tungsten Exploration Project located 7 miles north of Crittenden Reservoir.

MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to send a letter of support on the proposed Galway Resources U.S. Inc. Tungsten Exploration Project.

Commissioner Nannini stated he and Robert Stokes had met with them to discuss the project. He believed they would get high grade ore from the mine.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown felt the letter should also contain the same language as the previous request commenting upon their benefit to the County.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown made the disclosure she did not know who would be doing the drilling on the exploration.

The motion was passed unanimously.

XV. CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT:

Discussion and consideration of approval of a Civil Legal Services Agreement with Robert J. Wines for civil legal services for inmates and pretrial detainees incarcerated at the Elko County Jail Facility.

Kristin McQueary reported that this was an annual contract renewal.

MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve the Civil Legal Services Agreement with Robert J. Wines for civil legal services for inmates and pretrial detainees incarcerated at the Elko County Jail Facility. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

XVI. UNR SOCIOECONOMIC ASSESSMENT AND ELKO COUNTY COMMUNITY PROFILE:

Discussion and consideration of approval of a socioeconomic study by the UNR Sociology Department / Resource Economics Department to add to the data from the UNR Department of Resource Economics study done on the economic impacts of range management policies on Elko County’s economy.

Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated this was the other half of Dr. Harris’ study so they would have a finished project on the economic side. She stated this would give them the sociological side of this assessment. She stated this study would be expanded to all uses on public lands so it would cover grazing, mining recreation, etc. She reported they would send out surveys to the community and they would bring up students from the University of Reno. She stated this would be a research project for that class. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated there would be some in-kind services involved. She believed they may have to provide accommodations for students. She stated during Cowboy Poetry the students stayed at the UNR Fire Science Academy last time they were up. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated Dr. Mariah Evans had sent a maximum cost estimate of $8,903.25 with the in-kind services. She stated it would be under the $10,000 they had budgeted for and would encompass all of the public land uses.

Commissioner Ellison inquired when the study would be done. Commissioner Eklund-Brown felt it would be completed by the end of the semester. Robert Stokes felt the motion should have verbiage of “not to exceed a $10,000 limit”.

MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to approve the socioeconomic assessment study by Dr. Mariah Evans at UNR Sociology Department/Resource Economics’ Department in an amount not to exceed $10,000 from funds specified by staff. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

XVIII. NORTHEASTERN NEVADA REGIONAL RAILPORT:

A. Discussion and consideration of a resolution for the approval of a negotiated sale of approximately 44 acres of land at the Railport site in accordance with NRS Chapter 244.

Chairman Ellison noted for the record that this item was being continued until the next meeting.

B. Discussion and consideration of issues related to the Northeastern Nevada Regional Railport including options with regard to the development, operation and management of the Railport and Industrial Park. Possible issues for discussion and action may include Committee recommendations with regard to the lease, sale or contracting out of all or portions of the Railport and/or Industrial Park along with potential recommendations for contracting with consultants for various components of this project.

Chairman Ellison noted for the record that this item was also being continued until the next meeting.

XIX. COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR:

March 7 & 8, 2007 -- 1:30 p.m. – Elko – Courthouse

March 21, 2007 -- 1:30 p.m. – Elko – Courthouse

April 4 & 5, 2007 -- 1:30 p.m. – Elko – Courthouse

April 18, 2007 -- 1:30 p.m. – Elko – Courthouse

Chairman Ellison stated he would be in Washington on March 7 and 8th so Commissioner Nannini would chair those meetings.

MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to approve the Commission Meeting Calendar for the months of March and April. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

XX. CORRESPONDENCE, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND NOTICES: Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated Thursday night she would try to meet with the Northeastern Nevada Stewardship Group because Kimberly Rollins, a UNR professor, would be giving a presentation. She stated Kimberly asked if they wanted to be test case study with regards to impacts from fire such as economic impacts, thinning projects, etc.

XXI. CONSENT AGENDA:

A. Presentation and review of claims for approval

B. Review and approval of travel requests that may be pending.

C. Approval of Minutes:

January 3, 2007: 1. Board of County Commissioners

2. Town of Jackpot

January 4, 2007: 1. Board of County Commissioners

2. Board of County Highway Commissioners

January 17, 2007: 1. Board of County Commissioners

2. Board of County Highway Commissioners

3. Town of Jackpot

Commissioner Eklund-Brown believed she should abstain on the claims submitted for her and Randy Brown. Kristin McQueary stated if she felt compelled to abstain then she should pull those two claims and vote on the rest of them. Kristin McQueary stated those two claims could be voted upon at the next meeting when there would be a quorum setting.

MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to approve the Consent Agenda with corrections submitted by herself and any others and withdrawing claim items from Great Basin Bank Credit Card Bills for herself and her husband, Randy Brown. She stated those two claims would be contingent upon Commissioner Russell’s approval for a quorum vote.

Kristin McQueary suggested that she change verbiage from “contingent upon Commissioner Russell’s approval because she would not know if he would attend the next meeting. Commissioner Eklund-Brown explained that Commissioner Russell could look over those claims in the Administrative Office and give his approval for a quorum approval. Robert Stokes commented that those claims were not salary enhancements; they were simply reimbursements when on County business.

Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

XXII. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY STAFF COMMENTS:

Commissioner Ellison noted he had received e-mails with regards to travel by County employees that use their own vehicles. He stated they were concerned with the rate charged for gas. Commissioner Ellison believed the County employees were saving the County money by using their own vehicles. Robert Stokes stated during the budget process they could discuss this policy because there would be some financial impact.

Commissioner Ellison noted that he and Commissioner Eklund-Brown were working on the restricted air space. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated the Forest Service had been contacted and requested to give comments. Commissioner Eklund-Brown had e-mailed all the County’s concerns to Dan Dallas and also the BLM’s concerns. She noted the Air Force was only involving the federal agencies at this time. Commissioner Eklund-Brown felt it was appropriate to send a letter to them stating that Elko County had concerns. Robert Stokes stated they had spoken to the Mountain Home Air Force Base previously and was told that the Air Force would have to get information together before they go to public comment. Robert Stokes believed that was why they were gathering information from the federal agencies before they gather public comment. Commissioner Eklund-Brown felt the County was more than public comment and noted that the Air Force had been interacting with the Tribe. Commissioner Ellison felt they should set up meeting with the Governor if there was no satisfaction.

Commissioner Ellison inquired about Commissioner Eklund-Brown attendance at the Recreation Board’s meeting. He noted no one had received the request forms for next year’s funding. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated she had received an email about Tuesday’s meeting but she could not attend that meeting. She had requested who her alternate was and if that person could attend the meeting. Commissioner Ellison stated they had put in a request for the 4th of July fireworks but they had not received any confirmation on that communication. Robert Stokes stated he had not received Commissioner Eklund-Brown’s email about attendance and asked for information about the meeting date and time.

Commissioner Ellison noted NACO was following the net proceeds bill draft. He stated Senator Pete Goicoechea was sponsoring it and felt Elko County should give testimony. Cash Minor stated that bill had not dropped yet. Commissioner Ellison noted that Newmont had submitted their name at large. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated she would sit with Newmont at the Lincoln Day Dinner and would speak with them. She stated they were having a simulation exercise tomorrow which Joe Aguirre would participate in.

Commissioner Nannini commented that he and Commissioner Russell had made a presentation of the Al Huber bronze plaque at the Library. He stated Al Huber wanted to make another addition to the Library at his expense.

Kristin McQueary stated she would be going to Carson City a week from Friday to the Insurance Pool Litigation Strategy Committee meeting. She stated at the seminar they would review lessons learned from the various insurance pool members.

XXIII. ADJOURNMENT:

MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

There being no further business coming before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

APPROVED,

JOHN ELLISON, Chairman

ATTEST:

MARILYN TIPTON, Deputy Clerk

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download