STATE OF NEVADA, ) COUNTY OF ELKO. ) ss. The Board of Elko County Commissioners meet in regular session on May 15, 2002, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 105, in the Elko County Courthouse, at 571 Idaho Street, Elko, Nevada, and at the Tuscarora Post Office, Tuscarora, Nevada at 3:30 p.m. There were present: County Commissioners Brad Roberts, Chair Absent Nolan Lloyd Mike Nannini Warren Russell John Ellison County Manager Robert Stokes Deputy District Attorney Kristin McQueary Deputy District Attorney Kay Macuil County Clerk Win Smith Deputy County Clerk Marilyn Tipton Chief Financial Officer Cash Minor Public Works Director Lynn Forsberg Community Development Dir. Charles Voos Road Supervisor Otis Tipton --- The following proceedings were held: Commissioner Roberts called the regular meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Roberts lead the meeting participants in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Roberts noted for the record that Commissioner Lloyd was absent. APPROVAL OF PRECEDING MINUTES: The Board considered approval of the preceding minutes for the meeting held on May 1, 2002: Board of County Commissioners, Jackpot Town Board, Jarbidge Town Board, and the Montello Town Board. MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to approve the preceding minutes for the meetings held on May 1, 2002: Board of County Commissioners, Jackpot Town Board, Jarbidge Town Board, and the Montello Town Board. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was The Board considered approval of the preceding minutes for the meetings held on May 2, 2002: Board of County Commissioners, Board of County Highway Commissioners, and the Elko County Liquor Board. PAGE 1
MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve the preceding minutes for the meeting held on May 2, 2002: Board of County Commissioners, Board of County Highway Commissioners, Elko and the County Liquor Board. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was Chairman Roberts noted that the Board had not received the written minutes for May 8, 2002: Special Budget - Board of County Commissioners so approval of those minutes would be carried forward to the next meeting. COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC: No comments were submitted by the general public. CORRESPONDENCE, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND NOTICES: The Board did not comment upon the correspondence, acknowledgments and notices received by the Commission. CITY OF CARLIN: William Kohbarger, Carlin City Manager stated that last Thursday they had received approval from the USDA and the Army Corp of Engineers to contract the City of Carlin water system pipeline extension to the UNR Fire Science Academy. He reported that the contract was awarded to Claws Construction of Utah in the amount of $763,654.50. He noted the work performed by Tom Ballew of High Desert Engineering upon the project, and the coordination with the various agencies involved. Commissioner Nannini inquired how many days it would take for the project. Tom Ballew replied about one hundred days. Bill Kohbarger stated they were hauling water and was burning at the academy this morning. Commissioner Roberts inquired when the project would start. Tom Ballew replied in approximately three weeks. Commissioner Roberts noted the permitting had delayed the project but believed the project would proceed quicker due to the time of the year and the weather conditions. Bill Kohbarger stated that the finances were coordinated and they knew when they would receive the reimbursements. They were utilizing the USDA paperwork to complete the process. Commissioner Ellison inquired about the easement permits. Bill Kohbarger stated that the permits were granted. Chairman Roberts called the Jackpot Town Board to order at 10:10 a.m., and the Jarbidge Town Board was called to order at 10:12 a.m. The Mountain City Town Board was called to order at 10:15 a.m. and the regular Commission meeting was reconvened at 10:17 a.m. MIDAS WATER DISTRICT: Midas Water Cooperative: No report was given on water matters as it applied for the Midas community. MIDAS COMMUNITY: PAGE 2
There were no Midas area matters for reporting. LAMOILLE COMMUNITY: County Grove Park Fee Increase: The Board considered approval of the AB486 statement that Resolution 15-2002 did not impose a direct and significant economic burden upon a business and did not directly restrict the formation, operation or expansion of a business. MOTION: Commissioner Russell moved to approve the AB 486 statement that Resolution 15-2002 did not impose a direct and significant economic burden upon a business and did not directly restrict the formation, operation or expansion of a business. Commissioner Russell believed the agreement and the schedule for fees would encourage the use of the park by groups due to the scheduling structure and may encourage a more positive economic impact to the businesses in that location due to the more diverse use of the park. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was The Board considered adoption of Resolution No. 15-2002 entitled: LAMOILLE GROVE USER FEE, which implements fees for use of the Grove Park in Lamoille. MOTION: Commissioner Russell moved to adopt Resolution No. 15-2002 entitled: LAMOILLE GROVE USER FEE. Commissioner Nannini noted there was a refund policy of thirty days included. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. Chairman Roberts noted this was a followup resolution after the public meeting was held two weeks ago. The motion was SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT: Sheriff s Posse: The Board considered a contract for security services between the Sheriff s Posse and MKM Racing Promotions for a car race on June 22& 23, 2002 near West Wendover, Nevada. Milt Grisham, Deputy Commander of the Sheriff s Posse, stated that this was a standard, annual agreement and it had been reviewed by their legal counsel. He stated that the insurance coverage had been raised. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve a contract for security services between the Sheriff s Posse and MKM Racing Promotions for a car race on June 22 & 23, 2002 near West Wendover, Nevada. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was ELKO COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE / EMERGENCY SERVICES: Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Grants: PAGE 3
The Board considered approval of EMS grant applications for training for Pediatric Emergency Preparedness Program (PEPP) Classes and EMT-I programs. Robert Stokes requested that they table this agenda item until the next meeting. He stated that Douglas Fire had a special upon 50 used air packs so Mr. Webb had went to pick some of those up. Emergency Management Planning Grant: Robert Stokes noted that these grants paid a portion of Bill Webb s salary. The Board considered approval of the Emergency Management Planning Grant application for Federal Fiscal Year 2003. MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to approve the Emergency Management Planning Grant application for Federal Fiscal Year 2003. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was FISCAL YEAR 2002-2003 BUDGET WORKSHOP: The Board considered adjustments to dependent coverage appropriation for elected officials and its relation to the approval of the Elected Official Salary Bill. Commissioner Ellison felt that if the salary was 15% or above they should consider this action. Commissioner Roberts felt they should wait until they see what came from the legislature and if the raise would offset the cost of the dependent coverage. Commissioner Russell noted that included a lot of department heads who had not received a salary increase for some time. He stated there were some elected officials that had a salary amount similar to their assistant. Commissioner Nannini noted that the Commissioners could go out and make a living. However, the elected officials such as the Treasurer and Recorder could not seek outside income and this would effect their lives. He believed they should drop this or bring it back later after legislative action. MOTION: Commissioner Russell moved to table the dependent coverage appropriation for elected officials if the Elected Official Salary Bill is approved until legislature took action. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion was Cash Minor discussed FY 2002-2003 Budget issues that may be placed on the May 20, 2002 Commission agenda. He stated they had previously discussed a possible retirement plan and submitted a draft of the plan wherein they would purchase two years of PERS payments or a cash payment equal to the purchase of the two years of PERS payments. Commissioner Nannini inquired when the decision would be made. Cash Minor replied on May 20 th. They would have to appropriate money and responses would have to be back by the 28 th of May and decided upon by May 30 th. Commissioner Russell inquired if this was three options and Cash Minor reviewed the three options. Commissioner Nannini inquired if they had to pay the PERS up front. Cash Minor replied that PERs would have to be paid up front but the cash payment could be negotiated. Commissioner Ellison inquired about the payment amounts. Cash Minor stated the regular employee payment would be approximately $15,000 and the police/fire employee would PAGE 4
be approximately $17,300.00. He believed it would be approximately $30,000.0 for the PERS payments for the two year period. They would have to pay the vacation and sick leave in addition to the PERS payments. SHERIFF S DEPARTMENT: Public Hearing - Medium Term Financing for Public Safety Vehicles: In accordance with Public Notice No. 35-02, the Board conducted a Public Hearing to consider a resolution authorizing medium-term obligations not to exceed $150,000.00 maturing within three (3) years for acquiring County Vehicles for Public Safety. No public comment was submitted. The Board considered the adoption of Resolution No. 17-2002 entitled: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FINANCING IN AN AMOUNT OF UP TO $150,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING ALL OR A PORTION OF THE COST OF ACQUIRING SHERIFF S VEHICLES; AND DIRECTING THE OFFICERS OF THE COUNTY TO FORWARD MATERIALS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION OF THE STATE OF NEVADA; AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OR HIS/HER DESIGNEE TO ARRANGE FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE FINANCING AGREEMENTS; PROVIDING CERTAIN DETAILS IN CONNECTIONS THEREWITH; AND PROVIDING THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to adopt Resolution No. 17-2002, entitled: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FINANCING IN AN AMOUNT OF UP TO $150,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING ALL OR A PORTION OF THE COST OF ACQUIRING SHERIFF S VEHICLES; AND DIRECTING THE OFFICERS OF THE COUNTY TO FORWARD MATERIALS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION OF THE STATE OF NEVADA; AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OR HIS/HER DESIGNEE TO ARRANGE FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE FINANCING AGREEMENTS; PROVIDING CERTAIN DETAILS IN CONNECTIONS THEREWITH; AND PROVIDING THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was NATIONAL POLICE WEEK AND NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL DAY: The Board considered approval of Proclamation No. 2002-F designating the week of May 12 th through May 18 th, 2002 as National Police Week and May 15 th as Peace Officers Memorial Day. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve PROCLAMATION NO. 2002-F: A PROCLAMATION BY THE ELKO COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF MAY 12 TH THROUGH MAY 18 TH, 2002 AS NATIONAL POLICE WEEK AND MAY 15 TH AS PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. PAGE 5
Chairman Roberts read the proclamation into the record. AMERICAN VETERAN S WEEK: The Board considered approval of Proclamation No. 2002-G designating the 1 st week of July, 2002 as American Veteran s Week honoring the sacrifice and contributions of America s Military Veterans. Commissioner Ellison introduced Warren Williams Commander of the local Veterans Post. He requested the Chairman to read this proclamation at the 4 th of July presentation. Warren Williams introduced Joe Rigsby the incoming commander in June. Commissioner Ellison complimented the local American Veterans upon their community efforts. MOTION: Commissioner Russell moved to approve PROCLAMATION NO. 2002-G: A PROCLAMATION BY THE ELKO COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DESIGNATING THE 1 ST WEEK OF JULY, 2002 AS AMERICAN VETERAN S WEEK. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion was Chairman Roberts read into record Proclamation No. 2002-G. JACK WILLIAMS DAY: The Board considered of Proclamation No. 2002-H designating the 4 TH of July, 2002 as Jack Williams Day in honor of Mr. Williams many contributions to Elko County and Veteran s issues. Commissioner Ellison requested this be tabled because the date was incorrect, it should be July 5 th. MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to table PROCLAMATION NO. 2002- H: A PROCLAMATION BY THE ELKO COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DESIGNATING THE 4 TH OF JULY, 2002 AS JACK WILLIAMS DAY. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT: Jarbidge Fire Station CDBG Project: The Board considered the contract for the architectural and engineering fees in the amount of $30,250.00 for the design of the Jarbidge Fire Station. Tom Turk, NDF stated that Lynn Forsberg was at the CDBG hearing upon this project. MOTION: Commissioner Russell moved to award the contract to J.D. Long for the design services for the Jarbidge Fire Station. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion was Pilot Valley Fire Station CDBG Project: The Board consider the contract for the architectural and engineering fees in the amount of $20,000.00 for the Pilot Valley Fire Station. Tom Turk submitted the breakdown for the architectural fees which came in under $1500 under the estimate for the CDBG PAGE 6
proposal. He stated that a portion of the civil engineering would be performed in house. Therefore the total would be reduced $4,000.00 for a total amount of $20,000.00. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to award the contract to J.D. Long for the design services for the Pilot Valley Fire Station. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. Commissioner Nannini noted that J.D. Long had been willing to aid the County with their numerous projects and traveled throughout the county. He thanked J.D. Long on his efforts upon the smaller county projects. Commissioner Ellison noted that J.D. Long had performed a concept drawings upon several projects and donated that time. He thanked him for his commitment to the community. The motion was ELKO COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD TO MANAGE WILDLIFE: In accordance with N.R.S. 501.260 through 501.275, the Board considered the appointment of two (2) positions to the Elko County Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife for three (3) year terms that would expire June 30, 2005. Commissioner Roberts noted they had received a letter of recommendation from the advisory board chairman for the reappoint of the two individuals Neil McQueary and Gary Carver. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to appoint Neil McQueary and Gary Carver to the Elko County Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife for a three year term that would expire June 30, 2005. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. Commissioner Russell complimented Neil McQueary upon his efforts for this committee and noted that Chairman Richard Sandoz was an excellent chairman of that advisory board. The motion was ELK MANAGEMENT IN ELKO COUNTY: Advisory Committee For The Purpose of Drafting an Elk Management Plan For Elko County: The Board discussed a request by the Eureka County Board of Commissioners to appoint a member to the Advisory Committee For The Purpose of Drafting an Elk Management Plan For Elko County to represent Eureka County. Robert Stokes stated the names of Carl Slagowski or Ray Bailey was submitted for appointment as their representative. He noted that they would have to amend their resolution with regards to the appointments to this committee. MOTION: Commissioner Russell moved to appoint Carl Slagowski as the representative from Eureka County to the Advisory Committee for the purpose of drafting an Elk Management Plan for Elko County. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion was Chairman Roberts requested that Mr. Slagowski be informed of the next meeting PAGE 7
date. Robert Stokes stated he would send letters to Fred Zaga and Mr. Slagowski informing them of the Board s actions. Commissioner Roberts call the Board of County Highway Commissioners to order at 10:52 a.m., and reconvened the regular meeting back to order at 10:57 a.m. FINAL EIS - NEWMONT MINING CORPORATION S SOUTH OPERATIONS AREA PROJECT AMENDMENT: The Board considered a letter of support to the BLM regarding the Newmont Mining Corporation s South Operations Area Project Amendment Final EIS. The comment period ends on May 28, 2002. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve a Letter of Support to the BLM regarding the Newmont Mining Corporation s South Operations Area Project Amendment Final EIS. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. COUNTY MANAGER AND COMPTROLLER OFFICES: Chief Financial Officer/Comptroller: Approval of Claims: The Board reviewed the submitted claims for approval. MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to approve the submitted claims. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was Travel Requests: The Board considered approval of the pending travel requests. MOTION: Commissioner Russell moved to approve the pending travel requests. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion was Elko County Health Insurance Program: The Board discussed the selection of a firm for actuarial services for the County s Health Program. Cash Minor reviewed the two proposals: Denver Management Advisors, L.L.C., in the amount of $350.00 per hour together with out of pocket expense and the proposal from The Epler Company in an amount not to exceed $3500.00 for the first year, and the second and third years in an amount not to exceed $2500.00. He stated that these proposals were for the annual actuary analysis and recommendations, the incurred but not reported reserve requirements, and the premium requirement and individual premium statements. Cash Minor stated that if they required anything out of the scope then they would have to seek an additional engagement letter to acquire a price for the additional proposals. He recommended The Epler Company for an amount not to exceed $3500.00 for the first year and $2500.00 for the second and third years. MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to select Epler Company for the PAGE 8
actuarial services for the County s Health Program. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY STAFF COMMENTS: Commissioner Ellison stated he had spoken with Newmont Gold and their representatives were in Washington regarding the new proposals on 3809 regulations. He believed the Board should follow that action closely. Commissioner Roberts noted the loss of economy to Elko County due to the 3809 regulations. Kristin McQueary stated that Kay Macuil would be attending the Tuscarora meeting as their legal counsel. Chairman Roberts called a recess at 11:05 a.m., for travel to Tuscarora. THE MEETING WAS RECESSED AND THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TRAVELED TO TUSCARORA TO RECONVENE IN THE PARKING LOT AREA OF THE TUSCARORA POST OFFICE BEGINNING AT 3:30 P.M. (PDST). Chairman Roberts called the Board to order at 3:35 p.m., in the parking lot area of the Tuscarora Post Office. COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC: No public comments were submitted. TUSCARORA TAVERN: Charles Voos discussed the status of the Tuscarora Tavern Renovation Project. He reported upon the restoration grant from the Cultural Affairs Department and Gail Rappa s participation upon the grant application. He noted they would go forward with the grant as the first phase to bring back the structural integrity of the building and make it safe. The next step would be to bring back the water, sewer and power to the building. Mr. Voos reported that the third stage would be the actual restoration of the building. He stated the original materials were still there and they would attempt to bring it back to the original condition. He noted that J.D. Long had put in a lot of effort upon this project. Gail Rappa, President of Friends of Tuscarora and Independence Valley, stated they had a Quitclaim Deed to the building as of this date. She stated they were behind schedule and would present an Agreement of Understanding to the County then they would present the building to the County. She stated that there was a rough draft of the agreement for review. Charles Voos stated that the County s legal department had reviewed it and approved it. He inquired if they could approve the agreement at this time. Kay Macuil noted that upon the agenda it stated a Quitclaim Deed. Gail Rappa stated that they did have a Quitclaim Deed but would not give it to the County until the Agreement of Understanding was signed by all parties. Kay Macuil stated it would be appropriate if legal counsel had reviewed it. The Board considered acknowledgment & acceptance of the Quitclaim Deed for the Society Hall (Tuscarora Tavern) from the Friends of Tuscarora and Independence Valley. This transaction would allow the County to accept the $121,000 grant from the Nevada PAGE 9
Cultural Affairs Department for the first phase of the building s restoration and all matters related thereto. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve the Quitclaim Deed for the Society Hall (Tuscarora Tavern) from the Friends of Tuscarora and Independence Valley. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was Charles Voos introduced Kolton Bundy, who reviewed his eagle project, a kiosk based upon the Tuscarora Tavern. TUSCARORA WATER DISTRICT: Charles Voos gave the operational report on the water system. The Board discussed adjustment of fees with regards to the disconnection and/or reconnection of water services. Robert Stokes stated that Cash Minor did not have sufficient time to draft the Resolution and requested that action be taken upon the next meeting agenda. Chairman Roberts requested comments upon the fees. There were no comments or objections to the rates. The Board considered approval of a contract for maintenance services for the Tuscarora Water System. Commissioner Roberts noted that this action was tabled because they were still in negotiation for the services. Tuscarora Water District Improvement Project: Power Line Extension: Commissioner Nannini stated he had spoken with Senator Rhoads upon the proposed project and with Sierra Pacific providing electrical power to the Tuscarora water tank. Commissioner Nannini noted that there was funding problems for the project. Senator Rhoads stated he had spoken with the President of the Sierra Pacific Power Company who believed it would cast a poor image to write off the power line at this time because they may be going into bankruptcy. Sierra Pacific would allow their specialists to speak to them about solar power. He stated they were designing a more sophisticated system which may be more reliable. Commissioner Ellison inquired about the CDBG grant that was to be applied to this project. Commissioner Nannini noted that they were close to the costs for the line. Senator Dean Rhoads stated after the Public Utility Commission had made their ruling he would speak with Sierra Pacific Power Company again. Commissioner Roberts noted they were reluctant to return to solar due to their past experiences. Commissioner Roberts noted a house solar exhibit at the Home Show. The Board discussed solar power and their past experience with solar powered units. TUSCARORA COMMUNITY: Other Tuscarora community matters inclusive of an up-to-date community fire protection report and all other matters of interest for reporting and discussion that may be subject to assignment to subsequent agendas for Board of County Commissioners action. Dennis Walker, NDF, reviewed their maintenance program. He stated they would PAGE 10
spray the noxious weeds in the green strip. He believed they would have to perform a yearly spraying when the white top was young for a three to four year period in order to see results. Dennis Walker stated they had two separate grant applications for Tuscarora. The Honor Camp would clear defensible space and fuel reduction clearing within the Town. He reported that most of the landowners had signed off upon the project to remove most of the sage brush to improve the fire situation. Jim Sanborn inquired what they sprayed the white top with and where they could acquire it. Dennis Walker replied that several chemicals were effective upon white top, they utilized Escort, and they could purchase that over the counter in Elko. He noted that they placed blue dye with the Escort so they would be aware of where it was sprayed. He noted that within ten days there would not be a residue in the soil. Otis Titpon stated upon information obtained from the Department of Agriculture they found that Escort would remain within the soil for two years and would kill the seeds in high alkaline ground. There was a discussion upon alternative chemicals to spray upon the white top. Otis Tipton stated that the Department of Agriculture had performed testing and Escort would leave bare ground for two years in the high alkaline areas. Dennis Walker stated that last year they sprayed Escort and encouraged them to view the green strip area. Jim Sanborn inquired what green strip they were discussing. He noted that previously the County had maintained the fire break closer to town. Dennis Walker stated that was bladed in. Gail Rappa inquired who would kill the old white top. Dennis Walker stated that NDF and BLM would maintain the outlying green strip for three years. He stated they would not spray the old fire break closer to town. Otis Tipton stated the old firebreak was of various ownership and it had been done numerous years. Jim Sanborn noted that at that time it was their only protection. Otis Tipton suggested at this time they should designate a circle and try to contain the white top in that area. Dennis Parker noted that the green strip was acting as a cattleguard because the cattle like the grass in the green strip and did not enter town. Dennis Walker stated that the cattle would maintain the green strip by keeping the fuel low. He noted that the green strip did not protect the town but it would provide them a fuel break to allow them time to depress the fire before it impacted the town. Sharon Rhoads inquired if the County would fund the conservation districts for the noxious weeds. Commissioner Roberts stated that was already within the road budget. Sharon Rhoads thanked them for the gravel on road. Otis Tipton suggested that they thank the people that gave in upon the gravel. Dennis Walker stated NDF intended to keep the green strip until the grant funds ran out. He stated their intent was to turn over the green strip to the community once the funds were expended. Jim Sanborn thanked the Board for the trailer with the fire hose and equipment. Jim Urresti, NDF, stated there would be a replacement fire engine for the Independence Valley. He noted it was an older model (1970) but was an upgrade over the older engine. Gail Rappa inquired if they would bring the old truck up to Tuscarora. Jim Urresti stated they could not find the parts for it and would probably retire the 1952 truck. Francis Thornhill reported upon the 4 th of July town parade that had 25 entrants but only 6 spectators. He invited the Board this year to the parade. Gail Rappa noted it was held earlier in the day upon the 4 th of July and there was a picnic after the parade. PAGE 11
Commissioner Ellison inquired about the drought situation. Senator Dean Rhoads stated that the new money never got into the farm bill and would attempt to amend it into the Interior Appropriations Bill. He believed Senator Reid had more money placed in the bill for the West than before. Commissioner Ellison inquired about the fire season. Senator Rhoads stated they did have more water than last year and believed the rangeland looked better than before. He felt the lower country was dryer. Ron Arthaub stated they were still performing the cemetery clean up and the next cleanup date was Sunday from 9:00 a.m., to noon. Gail Rappa inquired if anyone would like to contribute pickets for the cemetery. Dee McBride inquired when the society hall was restored, if there would be an elected board governing that facility. Charles Voos stated there would be a policies and procedure guide created by the Friends of Tuscarora and Independence Valley. Julie Stone, of the Student Conservation Association, stated they would bring in a college group to clear defensible space, and perform a fire education program. She encouraged the residents to sign up for help by the team and stated they were not a governmental agency. Commissioner Russell noted there was a recommendation to spray with 2-4 D and cautioned them not to spray trees and not to spray in the wind. He encouraged them to read the label. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY STAFF COMMENTS: Commissioner Roberts noted that Win Smith, Elko County Clerk was present and asked that she stand to be acknowledged. He suggested the residents ask her any questions they may have pertaining to the County Clerk s office. MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until June 5, 2002. ATTEST: MARILYN TIPTON, Deputy Clerk APPROVED, BRAD ROBERTS, Chairman PAGE 12