Elko County Board of Commissioners Commissioners Sheri Eklund-Brown Demar Dahl John Ellison Charlie Myers Warren Russell Elko County Manager Robert K. Stokes STATE OF NEVADA ) COUNTY OF ELKO ) ss. The Board of Elko County Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at 1:30 p.m., in Suite 102 of the Mike Nannini Building at 540 Court Street, Elko, Nevada. There were present: County Commissioners Charlie Myers, Chair Sheri Eklund-Brown Demar Dahl John Ellison Warren Russell CFO/Asst. Manager Cash Minor Deputy District Attorney Kristin McQueary Deputy County Clerk Marilyn Tipton Adm. Deputy Treasurer Cheryl Paul Sheriff Dale Lotspeich Chairman Myers called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Commissioner Russell led the meeting participants in the Pledge of Allegiance. I. COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC: Julenne Wilson, a former County employee, expressed discontent with her previous supervisor in the County. Commissioner Myers said they could not discuss personnel issues within a public forum. He suggested she contact the County Manager. 1:34:56 PM II. FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER OF NORTHEASTERN NEVADA: Discussion and consideration of approval of Proclamation 2010-B, entitled: A PROCLAMATION BY THE ELKO COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2010 AS NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH IN ELKO COUNTY. PAGE 1
April Miller, of the Family Resource Center, asked to put up planter boxes with pinwheels on the lawn and 3 x 6 banner on the columns of the Courthouse. Commissioner Myers requested that she speak to Dave Armuth. MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to approve PROCLAMATION 2010-B, entitled: A PROCLAMATION BY THE ELKO COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2010 AS NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH IN ELKO COUNTY. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. There would be a presentation on March 31 st at the Courthouse at 10:00 a.m. 1:41:25 PM III. COMMITTEE AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (CADV): Discussion and consideration of approval of Proclamation 2010-C, entitled: A PROCLAMATION BY THE ELKO COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2010 AS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH IN ELKO COUNTY. MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to approve Proclamation 2010-C, entitled: A PROCLAMATION BY THE ELKO COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2010 AS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH IN ELKO COUNTY. Commissioners Ellison and Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 1:45:34 PM IV. ELKO COUNTY TREASURER S OFFICE: Discussion and consideration of the distribution of funds collected in accordance with NRS 482.379175 (Appreciation of Animals). NRS 482.379175 authorized fees for Animal Appreciation automobile license plates that are collected by the State and a portion thereof is deposited with the County Treasurer s office for programs for the adoption of animals and spaying and neutering of animals. Cheryl Paul, Administrative Deputy Treasurer, commented since FY 2006 there was $2,713.78 collected and it may be used by the County for adoption programs or spaying and neutering of animals. Karen Walther, representing Elko Animal Shelter and the Local Animal Shelter Support Organization (LASSO), gave an overview of their services. LASSO raised $280,000 funding for a Spay or Neuter Clinic building through grants and contributions. Karen Walther reported local vets helped at the clinic. PAGE 2
MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to approve distribution of funds collected in accordance with NRS 482.379175 (Appreciation of Animals) to LASSO. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. 1:54:24 PM V. ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT: A. Review of the management letter from the annual independent financial audit completed by Kafoury Armstrong & Company for the period ending June 30, 2009. Teri Gage, of Kafoury, Armstrong & Company, gave an overview of the Elko County Management Letter inclusive of: payroll processing access rights, indebtedness report review, building permit fee access rights, and bank reconciliation review. She reported they received a clean opinion. 2:02:52 PM MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to accept the Management Letter from Kafoury Armstrong & Company on the annual independent financial audit for the period ending June 30, 2009. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. B. Discussion and consideration of the selection of a firm to provide audit services for Elko County, year 3 of a 3 year contract. Cash Minor clarified this was the second year of the three year contract. 2:04:14 PM MOTION: Commissioner Russell moved to select the firm of Kafoury, Armstrong & Company to provide audit services for Elko County in year two of the three year contract. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. 2:05:11 PM VIII. U.S. FOREST SERVICE: Mountain City, Ruby Mountains and Jarbidge District Travel Management Project: Discussion and consideration of issues regarding the Mountain City, Ruby Mountains and Jarbidge District Travel Management Project. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented the Forest Service in the Intermountain Region was reinstituting the Forest Planning Rule Guide with a facilitator. The facilitator would be in Elko on April 8 th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Forest Service Office regarding Region 4 Planning Rules. Commissioner Eklund-Brown reviewed her issues of concern. She reported that the Austin District Office received an EA that they were doing PAGE 3
on wild horse removal/management inside the Forest. Commissioner Dahl cautioned that their resolutions and joint resolutions especially on the Travel Management Plan be submitted to the Forest Service. Commissioner Myers asked that this agenda item be placed on the Wednesday, April 7 th meeting for further discussion. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted April 8 th would be the open house and they would have to attend the 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. meeting because of their Commissioner meeting that afternoon. 2:11:18 PM IX. QUEENSTAKE RESOURCES USA, INC.: Jerritt Canyon Mine: Consideration of comments regarding the renewal and modification of a Water Pollution Control Permit (NEV0000020) by NDEP for the Jerritt Canyon Mine located 49 miles north of Elko, Nevada. The County Manager had drafted a letter which had been submitted to the Commission for their review. MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to ratify the County Manager s letter in support for the renewal and modification of a Water Pollution Control Permit (NEV0000020) by NDEP for the Jerritt Canyon Mine located 49 miles north of Elko, Nevada. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. 2:12:10 PM XII. ELKO COUNTY AMBULANCE: Update on the status of the ambulance service, including the hiring of a director. Cash Minor said tomorrow they would interview three candidates for the paramedic position. The Ambulance Director position was re-advertised. Commissioner Myers stated there was a meeting scheduled on Friday at 11:00 a.m. to review recommendations from paid staff and volunteers. He requested that this item be placed upon another agenda for discussion. 2:14:46 PM X. METROPOLIS IRRIGATION RESTORATION PROJECT: Discussion and consideration of an update report on the Metropolis Irrigation Restoration Project that will make improvements to Metropolis Irrigation District structures including the Bishop Creek Dam and a new Recreation Facility consisting of road access, campsites, picnic tables and a dock on the Bishop Creek Reservoir. Commissioner Dahl stated there was no answer on their permit application through the Army Corps of Engineers. They were considering the exclusion of NDOW from the project and the State Water Board may accept that so there would be no minimal pool requirement. Commissioner Dahl stated there were PAGE 4
ideas for a fishery without guaranteeing a minimum pool. The majority of the Board members supported the fishery and recreation elements. 2:21:06 PM XI. 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 Russell noted he and Commissioner Dahl would attend the CNRWA meeting in Eureka on Friday. He reported the Natural Resources Commission would hold its first meeting tonight in this room at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner Eklund-Brown attended the State Water Engineer s hearing on the requirements from the Legislative Special Session formulated from the Supreme Court Hearing. Kristin McQueary noted the Cattlemen s Association had petitioned for clarification of the Supreme Court ruling. Commissioner Eklund-Brown and Randy Brown attended the Nevada Water Law Conference in Reno Thursday and Friday. She reported SLUPAC would take a tour of Diamond Valley regarding water issues with General Moly. Commissioner Ellison noted NACO spent two days in Washington on the word navigable in the water law language and submitted their recommendations. 2:28:45 PM XIII. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION: Update report on Elko County s application for a VA clinic. Commissioner Myers believed there would be an observation team in Ely on the 30 th and in Elko on the 3lst of March. The Board discussed the cumbersome federal government bidding process. 2:31:36 PM XIV. COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR: April 7 & 8, 2010 -- 1:30 p.m. Elko Nannini Bldg, Suite 102 April 21, 2010 -- 1:30 p.m. Elko Nannini Bldg, Suite 102 All Times Pacific Time MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to approve the Commission Meeting Calendar with the option of having a one day meeting on the 8 th of April. Commissioner Eklund-Brown seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. 2:33:24 PM XV. CONSENT AGENDA: A. Presentation and review of claims for approval B. Approval of Minutes: January 20, 2010: Board of County Commissioners PAGE 5
February 1, 2010: February 10, 2010: February 11, 2010: February 23, 2010: Board of County Commissioners Jackpot Town Board Board of County Commissioners Board of Highway Commissioners Jackpot Town Board Board of County Commissioners Board of County Commissioners Board of Highway Commissioners Elko County Liquor Board MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to approve the Consent Agenda with corrections to the minutes as submitted by Commissioner Eklund-Brown. Commissioner Dahl seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. 2:34:40 PM XVI. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY STAFF COMMENTS: Commissioner Russell stated he and Randy Brown would meet with an Owyhee Commissioner on natural resource issues to discuss the impact of the National Monument designation. Commissioner Russell inquired of Cash Minor if there would be a budget impact from the Health Care Bill. Cash Minor stated several items would be inactivated and there would be some impacts. It would not be fully implemented until 2014 and 2018. The Board discussed the states lawsuits being filed. Commissioner Ellison said congressional representatives objected to the National Monumental designations, and there was a bill to exclude Nevada and other states from the Antiquities Act. Commissioner Dahl believed that the Southern Nevada Water Authority was not working on desalination. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted the CEO of the Colorado River Commission was at the Nevada Water Law Conference and they were negotiating with Mexico because it was difficult to work with the California Costal Authority. Commissioner Eklund-Brown reported there would be a meeting tonight at Spring Creek Elementary regarding the arsenic issue in the 200 Tract. Commissioner Ellison had a meeting with the Nevada Mining Association yesterday and they discussed the impact of claim fees. Commissioner Myers requested an update on the construction. Cash Minor reported upon completion of the Courtyard and the Annex s new steps. Commissioner Ellison suggested an item on the next meeting agenda to change the name on the new building. 2:47:44 PM VII. UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO (UNR): PAGE 6
A. College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources (CABNR): Discussion and consideration of issues related to proposed expenditure cuts at UNR to address the revenue reductions from the Nevada Legislative Special Session including the proposed closure of the of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources (CABNR) and potential reductions in the Cooperative Extension Programs. Marc Johnson, Executive Vice President and Provost, attended the meeting telephonically. He reviewed the Presidents proposal of closing two departments, and moving three Ag Departments to the College of Science. There would be a loss of 1.7 million in research grants. The meat plant would be closed and they were considering closure of the main station farm. There were no plans for changes to the Cooperative Extension Program. Commissioner Dahl expressed concern with the amount of land they propose to sell. He felt they were using low agriculture enrollment numbers to justify the cuts. Commissioner Eklund-Brown voiced concern with the loss of valuable resources through the dismissal of agriculture professors. Marc Johnson reported last year UNR cut 33 million dollars from its budget. Positions were taken from the basic infrastructure of the UNR but no tenured faculty positions were eliminated last year. Marc Johnson said UNR would preserve as many Ag programs as they can with regards to managing rangeland. Commissioner Ellison commented upon the letter sent from the Nevada Association of Counties to the University. In the past, he stated land was donated to the University and now the families were concerned the University was going away from the designated use. Marc Johnson explained they were trying to consolidate the small departments on the campus to reduce the management ratio. Commissioner Russell stressed the importance of agriculture in the UNR system with regards to the commodity sector. He inquired if they were selling assets from any of the other departments. Marc Johnson stated they were looking to remove continuous annual expenses from the basic budget. Dorothy Gallagher, UNR Board of Regent, commented upon the amount of budget cuts and their efforts to retain quality programs. 3:21:11 PM Meghan Brown, Executive Director of the Nevada Cattlemen s Association, said deleting the main station would reduce large animal experience for vet students and voiced concern students would not qualify for employment by federal land management agencies. Marc Johnson stated they would look at reducing to a smaller animal operation and there were courses in the plan to educate people for BLM and Forest Service Employment. Meghan Brown inquired if the funds from the sale of land would be allocated. Marc Johnson replied on the short term there may be some funding allocation. 3:35:14 PM PAGE 7
B. UNR Fire Science Academy: Discussion and consideration of issues related to the Fire Science Academy in Carlin and the proposal to co-locate the National Guard at the location. Dorothy Gallagher was encouraged with the proposal of the development of a regional readiness center. Commissioner Ellison said this would be the first co-location facility of this nature and the users were in support of the proposal. 3:39:37 PM XVI. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY STAFF COMMENTS: Gary Woodbury reported the South Canyon mitigation was at a standstill. Mr. Welsh, of the US Attorney s Office, had suggested they have another session with the Court. Gary Woodbury said the child support regional office did not fit in the District Attorney s Office. He explained the State s IV D payment program was becoming more complex, crosses State lines, and had multiple yearly audits. In the Maximus Study performed last year, their recommendation was to regionalize but with the current State s budget issues it was doubtful until 2011. 3:54:53 PM Assemblyman John Carpenter commented that Elko County had the best child support system in the State but voiced concern for the children. Gary Woodbury said five years ago they discussed a regional office here in Elko and it was the District Attorney s decision whether it became a regional office but the County Commission had control over the budget and facilities. Cash Minor commented that if they wished to make any changes to the building and there was a cost involved it would have to go through a change order. The board members discussed the name of the building and understood it would be the Nannini Administration Building. Kristin McQueary noted child support received 100% in the categories they were audited on during the last audit. 4:03:09 PM VI. ELKO COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE: Report, discussion and consideration of Sheriff Department issues and activities including the monthly activity report. Sheriff Dale Lotspeich submitted the corrected figures for the previous report and reviewed their monthly statistics. He proposed they form a working group to deal with the jail inmate capacity. He reported the Undersheriff and Supervisors were going through Incident Command Training. The Board discussed the facility at the fairgrounds, a public safety facility in Spring Creek or expansion at the current location to eliminate overpopulation at the jail. Sheriff Lotspeich participated on three table top exercises with the School District crisis planning group on emergency incidents and the School District was updating PAGE 8
their emergency response plans. He would attend a Spring Creek meeting once a month for informational purposes. 4:14:08 PM Recess was called by the Chairman. 4:18:34 PM Reconvened by Chairman Myers. 4:19:11 PM XVII. NORTHEASTERN NEVADA REGIONAL RAILPORT: Discussion and consideration of issues related to the Northeastern Nevada Regional Railport including an update on the construction of the facility. Commissioner Ellison departed the meeting room due to a family conflict. Cash Minor said construction would start up again on April 1 st and the telephone line was in. Commissioner Myers inquired about fire suppression. Cash Minor stated it was within review by the group as to design and engineering estimate. He noted an enterprise fund would be created for a fire protection area to cover the cost and depreciation. 4:21:34 PM XVIII. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: Commissioner Russell moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Dahl seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. APPROVED, CHARLIE MYERS, Chair ATTEST: MARILYN TIPTON, Deputy Clerk PAGE 9