STATE OF NEVADA, )
COUNTY OF ELKO. ) ss.
JANUARY 3, 2007
The Board of Elko County Commissioners met on Wednesday, January 3, 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
County Manager
CFO – Asst. Co. Manager
Deputy District Attorney
Deputy County Clerk
Planning & Zoning Dir.
Public Works Director
John Ellison, Chair
Mike Nannini
Charlie Myers
Sheri Eklund-Brown
Warren Russell
Robert Stokes
Cash Minor
Kristin McQueary
Marilyn Tipton
Randy Brown
Lynn Forsberg
--The proceedings were as follows:
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Ellison called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Commissioner Myers led the meeting participants in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
I.
COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
Jennifer Maurer, Erika Herrera and Dayna Marcom, Elko High School
Students were present from Mr. Guthrie’s Junior Government Class.
II.
2006 ELKO COUNTY YEAR IN REVIEW:
A slide review of the Elko County issues and events that occurred during the
2006 Calendar Year, and projects facing Elko County in 2007 were presented at
the meeting.
Commissioner Ellison voiced appreciation to Commissioner Russell for his
prior chairmanship in 2006.
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III.
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY:
Ely Energy Center:
David Sims, Ely Energy Center, Director of Project Development, gave a
presentation on Sierra Pacific Power Company’s plans for a power plant facility in
White Pine County. He stated Eric Crawford, Director of Project Development for
LS Power, would also be giving the joint presentation. He submitted a written
copy of their presentation. David Sims commented upon the rehabilitation project
on the Shoreline Railroad between the Union Pacific and the City of Ely. He noted
that the Sierra Pacific Resources would develop the Ely Energy Center in two
phases. The Phase 1 time frame was 2011-2013 putting out 1,500 megawatts
coal-fired generation of energy. In Phase 2, they hope to integrate coal
gasification technology and put out an additional 1,000 megawatts. David Sims
stated LS Power would develop the White Pine Energy Station which was 1,600
megawatts coal-fired generation to come on line in 2011, together with a 200
megawatts Egan Wind Project. David Sims noted there would be 500 KV
transmission lines from both of the plant sites. One would run south to
interconnect with existing Sierra Pacific’s 345 KV system which would run from the
White Pine County to the Valmy Plant. He stated a new substation would be
erected at Robinson Summit east of Ely. They would continue south with 500 KV
lines to Nevada Power’s Harry Allen substation just north of Apex toward Las
Vegas. He stated the balance of the power would tie into the grid to serve the
customers in the southern part of the State. He stated LS Power proposed a 500
KV line running north from its station to Idaho Power’s Midpoint substation another
250 miles. David Sims stated both projects would utilize the Southwest Intertie
Project Corridor created in the early 1990 by Idaho Power.
David Sims reported that both projects would utilize low sulfur Powder River
Basin coal from Wyoming with transportation on Union Pacific mainlines to 100
miles north of Ely where they would then utilize the existing Nevada Northern
Railroad right-of-way at Shafter interchange to continue to Ely.
David Sims stated both projects have air permit applications under review at
the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection. He commented that both
projects have land use applications/EIS underway at the BLM. He stated both
projects would utilize the hybrid cooling technology to minimize water usage.
David Sims stated LS Power would utilize existing electric transmission rights of
way granted to Idaho Power. David Sims stated Sierra Pacific Resources would
obtain a new right of way within the existing SWIP corridor which was one-half a
mile wide.
Eric Crawford, LS Power Development, stated both of the power plants
required train deliveries of coal. Therefore, they would have to upgrade the
Nevada Northern Railway which connects to the Union Pacific Railroad. Eric
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Crawford stated that railroad was now 100 years old and 150 miles long. In 2005,
the BLM deeded federal property underneath that railroad to the City of Ely. Eric
Crawford noted in 2006 the City acquired the Northern Nevada Railway from the
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. He stated currently they run trains
on the Ruth-McGill Line but the balance of the track was in a state of decline
towards the north. He stated the last copper trains ran in 1999.
Eric Crawford reported that last year Nevada Power, Sierra Power and LS
Power entered into a joint agreement with City of Ely to engineer and permit that
railroad. He stated one-half of that railroad went through Elko County. He stated
they plan to rehab approximately 100 miles to handle the coal trains in early
Summer of 2007.
Commissioner Russell inquired if White Pine had a sufficient number of
historic railroad cars to operate effectively for their needs. Eric Crawford stated
each power company would own or lease the coal cars and the locomotives would
be supplied by the mainline railroads, Union Pacific or Burlington Northern.
Commissioner Russell inquired if they would proceed with running the historic
trains at certain times. Eric Crawford stated the focus now was upgrading the
track. He stated the 15 mile segment needed upgraded for their tourist trains. He
stated that the City of Ely and White Pine County hoped these power plants would
attract other industries to their area.
Commissioner Russell inquired if the placement of the wind towers in the
Egan Wind Project intrude into the MOA sought by the Air Force Bases. Eric
Crawford stated LS Power was developing a site on the Egan Range. He stated
they had to record data for several years to proceed with an application through
the BLM. He stated that project was subject to getting all the permits approved
and they had been coordinating with the FAA and the Air Force Bases.
Commissioner Nannini noted he had worked on the previous undertaking
with Sierra Pacific on the Thousand Spring Project. He asked about their air
quality permitting. He noted the wind would blow the air into the Jarbidge air shed
area. David Sims noted they had to prepare a model to make sure there was no
impact. He stated they began back in June the modeling of their air shed from two
different directions in Steptoe Valley. He stated they used mathematical models
to predict what their project impact would be. He noted Jarbidge and the Zion
Wilderness Areas would be obstacles. Commissioner Nannini inquired if they had
sufficient water permits.
Eric Crawford, LS Power, stated with regards to their air shed permit the
NDEP issued a draft permit and was presently taking public comment. He noted
the Thousand Springs Project was years back and since then there had been
numerous improvements on today’s power plants. He stated both projects would
use the latest equipment. Eric Crawford stated LS Power would utilize some of
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White Pine County’s permitted water rights in Steptoe Valley. Eric Crawford
commented that with the new hybrid cooling technology it would reduce the water
usage. He stated the Southern Nevada Water Authority was looking at Spring
Valley. Therefore, they were not concerned about competition for water. David
Sims noted they were looking at using some of the County water resources in
Butte Valley as well as private sources. He stated they would utilize ground water
as well as some surface water in Steptoe Valley. David Sims stated valleys to the
East and to the South together with Spring Valley were Southern Nevada Water
Authority’s primary water targets.
Commissioner Nannini inquired if there would be a sufficient labor force.
David Sims stated they would probably peak at 1,500 construction workers during
the three year construction period in Phase 1. He stated they were looking at
providing temporary housing for those individuals as well as housing for those
families. He hoped they would have no impact upon the County’s services.
Commissioner Myers inquired what the perceived economic impact would be upon
White Pine County and what the labor force would be after the projects were
completed. David Sims reported that the State Department of Economic
Development was preparing a study. He believed they would create 150 jobs in
the plant, with an additional 100 jobs in Phase 2 of the project. Eric Crawford
stated both projects were estimated about three billion dollars apiece in capital
investment. He noted there would be job creation through the railroad.
Commissioner Myers inquired what the determining factor was to place the
plants in White Pine County. David Sims stated there was access to an existing
transmission corridor; there was railroad access; it would enable them to serve
Nevada customers both in the north and the south. Eric Crawford noted this
location provided LS Power numerous resources and they were looking at
geothermal and wind resources to produce power to Southern Nevada. Eric
Crawford commented that there was existing water, a population center, the
railroad, existing rights of way and a major highway.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted a lot of the other states were in
opposition to these type of plants. She felt it was a good corridor between Idaho,
Nevada, and California. She inquired who would be the major benefactor of the
power produced. Eric Crawford stated their power would only be used within the
State of Nevada. David Sims stated 100,000 megawatts would remain within the
State of Nevada and they hoped to reduce impact on power produced from natural
gas. Eric Crawford stated their primary market was Nevada and they did not
expect power to go to California. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted the article
stated some power was going back to Idaho. Eric Crawford stated the existing
transmission lines stretch from Twin Falls down to Las Vegas so there were
markets to the north and to the south. Eric Crawford stated they were looking at
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potential wind power in Elko County as well. He noted Northern Nevada had an
abundance of renewable energy.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if they would be able to service future
projects in Elko County and received an affirmative response. David Sims stated
both projects were interconnected to the Sierra Pacific Power System. He
estimated 20% of their power in the first phase would go to the northern system
and roughly 1,200 megawatts would go to the south, matching the growth in each
of those areas. He noted Greg Brorby, the Regional Manager, was present at this
meeting.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired how the new White Pine County’s
Land Bill and the additional wilderness designation would effect their project.
David Sims stated there would be no impact. Commissioner Eklund-Brown
inquired if they would be utilizing the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s right of
way. David Sims replied the SNWA proposed to run their water line in the SWIP
corridor as their power lines. Eric Crawford commented that these would be new
transmission lines that would not be existing. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted
that they would not be generating power proportionate to the water consumption
as of LS Power. David Sims explained that a portion of the water would be used
for process use and the balance for cooling tower make up.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted they had discussed this project with Hill
Air Force Base and the Governor’s Office. She noted they were concerned about
the economic impacts and were willing to work with the power plant in adjusting
the flight ceiling level.
Commissioner Russell understood the State of Nevada had an objective of
15% of energy produced had to be renewable energy. David Sims stated that
amount was 20% and that would have to be accomplished by 2015. He noted that
20% of their total load would be 1,500 megawatts. David Sims stated they had
reserved 300 megawatts for renewable power on this line. Commissioner Russell
inquired about their connection to the power company in Idaho and if they would
receive power credits through this project. Eric Crawford commented that
renewable credits were actually under a global standard. He noted there were
numerous projects in Nevada that allowed them to meet that renewable resource
standard. David Sims stated that they had completed an Integrated Resource
Plan and this project would aid with the renewable resources. However, they
could anchor the renewable resources through the larger projects to make the
20% to obtain make those projects viable.
IV. LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES/LAW LIBRARY BOARD OF
TRUSTEES:
Jeanette Hammons, Library Director, reported that from January 22nd to
February 3rd the children’s portion of the library would be closed for remodeling.
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Jeanette Hammons stated there would be a Cowboy presentation on February 1,
2007 at 10:30 a.m. She noted Mercedes Macpherson would be retiring on
February 28, 2007. Commissioner Ellison noted Commissioner Nannini would be
the new Library Board liaison.
V.
TOWN OF JACKPOT:
Chairman Ellison called the Jackpot Town Board to order at 2:25 p.m. and
adjourned the meeting at 2:30 p.m.
CITY OF WEST WENDOVER – BLM LAND ACQUISITION:
The Board considered submitted comments supporting the City of West
Wendover’s application to acquire approximately 125 acres of public lands
through the BLM to be used for public buildings including a new town hall,
convention center, parks and other public uses.
MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to submit a letter of support
for the City of West Wendover’s application for public lands
through the BLM. Commissioner Myers seconded the
motion.
Commissioner Myers inquired how this would impact the prior projects they
had submitted to the BLM which had not been completed. He noted some of their
other projects had been held over for a lengthy time. Commissioner Ellison
inquired if Assemblyman Carpenter had worked on this project. Robert Stokes
stated he could not speak for Assemblyman Carpenter but they had previous
conversations with the City of West Wendover and this was a long range project
over a lengthy time period.
The motion was passed unanimously.
VI.
VII.
2007 NEVADA LEGISLATIVE SESSION:
The Board discussed issues and proposed legislation that may come before
the upcoming 2007 Nevada Legislature’s 74th Session beginning February 5,
2007 including potential impacts of proposed legislation to Elko County and its
citizens.
Cash Minor commented that he had provided a one page handout of
NACO’s bill draft summary. He felt there were a lot of bills that the Board needed
to look at such as water bills, property tax bills, and bill drafts that would impact
health plans. Commissioner Ellison inquired if they could download the bills onto
their laptops. Cash minor stated he would attempt to get that set up. Robert
Stokes noted they could go through the internet access if they knew the bill draft
number. Robert Stokes suggested that if they have any questions they may
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contact staff. Cash Minor stated they could set them up on the bill tracking system
same as the last legislative session.
Assemblyman Carpenter stated he and Pete Goicoechea had sponsored a
bill regarding the tax rate applied to the net proceeds from the mines. He stated
their bill would take anything between the County rate and the 3.64 to be put into a
fund and then the counties could make application to a committee. He believed
that committee should be composed of two or three Legislators, mining
representatives, and members of NACO. Assemblyman Carpenter believed this
would generate between 6 to 7 million dollars but Clark and Washoe Counties
would not be able to draw on these funds. He stated last time they tried to pass a
bill that would give the money back to the individual mining counties.
Assemblyman Carpenter stated the mining association supported this bill draft.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown voiced concern that it would not be fair to the
counties that were being impacted by the mines. She believed that those funds
should be put into a pool and those that do receive net proceeds should be able to
apply for it because they were more impacted by the mining industry.
Assemblyman Carpenter commented that presently the money was going to the
State. He noted the counties impacted by the mines do not receive mine
proceeds presently. Assemblyman John Carpenter noted only six or seven
counties generate most of the net proceeds. However, not all of the proceeds
come from gold or mineral deposits, some of the proceeds come from gravel
plants. Assemblyman Carpenter stated even the cities could apply but they would
have to go through the County to seek funding. He asked for the County’s support
on their bill draft.
Commissioner Ellison stated on January 26th through NACO, he would ask
for a committee to be formed to help lobby and support these bills. Assemblymen
Carpenter asked that they be present to support this bill. Commissioner Myers
inquired if Assemblyman Carpenter would support the economic development bill
draft. Assemblyman Carpenter stated that he did support that bill.
Commissioner Russell stated he had talked to Joe Guild in Carson City at
the Governor’s Inauguration. He felt they should discuss the bills they want Joe to
focus on during the Legislative session. Commissioner Russell suggested the
Commissioners take specific assignments in reviewing and testifying on the bill
drafts.
Commissioner Nannini commented that the CDBG monies were going away
and they could only fund 1/3 of the counties’ requests presently. He stated if they
had net proceeds it would boost the number of projects that funding could support.
Robert Stokes recommended that they make a motion to sponsor the net
proceeds bill sponsored by Assemblymen Carpenter and Goicoechea.
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MOTION: Commissioner Russell moved to support this legislation
sponsored by Assemblyman Carpenter and Assemblyman
Goicoechea. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion.
The motion was passed unanimously.
Ken Wellington noted that there was a bill draft regarding methamphetamine
education and rehabilitation which he believed the Commission should support.
Neil McQueary stated PACE was promoting a bill draft and requested time
at their next meeting to present the draft to them. He stated it was their pilot
project for gifted and talented students in school. Neil McQueary commented that
Senator Rhoads and Assemblyman Carpenter would co-sponsor the bill draft. He
stated they had coordinated this with the Elko County School District and asked
that they support Bill Draft 246.
Robert Stokes stated they would have a legislative item on the upcoming
agendas which would permit the Board to discuss the legislative issues.
VIII. ELKO COUNTY SHOOTING RANGE:
The Board considered approval of a five year renewal of the use agreement
for the Elko County Shooting Range with the Northeastern Nevada Rifle & Pistol
Association, a non-profit association.
Danielle Kohler, Northeastern Nevada Rifle and Pistol Association
Secretary/Treasurer, asked for a five year renewal of their contract with Elko
County. She stated there were a few modifications to the contract terms to meet
the NRA requirements. Danielle Kohler reported the 600 yard development was
put on hold because they could not obtain NRS funds due to the length of their
contract with Elko County.
She stated Section 25 was aerial mapped.
Commissioner Russell inquired about the proposed boundaries along the
highway. Robert Stokes voiced concern with its close proximity to the freeway.
Danielle Kohler believed it was ¼ mile away from the freeway. Commissioner
Russell inquired if the safety issues on a 1000 yard shooting range had been
addressed. Danielle Kohler stated that range had been planned and mapped in
with the safety issues addressed. She noted they were in the process of
developing a 2007 Master Development Plan and there would be an expansion of
the pistol area and an increase in the buffer zone. Danielle Kohler proposed a
separate meeting to review the details in the Master Plan with the Commission.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired about the ATV area. Danielle Kohler stated
there would be a buffer and the ATV people would probably be on the other side
of the ridge and not in the line of fire for any reason. Commissioner Eklund-Brown
asked about signage on the perimeter areas for safety reasons. Danielle Kohler
stated that there were presently signs posted and the area was fenced. Danielle
Kohler stated the BLM had changed their process of surveying and had changed
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their surveying to lots. Danielle Kohler believed a new survey would have to be
addressed. Commissioner Russell suggested that they review the plan with
Randy Brown. Danielle Kohler stated Randy Brown had been involved.
Commissioner Myers asked if legal council had agreed with the changes.
Kristin McQueary noted the agreement went beyond the term of the current board
members but stated they were presently obligated under the Pitman-Robertson
Gant to keep the shooting range open until 2043. She noted one issue being
addressed was the motorcross people going in the same area. However, she
noted Randy Brown assured her they would have their own R,P&P Lease. Kristin
McQueary had reviewed the agreement with the minor modifications.
MOTION: Commissioner Russell moved to approve the five year
renewal use agreement for the Elko County Shooting Range
with the Northeastern Nevada Rifle & Pistol Association
subject to any additional modifications according to legal
counsel. Commissioner Myers seconded the motion. The
motion was passed unanimously.
Chairman Ellison called a recess at 3:07 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 3:17 p.m.
IX.
NORTHEASTERN NEVADA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT:
The Board discussed meeting 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. Discussion to include County efforts to secure federal legislation
in a joint effort with other Counties in Nevada and other Western States and the
Western Counties Alliance.
Robert Stokes noted Commissioner Ellison would be attending the legislative
leadership conference for the National Association of Counties in Washington D.C
next week. He stated Commissioner Ellison would try to piggy back and meet with
the congressional delegations from Montana, Idaho and Utah to gain better support
for legislation, for better rehabilitation efforts, and aid for the ranchers who lost
rangeland/infrastructure. Robert Stokes commented that Commissioner Ellison
would present packets to their congressional delegates. Commissioner Ellison
noted he and Commissioner Myers had been working with the Western Alliance
Coalition on these issues. Commissioner Ellison encouraged Commissioners
Eklund-Brown and Nannini to coordinate with the BLM and the Forest Service on
their fire rehab efforts. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired about the NDOW
coalition’s meetings. Robert Stokes stated in the packet they would include the
BLM letters regarding impacts to the local permittees. He noted the BLM was trying
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to open up the areas that had been burned which were approximately seven or
eight allotments. Robert Stokes believed most of the federal agencies were
working on rehabilitation. He believed that with the assistance from other western
states that were affected by this wildfire activity there may be federal assistance
through Congress.
Commissioner Ellison requested a letter from Commissioner Myers or NDOW
regarding the impact to the wildlife. Robert Stokes noted that Cash Minor had
gathered most of that information for the packet.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown asked that Commissioner Ellison discuss with
Dale Bosworth the implementation of a National Open Space Conservation
Strategy. She questioned whether the “Let it burn policy” would fall under that.
She noted this would place more costs on the local entities for fire fighting. Dan
Dallas, Mountain City District Ranger, believed they was referring to the
“Appropriate Management Response”. He stated nationally ten years ago the
Forest Service was spending 12% of the FS budget on fire suppression. He
commented that last year 42% was spent on fire suppression. Dan Dallas stated
they were looking at doing a better job and the appropriate management response
would be to let it burn within parameters as opposed to suppression of every fire
when it reached a certain size. Dan Dallas stated that 97% of the fires were
caught on initial attack. He stated once the fires got past that initial attack stage
then they would analyze the expected weather, etc., and make a decision to
determine whether it was worth putting their resources into the fire. Commissioner
Eklund-Brown noted in some of the e-mails she had read she felt they may not
even put resources on an initial attack in certain areas. Dan Dallas commented
that all the resources this year were being applied to the fires in Washington State,
in Northern California, and Southern Oregon and those same resources were
needed in Nevada.
Commissioner Nannini inquired about the common sense approach or
holistic range management where they run big herds of cattle, sheep or goats to
counteract the fuel build up. He commented that if they get the cheat grass off the
ground it would lessen the fuel load to stop the fires from growing larger. He
acknowledged the Forest Service had guidelines but felt that if they did a larger
amount of grazing for a short period of time it would help the situation. He noted
every place they tried that method it had worked. Dan Dallas stated he could not
speak for the BLM. He noted this issue was very complex. He stated the BLM had
made efforts and asked people to do some concentrated grazing and the people
could not do it. Commissioner Ellison commented that there were other people but
most of the AUMs were tied up. Dan Dallas stated the city of Austin was running
goats around the City of Austin. Commissioner Ellison voiced concern that when
the federal agencies allow the fuel loads to increase then it impacted the private
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property due to the threat of bigger fires. Commissioner Ellison noted fire fighting
was becoming a big business. Commissioner Nannini inquired if the grazing rights
were exclusive to Elko County ranchers or if people from another State could come
over. Dan Dallas stated others could come over. He, Helen Hankins, and Paul
Flanagan had coordinated on this and had taken the same approach of fighting the
fires as on rehab efforts. He stated they had exchanged their list of permittees so if
an allotment was burned in another agency then they could place those permittees
on an adjacent allotment. Dan Dallas commented that NDOW had taken the lead
in rehab for wildlife habitat and there had been cross coordination with the other
agencies. He stated they were treating it like it was a common problem.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown voiced concern with urban interface areas
where the fires originated on federal lands and crossed over to private lands. She
asked how those firefighting cost percentages would be justified or if they would
stop fighting the fires when it reached private property. Dan Dallas noted that was
a problem and anticipated it would become more of a problem in the future. He
stated the Nevada State Forester, Pete Anderson, wanted to coordinate a meeting
later this month to work on this issue.
Commissioner Myers stated there was great coordination last year.
However, there was a movement this year to look at local government for more
assistance in cost ratio. He voiced concern because the local government did not
have any input on the management decisions. However, they wished the locals to
pick up the bills. Commissioner Eklund-Brown had spoken to Ed Monnig for
planning coordination with local government agencies on defensible space. She
believed that people need to be educated and the Elko County Code should
consider defensible space. She felt that would reduce the fire fighting costs
through public participation. Commissioner Eklund-Brown asked about cost
allocation for those fire fighting resources. Dan Dallas said he or Helen Hankins of
the BLM could give them a presentation on that process. Commissioner Ellison
asked that a County representative be present at their operational meetings. Dan
Dallas stated there was a sub group under PLUAC but now there was interest at
the liaison level and the Commission level.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown
commented that they were not receiving any information from PLUAC.
Commissioner Myers felt PLUAC should be involved in the public lands but
ultimately the responsibility was with County Commissioners and there should be
representation.
X.
ELKO COUNTY WATER RESOURCE ISSUES:
Commissioner Russell had attended the meeting on the USGS BARCASS
Study in Ely. He believed the BARCASS would be completed in June/August of
2007. Commissioner Russell noted the original concerns were the same
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concerns. He stated there would be limited information because of the limited
resources to draw conclusions from. He noted there would be no second
BARCASS report to follow up on the process.
Commissioner Russell stated when they presented the study they were
shown a map which showed the potential intrusion of the proposed pipeline into
Elko County. He stated that map was not shown but a very similar map described
a water basin which extended into Elko. He noted the BARCASS was not
studying any area in Elko County. Commissioner Russell complimented the
USGS staff but felt that their actions were being described by the Lincoln County
Lands Bill and they were doing what they were told. Commissioner Russell had
been approached by a group of interested parties on the issue of progress from
Southern Nevada. He stated this environmentalist group was looking at hiring a
lobbyist during this legislative session but they would need $30,000 for water
lobbying. Commissioner Russell asked for authority to write to them and state that
on the next legislative session they would look at the issues, examine the
credentials of their water lobbyist. He noted they had common interests with the
environmentalist groups on this issue but noted the County’s budget was
stretched at this time.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that they could use Michael Buschelman
this legislative session. Commissioner Myers expressed an interest in knowing
who the environmental groups were.
XI.
METROPOLIS IRRIGATION RESTORATION PROJECT:
Commissioner Nannini reported they were in the process of surveying the
road in the Metropolis Irrigation Restoration Project.
TUSCARORA TAVERN – PHASE II PROJECT:
Robert Stokes reported on the status of the project to stabilize the historic
Tuscarora Tavern building utilizing State Historic Preservation grant monies along
with the County and local community participation. He stated that stabilization
process would include a shotcrete process from the basement footing to the new
roof. He stated the SHPO’s two grants ($175,000 and $140,000) were combined.
Robert Stokes stated that Queenstake Mines would help them finish this project
within the next two or three months. He stated there was a moisture issue on
northwest side of the basement. However, the architect and the engineer had
arrived at a solution to fix that which may be covered under the current funding
due to savings on the concrete already poured. Robert Stokes noted there was
only one change order of $20,000 on the $375,000 project. He stated they had
worked closely with SHPO and SHPO was aware of the problems with the
basement wall. Robert Stokes expressed appreciation to Lynn Forsberg, George
XII.
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Lostra, J. D. Long, and Michael Clay Construction Company for their efforts on
this project. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired about time coordination
between the contributors. Robert Stokes stated the basement issue had delayed
the project.
Robert Stokes stated they had submitted an application for the third phase in
the amount of $300,000 and SHPO would hold their hearings on March 1 and 2,
2007, in Carson City.
XIII.
US FOREST SERVICE:
Ruby Mountains/Jarbidge Ranger Districts:
Silver Creek Mine Exploration Project:
The
Board
considered
submitting
comments
to
the
Ruby
Mountains/Jarbidge Ranger Districts, U.S. Forest Service, regarding less than
0.1acres of disturbance by mining exploration activity near Jarbidge, Nevada.
Comment deadline is January 5, 2007.
Robert Stokes noted the Jarbidge Town Advisory Board supported the
project.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented that they were only trenching at
30 feet and questioned what they expected to discover. Dan Dallas did not know
what they were attempting to discover.
MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to write a letter of
support to the Ruby Mountains/Jarbidge Ranger Districts,
USFS, on the Silver Creek Mine Exploration Project.
Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion
was passed unanimously.
XIV. COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Commissioner Myers:
Elko County Economic Diversification Authority (ECEDA) Board – He stated
they already had some of that information and there would be short report
tomorrow.
City of Elko – He had talked to the City Manager to solve the traffic signal
issue at the intersection of Jiggs Highway/Lamoille Highway. He would coordinate
with the City of Elko and help pay for a position which would take care of that light.
He believed that cost would be approximately $25,000 to $30,000.
Commissioner Myers stated there may be financial participation by RTC.
Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) – He remained the Chairman of
the RTC and Warren Russell moved to Vice Chairman. Commissioner Myers
stated the NEAT buses would take ownership of two new busses. Commissioner
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Myers stated RTC authorized $25,000 and encouraged them to speak to the City
because 75% of the riding participants on the bus were from the City of Elko.
Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) Liaison – There would be a
meeting on January 20th at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the roundabout, or traffic signal.
He stated that would be a community meeting. Commissioner Myer noted there
was a roundabout in Sparks. Commissioner Nannini commented about the
numerous roundabouts in Italy.
Auditorium Authority Board (ECVA) - He noted next month they would
hold the Snowmobile Rendezvous.
Wildlife Advisory Board – No report was given.
Wildlife Arbitration Board - No report was given.
Nevada Division of Wildlife Liaison - No report was given.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown:
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City of Carlin – No report was submitted.
Tuscarora Community – No report was given.
Recreation Board – No report was submitted.
Nevada State Land Use Planning Advisory Commission (SLUPAC) – No
report was given.
Public Lands Use Advisory Commission (PLUAC) – No report was
submitted.
Northeastern Nevada Stewardship Group - No report was submitted.
Mining Sustainability – She stated there were presentations given to the
Northwest Mining Association in Reno. Her presentation was regarding the
impact to local governments which contained graphs prepared by Cash Minor and
Debbie Armuth. She commented about the level of services impacted by the
growth due to the mining industries. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented
that Dr. Kilpatrick, Leta Collord, Mary Korpi and Jon Hutchings, also gave
presentations. Commissioner Nannini inquired if they had discussed the housing
impact. She noted they had and added that mines have provided some of the
housing opportunities.
China Spring / Aurora Pines Advisory Committee – No report was given.
Central Nevada Regional Water Authority (CNRWA) – She stated the
CNRWA wanted Elko County to record their MOU. She believed it had something
to do with liability. Robert Stokes inquired if the Agreement had came back
completely signed. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated they had suggested that
the Counties should file in second position behind the mines on their water rights.
Therefore, when the mines shut down, then the County would be able to file on
those water rights so there could be used by the local governments. She noted a
lot of the permits for mine dewatering were temporary permits. She stated they
had discussed the Ten Mile taxes that could be assessed by the State Engineer.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted the State Engineer had done that in other
areas so there was already a precedence for that type of assessment. Kristin
McQueary would research that matter. She noted they had sent a memo over
when Joe Aguirre had brought the matter up. Kristin McQueary noted there was
an invitation to the State Engineer to discuss that. She noted the State Engineer’s
Office wanted to put that upon the 2008 tax roles. Commissioner Eklund-Brown
felt that the cost of the USGS Study should offset the increase in taxes. Kristin
McQueary noted the main issue was the Spring Creek residents who receive their
water from the utility. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted CNWRA suggested
they send a letter to Governor Gibbons and his team on budgeting for the State
Engineer and the Nevada Division of Water Resources so they could do more
data inventory statewide. Commissioner Ellison stated there had been an issue
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discussed upon the water rights in Fallon being auctioned off. Commissioner
Eklund-Brown noted there was a grant through SB 62 for the Central Nevada
Water Information System. She noted the State Engineer would do an MOU and
partner with them. She stated the State Engineer had agreed to maintain the
data. She reported the White Pine County Lands Bill had been approved without
funding for the second BARCASS study.
BLM Liaison, BLM – RAC, California Trails Center Board – No report was
given.
BLM Jarbidge RMP Liaison – No report was submitted.
ECCWMA - Noxious Weed Liaison – No report was given.
USFS Liaison – Mt. City Ranger District Grazing EIS – She stated a lady at
the UNR had performed a socio study on the impacts of the wildfire in Elko County
through the State. She suggested that socio impact study be included within their
comments to the FS and BLM regarding their upcoming land use plans. She felt
an abbreviated study on social impacts would help with the Mountain City EIS.
She felt the entire study could be applied to Elko County as a whole and should
accompany any EIS, EA, etc. Commissioner Ellison asked what the proposed
costs would be. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted the lady was going to come
before them and submit a proposal such as Dr. Harris had previously. She
believed it would help those who utilize the federal lands and help the federal land
managers to make more informed decisions.
Dan Dallas stated that was a good explanation and he appreciated the
County’s help. He noted their Land Use Plan said the County wanted to play this
role in NEPA decisions. He stated when agencies did this work they do the bare
minimum because of the time frame. He stated by having the third party involved
who were trained in this type of studies would help both parties.
Commissioner Nannini:
City of Wells – He stated they would re-open the mine in Storm Canyon out
in O’Neil Basin. He reported they would not use the County Road but would drop
over the mountain into the Chromalloy area. Commissioner Nannini stated the ore
would then be hauled into the Salt Lake City area for milling. He noted they would
hire approximately 45 employees. He believed there would be production of barite
next spring. He stated their office would be at the BTI building.
Heart Project - Wells Tire Recycling Plant – He stated they were finishing up
the wiring and would be in production shortly. He stated housing in Wells was
zero and the City lots were selling rapidly. He stated a big contractor was looking
at numerous lots for investment. Commissioner Nannini noted the Love Truck
Stop hoped to be under construction by February or March. He had not heard
anything on the prison project. Commissioner Ellison commented upon the
turnout of people at El Rancho during the Rode Hard Band’s last booking.
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City of West Wendover – No report was submitted.
Hospital Board – No report was given.
Fair Board – No report was submitted.
Juvenile Committee – No report was given.
Central Dispatch Administrative Authority – No report was submitted.
USFS Liaison – No report was given.
Commissioner Russell:
Museum Board – No report was submitted.
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) – He stated the owner of
Sunbelt Communications would come to Elko to look at emergency preparedness
within a month.
Central Nevada Regional Water Authority (CNRWA) – He noted
Commissioner Eklund-Brown had previously submitted a report.
Humboldt River Basin Water Authority – No report was submitted.
Library Board of Trustees Liaison – No report was given.
Nevada Association of Counties (NACO) Board – No report given.
Northern Nevada Regional Transit Coalition – A report was previously
submitted.
Water Planning – No meeting was held but they received a report.
Nevadaworks – He was the alternate.
Spring Creek Association – He had not attended the last meeting.
Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) – He stated there was a report
given by Commissioner Myers.
Commissioner Russell stated he had attended the Inauguration of Governor
Gibbons.
Commissioner Ellison:
Nevada Association of Counties (NACO) Board – He noted there was a
proposal to modify the Dillon’s Rule of Order. Robert Stokes noted the counties
were not to do that unless allowed within the statutes. Robert Stokes noted
people had been abandoning vehicles in the Clark County parking lots and there
was a lawsuit as a result of a vehicle being towed. Commissioner Russell
believed it moved them closer to Home Rule.
Governor’s Transportation Blue Ribbon Task Force – He reported they met
two weeks ago and would meet again this Friday. He stated there was a proposal
from Washoe for fuel increases.
Debt Management Committee - No meeting was held.
Nevadaworks – He stated there would be a conference call scheduled next
Friday.
Senior Citizens – He had missed the last meeting because he was in Carson
City.
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Humboldt River Basin Water Authority – No report was given.
BLM Liaison – He had not met with Helen Hankins.
Nevada Fire Safe Council – No report was submitted.
Nevada Division of Forestry Liaison – No report was submitted.
Water Planning (Alternate) – No report was submitted.
XV. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY STAFF COMMENTS:
Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted she had received a copy of the travel
budget and they had 50% remaining. Cash Minor stated they started with a
$50,000 budget and there was approximately $25,000 remaining. She asked if
the County Manager and CFO’s travel came out of that budget. Robert Stokes
replied that some of their travel came from that budget. He noted the NACO
registration and conference came out of the County Manager’s budget.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented that there was an Ag Expo in
Fallon which would address various issues. Cash Minor believed there was
sufficient budget for that conference. Commissioner Russell noted there was a
water rights class and the Nevada Water Resource Association meeting would be
providing classes he would like to attend.
Commissioner Eklund-Brown
suggested Randy Brown also go to the water rights class. Commissioner Nannini
felt that the Commissioners should not be concerned with the travel budget when
they were gathering information for the County and representing the County. The
Board discussed the Commissioners’ travel budget. Commissioner Myers
commented that it was Cash Minor’s responsibility to monitor the spending in the
travel budget and notify them if that fund was low.
Commissioner Myers noted that when they received the applications for the
Road Study Committee, David Tilger’s name was left off of the list.
Commissioner Russell felt it was the Commissioners’ responsibility to
continually check with Cash Minor with regards to the balance on the travel
budget. Commissioner Nannini did not believe there was a problem unless they
go over the travel budget at the end of the year.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion
was passed unanimously.
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There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was
adjourned.
APPROVED,
JOHN ELLISON, Chairman
ATTEST:
MARILYN TIPTON, Deputy Clerk
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