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The Minden Town Board meeting was held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at 1602 Esmeralda Avenue, Minden, Nevada. Board members present: Matt Bernard, Charlie Condron, Roxanne Stangle, John Stephans and Bill Souligny. Staff present: Greg Hill, Trish Koepnick, Bruce Scott, Ryan Russell and Ted Thran. Ms. Stangle called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Bernard. PUBLIC COMMENT: None Souligny/Stephans moved to approve the agenda as published. Motion carried unanimously. Stephans/Condron moved to approve the minutes of the March 4, 2015, Board Meeting. Motion carried unanimously. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GIFTS: None ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SERVICE AWARDS: None BOARD MEMBER REPORTS: Event Planning- Bill Souligny reported that work is proceeding on the upcoming Carson Valley Days and July 4th events. He will be asking the Board to sign up for preferred tasks. Minden Water- Matt Bernard reported that at the budget workshop the Board adopted the strategic plan which included water goals. New Development Applications - John Stephans noted that there is nothing new to report. Citizen’s Advisory Committee/Main Street Steering Committee- Charlie Condron reported that the Main Street Steering Committee will be presenting tonight. He said that he had just returned from the annual Main Street conference and it was a very educational experience. Budget- John Stephans/Bill Souligny. It was noted that the tentative budget is on the agenda tonight. CONSENT AGENDA FOR POSSIBLE ACTION 1. Approval of the March 2015 financial report including claims paid February 20, 2015 through March 19, 2015 for fiscal year 2015. 2. Approval of a request by Douglas County Parks and Recreation to waive park rental fees, provide staff to monitor the park, assist with cleanup of the events and provide trash dumpsters at no charge for each concert in the park and to contribute Town Funds not to exceed $5,000 in fiscal year 2015-2016 to sponsor the 2015 Summer Concert Series, and two concerts in the 2016 Summer Concert Series. Approval of the request will include: closure of Fifth Street between Esmeralda and Mono Avenue May 29th, June 26th, July 17th, August 7th and August 28th from 9:00am to 9:00pm for the 2015 Summer Concert Series. Stephans/Condron moved for the approval of the consent agenda. Motion carried unanimously. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA: 1. For possible action: Discussion and possible action to recommend to Douglas County Staff approval, approval with conditions, continuance or denial of a minor design review of the proposed ---PAGE BREAK--- Minden Town Board Minutes April 1, 2015 Page 2 of 5 development of the Bently Heritage Estate Distillery Project located at 1603, 1609 us Highway 395 and 1617 Water Street in Minden Nevada, APN 1320-29-402-(003) (006) (009) (010) (012). Appearance by Susan Carbiener and Larry Vincent, Bently Enterprises LLC. Mr. Bernard noted that he works in a private capacity for the engineering firm associated with this project and will not participate in this item. Ms. Carbiener introduced Chris Bently, CEO of Bently Enterprises LLC. He said he is very proud of what they have begun with this project and noted a personal desire to preserve the buildings across the street. Brad Van Woerth gave a presentation on the Bently Heritage Estate project and noted the estimated timeline. Board discussion included excitement about the project and the historical preservation it involves, parking, and delight in seeing someone come back to Town and enhancing it to everyone’s benefit. Public comment: A member of the public asked if there will be a drop off area. The public expressed great support and appreciation for this project. Following thoughtful and intelligent deliberation, Stephans/Condron moved to recommend to Douglas County approval of a minor design review of the proposed development of the Bently Heritage Estate Distillery Project located at 1603, 1609 us Highway 395 and 1617 Water Street in Minden Nevada, APN 1320-29-402-(003) (006) (009) (010) (012). Motion carried unanimously. 2. For possible action: Discussion and possible action to approve, approve with conditions, continue or deny a request by the Minden Main Street Steering Committee for the Town to contribute an amount not to exceed $90,000 in Fiscal Year 2016 to create a Minden Main Street program. Appearance by Sheila Kendrick, member of the Minden Main Street Steering Committee. Ms. Kendrick gave a presentation about the Minden Main Street program and the vision of the steering committee. Mr. Condron spoke about his attendance at the annual Main Street conference, and encouraged the Board to embrace the Main Street program for various reasons, the main value being community involvement and helping to shape the vision of what we want for the future Minden. Board discussion included budgeting concerns now and in the future, including having this as a budgetary item, concerns about this as an ongoing cost, and decreasing funding as the program increases. The Board also discussed incorporating all commercial areas in Minden, if the program can be certified, having a Town Board member on the Main Street Board, and how it would work with existing Town events. The Board expressed overall support for the program but concerns about funding, and the need to count on volunteers to make this a success. Ms. Kendrick noted that this would not be a government program, the director is not a Town employee, and it would not be housed in a Town office; it would be a community effort. To be accredited it has to have a full time skilled person running the program, and a better salary would attract a better skill set. There would be new events that are community builders, engaging the community with creative items. Public comment: Various members of the public expressed overwhelming support for the creation of the Main Street program. Chris Bently, CEO of Bently Enterprises LLC, pledged up to $90,000 to the Main Street Program as a match to any funds contributed to the Program by the Town. Robert Pumphrey also pledged funds to the Program. Several members of the public expressed how pleased they are with what Gardnerville has achieved, and explained the funding process in Gardnerville, noting this is an investment ---PAGE BREAK--- Minden Town Board Minutes April 1, 2015 Page 3 of 5 in a guaranteed payback. The difference between it and the Chamber of Commerce was explained, and the strong advantage of volunteers was noted. A representative of the County’s economic vitality noted this is a great opportunity to partner with the Valley Vision program, which includes getting the traffic off of Hwy 395, and explained how Gardnerville originally funded their program. Following thoughtful and intelligent deliberation, Condron/Stephans moved to approve the request by the Minden Main Street Steering Committee for the Town to contribute an amount not to exceed $90,000 in Fiscal Year 2016 to create a Minden Main Street program. Motion carried unanimously. 3. For possible action: Discussion and possible action to recommend to the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners approval, approval with conditions, continuance or denial of the projects, priorities and funding options identified in the proposed Douglas County Countywide Connectivity Economic Vitality Project. Presentation by Jacques and Dominique Etchegoyhen, Co- Champions of the Countywide Connectivity Economic Vitality Project. Jacques and Dominique Etchegoyhen gave a presentation on this request. The concept involves making the towns approachable by walking or biking, getting trucks off of Highway 395 and a loop around the south shore of Tahoe. They are looking to the towns to support and for leadership. Board discussion included support for the concept as well as skepticism on funding mechanisms for County roads and the need to make Muller a truck route. Public comment: Various members of the public strongly supported the concept, noting the need for safe passage through the community including crossing 395 on foot, and felt that it is the right time to match private investments in our community. Following thoughtful and intelligent deliberation, Stephans/Condron moved to recommend to the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners approval, of the projects, priorities and funding options identified in the proposed Douglas County Countywide Connectivity Economic Vitality Project. Motion carried unanimously. 4. For possible action: Discussion and possible action to approve, approve with conditions, continue or deny a request by the Cottonwood Slough Water Users Association to contribute an amount not to exceed $10,000 to repair the Cottonwood Dam. Appearance by David Hussman on behalf of the Cottonwood Slough Water Users Association. Mr. Hussman explained that this is one of three dam structures on the river and it is the one that conveys ditch water to the Town. It is in severe need of repair and rebuilding. Board discussion included noting the tremendous benefit to the Town’s pond and trail from this dam. Public comment: A member of the public noted that this is the first time the Town has ever been asked for maintenance dollars as the ranchers have done the maintenance. Following thoughtful and intelligent deliberation, Stephans/Souligny moved to approve a request by the Cottonwood Slough Water Users Association to contribute an amount not to exceed $10,000 to repair the Cottonwood Dam. Motion carried unanimously. 5. For possible action: Discussion and possible action to approve, approve with conditions, continue or deny a request by the Winhaven Homeowner’s Association to set an interim rate for irrigation water serving the common areas of the subdivision from Well 6 and direct staff to enter into negotiations with Winhaven Homeowner’s Association to possibly bring an amendment to the WATER USE AGREEMENT by and between the Town of Minden and Western Nevada Properties Inc. to the Minden Board for consideration at a future meeting. Appearance by Cole Smith on behalf of Winhaven Homeowner’s Association. ---PAGE BREAK--- Minden Town Board Minutes April 1, 2015 Page 4 of 5 Mr. Souligny noted he will abstain from this item as he is a member of the Winhaven Homeowners Association. Cole Smith gave the background of this agreement. He noted that the subdivision waters 13 acres of common areas with water from Well 6. He petitioned to negotiate that the commercial rate be eliminated from the agreement for the interim and that the second tier of the rate be changed to up to 120 acre feet of use. He noted they have been applying conservation efforts in an effort to reduce water usage, and are working at sealing 5 ponds. It is a unique situation as the homeowners maintain Well 6. Board discussion included history of the negotiation of the rate, possibly having Town maintenance of the well and looking at a new rate structure, how the Town would benefit from this, and having a hard time condoning the water usage. Public comment: A member of the public noted that in Winhaven Gardens the HOA pays between $45-50,000 a year in irrigation bills, and if a valve breaks the Town bills the HOA for each of the 13 connections. A member of the public also questioned how the state reacts to offering a reduced rate without offering to other entities. Following thoughtful and intelligent deliberation, Stephans/Bernard moved to deny a request by the Winhaven Homeowner’s Association to set an interim rate for irrigation water serving the common areas of the subdivision from Well 6 and direct staff to enter into negotiations with Winhaven Homeowner’s Association to possibly bring an amendment to the WATER USE AGREEMENT by and between the Town of Minden and Western Nevada Properties Inc., to the Minden Board for consideration at a future meeting. Motion passed with Stangle voting in favor, Condron voting no and Souligny abstaining. 6. For possible action: Discussion and possible action to adopt, adopt with conditions, continue or deny a Resolution of the Town Board to 1) reduce the speed limit on Wildrose Drive from 25mph to 15mph; and or 2) install one of the following traffic control measures to address the safety concerns expressed by residents in the Wildrose/Deseret area: speed bumps, speed humps, speed tables, partial road closures, raised intersections, traffic circles, chicanes, chokers, lateral shifts or realign intersections. Discussion and possible action may include, in addition to the adoption of a Resolution as set forth above, direction to staff to develop a policy for review and implementation of traffic control measures. Appearance by Bruce Scott, Town Engineer and Ryan Russell, Town Attorney. Mr. Russell gave a brief background of this agenda item, noting that with the Town asked for on relation to this item comes the responsibility to exercise that authority in conformance with the amended codes and applicable laws. Mr. Scott noted that there are not warrants to justify stop or yield signs, and because of requirements of NRS and the MUTCD, staff does not recommend lowering the speed limit. A significant percent of the traffic monitored has shown that much of the traffic is within the speed limit. The staff recommendation is that the Board considers speed table bumps, or other traffic calming measures put into place together with the monitoring signs. Board discussion included expression of frustration over the results of this process, trying the recommended options and seeing if we get the desired results, and reevaluating the stop signs that exist and taking out the ones that do not work. Public comment: Members of the public expressed frustration and desire to see the speed limit lowered rather than speed tables, as well as residents who expressed support of the speed tables, concern over the existing grade on Wildrose, doing the least invasive solution to the problem first, installing speed tables on Deseret also, appreciation of what the Town Board has done to solve this problem, and how application of the MUTCD on Wildrose is frustrating. Following thoughtful and intelligent deliberation Stephans/Bernard moved to a) Adopt a resolution in a form acceptable to Town counsel to empower staff to place speed tables in the area of Wildrose and Deseret in locations recommended by the Town engineer as soon as practicable and report back to the ---PAGE BREAK--- Minden Town Board Minutes April 1, 2015 Page 5 of 5 Board within 90 days of installation on their effectiveness, and b) Direct staff to develop and bring back to the board consideration a policy on how the authority provided by the ordinances on speed limits and traffic control devices will be implemented in the future. Motion carried unanimously. 7. For possible action: Discussion and possible action to select a date and time for and provide direction to Town Staff regarding the dedication of the improvements located in the right-of-way at the Gateway Center. Appearance by John Stephans, Vice Chairman, Minden Town Board. Friday June 19 was suggested for this dedication, weather permitting. Public comment: None Following thoughtful and intelligent deliberation, Condron/Stephans moved to select June 19 weather permitting for the dedication of the improvements located in the right-of-way at the Gateway Center. Motion carried unanimously. 8. For possible action: Discussion and possible action to tentatively approve, approve with conditions, continue, or deny the Town of Minden’s proposed capital projects list for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. This action may include discussion and approval of all or a portion of projects on the capital projects list. Appearance by Ted Thran, Town Accountant. Board noted no need to go over items. Public comment. None Following thoughtful and intelligent deliberation, Condron/Stephans moved to approve the Town of Minden’s proposed capital projects list for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. This action may include discussion and approval of all or a portion of projects on the capital projects list. Motion carried unanimously. 9. For possible action: Discussion and possible action to approve, approve with conditions, continue, or deny the Town of Minden Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Tentative Budget. Appearance by Ted Thran, Town Accountant. Mr. Thran gave a presentation on the budget. Board discussion included needing a commitment of participation by the County before committing funds to Valley Vision and holding off on the trash truck to see what we are doing with recycling. Public comment. A member of the public asked if the Board would consider funding the Christmas decorations on 395 down to Ironwood in this year’s budget, and asked if the Town had budgeted for the highway banners. Another public member commented on the budget being done very well. Following thoughtful and intelligent deliberation, Souligny/Stephans moved to approve the Town of Minden Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Tentative Budget. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT A member of the public asked for the Town to request NDOT to move forward with the street lights. Mr. Hill noted that the holdup was now with NV Energy and he will follow up on the planned timing. REQUEST FOR AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Souligny asked to discuss whether we will invite service clubs or vendors to participate during the 4th of July event. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Condron moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:01 p.m.