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Yerington City Council Meeting September 14, 2020 at 10:00am – City Hall The regular meeting of the Yerington City Council was held in the Council Chambers and via Zoom.com due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines enacted by Governor Sisolak at 10:00 a.m. with the following present: Mayor John J. Garry (Council Chambers) Council Members Jerry Bryant, Selena Catalano (Council Chambers), Shane Martin and Terceira Schunke (Via Zoom) City Manager Robert Switzer (Via Zoom) City Attorney Chuck Zumpft (Via Zoom) Chief of Police Darren Wagner (Council Chambers) Public Works Director Jay Flakus (Council Chambers) Guests: Mr. Dwayne Halgrimson and Mr. David Ray Absent: Deputy Clerk/Grants Administrator Angela Moore and Administrative Director/Interim City Clerk Sheema D. Shaw The meeting was called to order and roll call was reported by Mayor Garry. The Pledge of Allegiance was also led by Mayor Garry. Mayor Garry opened the meeting stating that the Council Chambers are now open for public gatherings and meetings. We are also livestreaming on Facebook. Mayor Garry stated that City Manager Switzer will be acting as the host and will accept the public into the meeting. If the public has any questions or comments, please call the front desk at [PHONE REDACTED]. Questions will be given to Mayor Garry or will be transferred to the Council Chambers to be heard by City Council. Mayor Garry stated that he will call each member of the Council, in order for him or her to vote on each agenda item. Public comments will be taken after each agenda item. Public Participation Mayor Garry asked for public comments with a wait time of two minutes and no comments were made at this time. Agenda Approval City Manager Switzer stated a deletion be made for agenda item regarding business licenses at this time. ---PAGE BREAK--- Mayor Garry stated that the agenda would be approved as corrected unless there are any objections, there were no objections and the agenda was approved as corrected. Minutes Mayor Garry stated that the minutes of August 24, 2020 regular meeting would be approved as presented unless there are any objections, there were no objections and the minutes of August 24, 2020 regular meeting were approved as presented. New, Renewal and Name Change Business Licenses Applications. City Manager Switzer stated approval was received by Mayor Garry for a deletion of this agenda item at this time. Transfer $50,000.00 from the General Fund to the Asset Acquisition Fund. Funds are a Portion of $68,684.83 Received from Lyon County for Personal Property Tax from FY 2019-20. City Manager Switzer stated the City of Yerington was notified by Lyon County of an error. The net result of the error included the amount of $68,684.83, which was sent to and received by the City of Yerington. The amount of $50,000.00 to be taken from the total amount of $68,684.83 from the Asset Acquisition Fund and be used towards the new Yerington City Hall. Councilwoman Catalano made a motion to approve a transfer of $50,000.00 from the General Fund to the Asset Acquisition Fund, seconded by Councilman Bryant. Mayor Garry asked for comments, no comments were made at this time and the motion was approved unanimously. Purchase a Vehicle for the Public Works Director Not to Exceed $35,000.00. Funding will be from the Asset Acquisition Fund. City Manager Switzer stated the status of Public Works Director Flakus’ current vehicle is on its last legs. A State purchasing vendor was reviewed and a vehicle was found that will save the City quite a bit of money. A pickup vehicle to purchase at or below the $35,000.00 for a new or used 2020 vehicle. Mayor Garry asked if additional expenses will be needed to service the vehicle to the Public Works Director’s needs. City Manager Switzer stated some options would be needed and the City would want to consider putting those on the vehicle. A brand-new three-quarter ton pickup in the amount of around $32,000.00 with some of the additional expenses added on, which would still be under $35,000.00. ---PAGE BREAK--- Councilman Bryant stated $32,000.00 for a brand-new vehicle is a good deal and would encourage City Council to consider the purchase for the Public Works Director. Councilman Bryant made a motion to approve the purchase of a vehicle for the Public Works Director not to exceed $35,000.00, seconded by Councilwoman Catalano. Mayor Garry asked for comments, no comments were made at this time and the motion was approved unanimously. Transfer the Proceeds from a $50,000.00 CD from General Fund to the Fixed Asset Acquisition Fund. City Manager Switzer stated back in April and May of 2020, the upcoming budget mentioned that the City of Yerington had a $50,000.00 CD at Wells Fargo. City Council approved and the amount was placed in the General Fund revenues. City Manager Switzer would like to continue to keep the balance up within the Fixed Asset Acquisition Fund and to keep funds in this fund for future capital assets. The City of Yerington did make a purchase of $213,000.00 towards the purchase of the Armory. Councilman Bryant made a motion to transfer the proceeds of a $50,000.00 CD from the General Fund to the Fixed Asset Acquisition Fund, seconded by Councilwoman Schunke. Mayor Garry asked for comments, no comments were made at this time and the motion was approved unanimously. Approve a Letter of Commitment to the USDA to Pay the Remaining Pre- Construction/Design Cost of the Water/Sewer Project not to Exceed $200,000.00. City Manager Switzer presented the Letter of Commitment to City Council. The Letter of Commitment in the amount of up to $200,000.00 was sent to the USDA for approval. This letter is a final commitment that the City will make a final payment up to $200,000.00, which the actual funds needed are around $193,000.00. This amount will be reimbursed to the City of Yerington after the project is completed. Councilwoman Catalano made a motion to approve a Letter of Commitment to the USDA to pay the remaining pre-construction and design costs of the Water and Sewer Project not to exceed $200,000.00, seconded by Councilwoman Schunke. Mayor Garry asked for comments, no comments were made at this time and the motion was approved unanimously. Approve an Agreement Between Farr West Engineering and the City of Yerington for GIS Services for Fiscal Year 2021 in the Amount of $13,000.00. City Manager Switzer stated a proposed contract with Farr West Engineering and the City of Yerington was presented to City Council for GIS services in the amount of $13,000.00. The original contract was sent to City Attorney Zumpft and some changes were made. In the agreement, charging of interest for professional services was stated and the City does not pay interest. City Attorney Zumpft’s recommendations and changes ---PAGE BREAK--- includes the property rights, ownership should lie with the City other than with Farr West Engineering. The agreement was sent to Farr West Engineering and the City has not heard a reply back. If City Council were to move forward, an approval should be made to be contingent on changes made to the contract. Councilman Bryant made a motion to approve an agreement between Farr West Engineering and the City of Yerington for GIS services in the amount of $13,000.00 and contingent on changes made to the contract, seconded by Councilman Martin. Mayor Garry asked for comments, no comments were made at this time and the motion was approved unanimously. Approve a Recommendation of the Public Works Committee to Approve Research for a Dog Park. Public Works Director Flakus will be sharing a presentation of the proposed dog park. The concept is about 29,000 square feet and 0.66 acres estimated to cost about $43,000.00. The cost for the chain link fence will be the determining factor of how big the dog park will be in size. Mayor Garry stated that he believes having a dog park in the area would be a plus to the community and would support this idea. Most community members love this concept and some do not. Councilwoman Schunke asked Public Works Director Flakus about the cost of the dog park and if this concept is for multiple dog parks. Public Works Director Flakus stated this concept is for one dog park and his numbers were aimed high and are estimates. Councilwoman Schunke asked if a final number would be given. Public Works Director Flakus stated this agenda item is just a recommendation. Mayor Garry stated this agenda item is a recommendation for a dog park for research and will be a presented to City Council as an agenda item when finalized. Councilwoman Catalano stated she believes this idea is great and she supports the dog park concept. Having a designated dog park away from children and easy clean up opportunities would be great. Public Works Director Flakus stated at the moment, dogs are prohibited at all of the City’s public parks. This issue is a never-ending problem and enforcement should be increased. Mayor Garry stated these law and rules should be on the books. Councilman Bryant stated he also sits on the Public Works Committee and is very much in support of this concept. Mayor Garry stated that the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to approve research of a dog park would be approved unless there are any objections. There were no objections and the recommendation to approve research of a dog park was approved unanimously. ---PAGE BREAK--- Approve a Recommendation of the Public Works Committee to Purchase 20 “No Dogs Allowed” Signs with Image for all City Parks. Public Works Director Flakus stated that he has created a sample sign for City Council to review. If dogs are being kicked out of the parks, the community members ask as to where the signs are. Public Works Director Flakus stated that he shows the community members where the signs are placed and they refuse to believe that they are in a park area. Questions arose as to why the City of Yerington is not enforcing these rules or codes. Councilwoman Schunke stated if policies or procedures are currently in place, then no dogs should be in the parks, period. City Manager Switzer suggests to set a dollar amount and purchasing not to exceed $1,000.00 for signs. The funds will come out of the services and supplies budget line from the Animal Control Department. Public Works Director Flakus stated there are currently signs in every City park, but they are faded. Additional signs would be added to the parks and no current signs would be taken down. Councilwoman Schunke asked if approved to not exceed $1,000.00, what would the remaining balance be for the budget line of services and supplies. City Manager Switzer stated if the full $1,000.00 was spent on purchasing the signs, a remaining balance in the amount of $2,876.15 would be present as of today. Mayor Garry asked Public Works Director Flakus if he has citation powers and if he could write a ticket for anyone in the park with their dogs. Public Works Director Flakus stated no, he would call the Police Department to handle the issue. Chief of Police Wagner stated in the past, people have been allowed to take their dogs to the parks. The court will have the violator pay for the violation but the issue does not go any further. Public Works Director Flakus stated an officer in uniform would be needed to provide a ticket or citation. Councilman Bryant suggested to table the purchase of the “No Dogs Allowed” signs until the dog park is approved, dogs must be leashed instead. City Manager Switzer stated the dog park will most likely be approved during the next budget starting July 1, 2021 and will take a period of time before it is approved. Having dogs in the parks is an issue and discussing policies should continue. Public Works Director Flakus stated the City of Yerington should not allow any dogs in the parks no matter what. Councilman Bryant suggested to lower the dollar amount or budget for the purchase of the signs. Councilwoman Catalano stated the City of Yerington is liable for anything that might happen at the parks. ---PAGE BREAK--- Mayor Garry approved a recommendation to purchase up to twenty, “No Dogs Allowed” signs not to exceed $1,000.00 at the discretion of the Public Works Director unless there are any objections. No objections were made and the recommendation to approve purchasing twenty, “No Dogs Allowed” signs not to exceed $1,000.00 at the discretion of the Public Works Director was approved unanimously. Approve a Recommendation of the Public Works Committee to Close Mountain View Park, Veteran’s Park and Oregon Park at Dusk. Chief of Police Wagner stated that rarely any organized activity is taking place after dusk. Vandalism, littering and drinking is usually taking place after dusk. This could be problematic if the parks are open after dark and a permit should be requested instead. Mayor Garry suggested the parks should be closed from 10pm to 5am or from dusk until dawn. Mayor Garry supports closing of the parks with a detailed time frame. Mayor Garry asked if the public restrooms will be locked after hours also. Public Works Director Flakus stated the restrooms are already locked at night due to the vandalism issue. Councilwoman Catalano made a motion to approve closing Mountain View Park, Veteran’s Park and Oregon Park from 9:00pm to 5:00am, seconded by Councilwoman Schunke. Mayor Garry asked for comments, no comments were made at this time and the motion was approved unanimously. City Policy for Future Outdoor Large Gatherings/Events. City Manager Switzer stated a couple of large events have taken place over the last four to six weeks. City Council should propose a City Ordinance for large gatherings or events with an aggressive approach. The City of Yerington will move forward and work with City Attorney Zumpft for a recommendation to be brought before City Council at a near future date. Mayor Garry asked what are the advantages for the City of Yerington to have a City Ordinance. City Manager Switzer stated a strong requirement for portable restrooms is currently not in place. City Council might want to entertain a cost to include possibly a deposit due to reserve a park because the property has not been left in good condition. Councilwoman Catalano stated Governor Sisolak did not approve of over fifty people for large gatherings or events. City Manager Switzer stated the proposal of a City Ordinance would help enforce the code and hopefully the Governor’s directives will not be in place in the near future. The City of Yerington should have more of an approach as to how, when and where for each event or gathering. Public Works Director Flakus stated an event is presented to the City for approval and usually that event is not what takes place. The City of Yerington has to pay the additional costs including overtime hours, portable restrooms, hand washing stations and ---PAGE BREAK--- dumpsters after events that do not clean up or provide the extra restrooms to accommodate the large gatherings of people. Councilman Bryant stated the City should be careful and differentiate between big events or special events. Consistent requirements should be in place for restrooms and clean up. Mayor Garry stated the City should work on a City Policy with the City Attorney and to have future City Council approval. Councilman Bryant stated the City should not lose focus on the benefit of the traffic and should not scare away events or gatherings. Mayor Garry stated a City Policy will be reviewed with City Attorney Zumpft to approve future outdoor gatherings or events with City Council approval unless there are any objections. No objections were made at this time and the motion was approved unanimously. Approve a Recommendation of the Public Works Committee to Limit the Amount of Donations/Petty Cash Kept at the Animal Shelter to $100.00. City Manager Switzer stated a recommendation came from the Public Works Committee to lower the amount of petty cash for the Animal Shelter due to a large amount of money being held on hand. City Hall only keeps $200.00 in petty cash to conduct all business held at City Hall. Potential issues will arise down the road if that amount of money is being held at one time. The Animal Shelter does not need more than $100.00 to conduct daily procedures. The Animal Shelter should follow normal purchase order guidelines of the City because the money belongs to the City of Yerington. Limiting the amount is an effect to establish a policy and no more than $100.00 be kept within petty cash. Mayor Garry stated $1,000.00 should not be held at the Animal Shelter and the $100.00 limit is plenty to conduct business. Mayor Garry would approve a recommendation to limit the amount of donations or petty cash kept at the Animal Shelter to $100.00 unless there are any objections. No objections were made at this time and the motion was approved unanimously. Discussion on the Public Safety Committee Meeting. City Manager Switzer stated during the Public Safety Meeting on August 14, 2020, discussion was driven by Chief of Police Wagner and issues regarding the Police Department. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chief of Police Wagner discussed the possible purchase of a Tahoe vehicle, the K-9 Program, the Neighborhood Watch Program and some work still being done at the Police Station. Councilman Bryant stated the K-9 Program would be a great attribute to the City of Yerington. The Police Department should look into the cost of fitting a Tahoe for the K- 9 Program. A discussion also took place of a possible Neighborhood Watch Program. Another meeting should be scheduled to discuss the K-9 Program, to finalize the numbers and move forward with the program. City Manager Switzer stated another Public Safety meeting could be held in about two to three weeks. A level of liability will need to be in place for the K-9 Program and a contract will also need to be in place with the dog handler. Councilman Bryant suggested to possibly expedite the process and instead move forward for City Council approval. City Manager Switzer stated yes, that is possible. Discussion on the Administration Committee Meeting. City Manager Switzer stated during the Administration Meeting on August 28, 2020, a Catastrophic Leave Plan was discussed. City employees could donate leave time and that time would be put into a fund and used for a case by case basis. The COVID-19 Public Assistance Relief Program is for City residents and would go into effect tomorrow. Up to $100,000.00 from the Coronavirus Relief Fund will be used and will help residents most in need dealing with financial issues due to the Coronavirus. Bills Previously Submitted for Payment Bills, Salaries and Vouchers: Accounts Payable Checks 8-17-2020 32676 through 32696 9-1-2020 32701 through 32728 Payroll Checks 8-24-2020 32697 through 32698 Payroll Vouchers 8-24-2020 8272001 through 8272024 Transmittal Checks 8-24-2020 32699 through 32700 Transmittal Vouchers 8-24-2020 8242001 Mayor Garry stated that the bills previously submitted for payment would be approved as presented unless there are any objections, there were no objections and the bills previously submitted for payment was approved as presented. Public Participation ---PAGE BREAK--- Mr. David Ray, a volunteer coordinator for the Food Bank, which takes place at Mountain View Park. Mr. Ray wishes to be notified of any decisions made about a possible dog park. Mr. Ray requests one day a month that the dogs not be allowed at the park during the services of the Food Bank. Mr. Ray would also like to request opening the restrooms during the times the Food Bank is present at Mountain View Park. Department Reports Public Works Director Flakus stated Mayor Garry received the keys for the Armory this week. If the public would like to come view the Armory, please let Public Works Director Flakus know. The City is currently working on removing the weeds and starting the projects on Building A. City Manager Switzer stated the delivery date will be soon for the prefabricated restroom at Veteran’s Park. Once the timeline is known, City Council will then be notified. The City now has possession of the Armory property and is currently entering into phase one of construction. The second and last installment of the Coronavirus Relief Fund was received in the amount of about $296,000.00 with total funding in the amount of $591,837.00. The expenditures were outlined already and were presented to City Council previously. Councilman Bryant would like to give a big thank you to South Lyon Medical Center for their support and hosting the Suicide Awareness Walk. A total of four suicides have taken place in the City of Yerington’s small town in the last six months. Mayor Garry stated acquiring the Armory was about a sixteen-month process. Mayor Garry would personally like to thank City Manager Switzer for keeping the process going and for his leadership. September 11, 2020 was the date the Armory was acquired and such a memorable date to share with remembrance to September 11, 2001; we will never forget. Days are to be shared and will serve this community well. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Mayor of the City of Yerington ATTEST: Administrative Director/Interim City Clerk