Full Text
March 9, 2020 The regular meeting of the Yerington City Council was held in the Council Chambers at 10:00 a.m. with the following present: Mayor John Garry Council Members Jerry Bryant, Selena Catalano, Shane Martin (arrived at 10:08 a.m.) and Terceira Schunke City Manager Robert Switzer City Attorney Chuck Zumpft Chief of Police Darren Wagner Public Works Director Jay Flakus Administrative Director/Interim City Clerk Sheema D. Shaw Guests: Chief Scott Draper and Assistant Chief Lacey Parrott of the Mason Valley Fire District, Amy Alonzo of the Mason Valley News, Chris Garry, Frank Pizzo, Amy Miller, Rick & Bonnie Blakely, Jon Ford, Darlene Triplett Public Participation Mr. Rick Ortega stated that he has concerns regarding the Drag Races. Mr. Ortega stated that he does not believe the FAA regional office in Oakland California would approve after giving the city a grant to repave the runway. Mr. Ortega stated that he has never seen the airport closed for three days. Mr. Ortega stated that local residents are concerned about the liability and that this event could be larger than Night in the Country. Mayor Garry stated that the Fire Department also has some concerns and that all concerns are valid. City Manager Switzer stated that we should address all concerns regarding the airport under item 9 of the agenda. Agenda Approval Councilwoman Schunke made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Councilman Martin. Mayor Garry asked for public comments, there were no comments and the motion carried unanimously. Minutes Councilwoman Schunke made a motion to approve the minutes of February 24, 2020, seconded by Councilman Bryant. Mayor Garry asked for public comments, there were no comments and carried unanimously. Business Licenses The following business license applications were presented for review and approval: A. Sharon Powell dba Aramark Uniform and Career Apparel, LLC, Uniform rental and Linen Services, 5880 Nolensville Pike Nashville, TN 37211, Mobile-Renewal B. Vincent Kellison dba Vinnie’s Electric, Inc., Electrical Contractor, 1624 Picetti Way Fernley, NV 89408, Mobile-New C. James Gregory & Jeffrey Butler dba G & T Construction, Inc., General Contractor, 106 W. Front St. Elko, NV 89803, Mobile-New Councilman Bryant made a motion to approve the business license applications as presented, seconded by Councilwoman Catalano. Mayor Garry asked for public comment, there were no public comments and the motion passed unanimously. ---PAGE BREAK--- Presentation by Jon Ford to Discuss the 2020 Yerington Town Sesquicentennial. Mr. Jon Ford addressed the council and stated that he had just completed writing the history of Mason Valley. During his research he found that 150 years ago the town of Yerington got its start. This is a significant date in our history. Mr. Ford gave an overview of the information presented to the council on the history of Yerington and asked if perhaps it could be made a theme for the parade or perhaps a banner across Main Street. Mr. Ford stated that he has written a Chautauqua regarding our history, which could be presented at the Jeanne Dini Theatre. Mayor Garry asked if the book has been published. Mr. Ford stated that the first three chapters have been submitted to the University of Nevada and will need to be reviewed by three committees before it can be considered. Mayor Garry asked for public comments, there were no comments. No action taken. Agreement Between Farr West Engineering and the City of Yerington for the Water Rehabilitation Project; Amendment No. 4, Modification of Payment for an Additional $27,540.00 to Farr West Engineering for Additional Services Provided. City Manager Switzer stated that agenda items 7 & 8 are related; however, we have separated them out on the agenda as one deals with water and the other sewer. City Manager Switzer stated that these amendments are for current agreements that we have with Farr West Engineering to provide services. These amendments would be for additional fees for survey or easements. City Attorney Zumpft stated that both of these items could be called together if the council so desired. Mayor Garry called for both items to be addressed at this time. Agreement Between Farr West Engineering and the City of Yerington for the Sewer Rehabilitation Project; Amendment No. 4, Modification of Payment for an Additional $9,750.00 to Farr West Engineering for Additional Services Provided Councilman Bryant stated that it is his understanding that we have paid all fees up to now out-of-pocket. Once we receive the construction loan would the loan pay us back? City Manager Switzer stated that it would become part of the loan and at that time, we would have a payment. Councilman Bryant asked if the easements are the ones that are holding up the project. City Manager Switzer stated that they are. City Manager Switzer stated that we would be moving forward with the construction loan portion shortly. Councilman Bryant made a motion to approve an agreement Between Farr West Engineering and the City of Yerington for the water rehabilitation project; amendment No. 4, modification of payment for an additional $27,540.00 to Farr West Engineering for additional services provided and an agreement between Farr West Engineering and the City of Yerington for the sewer rehabilitation project; amendment No. 4, modification of payment for an additional $9,750.00 to Farr West Engineering for additional services provided, seconded by Councilwoman Schunke. Mayor Garry asked for public comments, there were no comments and the motion carried unanimously. Special Use Permit for Drag Races to be Held at the Yerington Municipal Airport on July 3rd through July 5th, 2020 ---PAGE BREAK--- City Manager Switzer stated that our Airport Regulations require a special use permit approved by the council. City Manager Switzer stated that we have received approval from the FAA. A three-page questionnaire had to be submitted and it took the FAA three months to review and evaluated before they approved it. The issue of crowd control and safety is a prime concern. It is the intention to bring in jersey barriers to keep the crowds contained, along with fencing. City Manager Switzer noted that our new FAA district office is out of Phoenix AZ. Mayor Garry stated that the city respects all of the concerns regarding this matter and asked City Manager Switzer if there was a “no-go date”, City Manager Switzer stated that we could set up a date if necessary; however, we do not at this time. City Manager Switzer stated that we need to have all safety concerns addressed as quickly as possible as advertising for the event would need to begin soon. Councilwoman Catalano asked if we had a maximum occupancy for the Airport. City Manager Switzer stated that there is a finite number of people that will attend. Any camping would be done at the fairgrounds due to safety concerns. Mr. Ortega stated that the AOPA (Airport Owners Pilots Association) is a large organization that takes an active interest in airports; they focus on advocating small airports and have an interest in these types of events. Councilwoman Catalano asked if the runway would be swept after the event. City Manager Switzer stated that it would be. Public Works Director Flakus stated that the airport is washed every Monday. Councilwoman Catalano thanked Mr. Ortega for bringing all of his concerns forward today and that council will check into all of them. Councilman Bryant asked for a timeline on the event. City Manager Switzer stated that racers would arrive on Friday, with racing being held on Saturday and ending by noon on Sunday. This schedule is subject to change. Mr. Rick Blakely stated that the 4th of July is a busy weekend and asked who would cover liability. City Manager Switzer stated that the event organization would carry the liability insurance naming the City of Yerington as additionally covered. Mr. Blakely asked why the pilots could not be named on the coverage. City Attorney Zumpft stated that the City of Yerington would be named and there would be no need to name the pilots. Mr. David Ray stated that he has been involved in many events. It only takes two minutes to clear the runway. Councilman Bryant asked when they would be setting up at the airport and if there would be any issues. City Manager Switzer stated that it would be time bound based on the notum we will issue. Public Works Director Flakus pointed out that we were able to successfully shutdown the airport for six weeks last year for the re-pavement of the airport. Councilwoman Catalano made a motion to approve a Special Use Permit for drag races to be held at the Yerington Municipal Airport on July 3rd through July 5th, 2020, seconded by Councilwoman Schunke. Mayor Garry asked for public comments. Assistant Chief Lacey Parrott of the Mason Valley Fire District stated that Chief Draper has some concerns that will need to be addressed also. Reading from a statement: The first and foremost concern of fire on the runway and the ability to extinguish it timely as well as the long term damage that this will do to the runway and how long it may be out of service if permanently damaged. As for the people that are putting this event on: the Mason Valley Fire District will be requiring fire and medical stand by, this will be at their expense. The Mason Valley Fire District will also need class B foam as the fuels used are difficult to extinguish, this would also be at their expense. The Mason Valley Fire District will also need to approve the “pit” location and layout for access as well as fire suppression needs for each pit. ---PAGE BREAK--- The event organizer will be required to have emergency units on standby. This will be an added expense to the event. Mr. Ortega stated that chemicals are used on the runway for the burnouts; they use bleach to “draw it out”. Mr. David Ray stated that chemicals have been banned; only water is used. Mr. Blakely asked if there would be security for the hangers. Public Works Director Flakus stated that there is no security now. Mr. Ortega stated that they would need to camp out at their hangers to protect them. City Manager Switzer stated that there will not be any racing on the letter markings on the runway and if the burnouts become an issue they will not allow them. City Manager Switzer stated that this could become a very large event in the future, however, at this time we do not know. Councilman Bryant stated that the special permit that we issue would give us time to answer all concerns. Councilman Bryant asked if we have the right to change our minds. City Attorney Zumpft stated that the applicant has the right to rely on the permit. Councilman Bryant asked if we could amend the motion to address the chiefs concerns. City Manager Switzer stated that we would defiantly address those concerns as part of the special use permit. City Manager Switzer stated that we could have the document ready by the next meeting. Chief Wagner stated that he would like to see a written plan and map. There are multitudes of concerns that need to be addressed and an emergency plan needs to be in place. Councilman Martin stated that this organization has done these events in the past and must have guidelines that may address these concerns. City Manager Switzer stated that their insurance carrier would address most. Councilman Bryant made a motion to amend the prior motion with the contingency that the concerns of Chief Draper and Chief Wagner are addressed and reserve the right to revoke the special use permit if those concerns are not addressed to our satisfaction, seconded by Councilwoman Schunke. Mayor Garry asked for further comments; Mr. Ortega stated that this item should be tabled for one more month in order to allow the organizers a change to gather the information requested, as they will be relying on this permit. If the City Council backs out, they may have damages. Mr. Chris Garry thanked everyone that has shown his or her expertise and reminded everyone to not lose sight of the overall goal to retain our image in a positive way. Mayor Garry asked for further comments, there were no comments and the motion carried unanimously. Solar Lighted Traffic Control Device at the Corner of Main Street and Pearl Street for a Pedestrian Crossing City Manager Switzer stated that we have been approached by the community to seek approval of council for the installation of a solar-lighted traffic control device at the corner of Main Street and Pearl Street for a pedestrian crossing. Mayor Garry asked if we need to have NDOT approval. City Manager Switzer stated that we would. City Attorney Zumpft stated that this motion should be contingent on donations. Councilman Bryant made a motion to approve a solar-lighted traffic control device at the corner of Main Street and Pearl Street for a pedestrian crossing, contingent upon donations, seconded by Councilman Martin. Mayor Garry asked for public comments, there were no comments and the motion carried unanimously. ---PAGE BREAK--- Donation from the Local Community for up to $30,000 to Install a Solar Lighted Pedestrian Devise at the Corner of Main Street and Pearl Street. City Manager Switzer stated that this item would approve accepting the donations for the light and engineering fees. Councilman Bryant asked if the donors were in place. City Manager Switzer stated that they were. Councilman Bryant made a motion to approve a donation from the local community for up to $30,000 to install a solar-lighted pedestrian devise at the corner of Main Street and Pearl Street, seconded by Councilman Martin. Mayor Garry asked for public comments, there were no comments and the motion carried unanimously. Review Bills Previously Submitted for Payment Bills, Salaries and Vouchers: Accounts Payable Checks 2-18-2020 32071 through 32106 2-25-2020 32115 through 32143 Payroll Vouchers 2-24-2020 2272001 through 2272023 Payroll Checks 2-24-2020 32107 through 321112 Transmittal Vouchers 2-24-2020 2242001 Transmittal Checks 2-24-2020 32113 & 32114 Councilwoman Schunke made a motion to approve the bills as submitted, seconded by Councilman Martin. Mayor Garry asked for public comments, there were no comments and the motion carried unanimously. Public Participation There were no public comments. Department Reports Chief Wagner reported that the Tahoe that was approved would be ready for pickup by March 25th. The applicant for police officer is currently under review. Chief Wagner stated that about five years ago, we started research for a large events ordinance; we need to start our research again. Our code lacks carnivals and festivals. Public Works Director Flakus stated that he supports the ordinance as we have no backing to support baseball. We have overnight camping at these events and our code does not allow that. Public Works Director Flakus reported: ● Chemicals have arrived for the sewer ponds ● New Street Signs will arrive today ● All park locks have been rekeyed ● Having Yerington Electric add an “off” button to the lights ● The pond at Mountain View Park has been cleaned City Manager Switzer reported that the County Commissioners have acted on a increase for the new development commercial industrial development. Currently it is at $0.25 per square foot; however, it is being increased to $0.40 per square foot and each year thereafter $0.05 ---PAGE BREAK--- additional up to a cap of $0.65 per square foot. Those funds go into transportation and a portion of that goes toward RTC funds. City Manager Switzer reported that the Commissioners also approved an Economic Development plan. They are working with Mineral County and south Lyon County and are cooperating on a grant of $200,000 to develop an economic activity in this area. Mayor Garry thanked everyone that attended the meeting today. The Council depends on their input to make informed decisions. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Mayor of the City of Yerington ATTEST: Administrative Director/Interim City Clerk