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January 28, 2019 The regular meeting of the Yerington City Council was held in the Council Chambers at 10:00 a.m. with the following present: Mayor George Dini Council Members Selena Catalano, John Garry, Larry Reynolds and Terceira Schunke City Attorney Chuck Zumpft Chief of Police Darren Wagner Interim City Clerk Sheema Shaw Public Works Director Jay Flakus Guests: Rita Evasovic, Dave & Deb DeGrendele, James Smack, Chief Scott Draper and Assistant Chief Lacy Parrot of the Mason Valley Fire District Agenda Approval Mayor Dini stated that there is an error in the Memo to the council on item 6 of the agenda. The memo states that it is a 1% increase on the fire department agreement; however it is a 1 cent increase each year, the first year is only .68 cents and 1 cent for the following 4 years. Mayor Dini asked City Attorney Zumpft if that would create an issue with the agenda item. City Attorney Zumpft stated that the controlling document is the agenda. Mayor Dini stated that item 5 of the agenda will be removed at the request of Tim Dyhr of Nevada Copper. Mr. Dyhr would like to do his presentation on February 11, 2019. Councilwoman Catalano made a motion to approve the agenda with the removal of item 5 presentation by Nevada Copper and with the clarification on item 6, seconded by Councilwoman Schunke and passed unanimously. Minutes Councilwoman Schunke made a motion to approve the minutes of January 14, 2019 seconded by Councilwoman Catalano and passed unanimously. Committee Recommendation and Possible Selection of City Manager Mayor Dini stated that we had a selection committee of four and we had some very talented people apply for the position. Mayor Dini turned this item over to Councilman Garry and Councilman Reynolds for discussion and a possible recommendation by the committee. Councilman Garry stated that the selection committee initially had a total of three candidates. The candidates were interviewed and a possible selection was considered; however, committee members, upon further consideration, could not come to a majority viewpoint on a candidate. Additional discussion revealed the only possible resolution would be to come back with no recommendation or to open the process to new candidates. Obviously, the latter recourse was chosen with the caveat that the three original candidates be included for further consideration with any new candidates that might apply. Councilman Garry stated that the new announcement did procure an additional 14 applicants for the position of city manager. Interviews were then conducted of those candidates found to have the strongest resumes for the position. When the interviews were concluded there was one candidate that had the education, background, experience, leadership qualities and personality to lead our city into a more prosperous, productive, forward thinking, and more community involved oriented individual. The candidate accomplishments are many: Possesses a four year college degree Possesses a two year post college degree Work on major street engineering projects Work on water and sewer projects Handle a city budget comparable to Yerington’s Supervised a city staff to accomplish council and community goals Served as Human Resource Director ---PAGE BREAK--- Prior experience working as a city director In short, this individual has the requisite experience, skills, education, and leadership to lead our city on day one in the position of City Manager. Councilman Garry stated that it was the unanimous vote of the selection committee to recommend Mr. Robert Switzer to the council as our next city manager. Councilman Reynolds stated that he concurs with Councilman Garry’s statement and it is a good choice for the city at this time. Mayor Dini asked Councilwoman Catalano if she had a chance to review the applications. Councilwoman Catalano stated that she had and she is in agreement with the committee’s recommendation. Councilwoman Schunke stated that she also agreed. Mayor Dini asked if it is the recommendation of the committee to appoint Robert Switzer as the City Manager. Councilman Garry stated that is correct. City Attorney Zumpft asked Mayor Dini for a break. Mayor Dini stated that we would now take a 5 minute recess. Mayor Dini called the meeting back to order and stated for clarification; the councilmembers who were not part of the selection committee had no knowledge of who the committee would be recommending today. Councilwoman Catalano and Councilwoman Schunke stated that was correct. Councilman Garry made a motion to appoint Robert Switzer as the City Manager for the City of Yerington, seconded by Councilman Reynolds. Mayor Dini asked for public comments, there were no comments and the motion carried unanimously. City Manager Switzer thanked the council for their confidence. City Manager Switzer stated that he has looked into some of the issues facing the City. City Manager Switzer stated that these are challenges, but we can work together on them. City Manager Switzer stated that he will be joining the Yerington Lions Club and meeting with other local groups. Cooperative Agreement for Governmental Services Between the Mason Valley Fire Protection District and the City of Yerington Chief Draper stated that City Attorney Zumpft has reviewed the proposed contract. This document has not been updated since 2006. Chief Draper stated that he had spoken with Former City Manager Newell many times over the years and they chose to let the old contract ride due to the financial situation the city was in; however, it is time to move forward. Chief Draper stated that Mayor Dini, Former City Manager Newell and Lyon County Comptroller Foli met a few weeks ago and came up with what they feel is a good compromise and a stable compromise for the city’s financial situation. Chief Draper stated that basing everything on this year’s current assessed valuation of about $70-million the first increase that will occur will be for fiscal year 2019-20. It will go from 22.32 cents to 23 cents, which is about a $4,000 increase from what the city has been paying. The increases will continue every year for the next 5 years and is about a $7,000 increase based on this year’s assessed valuation. Assessed valuations change from year to year, so that amount will fluctuate up and down. Chief Draper stated that currently the city provides about $156,000 to the fire district. Based on this years assessed valuation that amount will be approximately $189,000. Mayor Dini stated that it is a difficult time for the city and we are happy the fire district was willing to work with us. Chief Draper stated that he believes this a fair agreement. The fire district has a good relationship with the city and we are able to compromise back and forth on different items. ---PAGE BREAK--- Councilman Reynolds thanked the fire district for working with the city. Councilwoman Catalano thanked the fire district for the service that they provide. Councilwoman Catalano stated that the contract stated that the city shall preform annual hydrant system testing. Does the fire department ever open the hydrants to check them? Chief Draper stated that in the past the fire department took care of everything above ground; however, the water system is owned by the city and the city should take care of its system. Chief Draper stated that at one time they did annual float tests of every hydrant and the city Public Works continues to do some of that. We do not have many issues with hydrant issues. Mayor Dini asked if we test the flows at Sunset Hills. Public Works Director Flakus stated that the fire hydrant functionality is our number one priority in our water systems. Public Works Director Flakus stated that he will identify a seasonal employee that can be assigned to this job. Councilwoman Catalano made a motion to approve the Cooperative Agreement for Governmental Services between the Mason Valley Fire Protection District and the City of Yerington, seconded by Councilman Reynolds. Mayor Dini 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 1-8-2019 30395 through 30425 1-15-2019 30433 through 30460 1-22-2019 30461 Payroll Vouchers 1-14-2019 01171901 through 01171922 Payroll Checks 1-14-2019 30426 though 30429 Transmittal Vouchers 1-14-2019 01141901 Transmittal Checks 1-14-2019 30430 through 30432 Councilwoman Schunke made a motion to approve the bills as submitted, seconded by Councilman Garry. Mayor Dini asked for public comments, there were no comments and the motion passed unanimously. Public Participation Former Councilwoman Rita Evasovic stated that she was happy to be a part of the selection committee for the City Manager position. Department Reports City Attorney Zumpft reported that he has developed a plan to move forward with the aircraft owned by Mr. Mouchou that is parked at the Yerington Municipal Airport and he will discuss implementing that plan with City Manager Switzer in the near future. Chief Wagner reported that they are planning for the remodel of the information center. Mayor Dini asked that we keep the Lyon County Museum informed as to our plans. Chief Wagner reported that the background checks for the police applicant are going well. Public Works Director Flakus reported that he is working on DMR reports that are due. Public Works Director Flakus stated that he is working with the Nevada Copper on a number of projects. Public Works Director Flakus stated that he will make arrangements for a tour of the mine if council would like to see their facilities. ---PAGE BREAK--- Public Works Director Flakus reported there are a lot of projects coming up and a lot of streets that need to be fixed. Hopefully we will be able to purchase some hot asphalt this spring and do some repairs. Mayor Dini stated that there are 3 to 4 inch cracks in the streets at Arrowleaf. Public Works Director Flakus stated that he will try to come up with an estimate to fix those cracks. Mayor Dini stated that there is also an issue with Center Street with Pioneer and their parking lot. There is a giant hole and it is ruining the street. Public Works Director Flakus stated that he will get with City Manager Switzer and go over the site. Mayor Dini stated that he has been working the last few weeks with Public Works Director Flakus on many different projects and people. The information exchange has been really good. Mayor Dini stated that they have not finished any of those projects; however, many have a finish line on them. Councilman Garry stated that he has a debt of gratitude to the employees and Public Works Director Flakus for the work on the front desk. Public Works Director Flakus stated that Public Works Assistant I John Campi is a valued employee and does great work. Councilman Garry stated that eventually City Manager Switzer will need to work on a new building for City Hall. We have hopelessly out-grown this building, but for now, the new front desk will forestall an immediate need. Councilman Garry reported that his neighbors have been receiving letters from Farr West Engineering. Apparently Farr West Engineering needs to come onto some of their properties for the sewer and water project. Councilman Garry stated that he is very happy with the selection of Robert Switzer as the new City Manager. Councilman Garry stated that during his interview, City Manager Switzer had stated that at his prior organization he made an effort to take each of his employees out to lunch. Councilman Garry stated that he is not creating that obligation; however, employees should not be surprised to receive that invitation. Mayor Dini thanked the selection committee, Troy Villines, Rita Evasovic, Councilman Garry and Councilman Reynolds for taking the time to be part of that committee. Mayor Dini reported that the Yerington Paiute Tribe has filed a lawsuit about the deferral and cleanup on the ARCO section. Mayor Dini stated that he has an opportunity to be in Carson City at the Legislature on February 11th and he will make the trifecta round with the Governor, Attorney General and our legislative group that represents this area to try to make sure they are all on board to not let that happen. Mayor Dini stated that the Yerington Paiute Tribe is trying to stop that agreement, which means it would have to start over. Mayor Dini stated that after 25 years he cannot accept that. The agreement with ARCO and their commitment to two-hundred plus million dollars is far and beyond his expectations and it needs to stay in place. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Mayor of the City of Yerington ATTEST: City Clerk & Clerk to Council