Minutes of the Gardnerville Ranchos General Improvement District
Community Meeting held on May 4, 2016 @ 931 Mitch Drive @ 6:00 pm.
Pledge of Allegiance: Let by Bob McDowell
Trustees Present: Jeff James, Cade Baligad, Brad Newlon, Leann Teter, Robert McDowell
Also Present: Mike Bennett, Mike Rowe, Bob Spellberg, Beth Cook, The public and the press.
Public Comment: None
Approval of the agenda: Bob McDowell motioned to approve the agenda as is. Cade Baligad seconded the motion. All ayes. Agenda approved.
Approval of the minutes of the March 10, 2016 Workshop, and the April 6, 2016 Board of Trustees meeting.
Bob McDowell motioned to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2016 workshop, Cade Baligad seconded the motion. 4 ayes. Jeff James abstained because he did not attend that meeting. Minutes approved.
Cade Baligad motioned to approve the minutes of the April 6, 2016 Board Meeting. Jeff James seconded the motion. 4 ayes. Robert McDowell abstained because he did not attend that meeting. Minutes Approved.
REPORTS
District Engineer: Mike Bennett reviewed the Project Tracking Schedule for May.
District Counsel: Mike Rowe reminded the Board that there will be an item on the May agenda regarding the cogeneration facility at MGSD.
District Manager: Bob Spellberg stated that the Comorants had taken over the pond for a few weeks, but have pretty much left the scene now. The District had the streets swept within the last few weeks, The East Peak Waterline Project has been put on hold until Lumos can come up with some plans for that street. Doug and Bob will build a list for the streets that are most in need of repair for the next few years.
Public Comment: None
NEW BUSINESS
Board discussion with public input regarding the duties the District is responsible for namely water service, sewer service, street maintenance, street lights, storm drain maintenance and park and recreation. Information Item only.
Brad Newlon explained to the public that this in an information only item. The Board is here to listen to any questions or concerns the public may have regarding the District and what the residents would like to see happen within the Gardnerville Ranchos GID in the future. No action will be taken.
Bob explained that the Board will follow the news release that the National City Council published for the “National Night Out”.
Topic 1: District water system
Terry Faff of Birdie Court expressed his discontent regarding the installation of water meters. He feels the District is the one that wants the water meters, not the residents. His concern, as well as other residents, is the increase in their water bill.
Bob explained that the discussion on installing water meters began back in 2005. In 2007, board members decided they will require water meters in every household in 10 years, which is now. All Ranchos residents will be required to be on meters by 2017.
Phil King of Topaz Lane suggested the meter be monitored for the first month before charging full price.
Bob explained there is no way to know how much they should expect their bill to rise, because those homes have never been monitored for usage. He suggested residents wait until after summer to sign up for the program.
Chuck Hill of Matthew Ct. came forward with the following suggestions:
He stated that requesting funding from state or government agencies is not the way to go. In the end, the District ends up paying more.
He suggested encouraging landscaping with grass and trees for dust control.
The District should resist any attempts to construct group houses, narrow streets, small lot sizes and lower specs.
He feels the County roads within the District should be clearly marked.
Everett Judge on Mitch Drive asked if our current water was solvent. Bob replied yes.
Topic 2: District sewer system
Bob reviewed the history of the sewer system and how the cost was decided. The prices changed in 1990 when MGSD raised their prices. Some homes currently pay $16.00/month and some pay $23.00/month. There are about 40 miles of sewer line in the Ranchos.
Topic 3: Street Maintenance and Storm Drains
Storm drains are kept clean to keep things flowing well during storms. Our streets are plowed when the snow level gets over 6 inches, otherwise District staff will maintain the intersections during a snow storm. Tillman lane and Dresslerville are County roads. All other roads are maintained by the District. The District has a 5 year cycle for the streets, so every five years the streets are serviced as necessary.
Topic 4: Street Lights
Street lights were installed in the District in 1988 after voter approval. Every 700 feet and at every intersection a street light was installed. Now, everybody that builds a subdivision has to install street lights within that division.
Topic 5: Parks and Recreation
There are 2 main parks that are maintained by the District. Bluerock Park and Mitch Park. A trail system was also built through a portion of the greenbelt.
Topic 6: Taxes
Bob explained the tax structure, so the public could understand where exactly their taxes are going and how it is being distributed to the District.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Cade Baligad motioned to approve the consent calendar. Jeff James seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion passed.
REPORTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Leann Teter motioned to adjourn the meeting. Bob McDowell seconded the motion. All ayes. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
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