Minutes of the
Gardnerville Ranchos General Improvement District
Board of Trustees meeting held –
Thursday, September 10, 2015 @ 6 p.m.
931 Mitch Drive, Gardnerville, NV
Pledge of Allegiance: led by David Bourne
Trustees Present: Brad Newlon, Leann Teter, David Bourne, Jeff James by phone and Cade Baligad was absent.
Brad announced that Agenda Items I and II will be moved before Staff Reports tonight.
Also Present: Dawn Hinds, Robert Spellberg, Mike Rowe, Michael Bennett and the public
Public Comment: Patrick Luzie of Lisa Lane was present telling the Board how he is trying to get the dumping and shooting to stop in the sand pit area.
Approval of the Agenda:
David Bourne motioned to approve the Agenda as amended. Leann Teter seconded the motion. Four ayes. Motion passed.
Approval of the Minutes:
Leann Teter motioned to approve the minutes from the August 5, 2015 Board
meeting. Brad Newlon seconded the motion. Two ayes. Motion passed. Jeff
and David could not vote as they did not attend that meeting.
New Business:
I For possible action: Board review, discussion and input on the locational requirements and
associated regulations for photovoltaic solar facilities in Douglas County. Board discussion
followed by public comment. Possible Board action on requested input on the locational
requirements and associated regulations for photovoltaic solar facilities in Douglas County as
presented by Hope Sullivan, Douglas County Planning Manager. Action Item
On June 4, 2015, the County adopted Ordinance 2015-1436, placing a temporary moratorium on Solar Photovoltaic Facilities as a primary use. The intent of the Moratorium is to provide the County with a reasonable amount of time to evaluate the existing regulations and consider the public health, safety, and general welfare of the residents and citizens of the Douglas County. Hope Sullivan, Douglas County Planning Manager, was present to discuss a Solar Photovoltaic Facility in Douglas County and solicit input from community leaders as to suggested locations and standards to be considered by the County. (see attached memo)
Jeff James supports a County solar plan and renewable energy. David Bourne also supports renewable energy in the valley. He is concerned, however, about losing the beauty of the valley by installing solar panels within view. The further out of the way the better. Leann Teter is all for solar but not near the residential areas or agriculture areas which are in public view. The East Valley area would be better because there is nothing out there. Brad wanted to know the cost benefit ratio. He does not want the solar panels placed where they are seen coming into the valley. Brad suggested industrial areas he does not want it in his back yard and is therefore concerned about other people’s views. Brad suggested camouflage requirements; he is against it until there is evidence that it will benefit the community.
Public Comment: None
No motion was made by the board.
II For possible action: Discuss the District support the Countrywide Connectivity projects and
funding sources. Board discussion followed by public comment. Possible action on a request
to support the countywide connectivity projects and funding sources. Action Item
Lisa Granahan, Economic Vitality Manager, was present along with Jacques and Dominique Etchegoyhen to speak on behalf of the Countywide Connectivity Economic Vitality project. The Program includes three focus areas and eight current projects. This is an opportunity to acquire the seed money needed to create match money. The proposal is a 2.5% Utility Operator fee, 5 Cent Fuel tax increase, and a .25% sales tax infrastructure increase over a period of six years. This increase would generate $4 Million dollars. (See attached power point presentation) Projects included in this plan are, Ranchos Connectivity Path ($4M/800K), US 395/Main Street Revitalization & Alternate truck route ($75M/$15), Martin Slough Trail: Toler to Lampe Park ($300K/$60K), Stateline Bikeway: Round Hill-Zephyr ($6M/$1.2M), Trail to Rail: Minden Genoa ($4M/$800K) and the Pony Express Trail: Upper portion ($500K/$100K).
Jeff James as a bicyclist is in support of this project. David Bourne thinks the bike trail to the community Center is a good idea and would support a sense of community. Leann has ridden her bike to town and she is looking forward to a bike trail. She thinks it may be hard to convince the voters into a tax increase. Brad Newlon is again concerned about the cost benefit ratio. Brad cannot support a tax increase although he loves the concept.
Public Comment: Lou Gundell is tired of having his rates raised constantly. When you are on a fixed income a little bit is not a little bit.
David Bourne motioned to support the Douglas County Countywide Connectivity
Plan and its funding sources. Jeff James seconded the motion. Three ayes. Brad Newlon stood opposed. Motion passed.
Jeff James left the meeting by phone.
Staff Reports:
District Engineer: Mike Bennett of Lumos and Associates reviewed his project tracking schedule for the month of September, 2015.
District Counsel: Mike Rowe has had another request from MGSD for $300,758.00; Mike is developing a response for the Board to approve to take a position on the request. The Road maintenance was turned down 3 – 1. The District owns and maintains 25 roads; although the County says they own them GRGID will not stop maintaining the roads.
District Manager: The cost for a complete sewer TV plan would be about $90,000.00 for every inch of pipe. This could be stretched out over 2 years. Bob will put this item on the agenda.
Bob informed the Board that the District will be going to a bi-weekly pay period beginning January 1, 2016 at the advice of the District’s POOL/PACT Human Resources audit.
The Street project is complete, and new lines will be painted next month.
Bob asked the Board to review the succession plan that he has placed in their packets and perhaps plan a workshop for later this year.
The Board meeting for October has been changed to Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 6 p.m.
III For possible action: Discuss various possible improvements to the bicycle pump track at
Mitch Park. Board discussion followed by public comment. Possible action to approve an
improvement project for the bicycle pimp track at Mitch Park. Action Item
Brad Newlon suggested that the Board table this item until October when there is a full Board.
Leann Teter motioned to table the Pump Track Item until next month. David Bourne
seconded the motion. Three ayes. Motion passed
IV For possible action: Discuss the District’s five year capital improvement plan. Board discussion
followed by public comment. Possible action to approve the District’s five year capital
improvement plan as presented by District Staff. Action item
Bob reviewed the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan with the Board.
Public Comment: none
David Bourne motioned to approve the District’s five year capital improvement plan.
Leann Teter seconded the motion. Three ayes. Motion passed.
Old Business: none
Consent Calendar:
For possible action: Monthly payables, Board discussion followed by public comment. Possible
Action to approve the Consent Calendar. Action item
David Bourne motioned to approve the consent calendar. Leann Teter seconded the
Motion. Three ayes. Motion passed.
Trustee Reports:
Brad announced for the record that the District Board is still having sporadic attendance issues. This sort of attendance is not effective and if the Board cannot show up to meetings then they should resign their seats. Board attendance the last four years has been at 27% and those absent Board members were paid $6,500.00 in taxpayer dollars. Brad stated that the taxpayers pay the Board to show up and make decisions and when we don’t show up we are not effective. Brad asked for this item to be adjendized for next month.
Public Comment: None
Adjournment:
Leann Teter motioned to adjourn the meeting. David Bourne seconded the motion.
Three ayes. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:13 pm.
By
__________________________________
Dawn Hinds
Acting Secretary
