Brett Carter

Key discussions and actions included the recognition of first-place winners in the 2025 Elko County Veterans Day Parade and the approval of a letter of appreciation to the Elko County School District for student letters to veterans. A public hearing was conducted regarding Application 94781T concerning a temporary change of water right point of diversion for mining exploration drilling, followed by a decision to submit formal comments. The Board received a presentation from Ormat Technologies regarding geothermal asset evaluation. A contribution of $10,000 was approved for the Great Basin College monument commemorating America 250. The Elko Senior Center provided an update on operations and expansion plans, including property acquisition for a new facility. The Sheriff's Office received approval to extend the lease for three Dodge Durangos and to approve a gaming license for JETT Gaming, LLC. Liquor licenses were approved for Managing Market, LLC, and Extra Nine, LLC. The Town of Jackpot received approval for a capital equipment purchase for its Fire Department and the submittal of two grant applications to the FAA for taxiway rehabilitation design and fuel system procurement at Hayden Airfield. The Board approved an expenditure of $17,001 to Plumbline for remodeling a bathroom at the Spring Creek Fire Station to accommodate ambulance personnel. Resolution No. 2025-36, directing the sale of forfeited property, was approved. An application for an 80' BLM Right-of-Way for roadway purposes was approved, as was the acceptance of an easement grant from Elko West Properties, LLC (corrected from City of Elko) for public access. Finally, the Board approved the obligation of $6,000,000 from the Capital Facilities Fund for the future potential purchase of the Wells Fargo Building for office relocation, and approved the Commission meeting calendar for January and February 2026.

The meeting involved the organization of the board, including the election of Mark Wetmore as Chairman and Richard Genseal as Vice-Chairman for 2026. Public comments and the appeal process notice were addressed. Key discussions during the public hearings included the approval of Application CUP25-012, submitted by Borealis Fuels & Logistics, for a Conditional Use Permit for a Propane Storage and Transfer Facility in the M1 zone. Additionally, Application VAR25-005, submitted by Kenneth Cox, was approved, granting a Variance for front yard setback reduction from 50' to 25' and side yard setback reduction from 20' to 12' for an Agricultural/Residential zoned property. Staff provided an update regarding the ongoing process of updating Title 5 regulations.

The meeting included general public comments and a reading of the notice of appeal process. No preliminary hearings were held. Public hearings included the approval of Application CUP25-011, submitted by Jason Logsden, requesting a Conditional Use Permit for an Invalid Caretakers Home. The commission also addressed Application VAR25-004, submitted by Jerimiah Davison, for a Variance regarding the rear yard setback from 30' to 10' for a previously built dog kennel. Finally, the commission voted to recommend approval of Application ROWVAC25-010, submitted by Stern Family 2007 Trust, requesting a Vacation of public Right-of-Way. Staff provided an update on another Right of Way Vacation application.

The meeting involved several key actions and discussions. The Board approved a Cooperative Agreement between the Elko County Television District, Elko County, and the Elko County Fire Protection District concerning the sharing of communications facilities. The Board also approved an expenditure of $1,000,000.00 toward the schematic design phase of the Boys and Girls Clubs Events Center Project. In planning and zoning matters, a resolution was approved concerning the Right-of-Way Vacation requested by Kyle Weber, conditioned on the addition of a 10-foot drainage and utility easement. Approval was granted for a capital expenditure to build out Human Resource Information System (HRIS) and payroll modules within the existing NeoGov platform. Several reappointments were made to advisory boards, including the Elko County Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife, the Natural Resources Management Advisory Commission, and the Elko County Fair Board. The 2026 meeting calendar was approved. The Board ratified an Interlocal Agreement extending the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority (NNRDA) term through 2026-2030. Approval was also granted for the purchase and installation of new consoles and workstations for the Regional Communications Center using E-911 funds, and for the expenditure of up to $300,000 from the E-911 Fund for radio purchases for various county departments. The Board approved soliciting bids for the 2026 Ruby Valley pit expansion project. Amendments were made to the Interlocal Contract for the Get My Ride transit service, and membership in the 791 Purchasing Cooperative was approved. A contract to join the Nevada Information Sharing and Analysis Center (NV-ISAC) was approved for $15,000. Staff was directed to participate in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species Status Assessment for the Pinyon Jay. Resolution No. 2026-02, adopting the 2024 International Building Code with Northern Nevada Amendments, was approved. The award of the Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas totaling $50,000 was approved. A resolution was approved to transfer $552,477 in contingency funds to cover salary and benefit adjustments. Contracts were approved for the Tyler Technologies E-File & Serve system at no cost and for the EZWarrant electronic search warrant management system. Finally, the organization of the Board for 2026 included appointing Delmo Andreozzi as Chairman and Rex Steninger as Vice-Chairman.

The board meeting included reviews of debt management policies, plans, and indebtedness reports for various entities. The City of Carlin reported no current debt but potential future needs for water and sewer projects, noting their Senior Center was paid off early. The City of Elko reviewed reports detailing that the Police Department building was paid off, and discussed plans for a sports complex including pickleball, handball, basketball, and football areas. The City of Wells reported an additional medium-term obligation with no plans for new debt. The City of West Wendover reported no general obligation bonds but outlined plans for a downtown infrastructure project including a splash pad and outdoor fitness facility. Elko County reported no immediate plan to incur debt, although capacity exists for funding a new route between Elko and Spring Creek, and discussions involved road maintenance listing and 911 system upgrades. The Elko Convention and Visitor's Authority reported one general obligation. The Elko County Fire Protection District reported no debt or capital purchase plans, relying on grant funds. The Elko County School District reported no debt and reviewed its Capital Improvement Plan, including an application for matching funds for Owyhee school construction. The Elko Television District reported no debt and discussed communication tower needs and upgrade funding difficulties. The West Wendover Recreation District reported a new medium-term obligation for trucks and plans for future financing of a golf cart fleet replacement.