Deep Thoughts, Cheap Shots & Bonbons

Doing the right thing is not determined, because one consistently votes with the majority. One should always vote on the principle of what is right and fair. A vote maybe lone vote, if so, just say and repeat as needed: “You can't break me. I don't have a breaking point”.

From the Board of Supervisor meeting held on July 16^th

Agenda item#11

This dealt with directing staff to examine the feasibility of the Carson City joining Nevada League of Cities (NLC). This is somewhat problematic. How could any Board member not consent and give the go-ahead to a feasibility study?

The agenda item stated that: Mr. Wes Henderson, President of NLC, would present a proposal to join (NLC) for the cost of $12,273.05 as it would complement the City’s membership in the Nevada Association of Counties (NACO).

I asked staff to submit Mr. Henderson proposal to Board members prior to the meeting so that members could have the opportunity to evaluate/learn about NLC.

The Nevada Association of Counties (NACO) and Nevada League of Cities (NLC) should not be confused with The National League of Cities (NLC) which is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. Working in partnership with the 49 state municipal leagues, NLC serves as a resource to and an advocate for the more than 19,000 cities, villages and towns it represents. If your confused, know this, there are numerous other similar organizations that provide parallel benefits, so choosing one over there other is perplexing.   

Supposedly our paid Lobbyist (Walker*) and Nevada Association of Counties (NACO) will undoubtedly be asked to work with Nevada Association of Cites (NLC) for the greater good of Carson City. We (Board) would need to hear from each of them what benefits another paid Lobbyist group will this bring.

*Point of interest: If Walker’s contract of $24,999.00 (+/-) did not need Board approval, why does Nevada League of Cities contract need Board approval when it is for half of that amount?  

Agenda item #13

The abandonment of the Public Right-of-Way, of East Sophia Street between Carson Street and Plaza Street. In the 35 page packet that staff submitted, all of which backed their recommendation as to why there should be NO charge to the applicant for this right-of-way. This 66 foot wide by 170 foot long area totaling 11,220 square feet all of which will be sub-divided between three parties that applied for the abandonment and each will acquire as real property - free of charge. Then, this newly acquired property will then be added to their existing parcels.     

This hypothetical new drive way off of Carson Street has already been incorporated into the Downtown Corridor plans even though the Board had not approved this abandonment. One has to wonder how staff anticipated the Board would vote to approve.    

I alone voted against this abandonment. This right-of-way was created as part of the Carson City plot map in the 1800’s. A map was recorded in 1963 and the City started maintaining this street.

Yes, the city will obtain additional property taxes and reduce the total amount of street maintenance. However, the applicants gain financially from this endeavor, and the cost saving to the City is - insignificant.

Agenda item#16E

To approve the reclassification of a Grants Program Coordinator (CCEA 41/P1) to Grants Administrator (P2) would increase position funding by $7,200.00. This position would now be under the supervision of the Finance Director.

I voted in favor of this, as the City received $7,061,070 in Federal Grant Funds, and $666,220 in State Funds for Fiscal Year 2014.

My perception of this change: it will bring more Grant Funding to the City, as this position will oversee ALL such Grants for all city departments and elected official offices as well.

Agenda item#17B

Discussion regarding policies and procedures for the City’s Boards, Committees and Commissions –ironically, I have asked numerous times that this doctrine come before the Board.

When it did finally arrived on our agenda, I was quite surprised by how many questions and topic related issues were raised by Board members that dealt with this manual that was originally approved on September 6, 2012. There are many mistakes and inappropriate wording throughout this important document. Hopefully, staff will make all the corrections, so that this will better serve our community.

Prior to this meeting:

I had a conversation with the Mayor, to seek his input on how we could best inform ALL Board members of events that he would attend acting as the Mayor in ceremonial capacity. 

Possibly in the near future, these types of events could be posted on the City Website so that the public can be informed as well.    

Previous Board meetings I asked staff:

·       For the total dollar amount the City has spent on the Brewery Art Center building last year for: building upkeep, maintenance and or replacement of equipment and other paraphernalia. No response, to date no action taken.

·       Enacting a Noise Ordinance for Carson City. No response, to date no action taken.

In other related buzz stories of hot topics that I discussed at the Board meetings during the non-action period:

·       I specify brought up the Nevada Human Society who oversees our animal shelter – and their (NHS) relationship with Oversight Committee. What is most interesting about this: the Nevada Human Society is allowed to select person(s) that will serve on their own Oversight Committee. My opinion: this wrong on every level and could potentially have serious consequences for the City should events occur at the facility.

·       The City website should have links to all televised Board of Supervisors meetings, along with all citizen Boards, Committees and Commissions meetings.

·       There should Spanish link on our City website.  

·       Both the Sheriff and Fire Department have included a letter in the previous Board agenda packet stating: “Each are having difficulty in providing services in an efficient and timely manner. My concern is that this will go unacted upon.

Please forward this to family, friends and neighbors.