State of Nevada, ) s4

STATE OF NEVADA, ) COUNTY OF ELKO. ) ss. AUGUST 16, 2006

The Board of Elko County Commissioners met on August 16, 2006: at 7:00 a.m., in the George Boucher Administration Office, 569 Court Street, Elko, Nevada; at the Jarbidge Community Hall, Jarbidge, Nevada at 11:00 a.m.; and at the Jackpot Recreation Center, 2395 Progressive Drive, Jackpot, Nevada at 4:00 p.m.

There were present: County Commissioners Warren Russell, Chair John Ellison Mike Nannini Charlie Myers Sheri Eklund-Brown Executive Secretary Michele Petty Deputy County Clerk Marilyn Tipton Deputy District Attorney Kristin McQueary Road Supervisor Otis Tipton Chief Probation Officer Michael Pedersen - - - The proceedings were as follows:

GEORGE BOUCHER ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Russell called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. Commissioners Myers, Russell and Ellison were physically present at the meeting. Commissioner Nannini was present via telephone and Commissioner Eklund-Brown was absent during this portion of the meeting.

COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC: Commissioner Russell informed the Board that O. Q. Chris Johnson and Jerry Parker had passed away over the weekend and there would be letters drafted for those individual families expressing their sympathy.

INSECT INFESTATION ISSUES: The Board discussed mosquito control measures and Commissioner Ellison requested that Robert Stokes check on the last spraying in Elko County.

ELKO COUNTY JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT: The Board considered a request for a donation to the upcoming Basketball Tournament to be sponsored by the Elko County Juvenile Probation Department.

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 16, 2006 PAGE 1 MOTION: Commissioner Ellison moved to make a $1,000 donation to the Elko County Juvenile Department’s Basketball Tournament. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. Commissioner Russell objected to taking funding from the budget when it was not addressed during budget session. Commissioners Ellison, Nannini and Myers voted aye. Commissioner Russell voted nay. Commissioner Eklund- Brown was absent during the vote. The motion was passed by a majority 3-1 vote and 1 absent.

COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR: August 21, 2006: Election Canvas - 4:00 p.m. Boucher Adm. Building September 6 & 7, 2006: 1:30 p.m. - Elko Courthouse September 20, 2006: Montello and West Wendover October 4 & 5, 2006: 1:30 p.m. - Elko Courthouse October 18, 2006: 9:00 a.m. - Elko Courthouse MOTION: Commissioner Nannini move to approve the Commission Meeting Calendar for August, September and October. Commissioner Myers seconded the motion. The motion was passed by a majority vote, Commissioner Eklund- Brown was absent during the vote.

CONSENT AGENDA: A. Presentation and review of claims for approval B. Review and approval of travel requests that may be pending C. Human Services Department: Approval of step increases for Sheriff=s Employee Association Bargaining Unit, effective August 1, 2006: Adrienne Brensel. MOTION: Commissioner Myers moved to approve the Consent Agenda contingent upon Commissioners Nannini and Eklund-Brown signing the travel vouchers and the claims. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion was passed by majority vote, Commissioner Eklund-Brown was absent during the vote.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY STAFF COMMENTS: No comments were submitted.

Chairman Russell called a recess at 7:06 a.m.

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION AUGUST 16, 2006 PAGE 2 THE MEETING WAS RECESSED AND THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TRAVELED TO JARBIDGE, NEVADA TO RECONVENE AT THE JARBIDGE COMMUNITY HALL, JARBIDGE, NEVADA AT 11:00 A.M. (Pacific Time).

JARBIDGE COMMUNITY HALL, JARBIDGE, NEVADA

CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Russell called the meeting to order at 11:03 a.m. All Commissioners were present.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Russell led the meeting participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC: No public comments were submitted by the public.

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF CONGRATULATIONS TO THE JARBIDGE COMMUNITY: The Board considered approval of a Certificate of Congratulations to the Jarbidge Community for their efforts in developing and building the Pioneer Park. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve the Certificate of Congratulations. Commissioner Myers seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commended the community upon their efforts in developing the park. She noted the historical artifacts placed in the park. Jack Creechley and Jane Smith accepted the plaque on the behalf of the community.

JARBIDGE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN (RMP): Rick Vander Voet, BLM Jarbidge Field Manager, introduced Aimee Betts who would be the BLM Project Leader on the Jarbidge Resource Management Plan. He commented that the Jarbidge Resource Management Plan was a truce between the BLM, the Western Watersheds Project and the livestock permittees. He stated there had been eight years of litigation leading up to the District Court. Rick Vander Voet noted Judge B. Lynn Winmill had made a ruling in August. He stated the Settlement Agreement was signed in October. One of the conditions of that Settlement Agreement was that before 85% of the grazing could be allowed the BLM would prepare a Resource Management Plan. He stated Amanda Hoffman was the writer/editor of the planning effort. Commissioner Russell stated Commissioner Eklund-Brown would be the Commission’s cooperative liaison on this project. Aimee Betts stated the planning

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 16, 2006 Page 3 area was mostly located in Idaho but approximately 45,000 acres was located in Elko County and a portion was by Jarbidge. Aimee Betts reported the entire planning area was 1.4 million acres of public lands. She stated they held scoping meetings in Twin Falls, Buhl, Glenns Ferry, and Three Creek, and had 56 participants attend the scoping meetings. Aimee Betts submitted written documentation on scoping comments received by the agency. She stated of the 139 comments submitted 12 comments came from Nevada residents which was 9% of the total comments. She noted they de-constructed the letters into actual comments. Aimee Betts stated there was a mixture of comments submitted from businesses, organizations, agencies and individuals. She noted most of the comments were regarding grazing, trails, recreation, vegetation management, wildlife and wildfire management. Aimee Betts noted some issues were beyond the plan but most were addressed through the land use planning process. She believed they would have a draft of the alternatives by next spring or early summer. Aimee Betts felt the draft RMP-EIS would be available next fall and would keep the Board posted. She understood that they were interested in a cooperating agency status. Aimee Betts submitted a detailed map depicting the portion of the planning area located in Elko County. She noted that the website screen was displayed in the documentation submitted to them. She pointed out that the newsletter was sent out with a reply card. She commented that background material was also included. She submitted cards for them to be apply for the mailing list for the newsletters. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that Dr. Harris from UNR was doing a socio-economic study and asked about the ability to include it as an appendix. She inquired, if they were a cooperating agency, what influence they would have for input on the EIS as it came forward. Aimee Betts stated they could submit their comments without being a cooperative agency and requested a copy of Dr. Harris’ study. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated that the initial report was submitted but it would be expanded and it should be completed by October. She stated that Dr. Harris could do a specific study for the Jarbidge area if necessary. She commented that there were socio economic impacts from grazing in Elko County and in Idaho. She noted there were other benefits that could be included in the EIS. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated she looked forward to attending their meetings. Aimee Betts stated they were working with a socio economic contractor presently from Boise. Commissioner Nannini inquired what the number of cattle were and what the number of permittees were located on the Elko County side. Rick Vander Voet replied approximately 100 permittees but felt the actual counts were 80 permittees. He did not know the total AUMs. Commissioner Nannini inquired if there was total utilization. Rick Vander Voet stated that was the major controversy with Western Watersheds Project. He noted that previously there was a lot of seed restoration put in as part of fire restoration and the BLM habitually issued temporary non-renewable, an annual grazing increase, which

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION AUGUST 16, 2006 PAGE 4 several operators depended upon after fifteen years. Rick Vander Voet stated they were now in court and lawsuits because of those temporary permits. Rick Vander Voet did not have the total of the AUMs. Commissioner Nannini noted that restoration was also for the benefit of the wildlife. Rick Vander Voet commented that out of all the BLM offices in Idaho, the Jarbidge District had the most AUMs. He stated the traditional use was in the wintertime. He stated historically the cattle spent time on the Forest to the south in the summer and winter in the Jarbidge area. Commissioner Ellison stated that if the BLM started pulling off more AUMs it would create more fire loads. He inquired if that was included in the plan because lack of grazing created more fuel for major fires. Rick Vander Voet stated it was all about vegetation whether they were talking cattle allocation, wildlife or fuel. He stated they also looked at it in the term of scenery too. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated at a previous meeting she had viewed a map of the western United States which displayed the fire loads. She stated those fire loads were ever increasing because of the fire prevention. She noted they were set up for huge fires with fire loads and inquired how that was accommodated in their fire prevention planning. Rick Vander Voet stated everything was based on vegetation. He stated the planned community had a lot to do with the fire potential and he reviewed the problems with cheat grass. He noted the conversion from sagebrush and natural grass to cheat grass monocultures. He stated that the hotter and more frequent the range burns the cheat grass likes it and it becomes a self perpetuating cycle. He stated in terms of management they would try to break that fire cycle. Rick Vander Voet stated they could work on restoring the range which was taken over by cheat grass to the benefit of sage grouse habitat and to provide a fire break. He stated that was a straight ahead fire suppression agenda. Rick Vander Voet noted there were fire engines and fire guard stations at Rogerson and Juniper Butte close to the historical fire areas. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted they had areas with heavy fuel loads of diseased fir and more mature sage which was taking over the undergrowth. She inquired what they were doing to thin these areas. Rick Vander Voet stated they were doing some small projects but there was not a lot of tree thinning. He noted that working in mature sage brush was difficult because of the sage grouse population status. Rick Vander Voet stated they tried to break up continuous fuel loads. He noted there was a thinning project down stream for bull trout and they eliminated some of the fir trees that were dying. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted there had been projects coordinated between the NDF, the BLM and the Fire Safe Council which had been funded by the State. She inquired if the Jarbidge BLM District did that type of proactive effort. Rick Vander Voet replied that there were no incorporated towns within this field office. Therefore, it was hard to collaborate those types of efforts. Commissioner Eklund-Brown

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 16, 2006 Page 5 suggested there be more Elk Foundation involvement to develop more habitat. Commissioner Eklund-Brown pointed out that if they open it up it would create more habitat and more defensible space in case of wildfires. Aimee Butts stated their wildlife biologist had been coordinating with NDOW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the Bull Trout. She stated they had coordinated with the Forest Service on their Forest Plan Revision. Aimee Butts stated they had coordinated with the Forest Service on their Travel Management Plan to make sure that their contiguous roads did not dead end at the Forest Service/BLM boundaries. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if they would close roads or would they go with the stay-on-the-road regulation. Aimee Butts stated there would be some area designations that may be limited or closed. She stated nothing was drawn at this time, and the route designation would occur after the Resource Management Plan was completed. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if they would have other meetings before the EIS was drafted. Rick Vander Voet believed there would be several meetings held. Commissioner Eklund-Brown suggested the BLM Boise contractor coordinate with Dr. Harris. Roberta Skelton requested copies of their brochure. Stephen Barneby understood 85% of the land use would not be changed based on the decision. He inquired if any land use in Nevada would be restricted such as on the Diamond A Ranch. Rick Vander Voet stated the number of cattle that grazed would change. He stated the original Judge’s order was that 28 allotments that cover over 800,000 acres would be closed to grazing until the BLM did an EIS. Rick Vander Voet stated in the Settlement Agreement 85% of the historic use was allowed to continue until the BLM completed the plan. He stated none of that was in Nevada nor did it affect the one permittee whose residence was in Nevada. Commissioner Russell commented that approximately 500,000 acres had burned in Elko County and the fire season was not over. He stated they were all concerned about the wildfires and the effect of the fuel loads.

US FOREST SERVICE: Road and Bridge Construction Project : Commissioner Nannini gave an updated report on the status of the road and bridge construction project. He stated Mike Balen wanted them to go over the detour road with them and asked that they set aside ½ hour to see the road. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if the bridges were completed. Paul Flanagan stated the Bailey Bridge was still in place. He stated Mike Balen’s completion date for the work was the second week in September. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if the Bailey Bridge would be packaged and returned. Otis Tipton felt they would use the Bailey Bridge again in Jarbidge and move it around when the Forest Service replaced the other bridges in that area.

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION AUGUST 16, 2006 PAGE 6 Butch Smith stated the Forest Service had raised the road away from the river, eliminated some turns, and it would be wider in places. Jarbidge Ranger District: Rangeland Management Project DEIS: The Board discussed sending comments regarding the Jarbidge Ranger District Rangeland Management Project DEIS. The comment period ends August 21, 2006. Because of the size of the document, it was recommended that the public review the DEIS at the following location on the internet. www.fs.fed.us/htnf/projects. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented that in reading through the documents it started out without an impartial approach to grazing. She believed that may be due to the Western Watersheds’ influence. She noted that the no grazing alternatives seemed to be the choice because all of the environmental conditions and the DEIS seemed very biased to grazing. Commissioner Eklund- Brown stated the current grazing alternative was not able to be accommodative because of the environmental concerns. She stated the proposed was a balance of two. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted that the language changed later in the draft to be more moderate; the numbers would not be changed with a more flexible management and they would work with the permittees. Commissioner Eklund-Brown voiced concern because there was no benefit stated in the beginning of the draft about the benefits of grazing such as fire prevention. She commented that as the soil was trampled it would open the soils for more moisture, and the cattle fertilized the vegetation. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented that ranchers have created riparian areas where there were none historically. She believed that the benefits from the livestock management should be included in the EIS. She felt that the stewards of the land would like those included and not see the plan so environmentally biased. Commissioner Eklund- Brown recommended that the Commission continue their support of the livestock grazing and encourage that the number of AUMs be level or increased with responsible management. She felt that responsible management should be rewarded by increasing the numbers if there was evidence of different types of management which improved the range. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted most ranchers were getting into current management styles and performing monitoring. She felt the socio economic impacts were glossed over and would like to include Dr. Harris input on the impacts from the reduction of grazing. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted the importance of livestock industry to Elko County’s economics. She commented that more than half of the livestock in the State was in Elko County and half of the wildlife in the State was also in Elko County. She stated the Commission wanted to see that continue with responsible management. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted the Commission intervenes with the Ranchers whenever wanted to help with the BLM or Forest Service disputes. She

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 16, 2006 Page 7 commented that the Commissioners and Assemblyman Carpenter had been very active on these disputes. She would like to include Dr. Harris’ report in the Jarbidge District EIS and also in the Mountain City District EIS. Commissioner Nannini believed that fire prevention should play a part of that planning because the wildfire danger was not only in Nevada but throughout all the western states. He felt some history should be included. He noted that historically in Jarbidge there had been up to 500,000 to 800,000 head of sheep in the area. He stated history showed that the sheep traveled from Wells through this area and there were no fires like they saw today. He stated the fire fuel loads were previously lower due to that grazing. Commissioner Nannini stated that there should be some type of holistic situation in their EIS. He gave the example of the Cottonwood Ranch. Commissioner Nannini noted the total attitude was to get the livestock off of the range but felt there should be some broader thinking. He felt they were appeasing the Western Watersheds Project by taking away some AUMs. He inquired who would feed the people if they kept taking away the livestock and noted the increase in the fire fuel loads. Roberta Skelton stated that if they go through the Diamond A area by Deer Creek they would see bridges. One bridge went to the Jarbidge Canyon and the other bridge was on the East Fork. She reported that in the past they trailed four or five bands of sheep from Idaho by Deer Creek Grade and grazed on the BLM and FS lands. She remembered that after the sheep left that following spring there would be new grass. Roberta Skelton stated the grazing did improve the cultivation and she encouraged the Commission to support livestock. She would like to see some of the more heavily environmental aspects stopped so there would be a balance with the livestock. Commissioner Ellison noted in the history of the states of Nevada and Idaho when the early ancestors traveled there was no evidence of wildlife or livestock. He stated it was the ranchers and the farmers that created the land they had today so they were the first stewards of the land. MOTION: Commissioner Eklund-Brown moved to allow Commissioner Eklund-Brown and other board members to contribute to the letter being sent to the Forest Service, to include the comments from the previous meeting from Assemblyman Carpenter and also the suggestions that she requested in this with Dr. Harris’ Report attached supporting livestock grazing, rewarding responsible management, and more focus on the socio economic impacts to the DEIS and also the contributions for grazing to the land as well. Commissioner Ellison seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

JARBIDGE SOUTH CANYON:

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION AUGUST 16, 2006 PAGE 8 Commissioner Russell stated the Board had received documentation on the status of the Jarbidge South Canyon legal case. Commissioner Nannini noted that most of this was the repeat of the court case and the information was being reintroduced. Commissioner Eklund-Brown inquired if there was any decision from the Judge at this time. Commissioner Nannini stated this was for information only and they had condensed it down but left the same opinions. He believed the federal government was still willing to work with the County on the Settlement Agreement. Commissioner Russell stated Kristin McQueary and Gary Woodbury were still actively working on the issues and they had no report from them at this time. Chairman Russell asked this item be continued to the next meeting agenda. Commissioner Nannini commented that there was a hearing process on the Settlement Agreement and the federal government and Elko County came to an agreement. He stated the Judge invited them down to Reno and the agreement was accepted. He noted that Judge was now a federal judge. Commissioner Nannini stated that the next Judge decided it was illegal for the federal government to give the County an RS 2477 roadway and they were now back in Court in front of a new judge. He stated they had to reintroduce the information to the new judge. Commissioner Nannini stated the District Attorney was addressing this case so there were minimum costs for the lawsuit. He did not know why they were arguing more. Commissioner Eklund-Brown believed the Judge in Reno was determining whether their RS 2477 status was valid. She noted that based on that decision the Board would go forward with that Settlement Agreement as an RS 2477 or with a perpetual easement from the Forest Service that they would negotiate with the Forest Service after the Judge makes his decision. Commissioner Eklund- Brown noted the interveners in the case objected to the RS 2477 designation by the Forest Service because the process was not followed. Commissioner Nannini stated one of the things that triggered all the construction was the whole process. He stated that Senator Reid had previously committed 3.5 million dollars to the issue so they were spending the money on the road. He stated that funding would make the road safer and protect the 100 fish in the river. Chairman Russell called the Jarbidge Town Board to order at 11:55 a.m. and recessed the meeting at 12:15 p.m.

THE MEETING WAS RECESSED AND THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TRAVELED TO JACKPOT, NEVADA TO RECONVENE AT THE JACKPOT RECREATION CENTER, JACKPOT, NEVADA AT 4:00 P.M. (Pacific Time).

JACKPOT RECREATION CENTER, JACKPOT, NEVADA

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 16, 2006 Page 9 CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Russell reconvened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Eklund-Brown led the meeting participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC: Gene Frank, Chairman of the Jackpot Advisory Board, welcomed the Commission to Jackpot. Commissioner Russell introduced the Commissioners to the meeting participants. Gene Frank introduced the new physician in the community. Commissioner Russell gave the latest update on the fires inclusive of the Gopher Fire which was creating large amounts of smoke north of Deeth. He stated the structures were being protected because the wind was changing directions constantly. He explained the County Manager kept tract of the fire activities for the Commission and kept them informed.

CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION: The Board considered approval of Certificates of Appreciation to Darrell Jack and Sylvia Shaw for their years of service as members of the Town of Jackpot Advisory Board. MOTION: Commissioner Nannini moved to approve the Certificates of Appreciation to Darrel Jack and Sylvia Shaw. Commissioner Myers seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Commissioner Nannini presented the Certificate to Darrell Jack. Darrell Jack voiced his appreciation in serving with the Commissioners. He thanked the other Advisory Board Members for their support. He felt Gene Frank was very dedicated to the community. He believed that everyone needed to dedicate their time and energies to the community. He felt it was a civic duty they had and they should not expect to be paid for it. He believed that the Advisory Board Members deserved a great respect for the time they contribute to the community. Commissioner Nannini noted there was a certificate for Sylvia Shaw who was not present and Dixie Choate would present that to her.

Chairman Russell called the Jackpot Town Board to order at 4:08 p.m. and adjourned the Jackpot Town Board at 4:30 p.m.

ELKO COUNTY WATER RESOURCES ISSUES:

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION AUGUST 16, 2006 PAGE 10 The Board discussed water resource management and water rights issues that may impact Elko County including possible discussion related to the Southern Nevada Water Authority pipeline project and the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority activities and issues. Commissioner Russell noted originally the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority had six counties and they just added Churchill County to the group. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated they were drafting an agreement wherein the SNWA would not purchase water rights from Elko County. She stated SNWA objected to some of the verbiage in the MOU so it was being revised. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated the SNWA had purchased several ranches in White Pine County and Lincoln County. She noted they had attached monitoring wells within the agreement and Pat Mulroy the Executive Director had agreed to that provision. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated those monitoring wells would be located north of Spring Valley and Snake Valley in Elko County to see if the aquifers were being affected by the pumping. She commented that the Commission had been aggressive and had hired water consultants to protect the water in Elko County. She noted that she and Commissioner Russell had attended conferences to educate themselves on the water issues. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented that the Gamble Ranch had came forward and stated it was a “taking issue” but they had no willing buyer for those water rights. She stated that people were speculating and looking for ways to make money off of selling water rights. Commissioner Russell stated a month ago they met with seven different ranchers who voiced concern about Elko County filing for water rights. He stated they were informed that Elko County was filing to protect water rights and made modifications to some applications after discussing this with the ranchers. Commissioner Russell stated Elko County did not file on private property for water rights. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented that they had filed on un-appropriated water rights. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted those water rights would be used for projected growth in some areas.

SENIOR CITIZEN TAX INITIATIVE FUNDING: Commissioner Nannini discussed the formula and budget impacts upon the distribution of these funds to the various senior citizen centers. He commented that the County had helped the Elko Seniors and the Carlin Seniors put in nice facilities in their communities. However, the City of Wells had been getting by with their older facility. Commissioner Nannini stated that because of the size of the new facilities the budget was not adequate to fund the three centers. He stated the budget funding was cut for all the centers. Commissioner Nannini stated that the Wells’ Center was cut $1400 but they remained in the same facility and had put in for the same budget. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented that the Carlin Senior Citizens’ Center had been cut $14,000 from their budget and Elko lost $37,000 in the same budget cut. Commissioner Nannini felt the operational

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 16, 2006 Page 11 costs for the new, larger facilities had drained those funds. He felt that the City of Wells was operating more reasonable. Commissioner Russell stated usually he voted negatively when it would change their budget. However, he felt they should look at the budgets and the number of people that were served by those centers. Commissioner Russell believed the Cities of Elko and Carlin had benefited in tremendous ways. He stated it was not equitable to the citizens that were served in Wells and felt an adjustment would be justified. Commissioner Ellison stated there would be a new problem on their next agenda with the Elko Senior Citizens’ Center. Commissioner Myers stated they were talking about a total decrease of $18,161.09 for all three centers. He noted the senior citizens in Elko were saving their money because they had a major problem coming up which would impact their budget. He did not know how the Carlin Center would be able to afford it. He voiced concern that Wells was an older facility and they probably had a fixed budget. Commissioner Myers suggested that they not take action until the first of September and review this with Cash Minor as to why the budgets were cut. He noted this would be a continual problem every year because some of the facilities were falling apart. Commissioner Russell asked that it be tabled to the next meeting agenda.

CORRESPONDENCE, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND NOTICES: Commissioner Eklund-Brown reviewed the notice that Jerry Parker and O.Q. Chris Johnson had passed away. She felt something should be on another agenda honoring them. Commissioner Russell noted they had two letters prepared for their families expressing the County’s condolences and expressing appreciation for their past contributions. Commissioner Eklund-Brown suggested a plaque to Jerry Parker’s family. Commissioner Russell authorized staff to procure a plaque for Jerry Parker.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY STAFF COMMENTS: Commissioner Ellison reviewed the meeting with the Governor with regards to the proposed Military Operations Airspace (MOA). He stated the two proposed MOAs would impact the flight paths between Nevada and Idaho and through the Ely area. He stated that after the discussion at the meeting, he believed the Air Force would come back with an alternate proposal of 12,000 or 14,000 ceiling. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated the Commissioners’ stance was there was enough restricted airspace in Nevada and in Elko County. She noted these MOA’s would restrict tourism, private pilots, and commercial pilots. Commissioner Eklund-Brown commented upon the impact to agriculture, wildlife, and the long distances in the rural areas. She noted there were four Air Force Bases within the State of Nevada and the Commission felt they should use those air bases’ airspace. Commissioner Eklund-Brown noted the additional MOAs would change the quality of life and reviewed the impacts of the low flying aircraft.

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION AUGUST 16, 2006 PAGE 12 Commissioner Eklund-Brown felt the Governor had focused more upon the impacts to the power plants in the Ely area. Commissioner Eklund-Brown had suggested that those Air Force Bases go to the states that benefit from those bases and create more air space within those states. Commissioner Russell stated that their comments did not reflect a negative attitude toward military because many of the Board Members have served. Commissioner Myers thanked the community for the large turnout at the meeting. He complimented them on how beautiful the town looked when coming in from the Idaho side. He felt the golf course and the soccer park made the town presentation very nice. Commissioner Nannini congratulated all of them on the turn out in the election. Commissioner Eklund-Brown stated Jackpot was one of the more progressive communities and she was proud of what they were accomplishing with their various projects.

ADJOURNMENT:

MOTION: Commissioner Myers moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Nannini seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

APPROVED, WARREN RUSSELL, Chairman

ATTEST: MARILYN TIPTON, Deputy Clerk

ELKO COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 16, 2006 Page 13