Deep Thoughts, Cheap Shots and Bonbons

From the Board of Supervisor meeting held on February 4, 2016
Agenda item #18
To approve Contract No 1415-145B Downtown Carson Project CMAR Construction Services for an amount NOT to exceed $8,123,628.85
The Board Voted 3 to 2
Aye - Crowell, Abowd, Bonkowski
Nay - Bagwell, Shirk

It has been said, this 8 million dollar project will enhance the downtown area to better provide residents with a fantastic dining, shopping and recreation venue. This statement is without substantiation. As far as I know, business activity numbers are accrued citywide not by area.

Ongoing unanswered questions: Will property owners benefit from the use of taxpayers’ money with an increase in commercial land value? Will new sales tax generating businesses relocate into the downtown corridor? Possibly in 10 or 15 years (+/-) the success of this project can be evaluated; however, the bonds that financed this project will not be paid off.

Agenda item #18B
To approve Contract No 1516-098 Downtown Carson Project Construction Assistance Services for an amount NOT to exceed $199,055.00

This contract provides for Engineering Services during the construction of the downtown corridor.
The Board Voted 3 to 2

Aye - Crowell, Abowd, Bonkowski
Nay - Bagwell, Shirk

Agenda item #20A
Presentation of the Parks and Recreation Commissions 2015 Annual Report.
If the Commission can provide an annual report to the Board, why can’t our City Departments provide quarterly reports to the Board, and more importantly, why can’t Department Managers present their annual budget to the Board for approval?

Agenda item #20B
To approve staff’s recommendation to allocate $128,148.00 in Residential Construction Tax funds for improvement at Ross Gold Park.

The Board Voted 3 to 2
Aye - Crowell, Abowd, Bagwell
Nay – Bonkowski, Shirk

Approval of these funds is basically wrong. Here’s why. City staff only identified four immediate projects that need repair or replacement. Staff did not provide any bids or any documents that specifically showed the amount of funding that would be allocated to any party making these repairs or replacements. Basically, the intent of this agenda item had been to set aside the funds for the projects that will be done at a later date in time. Hopefully this method of approval will not become the new norm of the Board.

This article was published in the Nevada Appeal on January 30, 2016
Jim Shirk made his candidacy for another term as Carson City supervisor official this weekend. He will seek re-election as supervisor from Ward 4.

Shirk said “it’s an honor to serve Carson City’s residents.”

“During the 2015 Carson City World Trade Center Memorial Ceremony I received a coin from Mayor Crowell and it read ‘Carson City Nevada State Capital, a community that values its citizens,’” Shirk stated, “I was honored at the recognition and encouraged by the words on the coin.

“I have also been honored to be your elected representative these last four years. I appreciate the support from my family and constituents. I will seek re-election as your Ward 4 Supervisor this year.”

Shirk said he looks forward to serving Carson City.

“It is not about rehashing the past but rather looking to the future that matters,” he said. “With your continued support I will remain the voice of reason in city government.”

Let me expand on this article.

As your elected official I consistently weigh the trade-offs of need versus budget. As your representative, my approach is to ask the proper questions before making a decision; it is not about using a simple formula to make a decision.

My decisions are based upon judgments needed to keep our community both viable and livable.
As my constituents, you have found over the past four years that I do listen, and, time after time, provide updates on the status of city issues. And, being an independent voice my fellow colleagues don’t necessarily agree with my stance on many of these issues; nor do they enjoy my questions posed during Board meetings.

As your Ward 4 representative I want to assure you that I will remain an “active voice for and of the people” whose lives are affected by decisions made by the Board. Over and over again, I thoroughly investigate issues and consider the concerns of the citizens throughout the community. After carefully and thoughtfully analyzing the issue, untiring willingness to ask the important questions, then considering all of the facts – I vote on what is in the best interest of the constituents and the community.

My voting record reflects that I am unbiased and do not bind myself to political power cliques, groups, or organizations. I have and will continue to personally seek out, meet with, and listen to my constituents.

Please forward to family, friends and neighbors.

— Jim Shirk is a Carson City Supervisor for Ward 4. He can be reached at (775) 720-5761 or by email, ILoveCarsonCity@yahoo.com.