Supervisor Jim Shirk Column: Deep Thoughts, Cheap Shots and 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 may be a 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 Supervisors meeting held on July 16. Agenda item No. 11. This item dealt with directing staff to examine the feasibility of Carson City joining the 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 annual cost of $12,273.05. According to Henderson, it would complement the City’s membership in the Nevada Association of Counties (NACO).

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

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

Supposedly our paid lobbyists, Walker and Associates* and NACO will undoubtedly be asked to work with NLC for the greater good of Carson City. We Board members should hear from each of these groups to determine what benefits they bring. *Point of interest, Walker’s contract in the amount of $24,999.00(+/-) did not required Board approval.

Agenda item No. 13
The abandonment of the public right-of-way, East Sophia Street, between North Carson Street and North Plaza Street. This 35-page packet that staff submitted, 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 totals 11,220 square feet and will be subdivided between three adjacent property owners that applied for the abandonment. Each will acquire the real property free of charge. This newly-acquired property will then be added to their existing parcels.

The hypothetical new driveway off of Carson Street has already been incorporated into the downtown corridor plans even though the Board has not approved the abandonment.

I alone voted against this abandonment, as this right-of-way was created as part of the original platting of Carson City plot map in the 1850s. An agreement was reached with the State of Nevada in 1963 for the City to maintain this street.

Yes, with this street abandonment 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 savings to the City are not that significant.

Agenda item No. 16E
This item dealt with a request to approve the reclassification of a Grants Program Coordinator (CCEA 41/P1) to Grants Administrator (P2) which would have an increase of $7,200.00 in salary. Additionally, the position would be moved to the Finance Department.

I voted in favor of this, as the City received $7,061,070 in federal grant funds, and $666,220 in state funds for FY 2014. My perception of this change is that it will bring more grant funding to the City, as this position will oversee ALL grants for every city department and elected official offices as well.

Agenda item No. 17B
This was a discussion regarding policies and procedures for the City’s Boards, Committees and Commissions. Ironically, I have asked numerous times for this item to come before the Board.

When it finally arrived on our agenda, I was quite surprised by how many questions and topic-related issues were raised by Board members. Many dealt with the manual as originally approved on September 6, 2012. There are so many mistakes, inaccuracies and just plain inappropriate wording in this very important document. One has to wonder how this manual ever got approved. 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, seeking his input on how we could better inform ALL Board members about any event that he attends acting in a ceremonial/official capacity.

Possibly in the near future, these types of events could be posted on the City website so the general public could be informed.

Previous Board meetings I asked staff:
1. For The total dollar amount the City has spent on the Brewery Art Center last year for upkeep, maintenance and replacement of equipment or other paraphernalia. (No response and no action taken)

2. About a noise ordinance for Carson City. (No response, no action taken)

Other related buzz stories and hot topics that I discussed at the Board meeting under non-action items:

1. I specifically brought up the Nevada Humane Society who oversees our animal shelter and their relationship with City oversight committee. What is most interesting about this is that the Nevada Humane Society selects the members of the oversight committee. My opinion is that this is wrong on every level and that it could potentially have serious liability and consequences for the City should adverse events occur at the facility.

2. I suggested that the City website should have links to all televised Board of Supervisors meetings, along with all citizen Boards, Committees and Commissions meetings.

3. The City website should include a link in Spanish.

4. Both the Sheriff and Fire Departments have included a letter in the previous agenda packet stating that each are having difficulty in providing services in an efficient and timely manner. My concern is that this situation will be ignored.

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