Fernley's new city hall unveiled

The city of Fernley held an open house and community services fair Saturday to celebrate the opening of its new city hall.

While tours of the new building were conducted inside, a community services fair was set up in the parking lot to let residents know what organizations are present in the city.

Booths for groups like the Lyon County Human Services, American Legion and Rotary Club were tucked among booths for Rachel's Sanctuary, the Fernley Chamber of Commerce and Nevada Blue, among others. The Bloodmobile from United Blood Services was on hand to take donations, and Magic 95.5 radio held a live broadcast from the front lawn.

City fire trucks and a small contingent of classic cars assembled on Silver Lace Boulevard, which was closed for the occasion.

Mayor Todd Cutler delivered a short speech around 4 p.m., welcoming residents to the new city building and imploring them to use the civic center. The Motifs performed a free concert for visitors to the fair.

The young city, only incorporated since 2001, preceded Saturday's events with a V.I.P. dinner held Thursday night for civic volunteers, state legislators and neighboring officials. The building was blessed by Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe member Dan Mosley.

At the dinner, which was underwritten by the design team and catered by Famous Murphy's, a portrait of Fernley's first mayor, David Stix Jr., was unveiled.

"I think we needed to honor him for his work," Cutler said. "I've been planning this since January. I didn't know how or when to do the unveiling, but I wanted to do something special. The dinner was the perfect time."

Visitors to the new city hall walk into a well-lit entry with a front counter for city services.

A new DMV Express office is located in the building, the first new DMV office in the state in 11 years. It is expected to open later this year.

"Between the dinner and Saturday, I thought it was a great celebration," Cutler said. "I felt it brought together the people of the community for a good working relationship."