Commissioners approve 2020 Master Plan

Churchill County commissioners voted unanimously at their last meeting to acknowledge receipt of Resolution 1-2021 from the county’s Planning Commission to adopt and approve the 2020 Master Plan.

Before voting on the resolution, commissioners heard from concerned residents about growth and other factors that could change the quality of life in Churchill County.

Commissioners conducted a public hearing before voting. Churchill County Associate Planner Dean Patterson said the master plan is updated every five years. He said Nevada Revised Statue 278 dictates the procedures for updating the plan.

The elements of the Master Plan includes housing and population, education, conservation and natural resources, hazards and hazard mitigation, historical preservation, economic development, recreation, transportation, public services and facilities, open space, land use and policy plan for public lands.

Overall, Patterson said Churchill County’s Master Plan is similar to other Nevada counties, but he also pointed out Churchill County is the third most important county in the United States for producing geothermal.

Longtime resident Trevor Hammond asked the commissioners to weigh their decisions and said Fallon is a special town. Other speakers followed, each expressing a concern about housing or growth. Other issues brought forth included protecting agriculture and water.

Commission Chairman Pete Olsen acknowledged the concerns and said the Master Plan is a guide. He said if county leaders are not careful, growth can occur rapidly, and it’s important to ensure growth doesn’t affect agriculture or prevents the Navy from conducting its mission.

“I heard what you said, what everybody said,” Olsen said. “I live here, too. I don’t want our county to be ruined or overrun.”
Looking ahead, Olsen said he would like to see good housing built in the county and for local government to protect the community. The chairman, along with several other speakers, said residents must be heard on proposals such as the Master Plan and then speak as one voice.

First-term Commissioner Greg Koenig said the Master Plan offers a big picture of Churchill County. He urged those in attendance and others following online to become involved and attend the Planning Commission’s meetings. Koenig said voices must be heard.

“We want them to know they can go to a meeting,” he said.

During 2019-20, the Planning Commission held numerous workshop meetings to receive public and input from various entities to give the most current, accurate data, visioning, goals, and policies for the next two decades.

May 6 meeting
The commissioners will meet Thursday morning at 8:15 a.m.
Agenda items include the following:
• Introduction of new museum director, Teri Hedgpeth.
• Public Hearing - Bill 2021-B, Ordinance 7, an ordinance amending Title 3 of the Churchill County Code, repealing COVID Leave Policies and repealing the chapter referring to the Employee Management Committee.
• Modifications to Class Specification for library assistant.
• Changes to Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), allowing a carryover of funds through June 30, 2022.
• Approval of Modified Pay Tables for the Churchill County Sheriff's Deputies' Associations for Fiscal Year (FY) 21-22 reflecting a 0.75% pay reduction due to the 1.5% PERS increase.
• Approval of a contract with Western Timber Frame for the purchase of a ShadeScape Pavilion to be built at the Churchill County Civic Center for $259,244.
• Approval of the Amended Interlocal Agreement for the Western Nevada Regional Youth Center (WNRYC) to discuss WNYRC's maintenance of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) compliance.
The meeting is at the Churchill County Administrative Building, Commission Chambers, 155 N. Taylor St. This meeting will also be conducted on Zoom.
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