Published in the High Desert Advocate July 19th, 2018 Edition.
Philosopher Camus wrote “Always go too far, because that’s where you will find the truth. “
Ely City Council Meeting
July 12, 2018
Public Comment
W Comments were about the liens that have been placed on properties that have not paid the landfill fee. One gentleman spoke about the bills coming in his father’s name. The father has been deceased for a number of years and he tried to get the bills changed to his name but could not. But the lean came in his name.
Holiday Express Dash Jason gave an update on the progress of the new Holiday Express. The plans are to be opened in 12 to 14 months. JCR is doing the fencing around the construction site and had a problem with VanCamp Towing. Mr. VanCamp told JCR if he puts their fence on the roadway he will ram it with his vehicle. Chris Wilson said he just completed one identical to this building in Lehi Utah.
Rick stork commented on the new contract for the scrap metal. He objected to signing a contract with Paul Holdaway. He felt the City could go straight to the recycling and not have a middleman. The City is foolish using a middleman, they could see 50% more profit without one. Rick offered to make the phone calls free.
Pat Robison withdrew her application to be appointed to the Animal Control Advisory Board. She says this is due to the Mayor’s rudeness.
Approval of Agenda, including removal of agenda items
The council agreed to remove four items from the agenda three of these items were pertaining to landfill liens on properties and one agenda item was concerning Paul Holdaway and the contract with metal recycling.
City Department Reports
Fire Chief Ross Rivera
Fire Department Calls Report: June 7th through July 2nd 2018
Medical transports 34
Non Transports (3 Canceled)10
Jail Welfare Check 5
Motor Vehicle Accident – Power Pole 1
Fire Response 2
False Alarm 1
Total Calls Reported 53
Chief Rivera gave a report on the fireworks and that he had not noticed very many illegal displays of fireworks.
Carson “How is the recruiting going with the spots we need to fill in your department.”
Rivera “ Slowly, we’ve got to get stronger in to advertising.”
Carson “When does this advertising clothes?”
Switzer “ Well indeed, application date is closed today on the firehouse.com advertisement.”
Carson “Why?”
Switzer “Because we got to applicants.”
Carson “Do you realize how much overtime we have paid to this date? It is $92,200. You put an ad in 2 days ago. What have you been doing, you were instructed to put it in 2 weeks ago.”
Switzer “I have been busy.”
Carson “This is unacceptable. Do we need to hire an HR person? You told us two weeks ago that you would put it in on Friday. We are occurring too much overtime and it is unacceptable, but I guess we’re all too busy.”
Municipal Court Judge – June 2018
Crimes Against Person – 4
Domestic Violence – 1
Crimes Against Property – 2
Public Orders – 9
Motor Vehicle DUI – 4
Reckless Driving – 1
Misdemeanor (new charges and new filings) – 54
Parking – 6
Criminal Statistic
Reporting
Bench Trial – 1
Orders for Mental Capacity Evaluation – 1
72 – Hour Hearings – 1
Arraignment Hearings – 15
Sentencing Hearings – 8
Prosecution Request – 1
Defense Attorney Request – 5
Animal Control Report
Calls – Ely – 54,
White Pine County – 8
Adoption – dog, Ely –3 – $75,
Pine County – 4 – $100
Adoption – cat – Ely –2 – $10, White Pine County – 2 – $10
Surrendered animals –
Ely – 2 – $20,
White Pine County- 2 – $20
First offense –dog impound – Ely – 9 – $450,
White Pine County – 2 – $100
After 24 hours – Ely–4 – $40, White Pine County – 0
Totals – Ely – $595,
White Pine County – $230
There were four citations issued from Animal Control in the City of the Ely, amounting to $225.
City Engineer
BJ Almberg reports that the drainage ditch that was proposed by NDOT to go through Mr. Scherrer’s property was discussed with NDOT and it appears of a solution has been reached.
Old Business
Mayor’s appointment of five Animal Control Advisory Board Members.
The New members are –
Robin Eldridge- 2 year term
Kaylin McMurry-2 year term
Tracey Greenwell-4 year term
Tandy Haslam-4 year term
Ramona Marshes – 4 year term
New Business
Ely Shoshone Tribe Representative Discussion / For Possible Action –Approval to direct City Officials to negotiate with Ely Shoshone Tribal Officials regarding terms of the Marijuana Dispensary compack between the two entities.
It appears that there are quite a few and the Seas that would like to make an agreement with the city, as many as 22. Sam Hansen stated that he felt the best deal would be between the city and the tribe. Ernie Flangas on the other hand felt that the Tripe would tie up the agreement and cost the City revenue because it would not put a dispensary in the City.
3/1 Approved, Flangas voting no
( I did not hear anything about discussing with other entities who would like to have a dispensary in Ely. Since I like competition I do believe the other entities should be allowed to make their proposal.)
Approval for the Ely City Council to meet with the White Pine County Commission for a joint August 22nd, 2018 meeting at 6 p.m. regarding a potential Grant through the governor’s office for economic development, a fire service Mutual Aid agreements and other items to be determined.
4/0 Approved
( These meetings between the commission and the city council are always very interesting. It should be held at Bristlecone Convention Center if available.)
Removal of Cease and Desist order on Ray Keller, Wolfies Wood for failure to have a proper City license to sell second-hand merchandise.
Mr. Keller does have a license to sell wood, but he did not have a license to sell second-hand good. He stated that he has removed all second hand goods from the premises and will not try to sell them again.
3/1 Approved, Flangas voted no, because he feels wood selling business does not improve the looks of the City of the Ely. He does not believe it should be on the Main Street.
If you have questions on any items in an agenda, or would like to make a remark you may call any of the Council members or City staff.
Geri Wop
