At their June 4 meeting, the Pershing County Commission moved through a long list of department updates, approvals, and administrative housekeeping items — ranging from chip seal projects and code enforcement wins to senior services and technology trials.
Here’s a look at what’s happening across the county:
The Road Department is preparing for chip seal work on Coal Canyon and Muddy Road, with crews also tackling a mailbox repair in Grass Valley and clean-up at the transfer site. Multiple employees are advancing through certification.
At the landfill, Peak Brothers are hauling sludge from the prison facility. Staff are also working through liner removal, heavy equipment logistics, and site capacity concerns. The commission approved the hire of Andrew Minicucci to support operations.
The Buildings & Grounds team has been busy with tree trimming and new camera installations in Grass Valley, shower installation work at the Rye Patch Fire Station (where plumbing problems were reported), and preparation for the annual Show-n-Shine at the park. Weed spraying at Lone Mountain Cemetery is also underway. The commission approved Joseph Simpson as the new caretaker in Unionville.
The library received approval to advertise for a part-time administrative clerk. The Community Center reported a full calendar of May events, including graduations and a water district meeting, and expressed gratitude for the new refrigerator.
A report was read regarding meal delivery services, an upcoming senior center trip, and pending equipment reimbursements. Notices about temporary service closures were also shared.
The IT Department is running a Starlink texting trial with the Road and B&G departments. Safety training was recently completed, and discussion continues on the cost and timing of the broadband transition. Concerns remain about AT&T service compared to potential new vendor proposals.
Commissioner Connie Gottschalk reported for economic development that the Brownfield assessment for the housing project site came back clear, with no environmental concerns. While the RDA 95/80 program has primarily been active in Humboldt County, officials are exploring ways to expand support in Pershing.
Updates were also shared on the Golden Shovel marketing initiative, and the next meeting is scheduled for June 9 at 2 p.m.
Under planning, the commission approved a mobile home relocation to Grass Valley (a 1998 model) with discussion around code requirements and a foundation exemption.
Code Enforcement reported 77 active cases, with major progress on Emblem Avenue cleanup. The county has 28 active court cases and received 8 new complaints in the last period.
At Derby Field, construction on the south taxiway is nearly complete, but electrical upgrades have been delayed until October due to equipment backorders.
The Imlay Town Board reported ongoing issues at the Community Center, including mold, roof leaks, and a conflict over thermostat control. One resident delivered strongly worded public comment regarding harassment over thermostat access.
The board accepted Kathleen Lewis’s resignation from the Grass Valley Advisory Board and reappointed Robert Workman. Bryce Shields was reappointed to the Justice Reinvestment Council.
Pershing County Commissioners offered updates from the various boards and committees they represent.
Commissioner Connie Gottschalk reported that Nevada Works, the regional workforce development program, may soon be closing its doors. The program is undergoing a nationwide restructuring, and Nevada is among 34 of 38 locations likely to shut down.
“They just held what may have been their final graduation,” she said. “We’ll know more after the meeting on Friday, but it looks like Nevada Works is on its way to Neverland.”
The hospital board had encouraging news: the local facility has officially been removed from special auditing status after years of financial monitoring. The hospital is on track to receive a three-star quality rating, with hopes to improve that further in the next six months.
“They are doing amazing work,” Gottschalk said. “This is a big milestone.”
Commissioners are working closely with the Humboldt River Water Authority and recently met with DRI (Desert Research Institute) to review the county’s Master Water Plan. DRI is offering support through grant funding and will provide recommendations later this summer. The update is required by statute and aligns with a 10-year review timeline.
The Water Authority also discussed legislation allowing voluntary retirement of water rights in over-appropriated basins, a program both Humboldt and Central Nevada water districts have tested with success.
“The hope is that this bill, once signed in July, will help ease pressure in stressed groundwater basins,” she said.
Commissioner Chuck Sayles reported that the TV Advisory Board reported the complete failure of the county’s backup generator at a key relay site. The system currently lacks emergency power, which could affect radio communication for first responders in an outage.
The old generator is 14 years old, and the cost to repair it was estimated at over $14,000. A replacement will be needed, and Sheriff Jerry Allen has been reappointed to help lead the process of getting quotes and bringing options back to the board.
“Right now, we’re without an emergency backup,” he warned. “That’s a serious issue.”
Library Board: Hiring is underway for a part-time admin clerk to support summer reading, movie, and gaming programs. All board members are also working on completing safety training.Buildings & Grounds: Commended for knocking out numerous small projects and assisting departments countywide. Unionville Caretaker: Joseph Simpson was officially approved. Broadband Advisory: The next meeting is scheduled for June 5 at 1 p.m.
Commission Chair Joe Crim reported that the Cemetery Board meeting is scheduled for June 24. The Recreation Board is June 5, and Central Nevada Water Authority is upcoming on June 20. The Frontier Community Coalition: On hiatus until school resumes in the fall, Western Nevada Development District meets late in June.
Comment
Comments