Lovelock City Councilmember Kirsten A. Hertz resigned from her Seat A position effective March 29, with the resignation announced during the Lovelock City Council regular meeting held April 1 at City Hall.
In a resignation letter dated March 29, Hertz said her circumstances had changed significantly since first running for office and that her mother’s illness required her attention. “My mother is not well, and my place is with her and my father in navigating this time,” Hertz wrote. “I cannot devote the time nor attention to the City Council as I had planned.” Hertz also noted that staffing shortages in her professional office contributed to her reduced availability.
Councilmember Jordan McKinney said she would miss serving alongside Hertz and reflected on the significance of Lovelock’s first all-women council. “It has been great to be breaking barriers as the first-ever all-women council,” McKinney said.
City officials said they plan to advertise the vacancy in the coming weeks. Council members will interview applicants and vote on a selection, with the mayor casting a deciding vote if necessary. The selected individual will serve the remaining three years of Hertz’s term.
During public comment, resident Jerry Minor requested additional time to complete cleanup efforts on his property, citing health concerns and difficulty completing required work within the designated timeframe. City officials advised Minor to meet with the mayor to discuss available options, noting that formal action would require the matter to be agendized for a future meeting.
Community member Neil Gallagher also provided updates on upcoming community events. A community cleanup day is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, beginning at 9 a.m. at the fire station. Organizers said volunteers will receive refreshments, raffle prizes, and a barbecue following the event. The next planning meeting is on April 12 at 1 p.m. at the train depot. Gallagher also announced the Music and Murals Project, scheduled for June 18 through June 21, which aims to bring artists and community members together for collaborative projects.
Officials said there are two open positions on the Pershing County Economic Development Board. The Pershing County Commissioners and Lovelock City Council select representatives to serve as executive board members for set terms.
Council members unanimously approved confirmation of notary fees in accordance with the Nevada Revised Statutes, allowing the city to charge up to $15.37 per signature for non-city-related documents. Officials said the change reflects the amount of staff time required to complete lengthy notarizations.
The council also approved a resolution of intent to sell city-owned property located on 6th Street to the Pershing County Hospital District for $34,500. The property, identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number 001-241-11, will be rezoned from single-family to public use before closing escrow. Officials said the hospital district requested the purchase, with the price based on a previously completed appraisal.
Council members also approved moving forward with a bid process for paving repairs on Amherst Avenue, funded through Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) funds.
Chief of Police Mike Mancebo reported receiving an $11,955 grant for a voice stress analyzer system (lie detector) and an additional $14,000 grant for communications equipment. He also reported exploring a transition to a voice-over-IP phone system due to anticipated increases in telecommunications costs. The proposed system would require an estimated startup cost of $5,000, but would result in substantial monthly savings.
Councilmember Bonnie Skoglie reported that Lovelock hosted the annual Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) summit on March 30 and 31. She said the Mustang Youth Team, a local youth leadership group, helped serve dinner during the event. “The summit was a huge success, and the Mustang Youth Team did a fabulous job,” Skoglie said. “They also made some money for their future trips.”
Mayor Rodney Wilcox read an update from Public Works Supervisor Greg Reitz into the record. Reitz reported ongoing maintenance efforts, including sewer system work, vehicle repairs, and continued weed control operations throughout the community. He also noted that RTC funds will cover several roadway improvements.
Wilcox and Councilmember Bonnie Skoglie were present at the meeting, while Councilmember Jordan McKinney participated by phone. Also present were City Attorney Sean Rowe and Chief of Police Mike Mancebo.
The meeting adjourned following completion of agenda items. The next meeting of the Lovelock City Council is on Wednesday, April 15, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
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