During its regular meeting June 17, the Lovelock City Council discussed whether Pershing County should separate from the 95-80 Regional Development Authority, introduced ordinances involving zoning and cannabis regulations, and addressed concerns ranging from neighborhood speeding to ATV safety.
Zanskar town hall planned for July 23
County Manager Kristin Gonzalez told the council that Zanskar, a geothermal energy company interested in Pershing County, plans to hold a town hall meeting July 23 at approximately 5 p.m.
Zanskar develops geothermal energy projects by locating underground sources of heat and hot water for electricity generation. Unlike solar and wind power, geothermal energy can provide a steady source of electricity around the clock.
Gonzalez said she is considering City Hall as the initial venue, with the Lovelock Community Center available if public interest requires a larger space.
RDA, Blue Moon updates
Gonzalez also said she expects to meet with Blue Moon Metals within the next two weeks. She said the company remains in the early stages of research and fundraising and has discussed plans to ship ore from California to the Imlay area for processing.
Much of Gonzalez's report focused on the 95-80 Regional Development Authority. Gonzalez said she, Commissioner Connie Gottschalk and PCEDA Chairman Ted Bendure met with Humboldt County representatives to discuss the agreement between the counties that governs the RDA structure. One concern, she said, is that Pershing County does not appear to have had equal participation in decisions made under the regional authority.
Gonzalez said separating from the current RDA could give Pershing County greater control over economic development while maintaining a positive working relationship with Humboldt County.
Council members took no action and agreed to continue the discussion at a future meeting after legal counsel reviews additional information.
Zoning and cannabis ordinances
The council introduced Bill No. 276, an ordinance amending the city's land-use map to rezone property near the hospital from single-family residential to public service and facilities. City Attorney Sean Rowe said the item will return for a public hearing July 15.
The council also introduced Bill No. 277, which updates city code language regulating cannabis dispensaries. Rowe said the ordinance modernizes outdated references to marijuana and clarifies licensing requirements, permit fees and the city's 3% excise tax on commercial cannabis activity.
Councilwoman Jordan McKinney introduced the bill.
"I'm a fan of regulating and monetizing it for the benefit of our community," McKinney said.
Traffic and ATV safety concerns
The council also discussed a request from resident Matthew Gerard to lower the speed limit on 15th Street between Central Avenue and Dartmouth Avenue from 25 mph to 15 mph. Gerard said in a letter that he has lived in the area for 52 years and has seen an increase in dangerous driving near children and families.
Council members said they understood the concern but were hesitant to change the speed limit on one street without considering impacts on other residential areas. Law enforcement representatives said targeted enforcement may be more effective than lowering speed limits without additional enforcement.
"Is there a way we could do more of a data dive? I think it's important to take a deep look into these concerns," said Christina Dickerman.
Council members agreed to gather additional information before making a decision.
The council also discussed the increasing use of travel trailers for long-term housing in residential areas. The mayor said city staff have seen more travel trailers connected to utilities and used for habitation beyond temporary use. The council tabled the issue for further review.
Council members and law enforcement officials also discussed ATV and scooter safety. Officials said children are increasingly riding scooters in streets and on sidewalks, sometimes without lights or helmets, even after dark.
Officials discussed the possibility of a stronger local ordinance, along with public education efforts directed at parents and riders.
"We need to have aggressive ad campaigns and notify not only the kids but their parents," Sheriff Jerry Allen said.
Mayor Rodney Wilcox reported that city crews are continuing work on the pickleball and tennis courts. Police Chief Mike Mancebo said the department has been working with AT&T and Verizon on phone system changes and has also been busy with recent public safety matters.
The Lovelock City Council meets at City Hall on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 1.
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