October 15, 2020 The Lyon County Board of Commissioners Directed the County Manager to being back a recommendation to change the language on the Brothel Ordinance that would allow for escort services and other changes as allowed in other counties. Commissioner Hastings requested the agenda item and explained that the Brothels are one of a handful of businesses completely closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. He expressed concern that other counties have allowed non-sexual escort services to proceed. He asked that staff research what other counties are doing and bring back recommended changes to the Brothel Ordinance. The Board approved the item unanimously. Suzette Cole, brothel owner, explained that currently 500+ people are unemployed due to the closure of the four brothels. Archie Walker, Local Pastor from Smith Valley, asked the Board to leave the ordinance as is. There was no additional public comment.
The Board of Commissioners approved the County Managers performance appraisal. The Commissioner's commented on their appreciation of the job that County Manager Jeff Page is doing. Page expressed his gratitude for their words of encouragement and discussed his performance over the past decade. Page explained that he was aware that his direct and blunt approach can be difficult to take at times. He shared that there have been and will be times that he and the Commission will not agree and that its ok when that happens. Page explained that his success is due in large part to the Department Directors and employees and their dedication to the County. Page concluded that over the years the split between the Board and staff has greatly diminished that Lyon County has a phenomenal team of elected officials, appointed Department Directors and employees. The Board then unanimously approved Pages employment agreement starting October 21, 2020 thru October 21, 2022.
The Board approved a change order for removing Biosolids from the Rolling A Wastewater Treatment Plant for $579,946. The change order did not increase the budgeted amount for this project and is necessary to continue expanding the plants capacity.
The Board heard from the County Manager that items for the November 5, 2020 meeting will include:
- Authorization to fill the vacant Community Development Director positions
- Authorization to pursue a Public Lands Bill with the United States Congress
- Authorization to begin implementing the Drainage Master Plans for Dayton Valley
The County Manager also briefed the Board that the annual Nevada Association of Counties conference will be done virtually. The current construction projects of the Fernley Senior Center, Animal Services Office/Shelter and Apron at the Silver Springs Airport were progressing and will be completed on time. The County will be conducting a grand opening of the Senior Center on November 2, 2020.