Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

CITY OF ELKO Parks and Recreation Advisory Board 6:30 PM, Thursday, January 15, 2026 Elko City Hall, Council Chambers 1751 College Avenue, Elko, NV 89801 I CALL TO ORDER II ROLL CALL Present: Colby Curtis, PRAB Member Harmony Stahl, PRAB Member Lynette Davis, PRAB Member Andrew Storla, Water/Sewer Superintendent Mike Blythe, PRAB Member Josh Brake, PRAB Member Absent: Fred Beitia, PRAB Member Willard Burnham, PRAB Member Arturo Ruiz, PRAB Member City Staff Present: Annette Robinson, City Clerk Nichole Stephens, City Clerk Technician II Jan Baum, City Manager Chip Stone, Councilman III PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV APPROVAL OF MINUTES A Approval of October 16, 2025, Minutes. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION. ** A motion was made by Member Brake, seconded by Vice Chair Stahl to approve the minutes from January 15, 2026, meeting. ** Chair Colby Curtis abstained because he was not at the last meeting. The motion Passed. (5-0) V COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC Chair Colby Curtis called for public comment and did not recieve a response. January 15, 2026 Parks and Recreation | Minutes Page 1 of 8  VI NEW BUSINESS A Review, discussion, and consideration for updating the five-year capital projects list through 2031 and matters related thereto. NO ACTION FOR DISCUSSION ONLY This item is placed on the agenda to give the Board an opportunity to discuss and plan possible projects for the 2026-2027 fiscal year through 2031. Budget preparation and organization will begin in early February. JW Jan Baum, City Manager, provided an overview of the Parks and Recreation Five-Year Plan, noting the intent was to provide highlights and receive board input rather than review each project in detail. A copy of the plan is in the agenda packet. Annual parking lot maintenance was identified as a recurring item. The SnoBowl Pole Barn has remained a priority for several years but has been deferred due to other projects; the estimated cost is approximately $250,000 and the project is budgeted at $300,000 this fiscal year. The structure would be used to house SnoBowl grooming equipment. Funding for the Stitzel Pocket Park remains encumbered, and if the project does not proceed this year, funds are anticipated to be carried forward to the next fiscal year. The NDOW Fishing Pond project remains in progress, with continued coordination and engineering efforts underway. NDOW is pursuing grant funding and will serve as the pass-through entity. City park restroom renovations are budgeted at $100,000, consistent with the prior year, as part of an ongoing effort to renovate all facilities. Funding is also included for Wornek Complex design and engineering, a project that has been on the priority list for several years, to determine scope and costs. Weed abatement and grazing will continue to be funded through the Recreation Fund, including goat grazing at SnoBowl, along the south side of the river, and nearby areas. For the following fiscal year, the only new project identified is playground replacement, with the specific location to be determined. Year three projects include a retrofit of the skate park and an irrigation central control system upgrade. Member Harmony Stahl asked for clarification regarding the fiscal year being discussed, specifically confirming the transition into Fiscal Year 2028/2029. Ms. Baum confirmed the fiscal year under discussion as FY 2028/2029 and stated she was providing only brief highlights. She asked the board if there was any input or discussion regarding different project priorities. January 15, 2026 Parks and Recreation | Minutes Page 2 of 8  Chair Colby Curtis asked for clarification regarding whether the Wornek Complex refers to the football complex. Ms. Baum clarified that the area discussed includes informal parking areas and the adjacent hillside, noting that potential improvements such as seeding and slope work have been considered for several years. Member Josh Brake asked whether weed abatement practices differ in particularly in dry years compared to wetter years, especially in relation to fire prevention needs. Ms. Baum stated she did not have an immediate answer regarding weed abatement adjustments in dry years, noted that abatement levels are typically consistent annually, and indicated she would follow up with staff, acknowledging that weed growth varies depending on moisture levels, particularly along the river. Member Brake stated that weed growth would still be present and expressed that increased weed abatement may be necessary to help prevent fire risk. Ms. Baum acknowledged the fire risk associated with weed growth during dry conditions, apologized for not having an immediate response, and stated she would follow up with staff, noting that Jame Wiley, Parks and Recreation Director, was unable to attend due to an emergency. Chair Curtis commented that the amount discussed was typically slightly less than referenced. Member Harmony Stahl commented that the weed abatement grazing contract supports someone’s business by maintaining a herd and is structured as a fixed annual cost, regardless of weed density. Chair Curtis expressed support for the inclusion of Wornek Complex design and engineering funding and noted progress with recent road paving. He asked whether funding for the pickleball complex was included in the current fiscal year. Ms. Baum stated that the project was not included in the current list, noted there was no significant update at this time, and explained that progress is pending construction. Member Stahl asked whether the items under discussion were intended to inform future priorities for FY 2030/2031 and whether Mr. Wiley would be responsible for developing the priority list. Ms. Baum stated that staff are seeking direction from the board and encouraged members to provide ideas and priorities to assist with future planning. Chair Curtis invited board members to suggest projects not currently listed for consideration. He noted that most projects have appeared on prior lists with little change and stated that the NDOW Fishing Pond project was likely excluded because the City is awaiting direction from NDOW. January 15, 2026 Parks and Recreation | Minutes Page 3 of 8  Ms. Baum stated that the NDOW Fishing Pond project requires significant engineering work and expressed hope that design efforts could begin this year, noting it would be a valuable asset to the community. Member Storla questioned whether the SnoBowl should continue to function primarily as a winter recreation facility or be reconsidered for broader, year-round park use. He discussed the challenges associated with inconsistent snow seasons and expressed concern about investing approximately $250,000 in a pole barn solely for equipment storage. He suggested exploring alternative or supplemental uses, such as hiking trails or other recreational amenities, while noting existing infrastructure and use by mountain bikers. Chair Curtis stated that the concerns raised regarding SnoBowl operations were valid, noting that the facility does not open every year and did not open the prior season, which has been uncommon historically. He explained that the proposed pole barn is intended to protect recently donated grooming equipment from weather exposure. He expressed personal support for SnoBowl, citing its value to the community and its role in providing local youth the opportunity to learn to ski, while acknowledging the challenges associated with inconsistent seasonal operation. Member Storla stated he would not want the SnoBowl eliminated, noting that he has volunteered as an instructor when it is open and expressed disappointment when the facility is unable to operate. Member Stahl asked whether the discussion included the possibility of public restrooms that could be used during the summer months. Member Storla discussed the possibility of developing SnoBowl into a more formal park but noted that providing amenities would require utilities such as septic systems and ongoing maintenance. He expressed uncertainty about the feasibility and suggested the area may be better suited for sightseeing or limited use due to access and infrastructure considerations. Chair Curtis stated that the original plan for SnoBowl included exploring opportunities for year- round use, such as mountain biking, including the potential use of the lift during non winter seasons. He noted that while year-round use is desirable, facility improvements are costly and restroom facilities in particular would require significant investment. Member Stahl suggested that pit toilets, similar to Forest Service facilities, could be considered for the SnoBowl area. Member Brake suggested exploring off highway vehicle uses at SnoBowl, such as dirt bikes or tracks, noting that available terrain in the area has been reduced due to residential development. Member Storla noted that existing dirt bike tracks in the area are primarily county facilities and stated that off road vehicle uses at SnoBowl could be a possibility. He identified the lack of restrooms and utilities as the primary challenges, particularly given increasing residential development near Fifth Street, and mentioned that potential future power installation in the area has been discussed. January 15, 2026 Parks and Recreation | Minutes Page 4 of 8  Ms. Baum noted that the television district has discussed a proposal to install power at the top of SnoBowl for a potential antenna but stated she was unsure of the project’s current status. She referenced recent media coverage regarding a possible partnership with the county but was uncertain whether the proposal specifically involved SnoBowl. Member Mike Blythe noted that previous discussions had acknowledged the presence of dirt bike tracks and other off road vehicle activities located on the opposite side of the summit. Member Brake questioned which side of the summit was being discussed, noting that increasing residential development has reduced available open areas that were previously used. Chair Curts recalled a previously planned trail system intended to cross over the summit. Ms. Baum stated that the county installed a motorcross track near the Komatsu area and questioned whether it was Elko County Motorcross. Member Blythe expressed support for connecting bike trails from 5th Street up toward the area near the summit and said he would be interested in that idea. Member Storla commented that, aside from the planned Stitzel Park, there may be opportunities for additional parks or leisure activities in other areas but noted that SnoBowl is relatively inaccessible and not within easy walking distance for most residents. Member Blythe recalled prior discussions about connecting bike and walking pathways over the hill, noting the idea was tied to the fishery project. Member Storla questioned whether the idea was part of a long-term plan previously mentioned and suggested that the SnoBowl area could potentially be used for frisbee golf as part of broader recreation planning. Ms. Baum explained that there are plans (not currently listed) to connect the River Walk to the Sports Complex and potentially extend routes under 12th Street to the ponds, noting that these plans differ from the idea of connecting trails up toward the summit. Member Storla stated that city plans do not require developers in that neighborhood to add parks, and noted the area is likely under county jurisdiction due to the lack of water and sewer infrastructure. Chair Curtis suggested adding a potential frisbee golf course at SnoBowl, noting it could be a feasible and relatively low-cost recreational option, especially if the lift is used for summer activities like mountain biking. Member Storla asked whether concrete pads are required for frisbee golf or if simpler starting surfaces could be used instead. January 15, 2026 Parks and Recreation | Minutes Page 5 of 8  Member Blythe explained that using riverfront or golf course areas for obstacles would be limited or controversial, and emphasized that a dedicated, separate space would work better and could serve as a destination recreation area. Chair Curtis asked whether the City has ever considered requiring developers to build pocket parks within new residential developments, noting this practice is used in other cities. Ms. Baum explained that the City does not require developers to build pocket parks or pay assessment fees, though there has been some discussion with the Bergeron Estates developer about potentially adding a park; currently, there is no such requirement in place. Chair Curtis suggested requiring developers to include pocket parks in new developments, noting it can be a manageable maintenance responsibility for the City and a worthwhile amenity that residents would likely accept even with slightly higher housing costs. VII UNFINISHED BUSINESS VIII REPORTS A STAFF REPORTS Update on Board Member Terms, Update on Pickle Ball Courts Project, Update on Restroom Restorations at Southside and Angel Park, Update on Boys and Girls Club Rec Center, Update on Elko Municipal Swimming Pool Closure, Update on SnoBowl. Ms. Baum reported that the pickleball, handball, and basketball court improvements have been combined into a single project, including resurfacing existing courts and constructing new pickleball courts. The project was awarded to Great Basin Engineering, with construction expected to begin this summer and a target completion date of June 30. Member Brake asked whether the new pool was currently open. Ms. Baum announced that the new recreation facility is scheduled to open on January 29th and is already being filled with water. She described it as a beautiful addition to the community, featuring a full-size basketball court, teen and game areas, three indoor swimming pools, a full fitness room, kitchen facilities, and an on-site restaurant. She also noted plans to complete the outdoor pool by June 30th. Chair Curtis noted that he plans to attend the opening on January 29 if available and confirmed the facility will be open to the public. Member Blythe asked how the public will be able to access the new recreation facility and whether a membership fee will be required. January 15, 2026 Parks and Recreation | Minutes Page 6 of 8  Ms. Baum confirmed that the recreation facility will require a membership fee and explained that detailed information—including activities, pricing options, and membership types—is provided in a booklet. She offered to have James forward that information to the board members. Member Brake questioned whether taxpayer funding was used to construct the facility, expressing concern about public financial contributions. Ms. Baum explained that the recreation facility was built by a nonprofit, not the City of Elko. The City contributed the land, provided $1.8 million in funding, and committed to an annual $400,000 contribution. She noted that if the City had built the facility itself, it could have cost taxpayers nearly $30 million. Annette Robinson, City Clerk explained that information about the new recreation facility is available on the City of Elko website, including a brochure and links to the facility’s own website, which the City shared especially after closing the public pool so residents can still access updated information. Chair Curtis noted that family memberships are estimated at about $700 per year, with day use fees of $10 for adults and $5 for children or seniors. Member Stahl asked whether pricing at the new recreation facility will differ between City of Elko residents and county or nearby community residents, noting that the City is subsidizing operations through an annual contribution. Ms. Baum explained that the City committed $400,000 annually to support operation of the new recreation center because the former City pool consistently lost between $400,000 and over $500,000 per year and was not a revenue generating facility. Member Lynette Davis asked who operates the pool. Ms. Baum stated that the Boys & Girls Club operates the pool. Chair Curtis stated that the City was already spending $400,000–$500,000 annually on the old pool, and that the new arrangement costs about the same but provides a significantly improved facility. Member Stahl expressed frustration that the City of Elko subsidizes recreation services used by surrounding communities without receiving corresponding tax revenue benefits. Ms. Baum acknowledged concerns that City parks and recreation services are used similarly by city and surrounding community residents. Member Stahl expressed frustration that, although much of the funding comes from hotel tax revenue, City residents bear the burden while neighboring communities benefit. Ms. Baum responded that, overall, the facility will be a positive asset for the community and expressed hope it will be well utilized. January 15, 2026 Parks and Recreation | Minutes Page 7 of 8  Ms. Baum noted uncertainty regarding board member term expirations; believes terms rotate in June. Additional update expected at a future meeting from James. She requested members provide preferred contact methods (text/email) after the meeting to improve communication. Ms. Baum provided an update on South Side and Angel Park restroom projects. Angel Park awaiting flooring prior to stall installation; both projects expected to be completed by spring. She expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing pickleball courts project. Ms. Baum noted that the municipal pool closed December 23 and announced Nikki Johnson’s retirement and recognition of her service. Ms. Baum said with limited snowfall reported, winter operations will be reassessed mid February. Mechanical issues with the lift are being addressed; emphasized the need for regular operation to maintain functionality. Member Storla suggested exploring a low cost, family friendly winter fundraising or community event, such as a soapbox derby using simple materials, to raise funds and renew public interest in SnoBowl. B BOARD REPORTS No Reports. IX SCHEDULE THE NEXT PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING The next meeting was scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. X COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC Chair Curtis called for final public comment and did not receive a response. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m. James Wiley, Parks and Recreation Director January 15, 2026 Parks and Recreation | Minutes Page 8 of 8