Regular Meeting

City of Elko ) County of Elko ) State of Nevada ) SS December 9, 2025 The City Council of the City of Elko, State of Nevada met for a regular meeting beginning at 4:00 PM, Tuesday, December 9, 2025. The meeting was held in the council chambers, 1751 College Ave., Elko. This meeting was called to order by Mayor Reece Keener. The public can watch the meeting by phone, tablet, laptop, or computer by going to the link provided on the agenda. Questions can be sent to cityclerk@elkocitynv.gov. I. CALL TO ORDER The Agenda for this meeting of the City of Elko City Council has been properly posted for this date and time in accordance with NRS requirements. II. ROLL CALL Present: Reece Keener, Mayor Chip Stone, Councilman Clair Morris, Councilman Giovanni Puccinelli, Councilman Marissa Lostra, Councilwoman City Staff Present: Jan Baum, City Manager Dale Johnson, Assistant City Manager Dave Stanton, City Attorney Jim Kerr, Utilities Director Andrew Storla, Water/Sewer Superintendent Chris Green, Building Fawn Reyes-Bailey, Building Paul Algerio, Public Works Jim Foster, Airport Manager Justin Alanis, Facilities Superintendent James Johnston, Fire Chief Kyle Ward, Police Chief Annette Robinson, City Clerk Cathy Laughlin, City Planner Ralph Negron, Development Manager Julie Davis, Financial Services Director Candi Quilici, Accounting Manager James Wiley, Parks and Recreation Director Susie Shurtz, Human Resources Manager via GoTo Jeff Ford, Building Official Sarah Schick, Civil Engineer Nichole Stephens, City Clerk Technician II December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 1 of 15 III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC Pursuant to N.R.S. 241, this time is devoted to comments by the public, if any, and discussion of those comments. No action may be taken upon a matter raised under this item on the agenda until the matter itself has been specifically included on a successive agenda and identified as an item for possible action. ACTION WILL NOT BE TAKEN Scott Gavorsky, on behalf of the Elko County Republican Party, wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. V. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes for the November 25, 2025, Regular Session. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION ** A motion was made by Councilmember Stone, seconded by Councilmember Morris to accept the consent agenda as written. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) VII. PERSONNEL A. Employee Introductions: 1. Tony Worthen - Water/Sewer Operator In Training Tony Worthen introduced himself and said he started on November 24th. He added it was an enjoyable job and he was learning a lot of new things. VI. PRESENTATION A. Reading of a proclamation by the Mayor in recognition of "December as Family Month", and matters related thereto. INFORMATION ONLY, NON-ACTION ITEM Mayor Keener read the proclamation, a copy of which is included in the minutes packet. IX. NEW BUSINESS B. Review, consideration and possible approval of an AGREEMENT FOR OPERATIONAL SUPPORT OF RECREATION CENTER between the City of Elko and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Nevada, and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION On February 28, 2023 the Elko City Council approved a Letter of Understanding for Construction of the Recreation/Event Center. One of the essential elements of the proposed December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 2 of 15  project included, “Upon completion of the center, the City will donate $400,000 to the Boys & Girls Club for each year that it manages and operates the Center”. The Recreation Center is nearing completion and anticipated to open in January 2026. This proposed Operational Support of Recreation Center Agreement formalizes the $400,000 annual donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Nevada for the management and operation of the Recreation Center becomes effective January 1, 2026, and is prorated for a payment of $200,000 to cover January through June 2026. JB Jan Baum, City Manager, said at the time the Letter of Understanding was signed, the $400,000 amount came from approximating what the city revenue and expenditures were every year to run the pool and the agreement formalizes what was in the Letter of Understanding. Rusty Bahr with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeastern Nevada said Ms. Baum summarized everything and it would be a lot bigger loss because they were going to be open about three times more than the pool has been open, but it would help it be sustainable. Mayor Keener asked Mr. Bahr if they had an opening date yet. Mr. Bahr responded they did not have a date, but their board would meet on the following Monday and would come up with a date. He reported it was coming along pretty quickly now. Councilmember Marissa Lostra asked Mr. Bahr to expand on whether the public were required to purchase a membership in order to use the pool facilities. Mr. Bahr responded it would be just like when the city owned it; you would either buy a day pass or have a membership, though the membership would be less expensive and allows them to use the gyms and other facilities. Mayor Keener called for public comment and did not receive a response. ** A motion was made by Councilmember Morris, seconded by Councilmember Puccinelli to approve the AGREEMENT FOR OPERATIONAL SUPPORT OF RECREATION CENTER between the City of Elko and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Nevada . The motion Passed. (4-1) VI. PRESENTATION B. Presentation of the 2025 Mayor's Arts Awards, and matters related thereto. INFORMATION ONLY , NON-ACTION ITEM Councilmember Morris left at 4:14 pm. Councilmember Morris returned at 4:15 pm. December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 3 of 15 Mayor Keener invited the awards artist, Alyssa Cumpton, up to the podium to recognize her contribution to this year’s Mayor Arts Awards, and also the work she had completed at the Cedar Street Retention Wall at the Fairgrounds earlier this year. Alyssa Cumpton of Black Cat Murals said this was a pretty cool project and she was hopeful to do more murals around Elko in the future. Mayor Keener presented the award for Arts Organization to the Elko County Art Club, a volunteer- driven nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and supporting artists while enriching the community through a wide range of programs and events. There was no one present to receive the award for the Elko Art Club. Mayor Keener presented the award for Service to the Arts to Catherine Wines. He said she is a driving force behind many of the public art pieces found throughout Elko and is a passionate advocate for the arts. Catherine Wines was present to receive her award. She thanked everyone for the nomination although it’s never really been about the awards. It has always been about art and her love for it; it was just kind of a part of her soul. She added the citizens of Elko have always been amazing about supporting the arts and she hoped that would continue. Mayor Keener presented the award for Arts Education to Victoria Jackson, an accomplished author, editor and photographer whose work preserves culture and celebrates tradition. Through her multiple publications dedicated to teaching the Shoshone language, she has become a vital voice in keeping the language alive for future generations and that the rich cowboy and cowgirl heritage continues to be recognized and celebrated. Victoria Jackson was present to receive her award. She thanked her parents and colleagues for their influence and contributions to her work and added it was really cool to get a local award. Mayor Keener presented the award for Individual Artist to Laura CdeBaca, who is passionate about working with young people and finds true joy and purpose in teaching the next generation. He added she has dedicated countless hours to the Elko High School Theater Department, teaching dance technique, choreography and musical theater while working along with Mrs. Haskins to support and help productions. Her commitment, talent, and heart make her an invaluable part of the program and a cherished mentor to many. Laura CdeBaca thanked those that nominated her and Mrs. Haskins for inviting her to her program and letting her work them. She said she loves theater and dance, and it brings her so much joy working with the kids. December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 4 of 15 VIII. APPROPRIATION B. Review, consideration, and possible approval of an Agreement for the Purchase and Sale of Artwork between The City of Elko and The Board of Regents of The Nevada System of Higher Education on behalf of Great Basin College, and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION On November 5, 2025, the Arts and Culture Advisory Board awarded the Semiquincentennial Art Project to Great Basin College to provide a metal sculpture to be permanently displayed at the 6th Street art exhibit area in the downtown corridor. The cost of the project is $10,000. DJ Dale Johnson, Assistant City Manager, reported the Arts and Culture Advisory Board selected Great Basin College to construct the sculpture for the Semiquincentennial Celebration. They would like to get the agreement signed and underway so they can start construction since it needs to be installed by July first. He added that the Elko County Commissioners also donated $10,000 towards this project at their meeting last Wednesday. Mayor Keener said he had spoken with John Patrick Rice about this, and he felt the Declaration of Independence side of the sculpture would look great with an eagle with outstretched wings engraved on it like some of the official US documents have. He called for questions or comments from the public. John Rice with Great Basin College stated Dean Dave Stoddard was in attendance with him, and most of the students that would be working on the project were coming out of Mr. Stoddard’s area. He added several students have already signed up to participate. They appreciated the city’s support with this and are grateful to the county as well, stating they would use some of those funds for the interpretive panels that the arts board wished to have but were not included in the original proposal. Mayor Keener called for public comment and did not receive a response. ** A motion was made by Councilmember Lostra, seconded by Councilmember Stone to approve the agreement for the purchase and sale of the artwork between the City of Elko and the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education on behalf of Great Basin College. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) XI. PETITION, APPEAL, AND COMMUNICATION A. Review, consideration, and possible action regarding a petition from Mrs. Tera Hooiman and other community members to name the baseball field commonly known as "Upper Kump Field" after Mr. Gaylen Christean and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 5 of 15  Community members have petitioned the City Council requesting that the baseball field commonly known as "Upper Kump Field" be named after Mr. Gaylen Christean in recognition and honor of his many years of dedication and service to the Elko Community and Youth Baseball. A copy of the City of Elko's Field Naming Policy has been included in the packet for review. JW James Wiley, Parks and Recreation Director, said tonight was step one of a two-step process. The council would consider and review the request from the community to name the baseball field after Mr. Gaylen Christean. He noted there were two letters of support included in the agenda packet that outline Mr. Christean’s contributions and dedication to the community. He added there were family members and community members present to say a few words. He said if the council sees it worthy, they would move onto step two, which would be a public hearing at a subsequent meeting where they would take any additional public comment and input from the community, and then the council can take further action and name the field. He added this was one of the last remaining sports fields they have in order to honor somebody. Mayor Keener asked Mr. Wiley if anyone had been in touch with the Kump family to see if they are okay with this. Mr. Wiley responded he was aware that some members of the community sat down and spoke with the family and they were in support. Mayor Keener called for public comment for or against the item. Danny Story, 4748 Spear St, said this was long overdue and wished they would have been able to do this for Mr. Christean while he was alive, but he thought it was appropriate they name the baseball field after him with his years of contribution to youth sports and dedication to fostering community spirit. He encouraged everyone to get on Facebook and sign the petition. Chesarae’ Niskern, 464 Flora Plz, said they were there to honor their father who spent more than five decades on the baseball and softball fields in Elko, Nevada. She said he not only played on them and took care of them, but he also coached and mentored the youth on those fields. For his entire life, he poured his heart into the Elko baseball community and was a steady presence in the lives of countless families. She said naming the last historical unnamed baseball field after him was more than a tribute, it was a promise to future families and says that Elko values its history, its volunteers and the people who built the foundation of what youth sports are today. She asked the council to move forward with naming the upper field in memory of her dad so his name and legacy can continue to guide the very athletes and coaches he spent his life supporting. Amber Day, 477 Ash St, said she had the opportunity to work in the museum and Western Folklife Center for awhile and there is a history of so many families in the community doing incredible things, and she agreed that there are important historical spaces in the community that deserve to be acknowledged for future generations. Recognizing names that helped to shape this activity in the community is absolutely vital, and she hopes it continues to be an important topic for the community in the future. December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 6 of 15 Mayor Keener said this sounded like a terrific idea to him. He said he had driven by Kump Field during Mr. Christean’s memorial service, and it was overwhelming the amount of people that were there and it was an absolute testament to the impact he had on this community, and he wished they had more opportunities to be able to name other fields like this. Councilmember Giovanni Puccinelli said he had a lot of input on this, but it was truly a no-brainer in his eyes. He said the first time he met Mr. Christean was when he was 13 years old and he was his all- star coach. He felt Mr. Christean was truly deserving of this. ** A motion was made by Councilmember Puccinelli, seconded by Councilmember Stone to accept the petition and direct staff to solicit public comments the organization and user group to consider naming the field after Mr. Gaylen Christean, and to place the matter on a subsequent agenda under public hearing for further action. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) VI. PRESENTATION C. Review, consideration, and possible approval of financial statements and audit report for the City of Elko for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, including but not limited to, staff response to audit findings (if any), and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION Chad Atkinson, CPA or Viktoryia Yahorava, CPA from Hinton Burdick will log in to present the City of Elko’s Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Financial Report. JD Julie Davis, Financial Services Director, thanked Hinton Burdick, Chad Atkinson and his team for getting this on the agenda, as it was originally thought they would need to extend with the government shutdown delaying the single audit criteria. In the rush of getting things prepared for today, she noted she had found a mistake on page 10 of the management discussion and analysis. She noted it says, “general fund revenue” should say “general fund balance” and asked the council change that in their motion. Chad Atkinson with Hinton Burdick said it was a great year for the audit process and complimented Ms. Davis, Ms. Baum and Ms. Quilici for their hospitality while they were at the city visiting some of the departments and reported they had issued a clean opinion on the financial statements presented and congratulated the city on receiving a clean opinion. He gave a presentation on the audit findings, a copy of which is included in the minutes packet. Mayor Keener thanked Mr. Atkinson for the presentation and commended Ms. Davis and Ms. Quilici on receiving a clean audit designation. He called for public comment and did not receive a response. ** A motion was made by Councilmember Lostra, seconded by Councilmember Puccinelli to approve the annual financial statements and audit for the City of Elko in the fiscal year ending in June 30th, 2025 with the amendment on page 10 of the general fund removing the word revenue adding words fund balance to decrease by $905,180. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 7 of 15 VIII. APPROPRIATION A. Review and possible approval and/or ratification of warrants, hand cut checks and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION ** A motion was made by Councilmember Puccinelli, seconded by Councilmember Morris to approve regular warrants in the amount of $412,951.58, hand cut checks in the amount of $96,492.42, and utility refunds in the amount of $499.50. Mayor Keener called for public comment and did not receive a response. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) C. Review, consideration, and possible approval of entering into a Professional Services Agreement with Dowl Engineering for Design Services for the Silver Street Rehabilitation Project, and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION The proposed project is to rehabilitate the existing asphalt roadway from Idaho Street to 12th Street by milling and replacing it with new asphalt. The improvements will also include replacing existing concrete medians and aprons, and installing new sidewalks along sections of the road that currently lack walkways to meet ADA standards. PA Paul Algerio, Street Superintendent, said this was for the design portion of this project, and this was just to get a project on the shelf so when it needs to be done it will be available to do. Mayor Keener said he thought it was a good idea to have these studies on the shelf for things like our critical transportation infrastructure so that it’s ready to go when the time comes. Councilmember Puccinelli asked if the heavier truck traffic from places like Sandvik would be incorporated into this. Mr. Algerio said what is existing is more than they require for this class of road, noting they only require six inches of thickness and the portion from 5th Street to 12th Street is 12 inches thick. ** A motion was made by Councilmember Lostra, seconded by Councilmember Stone to approve city staff to negotiate a PSA with Dowl Engineering for Design Services for the Silver Street Rehabilitation Project. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) Mayor Keener recessed the meeting at 5:24 pm. December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 8 of 15 XII. 5:30 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING A. Second reading of Ordinance No. 902 an ordinance amending Title 6, Chapter 1 of the Elko City Code Entitled “Fire Code” and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION On October 14, 2025, City Council directed Staff to complete a Business Impact Statement on the proposed Ordinance. On November 25, 2025, Council found that Ordinance No. 902 does not impose a direct and significant economic burden on a business or directly restrict the formation, operation, or expansion of a business. On November 25, 2025, Council conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 902. AR Mayor Keener reconvened the meeting at 5:30 pm. Annette Robinson, City Clerk, said they had talked about Ordinance 902 quite extensively and she had not received any objections after the business impact statement on file with the Clerk’s Office. Mayor Keener called for public comment and did not receive a response. ** A motion was made by Councilmember Stone, seconded by Councilmember Morris to approve second reading and adoption of Ordinance Number 902. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) B. Second reading of Ordinance No. 907 an ordinance amending Title 2, Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12 of the Elko City Code Entitled “Building Regulations” by adopting revised International and Standardized Codes, making corresponding amendments, and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION On October 14, 2025, City Council directed Staff to complete a Business Impact Statement on the proposed ordinance. On November 25, 2025, Council found that Ordinance No. 907 does not impose a direct and significant economic burden on a business or directly restrict the formation, operation, or expansion of a business. On November 25, 2025, Council conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 907. AR Ms. Robinson said once again she had not received any objections to this or the business impact statement. Mayor Keener asked Mr. Ford if he had anything to add. Jeff Ford, Building Official, thanked everyone who had helped with the Ordinance. Mayor Keener called for public comment and did not receive a response. December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 9 of 15 ** A motion was made by Councilmember Puccinelli, seconded by Councilmember Lostra to approve second reading and adoption of Ordinance Number 907. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) IX. NEW BUSINESS A. Review, consideration, and possible approval of a request from City Staff to change the traditional parade route through downtown Elko and authorize staff to make adjustments to the route for unforeseen conditions as they may arise in the future, and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION The current parade route, which starts on Commercial Street at 6th Street and turns at 4th Street, needs to be adjusted due to the turning radius at 4th Street. Large vehicles and vehicles with trailers will not be able to make the right turn due to the newly constructed sidewalks in the downtown corridor. The proposed solution is to turn onto 3rd Street instead of 4th Street. Staff believes we can manage the traffic flow for commuters that may be traveling East on Idaho Street from Mountain City Highway, utilizing a message reader board, a detour and traffic control devices for the duration of the parade that typically lasts about two hours. Staff is also asking for authority to adjust the Parade Route as necessary to accommodate for unforeseen conditions as they arise in the future. DJ Dale Johnson, Assistant City Manager, said they were just asking for approval to change the parade route. He explained with the newly constructed sidewalks in the downtown corridor at 4th Street, the vehicles making the right turn can’t make that corner, and they were proposing to move it down to 3rd Street for the upcoming parade. He added in the spring, they were going to look at remodifying some of the corners on 4th Street and putting a roll curb in so traffic can drive up on it and across it so they can adjust the parade route back. Mayor Keener asked if they had problems at the Nevada Day Parade. Mr. Johnson responded he had heard of some but not too much. He noted there were larger vehicles in this parade. Councilmember Clair Morris said if his memory served him correctly, they did this route for a safety reason. If you can go down to 3rd Street and catch Silver Street you can get around the parade, whether it be police, fire, ambulance or the general public and he thought they should leave it as it is. He added he didn’t think putting larger vehicles in was a good idea, especially at night with kids and throwing candy. Mayor Keener called for public comment. Scott Gavorsky with the Elko County Republican Party asked if this was a just a temporary rerouting for the Snowflake Festival and then they would find a more permanent solution. Mr. Johnson confirmed that was correct. December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 10 of 15 Mr. Gavorsky stated he wasn’t sure they had a good option without damaging the new infrastructure. Lisa Jackson, Safety Manager for Hunt and Sons said she took her Director of Safety and one of their experienced truck drivers to take a look at the new sidewalks and curbing and while it was beautiful, it was not functional for larger vehicles, including the fire truck that Santa rides on in this parade. However, even somewhat smaller vehicles like an F-150 with a small flatbed will not be able to make that turn. She noted they are not allowed to throw candy from the floats but may have people alongside throwing candy to the public due to the safety issue of the parade being held at night. She said she would appreciate the city’s consideration moving it down to the post office at this time until they can come up with a better situation for the curbing. Councilmember Morris asked Mr. Algerio how much manpower and equipment they would need to redirect the traffic. Mr. Algerio responded he was not familiar with the length of this parade, but assuming it was similar in size to the others, they were probably looking at three hours of at least two people placing the message board and cones, and another three to four hours for two to three people manning the intersection to prevent anyone from going through. He did note that they do not request a sweeper for this parade but sometimes he struggles to get a sweeper operator for parades in the summertime, and he could see it being an issue getting three additional crew to cover this route in the summertime. Mayor Keener suggested they stipulate this was a one-time trial to see how it goes. Councilmember Chip Stone said this was a huge parade, and whatever they needed to do to make this happen for the community is what they need to do this time and reevaluate the whole parade schedule for the future to avoid any more issues. Councilmember Marissa Lostra agreed this was a huge parade, and being only days away the larger vehicles have likely been pre-planned and pre-decorated and going back on the event would not be a good idea. However, she did think the parade route needed to be revisited for future parades and possibly discuss the size that can be permitted in future parades for public safety. ** A motion was made by Councilmember Stone, seconded by Councilmember Puccinelli to approve the request from staff to change the traditional parade route through downtown Elko and give staff authority to adjust the road for unforeseen conditions as they may arise in the future. This will be a trial run for parade route and addressed in a future date. The motion Passed. (4-1) X. RESOLUTION AND ORDINANCE A. Review, consideration and possible approval of Resolution No. 18-25, a resolution amending Building Valuation Fees and Build Fees pursuant to Elko City Code Title 2, Chapter 1, Section 7 “Fees” and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 11 of 15  On October 14, 2025, City Council directed Staff to complete a Business Impact Statement on the proposed resolution. On November 25, 2025, Council found that Resolution No. 18- 25 does not impose a direct and significant economic burden on a business or directly restrict the formation, operation, or expansion of a business; that a Business Impact Statement has been accepted and is on file with the governing body; and that the requirements of Chapter 237 of NRS have been met. AR Ms. Robinson reported they had completed their business impact statement and have not received any objections in the Clerk’s Office to the building valuation fees. Councilmember Marissa Lostra asked if there was going to be any sort of grace period for existing plans. Mr. Ford responded it doesn’t have a grace period, but they have the fees for the new master reuse were included, so they can’t charge for those until this was implemented. Councilmember Lostra stated she just wanted clarification that the building codes would be for anything submitted prior to December 31st you have that six-month grace so those won’t be changed mid-plan while they’re in plan review, but the plan fees will be immediate. Mr. Ford said that was correct. If they were to get in their application for the older codes by the end of the grace period this summer, they would be good. Fees are effective January 1st. ** A motion was made by Councilmember Morris, seconded by Councilmember Puccinelli to approve Resolution Number 18-25. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) XIII. REPORTS A. Mayor and City Council Mayor Keener reported he would not be present for the Recreation Board Meeting on Thursday. He said he had a terrific trip back to Washington DC for the lighting of Nevada’s Christmas Tree, Silver Bell. He added he was able to meet with Senator Rosen and Congressman Amodei during his trip, and it was a wonderful time of year to visit Washington DC. Councilmember Stone reported the Tree Festival at the E Center was phenomenal and greatly attended. He said they did not know the numbers yet but suspected they were going to beat last year’s. Councilmember Morris reported he would not be present at the Recreation Board Meeting either. Mayor Keener added there was a commencement ceremony scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. at the High School Performing Arts Center for the Battle Born Youth ChalleNGe Academy. He added he has attended a couple of them, and they are neat events to attend. It’s very inspiring to the cadets, many of which come from challenging backgrounds, and this is a major accomplishment for many of them. December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 12 of 15  B. City Manager Ms. Baum reported her and Mr. Johnson had met with the BLM last week and received some good information on section 18 and on the UP land. She noted LASSO was one of the organizations that would be receiving proceeds from the Festival of Trees, and that it will likely go to the new animal shelter. She praised Mandy Dela Vega and Jody Notestine for the amazing job they did putting together the Christmas Party. They had a great turnout, and it was a really fun time. She also praised Ms. Davis and Ms. Quilici for all of their hard work during the audit. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas. C. Assistant City Manager Mr. Johnson reported they have one hotel interested in participating in the cold weather shelter, so if there are any cold weather events the homeless will have a place to stay. He congratulated Sarah Schick on passing her professional engineer’s exam. D. Utilities Director Jim Kerr, Utilities Director reported he is a part of the stakeholder’s group for the Humboldt River Basin, and they were meeting next week for a potential draft curtailment order that the state engineers can roll out on the Humboldt River water rights. He said they are looking at rolling out the draft curtailment order in January, and the curtailment order could directly affect Elko’s growth in the future. Mayor Keener asked how much they were looking at cutting everyone’s allocation. Mr. Kerr responded it was looking like 10% right now, but he has not been able to get them to nail that down. He noted there were studies done on the lower river, middle river, and upper river where Elko is located, and the biggest issue was the middle river and upper river studies were coming back as inaccurate, but they were going to go ahead and push out this order even though the studies are not accurate. He added Nevada Gold had already written a letter in opposition, and he may be coming back and asking the council to write a letter in opposition as well. Councilmember Stone asked if he saw this affecting the pond project. Mr. Johnson responded part of that project is a dedicated source from our system to fill those ponds, so if they count that as water going back to the river, it could possibly offset some of the curtailment that they may have to give back. As Mr. Kerr said, if they have 18,000 acre feet of water and if they take 10%, that would be about 5,000 residents they couldn’t serve in the future. E. Public Works No report. F. Airport Manager December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 13 of 15 Jim Foster, Airport Manager, reported SkyWest would be present at the first meeting in January to introduce themselves. G. City Attorney No report. H. Fire Chief No report. I. Police Chief Chief Ward reported they would be holding their shop with a cop event on Saturday. They would start out at Flag View for breakfast and then go to Walmart. He added if anyone knew of any kids in need to please let them know throughout the upcoming year. He reported they had two sergeant promotions, Sergeant Cunningham and Sergeant Checketts, and two corporal promotions, Corporal Dotson and Corporal Bogdon, and their newest officer Seth Robinson was also there. J. City Clerk Ms. Robinson reminded council their financial disclosure statements would be due January 15th and they would be available to start working on at the end of the month. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas. K. City Planner No report. L. Development Manager No report. M. Financial Services Director No report. N. Parks and Recreation Director Mr. Wiley reported they were having their evacuation training this upcoming Saturday at 9 am. O. Civil Engineer No report. P. Building Official December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 14 of 15  Mr. Ford reported that two of the three apartment buildings were permitted and out the door. They were waiting on a couple of supporting documents to get the third one out. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas. XIV. COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC Mayor Keener called for final public comment and did not receive a response. There being no further business, Mayor Reece Keener adjourned the meeting at 6:20 pm. Mayor Reece Keener Annette Robinson, City Clerk December 9, 2025 City Council | Minutes Page 15 of 15