Regular Meeting

City of Elko ) County of Elko ) State of Nevada ) SS February 24, 2026 The City Council of the City of Elko, State of Nevada met for a regular meeting beginning at 4:00 PM, Tuesday, February 24, 2026. 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 Joined on GoTo. City Staff Present: Jan Baum, City Manager Dale Johnson, Assistant City Manager Jim Kerr, Utilities Director Andrew Storla, Water/Sewer Superintendent Paul Algerio, Public Works Jim Foster, Airport Manager Justin Alanis, Facilities Superintendent James Johnston, Fire 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 Sarah Schick, Civil Engineer Rick Moore, Police Captain Rachel Randall, Planning Technician DJ Smith, Computer Information Systems Coordinator February 24, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 1 of 12  Sarah Khouangrasvongsay, City Clerk Technician I Mayor Keener declared four members of the board are present and that Councilwoman Lostra will be joining remotely. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Keener asked Walter Fick to lead in the pledge. 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 Councilwoman Lostra joined the meeting. Mayor Keener called for public comment. Scott Gavorsky, representing the Elko County Republican Party, announced that the annual Lincoln Day Dinner will take place on Saturday, March 14th at 5:00 p.m. at the E Center. He noted that the governor and most Republican constitutional officers plan to attend, along with several federal candidates due to ongoing uncertainty in the CD2 race. Tickets are available at ElkoNVGOP.org. Mayor Keener stated he will have a proclamation for Congressman Amodei. Captain Rick Moore of the Elko Police Department announced the upcoming First Tuesday event, scheduled for the 3rd. Chief Plager from Juvenile Probation will be the featured presenter. Moore explained that First Tuesday functions like a monthly town hall meeting where the public can bring questions, comments, or concerns to law enforcement and other public safety representatives. Community members are encouraged to attend, listen to presentations, and engage with officials. Mayor Keener asked whether the upcoming event would be held at the airport and if refreshments and snacks would be provided as they have been in the past. Captain Moore explained that refreshments and snacks are always provided at the events, and in recent months they have even held raffles for gift cards—typically for dinner at Luciano’s or other local businesses—which have been very successful. Councilman Puccinelli said the First Tuesday events are very informative. He noted that he sometimes feels naïve about certain topics discussed there and that some of the information shared can be surprising. Mayor Keener asked for additional public comment. February 24, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 2 of 12  Councilman Puccinelli publicly announced that he will not seek re election to the City Council. Instead, he plans to run for mayor, expressing appreciation for his time on the council and hope that he has served respectfully. He said he looks forward to the possibility of winning and serving the community as mayor. Mayor Keener asked for additional public comment and did not receive a response. V. CONSENT AGENDA V.A. Approval of Minutes for the February 10, 2026, Regular Session. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION ** A motion was made by Councilmember Puccinelli, seconded by Councilmember Morris to approve the consent agenda as written for the minutes of February 10, 2026. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) VI. PRESENTATION VI.A. Update on the Elko Institute for Academic Achievement from Principal Ashley Perkins, and matters related thereto. INFORMATION ONLY, NON-ACTION ITEM Principal Ashley Perkins from the Elko Institute for Academic Achievement (EIAA) presented an update on the school’s recent remodel and academic progress. A copy of the presentation is included in the minutes packet. Perkins shared that the school has now been operating in its renovated facility for a year and a half. The City of Elko was one of the project’s donors, and donor plaques—including the City’s—are displayed where students see them each day. Pickup/drop off operations have also been improved and now run smoothly for families. EIAA continues to prioritize academic achievement. The elementary school holds a 4 star rating, while the middle school maintains a 5 star rating, with recent data showing strong growth in student proficiency. Enrollment has increased significantly, rising from 198 to 400 students. The school recently received an eight year charter renewal, the longest granted in the state this cycle. Perkins emphasized that maintaining this charter requires strong academic performance, sound financial management, and compliance with state operational standards. She also discussed some of the challenges charter schools face at the state level, including potential legislative actions affecting school savings and funding flexibility. Despite these hurdles, she credited the school’s dedicated staff and small school model for enabling quick decision making and individualized support for students. Perkins closed by thanking the City Council and the community for their continued support of the school’s mission and growth. February 24, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 3 of 12  Mayor Keener congratulated Ms. Perkins and asks two questions: 1. What the school is doing differently from the Elko County School District to achieve stronger academic results. 2. Whether the school’s parents are more involved than typical parents in the district. Ms. Perkins explains that their school can make decisions more quickly because they have a single governing board focused on one school, unlike the district, which must make decisions for the entire county. She added that parent involvement is not necessarily higher—they must work hard to engage parents through regular communication, flyers, and expectation meetings before the school year begins. Councilmember Stone asked whether the state has ever taken the school’s funds, noting laws that allow the state to do so. Ms. Perkins explained that although the law exists, it has never been enforced against them. However, this year there is active effort at the state level to redirect charter school funds back to districts. Councilmember Stone then thanked the Ms. Perkins for her work and praised the school for providing a strong education to more than 400 students. VI.B. Chief James Johnston will provide a summary of the City of Elko Fire Department’s 2025 operational performance, training achievements, compliance status, and community impact. The presentation will also outline key 2026 priorities, including responder safety, joint agency planning, data accuracy, task book implementation, and continued alignment of resources with community needs, and matters related thereto. INFORMATION ONLY, NON-ACTION ITEM Chief Johnston presented the Elko Fire Department’s 2025 Annual Report and outlined goals for 2026. A copy of the presentation can be found in the agenda packet. He reviewed the department’s system based evaluation process, including a SWOT analysis, and highlighted strong performance in fire prevention, community outreach, and operational readiness. The department completed 95 community events, 378 business inspections, and 117 plan reviews, and call volume and fire calls both decreased while field saves increased by 30%. Fleet maintenance improved, and a new engine is expected in late 2028. Internal communication strengthened through newsletters and monthly “Coffee with the Chief,” and new state mandated medical surveillance requirements will begin in July. Training increased significantly, with 5,928 trainings completed and full compliance in PPE checks and fit testing. Goals for 2026 include responder safety and wellness, coordination on high risk permits, continued code improvements, expanded training, and completion of a community risk assessment. The department reported saving five lives and protecting $1.2 million in property. Approximately 30% of business inspections were proactive, with most generated through the business licensing process. Mayor Keener asked if the Fire Marshal has a quota for doing random inspections. February 24, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 4 of 12  Chief Johnston explained that there is no quota because the Fire Marshal is focused on new business licensing, new construction, and plan reviews. The goal is to inspect about 60% of existing businesses, but with only one staff member, current coverage is closer to 30–40%. Inspection numbers increase as more businesses comply with licensing requirements, since inspections are required for all new and renewal business licenses. Mayor Keener inquired when the next ISO audit would take place. Chief Johnston said eight more years, thankfully. He added that with future digital upgrades, dispatch improvements, and continued water system enhancements—and with the addition of another station— the City could have a strong chance of achieving an ISO Class 1 rating. Councilmember Puccinelli asked if the live fire trailer was coming back this year. Chief Johnston it would be here in May. Mayor Keener thanked the Chief for his hard work, noting there have been no recent complaints and expressing appreciation for the department’s strong performance and staff respect. Chief Johnston expressed appreciation for his team, emphasizing that their skill and dedication—not equipment—are the reason for the department’s success. He noted strong community support and thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve alongside his staff. Mayor Keener called for public comment and did not receive a response. VII. PERSONNEL VII.A. Employee Introductions: 1. Shawn Sherwood - Police Patrol Officer II Captain Moore introduced newly hired Officer Shawn Sherwood, noting that the department had been trying to recruit him for some time and had recently succeeded in bringing him over from Carlin PD. Officer Sherwood thanked the City of Elko for the opportunity, stating it is an honor and a place where he hopes to finish his career. He described his path from Carlin to the sheriff’s office and back, noting that when invited to apply, he eagerly did so and is very happy to be joining the department. Mayor Keener and Councilmember Morris welcomed Officer Sherwood, noting his experience and expressing appreciation for him joining the department. VI. PRESENTATION (Continued) VI.C. Presentation by Staff who attended the Creating Epic Destinations (CED26) workshop in Grand Prairie, Texas, and matters related thereto. INFORMATION ONLY NON- ACTION ITEM February 24, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 5 of 12  Assistant City Manager, Dale Johnson and Development Manager, Ralph Negron attended the CED26 workshop February 17-19, 2026. They will give a short presentation on the workshop. DJ and RN Dale Johnson and Ralph Negron gave a presentation on the Creating Epic Destination conference. A copy of the presentation is included in the minutes packet. Mr. Johnson reported on the CED26 “Creating Epic Destinations” conference, which focused on public private partnerships (P3s). The workshop provided municipalities with training on P3 models, financing structures, risk mitigation, and development strategies. Presenters compared P3 financing, tenant credit financing, and traditional bonds, outlining benefits and limitations of each. P3s were described as a way to leverage private sector expertise to reduce public debt, shift risk, and create revenue generating community assets. Examples included partnering with private entities to co develop facilities such as animal shelters, police training centers, or public works buildings, with tenant lease revenues helping cover government facility costs. Mayor Keener asked whether other states have the same prevailing wage requirements as Nevada when using private financing, noting that Nevada once allowed privately financed projects to avoid prevailing wage but later closed that option. Mr. Johnson explained that under this type of P3 model, the private partner can fully construct the facility, and the City would then lease it back through a tenant credit or lease revenue arrangement, using those lease payments to pay off the facility over time. Mayor Keener asked whether a similar financing approach could be used for the new City Hall, such as entering into a long-term lease instead of relying on traditional bond payments. Mr. Johnson noted that multiple financing options could be explored, including P3 and credit tenant models, and that companies from the conference could be contacted for guidance. An example was shared of a city that combined a public works building with an indoor storage facility above it and additional outdoor storage on the same site, illustrating creative approaches to generating revenue to support government facilities. Mr. Negron reported that Grand Prairie transformed 170 acres of vacant land and a drainage ditch into major community amenities, beginning with a water park and recreation center. The city expanded the area through additional facilities, including a hotel, restaurants, a pickleball complex, and a large senior center. He noted that fees for residents are intentionally low, making the facilities accessible while still generating revenue. The water park operates year round with a retractable roof, and all facilities are heavily used by both locals and visitors. He also, explained that several organizations collaborated with the city on planning, design, and financing, helping structure projects through bonding or tenant lease models to support economic development. Mayor Keener asked whether there would be a cost for having the presenters come to Elko to conduct an analysis. February 24, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 6 of 12  Mr. Negron stated that he was unsure about the cost and noted that the presenters travel nationwide. He added they are currently headed to New Mexico to assist two destinations and are working on a major project in Greeley, Colorado, which includes a hotel, large recreation center, water park, and hockey arena with a budget of approximately $1.1 billion. He remarked that the scale was surprising, but the presenters believe the project will benefit the community and attract support from surrounding towns. Mr. Johnson stated that the presenters can conduct a feasibility study for the City, though the cost was not provided. He noted that their studies are scalable based on community size and emphasized that extremely large scale projects, such as the $1.1 billion example discussed at the conference, are beyond Elko’s scope. Mr. Johnson reported that the arcade generates approximately $1.2 million annually and noted that arcades are considered the highest revenue producing use per square foot. Mr. Negron described interior features of the Grand Prairie water park facility, including its retractable roof, water slides, seating, and food options. He also noted a nearby 400,000 square foot combined police and fire station that houses multiple public safety functions. He commented that while the approach is unconventional, communities are trying such models to support economic development and make amenities affordable for residents and visitors. VIII. APPROPRIATION VIII.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 $1,399,027.26. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) ** A motion was made by Councilmember Puccinelli, seconded by Councilmember Morris to approve hand cut checks in the amount $110,670.15. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) IX. NEW BUSINESS IX.A. Review, consideration, and possible selection of an architectural firm to provide architectural services for the Elko Animal Shelter project, and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION On September 23, 2025, the City Council authorized Staff to solicit Requests for Qualifications (RFQ’s) for the above referenced project. The City of Elko received fifteen (15) Statements of Qualifications. February 24, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 7 of 12  A selection committee composed of the Development Manager, Assistant City Manager, Animal Shelter Manager, a Council Person and a LASSO Representative participated in the interview process. After the initial review of the fifteen (15) proposals, the committee conducted in-person interviews with four (4) architectural firms (Myers Anderson Architects, Shelter Planners of America, Coar Design Group and Animal Arts). After the in-person interviews, the committee is recommending Myers Anderson Architects for the project. If approved, Staff will negotiate a professional services agreement (PSA) for City Council review and approval. RN Ralph Negron, Community Development Manager, reported that the selection committee recommends moving forward with Myers Anderson for the schematic design of the new animal shelter. He noted that the City received 15 proposals, narrowed them to four finalists, and the committee is comfortable with Myers Anderson due to their strong past work in the community, including projects like the Boys and Girls Club. Negron requested approval to proceed. Mayor Keener asked Jan Baum, City Manager, to explain to the public why the City is discussing an animal shelter project while also moving forward with a new City Hall and requested clarification on how the shelter project originated and how it will be funded. Ms. Baum explained that LASSO has agreed to raise funds to build a new animal shelter, while the City previously committed to funding the project’s design. Once the design and engineer’s estimate are completed, LASSO will begin a capital campaign to construct the facility. She noted that the current shelter is old, undersized, and built from outdated modular units, and emphasized the need for an upgraded facility. Mayor Keener stated that the background information was important and noted that the firm’s proposal looks excellent. He acknowledged the firm’s qualifications and experience with similar projects and highlighted that their team includes pet specialists or advocates. Mr. Negron stated that the recommended firm’s close proximity is a major advantage, noting that having an architect nearby is important when urgent on site needs arise. Mayor Keener asked if there were any more questions Mr. Negron. Councilmember Stone stated that the two staff members involved in the selection process did exceptional work and that familiarity with the recommended firm, along with their close proximity and ability to be on site when needed, were strong advantages. He noted that the firm’s two specialists will be beneficial and that references from previous projects were positive. He added that the next major challenge will be fundraising with LASSO and expressed support for the decision, also noting interest in P3 concepts discussed during the CED26 presentation. Mayor Keener call for public comment and did not receive a response. February 24, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 8 of 12  ** A motion was made by Councilmember Stone, seconded by Councilmember Morris to approve selection of Myers-Anderson Architects to provide architectural services for the Animal Shelter Project and direct staff to negotiate a PSA. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) Mayor Keener noted that the current animal shelter is long overdue for replacement and heavily overutilized. He praised Alyssa and her team for doing excellent work despite substandard conditions and said the new facility would be a welcome improvement once funded and built. IX.B. Review consideration and possible acceptance of FIRST REVISION TO SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO BASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN JVIATION, A WOOLPERT COMPANY, LLC AND THE CITY OF ELKO, NEVADA and matters related thereto FOR POSSIBLE ACTION. This item is to amend the contract between The City of Elko and Jviation, A Woolpert Company LLC. for Airport Improvement Project number 60 Rehab Commercial Service Apron. This revision covers the costs we were charged by our sub consultant to complete additional asphalt testing for the terminal apron project. This testing was required to verify the asphalt met FAA standards, including tests not normally required during construction. This testing was completed with FAA’s support, and these costs are eligible to be reimbursed under the AIP grant. Because construction costs were less than expected, the project as a whole is still under budget. JF Mr. Foster explained that rutting had developed in the asphalt beneath the jet bridge. In coordination with the FAA and the project engineer, additional testing was performed, including coring and retesting multiple areas. The damaged section was ultimately removed and replaced with concrete, resolving the issue. All prior work met FAA specifications, and the additional testing costs fall under the existing contract and will be covered by the project grant. Despite this issue, the project remains under budget by approximately $380,000. The heavy weight and repeated movement of the jet bridge—estimated at around 250,000 pounds—likely contributed to the rutting. ** A motion was made by Councilmember Stone, seconded by Councilmember Puccinelli to approve the first revision of the seventh amendment to the base agreement between Jviation, a Woolpert Company LLC and the City of Elko, Nevada. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) IX.C. Review and possible designation of an independent auditor to prepare the annual audit for the City of Elko for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026, pursuant to NRS. 354.624, and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION Each year the City is required to designate an independent auditor prior to March 31 of the year in which the audit is to be conducted. The City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for auditing services for a period of five years in February 2022, and awarded the February 24, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 9 of 12  contract to HintonBurdick, PLLC (HintonBurkick joined Squire & Company PC, effective January 1, 2026). This is the final year of the 5-year contract. The price for the FY26 Independent Audit is $84,650.00. JD Ms. Davis confirmed that the auditor’s report was fully covered and noted a slight cost increase from the previous year due to overtime and limited CPA staffing. Adjusted audit pricing for FY25 and FY26 had been previously presented and remained lower than other RFP submissions. This is the final year of the five year contract, and staff reported being satisfied with the auditor and recommended continuing with them. Mayor Keener call for public comment and did not receive a response. ** A motion was made by Councilmember Morris, seconded by Councilmember Stone to approve Square and Company PC, formerly Hinton Burdick PILC, as the City of Elko’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2026, in the amount of $84,650. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) X. REPORTS X.A. Mayor and City Council Mayor Keener announced that the Air Force Band will perform at the Elko High School Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 5 at 7:00 pm. He noted he will be absent from the next meeting due to an educational trip, and the Mayor Pro Tem will preside. Council members briefly discussed recent community concerts, noting high attendance and positive feedback. X.B. City Manager Ms. Baum reported that the animal shelter received 33 dogs from a hoarding case and must retain them until the court releases the animals. The situation involves neglected pets with contagious medical conditions, so the shelter is only accepting emergency cases. Endless Pawsabilities is fostering some animals to reduce crowding, and the public has donated specialized food for the malnourished dogs. Ms. Baum noted that hoarding is often linked to mental illness and encouraged reporting suspected cases. This incident originated in the county. Mayor Keener stepped out at 5:26. Mayor Keener returned at 5:27. X.C. Assistant City Manager No Report X.D. Utilities Director February 24, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 10 of 12  No Report X.E. Public Works No Report X.F. Airport Manager No Report X.G. City Attorney X.H. Fire Chief No Report X.I. Police Chief Captain Moore reported the department has resumed its podcast, now posted to the department’s app. The podcast highlights various units and aims to increase transparency. Recent episodes include discussions with the new chief and specialty teams. X.J. City Clerk Ms. Robinson reported on transient lodging tax collections. Baymont has paid amounts due from November through January, bringing their account current. Elkotel also submitted a cashier’s check to become current. Shilo has not yet paid and has until Thursday to do so; their water account will be three months delinquent as of March 1. Holiday Inn Express submitted $19,856.52 following audit findings. A new delinquency has arisen with the Rodeway Inn, which is now two months behind. Ms. Robinson also noted that CC Communications has paid its telecommunications franchise fees, and Anthem Broadband and Beehive Broadband are in progress, while four other providers have not responded and may face cease and desist actions for lack of a valid business license. X.K. City Planner No Report X.L. Development Manager No Report X.M. Financial Services Director No Report February 24, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 11 of 12  X.N. Parks and Recreation Director No Report X.O. Civil Engineer No Report X.P. Building Official XI. 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 Mayor Keener called for final public comment. Lynn Hoffman, from Elko, announced that a state public hearing regarding pesticides and Mormon cricket management would begin at 5:30 p.m. in the commission chambers. She noted that the new state entomologist, Bryant McDowell was expected to attend, the meeting did not appear to be recorded, and officials would discuss the use of three pesticides that may or may not have been used previously. She added that Dr. Gavorsky left the council meeting to attend the hearing. 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 5:35 p.m. Mayor Reece Keener Annette Robinson, City Clerk February 24, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 12 of 12