Regular Meeting

City of Elko ) County of Elko ) State of Nevada ) SS May 26, 2026 The City Council of the City of Elko, State of Nevada met for a regular meeting beginning at 4:00 PM, Tuesday, May 26, 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. Due to technical difficulties, the meeting was not called to order by Mayor Reece Keener until 4:03 pm. II. ROLL CALL Present: Reece Keener, Mayor Giovanni Puccinelli, Chip Stone, Councilman Clair Morris, Councilman Marissa Lostra, Councilwoman City Staff Present: Annette Robinson, City Clerk Dale Johnson, Assistant City Manager Scott Dancz, WRF Superintendent Justin Alanis, Facilities Superintendent Nichole Stephens, City Clerk Technician II Cathy Laughlin, City Planner Candi Quilici, Accounting Manager Jan Baum, City Manager Kyle Ward, Police Chief Andrew Storla, Water/Sewer Superintendent Jim Foster, Airport Manager James Wiley, Parks and Recreation Director Susie Shurtz, Human Resources Manager Dale Johnson, Utilities Director Dave Stanton, City Attorney Jeff Ford, Building Official James Johnston, Fire Chief Paul Algerio, Public Works Sarah Schick, Civil Engineer May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 1 of 14 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 Mayor Keener called for public comment. Scott Gavorsky on behalf of the Elko County Republican Party thanked the City of Elko for having a mail ballot drop off box and maintaining it. He reminded voters that early voting was going through June 5th, and primary election day was June 9th. He added if anyone was looking for info on any of the Republican candidates there were links to their websites at elkonvgop.org. V. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes for the May 12, 2026, Regular Session. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION B. Review, consideration, and possible approval for the Elko Police Department to apply for the Nevada Joining Forces Program Grant, a no-match grant with an anticipated award ceiling of $30,000 and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION The Elko Police Department is requesting approval to apply for the Nevada Joining Forces Program grant. The Joining Forces Program is a statewide, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement initiative administered through the Nevada Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety. The program supports coordinated traffic safety enforcement efforts focused on reducing fatalities, serious injuries, and dangerous driving behaviors throughout Nevada. Participating agencies receive grant funding to support overtime enforcement operations tied to statewide campaigns and safety initiatives. The program is fully funded through the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). KW ** A motion was made by Councilmember Morris, seconded by Councilmember Stone to approve the consent agenda as written. Mayor Keener called for public comment and did not receive a response. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) VI. PRESENTATION A. Invocation presented by Rajan Zed, President, Universal Society of Hinduism and matters related thereto. INFORMATION ONLY, NON-ACTION ITEM May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 2 of 14 Rajan Zed had the audience rise as he read from ancient Hindu scriptures. A copy of the invocation and English translation was included in the agenda packet. B. Reading of a proclamation in recognition of the Elko High School 2026 State Golf 3A Championship and matters related thereto. INFORMATION ONLY, NON-ACTION ITEM Mayor Keener congratulated the team on repeating last season’s success and invited comments from Coach Colin Oke before reading the proclamation. Coach Oke said the team had a very good year and noted that, in addition to developing as golfers, the players had grown as individuals. He said the team received as many compliments for character and sportsmanship from parents and coaches as it did for its golf performance, which he considered especially meaningful. Mayor Keener then read a proclamation recognizing the Elko High School boys golf team for its dedication, sportsmanship, and teamwork during the 2026 season. Councilmember Giovanni Puccinelli added that the team was very young and said the council hoped to see them return next year. Councilmember Chip Stone thanked the team for representing both the City of Elko and Elko High School in a positive manner and said their example meant a great deal to the community. C. Reading of a proclamation in recognition of the Elko High School 2026 State Baseball 3A Championship and matters related thereto. INFORMATION ONLY, NON-ACTION ITEM Mayor Keener noted that the high school baseball program’s last state title had come in 1989 and congratulated the team on bringing another championship back to Elko. Mayor Keener asked about the season and invited Coach Jeremy Etchemendy to share remarks before reading the proclamation. Coach Etchemendy said he was grateful for the opportunity to coach the team and proud that the players had brought a baseball championship back to Elko after many years. He said the team’s success reflected the players’ hard work, time, and commitment, and added that their long-term success would ultimately be measured by the kind of young men they became and their contributions to their families and community. He also thanked the City of Elko, Parks and Recreation staff, and others who helped support the team’s use of the city fields. Mayor Keener read a proclamation recognizing the Elko High School Indians baseball team for its grit, discipline, and determination throughout the 2026 season. Councilmember Puccinelli commented that the players had shown great respect toward the umpires and maintained positive attitudes throughout the season, which reflected well on the coaching staff. VII. PERSONNEL A. Employee Introductions: 1. Juan Arevalo - Street Maintenance Technician II May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 3 of 14 Paul Algerio, Street Superintendent, introduced Juan Arevalo as the newest Street Maintenance Technician II and noted that he brings prior experience from the Nevada Department of Transportation. Mr. Arevalo said he was born and raised in Elko, had recently joined the City, and looked forward to continuing his work in the community. He added that his prior experience included work with NDOT and in the mines. Mayor Keener welcomed Mr. Arevalo to the City. VI. PRESENTATION D. Presentation by Melanie Erquiaga from the Nevada Outdoor School, and matters related thereto. INFORMATION ONLY, NON-ACTION ITEM Melanie Erquiaga, Executive Director of the Nevada Outdoor School, thanked the City of Elko for its longstanding partnership and support. She said the organization, originally based in Winnemucca, began serving Elko regularly in 2014, opened an office in Elko in 2015, and has since expanded its local presence. She noted that the organization partners with the City on outdoor youth programming and other community events and that local support helps strengthen broader fundraising efforts. She provided an overview of the Nevada Outdoor School’s 2025 annual report and Elko program results, a copy of which is included in the minutes packet. She said the organization serves multiple rural Nevada counties and focuses on youth development by helping children build connections to the outdoors while learning responsibility, safety, and stewardship. In Elko County during 2025, the organization served 2,607 students in 133 classrooms through its school-based Nature in My World program, provided 40 Nature in the Park programs totaling more than 300 hours outdoors, and took 111 Elko County campers on nine summer camps, resulting in more than 3,500 hours of outdoor experiences. She also introduced local staff members Kim Pay, Director of Programming, and Toral Tapia, Communications and Marketing, and highlighted community programs, outdoor skills training, and partnerships that expand access to recreation and environmental education. She also highlighted the organization’s growing emphasis on OHV safety education and that Nevada Outdoor School offers both informal outdoor skills training and formal certification-based instruction, including OHV safety, and has expanded those efforts in response to youth injury data. She reported that the organization distributed 320 helmets to children during the previous year through partnerships with industry supporters and encouraged families to use a free online OHV safety course that also qualifies participants for a free helmet. She added that the City’s annual support of approximately $5,000 helps cover essential program needs not always funded by grants, such as food, supplies, and transportation, and demonstrates community confidence in the organization’s work. Mayor Keener thanked Ms. Erquiaga for the presentation and commented that he had not realized the organization also offered camping programs. He noted the value of those experiences for young people, particularly those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to spend time outdoors. Ms. Erquiaga responded that the organization intentionally varies camp locations from year to year to encourage returning participants and emphasized that its broader mission is to help young people connect with Nevada’s natural places, care for them, and recreate safely and responsibly. May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 4 of 14  E. Community impact update for 2025 by Nevada Gold Mines, and matters related thereto. INFORMATION ONLY, NON-ACTION ITEM. Ms. Goicoechea, representing Nevada Gold Mines’ Community Engagement and Development Department, presented an overview of the company’s 2025 community impact. A copy of the presentation was included in the agenda packet. She reported a total community investment of $3.07 billion, including support for nonprofit and governmental entities, taxes, personnel costs, and social investments. She described two primary community funding avenues: site-based Community Investment Committees, which consider requests for up to $5,000, and Community Development Committees, which generally support larger, more sustainable projects over $20,000. She said the company’s giving is guided by five focus areas: cultural heritage, environment, health, economic development, and education. She highlighted several statewide and local initiatives supported by Nevada Gold Mines, including Communities In Schools, Nevada Robotics, and the Elko County School District teacher grant program, which provides $80,000 in classroom support. She also reported that the Nevada Gold Mines Heritage Fund had surpassed $6 million in giving, with 17 percent employee participation and company matching available for eligible Nevada nonprofits. In addition, she said the I-80 Fund, originally created during the COVID-19 period to support small businesses through low-interest loans, had distributed more than $13 million and supported over 115 small businesses. She added that one of the company’s largest recent community investments was support for the Nevada Gold Mines Recreation Center aquatic facility. Mayor Keener thanked Nevada Gold Mines for supporting the aquatic center, stating that it was a valuable amenity for both company employees and the broader community. He also noted the anticipated opening of the outdoor pool the following evening. Ms. Goicoechea closed by encouraging anyone who has had difficulty reaching the company’s community team to contact Nevada Gold Mines through its community email. F. Presentation, update, and discussion regarding the City of Elko 5-Year Strategic Plan, presented by Dr. Fred Steinmann, Director of the University Center for Economic Development at the University of Nevada, Reno and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION The City of Elko staff and community have been working with Fred Steinmann and the University Center for Economic Development team over the past year to establish a 5-Year Strategic Plan for the City of Elko. Dr. Steinmann will be present to give an update on the strategic plan. JB Dr. Fred Steinmann, Director of the University Center for Economic Development at the University of Nevada, presented an update on development of the City of Elko’s 2026-2030 organizational strategic plan. He said the process began in early 2025 and included individual and small-group meetings with Council members, staff, department heads, regional partners, major employers, and other external stakeholders. He also reported that the planning effort included a comprehensive community needs assessment survey, multiple public meetings held without City officials present in order to encourage candid public input, and a series of internal strategic planning workshops with City May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 5 of 14 leadership and senior staff. Dr. Steinmann said the resulting draft technical report was under final review by the City Manager and staff and they would return to the Council later for final presentation and possible approval. He said the draft plan includes updated organizational core values, mission and vision statements, and 10 draft strategic goals intended to guide the City over the five-year planning horizon. He explained that each goal includes strategies, resource needs, potential barriers, and measures intended to support implementation and organizational learning. He also said the plan identifies organizational priority issues such as financial sustainability, infrastructure and capital investment, internal process improvement, and continued community outreach and engagement. He further reported that the planning process identified four primary community priority areas: continued delivery of community services in a fiscally responsible manner, housing and economic development, healthcare access and capacity, and recreation. He said the draft plan also includes responsive and steady-state initiatives intended to improve resiliency and preparedness for economic downturns, natural disasters, or other major disruptions. Dr. Steinmann added that, under the City’s contract with the University Center for Economic Development, annual plan updates would be provided for up to four years following adoption. Mayor Keener asked Dr. Steinmann if there were any results that were surprising to him or may have jumped out. Dr. Steinmann responded the strongest themes that emerged from the public process were the intensity of concern regarding affordable and attainable housing, demand for continued economic development and diversification, preservation of natural resources and recreation opportunities, and the need for expanded healthcare services. He said the public strongly supported building on existing sectors such as mining and agriculture rather than replacing them, while also encouraging additional downstream and upstream economic activity. Mayor Keener asked Dr. Steinmann if the new surgery center filled the gap and alleviated some of the strain of the healthcare needs in the city. Dr. Steinmann responded that any new healthcare provider helps address a critical need but would not, by itself, close the widening gap between healthcare demand and the region’s capacity. He noted that statewide workforce and service shortages remain significant and are expected to continue as population growth and aging increase the demand for care. Mayor Keener asked Dr. Steinmann if he saw there being any impacts on the City of Elko regarding the lithium loop. Dr. Steinmann responded the initiative is expected to have major impacts in northeastern Nevada by creating substantial new jobs and business opportunities tied to critical minerals, battery materials, manufacturing, recycling, and energy storage. He said those opportunities would also bring additional demand for public infrastructure and services, requiring continued coordination among local governments, educational institutions, and regional partners to maximize benefits and manage impacts. VIII. APPROPRIATION May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 6 of 14  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 Lostra to approve regular warrants in the amount of $1,311,100.52. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) ** A motion was made by Councilmember Puccinelli, seconded by Councilmember Lostra to approve hand cut checks in the amount of $105,223.16. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) ** A motion was made by Councilmember Puccinelli, seconded by Councilmember Lostra to approve utility refunds in the amount of $978.14. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) B. Review, consideration, and possible issuance of substantial completion for the Exit 298 Sewer Lift Station and Force Main Project, Public Works Project #EL-2025-064, and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION Great Basin Engineering Contractors has substantially completed the Exit 298 Sewer Lift Station & Force Main Project. City Council approved the Notice to Proceed with Change Order No.1 on January 14, 2025. The project bid amount was $4,766,847.27. During the course of construction there were an additional 5 change orders totaling $27,701.84 resulting in a final project cost of $4,794,549.11. JK Jim Kerr, Utilities Director, reported that the project was nearing completion and that staff was finalizing punch-list items associated with Change Order No. 6. He said the total amount of the five executed change orders was $27,701.84 and noted that one change order included a credit of approximately $19,000 after staff selected an alternative coating recommended by the manufacturer in place of the originally specified coating. Mr. Kerr said the project was completed under budget. Mayor Keener asked how long it would be before businesses along West Idaho Street would be able to start hooking into it. Mr. Kerr responded they still needed to complete several remaining change-order items. He said there was a possibility the system could be placed into operation before testing the pig launchers, although doing so would carry some risk if problems later arose. He added he hoped the remaining work could be completed and the system activated within a couple of weeks. Mayor Keener reminded the Council that most of the project costs had already been paid as construction progressed and that the remaining payment due was approximately $55,000. He called for public comment and did not receive a response. May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 7 of 14 ** A motion was made by Councilmember Stone, seconded by Councilmember Morris to issue substantial completion for the Exit 298 Sewer Lift Station and Force Main Project. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) C. Review, consideration, and possible authorization for staff to purchase a new Caterpillar 415IL Industrial Loader with cab, in the amount of $132,780.60, and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION This purchase was budgeted for in the FY 2026/27 Budget. Empire Southwest is a Caterpillar dealer with an Omnia Contract # 212816-01, which is in effect through October 2, 2027. The contract price for the Caterpillar 415IL Industrial Loader with cab is $132,780.60. Because the loader has an estimated four-month delivery timeline, staff is requesting Council approval at this time so the order can be placed promptly and the equipment can be received when needed. PA Mr. Algerio explained that the equipment, commonly referred to as a skip loader, is essentially a backhoe-style machine with a box scraper attachment and would be used primarily for grading, dirt work, and alley maintenance. He said the loader would be a new addition to the City’s fleet rather than a replacement and noted that the City currently rents similar equipment multiple times each year. He added that the machine had also proven useful during cleanup work at the humanitarian camp. Mayor Keener asked if there was a place to park it indoors when not in use. Mr. Algerio responded that indoor storage space for equipment was limited. He also said staff had reviewed used equipment options but determined that the Omnia contract pricing, which reflected an approximate 22 percent discount, made the new machine a better value because it would be covered by warranty and available at a fixed quoted price. Councilmember Lostra asked if it was an estimated price until the equipment arrived. Mr. Algerio responded the price would not change. Councilmember Puccinelli commented that the purchase appeared timely given the likelihood of rising costs if the City delayed ordering the equipment. Mayor Keener called for public comment and did not receive a response. ** A motion was made by Councilmember Stone, seconded by Councilmember Lostra to authorize staff to purchase the Caterpillar 415IL Industrial Loader with cab in the amount of $132,780.60, subject to final approval of the City’s budget by the State of Nevada. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 8 of 14  D. Review, consideration and possible authorization for staff to purchase a new Weiler P285 Asphalt Paver, in the amount of $254,725.97, and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION This purchase was budgeted for in the FY 2026/27 Budget. Empire Southwest is a Caterpillar dealer with an Omnia Contract # 212816-01, which is in effect through October 2, 2027. The amount of the Weiler P285 Asphalt Paver under this contract is $254,725.97. In order to secure delivery of the Asphalt Paver in early July, 2026 to be utilized this summer, staff is requesting Council approval at this time. PA Mr. Algerio explained that the Weiler P285 Asphalt Paver would be a new addition to the City’s fleet. He said a recent pavement assessment identified approximately 186 road sections in need of overlay work and noted that the City had also experienced several large water-related pavement failures that required timely repairs. Mr. Algerio added the City has had increasing difficulty securing contractors for smaller paving jobs and that the paver would help staff complete overlays, water patch repairs, and preparatory work for micro slurry projects more efficiently. Mayor Keener noted they currently had a trailer type unit. Mr. Algerio confirmed the City’s existing paving equipment is a trailer-type unit pulled behind a truck, which is limited to thin applications and is difficult to control for depth. He said the new paver would allow for improved street work. Mayor Keener said it made sense to be as self-contained as possible and asked if it could potentially be used for projects such as golf course cart paths. Mr. Algerio confirmed that it could. Councilmember Morris commented that additional in-house paving capacity would make the Street Department more self-sufficient and could provide long-term value for both roadway and recreation- related projects. Councilmember Stone asked about extended warranty options. Mr. Algerio said the quoted price included only the standard 12-month warranty. A representative from Empire Southwest stated that an extended warranty could be added later following an inspection. Dale Johnson, Assistant City Manager, noted that a warranty could also be considered under a separate contract at a later date. Mr. Algerio further explained that the original budgeted amount also included a trailer and that the paver purchase, as quoted, would leave limited room within that portion of the budget. May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 9 of 14 ** A motion was made by Councilmember Stone, seconded by Councilmember Morris to authorize staff to purchase the Caterpillar 415IL Industrial Loader with cab in the amount of $132,780.60, subject to final approval of the City’s budget by the State of Nevada. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) IX. 5:30 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING A. Public Hearing, review and possible approval of the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Final Tentative Budget, and matters related thereto. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION Staff will provide a Revised Budget Presentation and will be requesting Final Tentative Budget approval and submittal. JB Reece Keener left at 5:31 pm. Ms. Baum reviewed the final stages of the budget process and noted that the budget was due to the State of Nevada on June 1. She said the Council’s prior direction had been incorporated into the final tentative budget, including a cost-of-living adjustment for management and appointed officials, a one- step extension for management, appointed officials, and confidential employees, the addition of one full-time position in the Building Department, purchase of 14 patrol vehicles, prioritization of the Facility Reserve Fund for a new City Hall, revisions to the health insurance fund, and creation of compensated absences and risk management internal service funds. She summarized the budget overview, including beginning fund balances, resources, expenditures, transfers, and projected ending fund balances across governmental and enterprise funds. She noted that the compensated absences fund and risk management fund had been added as enterprise internal service funds. She said citywide capital outlay had increased significantly because the budget included a $10 million placeholder in the Facility Reserve Fund for a new City Hall. She also reviewed ad valorem revenue assumptions, stating that property tax revenues were budgeted to increase by approximately 3 percent, totaling about $10.2 million citywide with approximately $1.2 million in abatements. Regarding consolidated tax revenues, Ms. Baum reported that the City had received a March sales tax distribution of approximately $1.7 million that morning, which exceeded the March totals from both 2024 and 2025, although that amount was not fully reflected in the current fiscal year estimate. Ms. Baum further stated that the General Fund was projected to begin the fiscal year with approximately $16 million and end with a budgeted fund balance of approximately $11.875 million. She stated that, although sales tax remained volatile, departments had tightened spending and the City had finished the current year close to budget. She noted there were no changes to community service donations, except that the City would delay issuing the planned $500,000 payment associated with Elko High School track improvements until additional direction was received from the Legislature, the Elko County School District, or the booster club. In the Recreation Fund, she reported the addition of a one-time $3,000 contribution request for Sky Fair and funding for repairs to lights at Herrera Field. She said Youth Recreation and several other funds had no significant changes, while the Municipal Court Fund now reflected a previously approved transfer that increased its beginning fund balance to $200,000 for potential capital improvements. Ms. Baum noted that the Revenue Stabilization Fund remained within the limits required by NRS and that the RDA budget continued to assume an ending fund balance of zero to allow for potential public improvement projects. She said staff had reevaluated the Capital Construction Fund and removed May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 10 of 14 certain design work in order to preserve fund balance. She also noted a correction to the SR227 sidewalk project, increasing the project amount from $400,000 to $625,000 so it would match the anticipated NDOT reimbursement. In the Ad Valorem Fund, she noted that roof repairs for City Hall remained budgeted because of ongoing leaks, while HVAC replacement was not included. She reiterated that the $10 million shown in the Facility Reserve Fund for a new City Hall was a placeholder and that staff expected to return with financing options later. She said the Water Fund had been revised to include additional infrastructure spending capacity if needed to support development. Mayor Keener asked if they were looking at the possibility of preventative maintenance on the wells and evaluation. Ms. Baum responded staff had been discussing the matter and that it remained on Utilities Director Jim Kerr’s list, although no specific funding had yet been built into the budget. She added that a portion of the Water Fund balance needed to remain reserved for PFAS-related mitigation. Mayor Keener asked for an explanation to be provided to the public that may not know what PFAS is. Mr. Kerr explained that PFAS are emerging contaminants, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” that have been detected in the City’s water system. He said the City had begun work on a preliminary engineering report to evaluate mitigation options and reported that seven wells had tested positive, with five exceeding the proposed maximum contaminant level. Mr. Kerr said regulatory requirements remained a moving target and that unanswered questions remained regarding long-term disposal of treatment materials. Mr. Johnson noted that the City had joined litigation related to PFAS contamination and had received nearly $2 million in settlement funds that must be reserved for PFAS mitigation. Ms. Baum added that those restricted funds would be reflected in the City’s audit. She continued her review, stating that the Sewer Fund and Golf Course Fund had no major changes. She said the Landfill Fund now carried forward an $800,000 water wagon purchase that would not be received during the current fiscal year. She added that the Airport Fund reflected the projects previously presented by Airport Manager Jim Foster, including snow removal equipment, terminal sidewalk work, and associated grant funding. Turning to the Health Insurance Fund, Ms. Baum explained that the Council’s prior direction had been incorporated by reducing dependent premiums by 10 percent and increasing HSA and HRA contributions. She said the fund remained healthy because actual claims had come in well below budget in recent years, allowing the City to reduce the employer contribution back to $15,000 per employee for the coming year while still absorbing approximately $551,000 annually in dependent coverage costs. Ms. Baum then reviewed the newly created compensated absences and risk management funds. She said the compensated absences fund was seeded with $250,000, including budgeted retirement payouts moved out of the General Fund, and that the risk management fund was seeded with $100,000 to cover insurance deductibles and replacement of damaged equipment. She added that Finance Manager Candi Quilici had also updated each fund’s estimated fiscal year 2026 expenditures in preparing the final budget. Mayor Keener called for public comment and did not receive a response. May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 11 of 14  Reece Keener returned at 5:33 pm. ** A motion was made by Councilmember Puccinelli, seconded by Councilmember Stone to approve the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Final Tentative Budget. The motion passed unanimously. (5-0) X. REPORTS A. Mayor and City Council Mayor Keener commented favorably on the Elko High School coaches recognized earlier in the meeting and congratulated them on bringing championship teams back to Elko. He noted that he would be unable to attend the upcoming Recreation Board meeting because of a FAAN presentation in Battle Mountain and reported that he would be attending Mayor’s Day in Carson City on June 1st through the League of Cities, and encouraged department directors to forward any issues that should be raised there.Mayor Keener also noted the upcoming outdoor pool opening at 5:15 p.m. the following day at the Nevada Gold Mines Recreation Center, an airport event scheduled for June 2, and a forthcoming meeting with the managing director of Nevada Gold Mines. He thanked Leslie Goicoechea for helping coordinate that meeting. Councilmember Morris reported that he would be out of town for the next meeting. Councilmember Stone reported that the Memorial Day veterans event at the cemetery was well attended and meaningful, and he thanked those who participated. He said the Mine Expo at the Convention Center was in full preparation and noted that he would be in Italy for the June 9 meeting. He also reported that convention center staff were addressing major roof-related construction issues and expected them to be resolved soon. B. City Manager No report. C. Assistant City Manager No report. D. Utilities Director No report. E. Public Works No report. F. Airport Manager May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 12 of 14  Jim Foster, Airport Manager, reported that the Traveling EMS Memorial would arrive in Elko on June 2 at 4:00 p.m. after departing California the previous day. G. City Attorney No report. H. Fire Chief Fire Chief James Johnston reported that the 92nd Civil Support Team was in Elko for training and would continue field exercises the following day at the old Elko Vet Building. He said the team, consisting of nearly 30 members, was training alongside local personnel, including the City police bomb squad and other agencies, and that the joint work was valuable for coordinating strategies and tactics. He also reported on a recent fire in the river corridor, stating that the location made access difficult and required assistance from two agencies. He said train traffic had been held for approximately two hours while crews extinguished the fire. I. Police Chief No report. J. City Clerk No report. K. City Planner No report. L. Development Manager No report. M. Financial Services Director No report. N. Parks and Recreation Director Joe Carr thanked Council members and others who attended the Memorial Day service at the cemetery, stating that the event required considerable effort and that attendance was appreciated. James reported that Mine Expo preparations were underway and that nearby construction activity was expected to be managed without affecting the event. He also reminded the Council that the Recreation Department’s summer day camps and classes would run from June 9 through July 30 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with morning and afternoon sessions staged from the Girl Scout House. He said the program would include partnerships with Nevada Outdoor School for nature-based May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 13 of 14  activities and with the museum for classes and tours. James also reported that the pickleball project remained on schedule and on budget, with surfacing at both locations expected to begin in early July and be completed by approximately July 20, followed by about one week of curing time. O. Civil Engineer No report. P. Building Official Jeff reported that there was no significant update from the Building Department other than the hiring of a new building inspector, who was scheduled to begin work the following Monday. 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 public comment. Councilmember Stone announced a large community event at the California Trail Center scheduled for June 6 and 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days. He said the event would feature live music, food trucks, children’s activities, pioneer and mountain man reenactors, Basque dancers, and other family-oriented activities, all free to the public. There being no further business, Mayor Reece Keener adjourned the meeting at 6:08 pm. Mayor Reece Keener Annette Robinson, City Clerk May 26, 2026 City Council | Minutes Page 14 of 14