- Commissioner McPherson’s agenda proposal to consider redistricting Lyon County prior to the 2010 census went down in what I would consider a rather embarrassing show of ignorance by Commission McPherson.
McPherson said he was asked by constituents to place the issue on the agenda – and that if he had known beforehand the facts that were presented by the County Clerk/Treasurer at the meeting he would never have placed the issue on the agenda.
He apologized for his ignorance....and well he should have. Hopefully, he learned a few things about the concept of “having your ducks lined up”. A few well posed/well directed questions prior to the meeting could have saved considerable staff time and himself some embarrassment.
- Now for my own ignorance......in regards to the changing of the County Statute regarding the rehearing of planning issues.
Shame on me, not only for missing the notification of this Public Hearing and the commission vote in October 2008, (I was out of town on an extended trip; however, I do receive the agendas and simply missed this item), but for also not making the public aware of the consequences of this action.
The County Code previously required a County Commission decision relating to planning issues that is contrary to the Planning Commission recommendation must be returned to the Planning Commission for reconsideration. If the Planning Commission reaffirms their prior decision (contradictory to the County Commission vote), it must be reheard by the County Commission.
Following the change it states the Commission MAY request a rehearing of such issues.
In the particular case that stirred my concern, the Planning Commission denied a major Master Plan Amendment request to change approximately 45 acres along River Road, bordering Highway 50, from Rural Residential to Commercial. The County Commission differed from that recommendation and approved the request 3-2.
It was then returned to the Planning Commission for reconsideration. The Planning Commission upheld their recommendation for denial. The Planning Director presented a report of this decision to the County Manager’s office. Prior to the change in the County Code, the County Commission would be required to rehear it. Now a commissioner must request it be reheard. (See related article – County Planner responds.) I am not so sure any of them were aware of this – and I do not know the timeline restrictions.
Apparently, no commissioner has made such a request and the zone change requests (allowed by the Master Plan change approved by the commissioners) will be heard at the first meeting in November....and another rural neighborhood in the Dayton Valley will be desecrated.
Another opportunity for the public to speak/protest in efforts to protect their interests has now been removed. This is very sad for the ordinary property owner who cannot afford the legal representation that the developers of such plans can. I am sure the developers are happy as kittens in a soft lap!
Has it occurred to anyone – that if the Planning Commission votes twice in support of an issue, there just might be some validity to their decision?
- The new motocross track in Yerington appears to be a good example of what a lack of adequate public information being issued prior to a decision being made can incur.
I do not know if this was intentional, or not......hopefully, not. It is now rather evident that many homeowners in the rural Cottonwood Lane area were unaware of, or misled, as to its potential impacts on their lifestyle.
Following one event, they now well know the impact!
However, if the residents do have legitimate concerns, they must do more at this point than simply complain to the media. It is now their responsibility to properly address their concerns to the Fair Board and, ultimately, the County Commissioners.....prior to any contract extensions with the promoters of the track events. It will then be up to these boards to consider the issues and come to a proper decision.
Think about it.
Nancy Dallas, Editor/Publisher
www.NewsDeskbynancydallas.com (Est. January 2003)
The members of the Lyon County Fair Board:
Steve Berrington 463-5132 Term expires 12/12
Darrell Pursel 463-4900 Term expires 12/10
Sue Bradford Term expires 12/12
Mike Harrington 463-4978 Term expires 12/10
Lindsey Stockton Term expires 12/10
Kristina Acciari 835-1588 Term expires 12/10
Bob Arigoni 463-4626 Term expires 12/10
Lisa Tibbals Term expires 12/12
Carl Weatherford Term expires 12/12
Kris Homan 463-3392 Term expires 12/12
Roger Malson Term expires 12/10
