The Planning Commission met on Tuesday evening January 26 for the first workshop session of the new year at the Churchill County Administration Building. Attendees were able to participate in person or via Zoom.
Workshop sessions provide the community representatives the opportunity to discuss currents activities in their respective organizations with the Planning Commission, each other, and members of the public.
Joe Mendez, Fallon Tribal Development Corporation director since October 5, 2020 gave an update on the revised plans for the approximately 37 acres of land near the Fox Peak Station on East Williams. Developer proposals are being reviewed with a target start date of June or July. Phase 1 of the project will focus on housing and retail and Phase 2 will focus on shopping.
Tim Thompson, Fernley Planning director, reported on the following planned projects: 43 acres in the Nevada Pacific Parkway, Tri-Center 2 in southwest Fernley and the IRG Group project which borders on Churchill County. The construction of up to 5,000 housing units around the city are planned but require infrastructure improvements to support them (sewer, water, etc.). About 240 apartments are under construction on Freemont Street with another 320 multi-family and other zero lot line homes planned. Infrastructure upgrades and replacements are necessary around the city and impact fees along with other funding sources are being considered. A connector between I-80 and Highway 50 Alt, and its location, are also still under discussion. It was noted that 60% of the people employed in Fernley live outside the city.
Linda Brown from the University of Nevada Extension in Fallon noted that no extension education is taking place at present but may be starting by July. Water testing and other services are still being provided.
Holly O'Toole, WNC Fallon Director, reported that nursing and other classes are live, available via Zoom and online.
Summer Stephens, Churchill County School District superintendent, reported that 20% of the students are full time remote learners via the Online Learning Academy. Another 74% attend classes in person, 3 hours per day per session. Students attend either a morning or afternoon session. Attendance is increasing and behavioral problems are decreasing. 100% of the students now have devices with full time connections, and that is being verified. Busing is a challenge and school bus drivers are still needed. COVID impact to enrollment is estimated at $250,000 to $300,000.
Rob Rule from NAS Fallon reported on six main projects. Community Development - Navy housing phases 1 through 4 have provided 120 new or updated homes. Phases 5 and 6 will provide approximately 219 more homes that are due to be completed sometime late summer, and they still need upwards of another 170 homes. Fallon Rang Training Complex – An Inter-government Executive Commission was formed to address various issues. Military Construction – Completed the innovative simulator training facility. Navy Reserve Center in Stead – This facility is being consolidated and integrated into NAS Fallon. Conservation Program – 8,000 acres have been designated to help with Fallon farming and agriculture. Natural Resources Conservation Services and Navy funding will be made available for conservation property acquisitions. Department of Wildlife – About $2 million in funding is being transferred by the department for conservation purposes. Naval Aviation – Two F-35s are on base with four more coming. F-35 flight training is planned for 2021 – 2022. An increase in support staff of up to 250 people will be required over the next five years with the expanded F-35 presence.
Christy Sullivan from the Lahontan and Stillwater Conservation District reported that the office time has been limited due to COVID. They will be working with NRCS next month, and also have a new web site in progress. A poster contest is being planned for the schools and Summer Stephens offered her assistance with that project.
Regular Planning Commission meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.
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