February 17, 2015

Mr. John

Koenig Public Works Staff: Mr. David Fanning

Commissioner Schinhofen

called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.

Commissioner Schinhofen

welcomed Mr. John Koenig who will be a new member to this board and thanked Mr. Cameron McRae for his years of service on this board.

Commissioner Carbone

motioned to approve the minutes. Mr. John Koenig second. Approved.

Commissioner Carbone

motioned to accept Commissioner Schinhofen as the Chair,

Mr. Koenig

second. Motion approved.

Mr. Koenig

motioned to accept Commissioner Carbone as Vice-Chair, Commissioner Schinhofen second. Motion approved.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that he received a lot of emails about this subject. He asked Mr. Fanning if there was anything that he would like to discuss. Mr. Fanning stated no, not at this time, it is at the direction of this Board.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that first off this money cannot be used for salaries Regional Transportation Commission – Minutes February 17, 2015 it has to be used for road material and construction. In 1993 we had about 1,718 miles of road now we currently have over 2,600 miles of road. The Gas Tax was 4 cents a gallon then and it is 4 cents a gallons now. The vehicles in 1993 that were getting 19 miles per gallon are now getting 39 miles per gallon. We have doubled the mileage on vehicles and the roads. The cost of roads back then was $50,000- $70,000 per mile and now it is $180,000-$200,000 per mile. Commissioner Schinhofen also stated that we get no diesel tax money. All diesel tax money goes to NDOT. Commissioner Schinhofen stated that a few years ago 6 County’s approached the State to try and get 3 cents of that tax. The Bill never made it to the committee and they were castigated for not doing all they thought the counties could to get funding. Commissioner Schinhofen stated that the county has cut 60 employees and we’ve cut it from the General Fund. He stated that he does not know of another way to continue maintaining and refurbishing the roads that we currently have let alone taking on more roads.

Commissioner Carbone

stated that in looking at the data that is provided it is sad because it doesn’t show what we want it to show. He also stated that is hard to sell it because based on what was said about the cars getting better gas mileage and the use of electric cars, these reports should see a decline in the numbers of gallons but he doesn’t see that. If we had something that showed it was a continuous decline that would be great. Commissioner Schinhofen stated that it does show the drop in gallons from when the gas prices went higher. He also stated that it has not increased from 2006 until now but we have increased the miles of road. There are more roads using the same dollars. Commissioner Carbone stated that the gas tax issue has been voted on twice and failed twice. He wouldn’t mind putting this on the ballot again.

Mr. Koenig

stated that he wouldn’t have a problem with it being on the ballot either but what he is concerned with is that if the 4 cents goes up by 3 cents making the total to 7 cent tax per gallon it will only get us an additional 2.7 miles of paving and that’s nothing. Mr. Koenig asks Mr. Fanning if that was chipseal or asphalt, Mr. Fanning stated asphalt. Mr. Koenig asked how much chipseal we could get out of that. Mr. Fanning stated about 3 and half times that amount. Commissioner Carbone stated that we aren’t looking for new roads we are just looking to repair what already exists. Mr. Fanning stated that he is correct and it’s not just in the Pahrump valley, it is County wide. In the Pahrump valley the roads are 27-30 years old on average and this is just asphalt. He also stated that we are not taking into consideration the chipseal because it is a short term 5 year road. Mr. Fanning addressed the Northern end of the County (Tonopah) that has roads that are 40+ years old with minimal work done to them. Commissioner Carbone stated that there may be other alternatives to get funds to build and repair roads. There may be rules and laws in place that we can act on to help us out with these issues.

Commissioner Carbone

stated that if someone wants to put it on the ballot he is ready for it. Commissioner Schinhofen stated that his issue is that it has been on the ballot twice and the most it got was 25%. Commissioner Schinhofen asked one of the gentlemen why he voted no on this question and then he went over all the 2 Regional Transportation Commission – Minutes February 17, 2015 figures with him. The man stated that if he would have known what it was going to pay for he would have voted yes.

Commissioner Schinhofen

believes that most people are uninformed when it comes to the gas tax questions. He also stated that at 5 cents it would average out to be about a dollar per week. Commissioner Schinhofen also stated that 30% of the money that we get comes off of the 95 Corridor and those folks do not drive our local roads. Mr. Koenig stated that we need to be careful and not raise it so much that citizens would fill up in Clark County thinking it would be cheaper for them.

Commissioner Carbone

would like to see this topic brought up in the BoCC meeting.

Mr. Koenig

asked Mr. Fanning what it would cost to fix roads. Mr. Fanning stated that over the summer we used the Superpave as an alternative to fix some of these roads. Mr. Fanning stated that the only problem was that we have not gone in and rebuilt some of these roads which you are asking about. We have used the Superpave which is about 1 ½” thick pavement. Pahrump Valley Boulevard intersection is a high traffic area and the Superpave was done at no cost to the county by the contractor. We are now getting ready to do this again on Calvada from Blagg west to Redrock but that is something the County will have to pay for. The cost will be $180,000.00 up to $222,000.00. We will have cost in this because we are going to be removing some of the base in the bad spots and section it out to use as a test sections. We are going to GPS those areas and track them. The $222,000.00 will be the cost to leave existing material in place, your existing sub- base and your existing asphalt other than where is alligatored out less than 4” and removing it and rebuilding it back and patching it in. The cost for the $280,000.00 is strictly 3 ½” of pavement. The sub-cost (Type II) would be our responsibility. Mr. Fanning stated that by the time you get done doing a road you are up around $400,000.000 for a mile of pavement at 28’ wide and a 4’ hinge. We are trying to do more with less and trying to do it scientifically and engineering wise. Mr. Fanning stated that as the asphalt products get better it will have more longevity, not only in the oil but in the aggregate as well. Mr. Fanning stated that drainage is a key factor. Calvada is very flat between Paige and River Plate and the water has taken a toll on that area. We are trying to bring a better product but get a bit more until we can rebuild these roads.

Mr. Koenig

asked Mr. Fanning if we could try and sell it by saying if it gets approved then we will fix certain roads instead of going by how ever many miles.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that each project has to come to this board to be looked at because this board is where the funds for those projects are but looking out in the audience today we don’t have a lot of public here. This topic generated a lot of emails but no one is here to discuss the alternatives.

Commissioner Carbone

stated that we need to educate the public about this topic so that we can make a proper decision on how to move forward, not only in Pahrump and Tonopah but even further north. Commissioner Carbone made a motion to continue this to the next meeting so that we can come up with a better plan to put out to the people. Mr. Koenig second. Motion approved. Commissioner Schinhofen asked if there was any public comment. There was not. 3 Regional Transportation Commission – Minutes February 17, 2015

Ms. Beeman

stated that the Master Plan was adopted and everyone should have a copy of that, it is also uploaded onto the website. Ms. Beeman also stated that they are now moving into the implementation action plan. Ms. Beeman stated that they would like to do some coordination with the RTC. Ms. Beeman stated that transportation is one of our main chapters within the document and the RPC would like to do some outreach. Commissioner Schinhofen referred back to the Nye County Master Road Plan that was revised in 1993. Commissioner Schinhofen stated that these two documents need to be merged together. Mr. Fanning stated that we are working on updating that to work in conjunction with the Master Plan. Mr. Fanning also stated that we have a couple of different ideas, as per the board’s request and we are taking out some of the things that are in that manual. Mr. Fanning stated that he had this information at the last meeting but it was cancelled, he apologized for not having that with him at this meeting but he will have it at the next meeting. Commissioner Schinhofen stated that he would like to have Ms. Beeman come to the next meeting when that document is updated so that they can discuss the changes together. Commissioner Carbone stated that there are several things in the PRPD Master Plan that Mr. Fanning and Mr. Carlo may want to take a closer look at including the flexible signs and OHV speed limits.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that what he needs to know is if there are funds left over from these projects and how much that is. Commissioner Schinhofen stated that he is trying to find money for Homestead from Gamebird to Manse. Mr. Fanning stated that this report shows just that, those are the funds remaining but some of these projects are ongoing.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that he would like the projects that are finished to be pulled out and totaled so that he can match them up with capital funds and bring it back to the board.

Commissioner Carbone

referred to the back-up chart and stated that he would like to see what projects are finished and not finished, maybe a completed column so that it’s easier to understand.

Mr. Fanning

stated that at the last meeting in October the board requested that we go back 3 years. Mr. Fanning wanted to clarify that at the next meeting he will have the chart show complete on those projects from 2011/2012 and then drop it showing the current fiscal year projects. Commissioner Schinhofen stated, yes, that is what he would like to see. What is completed and what funds are remaining to use for new projects. 4 Regional Transportation Commission – Minutes February 17, 2015

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that this was discussed so that the bus could get down that road and turn around safely but there some alignment issues.

Commissioner Schinhofen

turned the floor over to Tim Carlo, Nye County Road Superintendent. Mr. Carlo stated that is correct and right now he is currently doing the meets and bounds and surveys on these properties and trying to acquire the property on the west side. He also stated that we have a plan in place and we are now waiting to hear back from the property owners.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that he is looking for right of way information for these properties too. Mr. Fanning stated that Mr. Jim Shaner, Nye County Surveyor, is pursuing the patented property owner for 30 ‘access off of the northern side of Mary Lou. At this time the owners on the southern side of Mary Lou are not willing to participate. Mr. Fanning stated that he can take this to the Board of County Commissioners meeting and they can decide what to do.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that with a 30’ access we can still get down the road to blade it. Mr. Fanning stated that is correct but once the property owner on the western side of Libra grants us the right of way we will have a full 60’ right of way off of Susquehanna. Commissioner Schinhofen asked if Susquehanna was a county maintained road. Mr. Fanning stated only to Jane but not off of Quarterhorse. Mr. Fanning also stated that we will be about 300’ shy of completing it all the way down to Quarterhorse. He also stated that he is seeking right of way all the way around and that leaves Capricorn. Mr. Fanning stated that Capricorn is attached to Susquehanna and Mary Lou. He also stated that he is going through the DA’s legal process because there is a well that was drilled about 8’ into the road right of way. Mr. Fanning stated that Capricorn is not being looked at as hard because he has the other right of ways to pursue so that we can get in there and maintain it.

Commissioner Carbone

asked if we have to have Capricorn to finish up that area.

Mr. Fanning

stated that you do not, however, there is dedicated county easement with a well drilled into it and that is a public concern.

Commissioner Schinhofen

turned the floor over to Mr. Fanning. Mr. Fanning stated that he wanted to bring this to the RTC to see if they were in conjunction with it.

Mr. Fanning

stated that this is something we do in the 4 cent. The 4 cent fund does the maintenance and lighting falls into that. Commissioner Schinhofen stated that he did not see the need for it because this will all be removed once the state comes in and does the roundabout. He also stated that if it can be done for $50.00 then he is good with that. Mr. Fanning stated that in his breakout it will actually cost about $500.00 but VEA has always waived that fee to install because it’s for the public.

Commissioner Schinhofen

asked who would pay that bill each month. Mr. Fanning stated that it comes out of the 4 cent fund and would cost about $16.00-17.00 per month. Mr. Koenig asked if this pole would be temporary, Mr. Fanning stated yes.

Commissioner Carbone

stated that he brought this up at the BoCC meeting because people were complaining that there wasn’t enough light at that intersection during this time of year because the ice-cream shop is closed and provides no light.

Commissioner Carbone

motioned to approve a temporary pole for lighting on the northwest corner of Blagg and HWY 372. Mr. Koenig second the motion. Further discussion; Commisioner Schinhofen asked if this will enhance safety. Mr. Fanning stated yes. Commissioner Carbone asked who would be paying for the power requirements once the State comes in and does the roundabout improvements. Mr. Fanning stated that the County would pay for those costs. Mr. Fanning also clarified that once they widen the 372 looking north down Blagg on the west side, that corner will have an expanded lane and when they do expand it UICN has a sewer pressure line in that area. They will determine what needs to be done with that and the county will bear those costs as well. Mr. Fanning stated that this project is not going to be simple one. The line is down about 4’ however it does have one tie-in under the highway going in a straight line. Right now it sits about 3’ off the edge of the existing pavement so the pavement width will go out about another 14-18 feet on the west side. Motion approved.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated he has been trying to move this forward and he wanted to know if the 1.4 million was still a good figure. Mr. Fanning stated that he is close. Commissioner Schinhofen stated that this is the busiest intersection in the Valley. Tim Carlo stated yes, correct. Commissioner Schinhofen asked if funds have been indentified for this yet. Mr. Fanning stated no. The reason Mr. Fanning put this on the agenda is because the Manse Road Repave Project’s Superpave Contractor put a price together to do this. They will remove the bad sections and the road will not be expanded any wider. It will stay at 26’ wide so it will not match 6 Regional Transportation Commission – Minutes February 17, 2015 what is on the north end of Gamebird on Homestead but it’s an alternative to get this road into the next phase. Currently there is no funding for this but we will end up with maybe $210,000.00 left over from the Manse Road Repave Project.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that with the funds that left over we can take to the capital improvements board to see what they can add to it. Mr. Fanning stated that the RTC has funding as well. Commissioner Schinhofen asked Mr. Fanning to get with the contractor and see what the feasibility is to take care of this road. Mr. Fanning stated that it will be about an 8-10 year road.

Mr. Koenig

asked if that section of Homestead was on the CIP list. Mr. Fanning stated, it is. Mr. Koenig suggested that we take some of that money and use it for this repair. Mr. Fanning stated that the CIP funds are being used for the Manse Road Repave. It was 50/50 county match money and that is what we are using now to repave Manse.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that Albert Bass did a nice presentation in the BoCC Meeting last month so we are all aware of it. Albert Bass stated that they have designed this program to operate as net zero, which means the money that goes into the program from the grants covers the operations of the program. He also stated that he understands that the county doesn’t have the money to help with even matching the funds. As money comes in to the program they will make sure they allocate it to cover the cost of fuel. Mr. Bass stated that the grant is due next month and there will be another due next April but they have until August to allocate matching funds. If they do not have matching funds by then it just delays the project for another year.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that he would like to see something in writing that explains the net zero operation. Commissioner Schinhofen stated that he doesn’t think this a program that is needed. He also asked if by calling for transportation outside the area would that be within a half mile of the route or is that anywhere.

Mr. Bass

stated no it’s designed to cover the entire valley. He also stated that everything north of 372 and south of 372 is on demand response.

Commissioner Carbone

asked if it needed to be called in a day or two ahead. Mr. Bass stated it requires a 24 hour notice or as available for same day. Commissioner Carbone thinks this program needs to start so we can see if it will even work. He also stated that he too would like to see the net zero figures.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that his concern is that we do not have the population to support this and some of these funds should be brought to the town board so that they can participate also. Mr. Bass stated that he will be meeting with them today. He also stated that if there are no funds by August he will know that the program cannot move forward. 7 Regional Transportation Commission – Minutes February 17, 2015

Commissioner Carbone

motioned to see the actual funding and timing when it’s available. Mr. Koenig second. Further Discussion: Mr. Fanning asked Mr. Bass what type of fuel would they be using. Mr. Bass stated diesel fuel. Mr. Fanning asked about the servicing of these vehicles. Mr. Bass stated that under the plan it can be the County, the School District or the Town. He also stated that it is a 95% reimbursement on vehicle maintenance. Motion approved.

Commissioner Schinhofen

stated that the next meeting will be on April 21, 2015 at 8:30 am. Commissioner Carbone motioned to approve and Mr. Koenig 2nd. Passed 3-0