Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Comp Plan topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge protection of Clark County farmland; Sierra Club asks council to probe possible conflict of interest
Summary
During public comment the council heard calls to preserve agricultural land and criticism of the comprehensive plan process; Wendy Cleveland of the Sierra Club asked the council to investigate whether Jamie Housley's outside representations create a conflict of interest, and the County Manager said staff and legal would look into it.
Multiple residents used the meeting’s public‑comment slot on May 14 to urge Clark County councilors to protect farmland and to criticize the county’s comprehensive plan process.
Carmen de Leon said she wants the county to preserve its natural land and presented alternatives to large‑scale infrastructure she views as damaging. “Let the people vote if you guys wanna destroy it because once you destroy it, you can't put it back,” de Leon said, arguing for tourism‑oriented uses rather than transit projects she criticized.
Theresa Hardy addressed the minutes and the recent District 4 election, saying both candidates ran on protecting agricultural land and asserting the newly seated councilor is misrepresenting District 4 voters. She warned that volunteer organizations and smaller community groups deserve recognition and urged the council to take public input seriously.
Kimberly Goheen Alban said participants are holding the council accountable and urged the county to protect farmland and water and to stop cutting trees. Her remarks reflected wider calls during public comment for preservation of local agricultural resources.
Conflict concern and staff follow‑up Wendy Cleveland, speaking for the Sierra Club, raised a separate concern about a potential conflict of interest. Cleveland said a Mr. Housley appears on a public advisory body (DEEP) while also representing Granite Construction and that last week he represented a landowner on the extended agricultural study. “I’m just wondering if this is a conflict of interest. Has anybody checked this out?” Cleveland asked.
The County Manager said staff would work with legal to look into Cleveland’s question. “I can work with legal and we can look into that,” the County Manager said.
Council and public context Several speakers referenced the comprehensive plan: one speaker said the public was worried the county is behind in its comp plan outreach and that the plan may not be ready until November–January, leaving limited time for public review. Speakers also criticized the tallying and presentation of public comments in prior minutes and urged more substantive public engagement.
Discussion vs decision The remarks were part of public comment; no formal policy decision or vote resulted from the comments at this meeting. The County Manager committed to consult with legal on the potential conflict alleged by Wendy Cleveland and to provide whatever findings staff and legal determine appropriate.
Ending Public comment concluded before the council moved to its business items. The council acknowledged the concerns and staff follow‑up on the conflict question.
