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Votes at a glance: WRWC reappoints Michael Widmer; authorizes Holland & Hart as legal counsel
Summary
At its April 16 meeting the Western Regional Water Commission unanimously reappointed Michael Widmer to the Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission and authorized engagement of Holland & Hart LLP as WRWC legal counsel, continuing Lucas Valletta as principal attorney.
The Western Regional Water Commission on April 16 took two unanimous formal actions: it reappointed Michael Widmer as the domestic well owner representative to the Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission and authorized an engagement letter with Holland & Hart LLP to serve as WRWC legal counsel.
Reappointment: The commission reappointed Michael Widmer to a new term on the Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission after receiving a staff recommendation that he meets the qualifying experience required by the WRWC Act and that the NNWPC recommended his reappointment. Kim Rigdon summarized Mr. Widmer’s prior service dating to an initial appointment in January 2020 and a 2022 reappointment.
Motion: Member Dewar moved to reappoint Mr. Widmer; Member Taylor seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Legal counsel engagement: WRWC staff reported a transition in legal counsel: the board’s former counsel moved from McDonald Carano to Holland & Hart LLP earlier this year. Lucas Valletta (principal attorney) told the commission his transition became effective March 31 and that Holland & Hart’s engagement letter uses the same scope of services and no increase in cost compared with the prior firm. Valletta explained Holland & Hart can potentially add expertise (for example, PFAS regulation and monitoring) through the firm’s broader natural-resources capabilities.
Motion: Alexis Hill moved to authorize Holland & Hart LLP to serve as WRWC legal counsel; Member Andreola seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Notes: Staff said the scope of services under the engagement letter is word-for-word the same as the prior engagement; any expanded work (for example, added PFAS-related services) would be pursued through amendments as needed. Valletta indicated he would remain the principal attorney on WRWC matters.
