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Ely council approves Washington delegation, revokes Murry Street one-way conversion and authorizes Georgetown Ranch survey
Summary
At its Feb. 27 meeting the Ely City Council approved sending a four-person delegation to Washington, D.C., revoked a prior one-way conversion for Murry Street citing emergency access and plowing concerns, authorized a boundary survey at the Georgetown Ranch to be paid from the Water Fund, certified roads under NRS 365.550 for fuel-tax purposes, and awarded surplus-equipment bids.
Ely — The Ely City Council on Feb. 27 voted to send a four-person delegation to the Nevada League of Cities Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C., revoked an earlier decision making Murry Street one-way, and authorized a property-boundary survey for the leased Georgetown Ranch, among several other actions.
Mayor Nathan Robertson said the delegation will meet with the city’s congressional offices to press for Community Project Funding and to follow up on previously approved requests that have stalled. "There is a great deal of money there for our community, and I'd hate to see that go away," Robertson said as he described scheduled meetings with congressional staff and the technical role city staff will play at the sessions.
The council approved using Community Service Funds to pay travel costs and named Mayor Robertson, Councilman Terrill Trask, City Engineer Almberg and City Clerk Jennifer Lee as delegates. Councilwoman Samantha Elliott moved the delegation resolution and Councilwoman Melody Van Camp seconded; the motion carried unanimously.
During a separate agenda item, the council revoked its April 13, 2023 action that had converted Murry Street to one-way northbound. Fire Chief Pat Stork and Public Works Director Mike Cracraft raised operational concerns for emergency response and snow removal. Chief Stork warned that heavy windrows of plowed snow could block crossover routes and complicate access for calls in the 700 block and added, "If we have lights and sirens on going the wrong way and we hit somebody we are liable." Sheriff Scott Henriod also flagged the potential impact on diverted semi-traffic when state highways are closed.
On property matters the council authorized a survey to establish the west property line of the leased Georgetown Ranch near Golf Course Road, directing staff to issue a Request for Proposals and approving use of the Water Fund to pay for the survey. City Attorney Chris Arabia told the council there is a disagreement with the tenant over the boundary and that a survey is the prudent step to protect both the tenant and the city: "I realize it's kind of a frustration to have to put out for this expense, but I think it's the best way to do right by the tenant, while also making sure that if we act that we're acting appropriately."
The council also approved a Certification of Roads for Fuel Tax pursuant to NRS 365.550 and reviewed a bid tabulation for surplus city property sold "as is," voting to award each item to the highest bidder listed in the tabulation. Public Works Director Mike Cracraft presented the bid results and the council voted to accept the high bids.
During public comment, local resident George Chachas urged the council to halt the Washington trip and instead spend Community Service Funds on local infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks and drainage; he also pressed for documents and contacts related to the Bell Avenue water-main CDBG project and raised other service concerns.
All motions recorded at the meeting carried unanimously. The council adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
