NewsDesk is back again – having returned from our annual fall trip to Montana and putting a few other issues related to “my other life” to rest, I am ready to go. 

So, here are a few Lyon County issues that have come to my attention:

• Commissioner Larry McPherson feels Lyon County Commissioner Districts should be changed prior to the 2010 census taking place.

I am having a hard time understanding his rationale for requesting “discussion and possible action” on tomorrow’s (October 15, 2009) commission agenda.  Looking at the packet material provided, he offers no reason for his request and only a rather vaguely drawn map and approximate population numbers of the proposed districts.  One notable distinction on the map that is very clear, however, is there is only one commissioner district south of Silver Springs.

I don’t believe this rather bizarre, ill-time proposal will go any further than a few laughs, but one has to ask why McPherson would even attempt such a proposal one year away from the census.  I am not an expert on such things, but I believe that even if this did pass, another redistricting would have to be considered following the 2010 census.

Has this man no concept of the time and expense involved?  Does he care?  What is his motive?

• The Planning Commission has scheduled a special meeting in Dayton on October 27, beginning at 1:00PM.

This meeting will continue Public Hearing Items (Santa Maria Ranch II / Dayton Land Developers, LLC – Master Plan Amendment,      Specific Plan, and Planned Unit Development) from the October 13, 2009, Planning Commission meeting.

In case you are not aware, the developers of the former Winter’s Ranch in Dayton want to change the original plan to enable them to develop approximately 2,192 residential units consisting of a mix of single family attached and detached units, multi-family units, and senior community residential, including attached, detached, and apartment style units, and 20 acres of commercial development on approximately 653 acres located between US 50, Ophir Mill Road and the Carson River in Dayton.

How amazing and unusual for the Dayton Valley to be faced with such an issue – changing an originally approved residential community of nice, low density housing to ultra-high density housing, apartments and commercial development.  And they want it approved NOW!!  That is why Dayton residents are being treated to a special meeting – right in their own community.

I (and those many others) who have attended past meetings over such requests could probably recite the developer’s arguments that will be spewed before them once again!!  And, alas, even if the planning commission turns this request down, we all know what happens when such issues relating to the Dayton Valley get to the Commissioner’s desks.

Regardless, I plead for Dayton residents to once again come forward and let their thoughts be known......and start calling your planning commissioners and county commissioners now!!

More on this as it progresses...........

• What has happened to the appeal of the County Commissioners’ decision to allow commercial development on approximately 45 acres of currently rural residential property bordering Highway 50 along River Road?

To jog your memory a bit:

• The Planning Commission originally recommended denial of this master plan amendment and zoning request.
•  The County Commission voted 3-2 to overturn that recommendation and approved the master plan change and ultimate zoning change from rural residential to commercial.
• Per statute, it was returned to the Planning Commission to decide whether to uphold the Commissioners’ approval or stand by their recommendation of denial.  They upheld their recommendation of denial.
• It should have been back on the commission agenda immediately following that decision.  There have been at least two commission meetings since – and no sign of the issue.

Dayton residents, I would demand to know why it has not reappeared.  I realize, trying to change the mind of any of the three commissioners voting to approve this spot zoning master plan change (Tibbals, McPherson, Mortenson) would be difficult – sort of like talking to a deaf horse – the process should have been/should be followed. 

I would hope there are no games being played here.

• Jail project updates are important.

It may seem like a rather mundane item listed on each commission agenda, but the regular updates regarding the progress of the Lyon County Jail Project are important and offer the taxpayers the opportunity to gain some insight to the process.

Taxpayers are always complaining they do not know how their dollars are being spent.  I will guarantee you, with the financial and construction acumen of Commissioner Chuck Roberts - and his penetrating questions, nothing will go unchallenged in regards to this project, particularly in regards to expenditures – as well it should be.

Roberts’ penchant for requesting important details and information can be a bit irritating to the contractors, including the Project Manager, but it is about time such projects are put under such scrutiny.

Think about it.

Nancy Dallas, Editor/Publisher

NewsDesk (Established January 2003)