On the agenda: Lovelock 08/05/26 - Minutes — data center (Aug 5)

THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOVELOCK MET IN REGULAR
SESSION ON AUGUST 05, 2026, AT LOVELOCK CITY HALL AT 5:30 P.M.
Present:

Mayor
Council members

Rodney Wilcox
Bonnie Skoglie
Christina Dickerman
Jordan McKinney (absent)

City Clerk
Legal Counsel

Nicole Reitz
Sean Rowe

Visitors: Peggy Jones, Kristen Gonzalez, Dale Rutherford, Frankie Graham, Wendy Nelson
Zoom: Michael Miller, Perri Stewart
PUBLIC COMMENT-PERSONAL COMMUNICATION-CORRESPONDENCE :
None at this time
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Kristen Gonzalez, County Manager, provided an update on multiple projects, focusing first on the
proposed data center. Gonzalez reported on an extended meeting with county commissioners
and outlined plans to consult other counties’ leadership to develop Pershing County–specific data
center codes. A Community Action Group has been formed, with public meetings scheduled at
the Community Center on August 15, September 9, and October 15 at 4:30 PM, using online
RSVP to stay within the 250-person capacity. Due to unanswered community concerns from the
proponent company, county leadership intends to pursue a six-month moratorium at the next
commissioners’ meeting to allow time for research and code development, supported by a
subject-matter expert from the Governor’s data center board. Updates were also given on other
projects: the Zanskar geothermal project (in exploration, with potential construction in 2028 and
operation around 2029–2030 near the prison), Blue Moon Metals (land acquisition complete, 2026
drilling and data work in the Tungsten area, strong community outreach), Alter G geothermal in
Dixie Valley (ongoing exploration), Solidus Resources (draft NDEP permits released; long-term
gold project with significant projected output and community engagement), and Rose Acre Farms
(no significant updates). Two prospective solar projects will be removed from the agenda pending
company follow-up, and a new TSL Geothermal project will be discussed in a meeting scheduled
for August 21.
MINUTES REVIEW-APPROVAL:
Council Member Dickerman moved to approve the July 15, 2026, meeting minutes as presented
Motion carried unanimously
SEWER-DISPOSAL ACCOUNT DELINQUENCIES-ADJUSTMENTS-REFUNDS:
Clerk Reitz presented two delinquent sewer/disposal accounts for consideration of write-off. One
account related to a property purchased and cleared up by the railroad, where attempts to contact
the former occupant were unsuccessful. The second involved an elderly resident who went from
owning multiple homes to living in a hotel. Council member Skoglie moved to write off both
accounts
motion passed unanimously

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CITY ADMINISTRATION / RENEWAL PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE CARE FLIGHT EMERGENCY
AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE COVERAGE FOR THE CITY EMPLOYEES AT $40.00 PER
MEMBER
Council reviewed renewal of the Care Flight emergency air ambulance coverage for City
employees at $40 per member. Staff confirmed employees are informed of and enroll in the
coverage at hire. In response to a question, it was clarified (from the hospital board perspective)
that if an injured person is conscious, they may request Care Flight, but if not, the hospital will call
whichever air provider can respond fastest, consistent with current policy. Council member
Skoglie moved to approve renewal of Care Flight emergency air ambulance service coverage at
$40 per member
Motion Carried Unanimously
CITY ADMINISTRATION / FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PRIORITIES / PLAN
/ ADOPTION
Council discussed the five-year capital improvement plan (CIP) and noted that no projects are
being funded in the current year’s plan to maintain a tight budget. It was agreed that council and
staff will begin setting priorities in March each year so that capital needs can be incorporated into
the next fiscal year’s budget. Clerk Reitz clarified that the submitted plan contains no active capital
projects and is consistent with the already adopted budget. Council member Dickerman offered
a motion to approve the five-year capital improvement plan as presented
Motion carried unanimously
CITY ADMINISTRATION / DISCUSSION/ POSSIBLE ACTION DONATION TO 501 [C] [3]
SANTA FOR SENIORS
Council revisited a prior request from Santa for Seniors, a local 501(c)(3), for a monetary donation.
It was noted that the organization is a worthy cause, but no funds were budgeted for such a
donation in the current fiscal year, and the City does not typically donate outside of budgeted
items. Council discussed the idea of creating a dedicated charitable/501(c)(3) line item (e.g., a
set annual amount) for consideration during a future budget cycle and asked that this be noted
for budget planning. Council member Skoglie offered a motion not to approve the requested
donation at this time due to lack of budget authority
Motion carried unanimously
CITY ADMINISTRATION / DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO CONTRACT WITH
SHAW ENGINEERING IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $7,500.00 TO PREPARE THE
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (ER) FOR THE CITY OF LOVELOCK CDBG WASTEWATER
UPGRADES PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT (CDBG) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICABLE
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Representative Tony Black of Shaw Engineering introduced himself and outlined a proposal for
Shaw to prepare the Environmental Review (ER) for the City of Lovelock CDBG Wastewater
Upgrades Project in an amount not to exceed $7,500. He explained that CDBG staff have
indicated the environmental review must be completed before they will sign the grant agreement
for Phase 1, even though that funding has already been approved. Shaw’s environmental
specialist, who recently completed a similar ER for Goldfield, will handle the work, and the contract
will be on a time-and-materials basis with efforts made to control costs. It was clarified that this
cost will be paid from the City’s sewer budget, not from CDBG grant funds. Mayor Wilcox briefly
discussed the overall wastewater plant upgrade project and the City’s pursuit of additional funding
(Phase 2) from CDBG, SRF, and USDA. Council member Skoglie offered a motion to approve
contracting with Shaw Engineering in an amount not to exceed $7,500 to prepare the ER in
accordance with CDBG requirements and applicable federal regulations
Motion carried unanimously

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CITY ADMINISTRATION / REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PAY JOSE JIMENEZ FOR
197 HOURS OF ACCRUED VACATION
Council considered a request to authorize payment to Jose Jimenez for 197 hours of accrued
vacation upon his departure from employment with the City. Council member Skoglie expressed
appreciation for Jose Jimenez’s service and his pursuit of a new opportunity and made the motion
to approve payment of 197 hours of accrued vacation.
Motion passed unanimously
PROCLAMATIONS-AWARDS:
None at this time
BUSINESS LICENSES-BUILDING PERMITS-LIQUOR LICENSES-SPECIAL EVENTS LIQUOR
LICENSES:
None at this time
MAYOR-COUNCIL-STAFF REPORTS–PROPOSALS:
Council member Skoglie reminded everyone of the Healthcare Foundation dinner on the 8th at
the Community Center. They also reported being appointed to a hospital renovation committee.
Mayor Wilcox reported that City Hall and public works staff have been very busy and described
significant discussion about the Strip Park. The lawn’s summer water bill is approximately $800
per month, which is unsustainable. The proposal is to remove a large grass section (from the
pickleball court to the workout station), replace it with decomposed granite/zero-scaping, add
trees, landscaping islands, flowers, and drip irrigation, and continue to maintain the smaller
grass areas closer to Chevron and the basketball court. Council expressed support, noting high
maintenance costs, frequent vandalism and damage to sprinklers, and minimal use of the large
lawn. The mayor will work with staff to develop a more detailed plan and bring it back for council
review. It was noted the county plans to completely redo its park sprinklers and turf. A staff
member explained repeated issues with the existing irrigation system (broken sprinklers, difficult
troubleshooting). Grant opportunities were discussed. Clerk Reitz mentioned grants being
sought for playground equipment (pending response). Another participant (Wendy) said she can
help the City write grants for various projects, including parks. Ideas such as a splash pad were
mentioned, but concerns were raised about the City’s already high-water bills. There was brief
discussion about comparing the City’s water costs to those at other facilities and whether water
usage levels are reasonable. The mayor described recurring problems with excess household
garbage and bulky items placed out beyond what current service levels cover (e.g., barbecues,
extra cans, piles of rubbish). Mayor Wilcox is considering a policy where residents receive a
certain number of “extra item” stickers per year: items with stickers would be collected; other
excess material would require proper containers or different arrangements. The mayor noted
that the City often collects yard waste from the curb as a courtesy, but some customers have
begun to take advantage of this, increasing workload and cost. A future ordinance or policy
change may be brought to council to address this. Mayor Wilcox also reported significant work
on weed control and trash cleanup, especially near the main highway entrance and under the
bridge. NDOT advised they had equipment and spray delays but would address their areas
once repairs are complete. City crews have already cleared and sprayed weeds near the corner
by the flag, under the bridge, and down to Golden Gate, hauling away a full dump truck and
trailer of debris. The mayor acknowledged that some of this work is outside the City’s strict
responsibilities, but staff are doing it to improve the community’s appearance. Police Chief
Mancebo reported being busy with annual recertification training, including firearms, rifle, and
taser training. One of the animal control officers volunteered to be tased as part of training and
likely would not volunteer again. Police staff also participated in National Night Out, which had a
strong community turnout. Sean Rowe, City Attorney, reported that the title commitment has
been received for the property being sold to Pershing General Hospital. Mayor Wilcox is

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expected to sign closing documents to move the transaction toward completion, and the hospital
is anticipated to be pleased by the progress.
VOUCHERS, CLAIMS AND PAYROLL:
Council member Dickerman offered a motion to approve the vouchers, claims and expenditures
as presented.
Motion carried unanimously
PUBLIC COMMENT
Peggy Jones asked where the Shaw Engineering environmental review would be funded from
and was advised it will come from the City’s sewer budget, not grant funds; she also requested
any available national night out event photos be sent to her. Frankie Graham offered to help with
ideas for the Strip Park improvements and asked to be involved as plans develop. Dale Rutherford
requested permission to detect metal for historical artifacts if grass is removed from the park
areas; council was receptive in concept, noting the need for legal review. Wendy Nelson proposed
creating a free, family-oriented “Nevada Silver Days” community event in September focused on
mining heritage, noting she can help obtain tourism/event grants and already holds the event
name; council expressed interest in pursuing this through a community planning effort.
___________________________________
Rodney J. Wilcox, Mayor

LOVELOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 08-05-2026 regular meeting

___________________________________
Nicole Reitz, City Clerk

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