The Fernley City Council's Nov. 4 meeting opened with an explanation of the previous day's water emergency and remarks from Mayor Neal McIntyre following Tuesday's election, before moving through infrastructure spending, residential development and utility fees.
Chief Operating Officer Barry Williams addressed the Nov. 3 interruption at the city's water treatment plant, which prompted an emergency conservation request to residents.
Williams said operators discovered that communication with the treatment plant had been lost, leaving the facility unable to produce water. With storage tank levels declining and the cause unknown, the city asked residents to conserve water to protect essential services, including firefighting.
Operators subsequently identified and repaired the problem. During the incident, city officials notified the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and coordinated with North Lyon County Fire Protection District and Lyon County Emergency Management in preparation for possible emergency measures.
Those measures were ultimately unnecessary.
Williams acknowledged public concerns about communication during the incident and said the city would continue looking for ways to improve emergency notifications.
Mayor McIntyre defended the decision to notify residents before the cause had been identified.
"We could have chosen to wait until we had more information before making an announcement, but we chose to communicate early to prepare for the worst-case scenario," McIntyre said.
During public comment, newly elected Councilwoman Alisa Rhino said residents wanted to know what caused the problem, how it was repaired and whether it could happen again. McIntyre suggested she speak with Utilities Director Ozzie Henke, cautioning that some treatment plant information involves security considerations.
McIntyre congratulated Tim Bickerton, who was leading the mayoral race, along with incoming council members Rhino and Debbie Skinner. He also thanked outgoing Councilman Ryan Hanan for his service.
Although additional ballots remained to be counted, McIntyre acknowledged that the results were unlikely to change his race.
He encouraged residents to support the incoming administration, treat city employees respectfully and seek accurate information rather than relying on social media speculation.
"Rumors and assumptions do not serve our community," he said. "Respectful conversation and informed residents do."
Hanan also thanked city employees, the sheriff's office and McIntyre for their work during his four-year term. He reported that three speed-feedback signs had recently been installed on Truckee Lane, Julia Lane and Fremont Street.
The council unanimously approved its consent agenda, including several engineering expenditures.
The largest was a $171,660 contract amendment with Eastern Sierra Engineering for additional water and sewer design work in the Good Earth neighborhood.
The city is already planning street and sidewalk reconstruction there, but engineers determined that aging underground water and wastewater infrastructure also needs replacement.
The existing pipes include deteriorating asbestos-cement pipe. City staff recommended coordinating the underground work with street reconstruction rather than tearing up newly paved roads later.
The project covers several neighborhood streets, including Sixth and Seventh streets, B through G streets and Earth Circle. Design documents anticipate construction beginning in April 2027.
Council also approved $36,100 for Shaw Engineering to design an emergency generator for the Community Response and Resource Center.
Although the facility was designed to serve as an emergency shelter, it currently lacks backup power. The city plans to pursue federal Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant funding that could cover 75% of the project cost, with a 25% local match.
The council also authorized an additional $30,000 for Hansford Economic Consulting to complete the city's water and sewer rate study, bringing the stated contract authorization to $74,000.
The study will evaluate operating costs, capital improvements, water and sewer rates, and connection fees. Any proposed rate changes would require separate council approval, potentially taking effect in late 2027 or early 2028.
The council heard the first reading of Bill 393, a proposed development agreement extending the deadline for the 37-lot Wilson Landing subdivision.
The project, located near Scott Drive, Crimson Road, Ricci Lane and Opal Way, received tentative map approval in 2020.
The current owner, Wedge Meadows Homes, is requesting an extension through Dec. 31, 2028, to finish revisions and record the final subdivision map.
Senior Planner Lisa Warner explained that the project had previously received an extension through November 2026. The latest request follows a change in ownership.
No final action was taken on the ordinance at the meeting.
In its final action item, the council voted 3-0 to increase refundable deposits for rented fire hydrant meters from $1,600 to $3,100.
Henke explained that replacement meters now cost approximately $3,760, leaving the city exposed to losses if rented equipment is damaged or not returned.
The deposit remains refundable, subject to outstanding charges or deductions.
The council's next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. to canvass election results, followed by the Nov. 18 regular meeting, when the new mayor and council members are expected to take office.
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