Commission Splits on Appointment to Planning Commission 

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

The Lyon County Commission voted 2-2 on a motion to appoint Wes Henderson to the Lyon County Planning Commission at its Dec. 19 meeting, meaning the appointment will be brought back to the next commission meeting. 

Henderson was one of four candidates on the agenda who applied for the Planning Commission vacancy. He was the District 1 representative on the Board of Commissioners but did not run for reelection, and Dec. 19 was his last meeting as a county commissioner. He recused himself from the discussion of the item and stepped down from the dais. 

Commissioner Tammy Hendrix said the reason she voted no is that the Planning Commission has generally been a step toward serving on the County Commission, and she would prefer to keep it that way. 

Other applicants were Patricia Palmer of Fernley, Andrew Merritt of Stagecoach, and William Kling of Yerington. 

Henderson will be replaced on the County Commission by John Cassinelli, who ran unopposed for the District 1 seat. 

The next County Commission meeting will be Monday, Jan. 6, because the commission’s first meeting of January in odd-numbered years is held on the first Monday after New Year’s Day. 

In other actions at the Dec. 19 meeting: 

• The commission heard year-end reports from county officials, including the Lyon County Annual Comprehensive Financial Report 2023-2024, presented by Comptroller Josh Foli. The report summarizes the county’s long-term financial plan and independent audit report. The audit firm Sciarani & Co. conducted multiple tests to monitor internal controls and reported no findings during their review, noting compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 

• Approved the selection of DOWL Engineering for the Master Services Agreement related to development services, including county engineer, county surveyor, floodplain management, and inspection services. 

• County Manager Jeff Haskin presented on Senate Bill 53, Lyon County’s bill for the 83rd Legislative Session, which establishes requirements for GPS navigation websites and applications to post road closures and hazards, and other related matters. 

• Approved contracts with Candice Landa to provide behavioral health clinician services in the amount of $15,600 for Lyon County Resilient Families, $15,600 for the Mobile Outreach Safety Team (MOST), and for trauma-focused therapy programs. The board also approved a contract with Angelica Alexander for $30,160 to provide behavioral health clinician services for the Trauma-Focused Therapy Program. Additionally, commissioners approved a contract between Lyon County and Transition Support Property Solutions for $5,588 to provide handyman services to individuals within the Senior Services Case Management program. 

• Approved a letter of support for the South Lyon County Hospital District’s proposal to construct a new clinic and a letter to Governor Joe Lombardo’s office thanking him for sending a letter collaborating with the county to address concerns on federal projects. 

The complete agenda and backup materials are posted online at www.lyon-county.org/Agendacenter. Residents can view recordings of Board of County Commission meetings on the Lyon County YouTube channel.