Carson City Supervisors appoint new members to Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission
Submitted by Jaedyn Young on Sat, 03/09/2024 - 12:44pm
On Thursday, the Carson City Board of Supervisors appointed Jacob McDermott and Diane Baker-Roberts for the two open spots on the Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission.
During public comment, many people spoke against creating a dog park at Ronald D. Wilson Memorial Park and instead allocated funds to repair the play structure.
“Before the play structure was fenced off, it was full of children all year long,” Marlene Reite told the supervisors, adding that it’s been fenced off for roughly two years.
“I think [the dog park] is an obscene waste of taxpayer money,” one man said.
The parks continued to be a main topic of discussion when the Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission's two vacant, four-year term positions were discussed. There were five total candidates to be chosen from for these positions. They answered questions and gave statements on their background before the supervisors unanimously appointed Jacob McDermott and Diane Baker-Roberts.
McDermott grew up in North Lake Tahoe before he came to Carson City three years ago. He worked in seasonal park operations in the North Tahoe Public Utility District from 2007 - 2008, where he also served on the parks and recreation commission there. He also worked for the Boys and Girls of North Lake Tahoe from 2014 - 2018. He enjoys hiking, mountain biking, disc golfing and skiing.
"I want to become an ambassador for the city and for the community to show really what the city has to offer and ways the community members can give back to the recreation," McDermott said.
Stacey Giomi, supervisor for ward one, asked about how McDermott will evaluate the different uses for dog parks.
McDermott said the dog park controversy was a new "blip" on his radar. He said he sees the balance of doing something and not doing anything, but he wants to go see the park and go talk to the community, without going in with a decision on his mind.
The other new appointment, Baker-Roberts is a life-long Carson City resident and an active member of the community, according to her application. She taught in the Carson City School District for almost 30 years and coached soccer, basketball, softball, skiing and tennis. A few of the supervisors even noted her as "coach" or "Ms. Roberts."
Giomi asked the same question about the differing opinions on the use of parks, including the controversy against the dog park.
"I think you have to listen to those people, of course they're concerned," said Baker-Roberts. "I think you have to look at what’s best for the majority of our community. Who's going to use this facility or the building or the park."
Other agenda items:
The supervisors then approved three agenda items including a new Public Art Donation Proposal Form, a conflict counsel attorney services contract with John Leroy Arrascada and the financial report through Feb. 23. They mentioned the discussion of the EagleView contract for aerial photography of Carson City would be tabled for now.
The board also discussed the Dewatering Building Mezzanine Slab Repair Project to repair damaged concrete on the second floor of the Carson City Water Resource Recovery Facility’s Dewatering Building. The not to exceed amount of $490,245.80 comprises the base bid amount of $445,678, and a 10% contingency of $44,567.80. The engineer’s estimate for the Project was $230,000.
Lori Bagwell asked if it was absolutely necessary to have this contract.
“It’s one we’ve been watching for years,” Andy Hummel, the city’s utility manager told the board. “We let it go too long, it’s really expensive.”
The board approved this project unanimously.
Board of Health agenda:
The Board of Health heard and approved the following reports:
— A report from Dr. Colleen Lyons, Carson City Health Officer
— A 2023 Annual Report of the Carson City Department of Health and Human Services from Nicki Aaker, the director of the Health Administration
— Third Community Health Improvement Plan based on the findings of the third community health needs assessment and the community health needs assessment workshop scheduled for April 25, 2024.
To view the entire Board of Supervisors meeting, click here.
