Ely City Council holds hearing on historic districts, addresses health hazards and approves local trail project

The Ely City Council convened for a regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24, navigating a public hearing on proposed historic districts, addressing emergency abatement actions for property health hazards and approving recreation and infrastructure projects. Councilman Dennis Perea was absent from the meeting.

Public hearing over proposed historic districts

A central focus of the meeting was a formal public hearing regarding the potential establishment of historic districts along Aultman Street, stretching from 1st Street to 11th Street, as well as the Nevada Northern Railway complex. Under municipal procedures, the governing body must decide within 15 days of the hearing whether to establish the historic district boundaries or decline the proposal.

The proposal drew varied perspectives from community members, business owners and historic preservation advocates.

Mark Bassett, president of the Nevada Northern Railway Foundation, spoke in favor of the historic districts, arguing that formal designation would support downtown development, protect heritage assets and open new federal and grant funding streams for local restoration. Janet VanCamp, representing the newly formed Historic Preservation Committee, urged council support, noting that the three-month-old advisory board has generated numerous ideas for ordinances aimed at boosting foot traffic and aesthetic appeal in the downtown core.

Mayor Nathan Robertson clarified that establishing a historic district serves primarily as a planning tool to encourage smart development and preserve unique architectural features rather than imposing rigid restoration mandates. He emphasized that the hearing represents an initial step in an ongoing community dialogue.

However, several residents and business representatives expressed concerns regarding potential regulatory burdens. Local resident George Chachas voiced opposition, warning that historic design standards could create financial constraints for property owners and fail to address pressing downtown parking shortages resulting from recent repaving efforts.

Marty Westland, a resident of 11th Street, said he supports historic preservation in principle but called on city officials to provide a clear explanation of the legal and financial ramifications for homeowners before taking action. Vincent Fleischman reported that several regional investors expressed concern that historic mandates could make future commercial projects cost-prohibitive, asserting that while downtown buildings possess character, many lack true historical significance.

White Pine Chamber of Commerce CEO Shadrach Robertson, speaking as a downtown business occupant, raised similar concerns regarding potential compliance hurdles and design review costs, suggesting the council table the issue to allow for further consultation with the chamber of commerce and local property owners. Councilwoman Jerri-Lynn Williams Harper acknowledged the board’s enthusiasm while noting that significant groundwork remains before a final framework is ready.

Public comment highlights property maintenance and recreation

Opening public comment featured several residents addressing code enforcement, property maintenance and local trail improvements.

Chachas reminded the council that closing city streets without prior council approval and proper public notice is unlawful. He raised fire safety concerns regarding accumulated dry grass on Murry Street and questioned why a city engineering report regarding steel plates on 7th Street had not yet been released.

Property owners facing abatement notices also addressed the council. The owner of a home at 750 Avenue M explained that she recently inherited the property after spending a decade caring for her mother with dementia, assuring the council she is actively working to clear debris. Angela Stevens requested a six-to-eight-week extension for a family property at 832 Murry St., explaining that personal hardships delayed cleanup efforts following her father’s passing. Stevens outlined plans to clear the yard, demolish the existing structure, and place a newer home on the lot.

Additionally, a letter from resident Kenna Almberg of Ely Outdoor Enthusiasts was submitted in support of a proposal by the Eastern Nevada Climbers Alliance to improve the access trail at Hercules Gap. Almberg highlighted the popular site as a vital recreational draw that enhances outdoor access while preventing erosion and soil displacement.

Council approves emergency pest abatement, grants property extensions

Turning to formal action items, the council addressed severe public health and fire safety concerns linked to private properties.

Building officials presented an emergency abatement order issued Aug. 25 for a property at 171 Faye Ave. following a severe cockroach infestation. Officials reported receiving urgent complaints from neighbors stating that pests were migrating into surrounding homes, posing an imminent public hazard. The council unanimously approved emergency hazmat abatement procedures to clear the home, capping the expenditure limit at $10,000.

In other abatement matters, the council granted a 60-day extension through Oct. 31 for the property owner at 750 Avenue M to clear accumulated brush and dry grass. The council also granted an extension through Nov. 21 for the property at 832 Murry St. to complete debris removal and site clearing.

Recreation, infrastructure and municipal approvals

In recreation and public works actions, the council approved the Eastern Nevada Climbers Alliance trail stabilization project at Hercules Gap. The project focuses on improving footing, enhancing drainage, keeping hikers on designated paths and minimizing impact on surrounding native vegetation.

The council also advanced local animal control regulations by passing the first reading of Ordinance 771. The measure amends Ely Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 3 to designate the enclosed area of the Broadbent Park Dog Park as an official off-leash dog area.

Municipal administration and civic business items also moved forward during the session. The council approved a formal proclamation celebrating the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely. In procedural action, council members formally established a standing policy placing open public comment at the beginning of every regular city council meeting for any matter falling within the body’s authority.

On facility investments, the council awarded the Phase III construction contract for the Steptoe Valley Trap and Skeet Range Hunter Education Building to Pearson Brothers Construction. To address potential legal conflicts, the council reviewed proposals for an independent conflict prosecutor to represent the city when the city attorney faces a conflict of interest, selecting Mackedon, DeBraga & Rowe at a rate of $300 per hour.

Rounding out administrative business, the council designated a council representative to attend the White Pine Chamber of Commerce Business Ball on October 21, 2026. The council also adjusted its upcoming winter schedule to accommodate holidays, voting to hold a single regular meeting on Nov. 12 and one on Dec. 10.

Department reports highlight court statistics and volunteer cleanups

During department updates, the municipal court reported new monthly filings including one property crime, three DUI cases, one reckless driving charge, five traffic misdemeanors and nine traffic civil infractions. One participant completed 24 hours of assigned community service. The city engineer reported minor configuration challenges encountered while working with the municipal water crew.

Councilwoman Melody VanCamp presented an update from the Natural Resources Advisory Committee, summarizing a presentation on NV Energy’s Green Link Nevada transmission project. The high-voltage project forms a power triangle connecting Reno, the Robinson substation and Las Vegas to strengthen the regional grid without requiring boundary fencing.

VanCamp also praised the volunteer Trash Troopers for completing their final cleanups of the season. Recent efforts focused on clearing dense weeds at the former FoxFire gas station and along East Aultman Street. Over the course of the year, volunteers collected 426 bags of trash alongside multiple trailer loads of debris.

Additionally, Mayor Robertson confirmed special event licenses and road closures for major community gatherings, including the Nevada Northern Railway’s Trains, Planes and Automobiles event, the Silver State Classic Challenge, Race the Rails and local Lions Club fundraising breakfasts.