Lyon County Board Meeting (May 16, 2023)

The Lyon County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday renewed talks that began in 2022 about the future of Garvin Park as it relates to adding camper cabins in parts of the primitive campsite.
Tuesday’s discussion centered around granting the environmental administrator the go-ahead to pursue the second part of Legacy Grant funding for four new camper cabins, including one handicap-accessible cabin.
The board ultimately approved a motion by Commissioner Gary Crowley and seconded by Commissioner Paul Graupmann to move ahead in the grant process, which will open the door for Lyon County Environmental Administrator Roger Schroeder to go after the grant. The amount of the grant is still undetermined, although the number $400,000 has been discussed.
One stipulation of adding new camper cabins — ideally sometime in 2026 — is the structures have to be stationed within 400 feet of a water source and bathrooms in the park.
Schroeder said a survey that drew 256 responses showed that 40% of those who took the survey would use a cabin in the winter, while 90% said they would use them during the summer months.
“Some of the people said this would a great thing for those who are not able to afford a camper,” Schroeder said. “Most people said they were in favor of (the cabins). There were five comments that indicated that this would be a waste of money. The survey was the fastest way we thought we could come back with some kind of data.”
There was also some concern among those responding to the survey about potential vandalism to the camper cabins, people throwing large parties in them and squatters.

In other news
• The board approved an on-sale liquor license for 5 Family Ranch, a wedding venue that is in the process of going up just south of Marshall.
• The board approved a resolution to declare a State of Emergency for Lyon County, as a result of some flooding in April that damaged some public infrastructure. The damage exceeded the threshold to qualify for both state and federal funding (the thresholds are $56,000 damage required by the state and $112,000 by federal agencies). Declaring a State of Emergency is a step necessary for qualifying for economic relief. The damage involves public roads, draining systems, public infrastructure, utilities and natural waterways that have deteriorated due to erosion of moving water.
• The board approved a high bid of $11,4622.62 from Backyard Showcase for the purchase of a pergola structure in Garvin Park. Board Chair Rick Anderson asked Lyon County Attorney Abby Wikelius if the County faces any potential legal issue with going with the high bid and asked if the County would need to justify that decision. It was determined the County would likely be OK since this particular pergola would be needed to satisfy any aesthetic concerns in terms of matching what is in the park already for continuity purposes.
“I think that would qualify (going with the high bid),” Wikelius said.