Lyon County and planning officials set joint meeting

The Lyon County Commissioners and the Planning Commission will get together Thursday for a rare meeting to discuss issues and "make sure we're all on the same page," said Commission Chairman Bob Milz.

"Since we have a new county manager and a new planner, and since growth is at an unprecedented level, we want to get everyone on the same page, and at this point in time it seems like they're not," said Milz.

On the agenda are development standards on gravel and paved roads, development standards for drainage and standards in subdivision regulations.

The commissioners and planning commissioners will also discuss legal issues arising from the planning process and the role of community advisory boards on planning and zoning issues.

According to the agenda, action may be taken only on the road, drainage and subdivision issues.

"We need to discuss legal issues, and that will probably be to tell the planning commission what they can and can't do," he said. "They can't make policy, they can't deviate from the ordinances that are already set in place by the county commissioners."

Milz said it is frustrating for planning commissioners when their decisions are overturned by the county commissioners and "we need to know everyone's thoughts on the subject."

Milz said he didn't think there needed to be any changes in the role of town advisory boards.

"I used to be on a town board, and you get very frustrated because all you can do is advise," he said. "They're to discuss issues in their area and then pass along to the planning commissioners and the county commissioners their thoughts from a local level."

Milz said that the advisory boards also serve an important purpose in giving residents a place to vent their opinions and feelings. The joint meeting is not a common occurrence in Lyon County, Milz said.

"We've only had two in the last eight years," he said. "We should do it more often, what with the growth in the county and some of the new changes in our ordinances. We all have to know what they are, especially the rules governing the planning commission and the county commission."

If You Go

WHAT: Lyon County Commission and Planning Commission meeting

WHEN: 9 a.m. Thursday

WHERE: 27 S. Main St., Yerington

CALL: (775) 463-6531