Road problem will not hold up opening of Fernley seminar facility

FERNLEY - An unfinished road will not hold up the opening of a national public-seminar facility.

In order to open for business before the road to the facility is chip-sealed, Empower U, a leadership training group, must post a performance bond with Lyon County, and maintain and water the access road to eliminate excess dust from traffic.

Issued a permit by the county in September, the group was required to chip seal North Clover Lane before a business license would be issued. The condition was imposed when several residents complained that dust would be created on the gravel road by increased traffic.

Empower U representative Scott Black told Lyon County commissioners last week that weather conditions would prohibit chip-sealing the road until late spring. With the former private residence now ready for classes, he asked to be allowed to post an improvement bond so the business could open.

"We are aware of the special use conditions and we intend to abide by them. There has been no lack of effort on our part. We are complying with the intent (of the permit)," Black said. "We are losing $30,000 a month with our delays. If we put off opening much longer, we could lose this place."

Assistant District Attorney John Schlegelmilch recommended the issue go back through the public hearing process.

Noting this would delay the issuance of a business license until at least March 16, commissioners opted to accept a performance bond. Black will be required to have the road project completed by July 1.

Lyon County Engineer Dan O'Brien said Black's proposal was the most reasonable way to let him move forward and that it was the same process followed when subdivision projects can't meet requirements due to weather.