Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the VNT Railway Meeting - March 25, 2026
Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the VNT Railway Meeting - March 25, 2026
Overview
The Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the VNT Railway convened on March 25, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The meeting was called to order by Chair Mitchell, with Vice Chair Peterson, Treasurer Cruz, and Secretary Hicks present, establishing a quorum. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 AM after unanimous approval of all agenda items, including budget approvals, fund allocations, and a five-year contract for track maintenance services. No public comments were made during the meeting.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes (February 25, 2026): Motion to approve passed unanimously.
- Statement of Accounts Payable (January 1–31, 2026): Motion to approve checks as presented passed unanimously.
- Adjusted FY2026 Budget Report (period ending January 2026): The agenda title contained a typographical error ("2526"), which was clarified as a scrivener's error with no legal impact. Motion to approve the budget report passed unanimously.
Discussion Items
- Item 8: Allocation of $100,000 from Story County Rail Fund for Historic Structures Report (V&C Freight Depot Project): Jennifer McCain presented the request, noting that the previously allocated $1.9 million for roof repairs was not spent. The $100,000 will fund a historic structures report to guide future work. Discussion clarified that unspent allocations do not automatically roll forward; annual approval is required. Motion to approve the allocation passed unanimously.
- Item 9: Proposed FY2027 Tentative Budget: Sherry Bailey presented the budget, highlighting increased revenue from expanded events (Father's Day weekend, Toast of the Canyon, Polar Express), estimated $32,000 in interest income (assuming 4% return on $800,000), increased advertising budget (including $10,000 for new collateral), and additional funds for depot upgrades and handicap access. The budget projects a surplus of approximately $14,000 excluding depreciation. Motion to approve the tentative budget passed unanimously.
- Item 10: Reallocation of Unexpended FY2026 Funds ($650,000) to FY2027 for Track Improvement Projects: The commission requested approval from the Story County Board of Commissioners to roll forward $650,000 from the VNT Rail Fund for stabilizing the Overman embankment. This project was identified as the top capital priority. Motion to approve the request passed unanimously.
- Item 11: Contract FY26-CO02 with Chris Freder, DBA Battleborne Rail (Track Maintenance Services): After a brief recess, the commission considered a five-year contract at an annual amount of $128,972.50, totaling $644,862.50. Chris Freder reported progress on safety concerns, ditch control, and increased maintenance due to a new rock quarry (expected to run 50–60 trucks per hour). The contract includes a rate increase. Motion to approve the contract and authorize the chair to execute it passed unanimously.
Non-Action Reports
- Marketing Update (Maria): Proposed media day on May 17 or 24, 2026 (diesel train); spring family ticket giveaway; influencer outreach; and a $400 per month advertising budget for general season campaigns. Additional budget may be available starting July 2026.
- Executive Assistant Update (Sherry Bailey): Presented billboard artwork for Mother's Day and the season; reported general season ticket sales (started March 16, 2026) on par with last year; working on signage and rack cards with Carson City.
Key Outcomes
- All motions passed unanimously with no dissenting votes.
- Approved: Minutes, accounts payable, adjusted budget report, $100,000 historic structures report allocation, FY2027 tentative budget, $650,000 track improvement fund request, and five-year contract with Chris Freder.
- Next meeting tentatively scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
Public Comments
No public comments were received at any point during the meeting.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome. It is 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026. We will call to order this meeting of the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the VNT Railway. And thank you for being here. Umbriana, would you take us through a roll call and determination of quorum? Chair Mitchell. I'm here. Vice Chair Peterson. Treasurer Cruz. President. Secretary Hicks. Here. A quorum is present. Thank you kindly. We'll move on to item number three, which is the Pledge of Allegiance. Those of you'd like to join me, please do so. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, individual, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Almost got it right. All right, we'll move on to item number four, which is public comment. The public is invited at this time to comment on and discuss any topic that is relevant to or within the authority of this public body. Public comment will be taken at the beginning of the agenda and before any action that is taken and again at the end. And um comment may be limited to three minutes per person or topic at the discretion of the chair in order to facilitate the meeting. Is there any public comment at this time, either in the room or online? All right, hearing none, we'll move on to item number five, which is approval of the minutes for our February 25th, 2026 meeting. Uh Commission, any uh any uh uh comments or questions about the minutes. Hearing none, uh any public comment on our minutes from the twenty February 25th meeting. All right, hearing none, I'd entertain a motion for approval. I move to approve the minutes of the February 25th, 2026 meeting. Very good. We have a motion from Stephanie. Do we have a second? I second. Excellent. Any final comment? Hearing none, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you kindly. We'll move on to item number 26, which is this for discussion and possible action regarding the V and T uh Commission Statement of Accounts Payable checks paid January 1st through 31st, 2026. Treasurer Cruz, do you have any other uh information to add on this item? I do not unless there are any questions. Very good. Any questions from the commission? Mr. Chair, just briefly. Yes, sir.
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