VNT Commission Meeting - July 23, 2026: Approvals, Mural, Marketing Contract, and Operations Updates
VNT Commission Meeting - July 23, 2026
The VNT Commission met on July 23, 2026, at 9:00 AM, adjourning at 10:01 AM. The meeting included unanimous approvals of routine items, a contract award for Polar Express photo services, a mural project presentation, a marketing contract amendment, and updates from staff and operators.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the June 24, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.
- Statement of Accounts: The VNT Commission's statement of accounts was approved unanimously without discussion.
- Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Report: The adjusted budget report (including a draft from June 24) was approved unanimously.
Discussion Items
- Contract Award – Polar Express Santa Photo Services: The commission approved a contract with Storytime Photography for the Polar Express Santa Photo Services. The contract awards 65% of gross revenue to the contractor, with 35% returned to the commission. Commissioner Hicks noted the long-standing relationship with Storytime Photography and significant revenue increases during their tenure. The motion passed unanimously.
- Final Project Presentation – Eastgate Depot Exterior Mural: Eric Brooks presented the mural design by Joe C. Rock, titled "Where Your Journey Begins." The mural is a site-specific piece funded by Travel Nevada, created in 10 days. It features iconography including the Transcontinental Railroad, historical figures, and desert imagery. The artist provided nearly $7,000 in in-kind donations. The commission approved the concept and location unanimously. Future additions include a 12-foot spike sculpture and continued mural work on adjacent buildings.
- Second Amendment to Contract with Lumont Media LLC: The commission approved a $14,200 increase to the contract with Lumont Media for onboarding a Meta ad specialist (Jennifer Lopez and assistant Steve). The new total not-to-exceed is $81,700. The monthly ad spend will increase to $1,500 (from $400-$800), with $1,200 per month for management and a $1,000 one-time setup fee. The campaign will focus on the core Carson-to-Virginia City route and specialty wine/beer trains, with a 90-day test period. The motion included authorization for the chair to approve expenditure after the trial period. Passed unanimously.
Non-Action Updates
- Marketing Update: Regina and Maria reported Q2 results: Instagram Reels drove highest engagement; Facebook posts also performed well. A test from April to June showed a drop in cost per click and increased checkout starts. A blog post by Catherine Foom (Loving Reno) featured the train experience. The marketing team will continue pushing for the Toast of the Canyons events.
- Track Maintenance Update: Chris Fredder (Battleborne Rail) reported routine ditch and sign maintenance, with a planned fix for a developer crossing affected by water. Yearly ditch work will begin.
- Operations Report: Tom Gray (Virginia Truckee Railroad) noted engine 18 air compressor repairs, challenges with fuel oil availability and price increases, and a potential independent film shoot in November. He requested direction on depot roof repairs, concrete work, and electrical improvements for Polar Express. Rail bike operations (Rail Zephyrs) are progressing with a new website and business licensing.
- Candy Duncan (Operations): Reported that a new boca printer for Polar Express ticketing will streamline seat assignments and ticket printing. Cars will be renamed to avoid confusion. Ridership numbers: Saturday round trip reached 115, Sunday 102, wine train 33 (as of the meeting). She praised the new mural.
- Executive Assistant Update: Sherry Bailey announced the upcoming Toast of the Canyons wine train on July 25-26 featuring Nevada Sunset Winery, and the August 29 event combined with America 250th barbecue. Marketing is in place.
- Polar Express Production Update: Carla Wilson reported audition notices will be posted for August 24-26 auditions. She requested inclusion in communications with Storytime Photography to ensure production cohesiveness.
Key Outcomes
- All five action items (minutes, accounts, budget, photo contract, mural, Lumont amendment) were approved unanimously.
- The commission authorized the chair to execute the contract with Storytime Photography and to approve expenditure for the Lumont trial after 90 days.
- No public comments were made at any point during the meeting.
- Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM.
Meeting Transcript
It's relevant to or within the authority of this public body. Public comment will be taken at the beginning of the meeting before any action is taken, and again at the end before adjournment. No action may be taken on a matter raised under public comment unless the item has been specifically included in the agenda upon which action may be taken. And I will also take comment on each action item on today's agenda. Is there anyone that would like to give public comment here at the beginning of the meeting? All right. Seeing none, we will go ahead and move on to item number five, which is the approval of minutes of the June twenty-fourth, twenty twenty-six meeting. Hearing none, uh, we'll entertain a motion. I move to approve the minutes of the June twenty-fourth, twenty twenty-six meeting. Very good. We have a motion. Do we have a second? I second. Motion and a second. Any final discussion on this item? Hearing none. All those in favor of approving the minutes, please indicate by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Motion passed unanimously. Thank you. Move on to item number six, which is for possible action, and that is discussion and possible action regarding the VNT commissions statement of accounts. Treasurer Cruz, do you have anything to add to this item? I do not. Very good. Questions, comments from the commission? Hearing none, public comment. Very good. We have a motion. Do we have a second? I second. Motion and a second. Any final uh discussion on this item. Hearing none, all those in favor, please indicate by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you. That's a discussion of possible action regarding the adjusted VNT commission's fiscal year 2025-2026 budget reports. Okay. Uh Sherry, anything you'd like to add? Good morning. No, only that just Commissioner Peterson did ask for the June 24 budget. That's there as a as a draft only. Very good. Thank you. June 20, June 26th. 26. Thank you kindly. All right.
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