Crescent Valley town advisory board discusses mental health initiative, nuisance enforcement and local fire response

The Crescent Valley Town Advisory Board met on Aug. 5 to address public safety staffing, local mental health resources, a proposed nuisance enforcement ordinance and regional wildfire conditions. Sheriff Miles Umina, Public Works director Jeb Rowley and local department representatives presented updates and engaged in detailed discussions with board members and residents.

Sheriff introduces regional crisis response team and mental health initiative

Sheriff Umina opened the meeting with an update on law enforcement operations in Crescent Valley. Umina reported that recently hired Deputy Fleming had submitted his resignation. He added that a new deputy candidate for Crescent Valley is currently undergoing a background check conducted by a private firm, noting that internal staffing shortages require the department to outsource background investigations.

Umina introduced representatives from regional behavioral health organizations to outline plans for a regional crisis response team. The proposed program utilizes a three-pronged framework combining law enforcement, emergency medical services and virtual crisis care accessible via digital tablets.

Laura Yanez and Liam Miller of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Nevada explained that NAMI administers the Nevada virtual crisis care program. The tablet initiative supports law enforcement by providing immediate crisis assessments, harm management and direct referrals for peer support programs lasting up to 90 days for adults and six months for youth. Yanez noted that NAMI will also offer free crisis intervention training to the community.

During the presentation, Umina highlighted that Sergeant Brian Shoaf was named Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year for Eureka County following his work with military veterans and a complex suicide de-escalation call. Yanez confirmed that Shoaf will formally receive his award at a law enforcement ceremony in November.

Lauryn Nunley, executive director of the PACE Coalition, outlined efforts to evaluate substance use prevention resources in local schools. Nunley expressed a desire to increase PACE’s presence at Crescent Valley schools through evidence-based curricula and community events. Haley Raglan, executive director of NAMI Northeastern Nevada, emphasized that NAMI offers peer and family support groups to assist individuals recovering from mental health conditions.

Umina stressed that prevention remains a primary goal.

“There’s a lot of substance abuse,” Umina said. “With the substance abuse, a lot of people that are using, they’re trying to treat their own mental health; so, we’re trying to take care of that.”

He added that addressing root causes ultimately reduces burglaries, fights and domestic violence.

Resident Laura Shivers noted that in a small community with fewer than 10 students in the high school, providing accessible support can significantly impact local families. EMT Kim Sewell described the challenges EMS faces during long emergency transports to Elko, noting that patients are frequently released shortly after arrival without necessary follow-up care. Sewell praised the virtual crisis initiative for offering immediate support and post-crisis follow-up within 24 to 72 hours.

Officials address proposed nuisance ordinance and code enforcement challenges

Following the public health updates, Umina transitioned to nuisance and code enforcement, which generated significant public concern at the board’s previous meeting. Umina reported that he is collaborating with Public Works director Jeb Rowley and District Attorney Ted Beutel on a job description for a dedicated compliance officer and a draft nuisance ordinance.

The proposed ordinance aims to address unmanaged trash, fire hazards, sightline obstructions and property maintenance issues. Under the draft terms, specialized operations such as tow yards would require permits and six-foot opaque screening fences, while property owners would be required to manage refuse and maintain defensible space around structures.

Rowley cautioned residents that implementing new code requirements will take time.

“We need to kick a rock over that’s been sitting still for 40 or 50 years; it doesn’t just magically turn into a utopia,” Rowley stated, noting that any ordinance updates must go through public hearings. Rowley added that municipal departments and the Central Nevada Health District face ongoing staffing shortages, which affect the speed of regulatory implementation.

Addressing resident concerns about creating overly restrictive regulations, Rowley and Umina emphasized that the intent is not to establish a homeowners association model, but rather to focus on public education before proceeding to formal enforcement or property abatement.

Resident Dale Kersey raised concerns about the financial burden of compliance, noting that installing a septic system can cost $10,000 due to high contractor rates driven by local mining operations. Kersey suggested exploring government-assisted infrastructure programs, similar to model initiatives in New Mexico that underwrite septic tank and gravel costs for rural residents. Rowley acknowledged contractor cost pressures and noted that the Central Nevada Health District is exploring programs to help offset installation expenses for property owners.

Fire department provides updates on regional smoke and equipment maintenance

Vice Chair and Volunteer Fire Chief Jeremy Rice presented the monthly fire department report. Rice stated that volunteer firefighters recently responded to several local wildland fires and smoke reports, and completed air monitoring training during their recent weekend session. Department personnel are also re-outfitting hose equipment on the primary brush truck following the delivery of replacement hoses.

Rice explained that heavy smoke settled over the Crescent Valley area is originating from regional blazes, including the New Pass Fire near Austin, the Ward Fire near Ely and major wildland fires across Oregon, Washington, Lincoln County and Nye County.

In Public Works updates, Rowley reported increased traffic impacts on local roads, noting that two maintenance operators assigned to JD Road year-round continue working continuously to keep up with road surface conditions.

Regarding local water sources, Kersey and Rice discussed ongoing maintenance on Nevada Gold Mines water pipelines over the hill and at the Dean Ranch, which has temporarily interrupted standard water filling locations used by local haulers. Rice clarified that pipeline systems were temporarily shut down for pipe replacement projects and will resume normal operations upon completion.

The board also approved a facility use request from Eureka County Juvenile Probation allowing the agency to utilize Crescent Valley Town Advisory Board recreational equipment for a back-to-school pool party scheduled for Aug. 12.