Residents offer ideas for new Ranchos park system

Gardnerville Ranchos residents have been encouraged to make suggestions about what services they would like to see in the new 20-acre Mitch Drive Park.

Horse owner Vicki Heindl told Ranchos General Improvement District Trustees on Wednesday that she would like to see an equestrian arena included in the plans.

"I don't know how big the area is but it looks like it would be big enough to run barrels," Heindl said.

Board member Beverly Page questioned the use of a large arena for a limited number of horse owners in the Ranchos.

"A whole big arena for just a few horses?" said Page. "This is something that affects everyone in the Ranchos."

-- District Manager Bob Spellberg said the tennis courts in Mitch Drive Park should be ready for use later this month.

"The tennis courts have been poured, the front of the park is landscaped and the picnic tables will be in soon," said Spellberg.

The court will be coated and the poles for the nets will be installed next week.

District Treasurer Cade Baligad said he was excited with the transformation of the previous open space.

"That's what the district is all about - providing services for our constituents," Baligad said.

-- District Engineer Randall Long presented the results of a water study forecasting rate adjustments for the next 10 years.

"The current system is working well," said Long. "We will see a $6 per customer increase in 10 years."

-- The board approved the addition of online credit card services so Ranchos residents may pay service fees, such as quarterly water, sewer and trash pickup, on the district's Web site. Spellberg expects the service to be in place in 3-4 months.

-- The board accepted sewer, water, storm drain and street light improvements for the Rainshadow Ranch subdivision. Developer Greg Lynn needed approval to file for final maps for the project.

-- Updates for the district's drug and alcohol policy were approved by the board. Spellberg said the policy's language allows for stronger protection for the district.

"We're setting the procedures and policies relating to zero-tolerance on drug and alcohol abuse," he said.

-- The board and public agreed that establishing a district employee recognition award was a good idea. Baligad made the request to recognize the people who have committed their lives to the district. He will come up with several award options to present to the board at a later date.

"I think it's a good idea," said Chairman Al Wagner. "It will make the employee feel like part of the district and not just a number."

-- The district's tentative budget will be presented in a special meeting 8 a.m. May 17 at the district office.

-- The Gardnervlle Ranchos General Improvement District holds regular meetings 6 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at the district office, 931 Mitch Drive. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, go to www.grgid.com or call 265-2048.