County’s air quality control meets early challenge from cities

Wednesday, July 25, 2001 | 10:54 a.m.

Leaders from the region's cities will meet next week in an attempt to block the consolidation of Southern Nevada's air quality responsibilities under the Clark County commissioners.

Those leaders, notably Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, have said they will meet with Gov. Kenny Guinn on Monday and present a plan for a mixed board, which would include representatives from cities, the county and other agencies.

Their proposal is an alternative to county control of air quality. The commissioners took what they said will be the final step Tuesday in consolidating all air quality functions under their government banner.

Commissioner Erin Kenny said the action puts an end to weeks of sometimes acrimonious debate over who should supervise the county's air quality.

But in an interview Tuesday on the Las Vegas Sun's news show, "Face to Face" with Jon Ralston, aired locally on cable channels 1 and 39, North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon said he believes the regional board still has a shot. Montandon did not return calls for comment Tuesday.

Guinn last month named the county as the single air quality agency for the region. The governor's staff hasn't officially commented on the likelihood of Guinn reversing course on the issue.

"We're not going to have anything to say about the meeting until afterwards," Guinn's spokesman Jack Finn said Wednesday. "Until then he's just going to keep an open mind and hear what they have to say."

Representatives from the region's city governments were absent from the commissioners' meeting.

The commissioners voted 5-0 to create a new department of air quality management, take over air quality rule enforcement from the Clark County Health District and set up a hearing board with hearing officers to settle penalty fees.

Some city government leaders throughout the area fear that the county monopoly on air quality functions will undermine their cities' independence. The air quality agency's policies can have a huge effect on land use, transportation and other issues.

Advocates for a more regional approach have an opportunity to make their case Thursday when the Clark County District Board of Health, which oversees the health district, meets. The health board's agenda includes transfer of air quality functions, funding and staffing to the county.

Health board representatives from the cities, including Las Vegas Councilman Gary Reese, have already balked once at the transfer.

Health board member Kenny, who worked with Guinn to draft the letter naming the county as the air quality agency, has joined county legal staff in arguing that any blocking action by the health board would prove irrelevant.

However, Kenny accepted Commissioner Chip Maxfield's proposal that city and state representatives be on a technical advisory committee in the new agency. The commissioners, however, will have the final say on any policy decisions.

Commission Chairman Dario Herrera said he wants cities to participate in developing air quality policies, but in a similar advisory role. Herrera also said he will attend the meeting of the cities and governor next week.

The commissioners also voted without dissent to appoint Commissioner Bruce Woodbury as chairman of the new Air Quality Board.

Outgoing County Manager Dale Askew endorsed Christine Robinson, now Air Quality Division director, to be the new department head. Thom Reilly, who will become county manager next month, said he also supports Robinson as the new department's director.

Robinson said the battles between political entities will fade.

"I'm just looking forward to cleaning up the air in the valley," she said.

The new county department will move into offices now being vacated by the county elections department, she said.

The elections department will move to 965 Trade Drive in North Las Vegas. The elections department will maintain a small presence at the County Government Center.

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