The Pahrump Town Board approved a number of capital improvements at its Tuesday, Feb. 12 meeting.

Residents could soon be playing Bocce Ball at Honeysuckle Park now that the board approved construction of the court for a cost not to exceed $15,413.

The majority of the work will be done by the Buildings and Ground Department and the cost is primarily for supplies.

Vice Chairman John McDonald cast the only dissenting vote on account of four park benches listed at $700 each.

Chairman Laurayne Murray pointed out that specific benches specially designed to avoid theft and vandalism while at the same time accommodating handicapped persons and safety requirements, were necessary.

McDonald remained unconvinced and asked for future justification of the amount.

"I just can't abide by $700 a bench," McDonald. "That reminds me of certain toilet seats ordered by the Air Force a few years ago."

Some of the work on the future Bocce Ball court is to be completed using a new one-ton service truck with utility box now that the board approved going out to bid for the new vehicle.

The new truck will replace a vehicle that's irreparable and for which parts can't be obtained.

The proposed Pahrump Valley Airport continues to get off the ground as the board approved a resolution to apply for and approve phase two of a Federal Aviation Administration grant to pay to finish the environmental assessment for the project.

The Pahrump Valley Fire Rescue Service was authorized to purchase a converted HazMat pick up truck from Odyssey Automotive.

The truck is the final part of an overall capital improvement project for the fire department which also included the purchase of two pumper tenders slated for delivery in July and August of this year.

The county will pick up $25,000 of the $59,425 price tag, with the rest of the funding coming from fire capital projects and payment equal to taxes funds.

Labor negotiations with the International Association of Fire Fighters are slated to begin in the near future as the board directed staff to find a labor attorney to assist with the negotiations and formed a committee to work with the bargaining unit.

The committee members will be Vice Chairman John McDonald, Town Council Carl Joerger, Fire Chief Scott Lewis and any labor attorney that's hired in the future.

Chairman Laurayne Murray recused herself from the negotiations due to her marriage to Tim Murray, an IAFF member.