GINA B. GOOD / PVT Former Pahrump Town Board Chairman Laurayne Murray, left foreground, is acknowledged for her four years of invaluable service to the community by newly elected Chairman Nichole Shupp. Mike Darby and Vicky Parker are seen in the background. Murray was chairman for two years and served as town clerk for one year. Advertisement

The topic generating the most speculation at the town board meeting was last on the agenda, when the board met in a closed session from 7:22 p.m. to 8:08 p.m.

Town Manager Bill Koh-barger said only that the board was "meeting to talk about a current lawsuit."

The agenda stated the items to be discussed behind closed doors included a possible first reading of Pahrump Town Ordinance No. 43, to revise and restate the town's regulation concerning the collection, transportation, deposit and disposal of solid waste and recyclables and other matters.

After the board rejoined the meeting, it unanimously voted to have the first reading of the ordinance at the Jan. 20 meeting.

The first order of business was election of a new chairman, as well as a vice chairman and town clerk. Nichole Shupp was elected chairman, Bill Dolan is vice chairman and Vicky Parker is town clerk.

The board met with a full complement of members plus a few unexpected additions. Past member Don Rust presented a bobble-head figure, complete with name tag, to each member of the board. The bobble heads remained at the board table during the entire meeting, although they were not taken into the closed session.

"One of our local TV personalities said we were a bunch of bobble heads," said Rust, referring on an on-air statement made by then-talk show host Harley Kulkin about two years ago. Rust also offered condolences to Shupp "for her election to a job for which she will not get many thanks."

He ended by saying, "I wish you all well and hope good things happen."

Board member Bill Dolan sponsored an item to make needed changes to all town advisory board and commitee policies and bylaws. Dolan's motion passed unanimously, directing the town staff to review housekeeping items such as putting together basic information for each advisory board and committee.

The information would include listing the names of all members and chairmen and detailing when each group last presented their quarterly report to the town. He also asked that each advisory board operate under the same general format.

Four consent items were approved by the board. The members approved the town's vouchers for expenses, approved minutes of the previous meeting, approved the Pahrump Valley Fire-Rescue Services revenue report and approved 72-hour liquor permits for eight events during the year for the Pahrump Chamber of Commerce.

Tax time is approaching and Tom Waters stated during public announcements that the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, called VITA, is a free IRS-sponsored progam in Pahrump.

The organization's purpose is to prepare returns for anyone who earned $45,000 or less in 2008. For information, contact Nevada Federal Credit Union, 751-9880.

Jim Gregory took the public podium to invite both males and females who are at least 18 to attend the Pahrump Prostate Support Group at 5 p.m. Jan. 21, at the Pahrump Community Library.

The League of Women Voters of Pahrump is also open to both women and men. The next meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m., Jan. 21, at the JobConnect conference room, 2101 E. Calvada Blvd. Laurayne Murray is the guest speaker.

There is a $40,000 emergency food and shelter program administered by FEMA for local food banks, local governments or non-profits. For more information, reach Vicky Parker at the town office, 727-5107.

Pahrump Town Board meetings are open to the public. They are held the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Bob Ruud Community Center.