Membership Meeting Minutes 1/7/26
Date – Wednesday January 7, 2026
Time – 10:00 a.m.
Location – Pahrump Valley Museum
Call to Order – Meeting was called to order at 10:06 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance –All present and able participated.
Determination of Quorum – Sergeant at Arms advised a quorum of members was present plus 10 guests.
Introduction of Board – Budd Watkins, Joyce Barishman, Jacky Walker, Doug Blackstock
Changes/Adoption of Agenda – No changes. Motion, 2nd , Vote unanimous to adopt agenda.
Approve Minutes – November 5 and December 3, 2025 – As posted on our website. Motion, 2nd , Vote unanimous.
Chair’s Report – Budd Watkins recapped December’s Member Appreciation party and expressed appreciation to Home Depot for their drawing prize contributions. He requested more people join the board and the need for a new Sergeant at Arms. He explained the PWOA letter to BOCC about Front Sight asking for water rights to be transferred for solar farm use and that copies were available. He said well testing was underway and that a sign-up sheet to get their well tested was upfront.
Treasurer’s Report – Joyce Barishman presented the Treasurer’s Report for December. Motion, 2nd , Voted unanimously to accept Treasurers Report.
Directors Reports – Jacky Walker reported the well shed article in Pahrump Life magazine was just published, called out member names whose notebooks were ready for pick up, and requested a motion to ratify the Board’s decision to suspend elections for this year due to not being necessary (since everyone volunteered to continue). Motion to ratify was voted unanimous. She also noted the State Engineer’s firing (a developing story), and announced names for binders for new members. Joyce Barishman discussed the water problem regarding solar farm in the BOCC letter. Doug Blackstock noted our Bell Ringing for Salvation Army exposure and the new promo message on the Petrack Park signboard, shared Zombie lot meeting developments.
Old/Unfinished Business – Budd reminded that well testing for members is available and to schedule with him. There was no other new business.
Class Topic – “Building a Well House” was presented by PWOA Chair Budd Watkins, followed by group questions and discussion. Budd recommended not to store unnecessary stuff in the shed. Due to some projector laptop difficulties, the presentation did not feature visuals and may be presented later.
Members Open Forum – A member stated that the county has a racket going regarding zombie lots. They sell them over and over again without providing good information. They should be combining those lots. Gene Lewis presented a $500 check to PWOA toward new testing equipment that he and a few other members raised. He had some guns donated for a future raffle and asked members to think of other businesses that invest in community who might give and to see him after the meeting. The equipment will help with testing static water levels and costs about $1,500. One member asked if water level was receding because he was getting cloudy tap water. Several members reported drops, and one suggested it could be an issue with the well and to talk with neighbors to see if they have problems. Replenish rate from rain and snow is slow and more development is happening that will deplete the aquifer. Suggestion was made to send letters of personal well experience to BOCC to get them to slow development.
Adjournment – 11:02 a.m. – Motion, 2nd., Vote unanimous.
Next Members Meeting – Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Next Class – “How to Find Your Well Log”
Respectfully submitted,
Jacky Walker
PWOA Secretary
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Membership Meeting Minutes 12/3/25
Date – Wednesday December 3, 2025
Time – 10:00 a.m.
Location – Pahrump Valley Museum
Overview –This was a special event, the first Member Appreciation Holiday Social featuring refreshments and door prizes for members, as well as processing of new memberships and membership renewals for 2026. Refreshments included coffee, orange and cranberry juices, water, donut holes, cheesecake bites and cookies. Door prizes for members were donated by Home Depot and members of the Board and was a lot of fun giving out various tools and gift cards. Members seemed to enjoy the event.
Attendance – There were 20 members was present plus 8 guests, many of whom renewed or joined for 2026.
Introduction of Board – Budd Watkins, Joyce Barishman, Jacky Walker, Doug Blackstock
Community Comments – Michael Fender of Citizens Against Nye County Solar Farms gave a brief update on the continuing threat of solar farms to Pahrump Valley.
January Class – “How to Build a Well Shed”
Respectfully submitted,
Jacky Walker
PWOA Secretary
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Membership Meeting Minutes 11/5/25
Date – Wednesday November 5, 2025 Time 10:00 a.m. Location – Pahrump Valley Museum
Call to Order – Meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance – All present and able participated.
Determination of Quorum – Sergeant at Arms advised a quorum of members was present plus 12 guests.
Introduction of Board – Budd Watkins, Joyce Barishman, Jacky Walker, Doug Blackstock
Changes/Adoption of Agenda – No changes. Motion, 2nd , Vote unanimous to adopt agenda.
Approve Minutes – October 1, 2025 – As posted on our website. Motion, 2nd , Vote unanimous.
Chair’s Report – Budd Watkins reported that Aaron Koehler has retired from well testing and that new volunteers are needed for well testing. A sign-up sheet to get well testing training was passed around. He mentioned the desire to purchase some additional testing equipment, and noted new board member openings and the value of participating in the association. He also discussed that it is time to winterize faucets against upcoming freezing weather.
Treasurer’s Report – Joyce Barishman presented the Treasurer’s Report for October. Motion, 2nd , Vote unanimous to accept Treasurers Report.
Directors Reports – Jacky Walker showed the latest Pahrump Life magazine article and that binders for new members were available. She announced that elections will be held in February according to PWOA bylaws. Joyce Barishman shared information about a private solar farm being proposed near Woodchips and Leslie as noted in a Facebook post on “I Need Help in Pahrump” followed by audience discussion opposing the solar farm. Doug Blackstock shared Zombie lot committee information for the Water District Governing Board and other community meetings.
Old/Unfinished Business – Budd reminded that well testing for members is available and to schedule with him. Budd reminded members that the annual burn ban is off and that permits are needed to burn organic waste and foliage. There was no other new business.
Class Topic – “11 Simple Ways to Protect and Conserve Groundwater” was presented by PWOA Chair Budd Watkins, followed by group discussion. Vinegar, salt and Dawn soap can be used to kill weeds, according to one member. Latex paint should be allowed to dry out before disposing.
Members Open Forum – Jacky shared they had a meter reader from the Nevada Division of Water Resources. Question was asked about water use and when it will run out in the Valley and if anyone knows. Budd sees mandatory hook up to city water eventually. Another question about water rights and clarification of water rights v right to use 2-acre feet of water (there will be a class on this topic next year).
Adjournment – 10:59 a.m. – Motion, 2nd., Vote unanimous.
Next Members Meeting – Wednesday, December 3, 2025 “Member Appreciation Party”
January Class – “How to Find Your Well Log”
Respectfully submitted,
Jacky Walker
PWOA Secretary
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Membership Meeting Minutes 10/1/25
Date – Wednesday October 1, 2025 Time – 10:00 a.m. Location – Pahrump Valley Museum
Call to Order – Meeting was called to order at 10:01 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance – All present and able participated.
Determination of Quorum – Sergeant at Arms advised a quorum of members was present plus 5 guests.
Introduction of Board – Budd Watkins, Joyce Barishman, Jacky Walker, Doug Blackstock
Changes/Adoption of Agenda – No changes. Motion, 2 nd , Vote unanimous to adopt agenda.
Approve Minutes – September 3, 2025 – As posted on our website. Motion, 2 nd , Vote unanimous.
Chair’s Report – Budd Watkins showed the latest drought report for our area, which is not severe yet due to some rainfall. He also noted openings for volunteer opportunities and for Board positions.
Treasurer’s Report – Joyce Barishman presented the Treasurer’s Report for September. Motion, 2 nd , Vote unanimous to accept Treasurers Report.
Directors Reports – Jacky Walker mentioned the next Pahrump Life article and that binders for new members were available. Joyce Barishman urged guests with wells to join. Doug Blackstock shared water testing information from SGS Silver State Labs in Las Vegas, which charges $310 for the domestic water panel test kit (which covers the same tests PWOA does, and then some). He plans to get the test and said our testing is well worth the membership fee. He also mentioned he is now on the Zombie lot committee for the Water District Governing Board.
Old/Unfinished Business – Reminder that well testing for members is available and to schedule with Aaron Koehler (absent) for October. There was no new business.
Class Topic – “My Swimming Pool Fire Fighting Water Pump” was presented by PWOA Treasurer Joyce Barishman and her husband Mike. It was a very interesting talk and the video showing the power of the hose and pump operations was most informative.
Members Open Forum – No members had questions, comments or shared information.
Adjournment – 10:45 a.m. – Motion, 2 nd. , Vote unanimous.
Next Members Meeting – Wednesday, November 5, 2025
November Class – “To Be Announced”
Respectfully submitted,
Jacky Walker
PWOA Secretary
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Membership Meeting Minutes 9/3/25
Date – Wednesday September 3, 2025 Time 10:00 a.m. Location – Pahrump Valley Museum
Call to Order – Meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance – All present and able participated.
Determination of Quorum – Sergeant at Arms advised a quorum of members was present plus 8 guests.
Introduction of Board – Budd Watkins, Joyce Barishman, Jacky Walker, Doug Blackstock
Changes/Adoption of Agenda – No changes. Motion, 2nd , Vote unanimous to adopt agenda.
Approve Minutes – August 6, 2025 – As posted on our website. Motion, 2nd , Vote unanimous.
Chair’s Report – Budd Watkins referred again to two Community Coalition meetings that he and Doug attended that may prove beneficial for PWOA visibility. Talked about working on the pool fire pump class for October. He also noted openings for volunteer opportunities and for Board positions.
Treasurer’s Report – Joyce Barishman presented the Treasurer’s Report for August. Motion, 2nd , Vote unanimous to accept Treasurers Report. Urged guests with wells to join.
Directors Reports – Jacky Walker announced that member binders were available for the three new members. Joyce Barishman further noted the October class on her pool’s firefighting water pump.
Old/Unfinished Business – Reminder that well testing for members is available and to schedule with Aaron Koehler for October. There was no new business.
Class Topic – “Test Site and Radioactive Water Migration” was presented by Doug Blackstock with information provided by John Klenke, Nye County’s Geoscientist. Results show water is stable and likely won’t reach Pahrump.
Members Open Forum – No members had questions, comments or shared information.
Adjournment – 10:41 a.m. – Motion, 2nd., Vote unanimous.
Next Members Meeting – Wednesday, October 1, 2025
October Class – “Swimming Pool Fire Pumps” by Joyce Barishman
Respectfully submitted,
Jacky Walker
PWOA Secretary