Reno City Council
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
What Happened
The Reno City Council held a regular meeting with approximately 30 action items, including business licenses, flood control decisions, fire department staffing, and development regulations.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — Fire department to apply for 24-position federal SAFER grant ($5.1 million, Dept. of Homeland Security) with minimum 60 employees needed; potentially 70+ depending on transfers — expands fire capacity
APPROVED — Request $1.9 million adjustment to city's state tax allocation (LGTA) based on 1998 Department of Taxation recommendation — Reno generates 70-75% of county sales tax but receives only 29% of distribution
APPROVED — Matthew Flander receives gaming and alcohol license transfers for 26+ establishments including nightclubs, food stores, and Hotel Ponderosa — consolidates slot route operations
APPROVED — $300,000 for Capital Search Charge Advisory Subcommittee from city budget
APPROVED — Northgate Golf Course risk management insurance ratification ($2,200) — city covers special assessment district costs
APPROVED — Reno Ballroom 2012 operations budget with $1.6 million projected revenue and $39,000 capital equipment allocation
APPROVED — Staff to evaluate three transit-oriented developments (North Virginia, West Fourth Street, M Street) and address Floor Area Ratios and business competitiveness
APPROVED — Four appointments to Charter Review Committee: Michael Pegy (Ward 1), Mario de Roa (Ward 4), Oscar Delgado (Ward 3), Theresa Navaro (Ward 5)
APPROVED — $5,400 donation from council funds to Great Basin youth soccer league for Moana Stadium Fields project
CONTINUED — Drug paraphernalia ordinance with business licensing and signage requirements — returned to workshop for discussion of phased implementation and potential grandfathering for compliant existing businesses
Debated But Not Resolved
Drug paraphernalia regulations — Business owners oppose "adult industry" classification and associated privilege license fees ($165/quarter), while city cites need to prevent youth sales. Next step: Workshop discussion on screening-first approach.
Center Street on-ramp closure timing — Staff seeking optimal 4-week closure window post-Fourth of July but before Hot August Nights; councilmember wants specific date. Next step: Weekly coordination meetings with city and RTC.
Nonprofit business license fees — Councilmember argues nonprofits like Renown should pay fees; others concerned about cost pass-through to consumers. Next step: Staff to prepare business impact statement.
Newspaper box standards downtown — Debate over placement, maintenance responsibility, and uniform standards versus free speech. Next step: City Attorney and Downtown Improvement Authority to develop ordinance.
Flood control priorities and protection levels — Dispute over Virginia Street Bridge funding ($10 million requested), North Truckee Drain inclusion, and whether 50-year protection adequate. Next step: Community input pending.
What to Watch
$5,138,256 — SAFER Grant firefighter positions — Federal Department of Homeland Security
$300,000 — Capital Search Charge Advisory Subcommittee — City budget
Drug paraphernalia ordinance workshop — Business owners will present alternatives to full licensing. Council will decide whether to phase implementation or grandfather existing compliant businesses.
Flood control project scope — City must decide between 50-year plan, locally preferred plan, and Virginia Street Bridge priority before Army Corps finalizes funding.
Fire deconsolidation planning — City requested joint meeting with Washo County by March 19; county cooperation unclear. Critical before April 1 layoff notice deadline.
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