Reno City Council
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
What Happened
The Reno City Council held a regular meeting where it approved a $1 million housing loan, zoning changes, street acceptances, and a controversial downtown entertainment venue while debating gaming ordinance reforms and herbicide spraying practices.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — $1 million pass-through loan from Nevada Housing Division to Summit Club Apartments for 155 affordable workforce housing units — unanimous — City accepted low-interest loan with 3% interest rate to fund affordable housing project
APPROVED — The Eddy project special use permit and floor area ratio variance at 16 South Sierra Street for outdoor beer garden/entertainment venue — vote count not recorded — 350-person capacity outdoor bar approved with strict conditions: 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–11:30 p.m. Friday–Saturday, 65-decibel noise limit, one-year review before occupancy increase allowed, mixed-age operations required during daytime, maximum two special activity permits per month
APPROVED — Reno Fire Department Administrators Association three-year labor contract — unanimous — 2% pay increase effective July 1, 2016 (first raise since 2008) plus four-step advancement with 3% differentials per step; contract runs through June 30, 2019
APPROVED — Street acceptances for Regency Park residential subdivisions (Phase 1A and 1B streets) — 4–1 vote on Phase 1B deficiency acceptance — City assumed maintenance responsibility for streets with existing cracking defects; Council expressed intent to implement stricter acceptance standards in future master plan
APPROVED — North Valley Estates zone change and South Meadows Phase Three PUD amendment — unanimous — 20.12 acres rezoned to single-family residential; 7.1-acre planning unit amended to allow mixed residential/non-residential uses up to 55 feet tall
APPROVED — Flying Horse Road abandonment — unanimous — City rejected easement dedication offer; mayor directed to execute reconveyance deed
APPROVED — Two general fund donations: $5,000 to Wolfpack Veterans Club, $500 to Alzheimer's Association of Northern Nevada — unanimous
Debated But Not Resolved
Gaming ordinance amendments — Debate over whether 49% revenue threshold properly defines "incidental" gaming at bars; disagreement on enforcement mechanisms for primary business status; questions about bar-top requirements versus revenue audits — First reading scheduled June 15, second reading July 20; staff to provide clarification on restaurant/gaming license distinctions and smoking restrictions
The Eddy noise standards — Disagreement over fixed 65-decibel limit feasibility given variable ambient noise (river, traffic) exceeding 65dB; debate over measurement methodology (15-minute average versus percentages above ambient); concern about cumulative noise from multiple venues — One-year review process to assess actual compliance; conditions pending clarification on specific decibel calculation standards
Herbicide spraying practices — Community concerns about 24D herbicide spraying near residential areas without public notice; City explained necessity for managing 1,400 weed locations across 250 acres — Director to review entire weed management program including integrated pest management alternatives and community notification procedures; workshop discussion expected at future date
Street acceptance standards — Councilman McKenzie opposed accepting streets with visible deficiencies, arguing it shortens street lifespan from 20 years to less; others argued developer followed guidance in good faith — Policy discussion deferred; staff to document current road acceptance procedures for council review
What to Watch
$1,000,000 — Pass-through loan for Summit Club Apartments affordable housing — Nevada Housing Division Low-Income Housing Trust Fund
$868,000 — Sewer fee deferral for 155 affordable units (pending Washoe County approval, outside city jurisdiction)
$1,305,000 — HOME funds commitment for housing project — HOME consortium ($1,060,000 prior allocation + $245,000 next year)
Gaming ordinance clarifications — June 15 first reading. Council needs final answers on bar/restaurant license distinctions, kitchen definitions, and smoking restrictions before voting. This affects how strictly the city regulates gaming machines in non-casino bars.
The Eddy one-year review — Developer must submit compliance report at business license renewal. Council will hold public hearing to assess whether noise limits were met before allowing any occupancy increases. Success here shapes future downtown entertainment venue approvals.
Affordable housing policy framework — August 3 workshop scheduled. Council wants comprehensive discussion of all funding sources and incentive mechanisms before approving similar projects. Sewer fee deferral decision still pending Washoe County.
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