Reno City Council
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
What Happened
The Reno City Council held a regular meeting lasting several hours, voting on approximately 40 items including employment agreements, zoning changes, licensing decisions, and infrastructure projects.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — City Manager Andrew Clinger separation agreement with $200,000 total payout (six months severance, accrued leave, $30,000 attorney fees) — vote count not fully recorded — ends city manager's employment effective October 10, 2016, and limits city's legal liability from pending investigations.
CONTINUED — CVS gaming license application (15 machines) — unanimous — staff must verify special use permits, physical separation requirements, and gaming policy compliance before next council vote; machines ordered shut down pending approval.
APPROVED — Boarding house zoning amendment — 7-0 — allows rental housing for students within half-mile of UNR in single-family zones with special use permits.
APPROVED — Three-year police contracts (sergeants, lieutenants, deputy chiefs) — 7-0 — establishes wages and benefits; projects $100,000 annual savings from retiree health insurance changes for officers over 65.
APPROVED — Transit and bike lane grant application — unanimous — $200,000 federal funding for green bike lane markings at 20-30 intersections, with Mill Street and Peckham sidewalks as secondary priorities.
APPROVED — New Leaf cannabis facility relocation — unanimous — permits move to smaller adjacent space per state legislative changes.
APPROVED — Dotties gaming licenses (10 locations) — unanimous — clarifies licensing for gaming establishments with food service.
Debated But Not Resolved
Train Town development zoning — Opponents argued 1,200-home proposal destroys rural character and strains infrastructure (traffic, schools, water, sewer). Supporters cited master plan intentions and regional standards. Vote not taken; item continues.
Hillside Cemetery disinterment — Opponents want preservation; developers seek relocation of 800+ graves. City lacks clear authority; Washoe County Health Department has primary jurisdiction. Staff to draft resolution addressing community outreach and legal analysis by September 28.
Reno Event Center hockey deal — Unresolved questions: $14 million city debt on existing facilities, how private operator funds $5-6 million ice plant, whether general funds are at risk, and tax-exempt bond status implications. 45-day negotiation window approved; bond counsel review scheduled.
Reno Arch renovation scope — Debate over $135,000 optional upgrades (LED programmable lights, stainless steel skin) versus $4,000 maintenance only. Council ordered public engagement process before final decision.
What to Watch
$200,000 — City Manager separation/severance package — general fund
$200,000 — Federal Transportation Alternative Program grant for bike lanes — federal funding
$500 — Donation to Northern Nevada Alzheimer's Association — general fund
Hillside Cemetery resolution (September 28) — City must clarify its regulatory authority over private cemetery property and address community concerns about grave disinterment affecting 800+ families since 1869.
Reno Event Center exclusive negotiating agreement — Council must determine financial terms and protect taxpayers from general fund liability while bond counsel reviews tax-exempt status implications.
Train Town zoning — Large residential development vote pending; council indicated infrastructure analysis and potential county coordination required before final approval.
Get Reno government news every week
Every vote. Every debate. Zero jargon.