Reno City Council & Redevelopment Agency Board
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
What Happened
Reno City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board met for 5+ hours on Dec. 14, 2016, handling 40+ agenda items including major deals, policy changes, and community donations.
Key Decisions
[APPROVED] — Reno Puck Club 10-year hockey management agreement at Reno Events Center — 6-1 vote — City commits up to $500,000 annually starting 2022 from tourism surcharge; private partner invests $6 million in facility improvements; no general fund commitment.
[APPROVED] — Firefighters labor contract (IAFF Local 731) — Unanimously — 4% salary increase year one, 2% years two and three; saves city over $10 million long-term through pension restructuring.
[APPROVED] — Park Lane development infrastructure credit — 6-1 vote — Developer receives $3.5 million credit toward sewer connection fees for rebuilding $5-6 million in 50-year-old storm drain and sewer lines; completed infrastructure becomes public property.
[APPROVED] — Craft distillery licensing — Unanimously — Allows liquor manufacturers to sell packaged alcohol from production sites in redevelopment areas.
[APPROVED] — Billboard moratorium extension and bank closure — Unanimously — Extends billboard ban for one year; closes system that tracked development rights; ordinance details to return to council in January.
[APPROVED] — $3,000 to Living Life on Wheels wheelchair rugby program — Unanimously.
[APPROVED] — $2,000 to Arts for All Nevada (art classes for adults with developmental disabilities) — Unanimously.
[APPROVED] — $4,480 to Neighbor Network of Northern Nevada (scholarships and laptops for people with disabilities) — Unanimously.
[APPROVED] — $2,000 to Smile Restore dental services — Unanimously.
[APPROVED] — Community policing initiative with Gwen Center — Unanimously — Reno Police, Sparks Police, and Washoe County Sheriff to implement 21st Century Policing recommendations.
[REJECTED] — Motion to appoint councilwoman to Regional Transportation Commission — Motion died for lack of second.
Debated But Not Resolved
Billboard ordinance interpretation — Scenic Nevada argued 2000 voter initiative banned new billboards entirely; billboard companies argued permits issued in good faith must be honored; council extended moratorium pending legal clarity.
C4 Equity settlement and University Ridge property — Residents oppose settlement as surrendering city control; City Attorney explained zoning restrictions remain in place for all future permits; council voted 6-1 to accept settlement but property issues remain open.
Sewer connection fee structure for infill developers — Developers requested reduced fees for smaller projects; council directed staff to present policy options at January 11 meeting.
Puck Club facility funding — Council divided on whether $500,000 annual payments constitute appropriate subsidy; some questioned if partner should absorb more losses; staff directed to clarify capital improvement definitions and audit procedures.
Pedestrian safety — Multiple council members requested dedicated workshop to address 2016 fatalities; current meeting format deemed insufficient for detailed analysis.
What to Watch
$3,500,000 — Infrastructure credit for Park Lane sewer/storm drain improvements — Developer in-kind contribution; city receives completed infrastructure.
$500,000/year — Reno Puck Club facility support (2022-2027) — Tourism surcharge (subject to annual council appropriation).
Billboard ordinance returns in January with legal analysis of banking system liability and council vote on whether to overturn 2000 voter initiative.
Development fee policy workshop scheduled January 11 to address whether smaller infill projects should pay reduced sewer/storm drain connection fees.
Puck Club final agreement comes back with specifics on annual $500,000 allocation, capital vs. maintenance definitions, and audit requirements before 2022 appropriations begin.
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