Reno City Council
Friday, June 2, 2017
What Happened
Reno City Council met June 2, 2017, for a legislative session update with votes on meeting procedures and acknowledgment of an open meeting law violation.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — Acknowledgment of Attorney General findings regarding Open Meeting Law violation and validation of prior council action on an agreement — unanimous vote — Council accepted AG conclusions but disagreement remains on whether additional corrective action is required by June 14.
CONTINUED — AB-36 amendment to define mayor's role — Mayor pulled the amendment; will have separate bill introduced next legislative session instead — addresses question of whether mayor represents at-large or by ward, but deferred pending full council discussion with Charter Committee.
Debated But Not Resolved
Open Meeting Law transparency — Public commenter Eddie Lorton argued council agenda lacked clear notice that a $7 million development item included $3.5 million in public funds to a private citizen, limiting public comment opportunity. Council members questioned legal integrity of agreement. — City Attorney to seek Attorney General clarification on corrective action requirements; council reconvening Wednesday.
Corrective action interpretation — Councilman McKenzie argued Attorney General's order requires council to place corrective action item on next agenda by June 14. City Attorney and others said the requirement is already satisfied by acknowledging findings. — Attorney General's Office to provide clarification.
NRS 278B sewer funding compliance — Lorton contended the funding mechanism violated state law limiting sewer capacity increases and questioned use of Redevelopment Agency funds. — Not addressed in meeting; remains unresolved.
Park Lane agreement — Councilman requested staff prepare analysis of agreement impact with fresh perspective before ratification decision. — City Attorney contacting Attorney General's office; staff providing midsummer update.
What to Watch
$3,500,000 — Public funds allocation to private citizen as part of development project — Sewer rate funding/Redevelopment Agency (funding source disputed by public commenter).
Attorney General clarification due soon — Council needs to know if it must place a corrective action item on the June 14 agenda. The disagreement between council members and staff could affect council's next steps.
Park Lane agreement analysis — Staff analysis due in midsummer will determine whether council moves forward with ratification. This was flagged as needing fresh review before decision.
AB-36 separate bill — Assemblywoman Teresa Phineas Thompson will introduce new bill next legislative session. Council committed to Charter Committee discussion on differentiating mayor powers.
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