Reno City Council
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
What Happened
Reno City Council held a full meeting on August 9, 2017, with approximately 20 votes and several extended debates on homelessness, flood control funding, pedestrian safety, and property sales.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — Sell 39.06 acres of city-owned land at Veterans Parkway and Longmeadow Drive at public auction with minimum bid of $2.1 million — 7-0 — City retains right to reject all bids; proceeds will go to general fund.
APPROVED — Rezone same 39.06 acres for mixed-use residential development with lot sizes from 4,000 to 15,000 square feet (Ordinance 6432) — 7-0 — Clears path for "The Cottages at The Comstock" development if property sells.
APPROVED — Prohibit non-electric vehicles from parking in EV charging station spaces (Ordinance 6434) — 7-0 — First enforcement step for alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure.
APPROVED — Require mayor and council members to file campaign contribution reports (Ordinance 6435) — 7-0 — Complies with Nevada Assembly Bill 36.
APPROVED — Direct staff to investigate homeless shelter sites and continue working with state and county on alternatives — Unanimous — Council authorized due diligence on proposed Fourth Street Corridor location and environmental assessment; no final site decision made.
APPROVED — Reimburse Lake Ditch Corporation $61,000 for cleaning and maintenance work — Unanimous — Supports water management infrastructure benefiting the city.
Debated But Not Resolved
Homeless shelter location — Council disagreed on Fourth Street Corridor site; some cited environmental concerns (sludge found previously), impact on disadvantaged neighborhoods, and revitalization efforts; others pushed for moving forward given capacity crisis at existing facilities — Staff authorized to proceed with environmental assessment and community outreach before final decision.
Police extradition contract with Washoe County Sheriff — Councilwoman Brekhus questioned contract clarity and efficiency (city pays approximately half a secretary's salary to Sheriff's Department for 100 extraditions annually) — City Attorney directed to renegotiate terms within 90 days.
Vision Zero pedestrian safety program — Council debated whether infrastructure alone (speed bumps, rumble strips) or behavioral education campaigns work better; disagreed on prioritizing state highways versus secondary streets — Aaron Breen to return with formal program proposal.
Flood project funding mechanism — Debate over whether independent Flood Management Authority should set rates without voter approval or whether ballot measure needed; concerns raised about cost allocation between jurisdictions and whether funding should address stormwater issues beyond Truckee River — Funding needs committee to report in 18 months.
What to Watch
$61,000 — Lake Ditch Corporation reimbursement — City cash disbursements
$2,100,000 — Minimum sale price (property appraised fair market value) — Proceeds from Veterans Parkway/Longmeadow land sale
$300,000 — Contract award (consent agenda, details not specified) — City budget
$200,000 — Contract award (consent agenda, details not specified) — City budget
$1,000 — Donation to Amplify Life for Camp Lots of Fun — Council donation funds
$1,000 — Donation to Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful — Council donation funds
Homeless shelter site decision — September council meeting will likely include final environmental assessment results and community input on Fourth Street Corridor location; council must approve site before facility construction can begin.
Property auction terms — September 12 auction deadline approaches for Veterans Parkway land; council must decide whether to accept highest bid, reject all bids, or add conditions regarding development timeline.
Police contract renegotiation — City Attorney has 90 days to revise extradition services agreement with Washoe County Sheriff; council will review revised terms for approval.
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