Reno City Council & Redevelopment Agency Board

Building permits in Somerset — One resident reported a 4-month processing time. Staff clarified they turn plans around in 10 working days plus a 3-day review period, suggesting the resident may have been referring to subdivision approval instead of individual home permits. Staff will follow up directly with the resident.

Public opinion surveys vs. council authority — Councilmembers worried that SurveyMonkey-style votes on decisions (like architectural designs) create false expectations that the public vote determines the outcome. Council retains final decision-making authority. No resolution on how to communicate this to residents.

Reno Direct customer service — Citizens reported receiving form emails closing service requests without adequate explanation. Councilmembers want improved communication when cases cannot be resolved further.

Budget gap ($5 million shortfall) — Council discussed multiple options: slowing hiring through a position review committee already in place, exploring regional revenue sources (lodgers tax, RTC funds), or implementing stormwater fees like Sparks did in 2008. No decision made. City manager will present options at the next meeting.

Neighborhood Advisory Boards — One councilmember called for restructuring NABs to be more neighborhood-specific; another insisted they remain effective for screening development projects. Evaluation deferred to next year.

iSoLA system (permit software) — Ongoing costs and delays on regional integration project. One councilmember suggested cutting losses if problems aren't fixed soon. Another cautioned against abandoning it since it's the standard platform. Detailed status report requested for future agenda.

Acela software platform failures — City manager acknowledged the software is not delivering intended functionality and has doubled staff workload. Request for presentation showing which departments depend on it and exploring alternative solutions.

Police and fire staffing for growth — Councilmembers concerned that new housing requires water, sewer, roads, and park infrastructure but the city lacks a mechanism to fund police and fire increases needed to match population growth amid the budget deficit.

$50,000 — Historical preservation expert contract — funding source not specified; councilmember advocated for removing staff conflict of interest in permit review process.

$1,800,000 — STAR Communities sustainability contract (five-year program) — funding source not specified.

May budget workshops (May 9 & 11) — Council must decide how to close the $5 million budget gap. Options include position freezes, service cuts, regional revenue sources, or stormwater fees. City manager will brief each councilmember individually first.

iSoLA system decision — Council requested detailed status report with critical path map and honest assessment of whether to continue regional integration or change direction toward online plan submittals.

Acela software alternative — City manager investigating whether to stay with current vendor or switch platforms affecting multiple departments and boards/commissions management.