Reno City Council
Monday, September 23, 2019
What Happened
City Council held a regular meeting spanning multiple hours with 13 major items, including approval of a controversial 4,700-unit residential development, settlement payments, zoning changes, franchise agreement reviews, and property appeals.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — Daybreak Master Plan residential development (4,700 units in southeast Reno floodplain) with zoning amendments — 4-3 vote — $1.7 million developer contribution for flood mitigation, $15 million estimated regional road impact fees, but Council split 4-3 on approval amid flooding and traffic concerns.
APPROVED — McKissick sexual harassment and retaliation settlement — Unanimous — $300,000 payment to resolve lawsuit against city.
APPROVED — Zoning map amendment (Community Commercial district) for Lake Ridge Tennis Club property — Unanimous — 55-foot height limit, traffic study requirements, conditions requiring development within specified timeframe or city can initiate re-zoning.
APPROVED — City Council 2019-2020 calendar establishing October and November meeting schedule — Unanimous.
APPROVED — 2018-2019 HUD Grant Programs annual report covering $2 million in community development spending — Unanimous — Required September 30 federal deadline.
APPROVED — MB Energy franchise agreement staff review — Unanimous — Directed staff to audit compliance with franchise terms before deciding on five-year extension, settlement, or renegotiation.
APPROVED — Alex Velto appointment to Planning Commission — Unanimous.
APPROVED — Sierra Palette Pavement appeal (parking/storage conditions modification) — Unanimous — Allows three vehicles at dock area without storage classification; other storage prohibited on south property.
APPROVED — Comstock Cottages Phase Two tentative map appeal — 5-0 vote — Affirmed Planning Commission approval allowing 476-unit residential development with public access easement through private property.
Debated But Not Resolved
Daybreak flood risk — Council split on whether 100-year floodplain location with flood events occurring every 15 years (not 100 years) poses unacceptable risk to residents. FEMA remapping due in 6-12 months could require project redesign. Next step: Council approved but conditions require project modifications if new FEMA maps significantly change flood elevations.
NV Energy franchise agreement compliance — Disagreement over whether audit findings constitute contract breach or discussion topics. City claims six-year audit period; NV Energy disputes with four-year statute limit. Next step: Staff returning with audit results and settlement information after receiving three additional years of data from NV Energy.
Waste Management franchise agreement renewal — Council split on whether to grant automatic five-year extension (if compliant), pursue three-year extension with renegotiation, or settle audit issues first. Next step: Staff to return with audit findings and settlement options before final action.
Mayors Park bathroom access — Council wanted year-round public restroom access; staff approved league-use-only with timed locks to prevent vandalism. Concern raised about weekly vandalism at Dorothy McAllinden Park restroom. Decision stands as approved but remains contentious.
What to Watch
$1,700,000 — Daybreak developer flood mitigation for adjacent neighborhoods — Developer contribution (Daybreak project)
$300,000 — McKissick settlement payment — City general fund
$2,029,309 — Community development block grants (CDBG) expenditures — HUD federal funding
$1,480,994 — HOME program funding for 504 affordable housing units — HUD federal funding
Daybreak development implementation — Project approval hinges on conditions requiring compliance with FEMA flood mapping updates expected within 6-12 months. If remapping significantly changes flood elevations, the $500 million project must be redesigned. Council minority (3 votes) opposed due to flood risk and traffic concerns.
NV Energy and Waste Management franchise negotiations — Both utility agreements expire soon. Staff audits pending. Outcomes will determine rate structures, service improvements (tree trimming, undergrounding), and city revenue. Council wants expert consultant hired to participate in Public Utilities Commission proceedings.
Lake Ridge Tennis Club development — Zoning approved but actual project design hasn't been submitted. Community expressed concerns about drive-throughs, height, traffic on South McCarran, and loss of historic tennis club character. Project must begin within specified timeframe or city can re-zone the property.
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