Reno City Council
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
What Happened
Reno City Council met for 6+ hours on February 26, 2020, approving over 50 agenda items including a $55 million sewer bond, three housing development fee deferrals, and new massage establishment regulations, while deferring decisions on procurement policy, parks fee increases, and city manager recruitment.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — $55 million General Obligation Sewer Bond to expand wastewater treatment plant from 2 to 4 million gallons per day capacity — vote count not recorded — will fund sewage projects but triggers anticipated sewer rate increases of 10-12% annually; council deferred final decision on effluent disposal location.
APPROVED — Old Greyhound Station multifamily project (60 units) gets 5-year sewer and building permit fee deferral with rates locked at permit time — 6-1 vote, Council member Breus opposed due to no affordability restrictions — accelerates downtown housing but uses city revenue.
APPROVED — Jacob's property mixed-use residential (260 units) fee deferral agreement — 6-1 vote (Breus opposed) — largest single deferral but again no affordability requirements.
APPROVED — Park Avenue property mixed-use development fee deferral in Opportunity Zone — 6-1 vote (Breus opposed).
APPROVED — Ordinance 6547 requires FBI background checks for massage establishment business licenses — unanimous vote — addresses licensing integrity.
APPROVED — FY2021 Five-Year Plan to proceed while addressing parking fees and other concerns during budget review — unanimous vote.
CONTINUED — Procurement Policy Item 22 — council requested more time to review city manager authority limits and City Attorney hiring procedures before voting.
CONTINUED — Parks and Recreation fee increases — deferred to May budget finalization; seniors and low-income residents requested data analysis showing impact before approval.
CONTINUED — City manager recruitment process — staff directed to develop hybrid model combining internal resources with limited external consultant involvement; cost estimate due next Wednesday.
APPROVED — Pioneer Center for Performing Arts funding reduced to $45,810 (from $50,900) — with $4,800 redirected to arts grants program.
APPROVED — Emergency Operations Plan adoption covering pandemics, earthquakes, terrorism, and disasters — unanimous vote.
APPROVED — $9,300 for West Park general improvements.
APPROVED — Ordinance 6549 initiates police facility impact fee text amendment for Planning Commission review — vote count not recorded.
Debated But Not Resolved
SB 207 Apprenticeship Compliance — Spanish Springs Construction contractor challenged on lack of documented good faith effort toward apprenticeship utilization; city attorney requested to clarify compliance procedures and timeline conflicts between 90-day notice to proceed and 120-day waiver wait periods.
Sewer Plant Expansion Effluent Disposal — Council member Breus concerned $55 million bond commits funds before knowing final disposal location (Bedell Flat ruled unsuitable, American Flat viability unknown); staff assured adequate time before new development comes online but concerns remain.
Parks Fee Increases for Seniors — Multiple seniors and council members opposed increases, citing fixed-income impact and mental health/suicide correlation; staff presented $2.7 million deficit from minimum wage requirements but no alternatives approved yet.
City Debt Growth — Public comment noted bond debt increased $6 million and total liability debt grew $86 million in one year to $1.14 billion; no council response or action taken.
Affordable Housing Affordability Levels — Council member Breus pushed for 40% AMI units instead of 60% on senior housing project; developer indicated willingness to negotiate but no commitment reached.
Building Enterprise Fund Structure — Council member questioned why building permit fees go to Enterprise Fund instead of general fund like business licenses; deferred for future review.
What to Watch
$55,000,000 — sewer plant expansion (2-4 MGD capacity) — General Obligation Bond.
$125,000 — Arttown Festival sponsorship — City general fund (continued for one month pending staff discussion on conditions).
$50,900 — Pioneer Center for Performing Arts annual funding (reduced) — Room tax/Lodgers Revenue.
$9,300 — West Park improvements — General fund.
City Manager Search — Council directed staff to develop hybrid recruitment model (internal + limited external consultant) with cost estimate due next Wednesday. Decision on whether to hire $60,000 search firm vs. $10,000 alternative pending model analysis. Interim coverage strategy also unresolved.
Parks Fee Increases for Seniors — Deferred to May budget. Council rejected immediate approval despite $2.7 million minimum wage cost. Staff must return with alternative revenue sources or restructured fee tiers before final adoption.
Procurement Policy — City manager authority increase from $50,000 to $100,000 and City Attorney sole hiring authority remain disputed. Council requested detailed review before next vote.
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