Reno City Council
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
What Happened
The city council met for approximately 5 hours, approving zoning changes for multiple residential projects, accepting a property bid, establishing a special assessment district for sidewalk work, and reviewing a structural budget deficit approaching $70 million due to pandemic revenue losses.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — Bill 7165: 2021 Special Assessment District for street/sidewalk improvements in Robertson Wilson and East Taylor areas — Unanimous — Property owners in two zones will pay assessments averaging $700-$1,500 each; city will contribute $5.1 million for street rehabilitation (curbs, gutters, pavement, sewer).
APPROVED — Accept $142,500 bid for 0 Mayberry property — 7-0 — City will purchase adjoining property at appraised value; use of proceeds remains unresolved.
APPROVED — Echo Avenue zoning amendments (C41, C42, C43) allowing multi-family 30 units per acre — Vote count not recorded — Changes zoning from public facility to multi-family neighborhood; Planning Commission recommended approval despite density concerns.
APPROVED — Daybreak PUD (71-unit residential development in Ward 2) — Vote count not recorded — Includes speed limit reductions, open space deed restrictions, and wild horse mitigation conditions; council member requested two-week continuance to finalize conditions.
APPROVED — The Canyons development (LDC 21-0024, Ordinance 7167) first reading — Vote count not recorded — Referred to second reading at next meeting; developer will work with council member on water access and road placement issues.
APPROVED — Supplemental alcohol license for hotel package liquor — Unanimous — Qualifies for moratorium exemption due to transient lodging tax status; clarified exemption criteria for future applications.
CONTINUED — Stan Lucas Mortensen Ranch development hearing (LDC 20-0003) — 7-0 continuance vote — Deferred to March 10 to allow absent Ward 5 representative to meet with applicant; 44 opposition letters and 22 concern letters received from public.
Debated But Not Resolved
Wild horse mitigation on Daybreak and Canyons projects — Council member advocated for water sources and road relocation to protect horse passage; developer cited Nevada state law restrictions on water permits and code-compliance issues with road placement. Next step: applicant and council member to work on conditions over two weeks before second reading.
Echo Avenue multi-family density (MF-30 zoning) — Council member expressed concern about 30 units/acre density near industrial corridor with truck traffic; others supported density as appropriate transition. Planning Commission recommended approval of master plan amendment but denial of MF-30 zoning. Status: zoning amendment approved; Planning Commission concerns noted.
Use of $142,500 from Mayberry property sale — Council member questioned whether proceeds go to community trust foundation as previously discussed. Next step: staff to clarify plan and bring formal council action.
Room tax allocation split — Council member questioned 50-50 split between parks and council discretionary spending, arguing council portion should allow ward-specific project allocation. Next step: to be discussed in future budget meetings.
What to Watch
$5,100,000 — City street rehabilitation work (curbs, gutters, pedestrian ramps, pavement, sewer main) — General fund
$362,768.28 — Total special assessment district improvements (Robertson Wilson and East Taylor sidewalks) — Property owner assessments
Stan Lucas Mortensen Ranch hearing (March 10) — Significant public opposition with 44 objection letters filed. Council member Jardian must meet with applicant before hearing.
Canyons development conditions (next regular meeting) — Developer must return with written conditions addressing wild horse water access, road placement, and grading standards. Council member pushing for road relocation off friable mountain slope.
Budget deficit strategy (ongoing) — City facing $70 million structural deficit. Council requested detailed capital projects plan for potential federal stimulus funding and long-term staffing strategy for police/fire vacancies.
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