Reno City Council
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
What Happened
Reno City Council met May 26, 2021, for a regular session with 23 voting items. The council approved zoning changes, a major developer agreement, street financing, and several vendor contracts.
Key Decisions
[APPROVED] — Stonegate development community benefits agreement — Unanimous — Developer will pay $1.5M for Ward 4 recreation facilities ($800K), regional aquatics facility ($500K), youth athletics grants ($100K), and small business incubator ($100K).
[APPROVED] — Lakeside Drive zoning change from SF3 to MF30 multifamily — 6-1 vote — Opens 3.07 acres near West Peckham Lane for higher-density housing development; Planning Commission recommended approval.
[APPROVED] — Street assessment medium-term note — Unanimously — $352,000 in state-approved financing for street assessments; funds go to street fund.
[APPROVED] — Forest Street Station on-premise alcohol license — 7-0 — New bar licensed for California Avenue location; applicant proposed 12pm-midnight hours despite zoning allowing 24-hour operation.
[APPROVED] — Ledger emissions tracking software contract — Unanimously — Nevada-based company will monitor city operational emissions to guide sustainability decisions; contract uses milestone-based terms.
[APPROVED] — IPS Group parking meter vendor renewal — Unanimously — City continues parking meter management after competitive bid process.
[APPROVED] — Pedestrian Safety Initiatives — Unanimously — Council approved Vision Zero crosswalk enhancements at Plum and Mount Rose (site of recent pedestrian injury) and Sierra Street.
[APPROVED] — Jennifer Cunningham airport authority appointment — Unanimously — Tourism and air service expert appointed to Reno Tahoe Airport Authority board.
Debated But Not Resolved
MF30 zoning compatibility — Opponents argued inadequate neighborhood engagement, excessive density transition, and traffic safety hazards; staff and applicant defended conformance with Reimagine Reno master plan. Vote proceeded 6-1 approval despite unresolved concerns.
Sewer fee lock-in terms — Councilwoman Breuss questioned giving developers 6.5-year fee freeze (18 months construction plus 5 years to pay) when sewer rates expected to increase substantially. Discussion continued; motion approved.
Building setback requirements for Lakeside townhomes — Council split on whether rear setback should follow side-yard height-to-setback ratio (additional 1 foot setback per foot of height above 24 feet). Staff indicated applicant could drop end units or reduce height if council requires stricter ratio; vote pending at session end.
CCMSI workers compensation claims denials — Council member expressed concerns about frequent claim denials lacking clear justification. Staff to compile risk manager report on claims data before June 9 contract renewal vote.
Pedestrian safety enforcement vs. infrastructure — Council member advocated for geometric improvements (bulbouts, rumble strips) rather than reliance on enforcement-only approach. Lieutenant explained tool follows state policy guidelines; disagreement unresolved.
What to Watch
$1,500,000 — Stonegate developer community benefits (recreation, aquatics facility, youth programs, business incubator) — Developer cash contribution.
$352,000 — Street assessment financing — Street fund.
Lakeside townhome project final approval — Council will vote on setback requirements and design conditions for 18-unit development. Applicant must provide neighbor consent letters or comply with stricter height-to-setback ratio.
CCMSI contract renewal (June 9) — Fifth and final year of workers compensation vendor contract. Staff will conduct RFP for new vendors next year pending claims analysis.
Neighborhood engagement for zoning changes — City planning to conduct public engagement on SMU district zoning inconsistencies in early 2022, after north valley and east-of-UNR areas addressed.
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