Reno City Council
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
What Happened
Reno City Council met March 9, 2022, for a regular meeting lasting several hours with roughly 20 action items and extensive public comment on safety, downtown conditions, and affordable housing.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — $6 million in federal ARPA funds to Reno Housing Authority for Bonanza Inn acquisition and rehabilitation for 58-unit affordable workforce housing — vote count not recorded — funds pending probate court decision on property purchase
APPROVED — $100,000 contract with Holland Hart law firm for labor negotiation legal services during union collective bargaining — 7-0 — provides external counsel for upcoming negotiations
APPROVED — On-premise alcohol and restaurant license for business at previously denied location — unanimous — allows restaurant with bar service (different from prior rejected package liquor applications)
APPROVED — Ordinance 6622 to allow two additional cannabis retail licenses and consolidate marijuana/cannabis code chapters — unanimous — expands legal cannabis retail in city
APPROVED — $3 million ARPA funds to Parks and Recreation for capital projects including California Building HVAC upgrades ($800,000) and other facilities — unanimous — improves building conditions
APPROVED — $800 sewer connection fee reduction for Green Street affordable housing project using new fee buydown program — unanimous — lowers development costs
APPROVED — Geothermal franchise agreement framework with Avalon Geothermal to move forward with draft term sheet — vote count not recorded — continues negotiation for geothermal heating/cooling system
Debated But Not Resolved
Neighborhood Advisory Board meeting format — Residents argued for in-person meetings due to elderly and working-class populations unable to use Zoom; council members noted Zoom increased participation — City Manager to review and coordinate hybrid meeting option
Ward boundary notifications — Residents received incorrect contact information on development notices and weren't informed of ward boundary change — Staff to investigate noticing procedures
Geothermal contract terms — Council member opposed moving forward without hiring utility expert, citing concerns over 50-year contract length, exclusivity provisions, liability waivers, and lack of public notice — Staff directed to hire utility expert, conduct public notice, and return with refined terms
Bonanza Inn project readiness — Council member concerned about lack of sub-recipient agreement and property not yet secured through probate court — Sub-recipient agreements scheduled for March 23 agenda after probate court decision
What to Watch
$6,000,000 — Bonanza Inn acquisition/rehabilitation — ARPA funds
$3,000,000 — Parks capital projects including California Building HVAC — ARPA funds
$800,000 — California Building air conditioning installation — ARPA funds
$100,000 — Labor negotiation legal services — existing HR budget
Bonanza Inn purchase decision (March 23): Property is in probate court sale with decision expected in 30-60 days. Reno Housing Authority must compete at court hearing. Full sub-recipient agreement and project details coming March 23.
Geothermal franchise agreement (Spring): Staff returning with refined contract terms after hiring utility expert and conducting public notice. Council expressed concerns about 50-year total term, exclusivity, and liability provisions.
Fusion Lounge cabaret license (republished agenda): Item deferred due to 16 public comments opposing renewal. Safety violations and police calls will be re-examined before reposting.
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