Reno City Council Meeting
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
What Happened
Reno City Council held a regular meeting with 17 major items. The council approved zoning changes, hired a medical dispatch software vendor, accepted four state traffic enforcement grants totaling $198,622, and fielded lengthy public comment on Paradise Park senior programs.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — Emergency Medical Dispatch software contract with Priority Dispatch — Unanimous — Reno's 911 system will use medical triage software to improve response times and resource allocation. Cost: $188,051 from 9-1-1 Surcharge Fund.
APPROVED — Rezone 4.82 acres on north side of Charlotte's Avenue from Multi-Family Residential to Public Facilities — 7-0 — Aligns zoning with existing assisted living/skilled nursing facility use by Northern Nevada Medical Center.
APPROVED — Accept four state traffic safety grants — Unanimous — Reno Police will conduct DUI enforcement ($53,097), pedestrian safety enforcement ($40,000), school zone enforcement ($21,525), and multi-jurisdictional traffic events ($84,000) through Sept. 30, 2023, funded by State of Nevada Office of Traffic Safety.
APPROVED — Sewer easement acquisitions for 2022 Parr Sewer Rehabilitation Project — Unanimous — City will acquire easements across four parcels to construct sanitary sewer trunk line, reducing lift station dependency. Cost: $182,150 from Sewer Fund.
APPROVED — HR software modules addition to city financial system — Unanimous — Digital personnel action and benefits enrollment replaces manual processes. Cost: $38,000 from General Fund.
APPROVED — Accept FEMA grant for Public Safety Center microgrid system — Unanimous — Federal funding for design and analysis of renewable energy and storage system to keep critical infrastructure operational during power outages. Cost: $93,450.84 from Governor's Office of Energy.
APPROVED — 2023 meeting calendar — Unanimous — Set regular council meeting dates with exceptions in June, July, November, and December 2023.
APPROVED — Donate $250 to Dress for Success, Northern Nevada — Unanimous — Council member discretionary funds for women's job training program.
Debated But Not Resolved
Paradise Park Activity Center relocation — City staff proposed moving existing senior programs to accommodate nonprofit expansion for domestic violence services. Public comment strongly opposed any reduction in senior services. Council directed staff to conduct 10-month master plan process and explore shared facility solutions before any changes. Community outreach continues.
Animal shelter capacity and funding — One council member pushed for dedicated funding and explored ARPA dollars and county contributions. Shelter currently at capacity with longer animal stays. No decision made; issue continued.
Fines and fees justice reform — Council member Reese discussed working with municipal court on equity initiatives, noting current fines disproportionately affect poor residents and people of color. Awaiting prepared presentation with legislative proposals.
Arts funding and youth access — Council debated ensuring funded arts organizations provide free tickets to students at venues like Pioneer Center. No decision; item continued.
What to Watch
$188,051 — Emergency Medical Dispatch software — 9-1-1 Surcharge Fund
$182,150 — Sewer easement acquisitions — Sewer Fund
$93,450.84 — FEMA microgrid system design — Governor's Office of Energy
$84,000 — State Joining Forces traffic enforcement grant — Nevada Office of Traffic Safety
$53,097 — State impaired driving enforcement grant — Nevada Office of Traffic Safety
$40,000 — State pedestrian safety enforcement grant — Nevada Office of Traffic Safety
$38,000 — HR software modules — General Fund
$21,525 — State school zone enforcement grant — Nevada Office of Traffic Safety
Paradise Park master plan — Staff will spend up to 10 months studying facility uses while seniors await clarity on program continuity. Next council decision expected after community input phase closes.
Fines and fees legislation — Councilman Reese will return with specific ordinance proposals targeting equity in municipal court penalties.
Animal shelter funding — Council likely to revisit dedicated revenue sources or ARPA allocation for facility capacity expansion.
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