Reno City Council Meeting
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
What Happened
Reno City Council held its November 9, 2022 meeting with roughly 15 action items, including park improvements, liquor licensing, fire station repairs, and two new traffic violation ordinances.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — Robin Hood Park playground improvements contract to Sierra Nevada Construction for $427,407 (Community Development Block Grant funding). New ADA-accessible play structure, resurfaced basketball/Futsal court, rubberized safety surface, and sidewalk improvements. — 6-0 (Vice Mayor abstained due to prior consulting relationship with contractor)
APPROVED — Fire station roof replacement as emergency. Council approved despite concerns about temporary sprung structure with 20-year warranty on a 2014 facility. — Unanimous
CONTINUED — Liquor license for convenience store near Reno High School. Council delayed vote to allow applicant to participate and verify landscaping compliance with original 2012 approval conditions. — Unanimous continuation decision
APPROVED — Two ordinances converting traffic violations from misdemeanors to civil infractions, implementing 2021 Nevada legislature changes. — Unanimous
APPROVED — Construction contract for Summit Ridge Drive Bridge project totaling $120,545. — 6-0 (Councilwoman Taylor abstained due to prior consulting work with contractor)
APPROVED — Harris Armstrong to Reno City Planning Commission. — Unanimous
Debated But Not Resolved
Sewer fee increases — Councilmember concerned about 7% annual increases affecting residents (one constituent's bill rose from $50 to $160 over 20 years). Proposed exploring caps similar to legislative approaches. City manager agreed to provide cost breakdown and discuss at future meeting.
Robin Hood Park picnic tables and shade — Councilwoman requested replacement of uncomfortable concrete picnic tables and expressed concern about tree shade coverage on rubberized playground surface. Parks manager stated no funding available in current project but hopes to phase improvements over next 10 years.
Fire station roof long-term planning — Councilmember questioned why temporary sprung structure roof is appropriate for permanent station. Staff explained permanent structure would be cost-prohibitive; concern noted about facility planning.
Vice Mayor selection process — Councilman Brekhus objected to Mayor making nomination motion, arguing Council should select Vice Mayor since that person presides when Mayor is absent. His objection was overruled and candidate was elected.
What to Watch
$427,407 — Robin Hood Park playground and court improvements — Community Development Block Grant
$120,545 — Summit Ridge Drive Bridge construction contract — Funding source not specified
Liquor license decision (December) — Council will revisit convenience store near Reno High School after verifying landscaping compliance and allowing applicant participation. Debate over liquor store proximity to schools continues.
Sewer fee discussion — City manager to submit memo exploring caps on annual sewer fee increases. Decision pending on whether to limit rate increases like the legislature does.
Council Rules update — Staff to review and propose updates to Council Rules with new council members.
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