Reno City Council Meeting
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
What Happened
The Reno City Council met for a regular session with 27+ agenda items, including zoning changes, flood mapping contracts, ballroom operations, and grant approvals. The meeting lasted several hours with multiple items pulled from the consent agenda for individual discussion.
Key Decisions
• APPROVED — FEMA flood map analysis and mapping services contracts (Items B9, B10) — Motion carried with one no vote — City will work with FEMA on updated flood maps affecting hundreds of Reno properties in Southwest Foothills and tributary streams; cost split 50-50 with Washo County.
• APPROVED — Heiser Master Plan Amendment (Ordinance 6669) — Unanimous — Rezones 85.2 acres south of I-80 near exit 9 from large lot residential to specific plan district for development.
• APPROVED — Lake Mansion Historic Resource Designation (Ordinance 6670) — Unanimous — Designates 250 Court Street (0.4 acres) as historic landmark with overlay zoning protection.
• APPROVED — Silver Legacy Ballroom contract — Unanimous — Authorizes ballroom operations and management agreement; 2024 forecasted net income: $216,000 (split 50-50 between city and management).
• APPROVED — Public art project at Audi Boulevard (Item B16) — Unanimous — Approves artist John Fleming to design and install public art installation at Audi and Silverado Boulevard intersection.
• APPROVED — Military Sports Camp grant — Unanimous — Funds support September 2024 fly fishing and outdoor activities for veterans ($30,000–$35,000 from Nevada state grant).
• PENDING — Reno Police Department oral fluid testing devices grant (Item B19) — Grant provides four oral fluid testing devices and 25 cartridges from Office of Traffic Safety; decision deferred pending additional parameters.
Debated But Not Resolved
• FEMA flood mapping transparency — Council member Eber objected to lack of community workshops before mapping analysis began, citing 2011 incident where 313 homes were placed in flood zone. Staff explained FEMA has a formal public notice process; mayor agreed workshops are possible. Next step: City commits to future community workshops before formal FEMA notification.
• Stormwater utility funding — Council member Eber stated utility has been pending 5–6 years; city currently uses sewer money for flood work. Next step: Discussion deferred; utility issue remains unaddressed.
• Ballroom digital sign repair — Council member Ebert raised concerns about malfunctioning digital sign bulbs requiring maintenance per contract. Management stated RSCVA did not approve full replacement funding. Next step: Being brought back to RSCVA board for reconsideration.
• Oral fluid testing parameters — Council member Breuss concerned about lack of clear criteria for deploying 25 test cartridges and fair use standards. Next step: Item approval deferred pending detailed parameters.
What to Watch
• $5,000,000 — Riverside flood wall project with placemaking improvements (widened sidewalks, benches, separated bike path from Lear Theater to Boo Street) — ARPA and flood project funding.
• $75,000 — Ballroom facility capital expenditures for 2024 (roof and HVAC repairs) — Management company budget.
• $5,000 — Join Together Northern Nevada Uber Health program for addiction rehabilitation — Ward 5 Neighborhood Advisory Board donation.
FEMA flood mapping results — City must bring mapping analysis back to council before formal FEMA notification. Community workshops on changes expected.
Oral fluid testing grant parameters — Reno Police Department must provide detailed deployment criteria for test cartridge use before council final approval vote.
Ballroom strategic future — Council deferred conversation about facility's long-term viability and possible new direction when 2028 management agreement expires.
Get Reno government news every week
Every vote. Every debate. Zero jargon.