Reno City Council Meeting
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
What Happened
Reno City Council held a full meeting covering water infrastructure bonds, bike projects, historic designations, and a contentious fence/retaining wall permit appeal that took up most of the evening session.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — $70 million general obligation sewer bond for advanced water purification facility (North Valley project to create recycled water supply) — Unanimous — Will cost city $5.6 million annually in debt service; total project is $221 million split 70% city, 30% Truckee Meadows Water Authority.
APPROVED — $70 million Regional Transportation Commission investment in bike infrastructure across five downtown Reno streets (Fifth, Vine, Virginia, St. Clair, Lake Evans) with design starting now and construction in 2025 — Unanimous — Includes protected bike lanes and street redesigns.
APPROVED — Cross Connection Project removing 11 cross connections between storm and sewer drains — 7-0 — Reduces sewer overflow risk and treatment costs during heavy rain.
APPROVED — Casa del Rey property historic landmark designation at 990 White Kean Miller Drive — 7-0 — Adds preservation protections to structure.
APPROVED — Garrett Humphrey House historic landmark designation at 655 South Arlington Avenue — 7-0 — Adds preservation protections to structure.
REJECTED — Appeal of fence/retaining wall permit denial (2600 Outlook Drive property) — 5-2 — Hearing officer's decision stands; applicant can only reapply with five-foot setback from property line to comply with code.
Debated But Not Resolved
Fence height and residential adjacency standards — Council Member Breus argued code section 18.04.1404 prohibits fill within 5 feet of residential property lines even for residential-to-residential projects. City staff said the rule applies only to non-residential development. Council asked city attorney for legal interpretation before final decision.
Drainage design compliance — Neighbor alleged the retaining wall and fence project directs water across his property, causing erosion. City presented grading plan routing water to Last Chance Ditch. Council Member Breus cited Public Works manual claiming design violates code. Unresolved pending attorney review.
Take-home vehicle policy — Council questioned whether police officers commuting 30+ miles from headquarters are on-duty (and thus city liability for accidents), and whether $32,000 annual fuel costs can be cut. City Manager and Police Chief committed to developing comprehensive policy based on 2022 audit recommendations.
Downtown bike lane design details — Council discussed green paint, candlesticks, barriers, and lighting consistency. Staff agreed to return with final design details for public input before construction begins in 2025.
What to Watch
$70,000,000 — Sewer revenue bond for advanced water purification facility — Sewer fund revenue
$70,000,000 — Regional bike infrastructure on five downtown streets — RTC regional allocation
Residential adjacency code interpretation — City attorney must clarify whether five-foot setback rule applies to residential-to-residential projects. This affects whether the Outlook Drive fence/wall appeal stands or must be reconsidered.
Downtown bike lane final design — RTC returns to council in 2024 with specific design choices (paint color, physical barriers, lighting). Public input period happens before construction starts in 2025.
Police take-home vehicle policy — New comprehensive policy due back to council addressing on-duty status, liability, and fuel cost management.
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