Reno City Council Meeting
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
What Happened
Reno City Council met March 27, 2024, approving $15.6 million in road work, debating accessory dwelling unit rules, and hearing objections to downtown bar permits. The meeting lasted several hours and covered roughly 30 agenda items.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — $3.47 million preventive road maintenance (slurry seal on 43 miles of neighborhood streets and 142 streets in Northwest Verde) — Unanimous — Addresses deteriorating road conditions citywide
APPROVED — $9 million Yori North and Yori South street rehab projects (road replacement, sidewalks, ADA ramps) — Unanimous — Upgrades infrastructure in Wards 1 and 3
APPROVED — $3 million IT equipment purchase authorization (5-year contract) — Unanimous — Modernizes city technology
APPROVED — $150,000 budget increase for city attorney legal fees in mandamus litigation — Unanimous — Covers ongoing court costs related to city manager administrative claims
APPROVED — Dermy Trust annexation of 4,113 square feet for residential use in Ward 1 — Unanimous — Adds property south of Aspen Trail to city limits
APPROVED — Two historic landmark designations (990 Glen Miller Drive and 655 South Arlington Avenue in Newlands district) — Protects historic properties
Debated But Not Resolved
Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance — Council disagreed on whether to allow ADUs citywide or only in specific neighborhoods, whether parking and size minimums should be required, and whether approval should be automatic or case-by-case. Some members worried ADUs would become short-term rentals; others cited housing shortage. Staff directed to return with 8-10 decision points for council vote before neighborhood outreach begins.
Affordable housing code changes (Item C2) — Planning Commission deviated from staff recommendations. Council postponed discussion pending additional workshops and public engagement before reconsidering.
Downtown bar permits (Axe Bar extended hours) — Neighbors opposed allowing extended Cabaret hours (Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.) citing noise, police response delays, and sleep disruption. Operator emphasized security measures. Council has not yet voted.
NV Energy franchise agreements — Councilwoman Brekhus criticized lack of public input on billion-dollar agreements reached as "cooked redline agreements." Council removed items D2-D4 from agenda; discussion resumes April 10.
What to Watch
$3,471,000 — Road preventive maintenance (slurry seal, mill and overlay) — Fiscal year 24 CIP budget
$3,000,000+ — Yori North street rehab — Fiscal year 24 CIP budget
$5,000,000+ — Yori South street rehab — Fiscal year 24 CIP budget
$3,000,000 — IT equipment (5-year authorization) — Budgeted funds via state contract
$150,000 — City attorney litigation costs — General fund
ADU ordinance decision points — Council will vote on 8-10 specific parameters (parking, minimum size, approval process type, neighborhood restrictions) before staff drafts full ordinance. Decision affects housing supply and neighborhood character across Reno.
NV Energy franchise agreements return April 10 — Councilwoman Brekhus wants public workshops on agreements she described as "most important fiscal decisions," worth billions over their lifetime.
Downtown bar extended hours vote pending — Council must decide whether to allow Axe Bar live entertainment until 3 a.m. despite resident noise and safety concerns.
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