Reno City Council Meeting
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
What Happened
The Reno City Council approved 10 major items including $6.2 million in water/sewer infrastructure and $2.1 million in Truckee River improvements, but postponed decisions on riverfront lighting design, canal path approval, and city manager recruitment rules.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — $6.2 million in water and sewer infrastructure investment (lift stations, pipes, treatment) — unanimous — improves wastewater capacity and system reliability across the city
APPROVED — $2.1 million in Truckee River improvements (painting, lighting, Riverside Drive Park design) funded by state ARPA money — unanimous — first phase of 18-mile river corridor refresh
APPROVED — Construction management agreement with Shaw Engineering for Corey and Sky Vista lift station improvements — unanimous — provides oversight and inspection of wastewater infrastructure work
APPROVED — Abandonment of alley at Best Bet Motel property (7,700 square feet) — unanimous — allows hotel redevelopment and clears emergency access blocked by public parking
APPROVED — $25,000 donation from Nevada Energy Foundation to Relief Reno for tree planting — unanimous — funds expansion of urban tree canopy, particularly in Ward 4 which has lowest coverage in Reno
CONTINUED — Development appeal hearing (Item I1) — postponed to July 31, 2024 — joint request from applicant and appellant
Debated But Not Resolved
Riverside Drive lighting design — Council split on fixture style (modern vs. traditional bell-shaped) and color (black vs. green/brown). No decision made. Staff returning in September with refined options and cost analysis.
Canal path and flood wall design approval — Mayor refused to approve designs without meeting first with Truckee Meadows Flood Management Authority. Staff to coordinate meeting. Mayor cited concerns about funding gaps and long-term maintenance costs.
City manager recruitment rules — Council members disagreed on whether to prioritize local candidates, whether internal acting city manager discourages external applicants, and what relocation expectations should be. Bob Mur and Associates directed to draft formal recruitment strategy and rules by July for council approval.
Sewer fund financial sustainability — Council member concerned about spending $6.2 million from sewer fund while pursuing additional bonding and before utility is fully operational. Staff committed to providing 10-year financial modeling.
What to Watch
$6,200,000 — Water and sewer infrastructure (lift stations, pipes, treatment upgrades) — Sewer fund
$2,100,000 — Truckee River improvements Phase 3 (painting, lighting, Riverside Drive Park design, canal path design) — State ARPA funds
$25,000 — Tree planting program — Nevada Energy Foundation donation
Lighting design return (September) — Council will decide on fixture style and color for Riverside Drive. Decision affects aesthetics and cost of entire 18-mile river project.
Flood wall agreement — Mayor wants Flood Management Authority coordination completed before design approval. Timeline unclear; could delay riverfront work.
City manager recruitment launch (July) — Council will review and approve formal recruitment strategy, candidate profile, and rules. Determines whether search prioritizes local candidates and how transparent the process will be.
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