Reno City Council Meeting
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
What Happened
Reno City Council approved an affordable housing development deal, adopted a long-term Truckee River improvement plan, and allocated nearly $1.2 million in grant funding for public safety and pedestrian programs in a 7-hour meeting with 30+ agenda items.
Key Decisions
[CONTINUED] — Skyline Flats affordable housing letter of support (402 units) — deferred to next meeting — Council will not submit the state financing letter until the 10-day Planning Commission appeal window closes on October 2. State deadline for all materials is November 22. This delays but doesn't block the $20+ million affordable housing project.
[APPROVED] — Affordable housing deal with Ulyses Development Group on Record Street (136 units, 60% average affordability) — unanimous vote — City will sell two properties for $3.375 million plus a 15-year seller's note at 2% interest. Developer must demolish within six months of closing and complete construction within five years. Includes 99-year deed restriction for affordability.
[APPROVED] — Truckee River Vision Plan — vote count not recorded — Adopts 20-year strategy for ecological and infrastructure improvements along the river corridor from Booth Street to South Virginia Street. Council designated all city-owned adjacent property as a city park to ensure consistent maintenance and regulations.
[APPROVED] — Pedestrian Safety Enforcement and Education program — 7-0 vote — $990,000 in grant funding for school zone patrols, jaywalking enforcement, and education.
[APPROVED] — DUI Enforcement overtime and training — 7-0 vote — $220,000 in grant funding for additional patrols and officer training.
[APPROVED] — Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Fire Department — unanimous vote — $1,879 grant from Washoe County covers partial cost of equipment for city use only.
[CONTINUED] — Vintage Housing project (Stoker property) — deferred to October 9 meeting — Developer requested time to address tenant complaints about maintenance and conduct property inspections with city staff before council votes on a $1.4 million grant.
Debated But Not Resolved
Whip cracking and intimidation in downtown parks — Resident reported 12-20 people using whips and simulating gunfire in parks for three weeks. Council acknowledged the city passed an ordinance against whip use over one year ago but enforcement is not happening. Next step: Council will address at next agenda item.
Trash cans and cleanliness downtown — Multiple council members frustrated that trash cans and dog waste stations ordered months ago have not been deployed downtown. Staff said river trash cans are on order via ARPA funding but downtown deployment status remains unclear. Next step: Mayor demanded clarity on timeline.
ARPA fund spending effectiveness — Council questioned whether $700,000+ spent on homeless services (Karma Box, Rise) has solved downtown problems. Staff defended allocations but council members want measurable outcomes and succession plans when federal funds run out by December 31, 2024.
Ulyses Development Agreement authority — Council member objected to giving city manager open-ended power to modify deal terms without council approval. Next step: Council will bring back specific allowable changes for approval before granting manager authority.
What to Watch
$990,000 — Pedestrian safety enforcement and education — Grant funding
$220,000 — DUI enforcement overtime and training — Grant funding
Skyline Flats financing letter (October 9 meeting) — After the 10-day appeal period closes, council must decide whether to submit the letter of support for the 402-unit affordable housing project. State deadline is November 22. Delay risks missing financing window.
Parks District creation — Council identified a dedicated parks district as highest priority for long-term Truckee River maintenance funding and coordination across 30+ agencies. Specific structure and representation still being developed. This unlocks implementation of the river plan.
Vintage Housing grant decision (October 9 meeting) — Developer will return with updates on tenant maintenance complaints and code compliance. Council will decide whether to approve the $1.4 million grant for two new apartments.
Get Reno government news every week
Every vote. Every debate. Zero jargon.