Redevelopment Agency Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
What Happened
The Redevelopment Agency Board and City Council held a combined meeting on June 11, 2025, approving dozens of items including major water treatment infrastructure contracts and property demolition while deferring several contentious policy decisions on entertainment venues, nonprofit regulation, and public art spending.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — Filtration Process Improvements Project at Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility, KG Walters Construction contract — Unanimous — $12,264,200 from sewer fund for regional wastewater treatment facility upgrades.
APPROVED — Property demolition at 315 and 335 Record Street for affordable housing development — 5-1 vote (RDA) — $670,000 from Redevelopment Agency; city will receive $600,000 upon sale and $3.4 million loan from developer over 10-15 years at 2% interest.
APPROVED — Multiple utility services contracts and agreements (Items B7-B18) — Unanimous — Includes HVAC system upgrades ($2 million), engineering services, pump replacements, and infrastructure condition assessments at water reclamation facilities.
APPROVED — Police mobile data terminals and crime evidence tracking system upgrades — Unanimous — Enables officers to access information on patrol and improves evidence management.
APPROVED — 2025-2029 HUD Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan — Unanimous — Authorizes federal funding for affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and infrastructure improvements.
APPROVED — Security Circle property rezoning from Mixed Use Suburban to Mixed Employment — Unanimous — Aligns property with master plan; no fees charged.
APPROVED — Airport board appointments: Brian Culpin and Eddie Albaser — Unanimous — Brings new voices to Reno Tahoe Airport Authority.
APPROVED — John Champion Park debris removal and shoreline improvements — Unanimous — $70,000 from Carson Truckee Water Conservancy District grant.
Debated But Not Resolved
Live entertainment hours and noise regulations — Bar owners argue proposed ordinance will harm small businesses; residents want noise limits enforced. Council requested staff develop policies with business input and community forums before returning to council with recommendations.
Nonprofit registration and fire inspections — Council split on whether to charge nonprofits registration fees ($25) and inspection costs. Concerns raised about burdening struggling organizations and confidentiality for domestic violence shelters. Staff to research fee structures and federal grant options.
Public art spending — One councilmember opposed $375,000 purchase of sculptures from New York and Seattle; advocated instead for local artist support. Decision not finalized.
Grandfathering existing bars — Council asked whether grandfathered entertainment venues should have expiration dates like other city permits to level playing field. Legal review pending.
What to Watch
$12,264,200 — Water reclamation facility filtration improvements — Sewer fund
$2,000,000 — HVAC system upgrades at bleach building — Sewer fund
$70,000 — John Champion Park improvements — Carson Truckee Water Conservancy District grant
$70,000 — Engineering consulting for HVAC system — Sewer fund
Live entertainment ordinance — Council will hold community forums with bar owners, residents, and restaurants to discuss noise standards (C-scale vs. A-scale decibels), operating hours, and security requirements before voting on any changes. Decision expected late summer.
Nonprofit registration framework — Staff developing tiered fee structure, confidentiality protections, and compliance timeline after community outreach. Return to council with draft ordinance expected in fall.
Property sale for affordable housing — Demolition complete; city awaits developer closing to receive $600,000 and begin loan repayment schedule.
Get Reno government news every week
Every vote. Every debate. Zero jargon.