Redevelopment Agency Board Meeting
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
What Happened
The Redevelopment Agency Board held a combined meeting with City Council covering street lighting, historic landmarks, sewer infrastructure, police facility fees, and reclaimed water policy. Roughly 20 items were discussed; most were approved, but several major infrastructure questions remain unresolved.
Key Decisions
[APPROVED] — Purchase Sternberg decorative lighting poles for street replacement — vote count not recorded — $135,000 from room tax and street fund. City will replace 3-5 damaged poles per month while exploring whether a full long-term lighting overhaul could qualify for redevelopment agency funding.
[APPROVED] — Bethel AM Church at 220 Bell Street designated as historic landmark — unanimous — protects important religious and cultural site in downtown Reno's Black community through zoning overlay.
[APPROVED] — Close Special Assessment District bond for Mount Anderson and Echo Avenue area — unanimous — property owners in 42 parcels will receive $37,000–$40,000 refunds from completed project. Additional $50,000 transferred to debt surplus fund.
[APPROVED] — Extend police facility impact fee collection timeline beyond original 10-year deadline — unanimous — allows city more time to collect fees currently falling short of $342,000 annual target. Shortfall has been covered by general fund.
[APPROVED] — Adopt truck enforcement ordinance (Bill 7308) — vote count not recorded — gives Reno police authority to enforce commercial vehicle safety regulations within city limits and on highways.
[APPROVED] — Purchase mobile vehicle barriers from Meridian Rapid Defense Group — unanimous — allows city to close streets for events more quickly; reduces costs for event organizers.
Debated But Not Resolved
Sternberg lighting replacement vs. alternatives — Councilwoman Der questioned whether to keep replacing aging poles (installed early 2000s) with same model or pursue comprehensive LED replacement strategy. Councilman Reese suggested deferring purchase to analyze options. Next step: City will research alternative lighting sources and determine if redevelopment agency funds could support phased replacement plan; item returns to board.
Police facility impact fees — Councilwoman Eert questioned whether fee increases will discourage development and reduce revenue. Staff collected only $2 million over five years against $13 million maximum potential. Next step: Staff will gather feedback from development community on three options (raise fees with 10-year timeline, extend timeline with smaller increase, or timeline extension only) and report back.
Reclaimed water charging policy — Council members raised whether Reno should charge for reclaimed water (current policy) or provide it free like Washo County does. Concern that charging discourages use while free water in other areas creates unfair treatment. Next step: Staff to explore regionalizing sewer services through Western Regional Water Commission.
Reclaimed water for North Valleys development — Council requested staff explore whether future data center and industrial projects should access reclaimed water and whether Sierra Sage Golf Course storage lake proposal could address flooding. Next step: Staff to contact golf course and Washo County; will report back via memo.
What to Watch
$135,000 — Sternberg decorative lighting pole replacement — room tax and street fund
$37,000–$40,000 — Refunds to property owners — Special Assessment District fund surplus
Sternberg lighting analysis — Staff returns with alternative lighting options and RDA funding eligibility study. City currently replaces 3-5 poles monthly; a comprehensive replacement plan could change maintenance spending long-term.
Police facility impact fees — Development community feedback on fee structure due back soon. Decision affects how police station bond gets paid down and whether general fund covers future shortfalls.
Milan Project recreation plan — Public workshop scheduled same day (virtual Zoom, 3:00 PM) to choose between full trail/restoration versus trails with sports fields. Decision determines future use of Truckee River Flood Authority site.
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