City Of Reno: August 25, 2021 Reno City Council Meeting Highlights

Press release from the City of Reno:

08/25/2021 5:29 PM

In our ongoing commitment to keep citizens and media informed, we’ve summarized the outcomes of a few key agenda items from today’s Regular Meeting of the Reno City Council. Staff Reports with more information are linked to below:

D.7 - City Funding Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Council accepted $51,519,997 in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) allocated to the City through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021.

Additionally, Council approved the use of SLFRF to support the items identified in Phase 1 of the implementation plan, which would support the following immediate citywide needs:

• Funding up to $90,000 to support a contract extension for the COVID coordinator;

• Funding up to $200,000 for hybrid meeting technology;

• Funding up to $480,000 for retention and recruitment bonuses for VOA staff essential to sheltering;

Furthermore, Council directed staff to move forward with a plan that includes understanding the community’s recovery needs, identifying qualified projects, collaborating with other SLFRF recipients, and seeking Council direction on initiatives that support recovery and align with established priorities. The plan includes multiple phases and encompasses internal and external outreach through listening groups, roundtable discussions and surveys; evaluation for alignment with Council and City priorities; and development of an allocation plan based on qualified projects to be reviewed and approved by Council in November 2021.

D.1 - Unlawful Use of a Whip

Council directed staff to draft and bring forward a new ordinance to assist the City's growing calls for service and the inability to regulate the use of whips in public areas. The next step will be for staff to bring a draft ordinance to Council for first read. 

B.8 - Skywalk Pedestrian Bridge at the University of Nevada, Reno 

Council approved an easement to allow construction of a previously approved open-air pedestrian bridge connecting the UNR Gateway Parking Complex to the UNR main campus, along with easements for building footings and a pedestrian safety fence. 

B.7 - Reno Fleet Buy Program

Council approved the City of Reno Fleet Buy Program for FY22 to purchase vehicles, equipment, and associated outfitting, pursuant to Chapter 332 of the Nevada Revised Statutes joinder, competitive bidding provisions, and the City Purchasing Policy in an amount not to exceed $4,688,500 under the Fleet Management Fund. 

B.10 - Non-Potable Water Service for Irrigating Idlewild Park

Council approved an Agreement for Delivery of Non-Potable Water Service (NPS) for irrigation purposes at Idlewild Park with the Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA), resulting in lower water rates, after an initial capital outlay of 30 percent of the anticipated construction cost, currently estimated by TMWA to be approximately $226,250, of which Reno's share would be approximately $70,000 covered under the Capital Fund. This agreement meets Council’s fiscal sustainability goal, as well as infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

D.3 - Automatic and Mutual Aid Between Reno Fire Department and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District

Council approved a three-year Cooperative Agreement for Automatic and Mutual Aid between the City of Reno, on behalf of the Reno Fire Department (RFD) and the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMF). The agreement reflects the manner in which cooperative fire protection is carried out during fire emergencies in each respective jurisdiction, and provides the City with a more efficient and cost effective way to access fire suppression. RFD and TMF have operated under the terms of this agreement continuously since 2015.

D.5 - Appointment of Mikki Huntsman to the Office of Reno City Clerk

Council approved the appointment of Mikki Huntsman to the office of Reno City Clerk. 

D.6 - Purchase of the Lear Theater

Due to agenda and noticing requirements, this item has been moved to a Public Hearing at the September 8, 2021 Reno City Council Meeting.  

Reno City Council meetings are streamed live at Reno.Gov/Meetings and televised live on Charter Spectrum - Channel 194. Past public meetings can be viewed on YouTube.

This press release was produced by the City of Reno. The views expressed here are the author’s own.