City Of Reno: October 27, 2021 Reno City Council Meeting Highlights

Press release from the City of Reno:

10/27/2021 6:00 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:

B.3 - Purchase of Five Pieces of Fire Apparatus 

Council authorized staff to purchase five fire apparatus and associated outfitting from various vendors using the Houston-Galveston Area Council Buy (HGACBuy) Cooperative Purchasing Program (Contract FS 12-17), pursuant to NRS 332.195 (1) (Joinder) and/or the City’s Purchasing Policy in an amount not to exceed $3,657,151 and authorize the City Manager or designee to sign the purchase order(s). The Reno Fire Department’s (RFD) fleet is rapidly aging and much of the frontline apparatus has exceeded its useful life. Keeping our vehicles in service, operating properly and safely is crucial to the operation and serving the Reno community. This purchase will help bring the RFD fleet into alignment with best practices for the Department and the community. 

B.9 - City of Reno Budget Augmentation

Council adopted a Resolution approving budget augmentations. The annual budget is the overall plan for City services for the fiscal year. As we proceed through the fiscal year, the plan changes and evolves requiring resources to be reallocated or added through budget augmentations. Budget augmentations must be adopted by resolution, and information forwarded to the Nevada Department of Taxation for approval.

Included in the augmentation under the Contingency Funds are custom skateboarding terrain features at Reno's City Plaza. The new amenity will feature four skateboarding elements using recycled steel, supporting the City’s sustainability initiative. Skateboarding is an accessible sport to many community members of all ages as it requires minimal equipment and there is no cost to participate. The skateboarding terrain at City Plaza will give community members an opportunity to get active and enjoy a popular sport.    

D.1 - Possession of Catalytic Converters Ordinance 

Council directed staff to move forward with the creation of a new ordinance to the Reno Municipal Code for Title 8, Chapter 8.10 Offenses Against Property, regulating the possession of catalytic converters to address the City's growing problem of thefts in the region. Next, the ordinance will be brought before Council for introduction. 

Background: Catalytic converter thefts have recently increased in the City of Reno due to the rising value of rare earth metals found inside. Reno Police Department officers have encountered thieves in possession of catalytic converters, however, they lack a proper state or local law to enforce, unless they catch the thieves in the act. The crime of sawing out a catalytic converter from a vehicle is one of opportunity and speed which makes it nearly impossible for RPD to catch them in the act and leaves the victim with expenses in the thousands to repair. Staff will move forward with a new ordinance that will require a person, who is not a properly licensed scrap metal dealer, to provide proper documentation to be in possession of a catalytic converter.

D.3 - Cannabis-Related Topics

Council approved staff to open up the final two licenses for retail cannabis stores in the City. Currently, the City has eight retail stores, however, NRS has allocated 10. The final two licenses require a code change, which will be brought before Council at a later date.

Furthermore, Council advised staff to move forward with updates to language included in Reno Municipal Code (RMC) due to legislative action taken during the 2019 Legislative Session to create the agency known as the Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB), which has revised the regulatory framework and begun to oversee all things marijuana, now more commonly referred to as “cannabis.” 

Lastly, Council recommended staff work with the CCB to generate a framework in the areas of cannabis lounges and drive-through and curbside pickup options. Council will hear these items at a later date once staff collects data and information from the CCB to provide an informed recommendation.   

F.3 - Neon Line Development Agreement Ordinance Adoption 

Council adopted Bill No. 7188, which approves a Development Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Reno Real Estate Development, LLC and Reno Property Manager, LLC (the “Developer”) that will provide various financial incentives to create a mixed-use entertainment area in the western portion of downtown Reno. 

Background: The Developer is calling this new development area Reno’s Neon Line District (the “District”). The development vision includes up to 3,000 residential units, an amphitheater, expanded artwork projects, and additional green space, commercial, and entertainment venues. The Agreement generally contemplates that any development occurring within the District on property owned by the Developer or transferred to other developers shall be in accordance with applicable zoning and municipal code requirements at the time of permit application. This would also apply to things like:

• Permitted Uses, Density and Intensity, and Maximum Size and Height
• Pedestrian Skyway/Walkway

• Street Closures for Special Events 

The financial incentives include:

• Pedestrian Amenity Credits: not to exceed $4,658,516.Sewer Connection Fee Credit Extensions: not to exceed $1,568,261.
• Building Permit and Sewer Connection Fee Deferrals: five-year payment schedule to help promote residential construction and increase housing availability.

• Residential Construction Tax: collected funds to be spent within the District during the first five years of the Agreement.

The overall term of the Agreement is 20-years with shorter durations for specific items, such as sewer connection fees, fee deferrals, and residential construction tax expenditures. 

 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.