[0:10] Madame Clerk. Yeah. If we can go ahead and call this meeting to order for the

[0:14] Reno City Council on February 25th, 2026.

[0:18] We'll go ahead and start with the pledge of allegiance. I think I see the

[0:24] Downtown Reno Partnership Executive Director uh in the crowd. If Yeah. Uh N

[0:31] Jordan can lead us in the pledge, please.

[0:40] » To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it

[0:45] stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice

[0:51] for all.

[0:54] » Thank you so much for leading us. We'll go ahead and start uh and move on to the

[0:59] roll call. Madam clerk, >> thank you, Vice Mayor Martinez. Calling

[1:02] roll for Wednesday, February 26th, 25th, 2026 for the Reno City Council. Council

[1:07] member Taylor absent at this time. Council member Dor

[1:12] » here. >> Vice Mayor Martinez

[1:13] » here. >> Council member Eert

[1:15] » here. >> Council member Reese

[1:17] » here. >> Council member Anderson.

[1:19] » Mayor Shei absent at this time. Uh Mr. Vice Mayor, you do have a quorum of the

[1:23] Reno City Council. >> Thank you so much. We'll go ahead and uh

[1:28] start with public comment today and then move into

[1:32] um some special public comments and proclamations after our general public

[1:36] comment for today. So, if we can open up item A3, please, Madam Clerk.

[1:41] » Awesome. Opening item A3, Vice Mayor Martinez. Our first item today is public

[1:45] comment. It should be noted for those in attendance that comments are to be

[1:48] addressed to the mayor and council as a whole. Comments heard under this item

[1:51] will be limited to three minutes per person and may pertain to matters both

[1:54] on and off the council's agenda. Council may not take action upon any matter not

[1:58] agendaized on today's agenda. When you're called on for public comment,

[2:01] please state your name for the record and begin speaking. The timer will begin

[2:04] when you've stated your name and you will be afforded 3 minutes. For those

[2:07] participating in chambers in accordance with council rules 6.3.11 while in this

[2:12] room, please be respectful. Disruptive behavior from audience members like

[2:16] clapping, yelling, whistling, etc. which impede the meeting may result in a

[2:19] warning issued by the presiding officer. If this behavior continues, you may be

[2:23] removed from chambers. If you're an attendee in the Zoom meeting and would

[2:25] like to make public comment, please raise your hand at this time. And Mr.

[2:29] Vice Mayor, just for the record, Council Member Taylor did join us at 10:02.

[2:32] » Thank you.

[2:36] » Our first public commenter today is Terry Brooks, followed by Christina

[2:39] Matakus.

[2:47] Good morning. It's me, Terry Brooks, again, and today I'd like to share with

[2:52] you my thoughts on the results of depression and what seniors go through.

[2:58] Last time I was here, I talked about the causes of depression. So today, I'd like

[3:03] to talk about the results of depression. When someone grows older and goes

[3:08] through various stages of depression, it can then lead to going through stages of

[3:13] agitation that can then lead to unusual delusions

[3:17] which can then lead to unusual hallucinations.

[3:21] All of these problems can then lead to unusual suspicions which can then lead

[3:26] to unusual kinds of confusions. All of these problems of such depression join

[3:31] into various stages of a long progression.

[3:35] When someone goes through such periods of depression, it can then lead to them

[3:39] finding themselves in isolation. And being in isolation can then worsen the

[3:45] problems causing angry outbursts and many other problems. It can lead to

[3:50] perceptual problems of formulating what is seen or heard like problems of

[3:55] understanding simple messages or directions seen or heard and that can

[4:00] lead to even more problems of doing many things like remembering other people's

[4:05] names or identifying places or things. You might be watching television on

[4:10] which people are having a conversation and later on you think you remember

[4:15] being in on that conversation. Depression can lead to neglect of health

[4:20] and distress and even suicide or it can lead to the embarrassment of just having

[4:26] tried. Depression has become even more common in recent years which has also

[4:31] led to many a painful tears. I would like to thank you all for listening to

[4:36] me today especially when I speak in such of a depressing way. Thank you.

[4:43] Thank you. >> Christina McTudis followed by Steven

[4:47] White.

[4:58] This

[5:06] Hello, my name is Christina McTudis and I live in Northwest Reno. I first spoke

[5:10] in front of the city council on November 12th, 2025 because an offduty City of

[5:16] Reno firefighter in uniform had been in a head-on collision in my neighborhood.

[5:20] And it appeared that he was being given preferential treatment. That's where he

[5:25] went through the wall. That's the car that he hit. Um it appeared that he was

[5:31] being given preferential treatment to avoid a DUI charge. After my public

[5:35] comment, Mary Mayor Shivi asked if a city of Reno employee could contact me

[5:40] regarding my concerns. I said absolutely. I was contacted by Mavis AO,

[5:46] employee relations manager on Thursday, December 4th, 2025. We spoke for

[5:51] approximately 15 minutes, and when we ended the call, Miss Ao asked if I would

[5:56] be willing to speak with the fire chief at a later date to have my additional

[6:00] concerns addressed. I received a call on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 from Miss

[6:07] Afo asking if I would be available to speak with her and fire Chief Cochran

[6:11] the following day. I did receive that call at 1:11 p.m. on Thursday, February

[6:16] 19th, and we spoke for approximately 24 minutes. Here is a summary of what we

[6:22] discussed. And I'm going to put this up for when I get to that. Why is that?

[6:30] Um, I asked why was Price hired with two prior DUIs. Chief Cochran said operator

[6:36] Price was hired before he became chief. It's possible he was hired and then

[6:40] promoted to operator. Um, I have some disagreements with that, but Mavis Ao

[6:46] said many factors go into the hiring process. I asked why wasn't Price placed

[6:50] on administrative leave after the accident. Uh, Miss AO said, "The city of

[6:55] Reno has not concluded their investigation, so he has not been placed

[6:58] on administrative leave or fired." Chief Cochran responded, "He's not currently

[7:03] operating a firetruck." I asked what more do they need to investigate as he

[7:08] plead guilty to re f felony reckless driving causing substantial bodily harm

[7:13] on December 9th 2025. Messo answered that he is not quote convicted her words

[7:19] and won't be considered convicted until sentencing. I questioned why doesn't

[7:24] pleading guilty count as convicted and she stated again that his guilty plea

[7:29] doesn't count. I then asked if after sentencing will operator Price lose his

[7:33] job. Chief Cochran said he could not speak to HR matters.

[7:38] Miss Ao said that after being sentenced the city will evaluate the next step,

[7:42] but being sentenced does not necessarily mean he will lose his job. I'm going to

[7:46] cut out some of what they said and wrap it up. Um, the latest data available

[7:53] from Transparent Nevada shows that Mr. Price's regular pay in 2021 was

[7:58] $103,26421.

[8:02] I bring up his pay to show that he is a government employee, which I believe

[8:06] makes him accountable and his actions accountable to you, the city council.

[8:10] May I finish my closing remarks? >> Yes, go ahead and wrap us up.

[8:13] » I came and spoke to you in November because my confidence was shaken due to

[8:16] what I was hearing in the news. I appreciated that after my public

[8:20] comment, I did feel heard, but I am now back because if you look at the swift

[8:27] uh consequences for the state fire marshal who was recently arrested on

[8:31] suspicion of DUI versus the seemingly lack of consequences for the city of

[8:35] Reno employee, it again shakes my confidence that our city of Reno public

[8:39] servants are going to be held to the same standards as anyone who would have

[8:43] caused my accident caused that accident. In my opinion, due to his position in

[8:48] the fire department, I believe he should actually be held to higher standards.

[8:52] So, thank you for >> Thank you, Miss Mus.

[8:56] » Steven >> is scheduled for March 5th.

[9:00] » Steven White followed by David Shakar.

[9:16] Good morning, folks. You know, I you probably all think I'm a

[9:21] young guy and all, but last Friday, I turned 79 years old. I don't know how

[9:26] the hell that ever happened, but I made it this far. The day before on Thursday,

[9:32] uh the mayor gave me one of the best birthday presents I think I've ever had

[9:37] when she committed $2,000. >> Good morning. Thank you, mayor. You gave

[9:43] me the one of the best presents I've ever had for my birthday, which is

[9:46] Friday. She committed $2,000 for building more of our mushroom displays

[9:51] to place in the parks for artists to be able to display and sell their artwork

[9:55] in the parks this summer. You know, this is a wonderful opportunity for Reno to

[9:59] really be at the forefront of restoring the arts in America. You know, no other

[10:04] city's ever done this before. Now, um Nathan and I, we worked out the protocol

[10:10] for all this. Uh we're going to be printing up these flyers and we're going

[10:13] to be handing them out. I'm going to go around to every high school in your

[10:16] city. I'm going to physically do that. I'm going to go to the the veterans

[10:20] organizations. I'm going to go to the artist lofts over here. I'm going to go

[10:24] to the generator. I'm going to hand these things out wherever I can find

[10:27] artists. We got to do this. This is an incredible opportunity for your senior

[10:31] citizen. You know that art group that was here last month, there were 36

[10:35] members. They were all seniors. They'd all love to be able to sell their

[10:39] artwork. Maybe you didn't know, but all the artwork that was on the walls out

[10:43] here during last month, it was all for sale. If you went look through their

[10:46] little album over on the pedestal there, there was a page dedicated to each one

[10:51] of them with photographs, their work, and price tags. But there are no venues

[10:55] for any of these artists to be able to sell their artwork or display it. Think

[10:59] about this. You know, this was all done in violation of constitutional law. And

[11:05] it's gone on for over 40 years. You realize that? And to have that state

[11:10] assembly bill get passed that requires art to be part of the recreational

[11:14] experience of the parks. It's an amazing accomplishment. It's just incredible

[11:18] that we're doing that. It places you at the forefront of of the arts in America.

[11:23] You want to turn Reno into an art capital of this country? By God, let's

[11:27] create art in the park and get people out there. Another thing I want you to

[11:31] re remember this is very specific to the fine arts. This doesn't include

[11:37] functional or useful craft items. This is purely fine art, painting, drawing,

[11:41] sculpture, photography, printed, self-expression, music,

[11:46] theater, dance. I'd like to start seeing you consider putting up some gazeos in

[11:51] the parks where artists can come down and play music for people. You know,

[11:56] this is an incredible thing. One last thing. I'm asking each one of the

[12:00] council members, please donate $1,000. I mean, commit $1,000 a piece to build

[12:07] more of these sculptures to put in the parks so that artists have venues to

[12:11] hang their artwork on. And we're going to move these these different sculptures

[12:14] around to different parks to find out the best areas. And each one of you

[12:18] represents a certain ward. And each one of you could request these to be placed

[12:23] in your particular ward. Just ask Nathan. We'll move them to that so we

[12:27] can try it and everybody's warden and affect everybody. God bless you all and

[12:32] thank you for your time. >> Happy birthday.

[12:35] » Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you for your service. Thank

[12:37] [clears throat] you. >> You know, one last thing. I I have

[12:42] carpal tunnel in both hands. I'm going to the VA today to get a shot. And I

[12:45] have arthritis. This is what you get when you paint over 12,000 paintings in

[12:49] your lifetime. And I personally won't be actually participating in this. I just

[12:54] can't do it anymore. Last time I painted was two years ago. So, uh, I just

[12:58] thought I'd throw that at you. This is being done.

[13:00] » Well, you have a voice, so just >> this is being done for your artist, you

[13:04] know, for all of your kids and everybody.

[13:05] » Thank you, Mr. Thank you. Thank you so much for that that commitment.

[13:10] » David Shakar, followed by George Eddie Lorton.

[13:17] » Good morning, Madame Mayor, council members. My name is David Shakar. I'm an

[13:21] independent artist. Uh usually when I get up in front of any public uh venue

[13:28] to make a speech, it takes me like one or two hours at home to figure out a

[13:32] threeminut speech and I did not do that to this day. Uh, but I think what's

[13:37] important is I wanted to mention something basically about what Steve

[13:42] White said. And remember Steve White is the winning plainif in the landmark

[13:47] civil rights of artist case, White versus City of Sparks, where you do not

[13:51] need a license or a permit to exhibit and sell your own self-created artwork

[13:58] in the public forum like a sidewalk or a uh a public park. Um, lately I've been

[14:05] going over to U Reno Public Market. They've been really great about allowing

[14:10] me to be inside and draw fast sketch portraits of the patrons there. Uh, so

[14:18] last Saturday I was getting my gear, my art gear out of my car and I ran into

[14:23] this homeless guy uh in the parking lot called himself Wishbone. And y'all may

[14:29] have seen him. He this guy is an artist and he walks around with an armload of

[14:35] paintings. They're these long flower paintings. They're they're actually

[14:39] pretty good. He asked people for donations. And

[14:44] » I got to thinking about that uh artistic pavilion that uh Steve White made. He

[14:52] calls it the mushroom of the butterfly effect. I go, "What does that mean?

[14:57] Mushroom of the butterfly effect." And the butterfly effect is that when a

[15:01] butterfly beats his wings u thousand miles ago in Patagonia or somewhere that

[15:08] has an effect on a tornado or something like that. But imagine the city of Reno.

[15:14] We are uniquely situated more so than probably any other city. Uh more so than

[15:20] any other art town that we have the beautiful Truckucky River

[15:26] running through it. And along the river walk is a sidewalk that goes for over a

[15:31] mile. Great places for artists to exhibit and sell their work. And I got

[15:36] to be thinking if this uh art pavilion, this thing called the uh mushroom of the

[15:43] butterfly effect that uh Stephen Bennett and uh provided

[15:49] the funds to build and he built it himself. If the city could make more of

[15:54] those, could you imagine how this city would be well situated to be an artist

[16:00] community that would be very enviable of any other art town, especially since

[16:06] we've got the the beautiful Truckucky River. We're right in the shadow of the

[16:09] Sierra. And people like that homeless gentleman that call himself wishbone

[16:14] that was hawking his hand painted flower paintings, he would have a better venue

[16:20] and have more dignity. [snorts] Uh his income would probably increase

[16:25] and that would mean he'd have a better life. And there's a lot of art clubs

[16:29] here in Reno with uh seniors and youth and uh disabled people that could also

[16:36] benefit from that. So just consider that city of Reno is uniquely uh satisfied to

[16:43] be the most awesome art town in the city of Reno. Thank you.

[16:46] » Thank you so much. >> George Eddie Lorton followed by Paul

[16:51] Klene.

[16:54] Perfect. And what >> for the record, my name is George Eddie

[17:00] Lorton, running for Reno mayor, but I once again want to ask for your help to

[17:06] do a 250th year anniversary of our country. So, we're trying to do a Fourth

[17:11] of July parade. So, I'd like a solution to it. If not, do this parade. I could

[17:16] come up with a 25 grand for the permit. I want to have the most inclusive parade

[17:21] we've ever had. I want to have Republicans, Democrats, police, fire,

[17:26] the elks, the Shriners, the Seikhs, the Hindus, the Pyutes, the Hispanics,

[17:32] veterans, the LGBTQ community. I want everybody to be there. So, this will be

[17:37] a wonderful thing for our downtown core to bring families to our city because we

[17:42] haven't had one in two years. It's about 25 grand. So, if council members didn't

[17:47] want to end up uh trying to foot the bill for the 25, then I'll pay for it.

[17:53] So, I'm just hoping we can get this on and do this parade, bring people

[17:56] downtown so they can see it's familyfriendly and public safety all

[18:01] across the board. It's our one chance to do it the 250th anniversary for our

[18:06] country. So, I hope to get a phone call this week or so with a solution or try

[18:11] to put together this parade. We can't do it without the city. It's just short

[18:15] term to where we need to organize this thing. So, let's see if I had anything

[18:20] else. Nope. And there's a lot of things on the agenda today and I have to leave

[18:26] now so I can't hang around. But I hope you can consider this. It'll be good for

[18:30] our town, good for our country. Let's include everybody. It'll be the best

[18:34] parade of all. So, I thank you for your time today. I appreciate it. Thank you.

[18:39] I know you reached out to um connect with Jackie Bryant

[18:43] » and she is out of town but when she gets back she will connect with you.

[18:47] » Thank you. All right. >> I appreciate it.

[18:48] » Okay. Thank you. >> Bye.

[18:50] » Bye. >> Paul Klene followed by George Combmes.

[18:55] » Mr. Klene. Good morning. [clears throat]

[18:59] » Paul Klein for the record. I'm just here to give a quick update. I I know you

[19:03] guys have a full agenda and then when you get into the RDA stuff, I'm on the

[19:07] agenda and so just sneaking in real quick to share some some feedback um

[19:12] from the redevelopment agency advisory board. It's good to see you, Kelse. Um

[19:17] in early January, we reviewed the Reno Aces baseball agreement. We thought it

[19:21] was great and of course you all unanimously approved it later in

[19:25] January. Um, we felt like the deal strengthened downtown redevelopment by

[19:29] securing a long-term economic activity, attracting major private investment, and

[19:34] ensuring ensuring sustainable vibrancy. We also reviewed the RDA public

[19:39] engagement processes to just make sure that we're getting a lot of feedback in

[19:44] from the public um in different ways, calls, surveys, and everything that so

[19:48] that our advisory is in uh, you know, reflective of the of the the

[19:53] constituency. Um, we also advise staff to continue to

[19:58] experiment with programs like district activation pilots. This stuff is

[20:02] innovative, creative. We're we're all about pursuing new things that haven't

[20:06] been tried before. And then um lastly, I wanted to say that for today, you're

[20:10] going to consider the rebranding of the RDA um to re-up um RAB agreed with staff

[20:17] that the rebranding creates a fresh distinct identity reflecting modern

[20:21] redevelopment in placemaking and boosting awareness and engagement. We

[20:26] you will see a few color palettes and I know you've provided feedback. We liked

[20:31] the uh ponderosa pine color palette when you see that. Um, lastly, when we get

[20:36] into our March meeting, we got a big meeting. We're going to go over code

[20:39] enforcement overview, um, how to use RDA funds, uh, the the the ability to use

[20:45] RDA funds for Reno police and if that's something that we can advise to you all,

[20:50] um, capital improvement projects, prioritizing those projects, budgeting,

[20:55] and then, of course, um, reviewing peer city advisory structures and best

[21:01] practices for RDA. So, that's what we have for you. I'll take any comments

[21:05] from you all before I have to run out of here. But it's great to see you all.

[21:08] » It's great to see you. Any questions for Mr. Klein? Go right ahead.

[21:12] » Thank you so much, Mr. Klein. Um I I don't have a question, but we do try to

[21:16] follow what you're doing. Thank you so much for your public service. I I know

[21:19] that you are busy. You have a full professional life and and of course home

[21:24] life. Um but the service that you have given to the community really means

[21:28] something. the relaunch of the redevelopment agency um is something

[21:32] that was a long time coming and until it had the sort of funds to be able to do

[21:36] the kinds of things it was going to go out and do there really wasn't a a a

[21:40] purpose for such a body but I know that u madame mayor uh felt very strongly

[21:44] about reenergizing this community through the RDA board and so we've been

[21:49] very um very happy with your efforts and I know that there are still growing

[21:55] pains and we're trying to find our footing but know that we value your

[21:58] input. We're looking for your really deep dive into these projects. We aren't

[22:03] asking you to be a rubber stamp for anything. If if these projects are not

[22:07] passing muster, you'll tell us. Uh and so I'm very grateful to all of you for

[22:11] serving, but you in particular just because I know uh we've known each other

[22:14] a long time and and sometimes it's very thankless work and it takes time out of

[22:19] your otherwise very busy schedule. So, thank you so much.

[22:21] » Thank you for saying that. It's really an honor.

[22:23] » Council, >> yeah, just really briefly, um again,

[22:26] thank you for your service. I the board is doing a really important job and to

[22:30] that end, I'm not sure if I heard this in what council member Ree said, but um

[22:34] I I went over the projects uh or some of the projects that you're going to be

[22:38] considering at your meeting on Monday, and it turns out there's something like

[22:42] 35 even just for RDA1 or maybe that's combined, but we're really looking for

[22:47] your thoughtful advice on those projects. We've heard we're we've heard

[22:52] from our staff, but we really need to hear from you

[22:55] » um with a fresh set of eyes and then we'll have our opinion too. But thank

[22:58] you. >> Yeah, absolutely. It's great to see you

[23:01] all. >> Is any any further questions? Okay. I

[23:05] just want to put on your radar. I understand Monday you guys are going to

[23:08] be looking at capital projects, correct? And I think um there uh will be possibly

[23:14] the opinion um from an outside attorney. Um, I would just ask you have a very

[23:19] talented attorney on that board, Mr. Mike Ponyie, and I would ask him to

[23:24] review her opinion because, as you know, it's something that's been really

[23:28] important for me to have more public safety downtown, more police officers.

[23:32] Um, I I I've been saying this, I've been really vocal about it. So, would you

[23:37] please ask Mr. Pony to look at that because um I highly disagree with the

[23:41] analysis. >> Absolutely. I'll call him right now.

[23:43] » Thank you so much. I know they're not going to like that. I'm sure I'm going

[23:46] to get a lot of emails now. Um, but I I feel strongly um reading through the

[23:53] NRS. Um, I believe that, you know, there's a connection there. So,

[23:57] » absolutely. >> Anyway, thank you so much. I really

[24:00] appreciate these updates, >> guys. It really is an honor. [snorts]

[24:03] » Thank you. So, no, >> thank you.

[24:04] » Thank you very much, Paul. >> Okay.

[24:07] » All right, Madame Mayor. With that, we have no additional opening public

[24:11] comment. For the record, we did receive six comments which were general in

[24:13] nature and not directly associated with an agenda item prior to 4 p.m.

[24:16] yesterday, Tuesday, February 24th. These comments were written correspondents

[24:20] received via our reno.gov online public comment form or by emails to our office.

[24:24] Copies of these have been distributed to the Reno City Council and are available

[24:27] to the public on reno.govme.

[24:31] There were six letters. Um, and at this time we're going to move into our

[24:36] proclamations. >> Okay. Thank you so much. Um, actually

[24:40] before we do that, would you like um our city manager, current city manager um to

[24:47] do any updates? Do you have any updates for us?

[24:50] » Uh, I will on a >> Okay. All right. I just want to make

[24:53] sure I'm not skipping over you. Okay, Madame Clerk.

[24:56] » Okay. Our first um proclamation today is the uh downtown Reno Partnership

[25:02] Ambassador Day proclamation. >> Okay. This is um Ambassador Day. I see

[25:08] all of you. Why don't you stand up? I want to say thank you from the bottom of

[25:13] my heart for what you guys do day in and day out. I interact with many of you and

[25:18] um it's impressive the work that you do. I know it's not easy and so we really

[25:23] felt it was important and especially of a great leader Naomi Jordan and she

[25:27] wanted to make sure that you were recognized. The city wanted to make sure

[25:30] that you were recognized and so I'm going to have um council member Reese

[25:35] read the proclamation in your honor. I'd love you guys to come up. Don't be shy.

[25:39] Come on. >> Come on, you guys. [laughter]

[25:46] » You stand here for a minute. >> Where are you?

[25:51] » Come on down. >> She's being shy and sitting in the back

[25:55] is what she's doing. >> Fill in. We're all friends.

[25:57] » Then we have Kristen here. They're incredible team. I see some board

[26:02] members back there. Am I correct?

[26:07] Madame Mayor, um thank you so much and and I'm going to be brief because uh we

[26:12] have uh one of our former colleagues, former vice mayor here with us this

[26:16] morning and so I thought it'd be fitting that she read the proclamation since

[26:20] she's well trained and and does that well. I'm going to let her read the

[26:23] proclamation. >> I know. I was going to say Councilwoman

[26:26] Jordan, nice to see you. >> I know. Forever my vice mayor. So I'm

[26:30] going to let her come on up and do some reading.

[26:32] » Okay, take it away. Thank you very much. Um, and while I get the good pleasure of

[26:37] reading this proclamation, this day is about all of you. So, I will begin.

[26:42] Whereas the Downtown Reno Partnership, the DRP ambassadors are the first point

[26:47] of contact for businesses, residents, and visitors and act as the eyes and

[26:51] ears of all things downtown. From greeting visitors with a friendly hello,

[26:56] offering directions or recommendations on things to do, eat, and drink, to

[27:00] helping to keep the district clean and safe. Whereas at full staffing, the DRP

[27:06] has approximately 40 ambassadors and 10 security guards that work 247 patrolling

[27:13] 110 blocks of downtown Reno to assist in making our urban core safer, cleaner,

[27:20] more friendly, and welcoming. And whereas in 2025, the ambassadors

[27:24] responded to over 3600 calls for service, removed over 458,000

[27:32] pounds of trash from the district, recovered 1,177

[27:37] shopping carts, provided 955 rides to those in need to shelters and

[27:43] services, and removed over 950 graffiti tags. And whereas the downtown Reno uh

[27:50] represents 1,500 property owners and the city council is proud of the dedication

[27:56] and work the ambassadors do. So am I uh every day [laughter] and night in tough

[28:00] conditions to enhance the welcoming feel of downtown Reno. Now I therefore Noma

[28:06] Jordan with Mayor Shivi uh mayor of the city of

[28:11] Reno do hereby proclaim February 25th 2026 as downtown Reno partnership

[28:17] ambassador. >> Oh congratulations. [applause]

[28:23] » Get to speed today. You get to do whatever you want. [laughter]

[28:28] He's all shaking his head. No, no, no. But you guys do remarkable work. You did

[28:32] it collectively. all of that, those stats are impressive. Um, you need to

[28:37] know that people sing your praises all the time. I know it's not an easy job,

[28:40] but you are the front facing um the first point of contact with visitors and

[28:46] community members. And so remember that it's it's really when you're out there,

[28:50] you're representing the city. You're representing community members. That's

[28:53] what they see when they interact with you. Many of you stopped me on the

[28:57] street. We have great conversations. I know you. I know you. I know you. And I

[29:02] just want to say um it's remarkable what you do. I do want to point out um I

[29:08] think this is important that people know this and I hope um that I don't make

[29:13] this individual blush but there is a young man here. His name is Xavier

[29:19] House. Do I have Do I have permission to call you out my friend? I do. Are you

[29:24] are you shy or do you want to speak? Because this is a remarkable story. Let

[29:29] me tell you why. Councilwoman Jordan, when she was here, she started an

[29:33] incredible program and it's called Reno Works. And we have opportunities for

[29:38] individuals that are homeless living in the shelter through Reno Works. And what

[29:43] that program does is it gives you um weeks of training and you go through job

[29:48] training and all these different skills and you get your driver's license, all

[29:53] these things that are necessary and you get housing and so it really it has had

[29:58] ma a massive impact. And this young man, everyone graduated from Reno Works and

[30:06] now he is an ambassador in our city. And um I just think it it's a testament to

[30:11] how well Reno works and you young man for being so dedicated pulling yourself

[30:17] up um that I know it's not an easy program but it's really beneficial and

[30:22] anyone that wants to you know work or have a roof over their their head is a

[30:27] great opportunity to be able to make that happen. I want to say thank you to

[30:31] Councilwoman Jordan. had it not been for her, um that never ever would have

[30:35] happened. And I've just been grateful to be able to support it. By the way, the

[30:39] Conference of Mayors um through Wells Fargo donated money, you know. So, I

[30:44] just want to stress to individuals out there, if there's anyone that wants to

[30:47] be a part of Reno Works right now more than ever, those donations can really

[30:51] matter and help people like Xavier. And I just I I'm I'm so um touched by you

[30:58] and what you've accomplished. So you guys should all be proud because all of

[31:02] this is your day. All of this collectively together. We cannot do

[31:06] anything without one another. So I want to just say thank you from the bottom of

[31:10] my heart. And I want you to speak. Speech. Speech.

[31:14] » Come on Xavier. Come on, future mayor. Come on. Let's talk. Let's talk about

[31:18] it. Okay. Tell tell us a little bit about your journey if you're if you're

[31:22] not too shy. Um, yes, I was homeless and

[31:28] couple of the motivations was I was helping take care of my mom too. So,

[31:34] Reno Works going through that program really helped me a lot. I met a lot of

[31:40] good people, had a lot of good connections. Um, they connected me with

[31:45] Reno or with the ambassadors and I've been here for about four years now. Four

[31:50] years. He has been working for four years. Wow. That is remarkable. Look at

[31:58] you. He's shy. I can tell. I can tell. How are you feeling now?

[32:03] » Great. >> You're feeling great.

[32:05] » Yes. >> And you're such an inspiration. Please

[32:07] keep telling your story. It's a story of hope and I want people to know the

[32:11] number one predictor of suicide is hopelessness. When we give people hope,

[32:15] anything can happen. So, I just want to say thank you and each and every one of

[32:20] you. You guys, I just knew that um Xavier might be here and so I could

[32:24] corner him and embarrass him a little bit, but it's this today is all about

[32:27] you guys collectively as a group. I want to say thank you to Kristen and and your

[32:32] wonderful team and Councilwoman Jordan. You'll always be councilwoman to me. Um

[32:36] any questions for our ambassadors? I'd love for Councilwoman. It's uh right in

[32:40] your board. So, take it away. >> Yeah. Thank you, Madam Mayor. a member

[32:43] of the DRP board and the only person that lives downtown. I just want to say

[32:47] thank you so much for all of your work. I know you guys probably know my number

[32:50] by heart. I called this morning and you're out there and um it is a very

[32:55] difficult job, but you definitely are making a difference in our city, in our

[33:00] downtown, and in our communities. So, you are very much appreciated. Thank you

[33:05] for the work you do. And it's very difficult. Thank you,

[33:11] » Council or Vice Mayor Martinez. Go ahead.

[33:13] » Thank you so much, Madame Mayor. I'd just like to add to the kudos and thank

[33:17] you all for all the work that you do. Um whether I'm downtown or driving to city

[33:21] hall, it's raining or it's snowing. uh you all are picking up trash, making

[33:27] sure that the sidewalks are shoveled, that their carts are getting to where

[33:32] they need to be, that you're directing people to the right places and answering

[33:36] question for all of our visitors. So, I just like to add to those kudos and

[33:40] thank you all for all the great work that you do to make sure our downtown

[33:43] remains clean and a welcoming space for all of our families and visitors. So,

[33:48] thank you so much, >> Councilwoman Dur.

[33:50] » Yeah, thank you. Um, I was here at the beginning with Council Member Jordan in

[33:54] the beginning of Reno Works and to have a representative of that program in your

[33:59] very special program of being downtown ambassadors and everything the mayor

[34:03] said about being the front face. We we could not be that kind of welcoming city

[34:08] without you. Um, and I'm wondering how many of you have helped people find

[34:13] their way through downtown, you know, something they were looking for your

[34:16] Could you raise your hand? Yeah. And I know you I've been out with council

[34:21] member Jordan picking up trash herself. Um and I also am very grateful that of

[34:25] the place you occupy which is at city center. And um council member Jordan

[34:30] said a very important thing to me. She said she didn't used to believe that

[34:33] trees made a difference to the degree that they do. But your the area where

[34:38] you are housed is the only uh park in downtown Reno that actually has trees. I

[34:44] mean, now we're bringing them into the the lids and everywhere else because we

[34:48] found out how important that is. And she said, "I'm sure glad we didn't cut down

[34:51] these trees. Isn't that right?" So, thank you for being there and thank you

[34:55] all for what you do. And it's completely true. You wear a special outfit, you

[34:59] know, the blue and people recognize that as one of the city's colors and they

[35:04] know that you are there to help them and that's just incredibly important. So,

[35:07] thank you. >> Okay, we would love to take a picture.

[35:10] Before we do that, I want to call on each one of you and I want you to tell

[35:13] me your names because sometimes when I'm out there, I mix them up. But I want

[35:17] every one of you to be recognized. He's walking away. He's walking away.

[35:22] [laughter] All right, we'll start with you, sir. Go

[35:26] ahead. What's your name? >> Evo.

[35:28] » Eva, nice to meet you. Go ahead. >> Shane.

[35:31] » Shane. >> Jason.

[35:32] » Jason. >> Eddie.

[35:34] » Eddie. I know Eddie. Eddie's got the cool taste in music. Go. Go ahead.

[35:40] » Ruben. >> Ruben.

[35:43] » Juan. >> Juan.

[35:46] » Mark. >> Jonah.

[35:48] » John. >> Jonah.

[35:49] » Jonah. Oh, I love that name.

[35:55] » We don't know who you are. [laughter] Go ahead.

[35:59] » Alexandria. >> Alexandria. Beautiful.

[36:03] » D. I've heard a lot of good things about you. D.

[36:06] » Mhm. Esther.

[36:08] » Esther. We all know Esther. >> Dne.

[36:12] » Dne. I know Dne very well. Great work. >> Rachel. Well, I want to say thank you to

[36:19] each and every one of you. We're very, very grateful. So, let's take a picture.

[36:22] Can we? Okay, come on up.

[36:38] They got they got to scooch. They got to scooch.

[36:48] » You want him to hold their thing? >> Oh, here.

[36:50] » Maybe Eddie or Jon or somebody.

[36:58] » Ready? One, two, three.

[37:05] Got it. >> Yeah.

[37:12] [laughter]

[37:28] Um yeah, hold on to those. >> Okay, madam.

[37:32] » All right, Madame Mayor, we're moving into our next um special guest public

[37:36] comment. We have a group of students here with We the People. So, they have

[37:41] um a couple of comments that are prepared and then we can go into kind of

[37:44] taking some photos and recognizing them. if you're okay with that.

[37:46] » Okay. These are our leaders of tomorrow. You guys are the future of our city. I

[37:52] had the pleasure to visit your class, We the People. Impressive. I know Council

[37:58] Member Ree has done a ton of work with We the People. I didn't know that. You

[38:01] guys didn't tell me whenever I was there. Um but, uh we're so excited to

[38:06] have you here because um you have something very special to tell us. And

[38:10] so, come on up, all of you. All

[38:16] right, Madame Mayor, and our first two speakers today are Amaya Roer and Gabe

[38:21] Castronova. Hello, council members. My name is Amaya

[38:25] Roer, and I'm a senior at Reno High School. I'm here today with my

[38:29] classmates to talk about our We the People program and how you can help us

[38:34] represent Nevada at the national level. We the People is a civic education

[38:38] program from the Center for Civic Education that teaches students about

[38:42] American constitutional democracy. The We the People program takes a village.

[38:46] Our teacher, Mr. Brian Carlin, our unit coaches, parents, and many alumni have

[38:52] helped us throughout the year. Nevada's We the People is continuously growing

[38:56] and impacting more and more young adults. It started as a competition for

[39:00] high school students. However, last year, Wo County's very own Dural Academy

[39:06] was the first middle school team to advance to state in Nevada. The program

[39:11] is designed to develop the skills necessary for active, informed

[39:15] citizenship. It encourages students to understand the foundations of American

[39:19] democracy and to tie them into modern context. To me, we the people is a

[39:25] family, not just a class. The competition has built my confidence and

[39:29] public speaking skills and deepened my constitutional knowledge. Beyond that,

[39:33] the class collabor collaboration encourages me to challenge myself every

[39:38] day to understand our democracy. Now, I'd like to pass the mic to my colleague

[39:43] Gabe, who will dive deeper into the structure of the class.

[39:46] » Fantastic job. Good job. >> Thank you, Amaya Roer, for the

[39:49] introduction. Hello. My name is Gabe Castanova, representative for unit one

[39:53] at Ren uh Reno High School. The we the people class is officially an AP

[39:57] government class. However, the true brilliance of the program comes from its

[40:01] competition which celebrates our constitution and the history and culture

[40:05] of the United States of America. Divided into six units which range from the

[40:10] philosophical background of the founders to landmark Supreme Court decisions to

[40:14] what America ought to do to preserve the long enduring American vision. Students

[40:18] across the country compete in mock congressional hearings. Units, usually

[40:23] composed of three to five students, dive into various aspects of our democratic

[40:27] republic with a fourminute pre-written testimony as an introduction, followed

[40:32] by 10 minutes of cross-examination where competitors are challenged to use

[40:35] history, common law, and constitutional provisions to support their arguments.

[40:40] Since the competition's creation, some 30 million students and over 75,000

[40:46] educators have participated in the We the People uh program nationally. With

[40:51] this program being especially significant to the legacy of Reno High

[40:54] School, since our adoption of the program 19 years ago, we have become

[40:59] district champions 11 times, state champions eight times, and national

[41:03] qualifiers 13 times. Recently, the Reno High School team has qualified for the

[41:08] national tournament on wild card after losing the state tournament by only four

[41:12] points. Now, I'd like to introduce my esteemed colleague, Devon Lester, who

[41:17] will further go into our natural qualifications for this year.

[41:21] » Fantastic. A+.

[41:24] » Our next two speakers are Devon Lester and Braden Hurley.

[41:28] » All right, Devin, take it away. >> Good morning, council. Thank you for

[41:31] having us today. U my name is Devon Lester. I'm representing uh Reno High,

[41:35] We the People's Unit 3. Um and I'll just be talking about how our class earned

[41:40] the honor of uh going to the national championship. Um, so at the we the

[41:45] people state tournament following our win at the district tournament in

[41:48] December, it was the culmination of six months of constant studying, revising,

[41:52] and practicing that extended far beyond our class time. If there's one thing I

[41:57] can say about my classmates and we the people, it's that they are the hardest

[42:00] workers I've ever met. Our units meet on weekends, early in the morning, late at

[42:05] night, and everything in between. I've honestly probably shared more meals with

[42:10] my unit than I have with my family this school year. Uh, [laughter] as a young

[42:14] adult on my way to being able to make important decisions for our country, it

[42:18] uh this class is not just um an exciting competition, but um it it has uh made me

[42:27] more prepared um than most people I know to be civically engaged um and a

[42:33] knowledgeable citizen. Despite a hard-fought battle for the state title

[42:37] and four out of six first place um wins, uh we lost by four points.

[42:43] As my colleague colleague Gabe explained, we gained our seat to

[42:46] nationals through a wild card invitation.

[42:49] » Um uh sorry. >> No, you're doing great. Uh, wild cards

[42:54] are are um performance-based and they're given to teams uh that earn second place

[42:59] at state championships um and that are most likely that display the most

[43:03] ability to uh represent their state on the national level. As a team, we have

[43:08] we have taken the second place not as a loss but as the heartbreak and

[43:12] motivation we need to take first in the nation. We are now preparing harder than

[43:17] ever to represent our school, our district, and our state on the national

[43:21] level in Washington DC in April. I would now like to introduce my classmate and

[43:25] colleague Braden Hurley to elaborate on our trip to nationals.

[43:28] » Okay, great job. Four points out. >> Thank you. So, I'm going to focus on the

[43:33] trip and I represent unit 4 which focuses on the principles of the

[43:38] principles on how the principles of the constitution have shaped the

[43:42] institutions of our government. And there is no better place to learn about

[43:46] the institutions than in the nation's capital. During our trip, we will have

[43:50] the opportunity to participate in the competition where we will engage in the

[43:55] most pressing debates surrounding the Constitution today, such as the debates

[43:59] surrounding executive power, federalism, and the balance of powers. As my

[44:03] colleagues have previously discussed, we have put countless hours of thought and

[44:07] study into these questions, and we will now have the opportunity to demonstrate

[44:11] this knowledge to experts in DC. Not only will we engage in questions

[44:15] surrounding the government, but we will also see what we have been studying uh

[44:19] for in person. We will get the opportunity to meet our senators, Jackie

[44:23] Rosen and Katherine Cortez Masto, as well as Representative Mark Ammedday.

[44:27] Okay. >> We also have the opportunity to visit

[44:30] the archives, the Capitol building, the Supreme Court, and the Library of

[44:34] Congress, the Smithsonian, and many other important locations, including a

[44:38] Nationals baseball game for some team bonding.

[44:41] » Wow. Looks like Devin didn't know that his jaw just dropped. Are you giving us

[44:45] some tea? Is that what's happening here? [laughter]

[44:47] » Yeah, a little bit. >> I love it.

[44:49] » Okay, then I'll introduce John Williamson. And Charlotte,

[44:54] » Charlotte OD and John Williamson. >> Hi. Um, [clears throat] my name is John

[45:00] Williamson and I'm a representative of Unit 6. And I really wish we could end

[45:04] this discussion with uh the inspiring words and personal testimony of my

[45:08] colleagues. Uh unfortunately we run into the harsh realities of finances. Um as

[45:15] you know values and beneficial programs are all well and good but what cannot be

[45:20] forgotten is the necessary foundations and backings that programs like we the

[45:24] people live or die on. To get our entire class to the nation's capital to compete

[45:29] along with the travel lodging fees and any more expenses we we have calculated

[45:34] that we need over $100,000. Wow. And we realize this is a big number. Uh we have

[45:39] been working tirelessly to reach this goal through fundraising. We've done

[45:43] raffles, community outreach, and through uh many generous donations.

[45:49] We have [clears throat] already reached about uh 30,000 of that goal. And while

[45:54] we will continue these fundraising efforts, working harder and harder to

[45:57] reach that goal, we uh ask for your help to accomplish this so you can allow us

[46:02] to represent Reno on the national stage of civic participation. for some final

[46:07] thoughts. Here is my colleague in Charlotte.

[46:09] » Fantastic job. You're you're selling me for sure. But there's 30 of you that

[46:13] want to go, right? Oh, yeah. And that's why it's so expensive.

[46:16] » Yes, ma'am. >> Okay, go right ahead.

[46:18] » Good morning, council. I am Charlotte OD and I am our representative from Reno

[46:21] High School's unit 5. While it may be true that we appear before you all today

[46:26] asking you to support this year's we the people team, what we really hope to see

[46:30] is continued community support for programs like ours, which are essential

[46:35] to a healthy democracy. Participation in We the People has inspired countless

[46:40] students to make the decision to pursue politics and law, ensuring that the next

[46:44] generation will be educated and excited to maintain functions of government such

[46:49] as city council. In fact, if it weren't for our teacher, Brian Carlin, I would

[46:53] not have spent my year interning with our city clerk's office.

[46:57] » Ah, we know this. [clears throat] >> Mama over there.

[47:01] » It is only by the fiery passion in each of one of our minds and hearts regarding

[47:06] American government that we are able to prepare for the competition facing us.

[47:11] What we are asking council today is simply to add flame to our collective

[47:15] fire. Thank you very much for your time. >> Wow. Incredible, you guys. is well done.

[47:20] Give them a round of applause. [applause]

[47:24] Okay. I get extra credit for coming here. No.

[47:29] » Okay. Well, tell them you got to change that. But the reason why, let me tell

[47:33] you that they felt so passionate about coming here. I know they talked a lot

[47:36] about the program. However, for a lot of these kids, because I had some private

[47:41] time with um some of your your other students or your friends, and a lot of

[47:46] them said that it has really been their safe haven, that at home is not always

[47:50] the best and it was a place where they felt welcomed and that they had

[47:53] camaraderie amongst um each of you and it provided something that they never

[47:59] ever thought possible. And the reality too is

[48:05] I think there's a perception that certain schools um have more access um

[48:11] to funding than others and that is not true and you have some students that

[48:16] will not be able to get to go to Washington DC and it might be that the

[48:20] only trip that they ever have outside of the city of Reno. And so I just want

[48:25] everyone to know they are here um actually the voice of these students who

[48:30] want to desperately go that and how many of you have been to Washington DC. It

[48:35] changes your life. You learn about the history of our country. It is probably

[48:39] one of the most patriotic things you can do. It it is so moving and inspiring. I

[48:44] know your your kids are there, aren't they? There right now.

[48:48] » Well, they live there. >> No, my youngest my oldest did an

[48:50] internship with Cortez Masto. And did it change her life?

[48:55] » Yes. [laughter] Now she wants to go into politics. So

[48:59] mom's in trouble. Is that what she No. But um I I think you know when you hear

[49:04] these stories and give these opportunities, it's really really

[49:07] remarkable. But I just think this is the one trip if you're going to ever see

[49:11] anything if if someone said you you get one opportunity to go someplace, this is

[49:16] the place to go because it really is the heart and soul of our country. And um so

[49:20] I would just say we want to help you in that journey and I'm going to hand it

[49:24] over to Councilman Ree um for some words. Go ahead.

[49:28] » Thank you so much, Madame Mayor. First of all, thank you all for being here

[49:31] today. It's always encouraging. I've had the privilege to work with your program

[49:34] for the last several years, and I wanted to give a shout out to, of course,

[49:38] you've already mentioned uh Mr. Carlin, but also your co- coaches, I suppose,

[49:42] Haley Row, Colonel Scott Marriott, Matt Oaks, Kathy Morris, Atley Williams,

[49:48] Graden Gil, uh Lauren Ponyie, Mike Ponyie, and Scott Daniel. Um I will uh

[49:55] tell you and date myself a little bit. In 1990, I was one of the first uh

[49:59] classes of students to participate in We the People in the State. And at the

[50:03] time, we just had McQueen, Reed, and Incline in the program. So, you all are

[50:07] carrying on a tradition that's a very long and proud one for our region. Uh,

[50:11] but I don't know that any program has been as successful as yours over the

[50:15] years. I think last year you finished fifth in the nation. So, you've got a

[50:19] lot of big shoes to fill. And I know that that uh weighs heavy on you. But

[50:22] the truth is is that this preparation that you're going through even today is

[50:26] part of that preparation. Being able to see the wheels of government work is not

[50:30] always uh something that uh civic education has prioritized. And so I meet

[50:37] uh your colleagues and and graduates of your program uh years later and they're

[50:42] in law school. They're running for office. They are the change makers in

[50:47] our community. So I'm very grateful for you. Um I will be with you in DC in

[50:51] April and we'll have dinner together. So it'll be a privilege to spend time with

[50:55] each of you. Thank you so much. I can't wait to work with you. Uh let's do some

[50:59] practice rounds, get into some of those units. It'll be great. Unit six is my

[51:04] jam. So, I'm ready. >> Okay. But we got to get them there

[51:07] first. We got to raise some money. >> And so, um, I'm going to help on the

[51:10] financial piece by helping pay for food while you're there. And so, we'll let

[51:13] see what the mayor might have in mind for some other help and support.

[51:18] » Any other council members? >> I I just wondered um so have you al um

[51:24] aggregated how much it's going to cost and and how far are you long on your

[51:27] fundraising? >> Yes.

[51:29] » Currently, we have a $120,000 estimate. Um, we've raised 30 of that 120.

[51:36] » Okay. It's very expensive because you have to have buses. Cuz I broke it down.

[51:39] I was like, "Wow." But for 30 people, if you think about it, it's airfare, it's

[51:43] buses, it's lodging, it's food, it's a lot. It's there. A lot goes into it.

[51:49] » Is it 30 that you're trying to bring, including your coaches and everyone?

[51:53] » The estimated cost for each student is 3,600. And the way that we have

[52:00] Yes. >> The estimated cost for each student is

[52:04] 3,600. And the way that our program attempts to gather funding from the

[52:09] students itself is by having parents help with half of each students. But if

[52:15] that's not possible, then of course the school will take on the funds for any

[52:20] student who is not able to pay for their half. And that is just um the estimated

[52:26] cost for the students. We also bring our unit coaches as he mentioned and um the

[52:32] teachers and parents who come along with us to help support.

[52:35] » Okay. So of the 120,000 the would would you say half of that is going to be

[52:41] provided by the students themselves? >> Roughly.

[52:44] » Roughly >> half. Yeah. So you're trying to raise

[52:48] 60,000. >> Yeah.

[52:50] » Is that right? And you've raised 30,000. So you're looking for another 30,000.

[52:55] Okay. So, I would love to see a joint fundraiser with all of us because we all

[53:00] have some of our supporters and and people that have been very gracious to

[53:04] us um whether it's mentorship or financially. And so, I'd like to ask the

[53:09] entire council that we have a joint fundraiser. Obviously, we got to run it

[53:12] by Carl because it's could be an open meeting law which but anyway that's my

[53:17] my ask of the council is that we invite our friends and supporters and some way

[53:22] do a fundraiser for them before they so they they can all participate

[53:25] » and then you're going in April right this April. So that's

[53:28] » so we have a little bit of time but it's not around the corner.

[53:32] » So we got to we got to get working. Well, thanks you guys. We're so grateful

[53:36] that you came today and I'm really proud of each each of you. I mean, you got up

[53:40] there and you spoke like pros. And did you have a great time in in your

[53:43] internship? >> Oh, yeah.

[53:45] » Oh, yeah. She's coming back. >> I love my internship. I'm coming back

[53:48] this summer. >> Oh, see, she's coming back. Anyway, um,

[53:52] thank you guys. We really appreciate it. Okay. I'm going to I'm going to tell

[53:56] your teacher what you did. He's going to be so proud.

[54:00] » And Madame Mayor, can we take a photo? >> Yeah, let's do it really quick. You have

[54:04] to tell them you only get a photo if you get credit. I want to see you guys get

[54:08] credit. We're trying.

[54:20] » Okay. Ready? >> One, two, three.

[54:38] All right. >> All right, Madame Mayor. With that, we

[54:40] have no additional public comment. Moving into item A4, approval of the

[54:44] agenda. >> Okay. I'm going to um make a motion to

[54:47] approve. Do I get a second? >> Second. I have a motion, a second. All

[54:50] those in favor say I. Before we go, do we do we have any changes from

[54:54] » There are no changes. You will recognize we have some members of the Reno Rodeo

[54:57] Foundation in the audience. They're here for item B1,

[54:59] » which I was going to pull off the agenda. It's in my work.

[55:03] » No, let's get the agenda approved first. >> So, we have no changes and we have no uh

[55:06] no attorney client today. >> Move to approve.

[55:09] » I have a motion. I have a second. All those in favor say I. All those opposed

[55:13] motion carries unanimously. Madame clerk,

[55:16] » moving into item A5, approval of the or acceptance of the minutes.

[55:19] » May get a motion. I have a motion. >> Second.

[55:22] » I have a second. All those in favor say I.

[55:24] » I. >> All those opposed.

[55:25] » Motion carries unanimously. Madame clerk.

[55:28] » Thank you. Moving into the consent agenda. We'll start with pulled items.

[55:32] » All right. I'm going to ask council members please uh be ready to pull your

[55:35] items. Councilwoman Anderson. >> All right. Councilwoman Taylor.

[55:41] Counciloman Martinez. >> Okay. I'm pulling B1. I'm sure you guys

[55:45] want >> I was already pulling. Nothing else.

[55:47] Madam >> nothing else. Councilwoman, I was

[55:49] pulling a B11. Okay. Uh, Councilwoman Eert, is she on the phone?

[55:54] » Yes, I'm I have no items to pull today. Thank you.

[55:57] » Approve all remaining items. >> Thank you so much. I have a motion. I

[55:59] have a second. All those in favor say I. >> All those opposed. Motion carries

[56:04] unanimously. Item B11. This is super super exciting. I mean, this is big.

[56:09] This is really really big. Um, okay. We are going to have the one and only come

[56:14] up and >> and Madame Mayor, we can start too. We

[56:16] do have public comment from George Combmes.

[56:19] » All right, we're going to take George's public comment.

[56:23] » Well, wait. Actually, let's have um you all you guys come up

[56:28] » and then we will have >> our Landon

[56:33] » Landon, our very own Landon Miller come [laughter] up and and tell us

[56:37] » and introduce everyone here why they're here, what this about, how exciting this

[56:42] is. This is huge. >> Yeah. and I want to I want to give them

[56:45] the opportunity to speak on it. But for the record, my name is Landon Miller,

[56:48] fund development manager for parks and wreck uh for the city of Reno. And today

[56:51] you've pulled item B11, which is the acceptance of a $120,000 grant from the

[56:56] Reno Rodeo Association to make some improvements at um Idaho Wild Park. So

[57:01] with that, uh we have some guests here, including George. He is the

[57:05] » the one and only George. >> We know George from

[57:08] » of the Reno Rodeo Association, and he can take it away and um they'll be able

[57:11] to answer any questions that you may have. someone. Yeah, I'm very very fond

[57:15] of everyone. If you don't know George, then you don't know Reno. He's amazing.

[57:18] Okay. >> Thank you, Mayor. Thanks for having us

[57:20] today. Thanks, city council. >> Um, on behalf of the Reno Rodeo

[57:24] Association, I have the president, current president, Mark Sutton.

[57:28] » Hi, Mark. >> Our second vice president, Justin

[57:31] Thompson, and our treasure, Andy Moreny. >> Hi. Fabulous shirt. Can I have that? I

[57:37] want it. you know, given given a little past history, Reno Rodeo has been around

[57:41] for 100 plus years. Um, oldest, longest running legacy event in the city of

[57:47] Reno. And uh, we're very community-minded and very willing to

[57:52] help out in the community. And what we've done uh, this year is is is kind

[57:57] of a we gather funds from from tips at the rodeo. when people come to the rodeo

[58:03] and they leave tips, all them tips go into a fund and it's for the special

[58:07] kids fund uh to support and we've helped build playgrounds and gymnasiums and all

[58:14] kinds of things. So, we we let that build up and then we go out and look for

[58:20] cause to to give to spend that money. And uh we had a little over $200,000

[58:26] this year that we decided it's time to get this money to work in the community.

[58:29] And so we put out feelers to try to find projects that we wanted to be involved

[58:34] with and uh got in touch with Brandon, talked about the Idle Wild Park and red

[58:40] redoing the splash pads and and taking some ADA handicap uh accessibilities and

[58:46] stuff and we felt it was a great cause and we wanted to do it. So we are here

[58:50] to present you with $120,000 to that project.

[58:54] » Wow. >> As long as you'll accept it.

[58:56] » Wow. No, definitely not. We've Oh my gosh, George, that's amazing. Everyone,

[59:01] give him a huge round of applause. [applause]

[59:06] » And you have you have the press here, so I want to make sure that they highlight

[59:10] you guys. This is fantastic. Come come on out. Before we do that, Madame Mayor,

[59:14] I also pulled this item and I just wanted to um give you the opportunity

[59:19] along possibly with Landon to talk about what it's going to be used for because I

[59:23] think it's very special. Um do you want to come up Landon?

[59:27] » Yeah, absolutely. and Landon Miller, uh, fund development manager for the city of

[59:30] Reno's parks and recck department. What we're going to do is we're going to

[59:32] allocate this money, uh, and design and build improvements to the splash pad

[59:37] specifically at Idol Wild Park. Um, we're going to probably start this

[59:42] project, at least the design phase now over the next several months leading up

[59:45] until September, and then hopefully start the construction itself after

[59:48] September, shut it down, and then have everything um, back open for uh, spring

[59:54] of next year. uh the $120,000 will fit the scope of the project entirely and uh

[1:00:00] we'll we'll build to that. So, >> and and my understanding is that the ADA

[1:00:05] aspects of it will allow people that aren't normally either walking or

[1:00:09] motivating um onto the splash pad and reconfigure the splash pad so that they

[1:00:14] can share the water. I mean, they could enter in wheelchairs or other type of

[1:00:18] mobility equipment. Is that correct? >> Yeah, that is that is 100% correct. Um

[1:00:23] to your point, we have Karina in our parks planning uh uh area. She's already

[1:00:28] looking at some of the elements right now that include uh accessibility. We're

[1:00:32] also going to include April Wolf and the access advisory committee as well. So,

[1:00:36] everyone has a little bit of a stake in this in this project. It's also cool,

[1:00:39] too. Uh I don't know if anyone's aware here, but uh 100 years for ID Wild Park

[1:00:43] is next year. So, there's going to be a lot of uh momentum moving into that that

[1:00:47] celebration for sure. >> Perfect. I just wanted to give a

[1:00:49] heartfelt thanks to the rodeo association because um without this this

[1:00:53] would never happen. This [clears throat] this is

[1:00:56] » unfortunately sadly not the top priority. You know, usually the top

[1:01:00] priority is just getting police, fire, our basic services, our most basic

[1:01:04] services. Even we just heard about Reno Works. They're on the chopping block um

[1:01:09] for our next budget season. In fact, they're done. Um, so those kind of

[1:01:13] programs that actually help people, lift people up, uh, make their life more

[1:01:17] enjoyable are very hard to get funded. So, but for what you are doing, this

[1:01:22] would not be happening. And, uh, as the W 2 representative where ID Wild Park

[1:01:26] is, I'm just incredibly grateful. But not just for W 2, but for everyone in

[1:01:30] the city that will be able to enjoy this.

[1:01:33] » Thank you. And we're honored to be able to do it. It's, you know, it's uh we're

[1:01:37] a thousand volunteers strong in this organization and we have a staff of six

[1:01:42] people and it's it's just amazing of what we can do and the passion that the

[1:01:47] our thousand people have for what we do and be able to help in the community

[1:01:51] » and it's their tips. I mean, it's their >> this is just tip money.

[1:01:54] » I know this is >> I don't think people really realize

[1:01:56] rodeo, by the way, is my most favorite time of year. I absolutely love it.

[1:02:00] George knows I like um especially all the bad food. [laughter]

[1:02:04] I love to go there and eat, but um you know, my favorite is all the roping and

[1:02:09] the bulls. Everything is amazing. It's um so I just want you to know I don't

[1:02:14] think people realize when they go there, they're also supporting the community in

[1:02:17] a way that makes a huge difference. I know a lot of people go there because

[1:02:20] they're such fans and it's our history and our heritage. It is one of the most

[1:02:25] remarkable events that we have. But again, it it really is a testament to

[1:02:30] your mission and how you give back to the community because like I said, I

[1:02:34] don't know if people really realize the magnitude of how much you give back.

[1:02:38] It's impressive and it's commendable. Um so, George, I just want to say thank you

[1:02:42] from the bottom of my heart, my friend. You guys are really um top-notch

[1:02:46] organization and please let us know how we can also support you.

[1:02:50] » All right. Thank you. >> Do you want No. Okay. All right. Um what

[1:02:55] else? Let's Let's get a picture >> cuz you have a check. You have a big

[1:02:58] check. >> Madam Mayor, can we take a motion to

[1:03:00] approve? >> Yes. Oh, I guess we better do that.

[1:03:02] George, we we joked about not approving it and I guess we better approve that.

[1:03:07] So, may I get a Mad Mayor? I'd like to make a motion to approve acceptance of

[1:03:11] these funds from the Reno [laughter] Rodeo Foundation.

[1:03:13] » All right. Counciloman Dur has made a motion. Second is Councilman Reese. All

[1:03:17] those in favor say I. I. >> All those opposed, motion carries

[1:03:21] unanimously. Can you imagine if opposed? Anyway, come on up.

[1:03:28] » Yeah, we should probably go off. This is a big deal.

[1:03:41] » Oh, they're coming down on the bottom. Okay, I didn't realize we're all coming

[1:03:43] down.

[1:03:53] Thank you. >> I was going to do the same thing.

[1:03:57] » I love that.

[1:04:11] » Right here.

[1:04:16] You want to cuddle up? Ready?

[1:04:19] » Here we go.

[1:05:48] All right, Mr. Vice Mayor, we're moving on to item C1, Charlie 1.

[1:05:54] » Great. Thank you so much. And I think this is for Director Van Purion. Do we

[1:05:58] have any public comment on this item? >> We do not have any public comment

[1:06:02] registered and have not received any correspondence on this item.

[1:06:04] » Mr. Vice Mayor, is there a way for us to move Charlie for out of order? We've got

[1:06:09] folks from RTC here today and I'd like to get them back to their RTC stuffs.

[1:06:14] » Not that I don't want to hear Miss Van Beern, of course. Yeah, that's a great

[1:06:18] point. Director Van Beiran, if you don't mind waiting until the next item. So,

[1:06:22] we'll take these items out of order. We'll start with C4 and then move back

[1:06:26] to item C1. Is there any public comment on agenda item C4, the RTC and our local

[1:06:31] agreement? >> Thank you, Mr. Vice Mayor. We do not

[1:06:33] have any public comment registered on item C4. Additionally, we have not

[1:06:36] received any correspondence on this item.

[1:06:39] » Perfect. Mr. Wilson, I think this is all you.

[1:06:43] » Okay. So, uh, good morning, uh, madame man, council members. Uh, for the

[1:06:48] record, uh, Cleo Wilson, assistant director of public works. Uh, joining me

[1:06:52] here today is Mr. Dale Killer, the uh, director of engineering for the regional

[1:06:55] transportation commission. Uh, we're here to present the RTC fiscal year 2027

[1:07:00] interlocal cooperative agreement, which will bring the council what we bring to

[1:07:04] council annually to authorize projects to move forward into design and

[1:07:07] construction.

[1:07:12] First, I'd like to briefly walk through how RTC project planning planning

[1:07:16] implementation process takes place. This graphic shows how the projects move from

[1:07:21] long range planning into programming and ultimately into design and construction.

[1:07:26] All projects begin at the reg at the regional transportation plan or RTP.

[1:07:31] That's the 20-year plan that establishes the region's priorities for maintaining

[1:07:34] and improving our transportation system. The current RTP was adopted by the RTC

[1:07:39] board in February of last year. From there, projects move into the regional

[1:07:43] transportation improvement program or RTIP. That's the 5-year program that

[1:07:48] identifies funding for scheduled projects for project delivery. The RTIP

[1:07:52] is updated every two years and projects must be included in the RTP to move

[1:07:56] forward. That brings us to why we're here today.

[1:07:59] This is the annual agreement which allows these program projects to advance

[1:08:02] to design and construction.

[1:08:06] This slide summarizes what the interlocal agreement does. Because RTC

[1:08:10] does not own any roadways, this agreement formally authorizes RTC to act

[1:08:14] as the city's agent to move program projects into design and construction.

[1:08:19] It clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities for project delivery in

[1:08:23] in Reno's jurisdiction. And if rightaway acquisition becomes necessary, it

[1:08:28] provides RTC with the authorization to pro proceed with the acquisition.

[1:08:35] would like to provide more detail what's included in this year's interlocal

[1:08:38] cooperative agreement. The projects are organized into four categories. Starting

[1:08:42] on the left is pavement preservation projects. These f projects focus on

[1:08:47] keeping our regional roadways in good condition through preventative

[1:08:50] maintenance things like surface treatments and rehabilitation helping us

[1:08:54] extend the life of our of our of our infrastructure. Next, our traffic

[1:08:57] signals and intelligent transportation systems or ITS.

[1:09:01] This pro project includes intersection improvements, new new signal

[1:09:05] installations and fiber optic connections to improve coordination and

[1:09:08] traffic flow. The third category is active transportation program which

[1:09:13] focuses on improvements for people walking and biking connectivity and

[1:09:17] access through the mobility networks. And finally, we have roadway projects.

[1:09:22] This year's ICA has three major roadway project investments. the O'Brien Pass

[1:09:27] safety project, the Keystone Avenue safety improvements, and the South

[1:09:31] Virginia reconstruction and Virginia line BRT improvements. Each of these

[1:09:36] categories play an important role in maintaining and improving our

[1:09:38] transportation system. In the next few slides, I'll highlight the active ch

[1:09:42] transportation program projects and the roadway projects that are included in

[1:09:45] the agreement.

[1:09:49] In the last slide, I mentioned the active transportation program. This is

[1:09:53] the overarching re uh regional vision for active mobility. You probably also

[1:09:57] heard the term neighborhood network planning. To put that vision of active

[1:10:01] transportation into action, the local at the local level, neighborhood network

[1:10:05] planning areas were developed. These plans identify specific streets and

[1:10:09] connections based on data and community input. With that framework, the region

[1:10:13] is divided into 12 planning areas. They're ranked based on factors like

[1:10:17] crash history, bike connections, proximity to schools, and where they

[1:10:21] where their areas of strong potential for walking and biking. The goal is to

[1:10:25] make improvements where they'll have the biggest impact. These plans emphasize

[1:10:29] quick build, cost-effective treatments that target safety improvements,

[1:10:33] particularly in high pedestrian activity areas. So under this agreement, the

[1:10:37] areas moving forward are Sun Valley and Panta area 2 and Meadowwood and Hidden

[1:10:42] Valley area 10. they'll move into design and implementation. Those are shown on

[1:10:46] the exhibit there on the left on the right hand side highlighted in yellow.

[1:10:51] Next, we have our roadway projects. The first roadway project is the O'Brien

[1:10:55] Pass safety project. This project will improve safety along North Valleys along

[1:10:59] Golden Valley Road, which transitions into West 7th Street between Estates

[1:11:03] Road and Sun Valley Boulevard. While the majority of this project is located

[1:11:07] within Wo County jurisdiction, there is a portion within the city of Reno. Total

[1:11:11] est estimated investment is approximately $20 million with

[1:11:14] construction anticipated in 2029.

[1:11:20] Next is the Keystone Avenue safety project. This will improve intersection

[1:11:23] operations and pedestrian facilities along Keystone Avenue from First Street

[1:11:27] to I80. The project is estimated at 5.3 million and construction anticipated to

[1:11:32] begin in 2029.

[1:11:36] And finally, the the South Virginia Street rehabilitation will reconstruct

[1:11:40] Virginia Street from Meadowwood Mall, which is the southern end of the RTC BRT

[1:11:44] line all the way north to Moana Lane. This this will enhance transit

[1:11:49] connectivity and performance along the corridor and include ADA upgrades to

[1:11:53] improve accessibility for all users. Pimary design is set for 2027 and

[1:11:57] construction is anticipated for 2029. And the total investment for this

[1:12:02] project is $20 million.

[1:12:05] This concludes my presentation. There is the motion and myself and Mr. Keller are

[1:12:10] here to answer any questions you may have.

[1:12:11] » Okay. Thank you. Good job. Okay. Councilman Ree, go ahead.

[1:12:15] » Ever so briefly, I wanted to ask about a couple of things. First is a very

[1:12:19] specific program. I have the privilege of representing this body at the RTC. So

[1:12:24] perhaps we know a little bit more because of that. But there is a program

[1:12:27] that we have prioritized at the RTC which I think may be helpful to address

[1:12:32] one of my colleagues concerns. So in the Smithridge area there is um a bus um

[1:12:38] route that really needs some improvement. It it is um hard for people

[1:12:42] with mobility impairments to get to bus stops and also has some fencing that

[1:12:46] blows down with some frequency. And for my part, I want to make sure that we are

[1:12:52] um making that known at this body that that's a priority for us through the bus

[1:12:56] stop rehabilitation program, which RTC is committed to doing, but it has to

[1:13:01] really address those access points along those roadways. So, that's one example.

[1:13:06] Is that something that you are tracking or can help us to close the door on?

[1:13:11] » Yes, I will have I'll pass that question off to Mr. Mr. Keller.

[1:13:16] » Good morning. Dale Keller, deputy executive director for the record for

[1:13:19] the RTC. Uh, council member Ree. Uh, yes. So, we have this bus stop

[1:13:23] improvement program that we focus on every year with uh what you'll see

[1:13:27] later, construction this summer, different various connections to help

[1:13:30] the sidewalk connections to our bus stops. We're looking forward to continue

[1:13:33] that program moving on. Right now, we don't have a project at this time at the

[1:13:36] Smith area, but I know this is going to be discussion with the RTC board coming

[1:13:40] up next month. Well, I guess I'm I'm telling you I I when I hear my

[1:13:45] colleagues at this dis raise significant issues, we want to address them. So

[1:13:48] that's then what we are tasked with doing. Obviously, it fits a broader

[1:13:52] regional goal, which is we are trying to make sure that our bus system is not

[1:13:56] just a random sign on the side of a roadway. We we actually need shelter for

[1:14:01] people to sit under or stand under when they're waiting for the bus in in

[1:14:05] inclement weather. We need to make sure that people with mobility impairments

[1:14:08] can get there. So that often involves sidewalk changes, configurations,

[1:14:12] repairs, and in this case in Mr. Martinez's ward, um I feel like we have

[1:14:17] not figured out that it it seems a small issue, right, when the a sto a fence

[1:14:23] blows down, but it becomes a huge life-saving and life-changing issue when

[1:14:27] someone who needs to access that route, needs a bus to get there, cannot do it.

[1:14:31] So please understand that I'll be pushing you to expansively view that as

[1:14:36] an opportunity for us to make those improvements. Okay. Thank you, Council

[1:14:39] Member Ree. And uh to that point, you what we hear uh anecdotally, we're also

[1:14:44] seeing from the data driven from those neighborhood network plans that Mr.

[1:14:46] Wilson discussed in that area by Mewood Mall. We actually saw a lot of um input

[1:14:51] and comments about how we improved that connectivity around that Mewood Mall

[1:14:54] area and that Smith area as well. So, the data help supports that.

[1:14:57] » Well, and I I don't have much time and I'll just try to get this out quickly,

[1:14:59] but it's still a question for you, Mr. Keller. were here a couple of weeks ago

[1:15:03] when we had a project that it was a very important project for our region, a very

[1:15:08] um difficult vote. It was the Lacage um or I'm sorry, the Lacage golf course

[1:15:14] project and at that time there was a lot of discussion about improvements to

[1:15:18] Lakeside McCarron. I I want to make sure you are hearing from this body and I you

[1:15:23] were here so I assume you are hearing that that is a priority for us and so I

[1:15:27] want to make sure that we're really directing our effort at looking at that

[1:15:31] intersection at Lakeside and McCarron and and the area just there because it

[1:15:35] is very important to our region and a lot of people are impacted by it.

[1:15:39] » Understood. Thank you. >> Thank you so much.

[1:15:43] » Yeah, thank you. And uh if I could have Dale still Yeah. Um Dale, um I could

[1:15:48] just say ditto, but the main focus I have are two projects. One is the

[1:15:52] lakeside of McCarron. Um I know that you've designed it is what I've heard.

[1:15:59] » Councilman, we are at a 30% design. >> Oh, 30%.

[1:16:03] » Okay. So, you haven't fully designed it. So, and I've heard you have budget

[1:16:06] challenges and I've heard you've asked for money from NDOT and that they have

[1:16:10] not come forward with that yet. And I guess what I'm saying is sometimes and I

[1:16:15] I know it's important to get the cost share because it's an end dot built and

[1:16:19] managed road. Um but that said, you know, it's almost like a jurisdictional

[1:16:25] dispute because at the end of the day, our people are suffering. Our people

[1:16:29] that are driving or even walking along that area are suffering. they I myself

[1:16:34] have gotten, you know, stopped trying to enter McCarron from any which way during

[1:16:39] any number of hours where while I have the green light, I can't turn there.

[1:16:43] It's a parking lot. Um, so I want to make sure that we do prioritize

[1:16:47] finishing the design and constructing the thing. And as I understand it, in

[1:16:53] comparison to some other projects, it's not that level expensive. I mean, some

[1:16:57] of the projects you mentioned 20 million, etc. I know it's not on that

[1:17:01] order of magnitude. The a second thing I wanted to ask is we've I wanted to

[1:17:05] follow up on the intersection of um Rio Wrangler and um what do you call um

[1:17:13] » Steamboat >> Steamboat? Uh no, it's uh by um the high

[1:17:19] school, Deonte Ranch High School. There's supposed to be [clears throat] a

[1:17:22] roundabout being constructed, >> correct?

[1:17:24] » Could you speak to that? >> Uh yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. I do. So last

[1:17:28] ICA we approved moving forward with those roundabout improvements that

[1:17:32] steamboat and Rio Wrangler as that intersection. There's also Macau.

[1:17:36] » Oh, you're doing that's what I I thought you were doing Macaulay.

[1:17:39] » Now McCauley was also we're looking to because there's also a future project

[1:17:42] about widening that uh stretch of Rio Wrangler

[1:17:45] in front of the high school. >> Correct. To see how they all connect

[1:17:47] together. So what we're moving forward is with that roundabout as we have in

[1:17:50] the ICA then also study the first in front of the roundabout for that future

[1:17:53] widening of Rio Wrangler. So, we have money and we have dedicated resources

[1:17:58] and the ICA to move forward with that roundabout at Steamboat and Railing.

[1:18:01] » Okay. I didn't realize I know that I mean it's a tight intersection in terms

[1:18:05] of there's a whole development there with a fence or a wall. Are are you

[1:18:09] planning to do everything I guess to the west of that or

[1:18:12] » so? Yes, ma'am. We are and we're starting to look at the whole corridor

[1:18:15] itself and Rio Wrangler, see how the traffic flows all together, making sure

[1:18:18] whatever we build for that roundabout of Rio Wrangler is also compatible for

[1:18:23] future development. The only thing I would ask when you do these roundabouts

[1:18:26] is that you make them as big as possible because when you go with those tight

[1:18:30] ones like they have at Somerset and other places, it's just very hard to

[1:18:35] navigate, you know, and there's a tremendous amount of traffic coming

[1:18:39] through already. But in the future, to your point, there's business to the

[1:18:43] north, there's development to the north, and so a lot of people are going to be

[1:18:47] going through that roundabout. And I I'm I'm really hoping you can get a handle

[1:18:51] on it and get it built. So, thank you. >> All right. Go ahead.

[1:18:56] » Yeah. Um I have um just some questions on the projects in W 4 just to get a

[1:19:02] little more information. Um can you tell me more about what this project will

[1:19:08] include in Panther Valley? >> The the O'Brien pass one.

[1:19:12] » Uh yes. >> So that that's the O'Brien pass. So

[1:19:17] we're get that's what we're getting for we're getting ready to put this into

[1:19:20] design preliminary design to identify the improvements that need to take

[1:19:23] place. So things like things like adding sidewalk you know um crossings you know

[1:19:28] put that evaluation. >> Okay. I think I'm having like a little

[1:19:31] bit of a disconnect because Panther Valley to me is is south

[1:19:36] like a south area of the 395 like off Virginia

[1:19:42] like >> Yeah. That that's so this this area is

[1:19:46] actually Golden Valley Road. Yeah, that's what I up there up off off of um

[1:19:50] by North North Valley's high school and down the Sun Valley.

[1:19:53] » There is something on here that says Panther Valley. So what is the Panther

[1:19:56] Valley project? >> Is there you is referring to the next

[1:19:59] item that is the ILA maybe? >> I'm sorry.

[1:20:02] » Is that there's I do have another item on the council agenda that's for the

[1:20:05] ILA. >> Okay. Um

[1:20:09] let me look. I believe it was on your map here. Yeah. Or it says um following

[1:20:16] extensive public engagement process of priority areas were identified in

[1:20:19] advance for design, the city of Reno selected areas for the FY27 ICA to

[1:20:25] include Sun Valley and Panther Valley area.

[1:20:27] » Got I'm I apologize. So So this is the active transportation um uh program. So

[1:20:34] this is where we take the active transportation planning and narrow it

[1:20:38] down into into neighborhood planning areas. Okay. where weident we identify

[1:20:42] some con connections for for um mobility networks.

[1:20:45] » Okay. >> So so we did some we did public uh RTC

[1:20:48] worked on public engagement to develop uh specific streets that they would in

[1:20:52] that put um uh uh neighbor um uh uh mobility um plans on mobility network.

[1:20:59] » Okay. So what is a mobility plan? >> So it's essentially active

[1:21:02] transportation. So things like bikes, you know, walking, you know, scooters,

[1:21:06] things like that. >> Okay. And would those be uh divided?

[1:21:09] would there be some type of barrier like a curb for those areas? And I ask

[1:21:12] because we've had pedestrian fatalities along North Virginia at the Panther

[1:21:17] Valley area. So, I'm I'm very concerned about pedestrian pedestrian safety,

[1:21:21] people on bikes because we don't have a lot of um public transportation. There

[1:21:26] is a lot of foot traffic or people on bicycles. So, I just want to know what

[1:21:30] what exactly um what safety precautions will be included.

[1:21:35] » Thanks for that question. So essentially depending on the speed and volume of the

[1:21:39] of the roadway is how you put the treatment in place of whether or not uh

[1:21:43] it it's high speed and high volume then you separate. You know we'll we all

[1:21:47] we'll look at also neighborhood areas where we can do this where the where the

[1:21:49] speeds are actually slower to make sure that we're putting people in a safe

[1:21:52] area. >> Okay. Is it possible, you know, if it's

[1:21:54] an area where maybe you couldn't justify a curb, maybe you could put like

[1:21:59] plastic, you know, those things that stick up just as a a a more visible

[1:22:04] reminder to people to stay out of those areas. I think sometimes people drive a

[1:22:09] little too fast and and don't don't pay attention to um sharing the road with

[1:22:14] other people. So, I just want to say that. Um I have other things, but I'll

[1:22:18] I'll come back. Thank you for that.

[1:22:33] Yeah. Yeah. Um, so I don't know if my time starts over then. Um, so another

[1:22:40] point of concern I get from the Panther Valley community a lot is access in and

[1:22:44] out of the valley. So, I don't know if there's anything in the plan to um look

[1:22:49] into more ways to get in and out of that area, especially with the increasing

[1:22:54] development and there's been a lot of industrial and and different types of

[1:22:58] things going in there. I've had a lot of concern from the residents in that area

[1:23:02] that it is difficult to get in and out and also the business owners have

[1:23:05] expressed a lot of frustration especially during the time that um Endot

[1:23:10] is doing construction on the freeway that there is really um limited access

[1:23:15] uh to get in and out. It's been an extreme detriment to a lot of the

[1:23:18] businesses in that area. So, I don't know if that's part of the plan, but I

[1:23:21] would recommend looking for ways to um have, you know, access points in and out

[1:23:28] of Panther Valley. Um the other part I wanted to talk about, the Golden Valley

[1:23:33] part, um I I know that there's a small portion of Golden Valley

[1:23:40] in Reno. The majority of it is in the county. So, um I'm just wondering, you

[1:23:49] know, if there's going to be more focus on

[1:23:56] um infrastructure within the city of Reno, like the the huge bulk of that

[1:24:02] project is not going to be within the city of Reno boundaries.

[1:24:07] » So, I I Khalil Wilson, assistant director public works for the record. Um

[1:24:13] what's what's not what's benefit to the citizens that RTC leads this effort is

[1:24:17] that they can make it on a on a regional collaboration. So we would collaborate

[1:24:20] on the on areas that are washup county and in the city of Reno to make sure

[1:24:24] that we have a seamless connection between the two. So because our citizens

[1:24:26] are blind to jurisdiction, right? We want to make sure we have consistency

[1:24:29] through the corridor. >> Okay. So with that area, do you know

[1:24:32] now? Have you done traffic studies? Do you know if there would be a divided

[1:24:36] bike lane in that area? >> That's what the size is all about. So we

[1:24:39] can get going with those. >> Okay. So, it's to be determined. Okay.

[1:24:43] Thank you very much.

[1:24:53] » Do you want me to make a motion? Oh, okay. Um, I move to recommend move to

[1:24:59] approve the regional transportation commission FY2027 interlocal cooperative

[1:25:03] agreement. Second. >> All right. I have a motion, a second.

[1:25:06] Any discussion? I see some lights on over here to my right. Vice Mayor,

[1:25:10] » just ready to vote, ma'am. I'm sorry about that. Yeah. [laughter]

[1:25:12] » All right. I'll I do have discussion. I just want to say um you know, I do think

[1:25:17] that um we have a um

[1:25:22] a lot of need for infrastructure in Ward 4. I think everybody's aware of that. Um

[1:25:27] we have extreme congestion. I know that there's widening happening on the 395. I

[1:25:32] know that there's going to be widening on North Virginia, but um we need to

[1:25:37] really look for ways to bring more infrastructure and access to the North

[1:25:41] Valleys in general. So, I just want to um ask for support from the RTC. I'm

[1:25:45] going to support this, but in the future, I hope to see more focus um in

[1:25:50] the North Valley's community. We currently have two access points to get,

[1:25:54] you know, 40,000 people from the North Valleys into the rest of of Reno. So

[1:25:59] just hoping to see more of that, you know, in future plans and also hopefully

[1:26:03] someday more public transportation as well. So thank you.

[1:26:08] » All right. Uh so all those in favor say I.

[1:26:11] » All those opposed. >> Motion carries unanimously. All right.

[1:26:14] Good job, Ku. >> And now we're going to head back to C1.

[1:26:17] Madam clerk, is that correct? >> Yes, ma'am. Item C1.

[1:26:20] » All right. C1, any public comment? >> No public comment. And no correspondence

[1:26:25] was received. >> Oh, yes. So, we will now open up the

[1:26:27] public hearing. Um, no public comment and no correspondence was received.

[1:26:32] » Is it a public comment? >> No, it's not. Oh, sorry. Sorry.

[1:26:36] » No, you're good. >> I'm I'm ahead of myself. Okay, Vicki, go

[1:26:41] ahead. Take it away or Miss Van Beern. >> And council members, um Vicky Van Beern,

[1:26:46] director of finance for the record. I have a just a very brief update for you

[1:26:50] today on the general fund. This aligns with your strategic plan through fiscal

[1:26:55] sustainability. Uh today I just want to talk about where

[1:26:59] we are in the current year. So this would be July through January, the seven

[1:27:03] months in this fiscal year and then just give you a brief outline of what you're

[1:27:07] to expect next week for the budget workshop that we're going to have on

[1:27:11] March 4th. So fiscal year 26, this is the current

[1:27:16] fiscal year. Um again, this is seven months worth of information that we have

[1:27:21] so far for this year. Revenues and expenditures are tracking in line as

[1:27:24] discussed last month. There's really nothing really to highlight here that's

[1:27:28] much different. Property tax is still trending about 2% above budget. Right

[1:27:32] now it's at 1.8% above budget. Consolidated taxes are trending 5% above

[1:27:38] budget and uh that's with the December distribution. Then franchise fees are

[1:27:43] tracking 13% below budget for the reasons that we've talked about before.

[1:27:47] usage, um, weather, um, and that as such. The slightly higher revenues from

[1:27:53] property tax and consolidated taxes are covering the shortfall in franchise fee

[1:27:58] revenue at this time. This is in line with what you saw last month. And then

[1:28:02] salary and benefits are trending 4% below budget. Supplies are trending 8%

[1:28:07] below budget. Again, this is the exact same um, information as last month. It's

[1:28:12] still trending exactly the same. savings are trending higher right now due to the

[1:28:16] number of positions that have been vacant. Many of those are public safety

[1:28:20] positions and they've either started the academy with police or they will be

[1:28:24] starting with fire. So we will see those rates decline a little bit. Um so they

[1:28:29] are a little high right now but really no different from the information that

[1:28:32] was presented in January. Cax just to give you an idea of what

[1:28:37] consolidated tax looks like. Again, this is so critical because as the highest

[1:28:41] revenue source in the general fund, we have the December allocation. December

[1:28:46] is the highest month of the year given holiday shopping and such. Um that we

[1:28:51] did receive this week. You can see overall we're still trending 5% above

[1:28:56] budget. As I mentioned, again, we're only halfway through the year with this

[1:29:01] data point. We still have, you know, six more data points to close out this year.

[1:29:06] right now. Um, it's on track with the way we're developing the budget for next

[1:29:10] fiscal year for fiscal year 27. So, really nothing to highlight here as

[1:29:15] well. We're just on track. So, next week, so next week is going to

[1:29:20] be a budget workshop. It's going to be held on March 4th. It's going to have a

[1:29:24] budget overview that presents all the funds and more detailed reviews of the

[1:29:28] general fund, the special revenue funds, enterprise funds, and and the internal

[1:29:33] service funds. So, all of those. And then we're going to have discussions

[1:29:36] that will also include a review of the fee schedule and presentations from

[1:29:40] departments on the proposed capital improvement projects for next fiscal

[1:29:44] year for fiscal year 27. So your role as council in the budget workshop is to

[1:29:49] guide decision-making and provide transparency by reviewing the proposed

[1:29:54] revenues and expenditures, asking questions of me, of staff, you know,

[1:29:58] identifying funding priorities and providing the strategic policy direction

[1:30:03] so that we can shape the city's financial plan for you based on that.

[1:30:07] Following the budget workshop next week, we'll have many other opportunities

[1:30:12] after that. So there'll be financial updates on March 25th as you see on the

[1:30:16] slide. April's 22nd. Then on May 6, we're going to have a whole another

[1:30:22] budget overview again. And then budget adoption on May 20th. So in between now

[1:30:28] and budget adoption. Clearly changes can be made and we are going to be talking a

[1:30:33] lot of budget during this time. So just wanted to give you a preview of what

[1:30:37] that looks like and how you'll know what's rolling out and when. So that

[1:30:42] concludes my presentation. Uh this is a discussion only item. So it does not

[1:30:47] require a motion, but I'm glad to answer questions

[1:30:50] » or a public hearing. [laughter] >> Okay. All right. I'm going to start with

[1:30:54] you, Randy. You have any anything? >> No, I'm well prepared for this workshop

[1:30:58] and I'm looking forward to our discussion on how we're going to move

[1:31:01] forward this year. >> All right. Good. I don't see any green

[1:31:05] lights. Nope. Over here, Councilman Ree. Ever so briefly, Vicki, I just want to

[1:31:08] say thank you for the pre-preparation. Um, it's really been helpful to have the

[1:31:12] frequent meetings with you, so I feel very prepared as Miss Anderson said. Uh,

[1:31:17] I know that this was on the agenda and you're coming up to update us all the

[1:31:20] time, but we're talking at least once a week, sometimes twice a week. So, I I

[1:31:24] thank you for that kind of overemphasis of it because I think it's very

[1:31:27] important. >> Thank you. Okay. Um, thanks. I had a

[1:31:30] question on slide four. Um, if you could go back to that. So, this is the summary

[1:31:35] of how things are trending. And I was wondering, you said franchise free fees

[1:31:40] 13% below budget. And I was wondering if you've calculated the the

[1:31:47] I don't want to say the change that we voted on uh last meeting where we were

[1:31:51] going to up the franchise fee to 14%. Have you calculated how much that would

[1:31:57] bring in as compared to this trend here? >> Uh thank you for the question. No,

[1:32:02] that's actually not included here. Um, it hasn't been the budget hasn't been

[1:32:06] amended to include that with the next. >> Right. Right. But I'm just saying, have

[1:32:09] you calculated is it a four and a half million

[1:32:11] » be around one $1.2 million? Um, right now we're trending four.5 million down.

[1:32:17] So that would be >> help offset.

[1:32:19] » It would help offset >> but not fully offset.

[1:32:21] » Correct. >> Okay. And then on that, just so the

[1:32:24] council knows, um I had sent an email to um Jackie, uh I have been considering

[1:32:31] reconsidering that item. And the reason was is since we voted, I got a lot of

[1:32:36] input or some input, not I wouldn't say a lot, but some input that adding the

[1:32:41] CPI um is sort of percentages on percentages. and rather than have us

[1:32:48] reconsider it, um Jackie recommended that we discuss it during the budget

[1:32:53] workshop and that we can set the number despite us voting. Uh the first the

[1:32:58] first uh outing was just going to be the going to 14% anyway. The CPI would come

[1:33:04] in next time. So she said rather than reconsidering the whole item that uh the

[1:33:09] council has the ability to set the number each time in our fees. Um, and I

[1:33:14] talked to Jonathan as well. Would our vote somehow conflict with our ability

[1:33:19] to set the budget each time? And he said no. So that is why I did not pursue it.

[1:33:24] I just wanted to tell you that, you know, I'm supportive and it's a hard

[1:33:27] decision uh to increase any fee, but um apparently the the CPI would have

[1:33:34] really, you know, ramped up in in a way that people felt was not sustainable.

[1:33:38] So, I I I heard them and I wanted to have the conversation with council. So,

[1:33:43] I'm having it right now so that you know on next Wednesday, which I'll be

[1:33:47] participating on Zoom, you'll know what I'm talking about. Um, once we get to

[1:33:51] fees, I assume we'll cover fees. And then the other question I had is will we

[1:33:56] also be I didn't see in your list I think it was a previous page where we

[1:34:00] would be covering uh the RDA the redevelopment agency or is that in a

[1:34:05] separate item or >> redevelopment will be discussed with the

[1:34:08] redevelopment agency? Yes. And that will be on the 4th as well and it will be a

[1:34:12] separate presentation on the same day. >> Yes. Same day.

[1:34:15] » Okay. But you're not giving us that report here, right?

[1:34:18] » No, this is just the citywide. Um but redevelopment will come on um same day.

[1:34:24] » Okay. Now Vicki, can you be can you are our budget? You know, you are our CFO

[1:34:29] for the whole city including redevelopment I assume. Will you help us

[1:34:34] set the stage for that conversation too in terms of cash flow and opening

[1:34:39] balances and those kind of things? Um, Ashley Turney is actually leading the

[1:34:45] » right I have spoken to her, but I'm just looking for apples to apples so it's

[1:34:49] presented in a similar way so we know what the opening fund balance is and all

[1:34:53] those things. >> Okay, I will circle up with Ashley and

[1:34:56] » that'd be great. Thank you. >> Okay, Councilman Eert.

[1:35:01] » No. Okay. No. And I just wanted to appreciate council member Derer for

[1:35:05] bringing up the the um CPI uh increase on the um the franchise fee for waste

[1:35:13] management. >> And if I may, Madam Mayor, yeah, the

[1:35:15] reason I was I heard my colleagues. I mean, three of you did not vote for

[1:35:20] that. That's troublesome to me. I don't think that on financial matters we

[1:35:24] should be having like four three votes and stuff. And that's why I wanted to

[1:35:27] consider it because you seemed worried about the CPI. Miguel seemed worried

[1:35:31] about the CPI. The mayor was also concerned. And so I thought, well, I'd

[1:35:35] rather have peace and harmony and do something we can all support than have

[1:35:40] division. I mean, this is truly what was driving me. Immediately after the

[1:35:44] meeting, I talked to Jackie. It wasn't I it wasn't that people sent in letters.

[1:35:49] They did send in letters, but I first talked to Jackie and I talked to the

[1:35:52] mayor and I said, "I'm uncomfortable. I don't like this kind of result when

[1:35:56] we're talking about the budget." And that's why I wanted to revisit it. So,

[1:35:59] thank you. >> Yeah.

[1:36:00] » All right, Council Neighbor, your lights on.

[1:36:03] » Oh, yeah. I was just >> Okay, you're just seconding.

[1:36:06] » Okay. >> I was just responding to her. Thank you.

[1:36:09] » All right. Well, thank you so much. Great job. We'll see you soon

[1:36:12] » next week. >> Okay.

[1:36:15] Okay, Madame Clerk. >> All right, moving on to item C2. This is

[1:36:19] also a presentation. Okay,

[1:36:28] this is always a good one. Work with comp.

[1:36:30] » I know it's not sexy, but it's really, really relevant.

[1:36:35] » So, okay, the forers. Nice to see you. You're going to do great.

[1:36:40] » Thank you. >> Okay,

[1:36:41] » so good morning, mayor and council members. I'm Adria White and I'm the

[1:36:45] risk manager here and I am here to talk to you guys and provide you an update on

[1:36:49] the city of Reno's workers comp program for fiscal year 25.

[1:36:54] So this aligns with our strategic plan of fiscal sustainability and governance

[1:36:58] and organizational effectiveness. So what is workers comp? So according

[1:37:04] [clears throat] to the division of industrial relations definition, workers

[1:37:08] comp is a no fault insurance program which provides benefits to employees who

[1:37:13] are injured on the job and protection to employers who have provided coverage at

[1:37:17] the time of that injury. So how does workers comp work? So when

[1:37:22] an employee is injured on the job, they're required to fill out state

[1:37:25] required forms, give those to the risk management department here at the city,

[1:37:30] and then those are sent to the third party administrator for the city for

[1:37:34] review. And then a claim can either be accepted, denied, or denied pending

[1:37:39] further medical. Now, denied pending further medical means that they didn't

[1:37:44] receive all of the medical documentation at the time within the time frame that

[1:37:49] they needed to make the claim determination. So, it's it's essentially

[1:37:53] a pending status until they get all of that medical information and they can

[1:37:57] make a final decision. So, what governs workers comp? So here

[1:38:03] in Nevada, we are an exclusive remedy state and so all of the uh benefits are

[1:38:08] set for forth in statute. An exclusive remedy means employees give up the right

[1:38:14] to sue for injuries obtained on the job in exchange for guaranteed prompt

[1:38:18] payments for those injuries. And here are the NRS's that govern our workers

[1:38:23] comp here in Nevada. And then we also have some city policy as well.

[1:38:30] So, what about insurance coverage? So, NRS does state that self-insured

[1:38:35] employers have to carry an excess insurance coverage of up to at least

[1:38:40] $2.5 million. So, the city is a self-insured program and our workers

[1:38:46] comp coverage is a $5 million coverage. So, we are responsible for anything up

[1:38:50] to that $5 million mark and then it goes over to the excess coverage.

[1:38:57] So what is covered under workers compensation?

[1:39:01] So we have medical treatment. So for example, an employee slips and falls,

[1:39:05] goes to the doctor, that initial treatment and anything thereafter while

[1:39:09] the claim is open is going to be covered under the claim.

[1:39:13] Lost time compensation. So for example, if we have an employee that falls,

[1:39:18] breaks their arm, they have to have surgery, they're going to be out for two

[1:39:21] weeks, they're unable to work during that time. There is a calculation of

[1:39:26] average monthly wage that is done and an employee is given 66 and twothirds

[1:39:31] percent of their salary for those days that they are certified off of work.

[1:39:37] Permanent partial disability. So for an example of this, say an employee jams

[1:39:42] their finger in a door frame. The doctor says they can return to full duty.

[1:39:47] They're cleared for they're cleared medically, but maybe their finger slants

[1:39:51] just slightly to the right. um they can be sent for this disability

[1:39:56] rating and the doctor will rate them give them a certain percentage and then

[1:40:01] they are given a lump sum based on that percentage

[1:40:06] permanent total disability. So this is when an employee actually can no longer

[1:40:10] perform the functions of their job. So an example of this say an employee is

[1:40:15] diagnosed with PTSD. the treating physician says they can no longer return

[1:40:20] to their pre-injjury position because it triggers, you know, those memories,

[1:40:26] things along those lines, then they can no longer unfortunately work here at the

[1:40:30] city or in that position. So, they are um granted this or able to apply for

[1:40:35] this permanent total disability benefit, which is a monthly sum that they get for

[1:40:40] the rest of their life. Um, along those same lines, vocational

[1:40:46] rehabilitation. this is something that they can choose instead of the permanent

[1:40:50] total disability. So going back to that PTSD example, say that employee has

[1:40:56] always wanted to be a welder and they can now say I want to be trained to be a

[1:41:02] welder. Vocational rehabilitation will take them through the program, train

[1:41:06] them and also help them with job placement.

[1:41:09] We have death benefits for dependent. So unfortunately if we have an employee who

[1:41:14] does pass away um under you know the course and scope of their employment

[1:41:18] there are death benefits that will go to their dependence and that is a coverage

[1:41:22] for a lifetime as well. And then other claim related expenses

[1:41:26] those can be things like if an employee slips and falls hurts their back they

[1:41:31] need to see a spine specialist. Maybe the only one available is in Utah. We're

[1:41:35] covering those travel expenses for those employees to go there.

[1:41:40] So what exactly is our FY25 citywide workers compensation report? So risk

[1:41:46] management creates this annually and we distribute it distribute it to

[1:41:50] directors. This analyzes the trends in our workplace injuries and offers some

[1:41:55] insights on those injuries. And then just keeping in mind this report is

[1:41:59] FY25. So it's July 1st 2024 to June 30th 2025.

[1:42:06] So going into some highlights from the report itself. So our reported injuries,

[1:42:11] you'll see here we have claims, incidents, and then total reported

[1:42:14] injuries. A claim is when an employee actually has gone to the doctor and they

[1:42:18] are getting treatment for that injury. An incident only is when they are

[1:42:23] essentially putting the city on notice that they received an injury and they

[1:42:28] may be going to the doctor. They do have 90 days to seek medical attention. So an

[1:42:32] example, say a paper cut. I'm gonna fill out the form. Say I hurt myself. Maybe

[1:42:38] that paper cut gets infected. I'm gonna go to the doctor and I have 90 days to

[1:42:42] do that. And then that total reported injury is the the total of the claims

[1:42:47] and the incidents incident only together. So you'll see from FY 24 to 25

[1:42:53] we have had increases in all of those categories. So 14% in the claims, 19% in

[1:42:58] those uh incident onlyies and then 15% overall increase.

[1:43:05] So our top three departments for that FY25 year are police, fire and

[1:43:09] maintenance and operations. And these are pretty standard across um

[1:43:14] the nation just due to the high risk of these positions that that these

[1:43:19] employees are in. Um again the reported injuries is the total of those claims.

[1:43:24] So those employees went to to the doctor and then those incident only. So they're

[1:43:28] just kind of putting everyone on notice.

[1:43:33] So our top three leading cause type and body part for all those injuries. So our

[1:43:38] leading cause we have absorption, ingestion, inhalation. So for an

[1:43:43] example, a firefighter, you know, breathe in smoke. That's going to fall

[1:43:46] into that category. Mental stress, lifting, pushing, and pulling. our

[1:43:52] injury types, brain strain, contusion and mental stress. Our body part, lungs,

[1:43:58] mental stress and hands. So body part and um injury cause are going hand in

[1:44:02] hand together. Um and just a note from um FY24 to FY25 mental stress has moved

[1:44:10] up in the categories um which we were anticipating based on legislation.

[1:44:16] So our overall claim costs um you can see the difference here between FY 24

[1:44:21] and 25. So our new claims that is just the claim for that period. So July 1st

[1:44:28] through June 30th. So that is the cost just for that period. Ongoing claims are

[1:44:33] any claims that are continuing treatment going into the new period. So from FY24

[1:44:39] to FY25, those would be rolling into that ongoing claim. And then our

[1:44:45] reserves are um if we had to pay every single claim today, this is what it

[1:44:52] would cost us. So again, this is consistent with our increases in our

[1:44:57] injury rates. And so our increase in the claim cost is going up as well.

[1:45:03] So some key factors we have influencing our claim liability. So, injury

[1:45:07] occurrence. So, just a larger workforce, um rising medical costs, which we see

[1:45:13] that nationwide, not only in our workers comp, but as well as our personal

[1:45:17] benefits as well. Uh cost of living increases, and that's just um the two,

[1:45:22] you know, 2.3% that we get roughly every year. Um and then also legislative

[1:45:28] impacts. There is also a 2 I think 5% increase for um those employees that are

[1:45:34] see receiving the death benefits or the permanent total disability benefits. And

[1:45:38] then we have legislative impacts that we see um usually every legislative

[1:45:43] session. And I know this is kind of a small slide

[1:45:47] um but these are the some of the legislative impacts that we've seen

[1:45:50] since the 2017 session. Um so you can see that that we do have a a good amount

[1:45:56] that comes up every year or every bianual year for those um legislative

[1:46:02] impacts.

[1:46:06] And then some of our mitigation recommendations, we are priator

[1:46:10] prioritizing wellness initiatives to focus on mental health and stress as

[1:46:15] we've seen that just continue to rise over the past couple years. um enhanced

[1:46:20] training for our employees and our supervisors for early detection for that

[1:46:25] mental health and then just emphasizing ongoing training and workplace safety.

[1:46:30] So looking for those hazards, making sure we're aware of those and then also

[1:46:34] correcting those hazards. >> Okay.

[1:46:38] » And that is all I have. >> I think you did a phenomenal job. How do

[1:46:41] you think? Do you think you did well? >> Okay. Yeah.

[1:46:44] » I think you did fantastic. >> Oh, thank you.

[1:46:47] » Were you nervous? I was. >> No, you could not tell at all. I thought

[1:46:50] you did phenomenal. Um, first of all, I'm gonna send it over to Councilwoman

[1:46:55] Der. >> Oh, sure. Thank you. That was a great

[1:46:58] presentation. Um, the one statistic that I might have missed was for the number

[1:47:03] approved, uh, sorry, number filed, but number approved is, did you show a

[1:47:08] statistic on that? Like what percent of workers claim comp uh, sorry, um,

[1:47:15] requests are approved? Um I don't have that in the presentation but it is in

[1:47:20] the report that was connected to the staff report. Um,

[1:47:24] » so you don't have anything off top of your head of

[1:47:26] » I if you give me >> the

[1:47:28] » the reason I'm asking just so you know is that historically

[1:47:31] um since I've been here in the beginning our third party administrator denied

[1:47:36] virtually every claim for workers comp >> which is very stressful to the people

[1:47:41] that know they were injured on the job experienced the injury I mean adds to

[1:47:45] their mental stress that you're highlighting was be that it's just

[1:47:48] denied denied and they had to appeal and uh both the mayor and I got involved I

[1:47:53] spent a lot of time with our previous CFOs on the issue of workers comp, what

[1:47:58] we were budgeting, what was getting approved, how how are our employees

[1:48:02] doing. It was a big issue with our labor groups, which is that they were getting

[1:48:07] so hassled, >> you know, to the point that they're

[1:48:10] like, "All right, we'll just drop it." Which what seemed to be the goal. Uh, so

[1:48:14] do you have any feelings about that? And I do have a second question, which is

[1:48:18] once it is approved, you mentioned a number. is do we have insurance for this

[1:48:22] or are we completely self-insured? How does that work?

[1:48:26] » Um so for your first question um on page nine of the report just so you have the

[1:48:31] number it does say um the percentage of denied claims and we have one out of

[1:48:37] every 10 in FY25 specifically. So it's about 9.7%. [snorts] Well, this is much

[1:48:44] better that And did they have to go to appeals to get there or I mean do you

[1:48:50] know what they're >> are they still appeal uh denying most

[1:48:53] things right off the off the immediately?

[1:48:57] » So we did switch our third party administrator four years ago. Um and

[1:49:02] that has helped um with with that situation. Um and we do work very

[1:49:07] closely with the labor groups and our partners with um all of the claims. So,

[1:49:11] I think we're on a much better page with everyone. Yeah.

[1:49:14] » Okay. And then as far as do we do we have any external insurance that helps

[1:49:18] us cover this or is this all on the city's dime?

[1:49:21] » We do have um a self or I'm sorry an excess insurance coverage. Um we are uh

[1:49:27] up to $5 million. So we are sorry we are self-insured up to 5 million.

[1:49:33] » That's per case or total? How does this work?

[1:49:35] » Per claim. >> Per claim.

[1:49:37] » Yes. So, we have to handle the first five

[1:49:39] million of each claim and after that uh insurance would kick in.

[1:49:44] » Correct. >> Okay. And then you mentioned something

[1:49:46] about legislative impacts. I I didn't know what that meant.

[1:49:49] » Yeah. So, sorry. Let me go back to that one now.

[1:49:55] » I I didn't know what is a legislative impact. Do you mean they adopted

[1:49:59] something that changed what we do? >> Yeah. So changing in statutes like so

[1:50:02] for example uh AB410 which was in the 2023 session that in instead of having a

[1:50:10] single event for um stress to point to that it changed that statute to say

[1:50:15] cumulative events. >> Oh that's interesting.

[1:50:17] » So those types of legislative impacts. So it's it's changing the word

[1:50:21] » the statutes they never inform us of those ones.

[1:50:25] » But I [laughter] mean that makes sense. So, it would be hard to tie a mental Oh,

[1:50:29] I >> should say situation to one incident.

[1:50:31] Maybe it's like somebody died and then your dog died and then something

[1:50:36] happened at work and by the time you're done, you're full of

[1:50:38] » stress. I'm going to cut you off. No, that's fine.

[1:50:41] » Okay. Uh, Councilman Taylor, go ahead. >> Oh, thank you. Thank you for the

[1:50:45] presentation, Adria. This is really important. Um, my question is about our

[1:50:49] liability, our future liability looking forward. If I look at, you know, ongoing

[1:50:54] claims and 25 of about $10 million and that's a 15% increase and it looks like

[1:50:58] there's a trend to keep going up. Um, your last slide talked a little bit

[1:51:03] about the mitigating mitigation recommendations. So, could you talk a

[1:51:08] little bit more specifically on what we are doing to try and prevent some of

[1:51:12] these things within the organization and is there anything that you need from us

[1:51:18] to help implement that? And then what would be the follow-up measures? How are

[1:51:23] we going to look at these mi these mitigations and how effective they are

[1:51:27] moving forward as a data point I guess? >> Yeah.

[1:51:30] » Thank you. >> Um so one example is we are really

[1:51:34] trying to emphasize early reporting right now. Um and that's not just for

[1:51:38] injuries themselves but for example a near miss. So if someone just trips on

[1:51:43] on the carpet or we'll say a cord but they don't hurt themselves and but we

[1:51:48] see that as like a consistent thing that early reporting can help us come out and

[1:51:54] maybe get rid of that cord that cord shouldn't be there or you know we see a

[1:51:58] constant place where people are getting injured or a certain type of injury

[1:52:02] someone's pulling something and they're you know our 20 shoulder claims right so

[1:52:06] that early reporting helps us come out look at those types of things do

[1:52:11] assessments and help with that mitigation strategy. Um, and then the

[1:52:16] training, we we deploy trainings um online so employees always have access

[1:52:22] and we have hundreds of different training programs that we can um deploy

[1:52:28] to employees and then we are able to track the um employees that take them

[1:52:32] and then also follow up and see if there's any, you know, in-person

[1:52:35] trainings they want, things like that. So that's kind of what we're emphasizing

[1:52:39] right now. Yeah. And I think

[1:52:42] » I would be super supportive if anything that we could do even before the

[1:52:45] reporting process. So prevention is is key.

[1:52:49] » Yeah. >> Thank you so much. Thank you, Madam

[1:52:51] Mayor.

[1:52:55] » Questions? >> No. Okay. I just want to say I am so

[1:53:00] glad that you are putting such an emphasis on mental health. I think it's

[1:53:05] it's so long overdue across the country anyway. Just not here. But it shows me

[1:53:10] that you're really paying attention to it and it's something that um I just

[1:53:15] don't think we ever put enough resources in. Something we don't even talk about.

[1:53:19] The stigma is very real. So I want to commend you guys for really saying this

[1:53:24] is important. Um and by doing that we'll have a much healthier organization. And

[1:53:28] then we also help um sort of debunk the stigma that it doesn't matter who you

[1:53:36] are, where you are, what you're doing. all of us in some capacity can take

[1:53:40] better care of our mental health, but our employers have to give us those

[1:53:43] opportunities as well. >> So, I just want to say thank you to you

[1:53:47] guys for really recognizing that. >> Thank you.

[1:53:49] » Great job. >> Thank you.

[1:53:51] » Okay. Anything else? All right. And by the way, in my next life, I want to come

[1:53:55] back with your hair. So, thank you. Thank you so much. Okay. Bye, you guys.

[1:54:01] Um, do we have to do I have to It's just presentation only, correct? Okay.

[1:54:06] Awesome. Okay, Madame Clerk, what's up next?

[1:54:10] Is >> this item C3

[1:54:12] » for the record? Item >> C3.

[1:54:14] » 3C3. Okay,

[1:54:20] Travis. Yay, it's Travis. Okay, this is very cool. Travis is going

[1:54:27] to get into the meat and potatoes of the arch. That's

[1:54:30] » what we're going to try to accomplish. >> Okay, love it.

[1:54:33] » Uh, for the record, my name is Travis Trum. director of maintenance and

[1:54:35] operations. Um, this sorry, where's my little pointer? There we go. Um, really

[1:54:41] today we're just trying to provide this body with some information regarding the

[1:54:45] arch in advance of the RDA and CIP discussions you'll be having next month.

[1:54:50] So, I also know that there's been a lot of questions by members of this board to

[1:54:54] just where are we with the arch? What's been going on? I see a lights out. Why

[1:54:58] is it out again? That kind of thing. So, I'm hoping to get into that a little bit

[1:55:02] and uh hopefully help you all out with a better understanding of what challenges

[1:55:07] we have. Um, this aligns with our our strategic

[1:55:11] plan in public safety and infrastructure.

[1:55:14] Um, providing just a little bit of background and and I'm going to talk

[1:55:17] about we're on version three um of our arch right now. And one of the reasons

[1:55:22] why I wanted to kind of give a little history as to where we're at now is

[1:55:26] because I think it's important to understand that our arch that we have is

[1:55:30] not a historic landmark. It's it's an icon. It's something that everybody

[1:55:34] recognizes. We see it in TV. We see it in movies. Um but it is not a historic

[1:55:39] landmark. So we're not held to the same restrictions that you would see normally

[1:55:42] with that designation. Uh the original arch was actually built in 1926, but it

[1:55:47] was uh used for um celebration of the um national uh or pardon me Nevada

[1:55:53] transatlant or trans uh sorry I got it right here. Transcontinental highway and

[1:56:00] um it was then in 1929 uh Reno adopted the slogan of Reno,

[1:56:06] biggest little city in the world. And uh as you can see in these photos the it's

[1:56:11] beautiful lettering on it and you can still see the uh upper two photos the um

[1:56:15] torches on it. Next iteration was removal of the torches. Um funny story

[1:56:20] about the slogan after uh it was adopted. A citizen group came out

[1:56:25] complaining they didn't like the slogan. It was removed and it just said Reno for

[1:56:30] a while. Then another group came back out saying we want the slogan back.

[1:56:33] Slogan was put back. So again, a lot of changes occur with this arch.

[1:56:40] In 1963, the version two was erected. Uh this is

[1:56:46] honestly my my favorite arch. I think it's just 1960s cool. Um very very neat.

[1:56:52] Um not a lot to be said about this. It was uh when it was removed, we later

[1:56:57] donated it to Willlets and they still have it at this point. Um I think the

[1:57:02] slogan said something about um gateway to the redwoods or something to that

[1:57:06] effect. And then in 1987 uh what we know as our

[1:57:11] current arch was was constructed. Um

[1:57:16] in about 2009 there was changes to remove really to try to start updating a

[1:57:22] little bit and all the old incandescent bulbs that were within the arch were

[1:57:26] removed and LED bulbs were installed. Uh this is where we're pretty much at

[1:57:31] today. A few years ago, I think it was 2017 2018, uh the legs of the arch were

[1:57:37] um really the sheet metal on the arch uh were updated to a silver instead of the

[1:57:41] gold. And um we really became I think a little more proactive in uh in trying to

[1:57:50] uh use the arch for events specifically where we started changing out the bulbs

[1:57:54] different colors to promote uh special events over each um over these different

[1:58:00] events that would come to us. Um average maintenance is relatively low on the

[1:58:05] arch. We're spending about $20,000 a year to maintain it. And that's of

[1:58:09] course with no catastrophes or anything that happens to it. Um, a lot of that

[1:58:14] the average maintenance is just cleaning uh repairing um damaged sheet metal when

[1:58:19] that comes up. Uh performing lighting inspections. We have the 276 individual

[1:58:24] bulbs on that. That's not including the neon Reno that's there. Um then it's

[1:58:29] also taking care of minor electrical and bulb socket replacements as necessary.

[1:58:35] Um, average annual repairs we saw recently in December where we had the

[1:58:40] high winds. It caused a sheet metal to be ripped off from the underside of the

[1:58:44] uh uh the arch. That's about a $15,000 repair that luckily only comes up every

[1:58:49] few years. So, nothing uh um nothing catastrophic there. Uh for everybody's

[1:58:54] knowledge, this is still in process. Unfortunately, uh the sheet metal was

[1:58:57] damaged to a point where it had to be refabricated. We're still looking at a

[1:59:00] few more weeks before it'll be installed.

[1:59:03] um with the city of Reno currently contracts out with ESCO uh to help the

[1:59:08] maintenance uh team be able to maintain the arch. We're spending about 1,500 a

[1:59:12] month and they along with our staff are inspecting the lettering, repairing

[1:59:16] lettering. Um Reno Star tends to be a problem because it's an old motor system

[1:59:21] that's constantly running and that goes out. Uh and then also uh repairing the

[1:59:26] electrical wiring and and other minor repairs. Um,

[1:59:33] one of the things that I did want to bring to everybody's attention is that

[1:59:37] the with the special events that we put on that I was talking about earlier, uh,

[1:59:41] Reno right now, um, charges most of these promoters over $4,000 to change

[1:59:48] the color of the arch. It's not an easy process. Every single one of those

[1:59:52] little bulbs has to be unscrewed, new ones put in, and then at the end of the

[1:59:56] event, those ones removed, new ones put back in again.

[1:59:59] » You mean they don't magically appear? >> They don't magically appear.

[2:00:02] » I feel like they magically appear, Travis.

[2:00:05] » What we're hoping for is something that is more magical, though, and something

[2:00:08] along the lines of an LED system that would allow a remote control to change

[2:00:12] those lights, >> hopefully eliminating that $4,000 cost

[2:00:16] every time we do one of these events. Um, one of the problems we see again on

[2:00:20] the maintenance side is as we remove a bulb, change a bold, remove a bold, ch,

[2:00:25] we're seeing damage to the outlets. Um, it's just wear and tear. The electrical

[2:00:29] wiring gets brittle because of the the changing. Um, so it's in a nutshell, the

[2:00:35] the arch is it's not super problematic maintain. It has some shortcomings. The

[2:00:40] neon lettering um in the Reno has been very problematic over time. It's been

[2:00:46] something that our contractor and our staff have been able unable to

[2:00:49] completely repair. Um so we still will see um problems during high rain events

[2:00:56] where it shorts out and when it dries up again then it comes back on magically.

[2:01:01] Um then we still have the uh expense of

[2:01:05] changing out bulbs. So >> yeah,

[2:01:07] » that is really that is it >> the presentation. Um no actions needed

[2:01:11] by this body. I just wanted to >> okay

[2:01:13] » kind of fill you all in in what's going on. Well, Travis, I think you did a

[2:01:16] fantastic job. Um, I always thought that we should give those bulbs, like when we

[2:01:21] do the pink ones, give the bulbs to the organization that they can sell and

[2:01:26] raise money for breast cancer or whatever, childhood cancer or things

[2:01:29] like that, um, other cities and they put them in like acute momento. It's just a

[2:01:33] really good idea to sort of, um, signify the the event and it's it's special when

[2:01:40] you have a piece of your city's, you know, arch. Um

[2:01:45] » if I may speak on that real fast because I think that's important point. Um the

[2:01:49] the lighting itself, we reuse the bulbs. So some events we'll have a couple

[2:01:54] events both use blue for instance. Um >> I think uh it's it's um

[2:01:58] » for our peace officers use blue and then also for turn the arch blue for the UN

[2:02:02] and our events. >> We'll reuse those bulbs. Um we have I

[2:02:06] think pink bulbs, red bulbs. >> Yeah. So you do recycle them. Yeah,

[2:02:09] » we do recycle them. The thing about it is when we change colors to something we

[2:02:13] don't have currently. Yeah. It's over $4,000 in bulbs to buy those LED bulbs.

[2:02:18] So, >> I would urge you to not give them away.

[2:02:21] » No, you're right. You're right. Bad bad idea. Um, and the other thing is I get a

[2:02:27] little bit of PTSD when I'm down there and we do 5 4 3 2 1 [laughter]

[2:02:33] » and you're like, is it going to work? Is it going to work? Right? you I like

[2:02:36] seriously um because everyone's waiting in baited breath so you're like oh

[2:02:41] please work um I so I have a little bit of history with this and I I am going to

[2:02:46] and this is nothing against you >> we went through something very similar

[2:02:51] when we were doing the refresh of the arch and I this was the very thing that

[2:02:56] I brought up that the LED is so important so that we can actually do it

[2:03:00] digitized and through technology and that was my biggest concern is the

[2:03:04] ongoing maintenance of those bulbs, changing it for you guys, it's not

[2:03:09] effective. I mean, we do need to bring it into the future, but um I was, you

[2:03:14] know, I was the bad guy and I and this is just the only reason I'm saying this

[2:03:19] so that everyone can realize on this council that sometimes you need to make

[2:03:24] the initial investment so that it doesn't trickle trickle trickle. Now,

[2:03:28] here we are and the contracting and all of that stuff is I'm sure it's much more

[2:03:32] expensive than what we had looked at and um you know it it just became that

[2:03:40] people didn't want us to spend the money and make an investment and it's a very

[2:03:44] iconic piece of our history. It is probably the most iconic every I mean I

[2:03:49] I would be interesting I bet Rebecca would know and I could find out the

[2:03:52] impressions that the arch gets. So, it is the most identifiable piece um in our

[2:03:57] city, the people, visitors, and community members. And it's a big place

[2:04:02] of gathering. I think it always should have had the the time and attention and

[2:04:06] the investment that it truly deserves. It represents us. And I I hate it when I

[2:04:12] drive by and I see half of it like there's like a few names. You're like,

[2:04:16] "Oh, you know, [laughter] we're, you know," and we make a lot of

[2:04:20] fun of it. But in a lot of ways, you know, when visitors come here and they

[2:04:24] want to take a picture under the arch and it's not looking great or whatever

[2:04:27] that is, I just think um it is sort of part of our front front facing

[2:04:32] perception of what we do. And so I would just say be really careful and

[2:04:37] thoughtful about and and Travis, you're you're great at this. You know how to do

[2:04:41] it. So you're going to know the best way to make this happen. But I just think

[2:04:46] it's should not be peacem we did that before. Um, I was against it and uh I

[2:04:52] was really worked up over it. Um, so now that it's coming back, I'm glad, but I'm

[2:04:58] disappointed that we're here. Um, because it should have been taken care

[2:05:02] of a long time ago. Anyway, okay. Um, I'm going to hand it over, Councilwoman

[2:05:07] Dur. Yeah. Um, thanks for the attention to the issue. Um, it is iconic and

[2:05:12] representative at the same time of us. Um I just wondered you're bringing it

[2:05:16] today for information but is there going to be a subsequent item in the budget or

[2:05:20] what what's today's timing about >> this? So the timing one it was really a

[2:05:26] couple things. Um I've heard from you guys different people over the last year

[2:05:31] or so two years about just hey what's going on with this? So we knew that was

[2:05:34] important to follow up with you on. Um secondly RDA is going to be bringing

[2:05:39] this as one of their items in their CIP proposed lists. So, in the budget next

[2:05:45] Wednesday, >> next Wednesday, correct?

[2:05:47] » We should expect to see a proposal, >> I believe. So, yes.

[2:05:51] » Okay. Yes. >> And then one other thing, um, most

[2:05:55] people here don't know this, but at some point, council was requested to vote on

[2:06:00] the colors of the arch, and it's not about the bulbs, it's about the paint,

[2:06:05] and it's about um the paint and the silver that you mentioned. And uh I was

[2:06:10] on the losing side of that vote, but three of us uh wanted to retain the

[2:06:15] colors that it was, which included a lot of red. Um which is the re the reason

[2:06:21] for the red. Well, historically it was red. You showed some pictures, but the

[2:06:25] reason was that it shows up very well against a blue sky. And when it's blue

[2:06:31] and silver, it doesn't show up very well as a contrast with a blue sky. It kind

[2:06:35] of blends in. So, if you have to redo the colors, I mean, it was very close

[2:06:39] vote, just so everybody knows, and we had community input and everything, but

[2:06:43] you know how those UNR students are when they want something, they're going to

[2:06:46] send in thousands of votes. And they wanted the arch to represent silver and

[2:06:50] blue, which I totally understood. It's just from a artistic point of view or

[2:06:55] photographic point of view, um, it just doesn't show up as well. So, I'm hoping

[2:07:00] in the future if there has to be a conversation, which I won't be

[2:07:03] participate, you know, I won't be here. Um, that we reconsider, you know, I love

[2:07:08] silver and blue. I'm a graduate of the university, grad, undergrad, all of it.

[2:07:11] Uh, but it also could be helped by some contrasting color that would make it

[2:07:16] stand out even more from my perspective. So, I just want to share that if it

[2:07:20] comes down to it, if we end up polling the community again, uh, we'll see.

[2:07:25] Okay. Thanks. All right, Councilwoman Eert.

[2:07:28] » Yeah, just >> Sorry, your lights on.

[2:07:30] » Yeah. No, no, no. Just um happy to have some uh maintenance on it and

[2:07:34] improvements and, you know, anything we do to downtown, I'm excited to to

[2:07:39] support. So, it was all Thank you. >> Um Travis, a couple Oh, no. Go ahead. I

[2:07:43] see a green light coming over here. >> Yeah. Go ahead, Mr. Mayor. I didn't want

[2:07:46] to cut you off. >> No, no, I didn't know if you were going

[2:07:48] Yes or no. Go ahead. >> Yeah, I I appreciate the history lesson

[2:07:52] and everything that uh you showed. Obviously, the pictures uh are worth

[2:07:57] more than a thousand words, and so it really depicts where our history's from.

[2:08:00] I'm wondering if you can talk about, and you can correct me if I'm wrong, but I

[2:08:04] think on your third slide, the bottom picture,

[2:08:09] that arch is still erected, right, in town, or am I mistaken?

[2:08:16] » No, you're not incorrect. This one here, this was moved to Lakeside over by um

[2:08:21] the museum. >> Yeah. And I think most folks obviously

[2:08:23] know the iconic version, the one on Virginia Street, and that's the one

[2:08:26] that's most photographed. But for those that may not be aware, obviously on near

[2:08:30] Lake and Mill Street, that intersection that that arch is still erected over

[2:08:36] there for those who may want to see it and see that piece of art history um

[2:08:41] still up. So, I just wanted to call attention to that. And again, thank you

[2:08:44] all for your uh overview of what's happening and looking forward to the

[2:08:50] discussion tomorrow. I mean next week, sorry. On the CIP. Yeah.

[2:08:54] » For this. >> And a little bit of history. You may not

[2:08:56] know this. So the arch that came after this is actually now in a small city in

[2:09:02] California. And they they took it apart and obviously made it, you know,

[2:09:07] tailored to their city, but it kind of went to good use. So not kind of. I

[2:09:12] think it did. I of course I would have loved to have held on this one. This one

[2:09:16] is my most favorite. And if you go into my office, you see the R. And a lot of

[2:09:20] people don't know that the R is the a throwback from from back in the day. And

[2:09:26] so and all those little pins with the R pins um that that's what they're from. I

[2:09:31] you guys probably knew that. But this art ended up in a small city in

[2:09:35] California and they tailored it to their city. So it did get recycled. So very

[2:09:40] cool. Um Travis, just a couple questions I have heard. Um, tell me, are we going

[2:09:45] to go out to RFP or are you already just how does that work? Because I know

[2:09:50] Yesco, you mentioned them. Are they doing it? Give me a little background

[2:09:55] » on the ESCO contract. >> Yeah. So, their contract actually uh is

[2:09:59] up again for renewal in July. >> Okay.

[2:10:01] » Um, >> can I can I ask you is a bond required

[2:10:06] when someone does our um when they do this type of signage because it's

[2:10:12] expensive? Give me a little background about that.

[2:10:15] » Frank, do you want to >> speak? There's a

[2:10:17] » Franka, maintenance operations. >> Frank, good job. I get I get such nice

[2:10:22] comments about both of you. >> Oh, yeah.

[2:10:24] » But I get a lot about you. >> I do. Um, so it's a it requires a

[2:10:29] certain license to work on the arch. >> Is that a bond where you have to It

[2:10:33] costs money? >> I believe so. Yeah. Okay. So, it's not

[2:10:36] not every sign company can work on the arch.

[2:10:38] » Yeah. And um just because I know Yesco has worked on it for many many years and

[2:10:43] I know we're going to go up to contract and I know that possibly you know it's

[2:10:47] intricate. They've worked on it for many many years. Um and so it's got it's

[2:10:52] pretty intricate. Yeah. >> It's got a lot of

[2:10:55] » I mean I've heard stories about what's inside.

[2:10:58] » It's complex. Yeah. >> We could start some fun rumors of what's

[2:11:02] inside the arch. What do you guys think? [laughter]

[2:11:06] » Might be creepy. So, if I can add >> might be some money in there.

[2:11:10] » Might be something we [laughter] don't want to see. So, if I if I can add real

[2:11:13] quick, I get a lot of calls over the years from um uh middle schools and

[2:11:17] nonprofits that can't afford >> the $4,000 to change the arch and stuff.

[2:11:22] So, there's a bit of a a bit accessibility issue.

[2:11:26] » Yeah. And it leaves the community very negative.

[2:11:29] » Yeah. >> Yeah.

[2:11:29] » And I thought it'd be really fun to get kids and everything more downtown. So,

[2:11:33] » I love it. I love it. I just wanted to understand that process of how we select

[2:11:38] someone because a lot of our smaller sign companies always say that they feel

[2:11:43] um that they haven't been included. And so I wanted to kind of just

[2:11:47] » let them know um you know what our process is and how that works and how we

[2:11:52] can work with smaller sign companies so we can spread the love. But I also know

[2:11:56] like I said it's very um that >> that arch is pretty intricate. So we

[2:12:02] when we advertise, we pick up the phone, we I call people. This is going to come

[2:12:05] out for an RFP and stuff. Let everybody know. And u last time we got only one

[2:12:10] » contractor. So >> yeah. Well, thanks Frank. Really

[2:12:12] appreciate it. >> And Madame Mayor, um before the folks

[2:12:16] leave, I just want to be clear on the process. You you acted as if we're

[2:12:19] moving forward, but this is something that we have to consider amongst all

[2:12:23] priorities in the RDA budget for RDA1, right? And so we haven't decided to move

[2:12:29] forward or we haven't decided if we can afford to move forward this year. I

[2:12:33] mean, it's obviously urgent. We've talked about for a long time, but I just

[2:12:36] wanted to be clear. We have to adopt a budget for RDA that would include this

[2:12:42] project, right? >> Travis Fuel, director of maintenance

[2:12:45] operations. That is correct. This is this is not a commitment by this body

[2:12:48] right now to move forward with anything. Um, really, it's just providing the

[2:12:52] information, an update. >> Appreciate it. Okay. Thanks. Let's just

[2:12:56] say it it does get approved. Travis, when would you start and when would it

[2:13:01] be finish? >> Well, I am delighted to say that I would

[2:13:04] probably not be managing the project. It would it would be coming through RDA and

[2:13:09] um they have a project manager who's very competent, Dan Presley, and I

[2:13:12] believe he would be taking the lead on that. Um I can't really answer time

[2:13:16] frame questions right now. I'm not >> super uh

[2:13:20] » Miss Tney probably knows. I can't see her over there. What do you What are you

[2:13:24] thinking? What's the time frame? or you can just yell it to me and I'll

[2:13:28] put it on the record. [laughter]

[2:13:39] » It's a whole thing. >> It's a whole thing. Um Ashley, attorney,

[2:13:42] assistant city manager for the record. Uh Madame Mayor, as Travis mentioned, it

[2:13:46] is listed as one of the many options for this body to review next week on your

[2:13:50] CIP plan. Um, in theory, if you were to move that up in the list and vote to

[2:13:54] move forward, those funds are available starting July 1. And based off of

[2:13:59] importance from this council and how you rank those things, we would move forward

[2:14:02] with putting out that bid pretty quickly.

[2:14:05] » Do you know how long it would take as >> Yeah. Do you know how long?

[2:14:07] » So, we have an estimation. We've learned we could probably get it turned around

[2:14:10] within four to six months. So, it's something that we could move forward

[2:14:14] pretty quickly if the body decides to move it up in the list. As I mentioned,

[2:14:17] there are a lot of needs. Um, so that will be going to the RAB on Monday and

[2:14:22] then coming to you next Wednesday to discuss.

[2:14:24] » Okay. And do you have to close off the street and stuff like that? Like what

[2:14:28] does that entail? So because I don't think it's just that easy, like we just

[2:14:30] get to work and you're good to go. >> Correct. Yes. Um, so it would be pretty

[2:14:34] significant. We would have to shut down the road for some period of time. We

[2:14:38] would need to redo a lot of the sidewalk as well from the electrical. Um, much of

[2:14:42] the electrical that goes to the arch actually runs halfway up Hara from a

[2:14:45] property line standpoint. So there'd be some sidewalk replacement involved. and

[2:14:48] we would work closely with public works and RTC for the microobility project to

[2:14:52] make sure that we're working in tandem around that timeline if you choose to go

[2:14:55] this route. >> Okay, got it. And cost

[2:14:58] » uh we have an estimate right now about a million and a half dollars is what we

[2:15:01] anticipate. >> Wow.

[2:15:03] » And as a reminder that is not a replacement for the arch. This is just a

[2:15:07] modernization of the lighting components. Um does not include a

[2:15:11] reskin, does not include movement, change any of the exterior. It is purely

[2:15:15] just the modernization of the light functionality to replace two LED lights

[2:15:20] that we could change with an app and then re-evaluating that neon to decide

[2:15:24] if we go to phone neon and then have one of our local artists do something with

[2:15:28] the existing neon. >> Wow. Well, we should pull up those past

[2:15:32] documents because I think it was half of that when we looked at it.

[2:15:35] » Yes, we've seen massive increases in that time period.

[2:15:40] » I mean, I know things are much more expensive and all of that. I'm just

[2:15:43] saying like again it speaks to you know don't let it drip drip drip invest in it

[2:15:48] and then you're not jaw >> things are not getting any cheaper.

[2:15:52] » Okay. >> Could you explain about the neon? I I I

[2:15:56] didn't follow that part with the electrical.

[2:15:58] » So as u director Truh Hill mentioned whenever we get so much as a due the

[2:16:04] neon shorts out there is no known solve for that. We've looked at uh neon

[2:16:10] artists, collectors using Yesco as our contractor. No one has been able to

[2:16:14] figure out how to fix it. And that's just due to the nature of

[2:16:16] » Can they put the picture back up? Uh just tell us which part is the neon?

[2:16:20] » Reno. >> The Reno.

[2:16:21] » Reno word. >> Yeah. So it's the Reno part. You can see

[2:16:24] here on the top left hand side of the pink neon. Uh when we [snorts] get a

[2:16:28] little bit of moisture in the air, you'll drive by and it will say retro.

[2:16:32] And [laughter] uh so Scooby-Doo is sad. front row.

[2:16:36] » And so there is no known fix for that. There technology has come quite a ways

[2:16:41] since we first looked at this. And there's some really incredible faux neon

[2:16:45] that's an opportunity for lighting and we would have the ability to change that

[2:16:49] lighting as well as the LED under lights as well.

[2:16:53] » Um and then we would propose taking that original neon and turning it into

[2:16:58] something a cool art project if we could find I'm sure Will would have

[2:17:01] » and when you present this if you do because I don't know where it is in any

[2:17:04] number. Um, can we separate out the light the light bulb part of the project

[2:17:09] from the neon part? It may be possible to do one without fixing the whole

[2:17:14] thing. I mean, in other words, break it into components that are manageable

[2:17:17] instead of this million and a half. Yeah, we can ask um if that's the

[2:17:22] direction of the body, we can look at that. And just as the reminder, the

[2:17:26] there is no known fix for when it shorts out, but we can

[2:17:30] » No, but I mean versus it's just going to short out from time to time, but versus

[2:17:34] replacing the whole making the neon decision right now as part of the LED

[2:17:39] decision, it may be that we have to break it into two pieces.

[2:17:42] » Yep. We'll see if we can get some updated quotes going into that or once

[2:17:45] the body gives some direction. >> Okay.

[2:17:47] » Yeah. And um I think you know we don't talk about a lot. We talk about the

[2:17:52] appearance of it, the aesthetics and actually you know it with a lot of

[2:17:58] people that cross there and drive through there the infrastructure and the

[2:18:03] whole structure of of that arch is really important to keep in good working

[2:18:09] order so that you don't have pieces that are flying off and those kinds of

[2:18:12] things. We rarely talk about that. you again it everyone wants to see it shiny

[2:18:18] and and we love that but there's another component which is the safety component

[2:18:23] too but I think you guys have done a phenomenal job because I know that it's

[2:18:27] um been outdated for so long and you've just made it work curious how long how

[2:18:32] how long Travis does it take to I'm curious how long does it take for um

[2:18:38] someone from your department to change those bulbs that should be a trivia

[2:18:42] question >> fuel director maintenance operations.

[2:18:45] Um, what I've seen, so we're our department is not actually doing that.

[2:18:49] We don't have the ability just to tie up people to do it.

[2:18:52] » We have the bucket trucks and equipment, but we found out that it's more cost

[2:18:55] effective to hire that out. So, that's part of work we'll hire out.

[2:18:58] » Yeah. >> Typically, it's Yesco. Um, and it's

[2:19:00] taking a good good part of a day >> change out.

[2:19:04] » You think eight hours? >> Yeah.

[2:19:06] » Yeah. Okay. All right. Thanks so much. Okay. Any other questions for Travis?

[2:19:10] No. All right. We are not taking any action, but we really appreciate the

[2:19:14] presentation. Good job. Exciting. >> Okay. Good job, Frank.

[2:19:21] » Okay. >> All right, Madam Mayor. Moving on to

[2:19:22] item C5. Charlie 5. >> Perfect.

[2:19:25] » Madame Mayor, I had a briefing on this as I think we all did. I'm not sure we

[2:19:29] need a presentation unless my colleagues disagree.

[2:19:33] » Okay, I'm fine with that. Um, anything? Okay. Um, can I get a motion?

[2:19:38] » Move to approve. >> Thank you. I have a motion. I have a

[2:19:41] Second. >> Second. All those in favor say I. All

[2:19:44] those opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Okay.

[2:19:48] » Madame clerk, >> are we doing a break or we just

[2:19:50] » No, we're going to keep move. We're going to keep moving on. We're not going

[2:19:53] to take a break. If you want to get up and take a break, please do so. Just um

[2:19:58] pay attention and I don't want to lose quorum, but we're not going to stop

[2:20:00] today. >> Okay.

[2:20:02] » All right, Madame Mayor. Moving on to item F1 in ordinance adoption to be read

[2:20:05] by the city attorney. >> Okay. Mr. Carl Hall, take it away.

[2:20:08] » Thank you, Madam Mayor. Ordinance adoption. Ordinance number 6735,

[2:20:12] ordinance to amend title 5, chapter 5.90, article 2 of the Reno Municipal

[2:20:17] Code entitled collection and transportation of solid waste and

[2:20:20] recyclable materials repealing section 5.90.070

[2:20:24] entitled franchise fees together with matters which pertain to or are

[2:20:28] necessarily connected therewith. >> I have a a a motion second.

[2:20:32] » I have a second. All those in favor say for comment. I just want to make sure

[2:20:35] everybody knows it's not about the fee. It's about that removal of that section.

[2:20:39] Okay. Okay. All those in favor say I. >> All those opposed. Motion carries

[2:20:43] unanimously. >> Madame clerk.

[2:20:47] » Item G1, which is uh an appointment or reappointment of two individuals to the

[2:20:52] Truckucky Meadows Regional Planning Commission.

[2:20:55] » Okay. May I have a motion? >> Yeah, Madame Mayor. Um, I looked I I

[2:21:00] don't see council member Eert unless she's just in the facilities, but um I

[2:21:07] looked at the staff report, but I also checked in in past practice and it seems

[2:21:12] like this is about appointing a member from the planning commission to the

[2:21:16] regional planning commission. And um my understanding is that some of the

[2:21:21] members of the um commission have not yet served. And I think that proposal

[2:21:27] from the planning commission was to or possible was to reappoint Mr. Velto who

[2:21:32] I think's done a great job. Okay. >> But I also think that um we should give

[2:21:36] everyone a chance. >> I don't believe that's the

[2:21:38] recommendation. >> No, I'm saying

[2:21:42] the recommendation. >> I'm explaining

[2:21:44] » whatever the recommendation is. >> Yeah. Okay.

[2:21:46] » Yes. Move to approve the >> recommendation. A second. Please don't

[2:21:49] interrupt me. I'm still in my time. >> Okay. No, no, go ahead. I'm just saying.

[2:21:52] » Hold on, Councilwoman. >> Yeah.

[2:21:54] » I I asked for what the recommendation was and I didn't I I wasn't intended to

[2:21:59] skirt you. I was listening and then I heard you say yes, whatever the

[2:22:02] recommendation is. So, that's where I jumped ahead. So, go ahead. Take it

[2:22:05] away. >> I was saying despite the recommendation.

[2:22:08] » Got it. Oh, I thought you said no. I'll go with the recommendation. Okay. So, um

[2:22:12] I asked um some folks like it sounds like there's a seniority thing at play

[2:22:16] as well and um you know who's been there longest, the second longest, and who's

[2:22:21] already served and who hasn't served. And I I'm just going to share my

[2:22:25] perspective that I think all of our boards, whether it's this board or the

[2:22:29] NABS or any board that we have, a lot of them are for training. A lot of them

[2:22:34] have um experience component. So anyway, um you know, I I would support the

[2:22:41] Christina Delvr um and I guess she was recommended for a short threemonth

[2:22:48] appointment or something is what I read. And um I would recommend Manny Basera.

[2:22:52] And look, the group I I heard some discussion may not agree with me, but

[2:22:56] that I just went into seniority and who hasn't served yet. I don't think it's a

[2:23:00] popularity thing. >> Who hasn't served?

[2:23:03] » Um well, Manny. Um, I talked to my representative who declined to serve

[2:23:08] again to be reappointed. >> Okay.

[2:23:10] » Um, and >> and you're on the board.

[2:23:13] » No, no. >> Oh, no. Okay. I have two council members

[2:23:16] that are on the board. >> No, no. This is Megan is the liaison.

[2:23:21] » Oh, okay. All right. >> Okay. All All I'm saying is my

[2:23:24] perspective. People don't have to agree with me, but

[2:23:26] » totally. All right. I'm coming from um Councilman Ree. Uh, Madame Mayor, I'll

[2:23:31] move to appoint Christina Del VR uh to the unexpired term of the prior member

[2:23:37] who declined to be appointed and Miss Tina Gofantini.

[2:23:42] » Second. >> Okay. I have a motion and a second. All

[2:23:44] those in favor say I. >> I. All those opposed.

[2:23:47] » Motion carries unanimously. >> Okay. Uh, Madame Clerk.

[2:23:52] » Item G2, appointment five.

[2:23:57] » Thank you so much. >> Reese, go ahead. Madame Mayor, I'll move

[2:23:59] to appoint Abby Logtog to the um body. She was previously an alternate. And

[2:24:06] then my two alternates will be James Cooper and Veronica Gearhard.

[2:24:09] » Okay. Thank you so much. I have a motion. I have a second. All those in

[2:24:12] favor say I. All those opposed. Motion carries unanimously.

[2:24:16] » Madame clerk. >> All right, Madame Mayor, if you would

[2:24:21] like to go into city council comments. We're on item H1.

[2:24:24] » All right. Any comments? All right. We're going to move on. Madame Mayor.

[2:24:28] » Yes. Go ahead. >> May I ask, did you make the appointments

[2:24:30] to the regional planning commission? Can we please reconsider since I'm the the

[2:24:35] liaison to the board? I didn't realize that was going to happen. I had to run

[2:24:40] to the restroom. >> Sure. We we can reconsider. Um we did

[2:24:45] vote so I don't know if it'll change anything. Okay.

[2:24:47] » We had a little bit of discussion. Naomi has some very very good reasoning. Okay.

[2:24:51] Okay. Um, but if you want to and I think we would have to re

[2:24:56] » Can we take a motion for reconsideration? Yes.

[2:24:57] » Well, can we also say what the vote was? It was for Miss Gill and Tini and for

[2:25:01] Miss Delv VR. >> Okay. For which terms?

[2:25:04] » Miss Delvr was for the unexpired term which is three months and then Miss

[2:25:09] Goffini was for a full term. >> Okay. Yeah. I'd like to ask for

[2:25:13] reconsideration. Thank you. >> Go ahead. Uh, what do you couns?

[2:25:19] » Uh, yeah. Motion. >> I have a motion and a second. All those

[2:25:21] in favor say I. I. >> All those opposed. Motion carries.

[2:25:25] » Oh. Um, >> no, that's okay.

[2:25:27] » No, I'm going to give her the um floor and so you can

[2:25:31] » I'm sorry. What was that vote? >> We we're doing a reconsideration.

[2:25:34] » Everybody voted yes. >> Yes.

[2:25:36] » Okay. Sorry. Thank you. So, um I just as the council liaison to

[2:25:42] that board and um with Christina being nominated last time and the council um

[2:25:47] not supporting her um the planning commission's nomination to move her to

[2:25:53] the regional planning commission last year. I would like to support her uh

[2:25:57] appointment to the three-year position um uh based off of uh seniority and

[2:26:03] again she had been um nominated last year and the um council for some reason

[2:26:10] disregarded the planning commission's nomination. So um again based on

[2:26:15] seniority um I would like to move her forward on the planning commission um

[2:26:20] and uh com uh commissioner Bera for the three-month term.

[2:26:24] » Okay. Thank you so much. All right. Um, Miss Eert has made a motion. All those

[2:26:30] » second. >> In favor say I.

[2:26:32] » All those opposed. >> Voted I.

[2:26:35] » Okay. >> Motion carries.

[2:26:37] » Do you want another motion? >> I'm sorry. Motion Motion fails. Okay. Go

[2:26:42] ahead. >> You want a second motion for Mina?

[2:26:45] » We I I I don't know if we should entertain

[2:26:49] another motion unless you're willing to give one. Councilwoman Eert. Do you want

[2:26:53] to give a different motion? Um well uh

[2:26:58] » the board the commission sorry the council suggested Tina um Gianianti tini

[2:27:04] I'm sorry I'm messing the word up. >> Yeah. Um okay I'll make a motion for uh

[2:27:10] commissioner Delvr for the three-year term and um I'm so sorry. Can you help

[2:27:15] me pronounce >> Gavianini for the remainder of

[2:27:19] » you have actually a longstanding name here in Reno. Yeah, for the remainder of

[2:27:24] uh Commissioner Roar Meer's term. >> Okay, I'll second.

[2:27:27] » So, I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I.

[2:27:30] » I. >> All those opposed?

[2:27:32] » Nay. >> Okay. So, we're going to go back. I'm

[2:27:35] going to make a motion for um the um Miss I I'll make the motion. So, I would

[2:27:42] like to make a motion for Miss Gy and Tiny and

[2:27:47] uh is it Delvar? >> Delvr.

[2:27:49] » Delvr. Is that how you pronounce it? >> Okay. Um,

[2:27:53] » Geoffentini for the full term and Delvr for the

[2:27:57] » remaining term. >> I'll second.

[2:28:00] » Okay. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I.

[2:28:02] » All those opposed. >> Opposed.

[2:28:04] » Motion carries. >> Yeah. I'd like to make [clears throat]

[2:28:07] comments, too. I'm just ahead. um extremely disappointed in um just kind

[2:28:12] of

[2:28:15] not going with the norm of appointing the members of seniority and also um not

[2:28:22] allowing [clears throat] more representation for W 4, which remains to

[2:28:26] be um the ward with the most area um geographically and um the most

[2:28:33] development coming in. And I think it's the area that it that um deserves the

[2:28:38] most representation and um I'm just disappointed in this board's decision to

[2:28:44] not um provide more representation for that community. Thank you.

[2:28:49] » Thank you for the comments. Okay, moving on, Madame Clerk.

[2:28:55] » All right, Madame Mayor, we're going to open the redevelopment agency.

[2:28:58] » All right.

[2:29:03] » Okay. My favorite part of the day, >> the redevelopment agency board for

[2:29:07] Wednesday, February 25th, 2026. >> Rachel,

[2:29:13] » loving the pink. Okay. Um, >> our first item today is roll call.

[2:29:18] » Okay. Yes, please call the role. >> Council member Taylor

[2:29:21] » here. >> Dor

[2:29:22] » here. >> Martinez absent at this time. Eert

[2:29:25] » here. >> Reese

[2:29:26] » here. >> Anderson

[2:29:27] » here. Sheavy >> here. Madame Mayor, you do have a quorum

[2:29:30] of the redevelopment agency board. Moving on to item A3, which is public

[2:29:34] comment. I do not have any registered and have not received any

[2:29:37] correspondence. Item A4 is approval of the agenda.

[2:29:40] » Move to approve. >> I have a motion. Second. I have a

[2:29:43] second. All those in favor say I. All those opposed. Motion carries

[2:29:46] unanimously. >> Item A5 is acceptance of minutes. Move

[2:29:51] to approve. >> I have a motion. Second.

[2:29:52] » I have a second. All those in favor say I.

[2:29:54] » All those opposed. Motion carries. Okay, we are going to uh move on to B1

[2:30:01] and um this is the adoption of the rebrand. I'm hearing really really good

[2:30:06] things about this. So, I'm super excited to see what what it looks like and and

[2:30:11] all the razledazzle before I want to um I do want to recognize how hard you guys

[2:30:17] worked for Western Lights. Rachel again like hit it out of the park. Poor Ashley

[2:30:23] knows. I mean, I think Ashley and I have had knockdown dragout fights about

[2:30:26] downtown activation, activation, activation. And I know she's like, I'm

[2:30:29] gonna do it. I'm gonna get it done. And I just, again, you knocked it out of the

[2:30:33] park. Um, I got to see some of the installations. It was fantastic. Um, I

[2:30:39] was incognito because I was so cold, so I bundled up a ton. But I just I I can't

[2:30:45] um stress how it's becoming such a highlight in the community and bringing

[2:30:50] people together of all walks of life and all different artists. And so I know

[2:30:54] Ashley's feeling like a proud mama. Am I right? Right. She is. [laughter] So um

[2:31:02] thank you. And uh I would just say any way we can possibly bring in more and

[2:31:06] more artists and be inclusive and just I just think you just put on such an

[2:31:11] incredible display. I didn't get to see Come on up. I didn't get to see you guys

[2:31:16] and maybe um you did. I know Kathleen went and uh Devon,

[2:31:20] » but at the church, >> which was super exciting. Can you just

[2:31:25] talk about that because I do want people to realize that their effort to really

[2:31:30] make that space um be something special? So maybe you could talk.

[2:31:35] » Yeah. U Madam Clerk, I think we're probably still on public comment.

[2:31:39] » We are. So we're good. >> That's my thought. um Ashley Attorney,

[2:31:42] assistant city manager for the record and I have Rachel McIntyre,

[2:31:44] [clears throat] placemaking manager with me who can talk in more detail about

[2:31:47] Western Lights and what we saw from people number of artists and the work

[2:31:50] that she did. This is truly her brainchild of uh she came to me and

[2:31:55] said, "I want to create something in the shoulder season and we have our downtown

[2:31:58] action plan that this body adopted that recommended creating a new legacy event

[2:32:02] in downtown." And so I'm very proud of the work that Rachel's done because this

[2:32:07] is her grit that has pulled it off the ground and turned it into something

[2:32:11] truly magical and the support of this body as you have

[2:32:15] » long commented on the importance of activation in downtown and especially

[2:32:19] outside of our typical event season. Uh, one of the things as you mentioned,

[2:32:23] Madame Mayor, is the old movie theater is now known as a project called

[2:32:27] Reforma. And we're very excited about this project is it's actually going to

[2:32:31] be nine different tenants that will be going into that space. Uh, there'll be

[2:32:36] obviously a worship space, but there's also going to be retailers and coffee

[2:32:40] shops and a restaurant, uh, childcare facilities. And they did a wonderful

[2:32:45] job, I thought, of really opening up that facility to the community. And they

[2:32:49] really integrated in as part of Western Lights. They had the biggest little

[2:32:53] circus was present. Uh renderings of what they're planning on doing with the

[2:32:56] project. Had Shushboom serving local beer in the back corner and lots of DJ

[2:33:02] options for kids. >> So they are really proving to be an

[2:33:06] active part of the downtown fabric and want to make sure that they are

[2:33:09] incorporating in and bringing in a lot of the things that we've been asking for

[2:33:12] from some of the businesses in our downtown core. So, we're excited about

[2:33:16] that project. And then I'll let Rachel talk more about the work that she's done

[2:33:20] with Western Lights and our artist count, what we had this year, the

[2:33:23] expanded footprint. Um, and then you can give them some news about the board and

[2:33:28] where that's transitioning to. >> Okay. Awesome. Love it. Are did you get

[2:33:32] rest? >> Yes.

[2:33:34] » I I [laughter] always feel like you don't sleep for a few weeks before and

[2:33:38] after. >> That is very accurate. Um, I'll start

[2:33:41] first with just some gratitude to this board. um none of this would be possible

[2:33:45] without your vision, direction, and trust. And then of course the financial

[2:33:49] contributions. So we greatly appreciate being able to get an event in an

[2:33:52] organization like Western Lights off the ground to benefit the entire community

[2:33:56] of Reno. Um and I think that for us as an organization and as a city uh was is

[2:34:02] my favorite part is when you look around downtown Reno and you see folks that are

[2:34:07] truly representative of our entire community. Um it's it's a highlight.

[2:34:11] It's a glow. Um, and so thank you. Uh, this event wouldn't have been possible

[2:34:15] first and foremost without your support. We also had tremendous support from the

[2:34:18] Downtown Reno Partnership and snow removal. Uh, Naom out there like salting

[2:34:22] the sidewalks for us. >> Yes, I was so worried for you.

[2:34:26] » You should have been [laughter] very people realize how much you stress.

[2:34:32] » It um, it was fascinating. We lost effectively 2 and 1/2 days of build um,

[2:34:37] just removing snow. And so I also would like to uh recognize City of Reno and

[2:34:41] our street supervisor, specifically Matt Bo, for all of his support and resource

[2:34:45] and helping us pull that off. We were shocked that we actually opened on

[2:34:48] Thursday, but we did. >> And on Thursday, in, you know, we had

[2:34:52] two record-breaking snowfall days. And despite that, we still had preliminary

[2:34:56] numbers. We'll have final numbers next week, but on Thursday, in the middle of

[2:34:59] a snowstorm, we had just over 5,000 people from our community come out. Can

[2:35:02] you believe that? >> In the middle of a snowstorm.

[2:35:04] » In the middle of a snowstorm. Um this year we were really excited to expand

[2:35:09] with more time we had the opportunity to expand our community partnerships. One

[2:35:13] that we wanted to highlight is we had an informal partnership with UNR. We had

[2:35:17] three departments from the University of Reno, Nevada represented this year. We

[2:35:20] worked with the art department um on projection arts um inside of one of our

[2:35:25] vacant retail storefronts downtown. And we were very grateful for that and um

[2:35:30] grateful to the property owner who allowed us the use of his space and his

[2:35:33] power to bring that space to life. We also had um UNR athletics. We did an

[2:35:38] activation in partnership with the Whitney Peak on the climbing wall. We

[2:35:42] had UNR cheer football and basketball represented. Um and then last but

[2:35:46] certainly not least, um the planetarium took over the projection mapping dome at

[2:35:51] West Street Plaza on Thursday. So, we're excited about bringing the university

[2:35:56] more into the downtown core as this body is set as a priority. Um and we're

[2:36:00] excited to continue that work through Western Lights Festival. In addition to

[2:36:04] that, the support of the small business community in the downtown core uh was a

[2:36:07] big priority for us this year. Hence the partnership with Reforma, Sierra Tap

[2:36:11] House, Bull Bridge Pub, um goodness, the Eddie. Uh I'm going to miss a bunch. Um

[2:36:17] the spot. Um and we're really grateful for their support both in donations of

[2:36:22] lunches and meals to our volunteer and build crew uh and also opening up their

[2:36:25] spaces in the middle of winter to take a risk on a very cool event. So, [snorts]

[2:36:29] um, we are still awaiting final numbers, um, on attendance, but as it shows right

[2:36:34] now, preliminary, we're looking somewhere around 60,000, trending

[2:36:37] similar to last year, which we're very excited about. Um, we had over 50 art

[2:36:42] installations this year. Uh, we had 51 to be specific art installations. 65% of

[2:36:48] those were from local Reno artists. Um, we also represented three countries this

[2:36:52] year, bringing in international art, helping to put Reno as a public art hub

[2:36:56] on the map. Um, in addition to the physical and visual art that we had, we

[2:37:01] had 82 live entertainment performances. Um, and that's everything from nonprofit

[2:37:06] circuses like Biggest Little Circus to bands and DJs and buskers. Um, it was

[2:37:12] truly a sight to be seen for Reno. So, thank you all so much for your support.

[2:37:16] Uh, Western Lights is now establishing as an independent 501c3 as a result of

[2:37:22] the support that it's received from the community. Uh they have an incredible

[2:37:26] board that they've assembled. Um I'll be able to be an amazing volunteer and

[2:37:29] continue to support. Um and we're excited. Um but yeah, the board that

[2:37:34] they're putting together is phenomenal. They do have open board seats. I would

[2:37:36] be remiss if I didn't just share that publicly. So if you're interested, stay

[2:37:40] tuned for more information on that. Um and we're very excited to work with this

[2:37:44] body on what the future of the event looks like for the community throughout

[2:37:47] the year and expanding into the Midtown District and Brewery District in 2027 as

[2:37:52] well. >> Yeah, that's awesome. Who's the

[2:37:53] executive director? >> Uh, we are waiting to vote on that.

[2:37:56] Right now, our project director is Megan Miller. She served as the comm's

[2:38:00] director for Burning Man or for 12 years.

[2:38:02] » I know Megan very well. She's amazing. I didn't know that.

[2:38:05] » Yes. So, she is also um she has her background in place making and urban

[2:38:09] development. So, she is phenomenal asset. Um, and we have a ton of other

[2:38:14] folks. We have Ian Xavier is a creative director. Uh, he's from the Grand

[2:38:18] Artique. He also serves on the board. Luca Starmer, who's a professor at UNR

[2:38:21] in digital production, Marbel Garcia, uh Miranda Carter, Steve Emmerick, uh who

[2:38:28] is just a staple in our community for music and culture. So,

[2:38:30] » oh my god, I think that is incredible. And Megan actually um spoke has spoken a

[2:38:34] few times at the Conference of Mayors. She's she's impressive and she's kind

[2:38:38] and she loves art and she is just an a shining star in our community. That's

[2:38:44] amazing. We would love um to do something special for them. So maybe we

[2:38:48] can talk about having them come to council and talk a little bit about the

[2:38:51] project and things that they need in the community because I think a lot of

[2:38:54] people are seeing something like this for the first time. Um except if some of

[2:38:59] us have been to Burning Man, Ashley's been to Burning Man, Devon's been to

[2:39:04] Burning Man. But I think a lot of people say it's so great. I could never afford

[2:39:08] to go out there. It's not accessible or whatever. I've been working. you know,

[2:39:12] they they said this just feels like it's a piece of Burning Man that they get to

[2:39:17] experience, though it's not Burning Man, but it they feel like, is this what

[2:39:21] Burning Man's like? And so, it's a core ethos for the organization is really

[2:39:26] learning to inspire our community and specifically our youth at the

[2:39:28] intersection of art and technology, and that's, you know, they're on a mission.

[2:39:33] And to see kids walk up to Hot Shot the Robot and be like, "Wow, mommy, that's

[2:39:37] so cool." And also in their minds to know like you too could create a robot.

[2:39:41] Um, and that child may have had no other access to that art or that magic or that

[2:39:46] technology before and this festival gives them that opportunity. So,

[2:39:49] » well, I think it's fantastic. Go ahead, Councilman Ree.

[2:39:52] » Thank you so much. Um, I think you know how very inspired I was by the work that

[2:39:57] you and all of the people that you've mentioned have done. Uh, you especially

[2:40:01] though have carried the torch and so thank you for that. I was one of those

[2:40:04] weird people who was there all three nights and I um wanted to go on

[2:40:09] different nights at different times to sort of understand what the different

[2:40:13] feel was. And certainly the first night there was an element of magic to it

[2:40:17] because there had been this snowstorm. It was snowing at various times and it

[2:40:21] added uh to all of the sparkle. It was incredible. But I share with my

[2:40:25] colleagues a couple of comments. One is I ran into folks who live here in town,

[2:40:30] lived in Demani Ranch and they re laid to me that they had chosen to uh rent a

[2:40:36] hotel room downtown for three nights uh because they wanted to be present for

[2:40:40] all of the festival and they wanted to be you know didn't want to miss a minute

[2:40:44] of it. So that tells me that it struck a cord if people are going to stay

[2:40:48] downtown although they live in town. Um that really is anecdotal but I think

[2:40:53] represents the broader buyin that's happening in the community. And then the

[2:40:57] second one was I had a conversation with the artist who is from Canada who had

[2:41:00] just come from Portland and he Paul I think and he did the Venus fly trap

[2:41:06] which is was lit up. Um and we had a lot of conversations about his different

[2:41:09] experience between his time in Portland and his time here because they had just

[2:41:13] come from Portland and first of all in Portland it rained the whole time so at

[2:41:17] least we had snow and not rain. Um and he just said what an incredible

[2:41:21] community that this is. It's welcomed him the enthusiasm. Um he said it was

[2:41:26] quite well organized. He said artists aren't always real good about like

[2:41:29] signing the right forms and doing all the things. And he said that uh you all

[2:41:34] had helped all these artists to really showcase their art. I I was also uh

[2:41:38] really encouraged. Um I don't know all the musical artists that you had. There

[2:41:42] were so very many and there were I think at least I think I counted five

[2:41:46] different stages different types of music. I went from everything from

[2:41:50] regatone trap music uh bandas music. there was um some different kinds of EDM

[2:41:56] music. So, it seemed like it appealed to a very broad cross-section. Um I saw

[2:42:00] Josie Rock was there um and had was doing art and and selling art. Uh Jerry

[2:42:07] Snider's uh iconic piece which was along the river outside of the uh Ren Reform

[2:42:15] » Reform uh was the stained glass series. It's stunningly beautiful. I saw someone

[2:42:22] who comment about the lit up palm treeesque things and of course last year

[2:42:26] we had a different version of it but both of those would be like perfect

[2:42:30] permanent installations. I look everything about it was just incredible.

[2:42:35] Um I will also give great thanks to our RPD partners. Um officer Blount was down

[2:42:41] there and um I'm a big fan. Um, but I got to check in with him and talk to him

[2:42:45] about, you know, safety and related issues and it was just um, everyone was

[2:42:50] happy to be down there. There wasn't a lot of uh, mischief going on and and it

[2:42:54] it really was exceptional. Um, I will say one thing for um, what I think there

[2:43:00] would be a great opportunity at some point in time to do a deep dive on what

[2:43:02] worked, what didn't, all those kind of things. For my part, I think 10 was

[2:43:06] maybe a little too early to cut off all the fun. Um, so maybe I'd be looking for

[2:43:10] it to be later. Um, because it was interesting because the second night I

[2:43:14] went, um, I was coming from another event. So I left that event about like

[2:43:17] 9:30 and then went down there. And by the time I had just gotten excited about

[2:43:23] seeing all of it, it was over. And so, um, I I know there's some moment where

[2:43:27] you have to cut off all the fun. Um, but it could go a little later. Uh, and of

[2:43:31] course I'm excited at the opportunity to expand it into Midtown, into the brewery

[2:43:36] district, up to the university. It really should be a a sort of a multi

[2:43:41] maybe a week-long festival that celebrates a lot of that interplay

[2:43:45] between technology and art. Uh because that's like cutting edge. It's not

[2:43:49] happening other places. Um and again, I I am so grateful for you for your

[2:43:55] leadership. You have taken the kind of things that we kind of had thought

[2:43:58] bubbles about and actually now gone and done them. So tremendous job. I I just

[2:44:04] couldn't be more excited. I didn't hear the numbers cuz you and you may not have

[2:44:08] them all, but I wouldn't be surprised if we outgrew last year's event and um

[2:44:12] obviously um numbers don't tell the entire story, but it is one metric. But

[2:44:17] I every night I was down there, it was bigger than the first night and the on

[2:44:22] social media it was just very popular. So, uh incredible job. Congratulations.

[2:44:27] And if this body would like to encourage us to revisit the special event code

[2:44:32] around what time special events have to end and get it extended till 11 p.m. I

[2:44:36] know our proer community would be very happy about that. So you just let us

[2:44:40] know. >> Yes, we have Miss Turney put it on the

[2:44:43] agenda. >> Thank you so much.

[2:44:47] » I love I see your face is all red, Rachel, but honestly fantastic job. You

[2:44:52] should really know that. Um, I know I Devon does a really good job of

[2:44:58] appreciating people. I always see that from you and um, so I just need you to

[2:45:03] know that I'm just hearing wonderful, wonderful things throughout the

[2:45:06] community. >> Awesome.

[2:45:07] » So, congratulations. >> Thank you.

[2:45:09] » You did it again. And I think you're getting tested with the weather and all

[2:45:14] these things and you're like, "No, I got this. I got this. I can do it." So, you

[2:45:18] make it look easy, which I >> moved a lot of snow.

[2:45:20] » Yeah, I know [laughter] you did. You did. So,

[2:45:23] » but next year maybe we can put the snow and make like I you know sculptures or

[2:45:27] igloos or something with it. We'll have like that component if we get snow we'll

[2:45:31] turn it into a little component of that. Right.

[2:45:34] » I did see where they have these snow plows. I think it's in Europe and they

[2:45:38] they take this. Did you see that? They do blocks and they take it in and then

[2:45:41] they also do snowballs. >> Oh, that's cool.

[2:45:43] » And so they line the streets with snowballs.

[2:45:46] » You send that to me. We'll figure it out.

[2:45:48] » Yeah. [laughter] We can't afford that truck but we'll be

[2:45:50] out there. Brandy and I, we can roll and Kathleen, we can keep rolling the

[2:45:55] snowballs. Anyway, >> awesome.

[2:45:57] » Great job. >> Thank you all so much. We appreciate it.

[2:46:00] » Love it. Okay, Madam Clerk. Sorry, I just needed to do that.

[2:46:03] » That's okay. We're back on item B1, boy on the redevelopment agency.

[2:46:07] » Okay, take it away, Brian. >> All right, thank you. Uh, good

[2:46:11] afternoon. What time is it? Yeah, good afternoon, Madame Mayor. Uh, agency

[2:46:14] board Brian Mardo Revitalization. >> 7 o'clock.

[2:46:16] » It's not 7 o'clock. Yeah, that's for sure. Um we are bringing back before you

[2:46:21] uh the one of the final steps in the agency rebrand uh and that is to

[2:46:25] finalize the new agency name uh the color palette and some of the icon

[2:46:29] options um so that we can uh wrap up the rebrand process and launch the new uh

[2:46:35] agency brand. And so why rebranding the RDA uh is

[2:46:40] important uh as the agency has been dormant for about 15 years. You notice

[2:46:45] the only uh mark that we have at the moment is that I call it the save by the

[2:46:49] bell logo up in the right hand corner [laughter]

[2:46:51] or the jazz solo cup if everyone remembers the old solo cups. Uh this

[2:46:55] logo sold we don't even have a digital copy. There's probably a floppy disc

[2:46:58] somewhere uh in a box that actually has the the soft version of this logo. So I

[2:47:04] think that's a a scanned copy. Um but as we come out of 15 years of dormcy, we

[2:47:09] want to make a big splash. We want people to know what the redevelopment

[2:47:11] agency is, what it's doing, and the role that it plays in the community. And so

[2:47:15] it was deemed that a rebrand would be an option uh to do that. And so with this

[2:47:20] rebrand, the agency will be uh modernized. It will be proactive. It'll

[2:47:24] go out into the not only the local community but also nationally to attract

[2:47:28] investors, developers, tell the story of what is happening in our region from an

[2:47:32] investment placemaking uh redevelopment perspective and hopefully bring some

[2:47:37] dollars and some interest and some new uh place-based economic development into

[2:47:41] the region. And last, with the new brand, people will know what we do. We

[2:47:45] can educate people on the the programs and opportunities. uh the tools that we

[2:47:49] have drive engagement and so with a new brand is a great opportunity to

[2:47:53] reintroduce ourselves to not only local community but national players uh and be

[2:47:58] proactive in telling them about who we are as a region. And so what the agency

[2:48:04] board is being asked to do today, uh when we brought this item board in

[2:48:09] October, uh we settled on a logo um icon identity, but it was asked by this body

[2:48:16] that we go in back in the consult and review some other color pallet options

[2:48:20] that mainly incorporate some city of Reno uh existing color options. But the

[2:48:26] items today before you is to formally adopt the new agency name. It would be a

[2:48:30] doing business as the Reno Redevelopment and Placemaking Agency also known as

[2:48:35] REIUP. And so it's just like RSCVA and Edon have have longer names but they

[2:48:40] have shorter names. That's how we would operate in this scenario. So we'd be

[2:48:43] known as REIUP but uh doing business as the Reno Redevelopment and Placemaking

[2:48:47] Agency. Uh we're also asking you today to select the final visual identity in

[2:48:52] the color palette and then the option A or B of the icon styles.

[2:48:58] And so what is included in this rebrand? As I mentioned, it's a new name. Uh it's

[2:49:02] adopting the color palette and those icons. What it won't do is the legal

[2:49:06] name of the agency will not change. It will still be uh on paper the Reno

[2:49:11] Redevelopment Agency, but it will be a DBA operating as the Reno uh

[2:49:15] redevelopment placemaking agency. Uh so this doesn't change any statutory

[2:49:19] authority, doesn't change the the plan at all. Uh no change to the programs and

[2:49:24] policies. This is just essentially a rebrand in how we present ourselves to

[2:49:27] the world. So the DBA uh I mentioned this a lot

[2:49:32] already. Uh it allows us a great opportunity to reint reintroduce

[2:49:37] ourselves uh to the world. Uh have a great approachable brand where we where

[2:49:42] it isn't deemed completely as the city which is more institutional. It's more

[2:49:45] proactive. Uh lets people know that we're willing to work with them and

[2:49:49] achieve whatever plans that they have um within within the redevelopment areas.

[2:49:55] These are the color palette options that residents put together after that

[2:49:59] October meeting. Uh option one was the was the original one we brought forward.

[2:50:04] Uh this body asked to go back and incorporate some city of Reno blue

[2:50:08] color. So those are options two and three.

[2:50:12] We call option one ponderosa pine. Uh I think Paul Klein the agency advisory

[2:50:17] board chaired mentioned um that in his comments this morning.

[2:50:23] Our consultant resonance uh recommends that we not go with blue uh mainly

[2:50:28] because it it washes in with all the other existing logos throughout the

[2:50:32] region. Uh we love our silver and blue. We love our Nevada colors. Uh there are

[2:50:36] a lot of icons, logos and organizations that use this color scheme already. The

[2:50:40] fear is that we would just be lost in the mix. Uh when we want to be

[2:50:44] proactive, go out into the world, tell people what we're doing, want a splashy

[2:50:47] logo, a splashy brand. uh this with going with blue would come across a bit

[2:50:52] more institutional than what would be uh uh preferred. Uh it doesn't signal a lot

[2:50:58] of change. It's kind of a bit of the status quo. And so resident's

[2:51:03] recommendation was to go with the green color palette. Uh the RAB saw this

[2:51:08] earlier this month. Uh the RAB recommendation of this body was

[2:51:12] unanimous was to continue with this green color palette option. Um green

[2:51:17] means go. Uh it highlights the sort of mountain town community that we're we're

[2:51:21] starting to uh believe we are. Uh and with this new green color, it kind of

[2:51:27] sense it gives the idea that this is something new, vibrant, and exciting.

[2:51:31] » It's growing. >> It's growing. We're growing. Uh the icon

[2:51:36] styles in your packet was the complete uh packet from residents that include a

[2:51:40] lot of examples of how these icons could be incorporated from reports to street

[2:51:46] banners uh to swag. Uh it was asked that we bring a couple options back. Option A

[2:51:52] was uh closer to the original proposal. Option B is a little bit more expanded

[2:51:56] block icon. Uh the RAB did see this as well and the RAB's recommendation was to

[2:52:01] go with option A. Uh and so just to reiterate what the RAB's recommendation

[2:52:07] of this body, the RAB recommended the approve this body uh adopt the Ponderosa

[2:52:13] pine green color palette. >> Bless you.

[2:52:15] » And then go with option A on the icons. And so that with that I'll put the

[2:52:22] motion in front of you. Um >> okay.

[2:52:24] » And I'm happy to answer any question. >> Thank you so much. All right. Any motion

[2:52:27] to approve? Go ahead. So uh Councilwoman Der made a motion. Councilman Ree

[2:52:32] second. All those in favor say I. >> I.

[2:52:35] » All those opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Um, sorry,

[2:52:40] » Councilwoman Anderson. >> Did you want to?

[2:52:42] » No. >> Manager for the

[2:52:45] » Sorry, your lights on. >> Yeah, I apologize.

[2:52:47] » Clarifying that uh the redevelopment board would like to move forward with

[2:52:52] option that the RAB recommended of Ponderosa Pine and option A for icons.

[2:52:57] » Great. Thank you so much. That's what we >> Yeah, you've made staff recommendation.

[2:53:02] » Yes. Thank you. Okay. >> Yeah. And I want to add that I think

[2:53:04] it's a good job and thank you for taking the time to look at the options. Uh the

[2:53:09] only thing I might have thought was where you're using the teal was to use

[2:53:13] one of the colors out of the palette which is maybe the yellow because the

[2:53:17] yellow is the biggest part of our current logo. Not blue, not light blue,

[2:53:22] not silver, but the gold. But probably green and gold represents some team

[2:53:28] somewhere that's some other city, some other university. And maybe that's why

[2:53:34] they didn't even think about it. I don't know.

[2:53:36] » I'll add that there is an expansive color palette that residence does have.

[2:53:40] It incorporates a lot of the city of Reno yellows and blues. Okay.

[2:53:44] » Uh as secondary color options. >> What I saw was a number of the icons,

[2:53:48] too. >> Yeah.

[2:53:49] » I I just think they did a good job. So, >> thank you.

[2:53:53] » Okay. All right, we're good. Good job.

[2:53:56] » Awesome. >> Okay. Um,

[2:54:00] now we need this one. >> Two more.

[2:54:02] » Yeah. >> Oh, we need two. Council Der,

[2:54:04] » I'm sorry. >> B2.

[2:54:12] Okay. What? Where? >> We're on item B2 on the redevelopment

[2:54:16] agency board acceptance of the downtown action plan.

[2:54:19] » Okay. Go ahead. >> All right. Uh, thank you.

[2:54:22] » I'm wondering like are you waiting for me? I'm waiting for you. What are we

[2:54:24] doing? Okay, go ahead, Brian. We've been waiting a month and a half.

[2:54:28] » As far as your usual, you stay up there and then we go into the next, but you

[2:54:31] sat down, so I'm like, what? >> Go ahead.

[2:54:34] » All right. Uh, Brian Mard, >> getting all red. [laughter]

[2:54:37] » Uh, revitalization manager. So, what we'd like to do now is bring an update

[2:54:41] on the downtown action plan. Uh this is the the organizing document that uh was

[2:54:46] done in 2016 that has directed a lot of the actions that we have taken over the

[2:54:51] last decade uh in our downtown area. Uh many of you were around in 2015 16 when

[2:54:57] this was approved. Uh I sat on the steering committee for this as well in

[2:55:01] my role at Edon. Um but this was the the the plan to drive our downtown when

[2:55:06] everyone says we need direction on where we are taking our downtown. Uh and Puma

[2:55:10] was brought in from Denver. I remember uh Brad Seagull. Does everyone remember

[2:55:14] Brad Seagull? >> Yeah.

[2:55:15] » Um >> he came in with his team. Uh lots of

[2:55:18] engagement, lots of discussions and this document

[2:55:22] » had 52 implementation items when they left. Uh and this document um we've been

[2:55:28] using to to identify what changes need to be done within the downtown area.

[2:55:35] And so why review this plan? Now, uh, this we just want to note that everyone

[2:55:40] hates to see a plan get done and no action be done against that plan. I'm

[2:55:44] happy to say that we're about twothirds of the way done with everything

[2:55:47] recommended inside this plan. So, it didn't sit on the shelf. There was

[2:55:50] actually a lot of activities um achieved. Uh, this plan was essentially

[2:55:56] uh proposed to drive the next 5 to seven years in downtown. It's been nine years.

[2:56:00] If we take two years off for the pandemic, we're probably right where we

[2:56:04] should be. Uh so it's been nine years. A lot of agencies have played their role

[2:56:09] in achieving the goals of this plan from the downtown Reno partnership which

[2:56:12] didn't really exist before this plan was adopted. RTC, University of Nevada, the

[2:56:17] city of Reno, and now RDA has re-entered the space in the last year or so. And so

[2:56:21] we're all doing things that that achieve the goals of this plan. Um I'll also

[2:56:25] note that a lot has changed since 2016. Uh we didn't have a business improvement

[2:56:30] district. We had a police special assessment and a maintenance special

[2:56:34] assessment. And what the creation with the new business improvement district

[2:56:38] did is it sunset the police special assessment, sunset the maintenance

[2:56:41] special assessment, and created a new assessment for the downtown area. That

[2:56:45] was the business improvement district. So, we have that created now. That is

[2:56:48] managed by the DRP, the downtown re partnership. Um, this plan recommended

[2:56:53] that housing could be one of the most transformative elements in achieving the

[2:56:56] future of downtown. And so I'm happy to say we have we've had over a thousand

[2:57:00] new housing units delivered uh since then. Uh no coincidence that that city

[2:57:05] council this body uh approved that thousand homes initiative and we h now

[2:57:10] have a thousand homes. Many of those were applicants in that program. Uh and

[2:57:15] we have another thousand in the pipeline. So we're achieving a lot of

[2:57:18] housing coming online. Some of it's affordable, some of it's for seniors. uh

[2:57:22] but I call it mixed income multi-generational mixeduse housing

[2:57:26] which is what we wanted to see. Uh river and public realm investments were

[2:57:30] mentioned a lot. We're now seeing a lot of improvements to locomotion plaza to

[2:57:34] West Plaza and we're about to start construction on future river

[2:57:38] improvements. And then as you mentioned uh with Rachel coming on the scene uh

[2:57:43] we've we've done a lot in the activation and event space within the area. I think

[2:57:48] we're up 40% year-over-year. Uh Rachel's program brought 72 new events to the

[2:57:53] downtown area. So um a lot has a lot has changed since 2016 when we were

[2:57:58] wondering where where we take this uh our downtown. Some of the core values of

[2:58:02] the plan. Uh there's five things. We want our downtown to be prosperous. That

[2:58:06] means we want jobs. We want workforce. We want um our university to be a big

[2:58:11] component. We want it to be safe and clean. That means essentially we want it

[2:58:15] to be welcoming so that when people come down here they don't they don't feel um

[2:58:19] that they're not welcome or that is in an unsafe environment. We want it to be

[2:58:24] connected meaning bike lanes, transportation, people can get where

[2:58:26] they need to go. They can find the parking they need. We want it to be

[2:58:30] vibrant uh meaning it's active mixeduse retail a lot of a lot of those things.

[2:58:35] And we want it to be livable. So, if you made the decision to live downtown as

[2:58:39] you have, uh, do you have the amenities and the experiences to actually live a

[2:58:44] as a true urbanite living in a downtown core? And so, those are the five core

[2:58:48] values. And if you look at the plan, uh, we

[2:58:53] don't have adopted districts. Uh, this map was incorporated into the city of

[2:58:58] Reno's master plan referencing these areas. But when they looked at our

[2:59:01] downtown, they essentially said, "We have six sort of quasi districts." And

[2:59:05] one of those is the university district. Sometimes we call it the gateway

[2:59:07] district. Uh now there's a proposed university village. Uh the downtown core

[2:59:13] of the entertainment areas called the entertainment district. Something that

[2:59:16] didn't really um percolate was this idea of an innovation district. It was a bit

[2:59:22] soup during innovation districts. We have the

[2:59:27] Riverwalk. We have pounding which is a historic district. And then we have the

[2:59:30] northwest quadrant. Uh a little bit of a bland name, but that's has since uh

[2:59:34] turned into sort of the neon line districts with J Jacob's Entertainment.

[2:59:39] And so I just want to say that when we talk about our downtown holistically,

[2:59:42] this is the broader downtown area. It was discussed how we could possibly

[2:59:49] fund all the improvements that were included in this plan. The first one was

[2:59:52] to create a new bid assessment and so that would be able to fund a lot of the

[2:59:56] recommendations. Uh there's an opportunity that they identified to use

[3:00:00] future parking revenue uh to fund ideas. Uh the city could use its capital

[3:00:05] improvement program to fund improvements. At the time we didn't

[3:00:10] really have tax increment financing, but now we do. So that would be an RDA

[3:00:13] function using the property tax increment received to make investments

[3:00:17] in the area. Uh liquor and marijuana revenues was propos were proposed. Uh

[3:00:22] and then two things is using our uh redevelopment incentives to encourage

[3:00:26] more infill development and then also looking at our fees uh and other

[3:00:31] financial assistance and maybe some code changes to facilitate uh infill

[3:00:35] development. So there are 52 implementation items. Um

[3:00:41] I'm going to try to fly through a lot of those quickly, but the whole entire plan

[3:00:45] is broken into three buckets mainly. The first one is the economy uh attracting

[3:00:50] investment, jobs, housing. The second one is the environment. And when I say

[3:00:54] the environment, I mean the physical environment, things people can feel,

[3:00:58] see, touch and experience. That's the built environment. And so that relates

[3:01:02] to key streets, uh bike lanes, improvements to the river, improvements

[3:01:06] to the public realm. And then last one is experience. So when people choose to

[3:01:10] come down to the area, whether it's to visit or live, uh do they feel welcome,

[3:01:14] safe, are they having a good time? And so first and foremost, it must be safe

[3:01:18] and clean. Uh we need things for them to do. So it needs to be active and

[3:01:22] vibrant. And we need to have a way to get them through the area. So can they

[3:01:26] find their way? Can they find parking? Uh do they have a great experience? So

[3:01:30] everything in this plan correlates to those three big buckets.

[3:01:34] And so let me start on the first one is the economy. Uh so the first one was

[3:01:39] housing for everybody. In order to get housing, it says do we have incentives

[3:01:42] and tools to drive more housing? And I will say now we do we have tax increment

[3:01:47] financing. Uh we have incentives like the uh restore facade and tenant

[3:01:53] improvement program. Uh we've made changes to the fees by not allowing the

[3:01:58] sewer credits to expire. So those are all incentives to drive infill

[3:02:02] development. Do we have amenities for people to live

[3:02:05] downtown? One of the things recommended in the plan was that we needed a dog a

[3:02:10] dog park downtown and I would say that that was achieved. uh the biggest little

[3:02:14] dog park right on the north side of the Montage. Uh and we have other amenities

[3:02:19] to public spaces like improvements to West Street Plaza and Locomotion Plaza.

[3:02:24] Attract neighborhood retail. I would say this is one of the hardest although we

[3:02:27] are focused on it. Um it's mainly a demographic issue. We do not have enough

[3:02:31] people living in downtown to attract the grocery stores, the pharmacies, the the

[3:02:36] dry cleaning. Uh but with those new units coming online, we we now have a

[3:02:40] path to sort of see how we're going to get there. And then last one, if people

[3:02:43] choose to live downtown, are we treating the river as an amenity for downtown

[3:02:47] residents? And I would say uh we are. Um we have through ARPA funding, which was

[3:02:52] a great gift, added new lighting to the area, painted some accents, and then

[3:02:57] this fall uh we're likely to start on the phase one of the river improvements,

[3:03:01] which is uh highlighted in the in the bottom right hand corner.

[3:03:06] Jobs. Uh do we have incentives for new businesses? I would say small business.

[3:03:10] Uh the Restore program is a great incentive for small business owners if

[3:03:15] they're looking to move into a space. That program helps them with signage,

[3:03:18] TIS, a lot of the hurdles they have as a small business owner. Um on the bigger

[3:03:23] side, uh Edon has supports, uh programs and incentives often that come down from

[3:03:29] the governor's office to attract companies into the area. Second one was

[3:03:33] workforce. happy to announce that this region and the university was selected

[3:03:36] as a as a tech hub by the economic development administration and that uh

[3:03:41] provided I think $12 million of workforce funding to go into the battery

[3:03:46] lithium battery um and material science field. So we did have some opportunities

[3:03:53] for workforce expansion uh seeing the university invest in the

[3:03:58] innovation district. As I said, the university district wasn't something

[3:04:01] that really came to fruition, but we are seeing the university make investments

[3:04:06] into that gateway district. So, now we have a new parking garage, we have a new

[3:04:09] business school, we're going to get a new life science center. Uh, and then

[3:04:12] the university purchased those 19 homes across the freeway, which will be a new

[3:04:16] university village. So, we're seeing a lot of progress there. Um, connections

[3:04:21] between sort of the University Gateway District and the river. Uh we're going

[3:04:25] to see improvements to Evans Avenue uh with new bike lanes and so that

[3:04:29] connectivity is going to be improved. So that is in progress. The last one I'll

[3:04:33] mention is establishing an innovation district. I don't know if that's

[3:04:37] something still worth pursuing. When this plan was originally adopted, the

[3:04:41] promise of Apple coming into the area uh and I don't know if that, you know,

[3:04:45] really got what we were expecting with with the Apple announcement.

[3:04:51] Last is the on the economy is improving blighted and underutilized properties.

[3:04:55] So do we have a tools and incentives what we would say carrot and sticks to

[3:04:59] to achieve change down there. We do have a dedicated code enforcement officer in

[3:05:04] the downtown. So we are uh keeping track of properties and making sure that

[3:05:07] they're being maintained. But a lot of the things we've done in the RDA and

[3:05:10] with ARPA funding the last few years is to drive improvement. And so the restore

[3:05:15] program on the left hand side that is the Truckucky Lane building where Cafe

[3:05:19] Capello and Marcelinos used to be. Uh they plan to redo uh that entire

[3:05:24] building. And so they've received uh restore grants for that project. And

[3:05:29] then on the right hand side is the Prospector Apartments which is at the

[3:05:33] site of the former community assistance center. uh this body uh well city

[3:05:38] council was able to do a uh purchase and sale agreement with them and then the

[3:05:41] redevelopment agency supported the demolition of that site and so it

[3:05:45] cleared the way for for opportunity on that site. So uh that we are achieving

[3:05:51] um the goal of improving blighted properties. The next one is identifying

[3:05:56] and rating historic properties. Uh since this plan was adopted, we've done

[3:06:01] historic structures report on both the Lear Theater uh building and the

[3:06:06] historic rail depot. Both Reno Historical, the app, and uh we now have

[3:06:12] a historic map, historic markers map that Arts and Culture has put together.

[3:06:16] And so we have identified all of our historic properties in the area.

[3:06:20] Demolishing for redevelopment. I mentioned the prospector's apartments.

[3:06:23] If you have the opportunity to demolish a building that could create potential

[3:06:27] for a bigger, better, more expansive project, uh that plan recommended that

[3:06:32] we we seize that opportunity. And the last one that we haven't really done is

[3:06:36] creating a goal of for underutilized properties or a scorecard. And I think

[3:06:40] that's something that we can consider in the new year is going through building

[3:06:44] by building, site by site and identifying uh its needs uh the

[3:06:49] potential for redevelopment or any challenges that that are existing on

[3:06:53] that site. Moving on to the environment uh

[3:06:57] connections and key streets. So this is can people get through the area? Uh can

[3:07:00] people find parking? And so the first one was more bike racks. The Downtown

[3:07:04] Arena Partnership did receive a Main Street America grant that allowed, I

[3:07:07] think, a dozen new bike racks for the area. Two of those were artistic. So,

[3:07:12] that's the one in the lower right hand, lower lefthand corner. Uh, I mentioned

[3:07:15] improvements to Evans Avenue with bike lanes. Those will be coming within the

[3:07:19] next year. Uh, enhancing streetscapes. I'll give a shout out to the downtown

[3:07:23] arena partnership. Uh, they received some ARPA funding to do the planters and

[3:07:28] new uh trash cans along the streetscapes. But we do have plans in

[3:07:32] the future to expand uh streetscapes and enhance them even further. Two things

[3:07:38] that weren't uh achieved just yet is a pedestrian bridge from Evans to museum.

[3:07:43] This is also recommended in the Truckucky River Vision plan is to have

[3:07:47] Evans continue through that ballpark south site straight to the river and do

[3:07:51] a pedestrian bridge over to the auto museum. Um that is privately owned land.

[3:07:56] So we'll have to see if if that land owner would be welcome to that idea. And

[3:08:01] last is a bike ramp on Arlington and I80. I wasn't able to confirm if these

[3:08:06] improvements were done um that bike ramp.

[3:08:10] Going on to public spaces. So one of them says, you know, improve your public

[3:08:13] spaces and give people things to do in those public spaces. And so one of those

[3:08:17] was activate the retract lids. Uh the DRP had done some work uh along with the

[3:08:22] city of Reno's participation in doing the landscaping on the side of the

[3:08:25] retract lid. Uh they did Mark Carney did the mural on there. But this past year

[3:08:30] with ARPA funding, locomotion plaza was completely transformed uh and now it's

[3:08:34] being activated almost year round. Uh the plan recommended to launch a facade

[3:08:39] and facade improvement program that has been achieved uh with Restore. It add

[3:08:45] recommended adding wavefinding. Those will be installed either this fall or in

[3:08:49] the next spring. Wfinding along the river uh as part of an Arbor project.

[3:08:53] And then the last one that wasn't done is another pedestrian bridge connecting

[3:08:57] from the Lear over to Barber Bennett Park. It's kind of a big span uh but

[3:09:01] that was recommended in this plan. Uh there are no current plans to to to make

[3:09:05] that pedestrian bridge happen. Next one was Truckucky River. Uh it

[3:09:11] recommended opening City Plaza to the river as part of the Virginia uh street

[3:09:15] bridge. We graded out the section of the plaza and now you can actually go down

[3:09:21] to the river from city plaza. So that was achieved. Adding lighting and

[3:09:24] wayfinding that has been achieved along the river. Adding more shade. Uh adding

[3:09:29] more shade is the number one thing we've seen in all of our plans. Locomotion or

[3:09:32] Westerry Plaza did get shade uh as did Locomotion Plaza. That's the picture in

[3:09:38] the middle. Two things that haven't been done. It recommends that we do a bike

[3:09:42] rental facility in City Plaza. Uh we haven't had a discussion about what the

[3:09:48] long-term vision for City Plaza is. So we could get to that point. Uh we have

[3:09:52] discussed potential tube rentals at city plaza but that could be explored in the

[3:09:57] future. Uh and then the last one was enhanc enhancing pedestrian safety at

[3:10:03] Virginia and and center street which is now university which is more flashing

[3:10:07] beacons. Uh there are no plans to do that at the moment. So that is pending.

[3:10:12] Safe and clean. Uh a lot of this goes down to the downtown arena partnership

[3:10:16] and their efforts. So the first one was launch a new downtown partnership. So we

[3:10:20] have that with the downtown arena partnership doing enhanced level of

[3:10:24] cleaning. They pressure wash the the ambassadors are down town all the time

[3:10:30] identifying their the cleaning needs uh and saving and clean needs addressing

[3:10:34] loitering street vending sharing information to people who who need it.

[3:10:38] Um they are the eyes and ears and the feet on the street.

[3:10:42] The one we haven't done which is being discussed uh is assessing and increasing

[3:10:46] lighting levels in downtown. Um we have done a lot of lighting but to actually

[3:10:52] go through and do an assessment of how how dark are street corners and if

[3:10:56] there's anything that we can do to improve safety via lighting that is

[3:11:00] something we can pursue in the near future. All right I'm almost done. Arts

[3:11:04] culture and entertainment create a marketing campaign for downtown. The

[3:11:07] downtown unit partnership has launched their pro positively downtown campaign.

[3:11:11] So that's been checked off. Listen market special events. As I mentioned,

[3:11:15] we have 72 new special events that has been achieved. Establish one to two new

[3:11:20] marquee events. We have achieved that with the Western Lights Festival that

[3:11:24] you you just heard about. Consistent activation that has been achieved.

[3:11:29] Expanding public art uh in the budget uh next year for RDA. We plan to uh propose

[3:11:35] expanding a small walls program which is more murals throughout the area. That

[3:11:39] was recommended in the public art master plan. And last one is history and

[3:11:44] cultural culture tour tours. Uh we do have tours that occur now and then, but

[3:11:48] there's no formal history or culture tour. If you were to just be a tourist

[3:11:52] in in Reno for a weekend, uh there's not a consistent tour group that operates

[3:11:58] either of those. So that could be something we consider in the future.

[3:12:02] Last is parking and transportation. Number one was expand bus service for

[3:12:06] students. RTC does have the ride program, so students at the university

[3:12:10] do get access to the rapid transit that goes along Virginia Street. Assess

[3:12:15] parking demand. We have done a parking study. We're also doing an operations

[3:12:19] assessment of the parking gallery on First and Sierra. Evaluate bus service.

[3:12:24] RTC is always evaluating bus service, so that is in progress.

[3:12:28] » [snorts] >> um campaign to encourage multimodal use

[3:12:30] is something that I don't think has been done. We've added a lot of bike lanes to

[3:12:35] our urban areas. I don't know if we are encouraging people to bike more. Um so

[3:12:40] that is something we could explore in the future. We do need more education on

[3:12:44] parking. Um we have 17,000 parking spaces. 15 of those are structured in

[3:12:49] downtown, but people do not know which ones are private, which ones are public,

[3:12:53] which ones are free. Uh and so we could do some education around that. And then

[3:12:57] last is, and this is forward thinking, uh, parking structures. In the future,

[3:13:02] if people aren't driving and parking cars anymore, what do we do with all the

[3:13:06] parking garages that were built that are hard to redesign? And so, a lot of

[3:13:11] cities have adapted code that says that you have to futureproof your parking

[3:13:15] structures, meaning big flat floor pads so that you don't have these ramps, so

[3:13:19] that if in the future you were to take that parking garage and turn into

[3:13:22] retail, office housing, it would be uh easier to do. So that is something we

[3:13:27] could consider in the future. So I'll wrap it up here. Uh of the 52 items that

[3:13:32] were recommended that plan recommended in that plan, 19 have been achieved or

[3:13:36] completed. 17 with the gift of ARPA funding are in progress and about 16

[3:13:41] have I wouldn't say pending have yet to be addressed uh and could be

[3:13:45] reconsidered in the future. So that is the update of the downtown action plan.

[3:13:50] We're not proposing a new plan at the moment. We just wanted to give you uh a

[3:13:53] summary of what has been achieved. >> Okay.

[3:13:56] And so we do have a motion which is okay >> to just receive and accept the update.

[3:14:00] » Okay. Thank you so much Brian. Um first of all very good job and maybe you've

[3:14:05] touched on it. One of the biggest things and I think it's such a big um

[3:14:08] perception driver. Ashley knows this and and I really want to put it at the

[3:14:13] forefront is what what the perception and appearance is walking from city hall

[3:14:20] to the row when they walk down that side of the street.

[3:14:27] » Yeah. And that was the goal of the Virginia Street Placemaking plan.

[3:14:31] » Yeah. >> Is to improve our public spaces.

[3:14:34] » Can you bring me something back? I know you're a genius with a AI. Um, you

[3:14:40] » Yeah. >> Well, I don't know if I'm the genius.

[3:14:42] » Bless you. Thank you. >> Bless you. Um, no, but I've seen you do

[3:14:45] some incredible things of like what the possibility could look like and what

[3:14:49] that looks like. But I keep hearing it over and over and again, I wanted to

[3:14:52] talk to Rachel about this because and and Ashley, they really put in um the

[3:14:57] antique mall. I kept saying we could have a vintage market. I know we can.

[3:15:00] And they did that. And have I don't know if you guys came to see the vintage

[3:15:03] market. It was amazing. Kathleen's house is all done in in the vintage market

[3:15:08] stuff I I assume >> or just old.

[3:15:10] » No, it's cool. It's cool. And so, but it goes to show you there is a lot that

[3:15:15] gets activation, but in the time that it's not is whenever I think people have

[3:15:20] this perception that it's looking um stale. Now I know things are happening

[3:15:26] with um you know the old Harris project and all of that but that perception is

[3:15:31] very real and there's also a perception that is very unsafe from that to that.

[3:15:36] And so I want to um make sure everything we possibly can that because here's how

[3:15:44] I see it. You should have parkletits and artists along the street and activating

[3:15:50] that every weekend and um and I'm talking about on the sidewalk,

[3:15:57] » not in the street where you have to close it down and it's expensive, but

[3:16:00] there's a big perception there. Umbrellas, it should have flowers. It

[3:16:04] should make you feel safe and excited to be right in the downtown core and you

[3:16:09] have the arch right there. Um so it says a lot about who we are. It's our front

[3:16:13] door and it looks the way it does. And so I actually think it is probably one

[3:16:17] of the most significant ways to change the perception of when people have a

[3:16:22] better experience and they're walking through it and they feel good about what

[3:16:25] they see and because I would say right now I hear a lot about from there to

[3:16:31] there and it this is our front door. >> So I'm just on my rant as you know.

[3:16:36] » It's all right. I think that was the Virginia Street placemaking study was to

[3:16:40] capture that question. and how do we improve Virginia Street from the river

[3:16:43] all the way to the university? >> Um,

[3:16:45] » I'll work on a presentation with you. I want you to bring back your AI rendition

[3:16:49] of a few blocks and I'm going to bring I'm going to bring my presentation. It's

[3:16:53] not about that, but it's about the shift in culture of why, you know, why it's

[3:16:59] important and I think we could team up and have a good presentation.

[3:17:03] » All right. >> Okay.

[3:17:04] » Uh, we can always come back and give an update on the progress made on the

[3:17:07] Virginia Street Placemaking study. >> Love it. Okay. Councilwoman Der. Yeah.

[3:17:11] Um, first of all, Brian, I just want to tell you, you know, I've seen a lot of

[3:17:14] presentations, but this was very targeted and I loved it because it's

[3:17:19] very rare that we get to see here was what we recommended and here's what we

[3:17:23] did. We hardly ever get to see that. And that really goes to the whole concept of

[3:17:28] metrics, evaluating your performance. You know, unless you have this kind of

[3:17:33] thing, it's very we, well, we're feeling better. We don't know. We failed on this

[3:17:38] one. So, I just have to compliment you. This was very well done. I really

[3:17:42] appreciated it. >> Wow.

[3:17:44] » What? Oh, >> good job.

[3:17:46] » Yeah. The other thing is that um in terms of simple you the mayor was just

[3:17:50] mentioning it in terms of simple improvements. We had a lot more flowers

[3:17:54] out on the street this year. I I know several things came together to make

[3:18:00] that happen. Do you recall or >> what I will say that the the the gift of

[3:18:05] ARPA funding was a unique opportunity to get a lot done. Yeah. Uh Rachel led the

[3:18:09] initiative to uh the University Cesco Centennial was was happening and so if

[3:18:13] you notice all new banners down Virginia Street were were replaced uh and when

[3:18:17] those came down now the city of Reno banner the city of Reno flag banners are

[3:18:22] up and they're new and they're fresh and they'll be probably up there for two

[3:18:24] years. Yeah. >> Uh with the downtown partnership, they

[3:18:28] did the planters. Uh I think they did something like 90 planters uh and double

[3:18:32] the amount of trash cans in the area. So you're starting to see small elements.

[3:18:36] Um we say there's a phrase 99% invisible. Uh the 99% of effort that

[3:18:41] goes into a space you'll never see. Um it's just how you feel about it.

[3:18:46] » And so there are small nuance things that have been done.

[3:18:48] » Uh there's probably >> Well, I think Ryan, our horiculturist at

[3:18:51] the city was involved in these planters um and grew a lot of flowers for the Is

[3:18:56] that right, Rachel? Is that >> Oh, maybe Ashley knows.

[3:19:01] » Yep. Ashley Turns the city manager for the record. Um the planters were managed

[3:19:06] by DRP, but to your point, our city horiculturalist, uh he grows the flowers

[3:19:10] that go in the hanging pots along the riverwalk and then on the south side of

[3:19:15] the river where we converted the fountains that had been damaged into

[3:19:18] planter boxes, they planted and grew all of those. So yes, so the city's involved

[3:19:22] on that side. >> It's relatively flowers plants are

[3:19:25] relatively inexpensive as compared to hard structural elements that are made

[3:19:29] of concrete or whatever. And so I just I hope I hope to see more of it. I really

[3:19:34] think it makes the city look like people are living here. It's kind of like

[3:19:38] driving by a house and seeing nothing very colorful, just sort of nice house,

[3:19:42] but and then driving by another one and they've put some effort into it with

[3:19:46] the, you know, the irrigation and the flowers, let's say, and it looks like a

[3:19:50] completely different thing. So I hope to see more of it this year. It's It's one

[3:19:54] of those like I think you called it anyway a quiet thing, but it's not very

[3:19:59] expensive, but it goes a long way. So, until we can afford all the bigger

[3:20:03] things. And then we may also want to consider when you and the mayor are

[3:20:07] doing your project, which I didn't totally follow. Um, but I'm sure it'll

[3:20:11] be cool. That's what I'm saying. I'm sure it'll be cool, but maybe we can

[3:20:15] start re replacing block byb block some of the sidewalks. you know, do the

[3:20:20] remake that you've proposed, but not for 20 million, for a lot less than that.

[3:20:25] So, thank you. >> Okay. Any um further comments? I see

[3:20:30] green light over here. >> Yeah.

[3:20:32] » Thank you for the presentation. There's a lot of information in it. We've made

[3:20:36] some progress. I really want to talk about the marketing campaign for

[3:20:39] downtown in the metrics. we say we've achieved or ongoing and I think I'm

[3:20:44] going to push back a little bit on that because um as the mayor was saying

[3:20:48] there's there is a perception that downtown is not safe whether um you know

[3:20:52] the data supports that or not. Obviously I I live downtown and I brought my

[3:20:56] children downtown and I would not be living in a place with them if I thought

[3:21:01] it was unsafe. It gets uncomfortable but um which is different than unsafe. My

[3:21:08] question is, how are we going to use this rebranding effort to put that

[3:21:12] marketing campaign to the next level and really target the local community?

[3:21:17] Because I hear people who live here who say, "I'm not going downtown. It's not

[3:21:21] safe. I'm not going to ride my bike downtown or bring my family downtown.

[3:21:24] It's not safe." So, I think um there's things that we can do on on the other on

[3:21:29] other fronts of that, but I think a marketing campaign using the rebrand

[3:21:33] effort is really an opportunity. and I want to understand how that works. And

[3:21:38] then um a while back we had talked about some of that using the alleyways and I

[3:21:43] didn't see that anywhere in the plan. And I think our alleyways are are really

[3:21:47] unique and we have so many of them that that it could be fun to um look at

[3:21:52] those. I'm not trying to put any more on your plate, but I'm just wondering where

[3:21:55] where that might have gone. >> Uh thank you for the question. So let

[3:21:59] let me uh address the first one. Um the marketing campaign. We we do have a

[3:22:05] downtown partnership who is the the district of our broader area and part of

[3:22:09] their um effort is to do the more tactical beautifification and tell the

[3:22:15] story from a district of small businesses of events and activities and

[3:22:19] so they are the ones who will tell we are who we are as downtown. Um the

[3:22:23] redevelopment agency is a bit broader than that because we have brewery

[3:22:26] district, we have Riverwalk district, downtown Midtown, we have a much broader

[3:22:29] area. What the rebrand will help us do is um tell the story of how the city's

[3:22:34] changing, improving, h uh the investments being made, the

[3:22:38] opportunities for investment, for growth. Uh it'll be a bit more bigger

[3:22:43] picture. Um >> so Brian, are we relying on the downtown

[3:22:45] Reno partnership to do all of the marketing for downtown?

[3:22:49] » If you are talking about uh downtown who downtown is is sort of a district, then

[3:22:53] yes, that would be that would be under the downtown Rena Partnership.

[3:22:56] » Okay. I think I might want to understand a little bit more offline how we can

[3:23:01] improve that effort. >> I can also add to that. Um, council

[3:23:05] member, we will be bringing forward the budget to you next week for the

[3:23:09] redevelopment agency. There is a line item in there for a PR campaign to help

[3:23:14] to advertise the redevelopment agency in a broader sense. And I assume that that

[3:23:18] will be part of the conversation. that is a line item for the budget this next

[3:23:22] year >> cuz I sort of envision the rebrand tools

[3:23:25] in all of the storefronts that we don't have stuff there now to help with a

[3:23:31] little bit until we can get the retail until we can get to the other things. It

[3:23:34] looks like it's more welcoming welcoming and things are happening at least. We

[3:23:37] also have a line item proposed in the budget for a retail attraction campaign

[3:23:42] for this next year. And so that will be something that this body will consider

[3:23:45] of what your different options are. But that would be one of the available

[3:23:48] options in that line item that we're bringing you next week.

[3:23:51] » Thank you.

[3:23:58] Um,

[3:24:10] » just a motion. Okay. Uh, make a motion, >> please. I'll make a motion to receive

[3:24:14] and accept the downtown action plan implementation progress update.

[3:24:19] » Second. >> Okay. Have a motion and a second. All

[3:24:21] those in favor say I. All those opposed. >> Uh motion carries.

[3:24:26] » Thank you. >> All right. Good job.

[3:24:28] » Good job. I see. Yeah. One more right here.

[3:24:30] » Perfect. [snorts] >> All right. Uh thank you again. So Brian

[3:24:34] McCall, rev revitalization manager. Uh so we're a little bit late on giving

[3:24:39] this report, but we wanted to summarize the activities of the redevelopment

[3:24:42] agency uh October through December of 2025. So we're a couple months late. A

[3:24:47] lot has happened since then. So, some of this might um might seem dated uh but we

[3:24:53] want to just memorialize what we what we achieved in that quarter. And so, just

[3:24:58] summarize what our initiatives were for the past quarter. Uh we're in the

[3:25:02] process of the redevelopment agency rebrand. Uh we had brought uh the logo

[3:25:06] in front of this body in October. Had some conversations around that and

[3:25:10] residents went back and started working on that color palette. Uh we announced

[3:25:14] the restore facade and tendon improvement program awardees uh at the

[3:25:18] neon museum and so we have awarded all the um we have announced all the

[3:25:22] awardies for that program. I think it was 28 new storefronts, 11 new

[3:25:26] businesses uh that received that. We've done a few tax increment financing

[3:25:31] projects in that time. Uh there have been a lot of events in activation. I

[3:25:35] think we ended our summer series and then rolled into some wintertime events

[3:25:39] and then uh you all have been involved in in the capital improvement planning

[3:25:44] process. So we'll summarize that. And so where we are at the agency rebrand is a

[3:25:49] bit uh summarizing the the previous item. Um but with the uh adoption of the

[3:25:55] color palette, we will have a formal launch of this new uh brand and then the

[3:25:59] website will likely come in April or May of this year. And so we'll start

[3:26:03] planning announcement activities and outlining how we truly engage with

[3:26:07] people with this new rebrand. We announced the restore awards. Uh so

[3:26:12] 34 applications we awarded 23 projects. Um when you look at it building by

[3:26:18] building uh that is 13 buildings that will see some sort of improvements. As I

[3:26:25] mentioned this will be 28 storefronts that are currently blighted or currently

[3:26:28] empty or currently uh you know in need of serious improvements. 28 new

[3:26:33] storefronts and 11 new businesses. Uh this is a new business that hasn't been

[3:26:38] in the area before. Um most of these businesses are moving into the former

[3:26:42] Junkie building in Midtown called the Midtown Junction now I think is the the

[3:26:47] short form of that project. Uh but we also have a new bakery moving in to the

[3:26:52] Morris as well as a new music venue. >> Did they all get restore money at um and

[3:26:57] that's Batwan's place, right? >> They they didn't all get it. the

[3:27:00] building. We could say the building received the funds. Uh but the Seldon

[3:27:05] » business Seldon, >> the Seldon is opening. The two that were

[3:27:09] most immediately opening that were sort of the anchors is the Seldon which is an

[3:27:13] expansion of Tyler's uh Emerson business and then drink coffee do stuff on the

[3:27:18] corner uh looking out towards the round. >> So they both got Restore.

[3:27:21] » No, Batawan is the building owner got the Restore funds

[3:27:24] » to help the businesses. >> Correct.

[3:27:27] » Do the businesses know that? >> They should. Yeah.

[3:27:30] » Okay. >> Yeah, they should. Um, you know, we we

[3:27:34] saw their building plans and their plans for the building, but as he as the owner

[3:27:38] developer is doing a lot of the improvements, he's the one who's

[3:27:41] receiving the funds to do the electrical and the windows and the signage.

[3:27:44] » Yeah, I get it. But I've also seen where we've seen a a similar situation where

[3:27:49] the retailer has an idea and then you guys know the retailer has an idea and

[3:27:54] then the owner has a different idea and one of them says no I really need this

[3:28:00] and the other says no I really need this and so it I just always want to make

[3:28:06] sure that like that is cohesive because the goal is not for the landlord the

[3:28:12] goal is for the small business right to get them open, get their doors open

[3:28:16] because the landlords often times, not all of them, I'm just saying some have

[3:28:19] intent to sit on it or improve the building and that actually helps them,

[3:28:24] you know, the the uh property value, those kinds of things, and it doesn't

[3:28:29] help the small business. So, just keep that in mind that there's ways that I

[3:28:33] think you have to just pay attention to the landlord and retail retailer

[3:28:38] relationship. >> Yep. Both small business owners and the

[3:28:41] building owner themselves both have the opportunity to be the applicant and

[3:28:44] sometimes it does take some negotiation. We do require them to sign an

[3:28:48] acknowledgement letter stating that they both know what each side is planning to

[3:28:52] do. So in your >> Well, they do, but then they don't.

[3:28:55] Well, they know, but maybe they >> Yeah. Um but the big success here is uh

[3:29:00] with the $1 million in restore, we are able to uh to incentivize $20 million in

[3:29:06] private improvements. So for every dollar of ours that goes in, we see $20

[3:29:10] come out of the private market. So this is one of the most impactful programs we

[3:29:14] can do uh on a return on investment as well as all the new business activity.

[3:29:19] So highly impactful program uh and we hope to expand it um in the new year.

[3:29:25] Just highlighting a couple projects. So, the Trucker Lane building, uh, as you

[3:29:28] see the rendering on the the right hand side, uh, they're going to redo the

[3:29:32] storefronts, um, open up potential for three new tenants to go in, as well as

[3:29:37] redoing the entire building. So, that is a a project that we've been hoping in in

[3:29:42] a building we've been watching for for quite a while.

[3:29:44] » I if I don't if I don't ask you this, then I'll forget. This is really

[3:29:48] important. You're giving money to these landlords. And what I want to say is

[3:29:52] you're improving them, but the problem is and and I just think about this

[3:29:56] because maybe maybe you already have it as a qualifier. Um gosh, I've got a

[3:30:02] really bad allergy and my eye just keeps watering so I apologize. Um so I'm

[3:30:06] curious because think about this. Part of that should also be that those

[3:30:14] rents or like market, whatever that is, so that you don't go in there and

[3:30:18] approve them and then all of a sudden they jack up the rents, right? Because

[3:30:22] you have approved them, they're in a better area, those kinds of things. So,

[3:30:25] what I really think is um I think they're eating snacks over here. I'm

[3:30:30] jealous. [laughter] No,

[3:30:32] » they're rolling right through lunch. >> Yeah. Right. Right. I know. And I'm I

[3:30:35] kind of got in trouble for it and I feel bad, but I hope everyone got up. Oh,

[3:30:39] see, she's got red hots. They're my favorite. I love it. Brandy, you just

[3:30:43] got caught passing sweets in class. And um unless you give me some. Unless I

[3:30:50] know. Unless someone gives you some. Here you go, Brandy. I love you.

[3:30:54] [laughter] Um that's my only thing is that

[3:30:58] » here you go and you and you invest in them and they don't invest in a small

[3:31:02] business, but it has to be an even playing field, I guess, is what I'm

[3:31:05] saying. Does that make sense? >> Yeah. I mean, we want to remove blight

[3:31:09] first and foremost. And then we want to make these spaces available for tenants

[3:31:12] to move in. >> Exactly.

[3:31:14] » We did ask, >> but too hard when they jack up the rent.

[3:31:16] » And I bet this is one of them that has look at the rent before you give them

[3:31:20] money. >> Yep.

[3:31:21] » If they're not playing with what the um rental rates are going for right now,

[3:31:26] the standard rental rate, and everyone knows what that is. You can look on up

[3:31:30] on LoopNet. I wouldn't give them a dime. Forget it. If they want to honestly if

[3:31:36] they want to hoard their properties, sit on them, meanwhile have blight and have

[3:31:41] the city pay for them on the backs of the taxpayers, then that's a different

[3:31:45] story. So all I'm saying is come in with major criteria. If they've already shown

[3:31:50] that they've got these spaces for lease and they want $3 a square foot when in

[3:31:55] that area they're going for $2 usually and $3 wouldn't be as bad, but

[3:32:00] sometimes they're even way more than that. And that's why people get

[3:32:04] frustrated with downtown. Why are they vacant? Quite honestly, you have

[3:32:09] property hoarders. You have people that don't want to invest in their own

[3:32:12] property, but they want you as a city to do it.

[3:32:15] » And that's wrong. Anyway, Brian, sorry. I'll get off my high horse

[3:32:18] » with them. We offer them an opportunity to meet us halfway. Uh that if it if

[3:32:23] these buildings continue to sit blighted and empty, uh it does no one any good.

[3:32:28] And so if we offer them an incentive or an opportunity, uh, the lease it could

[3:32:32] do is is remove the blight and create some opportunity for

[3:32:35] » to move in. >> Something about a sitting fee, vacancy

[3:32:39] fee, registry. >> Um,

[3:32:43] » yeah, >> we were told we don't have we're too we

[3:32:46] don't have enough staff for that. So I think I don't buy it. That's just me.

[3:32:51] » All right. >> Okay.

[3:32:53] » Moving on to the next one. Uh, >> poor Brian. Like Hillary, I'm just

[3:32:56] delivering the message. >> A lot of people say, you know, dealing

[3:32:58] with downtowns, they call it civic therapy. Every downtown has these

[3:33:02] issues. And so you're you're really true.

[3:33:04] » You're really a civic therapist. So I I take that.

[3:33:07] » It's so true. But you're doing great, right?

[3:33:10] » Uh so the next one, so this is one uh it's been empty for a while, is the old

[3:33:13] Reno Brewing Building, uh Chronicle Capital. They've done a lot of restore

[3:33:17] projects. They are transforming Four Street. Uh they have more renderings of

[3:33:21] this, but they plan on um making the old brewery building a multi-tenant space uh

[3:33:26] and redoing it, adding lighting, redoing the sidewalks, everything. So, we're

[3:33:29] happy to support that project. Next one, uh Paying Horn Accounting

[3:33:34] Building. This is one where it's it's always been sort of an an odd building.

[3:33:38] It's actually a building shell built around an old house. Very interesting. U

[3:33:42] but Michael's Jewelry is is expanding. uh they purchased the site and they're

[3:33:46] going to redo an entire refresh of the exterior of the building and then

[3:33:49] remodel the inside for a brand new Michael's Jewelry. Um the next one is I

[3:33:55] don't know if it's official, but Midtown Junction, the former Junkie building, uh

[3:33:58] it was a Coca-Cola bottling plant at one point is getting seven new tenants. Uh

[3:34:03] but the the building the building's been redone, all new electrical, HVAC, uh

[3:34:08] framing, signage, windows, and and an exterior patio. So that should be ones,

[3:34:13] right? Yep. That should be open in the next two, three months.

[3:34:16] » I can't wait. Is everything going okay? >> I believe so.

[3:34:20] » Okay. Because I hear he complains a lot about how bad the city is. So, I want to

[3:34:24] make sure >> you call him and find out.

[3:34:27] » He's doing a lot as well. So, >> and also he got restore money. So,

[3:34:31] that's awesome. So, it shows that we are partnering. That's great.

[3:34:35] » Next one. Next one I like to highlight is the Nevada right across the street

[3:34:38] here. Um, so if you notice the Virginia, uh, the Virginia has se seen a lot of

[3:34:42] improvements. They redid the signage, they redid the awning, and they did that

[3:34:46] big mural from from Florida ceiling. Uh they plan on doing the same thing on the

[3:34:51] Nevada side. So, recreating the same sort of signage that the Virginia has

[3:34:55] and then doing a wraparound mural. Um not just on the Nevada, but on both

[3:35:00] buildings. Uh and with that, the bottom left, they do plan to remove that that

[3:35:04] big brown awning that I've had on my list for a long time.

[3:35:10] » Um >> which one? Wait, wait, hold on.

[3:35:16] » The old Burger The old Burger King awning that you can still see the Burger

[3:35:19] King name even though they painted over.

[3:35:27] » Um, with ARPA funding, we did receive a round uh we did uh restore round one.

[3:35:32] There are three projects left that are yet to uh finish their improvements. I

[3:35:36] want to highlight the Bington building, which is the Bodega Reno site down

[3:35:40] there. Um they do plan on renovating that entire building. Uh they want

[3:35:44] » We give them >> We haven't given them any money yet. Um

[3:35:47] they plan on bringing the building back to the 1926 original building. Um

[3:35:52] they've done all the demolition. Uh they are coming in for their permits to redo

[3:35:56] it's going to get all new glass windows, all new awnings, and then after that

[3:36:00] they do plan to move on to uh improving the rest of the building.

[3:36:04] » So wait, the chalkboard outside is going to go away.

[3:36:06] » That is temporary. Yes. >> And when is it going to go away? I ask

[3:36:10] that question all the time. They do have a timeline. They do they do have a

[3:36:13] timeline with the grant to get their permits in and to uh complete the

[3:36:17] improvements. So, >> I mean, that is really an embarrassment.

[3:36:19] It It really is a joke. >> And I we've seen this for I'm going to

[3:36:24] take tell you is it been a year and a year and a half now, Brian? Like you

[3:36:28] guys, I got to tell you, poor Ashley's sitting there and she doesn't want to

[3:36:31] hear it and she follows the code and and all of that, but I have to tell you,

[3:36:36] it's so embarrassing. And you guys know I called the Bingtons myself. Um, and I

[3:36:42] was just I've just been beside myself and now here we are because if you

[3:36:47] really go back to the history and I wish I could pull up the council meeting,

[3:36:50] maybe I can find it. They came before us and told us, "Oh, it's going to be a

[3:36:53] mini Whole Foods." And it's just been so painful and on a very visible corner in

[3:37:02] right in downtown Reno. And I think we've given them plenty of time. Plenty

[3:37:06] of time. I didn't call him back. I let you guys go and do the work um to, you

[3:37:11] know, to follow up. And I've just been hearing honestly excuse after excuse

[3:37:16] after excuse. I I think it's been way too long. And if we're really really

[3:37:20] caring about the perception of downtown and how we change it, you can't have

[3:37:24] chalkboard signage um or, you know, painted hand painted signage. And you

[3:37:31] know, then I see the other code violations we give to people that are so

[3:37:34] minor, but yet we have someone right in our face just saying it doesn't matter

[3:37:38] downtown. And but this has been I'd say one thing if this was like and you're

[3:37:42] hearing my frustration. If this was like I I could live with it for three months,

[3:37:47] not a year, two years. I think it's almost two years. I think it could be

[3:37:52] two years, Brian, since I called them and and we were sitting in that office,

[3:37:56] all of us together, and it's just gone on. So, what can we do to change that?

[3:38:00] Ashley, is there some way? >> Ashley, Attorney, assistant city manager

[3:38:05] for the record. So, I think we have a couple of markers and milestones that

[3:38:09] are very important. So, the first one is they have been given notice that they've

[3:38:14] only got a handful of months left before the restore money will expire. Okay.

[3:38:19] » Uh that's one of the benefits. So, they know that they are up.

[3:38:21] » So, you have a time frame. >> We have a time frame that we've given.

[3:38:24] That's good. Um, and as a reminder, we don't issue any money until the project

[3:38:28] is complete. So, they've not received a penny of that money from us at this

[3:38:32] time. So, that's an important distinction.

[3:38:34] » And they shouldn't. >> Correct. And if they don't complete it,

[3:38:36] they won't. Uh, generally, our practice has been when you have an open building

[3:38:39] permit, it shows an attempt at compliance. And so, we don't continue to

[3:38:44] push forward with code enforcement because it shows that you're doing

[3:38:46] something. >> Yeah. when their current building

[3:38:48] permits expire, that's a different story because that shows that the building is

[3:38:53] no longer attempting compliance and then the city takes on a different posture.

[3:38:57] So, the last communication I believe that Brian had with them is they're

[3:39:01] awaiting some final information from the trustee. Um, this building in particular

[3:39:06] is held in trust and so you have to get a meeting of the minds before they can

[3:39:09] move forward. Uh so we let them know that if you do not get the meeting of

[3:39:13] the minds then you are at risk of losing your funds and then we will proceed with

[3:39:16] code enforcement as is our normal practice.

[3:39:19] » So have they had any code violations? They should

[3:39:22] » with some of their open So they had open permits for demolition. So when they

[3:39:25] have an open permit we don't enforce and find it.

[3:39:28] » Okay. Can we change that? I would love to see that changed in the code because

[3:39:32] they're not taking it seriously because anyone can sit on that and wait and

[3:39:35] wait. How many times do we see people hey have an intent and they come in for

[3:39:40] these things and they sit there and they sit there and they sit there and then it

[3:39:43] never happens. How many times do we see projects that never happen and so they

[3:39:47] come in and they can start the ball but that means it stops the the code

[3:39:52] process. I think you know that is incredibly broken.

[3:39:56] » We're happy to look at that. It's we try to give the benefit of the doubt because

[3:40:00] we >> I know but we've been doing that. That's

[3:40:02] the problem. when we were giving everyone the benefit of the doubt over

[3:40:05] and over and over again. And that's whenever I say if if this if we're

[3:40:09] frustrated about downtown, it's because we played a big part in in dragging our

[3:40:14] feet and allowing people um to continue on with these lax policies. Go look at

[3:40:20] the policies out of Las Vegas. It's very different. We need to mirror ours

[3:40:24] similar to them if we want action. This has been honestly I just I get so worked

[3:40:30] up over it because you know you guys know I make calls to these property

[3:40:34] owners nothing happens and then that means on the city side we got to do

[3:40:38] something. I mean the sound sundowner that place I I want to see the code

[3:40:42] violations there. That place is so dangerous it's a tear down and what I

[3:40:46] would say is you know what I want to do you guys? I want to invite these

[3:40:49] property owners to the city council right here in front of us so we can ask

[3:40:54] them what their intent is. otherwise they skirt, you know, go round and round

[3:40:58] and round and um that, you know, then they avoid my phone calls and I'm just

[3:41:03] I'm so tired of it. So, let's really see. I'd love to invite them to a

[3:41:07] council meeting so we can all ask them questions. What's their intent? Um

[3:41:10] because they're certainly making our our city very problematic. Um bad perception

[3:41:17] and you have to be part of the solution. I'm I'm so over it. I can't I can't see

[3:41:21] straight. As you guys know, you can hear my frustration, but this is So now we if

[3:41:27] they're not going to act, we as a city need to be proactive and stop stop

[3:41:32] allowing these passes because they've had they've had so many.

[3:41:36] » Yes, we hear you loud and clear. >> You've been way too kind. I'll tell you

[3:41:39] that. You've been way too kind. But that I think this council should say that

[3:41:44] stops now. And I think we've been having that message. I know Councilwoman Taylor

[3:41:48] has been saying it and saying it because she lives downtown and she sees it every

[3:41:51] single day, day in and day out. So, I'm sure it it's even that much more

[3:41:55] frustrating for her, but we've been nice. We've been saying it, but I think

[3:41:58] today is where everyone should understand. Whether it's um our city

[3:42:03] manager, Jackie Bryant, um our to the right of me, um JW Hajj, Ashley, Turney,

[3:42:11] Norma Santoo, all of you need to understand this is

[3:42:15] our our biggest priority right now is to change that. And we keep hearing, oh,

[3:42:21] you can find, you know, this or that. And then we get these interpretations

[3:42:24] from different attorneys, outside attorneys. I don't buy that either. I

[3:42:27] think it's all actually And so I don't know how much more I feel like

[3:42:32] we sit here and we sit here and we say it over and over again, but nothing

[3:42:36] changes. And so this is where I'm at now is that I can't keep having

[3:42:41] presentations that are really um just sort of, you know, talking. It's not

[3:42:49] action. >> Okay,

[3:42:52] » understood. Madame Mayor, we will work to bring something back for you.

[3:42:55] » Thank you. I guess like I said, I feel like the council keeps putting in

[3:42:58] policies and we haven't we're not do we're not getting there. I think there's

[3:43:03] a lot of amazing work but when it comes to the code side and I and I want to

[3:43:06] give you guys A+ on all that work, but when it comes to the code side, we've

[3:43:10] let people just take advantage of us and it's painful, you know, and so I just

[3:43:15] got to tell you that I just it's I just I say this over and over again with

[3:43:21] code. >> Yep. We're working on some changes and

[3:43:23] so those will come before the body shortly. Yeah. And Ashley, I I

[3:43:26] apologize, but I feel like I've I'm just spinning my wheels and I don't know what

[3:43:31] to do anymore out of frustration. >> We hear and share your frustrations. So,

[3:43:36] that is something that we are working and looking at some potential changes

[3:43:40] that have to happen at the state level, looking at what we can do locally. So,

[3:43:44] » you should see some change. We've been working closely with the city attorney.

[3:43:48] They're trying to >> I know you've pushed and pushed and

[3:43:51] pushed, but I don't understand why we can't get there on that side of

[3:43:57] » changing. We could take a vote and change the policy

[3:44:02] » on some of them. Yes. So, that's what we're going to bring forward.

[3:44:04] » Thank you so much. That's >> all right. With that, I will turn it

[3:44:07] back over to Brian Mardell so finish out his presentation.

[3:44:11] » Okay. Thank you. Thanks, Brian. >> I just want to mention the other two.

[3:44:15] So, Yuzu Sushi, [laughter] >> this is why Brian Brian's been there

[3:44:18] with me. I'm like, Brian, help me. I love you, Brian. You're amazing. And you

[3:44:22] guys are doing an incredible job. Thank you.

[3:44:24] » Yep. Yuzu Sushi is opening across from the Silver Legacy. Their sign is up.

[3:44:28] They got their certificate of occupancy. You will be very impressed with the

[3:44:31] space. >> Did you make that happen, Ashley? Thank

[3:44:33] you so much. How long has that been? I love it. Finally.

[3:44:39] » Yeah, she did it. She did it. small business from from round one to to get

[3:44:43] their certificate occupancy. So, they should be open

[3:44:46] » in the near future. Last one is Elcortez. It's not actually Elcortez

[3:44:50] building. It's the uh smaller building next to it where Tonic and the and the

[3:44:54] Mart is. They're going to do a reskin of the property, add more lighting to the

[3:44:58] building, uh add more lighting to the alleyway next door. Uh so, those are the

[3:45:02] last three projects that we're expecting to wrap up in the next few months that

[3:45:05] were part of the ARPA funding related to Restore TIFF projects. um you were all

[3:45:11] at the uh groundbreaking of groundbreings at the Grand Sier Resort.

[3:45:15] I believe that was October 1st or 2nd. Um I don't know if we'll ever get a

[3:45:18] groundbreaking like that again. Uh so that project is proceeding. Uh we did

[3:45:23] have zero commercial row rows tiff application be approved by this body for

[3:45:27] 205 town homes along the river. Uh that is moving forward. And then we did

[3:45:32] receive a new tiff application for a project on Lake Street uh just north of

[3:45:37] the Reno Event Center for 7 micro units of um mixed income housing. So that one

[3:45:43] is in due diligence right now. So we expect to bring that one back uh in the

[3:45:47] next month or two. Projects that have already uh gone through the process. Uh

[3:45:52] a project on fifth in Keystone, that one is on hold at the request of the

[3:45:56] developer. Uh Red Retail is proceeding. Um they want to do that electric pickle

[3:46:01] and some retail expansion over at the Reno Experience District. Uh we're in

[3:46:05] due diligence on that one. The last two are uh being held at the request of the

[3:46:10] developer. One is the expansion of RED to do more multif family on the project

[3:46:15] they asked us to hold. And then as you have probably read uh Jacobs

[3:46:19] Entertainment did have a TIFF project for the Bonanza and for a new project

[3:46:24] next to Sazzarin Arms. Uh they're now demolishing the Bonanza Inn. So that

[3:46:28] project is now on hold. if they do demolish that project, uh essentially

[3:46:33] makes their TIFF application uh void and they'll they'll have to reapply in the

[3:46:36] future if they would like to do uh future development

[3:46:42] events and activation. As I mentioned, um Rachel's done a fantastic job

[3:46:46] bringing more events and activities. A lot of these were funded through ARPA.

[3:46:50] uh closing out the season uh in October. Uh we wrapped up the summer event series

[3:46:55] which included Off the Rails concert series, the Flicks on the Bricks, which

[3:46:58] is sort of a movie night. Uh Golden Hour on the Plaza, which is uh West Street

[3:47:03] Plaza. And then the new one the mayor mentioned is the Reno Antique Fair was a

[3:47:07] huge success as it kept going. It kept expanding and growing more participants.

[3:47:11] And so that one was was unexpected in a in a great success and will continue on

[3:47:15] in future years. Um what was unexpected was some wintertime activations. Uh we

[3:47:21] saw the white tent go up on Locomotion Plaza. They held um a honky tonk there

[3:47:26] with dancing lessons throughout the winter season. Uh we did have a film

[3:47:30] premiere at the site and there was a planned New Year's Eve celebration on

[3:47:33] Locomotion Plaza. Um the city hosted a lot of uh regular events that we've seen

[3:47:40] in the past. There was a de los Muertos celebration on Locomotion. We did do the

[3:47:45] Veterans Day parade downtown. The Western or not Western Lights, Holiday

[3:47:49] Lights Festival was expanded to two weeks over a week and there was a lot of

[3:47:53] participation from um other organizations and then the Monura

[3:47:56] lighting was held. So, a lot of events took place uh in the fall. Capital

[3:48:01] improvement projects uh of note um this body allowed us to demolish the uh

[3:48:06] community assistance center proactively. I will say this project went smoothly.

[3:48:10] uh we demolished the property uh they got their building permits and then we

[3:48:14] closed on the property and transacted the sale within three weeks just before

[3:48:17] the end of the year uh and within July January 1 they're already breaking

[3:48:22] ground and planning to build so we had a groundbreaking on that uh site last

[3:48:26] month uh you'll see a the riverwalk trail behind auto museum is in phase one

[3:48:32] we're going through design now with our capital improvement plan under RDA uh we

[3:48:36] would hope to fund that project to be started in the hall. And then we're

[3:48:41] continuing with uh new bathrooms at the historic rail depot on the Amtrak side.

[3:48:45] Uh but we could with that improvement, we could further expand and create

[3:48:49] opportunities at the at the rail depot. Um rents downtown on office, multif

[3:48:54] family, and and retail. Uh office, you know, we haven't built a new

[3:49:00] office space in downtown in probably a decade. Um so we have no new square

[3:49:04] footage under construction. Um, I'll notice retail. Uh, our average rents for

[3:49:09] downtown are about $210. This does incorporate the new developments over by

[3:49:14] the new In-N-Out on Keystone as well as the downtown crossing project on

[3:49:18] Virginia Street where Teryaki Madness. So, those are all $4 a square foot. But

[3:49:23] if you look at retail rents in downtown, it averages about $210. Uh, and we are

[3:49:28] seeing absorption. So, uh, our vacancy is declining. So, that means businesses

[3:49:32] are moving into downtown. uh and we are seeing people uh scoop up some some

[3:49:36] spots. So that's that's a good sign. And then multif family, our rents downtown

[3:49:40] are less than the market average throughout the Reno Sparks region. Our

[3:49:44] average rent in downtown uh is $1,710 which is less than the the region at

[3:49:50] 1753. Uh we have low vacancy in downtown even though we've added a lot of

[3:49:55] projects. Vacancy is really healthy and we do have more units under construction

[3:49:59] at the moment. So that Oh, other updates. We're I I mentioned we're doing

[3:50:04] the parking gallery assessment now. Uh so we do plan to make some improvements

[3:50:08] uh at the parking gallery on First and Sierra. Uh new Riverwalk banners were

[3:50:12] installed. The new Reno flag banners went up on Long Virginia Street. Uh

[3:50:16] Riverwalk is going to see some new banners as well. So those should be

[3:50:19] installed fairly soon. We continue to work with uh the Hara's revival project.

[3:50:24] Uh they have some permits. They're they're lining up their financing. That

[3:50:28] project continues to move on. And then as the mayor mentioned, the reformer

[3:50:31] project uh on at the former Riverside Theater is very exciting. It'll be nine

[3:50:36] uh additional uses. They're already under demolition and they're they're

[3:50:39] they're going to um do a great project over there

[3:50:43] coming in 2026. Some of these have already occurred. Uh but Western Lights

[3:50:48] Festival uh was a huge success. We do plan on bringing proposals for a small

[3:50:52] walls mural program as well as some additional retail retail attraction

[3:50:56] initiatives that we'll bring to the RAB in the next uh month or two. Uh we're in

[3:51:00] the middle of the CIP planning process. You will see that as part of the budget

[3:51:04] and then we do plan to continue and and start the process of uh doing a forest

[3:51:08] street area plan leaving off where the retract plan back in two 2007 ended.

[3:51:14] So sorry that took a while. >> Okay. I think you did a great job. No, I

[3:51:18] took up the most time because I was like going crazy, but I I love love love

[3:51:23] this. Um, tell me just a little bit about small walls because Ashley knows

[3:51:27] we've been to Windwood Walls um a few times and it's such an impressive

[3:51:32] project. We wanted to integrate that. Do you want to tell me because I have a

[3:51:36] feeling that Ashley had a lot to to do with putting that in place.

[3:51:41] » So, we are Ashley Turney, assistant city manager. For the record, we're very

[3:51:44] excited. We're actually going to be debuting the framework of small walls at

[3:51:48] the RAB on Monday and then hope with their approval to move out for

[3:51:52] application. Uh this actually came from this body wearing your other hat as

[3:51:57] council approving the public art master plan for the arts and culture group. Uh

[3:52:02] they recommended something called small walls and it's an opportunity for local

[3:52:05] artists to be able to scale up. What we find is we have some incredible

[3:52:08] muralists in our community and we have programs for them to be able to do the

[3:52:13] utility boxes and there's not really anything that's in between a utility box

[3:52:17] and a very large scale mural project. So this is something that is created in

[3:52:22] order to help those artists scale their abilities and to get more art in more

[3:52:27] places. So the idea behind this is that this will be a grant match program again

[3:52:31] which is something that's been important to this body that you've recommended

[3:52:34] that we put ourselves in a grant matching posture whenever we can for

[3:52:38] businesses to come forward and say we're interested in having murals on our

[3:52:42] building on the outside and then we help match them with local artists to be able

[3:52:46] to put murals in more places. Uh we're looking at matches up to $10,000.

[3:52:50] There's $50,000 available in RDA1 and $50,000 available in RDA2. So, we could

[3:52:57] be looking at multiple art pieces going up in our community and those

[3:53:00] applications with the RABS blessing uh what Rachel and Megan Burner have put

[3:53:06] together that will be out on the street in the next two weeks.

[3:53:09] » That's amazing. >> We're very excited about that.

[3:53:10] » Oh my god, you should be so excited. >> Yeah, we've got some great things coming

[3:53:13] in the RDA space. We're grateful you approved it as part of your budget this

[3:53:17] year. It's taken us a little while to get some things off the ground based off

[3:53:20] of the lean small team that we have, but we are very excited to launch quite a

[3:53:24] few programs here in the next >> Everyone's going to love this.

[3:53:27] » It's going to be great. It's going to make a big difference.

[3:53:30] » All right. Um I don't see any green. No green. No. Okay. No green. All right.

[3:53:38] Anything else, Brian, you want to put on the It's like

[3:53:43] » I say we have a lot going on. So, you do have you have just so you know, I want

[3:53:48] to I want to make it very very clear because I don't want to dismiss the

[3:53:52] massive massive massive wins because they're really happening. It's super

[3:53:56] exciting, >> right? I just think we could I think we

[3:54:00] could help you with some policy up here to get to where you need to be and and

[3:54:05] quicker and faster. So, you just let us know how we can help you.

[3:54:09] » Thank you. >> But I think you guys are doing great.

[3:54:13] » Good job. I'm super excited about the walls. Very good. Rachel, are you

[3:54:18] excited? >> Super excited.

[3:54:20] » Yeah, I know. That's great. Okay, we don't have to I don't think we have to

[3:54:24] take any action. Just that we think it's amazing and uh good job. It's a lot of

[3:54:31] work. He's like, "Yeah." Okay. >> All right, Madam Mayor. Moving on to

[3:54:35] item C1, which is the Reno Redevelopment Agency board update,

[3:54:42] which we had public comment from Mr. Klein.

[3:54:44] » I was going to say Mr. Klein's and I think he just laid it out.

[3:54:49] » He did. He gave during general public comment for the body just to remind you

[3:54:52] of what the rep had been working on. And so I think with that you could move on

[3:54:55] to your next item. >> Yeah. And he um they're going to see the

[3:55:00] CIP and some other things on Monday. >> Correct. So, so they're vetting

[3:55:04] everything before it comes to this body. >> Oh, yeah. Perfect. And you can always

[3:55:07] zoom and jump in you guys if you want to um join those. They're really

[3:55:10] informative and I I think the board asked great questions. They're doing a

[3:55:14] good job. >> Okay, Madam Clerk.

[3:55:16] » All right. Item D1, >> Councilwoman.

[3:55:19] » No, you're good. >> I put my light on for D1.

[3:55:21] » Oh, okay. >> Item D1 is redevelopment agency board

[3:55:24] comments. >> All right. Anything? No, just a little

[3:55:30] blah blah blah. Sorry. No, I wanted I just wanted to um save my praise for

[3:55:35] Western Lights to now and to this part of part of the meeting. Um I won't

[3:55:41] repeat virtuous gratuitously everything that everybody else has complimented you

[3:55:47] on. Um but I will say that um

[3:55:52] having humans in downtown is the most magical part of downtown and then you

[3:55:57] also brought more magic. So, um, anything that we can do to help you

[3:56:02] expand the number number of locals that are downtown next year, I would like you

[3:56:07] to challenge us with some type of award, um, ward by ward engagement where we

[3:56:13] challenge our ward to come downtown, whether it's on one of those days, but

[3:56:17] you're going to need some time for us to plan that and conceptualize that. But

[3:56:21] next year, I would just love it if we could be competing up here with how many

[3:56:24] of our ward members were able to come downtown. So,

[3:56:27] I'm looking forward to inspiration from you on that. So, thank you for your

[3:56:31] work. >> Challenge accepted.

[3:56:33] » That That's a really But you know what? >> She's

[3:56:39] see this is also where I get like really worked up about Wonly voting, right? But

[3:56:45] you know what? You you just brought up something so smart and I love it. You

[3:56:50] know what you can do? Go out there, invite your whole ward and say, "Hey,

[3:56:53] we're going to be in downtown Reno, Ward Six. Come join me and see if you can

[3:56:57] pull I love that idea, Brandy. What? That's so smart. Great job. I love it. I

[3:57:02] love it. Battle of the boards. I love it.

[3:57:06] » Good job. Okay. All right, madame clerk. >> All right. Item E is closing public

[3:57:12] comment for the redevelopment agency board. We have none registered, so I'm

[3:57:15] just looking for a motion to adjurnn the redevelopment agency board.

[3:57:18] » Okay. So moved. >> I have a motion. I have a second. All

[3:57:20] those in favor say I. I. >> All those opposed. Motion carries.

[3:57:25] » Okay. Okay, we're going back to our Reno City Council meeting. We've already

[3:57:30] taken care of item H1, so we're on um closing public comment item J1. I have

[3:57:35] none registered. And for the record, we did receive two comments. They have been

[3:57:41] distributed to the Reno City Council and are part of the permanent record. So, we

[3:57:44] have no additional public comment for item J. So, we're on motion or item K,

[3:57:47] which is a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn.

[3:57:49] » I have a motion. I have a second. All those in favor say I. All those opposed.

[3:57:53] Motion carries unanimously. You guys, it's two o'clock. Congratulations. I

[3:57:57] hope you get to go enjoy your day. Oh, that's right. That's right. What's

[3:58:02] up? >> I love it. Ry's on top of it. But thanks

[3:58:06] everyone. Thank you so much.

Reno City Council & Redevelopment Agency Board | February 25, 2026

Transcript