Public Hearing on Rezoning of 630 6th St.
After nearly 1.5 hours of discussion and over 20 resident presentations of which side of this issue they were on and why, the Council voted 5-1 (Spence against) to pass the first reading for the rezoning of 630 6th Street. Residents who spoke in favor of the rezoning pointed mostly to the need for housing, and the goals for adding units of housing that were noted in Vision 2040. Residents who spoke against the rezoning were largely from the neighborhood affected and stated their concerns about the number of units (60) being proposed and what that will mean for parking and traffic in the area.
Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 25/26 Budget
No comments or discussion – motion passed.
Public Hearing on West Indian Creek Project A
No comments or discussion – motion passed.
Public Hearing on Tributary to Indian Creek Project B
No comments or discussion – motion passed.
Consent Agenda
Approved were the following: Minutes of March 24 meeting; payments and cash disbursements; reschedule of public hearing on Capital Improvements Program & authorizing Publication of Notice; Class C Retail Alcohol License for Farmhouse Catering; Class C Retail Alcohol License for Cubbies on Main; Resolution authorizing Ryan Condon, Mayor, Kerin Wright, City Clerk, and Donna Mosinski, Deputy City Clerk as authorized signatures on all accounts; tax abatement; permit for garage at 403 Maple Ave.
Mayor Appointment
Councilman Jason Sampson appointed as Mayor Pro-Tem
Public Forum
Six residents spoke out during the public forum — four opposed to giving the City Administrator a salary increase as being considered under New Business; one in favor of giving the City Administrator the salary increase; and one who wanted to make a general comment about looking at what other ideas could be considered for the old hospital property.
Old Business
Pay Request 35 for WWTF Improvements to Boomerang Corp. approved
Change Order 3 for WWTP – Phase 4 from OnTrack approved
New Business
Well #6 Rehab for Water Department approved
Approved Resolution #81 to Allow Paid Leave to be converted to Health Insurance Premiums upon Retirement: It was asked why this is being considered at this time, and City Administrator Cook explained that it has been something discussed for awhile. He said it would allow employees to bank some of their paid leave to help with insurance premiums after retirement, rather than the City having to pay out what is owed in one lump sum.
Approved Resolution #82 Providing for Notice of Hearing on Proposed Amendment to Revitalization Plan for Nevada Urban Revitalization Area
Approved 5-day Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Nevada Jaycees for Pizza Pie Looza
Approved 5-day Class C Retail Alcohol License for Mucky Duck Pub to be at Legal Aid Society Event, April 26-30
5-day Special Class C Retail Licenses for Lucky Wife Wine Slushies for downtown Farmers Markets. Council approved the licenses for all four dates with separate votes.
2025 Fireworks Show Discussion: This item, according to City Administrator Cook, was placed on the agenda to get feedback from Council on a matter of concern to the Nevada Fire Department about the hardship of continuing to raise funds to support a fireworks show. According to Fire Chief Ray Reynolds, without at least $10,000, the City cannot purchase enough fireworks to make a show worthwhile. At present, the City has around $5,000 in the Fireworks budget. The City has put funds from the hotel/motel tax into this account, but those have dwindled in recent years. Council members believe it’s important to try to continue the tradition at least this year, and encouraged that the community look for a way to bring in donations for the remaining $5,000 this year.
Resolution 83 amending City Administrator’s employment agreement: This item saw seven residents who spoke out passionately against a salary increase, and two residents who spoke out in support of the adjustment to the City Administrator contract. Councilman Luke Spence provided details of why he was opposed to the increase, based on looking at percentage increase comparisons with other City employees. Councilman Steve Skaggs commented that the City Administrator didn’t hold a gun to the councilmen’s heads, but simply requested more to stay here in a community he loves. Nealson commented that it would cost the City at least $20,000 or more to do a search for a new administrator. Council voted 4-2 (Spence and Henry against) to approve.
