CITY OF RENO NEWS — Today, the Reno City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting. Below are some highlights from the meeting.
•Proclamation Honoring the 125th Anniversary of Powning Park
Mayor Cashell proclaims Thursday, June 6, 2013 as a day to honor the 125th Anniversary of Powning’s Addition. Reno was a growing young railroad town in 1886, when Christopher Columbus Powning purchased 122 acres for $7,500. In 1887, he laid out the Powning’s Addition, and in 1888, he began advertising “250 beautiful lots for sale.” The Powning’s Addition boasted fire safety, sewerage, good soil for home gardens, and a prime location along the beautiful Truckee River. As the lots filled, churches, a school, and commercial buildings were built to serve the populace. Due to its large Italian population, Powning’s Addition was later known as “Little Italy.” Beginning in 2006, the City of Reno started work on establishing the citywide Historic Plan and along with the cooperation of the Historic Resources Commission. The plan was completed in 2008 and included the encouragement of conservation districts. The citywide Historic Plan designated the Powning’s Addition as the first conservation district in the City of Reno and one of the first 30 in the nation.
•Presentation of Chief’s Certificate of Commendation
Reno Police Chief Steve Pitts presented Mr. Durio, a Reno resident, the Chief’s Certificate of Commendation for his assistance in the arrest of a graffiti vandal. On May 5, 2013, Mr. Durio witnessed three men walk out of Idlewild Park, with one of the men vandalizing a street sign. Mr. Durio called the police and gave a complete description of the men. Mr. Durio’s assistance was key to officers being able to make an arrest. Citizens such as Mr. Durio play a vital role in keeping our community safe.
The City of Reno needs the community’s help to crack down on graffiti vandals. Remember, If you See Something, Say Something. If you are able to take a picture or video, it may help build a criminal case. Do not put yourself in danger. If it is an in-progress crime call 9-1-1 immediately. To report graffiti that needs to removed call Reno Direct at 334-INFO (4636). You can also contact Secret Witness if you have a tip and want to remain anonymous. You may be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest and conviction.
•Agenda Item E.5
The City Council approved a Cooperative Agreement between the City of Reno, Washoe County, and the City of Sparks for services related to the operation of the Community Assistance Center (CAC). It is anticipated that the City of Sparks and Washoe County will vote on the Agreement next week.
Approving the Agreement renews the commitment of all three jurisdictions to support the operations of the CAC. The Agreement continues the City of Reno’s role as lead entity in operations and oversight and each jurisdiction’s roles in supporting the CAC operations. The other key component of the Agreement is the commitment of staff and minimum financial resources by each jurisdiction and any restrictions on how identified funds can be utilized. The Agreement identifies $1,757,514 in resources available for CAC operations through the property tax equivalent formula ($.01 from Washoe County, $1,205,537), and $.005 from the City of Reno, $269,870, and the City of Sparks, 100,107) plus the City of Reno’s allowable Emergency Solutions Grant funds. The property tax equivalent figures are based on the Department of Taxation’s Ad Valorem Revenue Projections Report for FY 2013/2014. The formula allocation does not cover the complete cost of operating the CAC. The City of Reno, as proposed lead entity, is currently identifying all additional necessary operating resources.
•Agenda Item E.8
The City Council approved a sponsorship agreement with Here’s the Deal, LLC for in-kind services for the 2013 Biggest Little City Grand Prix in an amount not to exceed $10,000.
After Tour de Nez Outreach contacted the City to withdraw their application to produce the 21st annual Tour de Nez, Here’s the Deal, LLC applied for a special event permit for the July 28, 2013 date to produce a very similar event and requested an in-kind sponsorship. The inaugural Biggest Little City Grand Prix will be a one-day event that celebrates many aspects of the sport of cycling and features events for hand cyclists, amateurs, and children. Admission for event spectators is free.
The City of Reno strives to enhance the quality of life for our community by promoting a sustainable and vibrant economy. Supporting and helping grow special events in the community is just one example.
•Agenda Item H.1
The City Council approved the Reno Arts and Culture Commission’s recommendation allocating $130,000 in project grants to 21 arts and culture organizations for Fiscal Year 2013/2014. Of the 21 grants, seven focus on youth, six focus on seniors and people with disabilities, and one focuses on Veterans. The funding is part of the Reno Arts and Culture Commission’s portion of the Room Tax Fund.
The Reno Arts and Culture Commission recommends grants and sponsorships should go to projects that: support local arts organizations and artists that build the local arts economy; generate taxes; provide infrastructure for the arts in our community; provide year around productions and events; balance disciplines; and are community based programs rather than promoter or presenter organizations. The Grants Panel meets in January each year to allocate next year’s grants so the money will be available in time for summer projects, programs and events.
•Agenda Item H.2
The City Council approved the Reno Arts and Culture Commission recommendation to fund $64,000 in A&C July and 365 Event Grants to 19 arts and culture organizations for Fiscal Year 2013/2014. These Event Grants provide funding for organizations participating in Artown during July in the amount of $41,650 and throughout the rest of the year in the amount of $22,350. Event Grants are required to be free and open to the public so these grants are accessible by all. The Commission revamped the program this year to require that all event grants provide a 10% cash match (there was no match required in past years) and they expanded the area these free events can take place during July from the Truckee River and downtown to anywhere throughout the City. The A&C July and 365 Event Grants funding is included in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Budget.
•Agenda Item H.3
The City Council approved a resolution donating $2,000 in Reno Access Advisory Committee funds to Note-Able Music Therapy to defray expenses associated with their 2013 Artown Event. The mission of Note-Able Music Therapy Services is to raise awareness that creativity knows no bounds by providing inclusive musical experiences to all members of the community, regardless of age or ability.
•Agenda Item J.2
The City Council approved City of Reno staff to work with Nevada Lands, LLC and SK Baseball to present an annual report on the operations of the Aces Baseball Stadium in a public forum during a Council meeting in December of each year. The purpose of the report would be to advise the Council and the public of the activities and impacts of the operations of the baseball stadium for that calendar year.
The Aces Baseball Stadium is a major element of the City’s efforts to revitalize downtown. It provides a significant venue for the entertainment of both tourists and residents of the City and the region. Nevada Lands, LLC, SK Baseball and the City of Reno have made substantial investments in the stadium. Therefore, it is important that the both the City and the operators of the stadium and owners of the team establish a process to formalize a dialogue on the successes, shortcomings and future needs of the stadium on an annual basis.
•Agenda Item K.1
The Reno City Council approved several appointments for Boards and Commissions:
Youth City Council: Heather Tower
Arts and Culture Commission: Willis Allen (reappointment)
Historical Resources Commission: Thomas Lundin (reappointment)
Civil Service Commission: Tray Abney (reappointment)
The City of Reno continues to look for enthusiastic citizens to gain leadership experience and volunteer for Reno by serving on Boards and Commissions. For more information about the latest opportunities to serve or for a complete list of a complete list of all Boards and Commissions and appointments contact the City Clerk’s Office at 334-2030.
•Agenda Item L.4
The City Council approved the donation of $1,000 from Council Member Jenny Brekhus’ Council donation funds for fiscal year 2012-2013 to the Urban Roots. These funds will be used to design programs to increase community-wide awareness and appreciation for gardening, nutrition, and healthy communities through workshops and hands-on education. Youth and adults learn about gardening, growing their own produce, and cooking their harvest at the Urban Roots learning facility. Council donation funds can only be used for nonprofit organizations that provide substantial benefits within our community.
•Agenda Item L.5
The City Council approved the donation of $2,000 from Council Member Jenny Brekhus’ and $500 from Council Member Oscar Delgado’s Council donation funds for fiscal year 2012-2013 to the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. These funds will be used to design programs to increase community-wide awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of Truckee Meadows parks in collaboration with park management, local community groups, and park users. Council donation funds can only be used for nonprofit organizations that provide substantial benefits within our community.
•Agenda Item L.6
The City Council approved the donation of $500 from Council Member Jenny Brekhus’ and $750 from Council Member Oscar Delgado’s Council donation funds for fiscal year 2012-2013 to the Holland Project. These funds will be used to offset costs associated with the production and promotion of live music events, gallery exhibits, workshops, and special events from their location at 140 Vesta Street in the Midtown area. Council donation funds can only be used for nonprofit organizations that provide substantial benefits within our community.
•Agenda Item L.7
The City Council approved the donation of $500 from Council Member Jenny Brekhus’ and $500 from Council Member Oscar Delgado’s Council donation funds for fiscal year 2012-2013 to the Reno Bike Project. These funds will be used to offset costs associated with the operation of the Reno Bike Project’s community bicycle shop which provides bicycle distribution, sales, and repairs to all residents. The Reno Bike Project is located at 541 East Fourth Street. Council donation funds can only be used for nonprofit organizations that provide substantial benefits within our community.
•Agenda Item L.8
The City Council approved the donation of $1,250 from Council Member Oscar Delgado’s Council donation funds for fiscal year 2012-2013 to the West of Wells Neighborhood Group. These funds will be used to continue their proactive graffiti efforts, promotion of special events, neighborhood clean-ups, and promotion of the Conservation District within their community These efforts provide opportunities for businesses and residents to preserve the character of this neighborhood. Council donation funds can only be used for nonprofit organizations that provide substantial benefits within our community.
