UNR Master Plan Approval Delayed
The Reno City Council delayed approval Wednesday of the University of Nevada, Reno’s (UNR) master plan amendments to expand its campus footprint further south.
UNR’s efforts were met with opposition, and critics said that the university has not done enough to communicate with citizens and partners. Read the story here.
Council Misses Deadline for Immigration Brief
The Council was also going to consider a resolution supporting President Obama’s executive action on immigration, but the deadline to do so was last week.
A handful of citizens spoke in favor of the resolution. According to a city document,
“on January 19, 2016, the Supreme Court agreed to review a preliminary injunction blocking the nationwide implementation of the President’s executive action on immigration. The executive action provides important humanitarian relief to an estimated four million undocumented immigrants who have been in the country since January 2010 and who have children who are citizens or permanent residents or who came to the United States as children and meet certain educational requirements.”
City Attorney Carl Hall said, however, that “it’s too late to join the amicus brief.” He said the deadline was March 2, 2016.
When asked by Councilwoman Naomi Duerr if the council could take another action on the agenda item, Hall responded, “The agenda should accurately reflect what action you’re going to take, and this doesn’t do it.”
A staff memorandum indicated the deadline to join the brief had passed “but (the Council) would be shown as supportive in the list of participants.” The council may revisit the item at its next meeting.
State Attorney General Adam Laxalt filed suit against Obama’s action last year.
North Valleys Warehouse Project Criticized for Noise, Traffic
The Reno Planning Commission denied a request by a developer to change its hours of operation and to reduce its required landscaping plans on Dermody Properties’ Logisticenter 395 Project in the North Valleys.
A warehouse on about 131 acres under construction at Military Road and Lemmon Drive was criticized because of noise and traffic issues.
Councilman Paul McKenzie, who lives in that ward, in particular had harsh words about the warehouse project, calling it a nuisance.
Kenneth Krater of KK Consulting, representing the owner, said that the project is following requirements of its special use permit and appealed the planning commission’s decision.
The council voted unanimously to affirm the planning commission’s decision, however. The council also added a condition for staff to revisit the item in six months and to consider potential noise issues.
“Shark Tank” Winner Announced
The council recognized the winning group from a previous meeting’s presentations by fifth-grade students at Mt. Rose Elementary School.
The winning group’s project was, “Saving Lives by Saving Bees,” and the students propose to build rooftop gardens with apiaries on tall buildings.
Teacher Ana Sanchez praised the students and said the assignment was a way for students to be educated by addressing real-world problems.
The following highlights are provided by the City of Reno.
Council approves relocation of Medical Marijuana Cultivation/Production Facility (F.1)
Council unanimously approved a request to relocate a State-approved Medical Marijuana Establishment (MME) for a Cultivation Facility and Production Facility registered and permitted under NRS Chapter 453A. Good Chemistry Nevada, LLC will relocate from 415 Parr Circle to a new location at 491 and 495 Eureka Avenue.
Following the Public Hearing, Council unanimously approved MME Cultivation Facility (E.1.d) and Production Facility (E.1.e) business license applications, respectively, from Good Chemistry Nevada, LLC. To date, six cultivation facilities, four production facilities, and one dispensary are licensed in the City of Reno.
Council approves more than $350,000 in special events in-kind sponsorship allocations (J.4)
Council unanimously approved 65 special events in-kind sponsorship allocations in a total amount not to exceed $358,933 for Fiscal Year (FY) 16/17 based upon recommendations of the Special Events Subcommittee. Council also unanimously approved three special events in-kind sponsorship allocations for FY 15/16 remaining funds in a total amount not to exceed $11,000 based upon recommendations of the Special Events Subcommittee. Visit Reno.gov/News for a complete list of allocations.
E.7 – Earth Hour 2016
Council unanimously approved a request to partner with the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) to participate in Earth Hour 2016 by turning off the lights on the Reno Arch on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
H.2 – Clean Power Plan
Council unanimously approved to adopt a Resolution directing the City Attorney to work with a coalition of local governments to join an amicus curiae brief in support of the United States Environmental Protection Agency in defending the Clean Power Plan.
J.2 – North Valleys Regional Park
Council unanimously approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with Washoe County for Funding of Phase V Construction at North Valleys Regional Park in the amount of $1,000,000 from Residential Construction Tax Funds District 1. Construction will include two baseball fields and one large flat field, plus additional parking, restrooms, and related improvements.
