The downtown train trench covers, home to the Reno Sculpture Fest and numerous special events throughout the years, may get a makeover depending on future funding.
The Reno City Council heard yesterday ideas for how to best use the space. Ideas that were presented as possibilities included a dog park, more arts usage and moving City Hall to the ReTRAC covers.
“People were hungry for street trees,” said Colin Robertson, who has been involved with a community group that is developing ideas for the trench covers, presented an update on the projects. “People were very interested in what we call ‘twinkle lights’ to kind of create an urban tree scape alongside the train-trench lids.”
Design ideas would be flexible, keeping in mind existing events, Robertson said. “There’s a great deal of interest in urban plazas … ideally creating a tree-lined avenue.” Shade and wind mitigation were also discussed.
Funding, however, remains in question. Council provided direction to potentially start a non-profit that could raise money for a new design.
More City Council Highlights
Provided by the City of Reno
In our ongoing commitment to keep citizens and media informed, we’ve summarized the outcomes of a few key agenda items from today’s regular meeting of the Reno City Council. The agenda numbers provide convenient links to corresponding City of Reno Staff Reports. Additionally, today’s Special Meeting of the Reno City Council and Reno City Charter Committee will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Council approves Special Counsel contract for investigation into complaints of alleged misconduct (E.21)
Council unanimously approved an award of contract for Special Counsel to Kamer Zucker Abbott to manage an investigation into complaints of alleged misconduct by City Manager Andrew Clinger in an amount not to exceed $50,000. View the Staff Report.
Council awards contract for Pat Baker Park renovations (E.10)
Council unanimously approved to award Peek Brothers Construction with the Pat Baker Park Renovation Project in an amount not to exceed $745,240.20. The project will provide several new park features including a multi-use sport court, water spray pad, and fitness station. It will also replace the outdated playground and picnic shelter, plus make landscaping and irrigation improvements to the site.
“Ward 3 looks forward to the upcoming enhancements at Pat Baker Park,” Vice Mayor and Ward 3 Reno City Councilmember Oscar Delgado says. “Safety and community pride are essential for a healthy neighborhood. The new features will not only provide a space for neighbors to connect year-round, but will also raise the quality of life for all citizens.”
Staff anticipates that the renovation project will be completed by spring 2017. Pat Baker Park will be closed entirely during construction. View the park’s Conceptual Improvement Plan.
Council hears design concepts for downtown ReTRAC covers (J.3)
Following a presentation and status update, Council unanimously approved general design frameworks for the downtown ReTRAC covers and the development of an implementation strategy that will bring them to fruition. Council approved proposed next steps, such as the possible creation of a 501(c)3 for fundraising purposes, participating in the upcoming ArtPlace America application process, and developing a local donation/fundraising framework. The motion also included specific direction to staff to research a bike share program and cohesion between this project and special events.
Background: A charrette consisting of urban design professionals occurred in March 2016 to develop concepts for the ReTRAC covers’ redevelopment which incorporated the community’s inputs. Charrette participants’ design ideas included the use of the entire right of way, prioritizing the pedestrian, flexible uses, public amenities and spaces, and creating shade (trees).
D.1- Local US Paralympics cyclist Will Lachenauer recognized
Council recognized Will Lachenauer’s accomplishment of making the US Paralympics Cycling Team for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. “I’ll definitely do Reno proud,” Lachenauer told the Council.
E.8 – City Hall Parking Garage
Council unanimously approved an award of contract to Nelson Electric Company to install three new access gates at the City Hall parking garage in an amount not to exceed $247,771 from the City Capital Projects Fund.
E.12 – Park Repairs (Crystal Lake & Manzanita)
Council unanimously approved authorization to award a contract for court repairs at Manzanita and Crystal Lake Parks to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in an amount not to exceed $350,000. The tennis courts at Manzanita Park are currently unplayable because of surface deterioration and must be reconstructed. The tennis courts at Crystal Lake Park have some surface cracking along the nets and end lines, and will be patched and overlaid. The basketball court at Crystal Lake Park has significant structural cracking throughout the playing area and also must be reconstructed.
F.1 – North Sierra Street Abandonment (Raising Cane’s)
In the case of North Sierra Street Abandonment – Raising Cane’s, Council unanimously approved a request for abandonment of a ±1,906-square-foot unused portion of the North Sierra Street right-of-way to accommodate the development of a ±3,600 square foot restaurant next to Archie’s Giant Hamburgers in the University of Nevada, Reno area. View the Preliminary Site Plan.
A Special Use Permit for the development is scheduled to be heard at the 6 p.m. Planning Commission meeting on August 17, 2016.
J.2 – Rosewood Lakes Golf Course
Regarding Rosewood Lakes Golf Course, Council unanimously approved Amendment No. 1 to the Long Term Lease Agreement with The First Tee of Northern Nevada. The amendment includes an updated equipment list, updates obligations of The First Tee to keep the property in golf course condition, and updates a clear termination clause of the agreement should First Tee desire to not operate Rosewood Lakes Golf Course due to the construction of the Southeast Connector project.
Council was not asked to make a decision on the future of Rosewood Lakes Golf Course today. Staff will return to Council this fall to provide an update on the course and the possibility of providing nine-hole golf on the site. If nine-hole golf is not possible, staff will provide options for Council’s direction on the future of the site. The site is deed restricted and must used for golf, open space, or a combination thereof. Reconstruction of the driving range is on schedule, and completion is anticipated by the end of December 2016.
K.1 – Citizen Appointments to Boards and Commissions
K.1.1 – Council unanimously approved appointment of Bella Sloane to the Youth City Council.
K.1.2 – Council unanimously approved appointment of Gene Carano to the Capital Projects Surcharge Advisory Subcommittee.
K.1.3 – Council unanimously approved reappointment of Charles Reno and Peter Gower to the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Commission.
