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Record of Proceedings

Joint Meeting of Clark County Board of Commissioners and Other Agencies - September 15, 2026

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, September 15, 2026
BodyClark County, Nevada
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, September 15, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:54:39

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
2:58

Good morning.

2:59

Welcome to the September fifteenth, twenty twenty six meeting of the Clark County Commission.

3:05

We will call this meeting to order and begin with the invocation led by Reverend Will Rucker from the Intersection Spiritual Community.

3:20

Mr.

3:21

Rucker, before you begin, you can't just fill the aisle, you can move to the side.

4:06

Remind us that the decisions made in this room today ripple outward into homes and neighborhoods, into lives we may never personally know, and into generations not yet born.

4:32

Bless them, bless their families, encourage their hearts.

4:47

Bless it be.

4:48

And so it is.

4:50

Amen.

5:00

And to the Republic for which it stands.

5:02

One nation.

5:03

Under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

5:15

We can now move on to section two of the agenda.

5:19

Good morning, Michelle.

5:20

Good morning, Mr.

5:21

Chair and Commissioners.

5:23

Your first item on your agenda today is the presentation of a proclamation to Denise Valdez in recognition of her retirement and many years of service in public broadcasting to the Las Vegas community.

5:58

So I've honoring today to run over here, Denise.

6:02

Denise Valdez, who we all know.

6:05

We all think we know her well because we see her every night.

6:08

But after 20 years, she is moving on, not from Las Vegas, but moving on to a new career.

6:15

So we just want to honor, make this Clark County Day for Denise Valdez, and also just point out a few things about her great biography, which I can't read because it's too small.

6:26

But Courtney, you did a great job.

6:28

But it is it is uh 20 years she's been here, which you know in in uh local journalism is a lifetime.

6:35

You never stay here that long.

6:37

So thank you so much for for coming here and then for sticking around.

6:41

She's gotten five enemy emmys, lots of enemies probably too, but five Emmys.

6:47

Uh but just really a great addition to our community.

6:51

I said we all know you so well, so seeing you all every night.

6:54

But um, in addition to this, her career, uh, she's very active in animals.

6:59

I've worked with her on animals a lot of times, so I hope that she'll stick around for that.

7:04

And she says she's not leaving us, she's just gonna step down for this anchor, which I can appreciate that too.

7:10

So, anyway, um here's your proclamation.

7:13

Today is Denise for I'm sorry.

7:17

I didn't want my mom and dad, Adele, and Arturo.

7:20

That's Adele and Arturo, the parents, thank you so much for giving for allow for sharing Denise with us.

7:31

It's very special.

7:31

Anyway, today is is Denise Valdez in Clark County, so you guys, that's the parents can do anything you want to do.

7:40

Go to the strip and just say I'm Denise's mother, and they'll open up the doors.

7:45

Anyway, here Denise, say a few words, um, and thank you again so much.

7:49

Well, thank you, Tick.

7:51

Um, if Tick is my my neighbor and uh and my friend, and made this possible today.

7:55

Thank you to each one of the commissioners too for really uh an incredible honor.

7:59

I'm so glad that my parents are here.

8:01

They, of course, were there when I started my career, now they're here when I'm closing my career.

8:07

Um, I can't tell you how many times we've loaded and unloaded a U-Haul as we drove across the country to different cities and different states as I as I built my career.

8:17

And I never would have guessed in 2006 that we would load our last U-Haul and come to Las Vegas.

8:23

Um, and was our last stop.

8:24

And now my parents live here too, so we built our life here.

8:28

Uh, thank you so much to all of my friends who are here to support me today.

8:31

It really means so much, and um to Channel 8, of course, and Henry, who I've worked with and who I've won an Emmy with, um, and really just more importantly, thanks to the community and to all of the viewers who have trusted not only me, but everyone at Channel 8 to tell their stories and to tell them with uh accuracy, with ethics, and accountability.

8:54

Uh, coming into your your living rooms, whether it's on a tablet or a television or a phone has been my honor for 20 years, uh, and another more than a decade before that.

9:04

So, thank you so much to TIC and all of Clara County for an incredible honor.

9:09

It's uh it's not lost on me, and my heart is really full today.

9:12

So thank you so much.

9:31

Thank you, Chris.

9:35

All right.

9:40

And one, two, and three.

9:48

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement█████████████████17%
Community Engagement█████████████13%
Procedural████████████12%
Transportation Safety█████████9%
Education██████6%
Miscellaneous█████5%
Affordable Housing█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management███3%
Public Works███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Joint Meeting of Clark County Board of Commissioners and Other Agencies - September 15, 2026

The Clark County Board of Commissioners, sitting jointly as several agencies, met on September 15, 2026 at 9:00 AM in Las Vegas. The meeting included recognitions, public comments, approval of consent items, public hearings, and a traffic safety update. Key decisions included $6 million for affordable housing preservation and a $10 million allocation for the Commercial Center redevelopment.

Opening Ceremonies and Recognitions

  • The meeting opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • A proclamation was presented to Denise Valdez in recognition of her 20-year career in public broadcasting, including five Emmy awards.
  • A proclamation was presented to Canine Companions in honor of National Service Dog Month. The organization has placed over 8,000 service dogs free of charge since its founding 51 years ago.
  • Ten Clark County employees were recognized as Value Champions for exemplifying core values.

Consent Calendar

  • Routine approvals: The consent agenda included items 7 through 36. Items 33 and 36 were removed for separate discussion. The remaining consent items were approved in one motion, covering contracts, bid awards, town advisory board minutes, aviation leases, public works agreements, and administrative approvals.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Manny Kess requested that items 33 and 36 be moved from the consent agenda; the Chair confirmed they would be heard separately.
  • Shoshon raised concerns about campaign contributions from companies receiving contracts, citing $87,000 from Las Vegas Paving Corporation to commissioners, and advocated for separation of church and state.
  • Numerous speakers addressed Item 36 (Commercial Center redevelopment):
    • Alan Stam (Las Vegas Country Club Estates HOA) urged tabling the item and forming a task force, citing lack of community engagement and inadequate studies.
    • James Barron argued the Commercial Center needs reimagining, not remodeling, and that the $10 million allocation is misguided.
    • Thomas O'Rourke supported opposition, emphasizing vagrancy and safety issues.
    • Dan Collester echoed concerns about process and community input.
    • Deanna Montez Dioka opposed due to preserving neighborhood peace.
    • Kevin Memsick raised concerns about noise, drugs, traffic, and a nearby school bus stop.
    • James Marisa Holster opposed due to traffic.
    • Tracy Simon (barber shop owner) pleaded for promised relocation money, noting her business has been closed since April due to mold.
    • Larry Overman warned of potential ADA lawsuits.
    • Jay Plaggenkohl argued the venue would disrupt quality of life and attract drugs.
    • Piper Carter supported a task force for comprehensive planning.
    • Eric King spoke on multiple items, advocating for tree preservation and stormwater management.
    • Alex Steiner clarified that Insomniac is a tenant, not owner, of the building.
    • James McCrink opposed, urging a task force.
    • One speaker (supportive) noted the area needs improvement and security will benefit.
  • Robert Diaz (sheet metal workers) and Jimmy Schwartz (iron workers) spoke on Item 38, urging prevailing wage requirements for charter school construction.
  • Final public comments included:
    • Eric King advocated for a mature tree program and capturing atmospheric river water.
    • Alan Stam reiterated concerns about outdoor events and lack of notification for nearby residents.
    • Shoshon urged ending invocations, citing fraud by pastors.
    • Mark Wolfson raised issues with transcript accuracy by the County Clerk.
    • Antonio Chambers presented a traffic redirection plan, noting 45 children injured in the first month of the 2026-2027 school year.
    • Lauren Graves reported health impacts from vehicle idling near her home.

Discussion Items

  • Item 33 – Affordable Housing Preservation: Staff presented a $6 million obligation from Community Housing Funds to preserve 120 units at Paseo del Prado apartments with a 50-year affordability restriction. Commissioners supported the efficient use of funds. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 36 – Commercial Center Redevelopment: Staff explained the $10 million allocation is only to earmark funds; a future agreement must come back for approval. Commissioner Sagerbloom noted the event center has been zoned for events for 60 years, and the project would bring activity and security. Commissioner Kirkpatrick emphasized historical value and the need to negotiate. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 41 – Business Impact Statement: Public Works presented fee changes for right-of-way permits, including a new $50 lane occupancy fee (after 3 days), increased inspection fees, and a 3% annual CPI adjustment. Last updated in 2008. Approved.
  • Item 42 – Hospital Improvement Bonds: Resolution of intent to issue $45.77 million in bonds for UMC. Approved.
  • Item 43 – School Traffic Safety Update: Director Bennett reported progress: of 19 immediate items, 14 are complete. Notable increases: signs and markings up 1250%, sidewalk ramps from 8 to 21, and CCSD police enforcement up 34%. Outreach includes student advisory council and a principals toolkit. Continued work on e-device legislation (BDR 482). Received.

Key Outcomes

  • Item 33 approved: $6 million for preservation of 120 affordable housing units with 50-year deed restriction.
  • Item 36 approved: $10 million set aside for redevelopment of 800 Liberace Ave; future contract to be presented for approval.
  • Item 37 approved: ordinance amending funding limits and sunset dates.
  • Item 38 approved: resolution allowing up to $7 million in tax-exempt bonds for Discovery Charter School; non-recourse to Clark County.
  • Item 41 approved: business impact statement for fee changes.
  • Item 42 approved: resolution for $45.77 million hospital improvement bonds.
  • Item 43 received: update on school traffic safety progress; staff directed to continue.
  • Closed session held for legal and labor negotiation matters.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning. Welcome to the September fifteenth, twenty twenty six meeting of the Clark County Commission. We will call this meeting to order and begin with the invocation led by Reverend Will Rucker from the Intersection Spiritual Community. Mr. Rucker, before you begin, you can't just fill the aisle, you can move to the side. Remind us that the decisions made in this room today ripple outward into homes and neighborhoods, into lives we may never personally know, and into generations not yet born. Bless them, bless their families, encourage their hearts. Bless it be. And so it is. Amen. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation. Under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. We can now move on to section two of the agenda. Good morning, Michelle. Good morning, Mr. Chair and Commissioners. Your first item on your agenda today is the presentation of a proclamation to Denise Valdez in recognition of her retirement and many years of service in public broadcasting to the Las Vegas community. So I've honoring today to run over here, Denise. Denise Valdez, who we all know. We all think we know her well because we see her every night. But after 20 years, she is moving on, not from Las Vegas, but moving on to a new career. So we just want to honor, make this Clark County Day for Denise Valdez, and also just point out a few things about her great biography, which I can't read because it's too small. But Courtney, you did a great job. But it is it is uh 20 years she's been here, which you know in in uh local journalism is a lifetime. You never stay here that long. So thank you so much for for coming here and then for sticking around. She's gotten five enemy emmys, lots of enemies probably too, but five Emmys. Uh but just really a great addition to our community. I said we all know you so well, so seeing you all every night. But um, in addition to this, her career, uh, she's very active in animals. I've worked with her on animals a lot of times, so I hope that she'll stick around for that. And she says she's not leaving us, she's just gonna step down for this anchor, which I can appreciate that too. So, anyway, um here's your proclamation. Today is Denise for I'm sorry. I didn't want my mom and dad, Adele, and Arturo. That's Adele and Arturo, the parents, thank you so much for giving for allow for sharing Denise with us. It's very special. Anyway, today is is Denise Valdez in Clark County, so you guys, that's the parents can do anything you want to do. Go to the strip and just say I'm Denise's mother, and they'll open up the doors. Anyway, here Denise, say a few words, um, and thank you again so much. Well, thank you, Tick. Um, if Tick is my my neighbor and uh and my friend, and made this possible today. Thank you to each one of the commissioners too for really uh an incredible honor. I'm so glad that my parents are here. They, of course, were there when I started my career, now they're here when I'm closing my career. Um, I can't tell you how many times we've loaded and unloaded a U-Haul as we drove across the country to different cities and different states as I as I built my career. And I never would have guessed in 2006 that we would load our last U-Haul and come to Las Vegas. Um, and was our last stop. And now my parents live here too, so we built our life here.

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