Las Vegas Centennial Commission Meeting Summary

Date: July 28, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM (approx.)
Location: City of Las Vegas (room unspecified; future meetings to move to new civic center)

The Centennial Commission met to review progress reports, consider grant requests, and discuss future initiatives. Key actions included approving a $57,431.61 grant for a new museum exhibit, postponing a three-year $607,500 parade grant to the September 29 meeting, and receiving updates on website content, a historic design guidebook, and a documentary film. Public comment was limited to an introduction from a new documentary filmmaker.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (Item 4): The minutes of the special meeting of May 12, 2025 were approved by unanimous voice vote (all ayes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ted Fay (Documentary Filmmaker): Introduced himself, noting his work with the Nevada Commission on Tourism and current projects in Nevada history. He praised the commission’s commitment to history. No action taken.

Discussion Items

Item 5 – Finance Department Budget Report (Postponed)

• Staff representative Quinn appeared in place of Paul Bresnahan (ill). The report covered Centennial license plate revenue trends: approximately $1.72 million in the latest year, down slightly from $1.755 million and $1.781 million in prior two years. Commissioner Stodol requested data on total plates sold, renewals, and first-time buyers for forecasting. The item was postponed to the September meeting after discussion of open meeting law compliance regarding document distribution.

Item 6 – Website Content Development (Jeffrey Carlson)

• Carlson reported completing grant summaries (205 grants in 88 summaries) and researching missing early grants. A newly scanned end-of-year report from 2005 will be added. The historical timeline portion is underway with a draft due in October. Commissioners expressed support and noted the city’s Centennial Commission webpage (searchable via Google) currently only has a PDF of grants. Future updates will include hyperlinks and ward information for consistency. Commissioner Stodol raised concerns about the Eldorado Day history (origins vs. tourism) and requested hyperlinks to nonprofit websites. Dr. C. Brandt (city clerk) clarified that the 2005 year-end report covers vendor payments, not grants, and that the website will include both.

Item 7 – Historic West Side Design Guidebook (KME Architects)

• Melvin Green (KME) and team presented the final guidebook, funded by the commission. The book provides form-based code guidance for development within boundaries (Owings Ave to north, I-15 east, I-11 south, MLK Blvd west) for the 1940s–1960s architectural era. Community outreach included focus groups and canvassing. The guidebook covers historic character, transect zones, design guidelines for new infill, porches, storefronts, and case studies for Jackson Avenue. Commissioner Stodol praised it as a model for other areas. Questions addressed concrete masonry unit materials, flat roofs, and availability: the guidebook will be on the city’s historic preservation website and referenced in the West Side’s zoning document, with a hyperlink from the Centennial grants page.

Item 8 – Home and History Event (Nevada Preservation Foundation)

• Paige Bigam and Amy Raymer presented a recap of the May 1–4, 2025 event (10th annual). Highlights: 30+ events, 9 home tours, attendance from 12 states, 98% positive feedback, major media coverage (KLAS, KVDU, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Atomic Ranch), and social media reach (800,000+ Facebook views). The commission awarded a three-year grant (step-down: $171,500 year 1, then ~$130,000, then ~$100,000). Commissioner Helton noted cost per attendee of ~$107 and urged more affordable pricing. The presenters confirmed they rolled over unspent first-year funds. Commissioner Stodol defended the event’s neighborhood stabilization benefits. The next event is April 16–19, 2026.

Item 9 – Old Spanish Trail Exhibit Final Report (Nevada State Museum)

• Hollis Gillespie and Jessop Diaz reported on the exhibit (November 15, 2024 – July 7, 2025), which drew 115,000 visitors and a record 325 attendees at the opening. The bilingual exhibit featured 3,000 square feet of artifacts borrowed from seven Southwest institutions. The museum is exploring traveling the exhibit to the Gene Autry Museum (LA) and New Mexico History Museum. Commissioner Stodol asked about mapping the trail; the museum director noted the trail had multiple routes depending on water sources. Commissioner Helton commended the reuse of materials and educational purchases.

Item 10 – Grant Approval: New Deal Exhibit ($57,431.61)

• The commission voted unanimously (voice vote after a motion) to approve a grant for "The New Deal in the New West on the Road in Nevada with Arthur Rothstein" exhibit scheduled September 26, 2025 – March 27, 2026. The exhibit features Arthur Rothstein’s 1940s FSA photographs and objects from the museum collection, focusing on New Deal impacts in Las Vegas and Nevada. Commissioner Stodol asked about 1939 “Old West” marketing reflected in photos; the curator noted not all images were shown in the sample. Senator Bryan asked about non-gaming downtown photos; the curator said only casino/gaming images were available. The grant was approved.

Item 11 – Eldorado Day Parade Grant (Postponed to September)

• Marja Bigas (City of Las Vegas) requested a three-year, $607,500 grant ($202,500/year) for the 2026–2028 parade. She reported the 2025 parade had 115 entries (largest since 2005), 37 school groups, and a 30% attendance increase. The budget includes $75,000/year for marketing. Commissioners raised concerns: Commissioner Stodol questioned the high marketing cost (40% of budget) and the parade route (Fourth Street vs. historic Fremont Street). Senator Bryan opposed the three-year term, preferring two years due to uncertain cost escalations. Commissioner Arnold suggested postponing to get more clarity on unused funds and marketing. The commission voted to postpone the item to the September 29 meeting, with direction for staff to consider a two-year option. The motion passed (voice vote)

Item 12 – Documentary Film Final Report (1970s)

• Dr. C. Brandt reported the premiere at the Plaza (May 17, 2025) with 60-70 attendees, noting a sound issue. The film is available on YouTube with 61,000 views (previous decades have millions). Commissioner Cennick and Mayor praised the film. Dr. Brandt announced the script for the 1980s documentary was approved. Future screenings will be held in May; commissioners requested early polling for scheduling.

Item 13 – Executive Director Report (Completed Projects & Announcements)

• Dr. C. Brandt listed ongoing projects: next rodeo event November 7–8; Paul R. Williams documentary due in August; Mob Museum Archives due December; UNLV Sports Oral History Project due December. The next commission meeting will be September 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the new civic center (directions provided).

Item 14 – Future Agenda Topics

• Commissioner Helton requested a strategic plan agenda item (previously scheduled but not on this agenda). Commissioner Stodol requested an election of officers (vice chair, secretary, treasurer) at the September meeting. He also raised the Old Timers Reunion grant issue: several members had received calls after the application was not forwarded to the commission. Dr. C. Brandt explained the application did not meet eligibility requirements (oral history component missing; no proper interviews or transcription; only party videos on website). She stated the group has been asked repeatedly for three years. Commissioner Arnold expressed frustration that commissioners were not formally informed about the issue. A discussion ensued about helping the group reapply with proper oral history methodology, possibly via a special meeting in August if timeline requires (Old Timers Reunion typically in October). Mayor supported preserving histories.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Grant: Friends of the Nevada State Museum – $57,431.61 for the Arthur Rothstein New Deal exhibit (Item 10) – unanimous voice vote.
• Postponed Grant: City of Las Vegas – $607,500 for Eldorado Day Parade (Item 11) – postponed to September 29, 2025 meeting; staff directed to prepare a two-year option and provide clarity on marketing budget and unused funds.
• Documentary Update: The 1970s film is complete; the 1980s script approved; a May 16, 2026 premiere is scheduled.
• Old Timers Reunion: The current application was deemed ineligible; Dr. C. Brandt will contact the organizers to resubmit with oral history components. A special meeting in August may be considered if needed (requires physical location for at least one commissioner).
• Next Meeting: September 29, 2025, 2:00 PM at the new Civic Center (location details to be provided). Agenda will include election of officers and a strategic plan discussion.
• Website: Grant summaries for 205 grants will go live after final feedback; hyperlinks and ward consistency requested.