OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Las Vegas City Council Meeting – September 17, 2025

Public Meetings — Wednesday, September 17, 2025
BodyLas Vegas, Nevada
SessionPublic Meetings
DateWednesday, September 17, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:39:58

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

The September 17th, 2025 meeting of the City Council is called to order.

0:07

This meeting has been properly noticed and posted in compliance with the open meeting law.

0:12

These proceedings are being video recorded and can be viewed live on City of Las Vegas TV on Cox Cable Channel 2.

0:21

You can also watch the meeting live online and access other city content by visiting Las Vegas Nevada.gov slash connect.

0:30

The proceedings will be rebroadcast on City of Las Vegas TV, the Wednesday of the meeting at 8 p.m.

0:36

And also on Friday at 8 a.m.

0:39

I'm sorry, Friday at 4 a.m.

0:42

Saturday at 7 p.m.

0:44

Sunday at 7 a.m.

0:46

and the following Monday at 5 p.m.

0:48

This building is protected by a state-of-the-art fire detection and suppression sprinkler system.

0:54

If alarms should activate during today's meeting, please evacuate using the exits at the back of the chambers, out to the mezzanine, proceed out the double doors to the terrace and down the back staircase.

1:07

For anyone that has difficulty with stairs, please check with the marshal or fire officials for assistance.

1:14

Once outside, assemble on the northeast corner across the street from City Hall at Lewis and First Street.

1:20

Employees wearing safety vests or our city marshals will inform you when it is safe to re-enter the building.

1:28

For public comment related to the items on the agenda, citizen participation and public hearing items, we have available a speaker card, which you can complete and submit to the city clerk.

1:41

Cards are available in the clerk's office or in the rear of the chambers.

1:45

If you do not submit a card, it does not prevent you from speaking under public comments, citizens' participation, or specified public hearing items.

1:55

If there is anyone present today that has a need for hearing impaired equipment, please see the city clerk staff.

2:03

Please note if you are parked in the parking garage across the street.

2:07

A self-validation machine is located in the foyer between council chambers and the security desk you walk through to enter these chambers.

2:16

You must have your ticket with you to use the machine.

2:20

If you do not have your ticket with you, see security personnel when exiting for a validation coupon.

2:27

Before we proceed with the agenda, would everyone please rise for the invocation given by Chaplain Victoria Camp, Messages of Faith Ministry, and please remain standing as she leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:46

For those who wish to bow their head and join in prayer, I pray.

2:51

Almighty God, I come before you this day and ask for the blessings upon the City of Las Vegas, the City Council, and the Office of the Mayor.

2:59

I pray for good health, healing, and prosperity among the citizens of this great state uh community, state, nation, and people.

3:07

I pray you feed our leaders here today on your wisdom and on your understanding for their good and for the good of all those whom they serve.

3:16

Lord, I pray all things in your precious name and for your glory.

3:19

Amen.

3:20

Amen.

3:20

Would you lead us in the pledge?

3:24

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

3:37

Thank you so much for joining us.

3:39

We will now proceed with the ceremonials.

4:29

This is the ceremony.

4:32

This is the ceremonial portion of our agenda item of our council agenda.

4:38

And today we're recognizing Sue Ann Cornwell.

4:41

Sue Ann, would you please come and join me at the podium?

4:55

Hello.

4:57

Congratulations.

5:00

On October 1st, 2017, Sue Ann was at the Route 91 Country Music Festival as a gunman, as we all know, opened fire on the 22,000 attendees, killing 58 that night, wounding many more, and changing our city forever.

5:21

In the five days following the October 1st tragedy, the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden was built on land, donated by the city, as volunteers from all over the valley came together with a simple goal to help.

5:37

The garden has become a symbol for what this city can accomplish when we are united, as well as a sacred place for mourning and healing.

5:46

I know there are many people here that are volunteers and actively involved with the healing garden.

5:53

May I ask everybody that's associated with the healing garden to please rise so we could uh recognize you for your efforts on all of our behalfs.

6:14

Sadly, over the last eight years, we have had others pass away from complications to injuries they suffered at the event.

6:22

The community healing garden is a place for everyone whose lives were touched by this terrible tragedy.

6:29

Today the garden continues to be a special place for our community, and Sue Ann is one of the many people who can off who you can often find in the garden, making sure it remains beautiful.

6:42

I want to thank all of the volunteers and family members who visit and care for the garden.

6:48

At any given time when you go there, you'll see people that are just caring for the memorial, and we're very grateful for your efforts.

6:57

Each tree is surrounded.

7:00

The garden features 58 trees, one for each of those that were lost in 2017.

7:07

Each tree is surrounded by photos, keepsakes, and other remembrances.

7:12

And Sue Ann is often at the garden on her own time, making sure everything is clean and being cared for.

7:19

Every year before the remembrance ceremony on October 1st, Sue Ann and her team are in the garden getting everything perfect for the families who will be coming to pay their respects, and for those that are still trying to heal from the tragedy.

7:34

In an article in the Las Vegas Sun in 2022, see Sue Ann was quoted about the garden, and this is what she said.

7:42

When we used to come here, we used to feel real heavy and cry, and it was very emotional.

7:49

Now we feel 58 people hugging us when we walk through those gates.

8:05

Thank you for your work and taking care of our garden and for taking care of our community.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Land Use Planning███████████████████████23%
Procedural███████████████████19%
Personnel Matters██████████10%
Economic Development████████8%
Community Engagement███████7%
Animal Welfare█████5%
Parks and Recreation███3%
Mental Health Awareness███3%
Education███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Las Vegas City Council Meeting – September 17, 2025

The Las Vegas City Council convened on September 17, 2025, at 4:08 PM UTC for a regular meeting that included ceremonials, public comments, numerous agenda items, and key decisions on land use, appointments, and city management. The meeting was led by Mayor Shelley and attended by all council members.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 11–40 (including Animal Foundation contracts) were approved en masse without discussion, as they were deemed routine. A public commenter criticized the increase in funding to the Animal Foundation (from $4.3M to $11.4M) despite a decrease in animal intake, and objected to the absence of debate.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Bryce Henderson (No Kidd of Las Vegas) criticized the Animal Foundation consent items, citing a 265% funding increase while intake dropped 30%, and complained about unsterilized animals released into the community. He also opposed the proposed puppy store moratorium and the lack of a multi-jurisdictional animal advisory committee.
  • Patricia Reed echoed Henderson’s concerns about the Animal Foundation and division within the animal community. She asked council members to disclose their familiarity with interim Ward 2 candidates.
  • Eric Milkes (Dick Christ Nimrod) urged the city to care for homeless humans in addition to animals.
  • Joe Weber opposed the Bruce Apartments project (Item 58), arguing it is too dense (190 units on 4.5 acres) and citing insufficient parking, pedestrian safety, and a petition signed by 123 neighbors.
  • Joanna Weber echoed her husband’s opposition and expressed disappointment that neighbors felt their voices were ignored.
  • Benitas (Spanish-speaking resident) strongly opposed the Bruce Apartments, noting lack of bilingual notices and concerns about overcrowding, traffic, and parking.
  • Mariola Latowska urged a ban on retail puppy sales, describing connection to puppy mills.
  • Melanie Shane (animal advocate) demanded accountability from the Animal Foundation regarding spay/neuter follow-up and called for backup plans when the shelter closes.

Discussion Items

  • Interim Ward 2 Council Member Appointment (Item 42): Three finalists—Serena Kasama, Cara Kelly, and Tom Warden—presented. Council members discussed their qualifications. A motion was made and seconded to appoint Cara Kelly, who was selected and will be sworn in on September 30, 2025.
  • Critical Labor Shortage Designation (Item 43): Staff requested renewal of the designation for municipal court marshal positions (a PERS retiree incentive). Approved unanimously.
  • City Manager Annual Review (Item 10): City Manager Mike Jansen presented a detailed recap of achievements over the past year, including a $200M art museum, $50M Choice Neighborhood Grant for Marble Manor, $60M in new market tax credits, Badlands litigation settlement, and many other projects. Council members praised his leadership. Motion passed to award 4% merit, 3% COLA, and three weeks of administrative leave.
  • Public Hearing on Disposition of City-Owned Land (Items 41, 45): The city proposed selling 1.21 acres at 1611 West Lake Mead Blvd for $400,000 (below market) for a casual sit-down restaurant (Applebee’s franchise). Approved.
  • Bruce Apartments (Item 58): After public testimony, Councilwoman Diaz proposed holding the item in abeyance to October 15, 2025, to allow further discussions between the developer and neighbors on reducing density, setback, and parking variances. Motion carried.
  • Appeal of Transitional Living Facility Denial (Item 59): Applicant Tammy Bass and Dr. Akeen appealed the Planning Commission’s denial of a special use permit for a transitional living home for substance abuse recovery. Neighbors opposed, citing saturation of similar uses. Council upheld the denial with a 7-0 vote.
  • Rezoning for Professional Office (Items 60 & 61): Two properties on North Lamb Blvd requested rezoning from R1 to PO and parking variances. Council denied both because of insufficient parking, lack of landscaping, and concerns about vacant office space.
  • Variance for Patio Covers (Item 62): Applicant sought to keep unpermitted patio covers and a front wall. After agreeing to modify the front patio for aesthetic compatibility, council approved the variance with conditions.
  • Fourplex at 213 Harrison Ave (Item 64): Despite meeting code, Councilwoman Summers Armstrong moved to deny due to density escalation in a single-family neighborhood. Motion passed.
  • Variance for Accessory Structures (Item 65): Applicant sought approval for a casita and storage. After agreeing to add landscaping (trees, artificial grass) and keep the storage as nonliving space, council approved with conditions.
  • Parking Facility at 300 S 7th St (Item 66): Council approved site development plan for an interim parking lot with added landscaping, despite staff’s denial recommendation.
  • CCSD Region 2 Report (Item 70): Superintendent Reese Oswalt presented data on student safety perceptions, chronic absenteeism (down for third consecutive year), and discipline. Council requested ward-level data for future reports. No action taken.

Key Outcomes

  • Cara Kelly appointed interim Ward 2 council member (sworn in September 30).
  • City Manager Mike Jansen received a compensation package (4% merit, 3% COLA, 3 weeks admin leave) after a positive annual review.
  • Consent agenda (Items 11–40) approved en masse.
  • Bruce Apartments project held in abeyance until October 15, 2025, for further community negotiation.
  • Appeal of transitional living facility (Item 59) denied, upholding Planning Commission’s denial.
  • Rezonings for two properties on Lamb Blvd (Items 60 & 61) denied.
  • Variance for patio covers (Item 62) approved with modified design.
  • Fourplex on Harrison Ave (Item 64) denied.
  • Variance for accessory structures (Item 65) approved with landscaping conditions.
  • Interim parking lot on 7th St (Item 66) approved.
  • New bill regulating pet shops (Item 49) assigned to October 13 Recommending Committee.

Meeting Transcript

The September 17th, 2025 meeting of the City Council is called to order. This meeting has been properly noticed and posted in compliance with the open meeting law. These proceedings are being video recorded and can be viewed live on City of Las Vegas TV on Cox Cable Channel 2. You can also watch the meeting live online and access other city content by visiting Las Vegas Nevada.gov slash connect. The proceedings will be rebroadcast on City of Las Vegas TV, the Wednesday of the meeting at 8 p.m. And also on Friday at 8 a.m. I'm sorry, Friday at 4 a.m. Saturday at 7 p.m. Sunday at 7 a.m. and the following Monday at 5 p.m. This building is protected by a state-of-the-art fire detection and suppression sprinkler system. If alarms should activate during today's meeting, please evacuate using the exits at the back of the chambers, out to the mezzanine, proceed out the double doors to the terrace and down the back staircase. For anyone that has difficulty with stairs, please check with the marshal or fire officials for assistance. Once outside, assemble on the northeast corner across the street from City Hall at Lewis and First Street. Employees wearing safety vests or our city marshals will inform you when it is safe to re-enter the building. For public comment related to the items on the agenda, citizen participation and public hearing items, we have available a speaker card, which you can complete and submit to the city clerk. Cards are available in the clerk's office or in the rear of the chambers. If you do not submit a card, it does not prevent you from speaking under public comments, citizens' participation, or specified public hearing items. If there is anyone present today that has a need for hearing impaired equipment, please see the city clerk staff. Please note if you are parked in the parking garage across the street. A self-validation machine is located in the foyer between council chambers and the security desk you walk through to enter these chambers. You must have your ticket with you to use the machine. If you do not have your ticket with you, see security personnel when exiting for a validation coupon. Before we proceed with the agenda, would everyone please rise for the invocation given by Chaplain Victoria Camp, Messages of Faith Ministry, and please remain standing as she leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance. For those who wish to bow their head and join in prayer, I pray. Almighty God, I come before you this day and ask for the blessings upon the City of Las Vegas, the City Council, and the Office of the Mayor. I pray for good health, healing, and prosperity among the citizens of this great state uh community, state, nation, and people. I pray you feed our leaders here today on your wisdom and on your understanding for their good and for the good of all those whom they serve. Lord, I pray all things in your precious name and for your glory. Amen. Amen. Would you lead us in the pledge? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you so much for joining us. We will now proceed with the ceremonials. This is the ceremony. This is the ceremonial portion of our agenda item of our council agenda. And today we're recognizing Sue Ann Cornwell. Sue Ann, would you please come and join me at the podium? Hello. Congratulations. On October 1st, 2017, Sue Ann was at the Route 91 Country Music Festival as a gunman, as we all know, opened fire on the 22,000 attendees, killing 58 that night, wounding many more, and changing our city forever. In the five days following the October 1st tragedy, the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden was built on land, donated by the city, as volunteers from all over the valley came together with a simple goal to help. The garden has become a symbol for what this city can accomplish when we are united, as well as a sacred place for mourning and healing. I know there are many people here that are volunteers and actively involved with the healing garden. May I ask everybody that's associated with the healing garden to please rise so we could uh recognize you for your efforts on all of our behalfs. Sadly, over the last eight years, we have had others pass away from complications to injuries they suffered at the event. The community healing garden is a place for everyone whose lives were touched by this terrible tragedy. Today the garden continues to be a special place for our community, and Sue Ann is one of the many people who can off who you can often find in the garden, making sure it remains beautiful. I want to thank all of the volunteers and family members who visit and care for the garden.

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