Las Vegas Centennial Commission Board Meeting – November 24, 2025
Las Vegas Centennial Commission Board Meeting – November 24, 2025
The Las Vegas Centennial Commission met on November 24, 2025, at 21:59 UTC (actual start time not specified). Chair Berkeley presided. A quorum was present with six members, though several were excused. The meeting covered financial reports, grant approvals for documentaries and museum exhibits, a website timeline update, a digital archive completion report, and administrative items.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes – The minutes of the special meeting of September 29, 2025, were approved by voice vote (motion by Commissioner Bryan, seconded).
Discussion Items
- Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Report – Senior Financial Analyst Paul Bresnahan presented the financial standing as of October 31, 2025. Key points: interest earnings projected at $1.69M (budget $1.655M); program expenses through four months $534,583; total assets $6.106M. License plate revenue showed 84,440 active plates, roughly flat year-over-year, while the Vegas Golden Knights (81,000) and Raiders (47,400) plates have leveled off. The five-year projection, assuming a 2% annual decline in plate revenue and 4% interest, shows a cash balance of $11.368M by end of FY2030. Commissioner Stodle questioned budget line items for advertising and administration, noting the $180,000 operating agreement with the city should cover legal, admin, and advertising. The report was informational only.
- Gold Creek Films Documentary Grant – Approval of $176,200 for a 56-minute documentary titled "110 Acres and a Dream: The Making of Las Vegas" covering 1904–1906. Producer Ted Fay presented a revised, story-driven approach focusing on the 1909 land auction and earlier settlement. Commissioner Stodle expressed strong support, noting it fills a gap in the existing documentary series. Motion passed unanimously.
- Atomic Museum Permanent Exhibit Grant – Approval of $226,600 for the "Atomic City Project" at the Atomic Museum. Director of Education Matt Malinowski described a permanent (3–5 year) exhibit highlighting Las Vegas’ role during the 1950s atomic testing era. The museum serves 50,000–60,000 visitors annually (90% tourists) and recently saw record attendance with a pop-culture exhibit. Commissioner Helton initially questioned salary expenditures but accepted after clarification that they are project-specific. Motion by Senator Bryan passed unanimously.
- Website Timeline Development – Jeffrey Carlson presented a draft Las Vegas Historic Timeline (1905–2005) with 78 entries. Discussions noted a photo misattribution (1952 photo used for 1935) and suggestions to include pre-1905 history (Native American, Mormon presence). The item was informational.
- Mob Museum Digital Archive Completion Report – CEO Jonathan Allman reported on a $55,150 grant to create a digital asset management system. Key outcomes: 638 items digitized (exceeding 500 goal), two online exhibits launching December 4 and before year-end, and two paid UNLV interns hired. The museum hosts 400,000+ annual visitors and has 2M website visitors/year. Commissioner Helton praised the project as a model for archiving. Informational.
- 2026 Meeting Schedule Approval – The schedule (mostly fourth Mondays, except May 11th as second Monday) was approved unanimously.
- Documentary Premiere Funding – Approval of up to $13,000 to host the premiere of "The City of Las Vegas: The 1980s" at the Beverly Theater on May 16, 2026 (reception at 6 p.m., screening at 7:10). Motion passed.
Key Outcomes
- Grants Approved: $176,200 for Gold Creek Films (110 Acres and a Dream documentary); $226,600 for Atomic Museum (Atomic City Project); $13,000 for 1980s documentary premiere.
- Meeting Schedule: Approved for 2026.
- Bylaws Update Planned: Commissioner Stodle announced ongoing work to update the commission’s bylaws and operating agreement with the city, targeting January 2026.
- Future Agenda Topics: Commissioner Helton raised the need for a strategic plan; Commissioner Coffin suggested a documentary on Jewish history in Las Vegas (to be formally proposed later).
Meeting Transcript
Okay. Okay, we're here with six okay. I'd like to call the November 24th, 2025 Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial Board Meeting to order. Are we in compliance with the open meeting law? Yes, we are. Thank you so much. Uh may we do a roll call at this time. Chair Berkeley. Yes. Commissioner Bryan. Yes. Commissioner Arnold. Commissioner Stodle. Present. Commissioner Brown. Is excused. Commissioner Coffin? Commissioner Helton. Is excused. Commissioner Sinnoch. Commissioner Mowbray. Is excused Commissioner Truesdale? Is excused Commissioner Brandenburg? Is excused Commissioner Career? Is excused Commissioner Mills? Is excused Commissioner Prato? Is excused and Commissioner Diaz is excused. Thank you, Chair. You have a quorum. Thank you so much. Agenda item number three. Public comment during this portion of the agenda must be limited to matters on the agenda for action. If you wish to be heard, give your name for the record. The amount of discussion as well as the amount of time any single speaker is allowed may be limited. It'll be limited to two minutes. Is there anybody wishing to speak at this time? Chair three, you can confirm who has joined on the phone. Oh, clear. Thank you very much. Hello, Cedric. Agenda item. Agenda item four for possible action to approve the final minutes by reference of the special meeting of September 29th, 2025. Do I hear a motion? So brother, I could make a motion to approve the minutes as written. Ryan, for a second. All those in favor? Aye. Motion passes. All right. Agenda item five.
openpublica.com